...at least not like this one. A brutally hilly 50 miles which - due to tons of walking on account of my painful, swollen feet & quads - took me an ungodly 14 hours.
J-B, Diana & Jan did a fabulous job at 50K persuading me not to quit there & then, so I made it to the race's 602.5K midpoint late in the day. Some consolation there. But I didn't make the official 13 hour time cutoff, so between that & my painful extremities I may be a non-starter tomorrow morning.
I'll try & sleep off the pain, but I'm none too hopeful. Sorry to disappoint, but this is physical, not mental.
Cheers for now,
Russ
82 comments:
Poor Russell!! Ugh that does not sound fun (well actually the whole proposition never sounded very fun). Our thoughts are with you -- but I don't know if I should hope for you to continue or stop before you swell-up like life-sized water balloon. I guess that I'll just wish for you to feel better.
Don't worry about disappointing -- you're still a hero to all of us.
Russ, don't you know that there is nothing you can do to disappoint us? We are all so proud of you. Take care of yourself and feel better. We want you back in one piece!
Monday's are also considered bad hair days. ;(
You're still a brave man no matter what. It's easy to feel that you might have let family, friends, and colleagues down but you haven't. We are ALL proud of you!
Take care and we await for another blog --
Great job finishing in tough conditions, Russell! You're absolutely awesome and could NEVER disappoint. Do your best, which is fabulous, and all will be well. Sending you happy thoughts for feeling better soon!
I am new to long distance running and am training for the Austin Half Marathon. I came across your blog and I am so in awe of you, your strength and your heart! You are amazing!
You continue to be an inspiration to me, Russ. I wouldn't have attempted and finished the 2005 Freescale Half Marathon if it hadn't been for your support and encouragement along the way! You've inspired me, again, to not only finish my third half marathon in 2008 but train six months beforehand, which I've never done. Thanks for this! Catherine
Russ, I am so proud of you!!!!!
Your accomplishments so far have been amazing and I love you.....Claire
Sleep well and heal well, Russell. Here's to a good day on Tuesday, whatever it may bring.
Dude....if you give up now we'll have nothing to read at the end of physics. The big kids will beat my up for talking you up so much....
I guess saying you only have like a week left won't do much for you because, well, a whole week is a long time when you're running like 325 miles.
But seriously, man up and don't pussy out on me.
-Beam.
Russell, no disappointment here. You are fantastic and what you have already achieved is outstanding. We are all with you in spirit and no matter what, you still ROCK.
Take care of yourself,
Gracie
You are one of the strongest persons I know! Over 600 kilometers on road (so far) is just amazing.
Hopefully all these goodwill messages will soak up the swelling and you'll charge out there tomorrow, chasing another bratwurst... But if you need to save the wheels, take care of yourself!!
You may have reached the nirvana point, where massive beer therapy is now required! Lucky you are in Germany :)
Get some rest and hope for the body gnomes to do their magic tonight. Good luck! -- Dave Lundberg
Russell, you're my hero whether you finish this race or not...be good to yourself! Take care and put some cozy lambswool or something else wonderful on those feet of yours. I look forward to seeing you soon!
Toughen up Buttercup! Just kidding. You are doing an amazing, inspirational thing. I know it is exhausting and both pysically and mentally painful, but we all believe in you. Hang in there.
Jeff C
Russell, you are just amazing. Disappointment from your fans at Hoover's is just NOT a possibility-we are all in awe of your accomplishments, and of your stamina and drive. Take care of yourself, and know that you are in our thoughts- good vibes are flowing to you from Austin!!
Congratulations on what you've done so far, Russell. Hope you mend well. -- David W.
Well, Russell, I just found out that my 15 year old son forged a note so he could get out of Japanese. But that's nothing compared to what your day has been like! And believe me, this comes from someone who is feeling very sorry for herself!!
Best, best, best every day to you.
xxoo,
Colleen
P.S. Saw Craig Lakey this weekend at ACL. He's as grouchy as ever!
Listen to your body and it *may* forgive you one day. You could never disappoint the folks in Austin...I personally could not imagine such a trek.
I raise my glass in a toast for Russell & Thank God it's Tuesday!!
Congratulations on finishing the stage in spite of the unexpected challenges. You are an inspiration in every sense of the word!
Russell, even across the global you are still inspiring us back here at home. Very few of us would even dare to do what you are doing and no matter the outcome, it's still an amazing thing.
I took my oldest son (6yrs old) to the the Marathon Kids kickoff rally and was telling him about your race in France and your current adventure and he was blown away, he just couldn't understand. But, I think the story of your race made him feel better about trying something that seems so difficult.
Hnag in there and good luck.
Ed
Only your body can give you the guidance you need. You'll never disappoint, especially those of us in Austin who could not imagine such a trek.
Here's a toast (raising my glass) to the fact that Mondays are always followed by Tuesdays!
Russ you are an inspiration to us at Hoover's and I am sure many others in your outside of Hoover's life!! At no point could you ever dissapoint us, your already a hero in our book. I will hope for the swelling to go down but most of all for the pain to be gone and for a safe return home! We are with you in spirit Russ!!!
