tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post7428703397640774745..comments2024-02-29T02:06:59.726-09:00Comments on Fumbling Towards Endurance: A Lovely WalkUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-34640128265370918732012-11-04T11:04:22.461-09:002012-11-04T11:04:22.461-09:00Boom!! Just sent some healthy happy vibes your wa...Boom!! Just sent some healthy happy vibes your way! <br /> Get well soon my friend.Marcelo Lafuentehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12073666579929924407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-39867123090253069882012-10-11T08:28:50.293-08:002012-10-11T08:28:50.293-08:00Geoff
We met at UROC last year, and I have been f...Geoff<br /><br />We met at UROC last year, and I have been following (and inspired by) your running, writing, and approach to life and nature for some time now. Like others, I feel for you and what you have been going through. But I am very encouraged by Doug's comments above, which reinforce your realization that Western medicine only goes so far. Yes, it's important to get the tests and "rule out" a diagnosable and treatable condition, but healing from the unknown -- although frustrating and perplexing -- is probably more likely than defeating the known. The same strengths that carry you 100 miles -- patience, determination, and faith in yourself and the beauty of the natural world -- will see you thru this journey as well. Hope to see you running strong soon. All the best.Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03776778133918186707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-29533811157446397512012-10-11T06:03:27.679-08:002012-10-11T06:03:27.679-08:00Your in my prayers Geoff, Thin positive it is the ...Your in my prayers Geoff, Thin positive it is the best thing you can do.<br /><br />Jacob of <a href="http://www.nuvali.ph/outdoor-adventures/attractions/" rel="nofollow">running Philippines</a>jacobmonterealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07032913963212378459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-84728893497718750162012-10-09T17:03:16.776-08:002012-10-09T17:03:16.776-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06942201558669829243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-43980632232165507222012-10-09T17:03:03.113-08:002012-10-09T17:03:03.113-08:00Geoff,
I am saddened by your debilitating illness...Geoff,<br /><br />I am saddened by your debilitating illness. I hope you find out what is going on and please know that you are in my thoughts.<br /><br />KristinKristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06942201558669829243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-38015150394794027692012-10-08T07:05:25.522-08:002012-10-08T07:05:25.522-08:00Geoff:
In August of 2011, I was hit with a fatigu...Geoff:<br /><br />In August of 2011, I was hit with a fatigue issue that just wiped me out. I remember taking naps in my car, just so I could finish a 5 mile run. Many of those five milers lasted all of twenty minutes, and then I'd be shaking my head as I walked back to the car.<br /><br />I went to the doctors, and they ordered a multitude of tests. Nothing. No culprit. <br /><br />I ended up in the hospital, after passing out on my girlfriend's floor. She witnessed a "seizure," and called 911. I spent a couple of days in the hospital, and I went through more tests, including a stress echo. Nothing.<br /><br />Later, I ended up with a EMG test to explore some R side weakness. The EMG revealed a non-functioning thoracic nerve. I remember the doctor being apologetic as he told me the news.<br /><br />Concurrent with this, I was getting some physical therapy. The therapist was an excellent local runner (female,) who was capable of 1/2 marathons at 6 minute pace. She told me that she had a major fatigue issue for one year. Completely screwed up her training during that time period. <br /><br />She also mentioned a girl friend of hers with equal running ability who had the same problem, again, for a year. <br /><br />Both girls bounced back and ran at their previous levels.<br /><br />Me? It took about a year before I could run 10 miles again, and those tens all came within the same week, which was about two weeks ago.<br /><br />On October 4, I ran 20 miles for the first time in ages. The thoracic nerve is functioning again, too. I'm turning the corner.<br /><br />The common thread for the three of us is that we got the devil tested out of us, and the docs found nothing. What happened to us?<br /><br />We don't know, and no one else knows either. What I can say is this: It will undoubtedly go away, and you'll be able to resume your running lifestyle to the level you used to run. I'd bet on it.<br /><br />One thing to add: I'd explore any book by Dr. John Sarno. He came up with the term, "tension myositis syndrome." His most important work is "The Divided Mind." I'd recommend checking him out. <br /><br />Good luck to you, Geoff!