| Location: Salt Lake City,UT,USA Member Since: Sep 25, 2007 Gender: Male Goal Type: Marathon Finish Running Accomplishments: All running accomplishments are Post Teenage Years:
17:06 5K--Murray 2014
16:58 5K (aided)--Running of the Leopards 2010
34:41--10K Deseret News 2018 (aided)
1:16--(aided) Hobble Creek Half 2009
2:43--St. George Marathon 2012 Short-Term Running Goals: Sub 2:50 Ogden Marathon
Sub 17:00 at Draper 5K Long-Term Running Goals: Sub 2:40 Marathon
Personal: Married to Elizabeth (she got me running in 2003). We have three boys, Lucas (12) , Sam (8) and Ollie (5).
Many years ago, I read that the AVERAGE male is capable of a 2:40 marathon. I decided to test that theory. I began running in 2003 with Top of Utah as my first marathon (4:24). I need 3 more minutes.
"Life is short...running makes it seem longer."--Baron Hansen Favorite Blogs: |
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| | Another Tanner Park snow loop |
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Morning: 4.5 miles. The start of two a days again...in 10 degrees! This will not be an easy January, February or March. Liberty Park loop. Evening: 3.5 miles. Back to the gym (ugh). Only $78 to renew for the entire year-sweet! | |
| | Frozen 8 degrees running around Sugar House park early this morning. I was not alone-several people in the park running! |
| | Group run along Wasatch in 4 degree temperature early this morning. I reviewed last year's mileage and found I ran over 2,300 miles. Hopefully, I can get to 2,500 this year. |
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AM: 4.5 miles around Liberty. It was not this cold last year! PM: 3.5 miles to the gym for core. | |
| | I could not bring myself to run in the natsy inversion for one more day. Drove (and contributed to the inversion-lol) to the Olympic Oval and ran 4 x 1600 with warm up and cool down. That track is fast, or maybe its all skaters flying on the inside! |
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AM: 4.5 miles. Liberty park loop. 22 degrees--heat wave! PM: 3.6 miles. Gym for core. Record heat wave continues..at least until the weekend. |
| | Short hotel treadmill run while working in Denver. I understand its snowing a little in Salt Lake. |
| | Cold, icy run up City Creek |
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AM: 4.5 miles. Liberty park. 2 degrees! PM: 3.5 miles. Gym for core. |
| | Loop up into the Avenues, over to City Creek and then back home all while listening to NPR Science Friday podcast-my geek run. |
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AM: 4.5 miles. Liberty Park loop. Warmer-17 degrees! PM: 3.5 miles. Gym for core. |
| | 5 x 1600 at Olympic Oval in Kearns |
| | Morning run at the Olympic Oval. |
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AM: 4.5 miles. Liberty Park loop in the morning muck. PM: 3.5 miles. Gym for core. The inversion has got to go away this week. |
| | Avenues loop. A little sunshine today, but still too much smog. |
| | AM: 4.5 miles. Liberty park loop |
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I was putting my 2 year old in his car seat today and ruptured a spinal
disk between L4/L5. My entire left side is either numb (tolerable),
throbbing (lots of discomfort) or stabbing (kill me now). I will get
injections at TOSH next week. I'm not sure about my running schedule.
I know my nerve is getting pinched, but my back feels fine. I wonder
if I do run could I do major damage to the pinched sciatic nerve?
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Well, I have decided to log my
road to recovery, so I'll be putting in my total attempted distances.
This 0.1 was my run from the car to the entrance to Costco. A few
important things:
1. My left side is much weaker than it was on Thursday
before taking the prescribed medication (Thursday my strength was probably 70%
vs. Right, now probably 30% vs. Right). My Dr. has me taken 20MG
prednisone x3 a day for the first few days. I doubt that is causing the
weakness. In addition I have a 500MG Methocarbamol as a muscle relaxer
and Hydrocodone-acetaminophen tablets (Lortab) 7.5-500MG for pain.
2. Friday I was Gung-Ho on the swimming/biking plan, but the
weakness has scared me off.
3. I was able to find some success stories on running fast with
this injury (sub 3), although not a lot. Most recommendations are no running;
let it heal if there is still leg pain then surgery. The pain is not a
problem, but the weakness is a killer.
4. Saw Walter's 5K time at SLC Track today-sucks not to be there
with him. My ruptured disk makes my first year at Masters challenging!