Do I even need to say it? No one is dissappointed with anything except that we know you probababy aren't happy with this turn of events. Like Wendy said, I'm not quite sure what to wish for you. Therefore, I'll hold thoughts that what is meant to be and best for you in the long run will come to fruition.
Sending positive vibes!
MCL
Russ,
I'm so sorry to hear about how you are feeling. No matter what tomorrow brings -- race or no race -- please be proud of yourself. We are proud of you!
Val
The only marathon I came close to finishing involved 1200 bands in 4 days while maintaining a one beer per hour average! (I didn't finish) Trust me when I say that you became a hero the minute you finished the first day of the race. Put your feet up and have a pint. Everyone is proud of you and wish you a happy return!
Russ - our thoughts are with you! For some inspiration, look two songs deeper from Mr. Geldof - "Keep it up"
Russell, it's a bummer when your body lets you down, particularly when your mind is so strong. Hang in there, rest well!
Rough day! Nice job finishing out the stage. And if it turns out you don't start tomorrow, that's just more time to enjoy German sausage and beer while the swelling goes down. Absolutely no disappointment whatsoever; you'll still be coming home to the hero's welcome you've already earned.
We are all thinking about you every day! Hope that the ankles get better and the pain goes away. No matter what happens, you are the most amazing person for taking this on.
You Can do it, Russell!
You are the man!!
SUPER MAN!!!!
elle Dee Jay <-- is me, LORI!
Russell, Wendy is right you are our hero. You are amazing and could NEVER disappoint us.
I'll tell you the words a very wise man (with the intials RS) once told me..."Keep on keeping on"
Your rest tonight will do you a world of good and you'll feel better tomorrow. Besides that tomorrow is Tues. so it won't be Monday anymore..
No matter what YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!
Take care of yourself.
The fact that you've gone as far as you have is a testament to your extreme drive and dedication Russell. I admire your strength. Hang in there!
Russell, you blow me away just by running to work every day! Attempting this is amazing. Listen to your body and your heart and do what's best for you. I wish you a wonderful Tuesday, whether your feet are pounding or resting.
Take care, Lynett
Russell, hang in there. I think what you are doing is amazing. I can’t tell you how many people I have bragged to about this guy on my team that runs to work each day and is running across Germany as we speak.
You commitment to your passions is an inspiration to us all and makes us all think about our dreams and passions so that is far from disappointment in fact far from it, it is incredibly inspirational!!!!!!!
Russell, this is coming from a woman who can't run around the block, much less what you're doing every day. Hang in there -- here's to all of those days I've passed you on Guadalupe and thought to myself, "This guy is amazing!" Your hard work will pay off.
We'll raise a glass to you at dinner tonight and send you positive healing thoughts.
Viel Gluck!!
Take care of yourself coach!
-John (Rogue Chicago)
Russell,
Remain confident and know our thoughts are with you.
Mark Palmer
A bad day running is always better than a good day at work. Congrats to getting this far! Sending positive, anti-inflammatory thoughts...Degner
A bad day running is always better than a good day at work. Congrats to getting this far! Sending positive, anti-inflammatory thoughts...Degner
To quote a very wise and wonderful coach, "Dig deep."
He also said, "Use soccer" (in case you didn't know who I was talking about!)
Russ, I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and wishing you well. The waves of positive energy heading your way from Texas are almost palpable!
Take care of yourself and good luck :-)
Wow! If love and admiration can get you through - just by reading these you will win first place! I echo all of the sentiments here - you're amazing and a true inspiration. We miss seeing your running shoes airing out by the employee entrance :-)
Hope Tuesday is a less painful!
Deb
Hey Russell! I just wanted to send more positive thoughts and energy your way. Do what you need to do to recover and recharge so you can keep inspiring your family, friends, co-workers, and fellow runners as much as you already have. Take care!
42 comments and its only 9pm here in TX! You definitely have tons of support! I don't like Mundaze either, but at least its over...
I remember 2 years ago when Diana spoke of you - 18 days and over 700 miles! It was more like bragging! She actually knew someone who was capable - amazing!
Heather - Di's sister
Wishing you all the best, my friend. Hopefully your sore, hobbit-sized feet will get with the program and match your (to me) unfathomable courage and stamina!
Just keep saying to yourself: "I feel Super-Fantastic!"...
--Paul G.
stay in there!!!! day 8ish in france is when your legs got better!!
lets go!!!!!!!
-rob
Russell,
You are awesome! No matter what! Most can only dream of what you have and can accomplish. I am giving you a shout ou in today's CS Daily.
Just take care of yourself.
Disappointment?! Are you crazy? Success started at the finish of day one. Do what your body will allow and celebrate!
Cameron
Many hugs and prayers coming your way from Austin! You are AMAZING!
My legs start hurting the minute I THINK about running. I can't begin to imagine how your body is feeling.
Rachel O
Russ
For the love of pete! Darling boy, ankles should be skinny and perfect, yours look like Nora Batty.