<br /><br />Doug Brandt<br />dougbrandt@hotmail.comDoughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16977991983598984930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-63216339721305957342012-10-07T04:40:14.725-08:002012-10-07T04:40:14.725-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Sarah Lavender Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14119341345004909332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-40766642226374045622012-10-07T04:40:05.176-08:002012-10-07T04:40:05.176-08:00Geoff, I'm so incredibly sorry. I've done ...Geoff, I'm so incredibly sorry. I've done some research in the past about the various ailments and possible causes that fall under the umbrella term "chronic fatigue." Your situation makes me think of Laura Hillebrand, the author of Seabiscuit and Unbroken; she was a competitive athlete and then came down with a disorder that made it so she couldn't move her muscles to get out of bed. You might google her to read her interviews about getting through that ailment. <br />I'm glad you're getting out to the river for fishing; I find Colorado rivers incredibly restorative. I know it's not the optimal time for a river trip, but perhaps you can float the Green or Yampa rivers. I'm really rambling here. Just want to send you my heartfelt wishes for a recovery. Hang in there and keep writing!Sarah Lavender Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14119341345004909332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-91528693625671970422012-10-05T11:48:04.027-08:002012-10-05T11:48:04.027-08:00My prayers are with you Geoff. You know what it is...My prayers are with you Geoff. You know what it is to endure. This is just a low point on your life's race and you will come back. Just keep moving forward....<br /><br />Brian Garcia<br />Brian Garciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15037658687438352805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-90521977370413134712012-10-05T09:32:16.273-08:002012-10-05T09:32:16.273-08:00Geoff,
I can only imagine how difficult this must...Geoff,<br /><br />I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you. I'm glad that you're celebrating the small victories!! The little things are really what make it all worthwhile!<br /> <br />You're in my thoughts often these days! I really hope to see you flying through the mountains again sometime soon! In the meantime, enjoy this downtime as much as possible and cherish those 15 minute runs!! The mountains have been there for a very long time and will be waiting for you when you're ready!!<br /><br />Rest and recover well my friend!<br /><br />All Day!<br />~KenKen Michalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07358801612404170492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-88946616763421071352012-10-05T08:20:41.163-08:002012-10-05T08:20:41.163-08:00Hello! I just checked out your blog through my bro...Hello! I just checked out your blog through my brother's blog (Ryan Burch), and I live in the Boulder area.I wanted to throw out that there is a Chinese medical clinic through South Western Acupuncture College in Boulder that gives treatments at a discounted rate:) <br /><br />BridgettBridgetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18200987208841391353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-87185297753722517892012-10-04T23:39:41.878-08:002012-10-04T23:39:41.878-08:00 Geoff ,may the trail back to full health be a sho... Geoff ,may the trail back to full health be a short one for you .In daily life your an inspiration. Hoppyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13576662789279379633noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-41633029386229024232012-10-04T23:30:29.891-08:002012-10-04T23:30:29.891-08:00Geoff,
I understand exactly what your going throu...Geoff, <br />I understand exactly what your going through. I have so many positive thoughts for you. After dealing with fatigue, an inablility to recover, and irritability for six months I found out that I had Atrial Fibrillation, which means an irregular heartbeat. I went through so many stages of depression thinking there was never a way out of the tunnel. I couldn't find anything that gave me the joy and happiness as cruising mountain singletrack. Two weeks ago I had my heart shocked, which put me back into sinus rhythm and gave me the ability to begin again. You'll get there, don't loose hope.<br /><br />KurtKurthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14247860620409313610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-57563162986407393692012-10-04T18:30:09.961-08:002012-10-04T18:30:09.961-08:00Geoff,
I very much appreciate you being as open ...Geoff,<br /><br />I very much appreciate you being as open in sharing in your most difficult times as you are in sharing the great times (i.e. winning just about every ultra you race.) All of us who have the genetic privilege of running really long distances can easily take it for granted or, even worse, think that it somehow is even close to what is most important. As a once spry, now rapidly slowing 20+ year ultra-runner, I thank you for framing the gift of endurance so well, for putting it in proper perspective, and for maintaining hope once the innocence of ease is lost. <br /><br />Absolute best to you and your family. And please, no matter what, keep writing about your experiences.<br /><br />Tom R.Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07211770147671970928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-32848428712539626112012-10-04T18:27:10.985-08:002012-10-04T18:27:10.985-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Burthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07211770147671970928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-22228481963156382202012-10-04T16:02:49.867-08:002012-10-04T16:02:49.867-08:00Thanks for writing this, Geoff. Often (and more of...Thanks for writing this, Geoff. Often (and more often as I get older and life seems to get more complex) I wonder why I keep running all these miles in all these places, and why I miss it so much when I can't. You captured the spirit of "why" so beautifully in this piece. I wish you continued strength in your journey.Run Home Pamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13394064430195728410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-8901094203632353212012-10-04T15:12:16.757-08:002012-10-04T15:12:16.757-08:00Stay strong Geoff! You've got what it takes t...Stay strong Geoff! You've got what it takes to turn all of this around. Every time that wheel turns round...Talushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12649322089330586939noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-54403309340731329332012-10-04T05:39:28.174-08:002012-10-04T05:39:28.174-08:00Life is so precious, it's scary. Hits anybody ...Life is so precious, it's scary. Hits anybody you would never think of - and at any time. I am sorry you have to deal with whatever it is, and very much hope you can return to jaunts in the mountains one day.Olgahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00493291972954387932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-71044529118618285002012-10-03T19:43:23.731-08:002012-10-03T19:43:23.731-08:00Geoff,