The nice people at SLC Track and Striders have moved my entries to
2014--thanks!
5. I'm still on for Utah Valley in June. I have an
Ultra in March that will probably get canned--sorry Craig.
Current plan (subject to daily modification): No
running/gym/bike/swim until PT visit on Wednesday. They want to give me a
steroid shot (cortisone-maybe) in the disk to see if the nerve settles down.
I'll probably take this path for a couple of weeks. If the weakness
goes away then I'm good to begin activity again. If not, then surgery.
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| | Shoveled a little snow today with no back pain. That's a first, but my left foot is toast. Also, my inner thigh on my left leg is giving me some flare-up--strange because the nerve should run on the outside of the leg. Big accomplishment today of only taking prednisone--no muscle relaxers or Vicodin. Did a lot more Internet searching today on Doctors. I have some good leads on people that have worked on other athelete spines (thanks everyone that made recommendations). I'm seeing Terry Sawchuck (great last name) on Wednesday for injection/rehab. If it comes to surgery, I'll probably look at Dr. Armen Khachatryan or Dr. Kade Huntsman. I'll probably also give Dr. Toronto a call. Once again, thanks Dr. Jason Blackham (Ogden runner) on some good advice. |
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Doctor
research today. I received some more great recommendations from
friends and called Dr. Kade Huntsman, Dr. Armen Khachatryan and Dr.
Charles Rich. Dr. Rich is a neurosurgeon and comes highly recommended from
Dr. Russ Toronto, while the other two are well known orthopedic
surgeons. I'm not sure which is the best way to go, but the lack of
control in my left foot has me leaning toward the neurosurgeon.
Today,
I was definitely stronger and was able to shovel snow (light
loads). I can tell the fluid is draining off the nerve. I just need it
to go completely away!
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| | Epidural steroid
injection today with Dr. Terry Cutshaw from the TOSH clinic:
I waited an extra hour and was
offered an appointment move time, but I was not going anywhere (appointment at
11:15, did not get seen until 12:15)!
He reviewed my MRI and stated
that I was a good candidate for surgery due to the severity of the compressing.
He tested my left foot strength which was non-existent. He told me
the shot usually showed about a 20% success rate with people in my condition for
pain and weakness (the % is much higher if your disc herniation is not as
severe). I opted for the shot.
It was a small surgical procedure
that took about 25 minutes. There was mild burning when the needles and
dye were injected, but the steroid was fine. He did grumble a couple of
times since he was having trouble on something called vascular uptake (made me
very nervous). Within 1 hour of the injection my leg pain has improved
along with a small recovery of strength--but not nearly enough. I made a
follow-up visit with him for next Thursday, but I have an orthopedic surgeon
and a neurosurgeon visit scheduled earlier in the week...looks like it’s time
to research surgery techniques! |
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One day after steroid injection. It took some time, but dull pain down my leg has improved. I still have light pins/needles across my left foot. Left/foot weakness is still present. I was able to sleep through the night and can sit at my desk for a longer period of time; however, to resume my active lifestyle I need the strength back in my foot. Dr. Sawchuck thought the injection only had about a 10-20% chance of working due the size of the disc rupture; however, I wanted to try it first. A little more about the injection. I was very nervous, but it was relatively painless. I did have a vascular uptake problem, but after needle re-positioning by Dr. Sawchuck, he was able to remedy the problem. Watched some You Tube videos of the procedure and patients that are back running at full speed within 3-6 months.
