Back on the DL

Was it inevitable? I spent an entire summer logging miles on my bike, 2,500 miles to be exact. I got faster, I lost weight, I entered a race, I rode in a century and it was all good. Then October came, temps were cooler (except on the day of the LBCM) and I decided to return to running. I started slow and slowly. I limited myself to 30 minutes per run and only 3 runs per week. I was building up slowly. Even with that limited amount of running, I was getting stronger. Things that used to hurt, were no longer hurting. That's good, right?

Then comes the two for the price of one ankle sprains at the trail race. Undeterred, I load up on ice and ibuprofen. Leg felt good. Ankle turned in all the directions it was supposed to -- not like an owl's head, but similar to the way the left one worked. I couldn't cut like an NFL running back, but that never comes up for me. And then, I hit the turkey trot and it hit back.

The diagnosis is six weeks off (more on this).

So here I am, back on the disabled list. I would love to play, but I am the guy on the sidelines in street clothes. Out of place, wearing a tie when other guys are in pads and helmets sitting on the warming bench. Not really, but that's how I feel.

Wait 'til next year.