The one thing that keeps coming through is...Geoff,<br /><br />The one thing that keeps coming through is your increased appreciation for the little things in life that we all take for granted. Thanks for reminding all of us to enjoy each breath we have.<br /><br />But even more than the beautiful creation we have the opportunity to enjoy, we need to applaud the Creator of this masterpiece. <br /><br />I'm even reminded of a verse in the bible that says, "“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9<br /><br />It gets even better than this for those who put their faith in Christ<br /><br />Wishing you continued recoveryC.J. Hitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05051142358325744185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-18739247675539466232012-10-03T13:45:06.487-08:002012-10-03T13:45:06.487-08:00Geoff- Although I have no idea what your symptoms ...Geoff- Although I have no idea what your symptoms and issues are, I can't help myself feeling that it has to do with a similar situation I've been dealing with. Without going into a mile long diatribe, at 45 after going hard for years I hit the wall with my health. I've had everything tested and probed and all I get from traditional medicine is I am really healthy- but obviously not...After talking to many athletes around the world, I've come to the best possible conclusion that it is "Adrenal Fatigue" Now what that means is open for debate is there is no way to test for it or know exactly what adrenal fatigue actually is. For me I feel that my adrenal system was taxed so much, that it is now slow to "re set". It took me 2 years to figure out how I can best control it and for what is okay for my body and adrenal to cope with. I am sure it is different for everyone and being older than you its probably a little slower for me to get better. For me- I gave up Mountain bike racing after 15 years and through my misery of trying to figure out how I can replace such a HUGE void in my life I stumbled onto your blog and, voila, I became a trail runner at 50yrs old. For me it was time between events that was its cure; which meant two runs a week, but they can be as long as I want as long as it was only twice. Which now has translated into 7-12 hours for my weekend run in the mountains. It is the time in between the runs is what my supposed Adrenal's needed. My motto used to be "There is lots of time to sleep when you are dead"...now it's " Trail Running is my Love, but I need sleep to get there"Randy Richmondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09475972269231461118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-63089121208652648152012-10-03T09:24:06.282-08:002012-10-03T09:24:06.282-08:00As others have said, stay positive! And as you sai...As others have said, stay positive! And as you said, you will be running again for hours at a time someday. I've been dealing with a confusing injury for almost 5 months now - no racing, no training. Some days I wonder if I'll ever run again for hours at a time when all I can muster is two miles, but then I quickly snap out of it and literally say out loud "I will be running again soon and right now my body is healing so that I can come back." Whatever is ailing you, you can beat it! B to the Ahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00425283579573127183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-85181787243466358462012-10-03T07:17:59.223-08:002012-10-03T07:17:59.223-08:00You take care brother! In my thoughts...You take care brother! In my thoughts...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15261808120497864432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-54228274031901541072012-10-03T06:43:02.459-08:002012-10-03T06:43:02.459-08:00All the best, geoff. Mountain runners here in Braz...All the best, geoff. Mountain runners here in Brazil are with you!<br /><br />George Volpãohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02462666416554885004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-25778158678400775792012-10-03T05:21:28.751-08:002012-10-03T05:21:28.751-08:00the head needs healing as much as the body, one ca...the head needs healing as much as the body, one can't go without the other. good to hear the head part (at least) is working out.<br /><br />steady and slow, you'll get there... and we'll all be willing you there and supporting you along the way.erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02002087469616786196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3807027359418593456.post-5680956026039994512012-10-02T20:30:44.462-08:002012-10-02T20:30:44.462-08:00Geoff...sorry to hear of your health problem. Lot&...Geoff...sorry to hear of your health problem. Lot's of us are thinking about and praying for you. Hope you and the docs can get on top of this soon. Hang in there. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01981822772457537572noreply@blogger.com