S#@t Happens in Threes

First it was my calf. For some reason, in late January when I was in fact feeling strong like bull, something in my calf muscle went "boing!" and that was that. Every time I went for a run of more than 15 minutes, I could feel my muscle tear again, ripping kind of like a piece of paper under my skin.

It took me a while to face up to the reality that this was not going to get well soon, but I did finally visit the doctor and the physio. Unfortunately, I would not be able to include the Diez Vista 50K in my 2008 ultra count.

But there was always downhill skiing and swimming to pick up the slack and keep me sharp. That is, until I had a fabulous yard sale (ski talk for wipeout that sends skis, poles and anything else that's not bolted down all over the side of the mountain) and broke some ribs. For almost 3 weeks, the most exercise I could hope for was finding the right position to sleep in.

  This past weekend, the ribs were well enough for me to heft a knapsack and the calf well enough for me to go for a snowshoe hike along the Squamish Scrambler route to the Elfin Lakes cabin. It was time, I figure, to get the injury that would break the curse. And, as luck would have it, I did!

So there you have it. My third and final injury for 2008. Wader, yes, I still plan to pace you at Western States. Kelsey, yes, I still plan to complete my 15th Knee Knacker. Wendy, Cubbon, yes, I still plan to make STORMY my 100th ultra, though it's not looking much like I'll be able to do the 100-miler. Robbins, watch your back, brother... "Out of Action" Jackson will be back in action as soon as these blisters heal!