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| | Two big left calf cramps last night and difficult to sleep. Seems like the injection may have made things worse. My left leg muscles and butt are twitching a lot due to the nerve pressure. I may have to take a muscle relaxer today if things don't calm down. I'm anxious to move forward with the surgery since the longer you wait the more likely you will have nerve damage. |
| | Worse day ever. I wonder if this is how Dean Karnazes felt after running his 50 marathons in 50 days. Nasty left calf cramping couple with sciatic nerve issues makes for a bad day. I debated about driving to the hospital, looking for any doctor with a scalpel and demanding they start surgery! |
| | Improvement from Saturday. I will continue to live! Shuffled through Target today. Debated about driving an electric cart...kids would have loved it. |
| | Weird right hand numbness. The nervous system is a fascinating thing. Looking forward to surgeon appoints on Wednesday and Thursday. Worried about permanent nerve damage constantly. |
| | Another painful night with the left leg. Ready to get this over with! Saw some of my first medical bills: Urgent Care Clinic $95--referred me to Tosh Clinci $140--TOSH MRI $2,190--Back Injection $975=$3,400. Surgeon appointments this week, so the cost go up (BUT WORTH EVERY PENNY)! | |
| | AM: Found a way to stop left leg calf cramping at night; however, it involves waking up every 2 hours and walking around the house. Happy day today--first surgeon appointment! PM: Met with Dr. Armen Khachatryan today. The visit begin with a nurse, then x-rays, followed by a nurse practitioner. After he was filled in, Dr. K came in. They were very concern about the leg weakness. I recommended surgery immediately to minimize nerve damage. I had planned to see a Neurosurgeon on Thursday, but now I'm having surgery that day--8 AM, Jordan Valley Medical Center! | |
| | Microdiscectomy surgery on my L4/L5 disk this morning at Jordan Valley Medical Center by Dr. Armen Khachatryan. Surgery took about 30 minutes. Left leg is back to normal! I can control my foot and move my toes. My leg strength is also returning. My back is a little sore, but not painful. Hopefully, this means little scar tissue. I walked around the hospital and felt great. They will keep me here for 23 hours (insurance thing) for observation. Glad to be moving forward and recovering finally! | |
| | Home today. Doctor said the disc material he removed from my back is some of the most he has ever seen (and he does 75 microdiskectomies a year). They had my left leg nerve hooked to a monitoring device and saw it baseline/return to normal as soon as the material was removed (which he gave me--cool). Leg pain and numbness is gone. No more pins and needles across my foot. I can move my left leg and toes normally. The strength is about 60%, but better than the 10% I had going in; however, the strength will increase. Dr. Armen Khachatryan was great and so was the Jordan Valley Medical Center. As I was discharged, the hospital called me up and told me I would get a 25% discount if I pay cash within 14 days. I don't have a bill yet, but they estimated $2,400. I know that's just the hospital, but that seems like a great price. I will post more pricing as it rolls in. No physical activity for 3 weeks. Also, probably no running for 3 months, but hopefully some pool running soon. |
| | Changed my back dressing yesterday--gross! Took a photo of it along with the pulled out disc material for the archives. Leg is feeling great, but incision hurts. It does feel better each morning. I'm not supposed to lift more than 4 pounds...how many pounds is a gallon of milk? |
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Less incision pain today-yeah! Received the epidural back injection bill. Doctor submitted $975, but the insurance rate was $544. That seems like a good price. Also, Jordan Valley Hospital called and offered me a cash discount of 25% if I pay this week (lol). Should be around $2,500 which I think is also a very good price for surgery and 23 hours of care. The only medication I need now is hydrocodone/acetaminophen for pain and inflammation. I try to take the minimum to get by which is 2 in the morning and 2 at night.
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| | A little sciatica pain in my butt when I first wake up. But after walking around for a while it goes away. I expect this to go away once the nerve has healed. Still bleeding from the incision. I may call the Doctor today to make sure that is normal. | |
| | Doctor's office had me come in to inspect my incision. They are worried about infection. They gave me a prescription for an antibiotic call ciprofloxacin. I also had to get my blood drawn so they can compare it with next week's deposit! After the Dr. visit, I went across the street to Jordan Valley Medical to review my hospital bill. The total was $11,427. The Bluecross adjusted rate came to $9,239. My 30% portion came to 2771.00, but was given a cash discount (lol) to bring it down to even $2,000. |
| | Very dizzy today, low energy and lost of incision blood loss--but my leg and back feel great! |
| | Big improvement from Saturday. My incision looks 100% better, less blood loss and less loopyness. | |
| | The bleeding has stopped! It is now a gnarly looking scab. I'm excited to be done with the bandages. One more week until my post-op with the Doctor then I should be cleared for non-impact things such as pool running. |
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Tried to go cold turkey off the oxycodone. 24-hours later my leg hurt too much to work, so I'm back on the juice and back at 100%. I'll probably try again with high amounts (800 mg) of ibuprofen this weekend. Also, more blood work today to see how the infection is doing.