You're amazing - but the lord gave us ten toenails for a reason.
G x
sounds awesome! wish I was there with you. that is, um, waiting for you while you run.
is my M2M friend Boobers there?
give em hell dude. this is the reason you've graced this mortal coil. that and the fam of course.
cold shiner waiting for you at home!
zack
What you are doing is ridiculous, insane, unbelievable, but yet, awesome! I would have stopped long long ago.
Congratulations on making it this far and I hope your body is able to catch up to your spirit and will.
It Couldn't Be Done
Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you, one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "cannot be done," and you'll do it.”
Remember Dunkirk!
Okay so I'm dated in my efforts to cheer you on....
Jim H.
Hoover's
Keep up the great work/HARD work! You are an inspiration.
No disappointment here! We are all pulling for you. Running across another country is not easy, and you are doing an amazing thing. Guter job in finishing under the circumstances. I just stood for three days and I thought my feet were sore. Ha!
Smile and feel better.
Russell, not too many people can say that they have run halfway across Germany with only a few toenails - so you have a great story so far! Either way, go or no-go, stay strong and do the best you can!
Come on Russ,
It's all downhill from here to the finish (well at least the downhill parts are).
Cheers,
Stuart
Keep your chin up!!! We're proud of you!!
Russell, you are an inspiration - on or off your feet. You are the most courageous person I've ever met. Stop or continue makes no difference to those who care about you because you have faced a gigantic challenge that most of us would never even consider. Take care of YOU! You're the one who matters, not the race.
Hang in there Russell! We're all proud of you.
- Rachel
Russ, we're very all proud of how far you've gotten. Cankles are very fashionable these days. Take care of yourself and we'll see you soon back in sunny Austin, TX.
Russell, YOU CAN DO IT!!!
-Lionel
Sleep and rest will work wonders, and you inspire all of us with your commitment as well as your willingness to share the tough times.
If there is ever any doubt about 'should I be doing this', look at comment #5 from Anonymous. Your actions are helping people you don't even know.
Dont you dare give up - All at D&B Marlow are routing for you , if you give up you will just be like all the rest of us mere mortals - besides that you may have to come back to work!!
Keep going
All the best from your good friends in the Marlow Partnership team
Alan,Piers,Rob et al
Russell
What an achievement so far! Don't forget the good old Britsh grit!Look forward to reading about a beeter Tuesday.
Russ,
Never in a million years would I attempt what you are enduring right now. You are an inspiration to all of us and we are proud to have you as one of our own. You can do it! Go! Go! Go!
-Angie
Russ - your doing the UK proud! Keep it up! Think Steve Cram, Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovette! They didnt know pain like you do !
Good luck & speak soon...
cliff
Russell...my worst Monday is like paradise compared to the Monday you had! Please do not ever think you are disappointing any of us... that could never happen...you are an inspiration! Most people can't even imagine starting the journey you are on, let alone completing it. I wish you strength of mind and body to continue on.
You can do it Russ!! Garry and I are sending good thoughts your way. Keep your head up and know that you have an entire building of people back here who are very, very proud of you!
Russell, you are awesome! I know that you can get through this. And you have 70 people actively supporting you as I type. Hang in there!
Russ, sorry to hear about all the pain you are experiencing. You truly inspire me as what you have achieved so far is truly heroic and requires a lot of dedication. Best wishes for fast recovery. Take care of yourself.
Everyone is cheering for you!!
It's a race; it's supposed to hurt ;)
Every step you take is an inspiration to us all. It's almost unbelievable what you've done already.
I hope the legs behave tomorrow, because you've already proved you can make it mentally. Remember, it’s not about the time; it’s about going to a place where time doesn’t exist, and making it back again. (I know that’s cheesy, but I like it.)
Remember, there only appears to be 20 people in the world that are crazy enough to try this. Once you lined up at the start line, there is nothing you can do to disappoint us back in Austin.
Russ - I am sorry you had such a rough Monday. We are all pulling for you and hope you start feeling better soon.
Take care of yourself!
Lisa McQueen
GO RUSS GO!
But don't hurt yourself too much! Remember you've already run across France, this is just another country, every day is that much closer to your goal!
You can't disappoint us! We know you can do this!
Looking forward to reading about you crossing the finishing line!
Best of luck.
Russ - just wanted to say we're very proud of you in P&T!! To celebrate your achievements, I actually ran to Panda Express yesterday for lunch : ).
Behalten Sie transportierend auf
No matter what Russ you ROCK!! Hang in there, whatever happens happens. You've made us all proud.
chuck & kristin
It is an amazing thing to do what you have done. Disappointment was left behind a long time ago.
I really admire what you've undertaken and wish you all the best on the rest of your journey, and of course all the best for your legs and feet as well.
Your are in our thoughts here at Hoovers.. We may be at work but, I think it's safe to day that you're doing far more of it than we are.
Deus Te Amat
Russ- Hang in there and hopefully those legs and feet are feeling better tomorrow! And remember that just by making it this far you are a huge inspiration to all of us!
-Garry
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