Poor Timing

Poor timing. Isn't is always that way? The absolute worst timing ever for tragedy to strike. It would be a tragedy if it came at a time when we were better prepared or at a better time for us. Unfortunately it doesn't ever really work that way.

Many of you know that I was 50 days away from running my 50 mile challenge for RUN EUGENE RUN to raise awareness for diabetes. You have heard my story of my own battle with diabetes and the struggles I still face regularly. I had set up the charity as a non-profit and was working towards launching it all with the big debut of me running 50 miles in one day......and then it happened.

My car had slipped out of gear in the middle of an intersection. Something happened with the clutch and it wouldn't engage. No worries, it's a small sports car.....I just push it out of the middle and off to one side. While doing that I heard a pop in my right ankle. I knew immediately the feeling of a broken rubberband springing free was my Achilles. There was no doubt. I also knew within minutes what it meant for my running.....and for the 50 mile challenge.

Yes my leg hurt but I hurt deep down inside far more. I was in tears feeling I had ended something before I could even get started. What good is a RUN EUGENE RUN movement if Eugene cannot RUN? We headed straight to the hospital Emergency Room to find out what I already knew. The entire time I was praying for a miracle and someone would tell me differently. I knew better.

Ok.....now what? It's 6:30 PM call the doctor.....let's do surgery tonight! Right! Like that's going to happen. It's not like I'm Kobe Bryant or something......I'm just a guy with a cause. They sent me home that evening with a BOOT and CRUTCHES. I stick my foot in a Home Depot bucket with ice as soon as I get home. It reminded me of high school days when I cracked my foot and the trainer had a "horse boot" that they used on my recovery. Yes, you read correctly. I did grow up in Oklahoma. Big tall boot made for horses, you put ice and water in it and there is an air hose at the bottom. Within seconds it is freezing cold and your foot goes numb in five minutes. It's those first five minutes of pure torture that I remember.........I wanted that boot that first evening......still praying for something miraculous.

Amazingly I got an appointment with the Opthopedic Surgeon the very next morning. And yes....I told everyone the real importance of my concern...... I HAVE TO GET BACK TO RUNNING! I'm not sure everyone is as concerned as myself. Dr. Blake Moore gave me the news. It took him less than 5 seconds to see without doubt that I had ruptured my Achilles. I figured. The options were presented and surgery was recommended, especially knowing what I still wanted to accomplish. Without any doubt.....ok.....I am scared.......but I said, "LET'S DO IT!"

With that said I'll be having surgery this coming Thursday. The quicker the surgery date the quicker I can get back to it. He said I'd be running again in 3 months! Really!? So I'm thinking I can still run marathons in December! Ok.......probably not......a little too optimistic. I haven't got the exact details of my recovery schedule......so I look it up on the Internet.......DONT EVER DO THIS!

When I Google Achilles surgery I find pictures.....Ahhhhh! They looked like something from a Dr. Frankenstein's experiment. Everything opened up. Some showing stitches all the way up the back of the ankle and into the calf. I WILL LOOK LIKE FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER! Realistically it will take me 6 months for full recovery. And then whatever it'll take to train for a marathon again.

I hope to share more when I know. We are working on how we can still launch everything with RUN EUGENE RUN as well. After all, this wasn't ever about me. It was about all the others I'm hoping to help. I am just the figurehead. I'll know more once I meet with my wonderful team. They have been so supportive. I'll need more help than ever.

Please take a look at contributing to the cause. We are making adjustments to our website launch.....obviously things change in life......quickly......and at the worst of times.

Keep going to this link until we revise. www.GoFundMe.com/idg4vk

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. You do not know how encouraging it is to me.

Please go run for me......and when you do.....HAVE A FUN RUN!

Eugene Thompson

RUN EUGENE RUN

marathon runner.......again soon!