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| | Blood work confirms infection is gone. 3 week post-op next week...looking for approval to do some pool running! | |
| | No oxycodone needed all weekend! Also, no longer wearing a bandage-scab is looking good. I'm still going to wait on "exercise" until my Dr. meeting later this week. |
| | Post-op follow up with Dr. Khachatryan today. He commented that the incision looks good, but I have to wait 2 more weeks before beginning pool running. I can start the elliptical or biking next week! No impact (i.e. running) until May to give the annulus tear time to heal and close-up. He told me I've already lost about 30% of my nucleus or disc, so I don't want to risk more. My visits with him are done--now its just a waiting game for healing. | |
| | Wore my running shoes today. Excited to hit the gym on Monday. |
| | Elliptical miles at the gym (20 minutes). Day #1 on the road back to recovery since the spine injury on January 23. Staring slow to see how much pain I have in the morning! First time I have ever been jealous of people running on a treadmill. |
| | Elliptical for 2.5 miles. |
| | Elliptical miles at the gym |
| | Elliptical--getting easier! Probably go 3 miles next week. | |
| | Elliptical with "arms" the last mile |
| | Well, with the weather almost 70 degrees outside, I could not resist a run. 3 miles around Liberty park. It felt like 15 miles. My back is fine, but the legs are out of shape (no matter what people say-elliptical training is not a good substitute for running). Almost 60 days since the last run, so I'll take it! | |
| | New month and cleared to run after a very long 90 days. A short run around Liberty Park that about killed me! Its going to take a while to get the legs working again. Funny that my first run back was in snow--weird. | |
| | Two days in a row! Liberty Park--felt like 20 miles. | |
| | Liberty park loop--getting easier! |
| | City Creek with Salt Lake Fit. Most mileage in awhile! | |
| | Windy morning run to Liberty checking out the tree damage |
| | A little sore today, but sticking with it. |
| | Turning in some 8 minute miles again! |
| | I get a little faster each day |
| | Liberty Park streak continues | |
| | Liberty Park. There were signs up all over saying "keep out due to weed control," but I couldn't smell anything so I thought they must be spraying later in the morning; however, I could not concentrate today at work and felt very lazy...wait...its Friday...right. |
| | New record...for the month of May. Run to Sugar House with some trail. | |
| | Liberty Park loop. Sore from my "long run" on Saturday. |
| | Liberty Park before driving down to St George. |
| | Cedar City along the trail next to the river. Same road the 5K and 10K are held on for the Summer games. |
| | Up Emigration Canyon in the rain (I felt really sorry for the Ogden people today). Also found out that I will be running St George this year....time to start training! |
| | Finally, quick outdoor run in Tucson, Arizona! |
| | Liberty Park--cold this morning. | |
| | Race: |
Murray Fun Days 5K (3.11 Miles) 00:18:56, Place overall: 13, Place in age division: 3 | |
First attempt at running fast since back surgery. I thought I could be under 20 minutes based on some track work-outs the last couple of weeks, so I was pleased with my time. I was even lucky enough to win $50 (3rd Master). I ran this course last year in 17:49, so lots of work to do, but I'm getting there.
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| | Race: |
Draper Days 5K (3.11 Miles) 00:18:12, Place overall: 24, Place in age division: 3 | | After the Murray 5K on July 4, I began to do more interval training during the week and wanted to try another 5K. I'm still slower than last year (17:40), but the first two miles were back where my speed needs to be (5:38, 5:42). The last mile, I just ran out of gas (6:17), but didn't get passed. More conditioning! Top 3 masters came out my age group, so it bumped me up to 3rd. Fast field today and lots of fun! | |
| | Race: |
Run Elevated Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:18:10, Place overall: 3, Place in age division: 2 | | Crazy downhill race today starting at Alta and finishing in Sandy. Over 3K of drop. It was a lot of fun for about 4 miles, then downhill really gets to you. Coming out of the Canyon (about mile 9), I was done! I knew I was not going to pass anyone, so my only goal was not to be passed (and make it alive to the finish). It was fun to run fast again (see early splits), I just need to get the endurance back from the time off earlier in the year with back surgery.
Great event, on-time, plenty of hydration, porta-potties and buses. The course was also very well marked, although long at 13.31 (can I subtract 1:30 because of this?).
(1)5:37 (2)5:28 (3)5:26 (4)5:31 (5)5:24 (6)5:30 (7)5:30 (8)5:49 (9)5:49 (10)6:24 (11)6:46--big hill (12)6:19 (13)6:34 (0.31):1:57
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| | Race: |
St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:53:00, Place overall: 98, Place in age division: 18 | | Great conditions. Happy with the results and fast recovery from back surgery earlier in the year. Smoking fast times today.
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