THE END?

To say that I am "distressed" by this is a significant understatement, but I'm afraid I may be done running. I had hoped to continue for decades yet .... but in light of the significant back and knee problems which beset me now, I said to the physical therapist helping me on my knee this week (Matt Balzell), "Though I had hoped to be able to resume running, I'm wondering now if I shouldn't reconcile myself to the thought that it may be over." And he said, "Yes, absolutely. The bike ride you told me about on May 11 probably didn't cause the problem, but in conjunction with the arthritis you told me the MRI showed in your knee, it was the straw that broke the camel's back. I suggest an alternative form of low-impact exercise ... such as riding an elliptical." So ... farewell, running blog! Farewell, familiar routes! And farewell to the familiar joy of lining up with hundreds of others for a race.