Getting harder to met the goal

Honolulu marathon kicked me out because I have a broken leg.  The reason is I could fall on the runners.  I am not sure who will lift me into the air so I can be dropped on the runners, but the race's decision is final and unappealable.

A lot of non refundable travel expenses are going to waste.

And they wonder why I am superstitious

Got home.  Took a nap.  Started to unpack.  Got the clean clothes out of the suitcase to return to the closet before putting the dirty clothes in the hamper.  Slipped while reaching up into the closet.

When I settled on the floor, the right leg was pointed out in front of me.  The left leg was in an "S" shape to my left.  Before I could leave the apartment complex I was in full AD (autonomic dysreflexia, a very serious complication some SCI's (Spinal Cord Injuries) can get that could cause a stroke and even death.)

As I make my way to the ED (Emergency Department) I tell everyone I am in AD.  They use their portable devices to look it up on WebMD and all ask if I need to cath myself.  For eleven hours I pester the triage nurse and she keeps asking me if I am in pain.  I know I could lie and say yes, but then it may be hard to explain why I am subject to AD.  Not good to lie to the medical professionals.

After 11 hours I get to see the doctor, and xrays are ordered.  They tell me I have a broken leg.  Since I use a wheelchair, and have no sensation, I can get around without a plaster cast, and would not know if pressure sores are been created inside the cast, so a removable cast is used to splint my leg and discharge me.

Like I have said, there will be trials as I try to complete my goal.

Just take in a deep breath and relax

Took a red eye home from Seattle.  I should be napping in my bed.  Instead I am in the luggage office working on a claim.  The case in which I pack my racing chair has been broken, and the racing chair damage between now and when I entrusted it to the airline in Seattle.  One thing for sure, will need a loaner for the next marathon.

Washington

Finished the marathon.  One more state notched on the headboard.

One more state to go in 2 weeks.

In Washington

So close to the end, there will be trials. When I was picked up at the airport, the driver slammed the door on my thumb. Right on the joint. Even though I was wearing gloves, the skin was broken on the thumb joint.

I just need to finish, I don't need to go fast, just fast enough to finish before the race closes the course.

California

With marathon finish, another state done, so very close to completing the goal.

In California

Arizona

Another marathon finish and another state done.  Cold enough to need face covered during the race.

In Arizona

Nevada

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Nevada

Utah

Another marathon finished and another state done. Early morning picture of me out on the course.  Now over 90% done with the goal.

In Utah

New Mexico

 Another marathon finish, picture coming into the finish line.  Another state done.

In New Mexico

Delaware

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Delaware

Alabama

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Alabama

Georgia

Another marathon finish and another state completed.

In Georgia

South Carolina

With this marathon finish, another state is done, and tipped over 80% completion of the goal.

In South Carolina

North Carolina

Another marathon finish so another state done.

In North Carolina

West Virginia

 Another marathon finish another state done.  Now over 75% done with the over all goal.

In West Virginia

Maryland

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Maryland

Nebraska

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Nebraska

Wyoming

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Wyoming

South Dakota

Another marathon finish and state done.

Almost 3/4's done with the goal.

Another cold morning for the race.  Earlier hospitalization scared me about being prevented from completing the goal.  Weather this cold revives that fear of health issues.

In South Dakota

North Dakota

 Another marathon finish and another state done.  2/3's done with the goal.

In North Dakota

Montana

Another marathon finish and another state done.  Temperature at start in the 30's.  A swing of 70 degrees over 3 days for 2 races is fun to accommodate.

In Montana

Washington, D.C.

Another marathon finish and the District of Columbia completed.

Temperature reached in the 100's during the race. Did have some equipment failures that increased the friction/drag on the course.

Idaho

Another marathon finish and another state done. The picture of the various first place finishers in the wheelchair divisions of the races.

In Idaho

Oregon

Did get discharged and flew to Portland for the race.  It is on an island.  The race provides transportation to/from the start/finish line.  This time the transportation volunteers allowed me to ride in the school buses.  So i did obtain another marathon finish and another state done.  Almost 60% done with the goal.

Hospitalization

Was doing my daily skin check and saw a spot that concerned me.   A later check revealed it had grown.  Had to ask about which hospital to go to at the concierge desk.  Those kind of questions create a lot of commotion.

Took a cab to the Emergency Department.  Doctors confirmed my diagnosis.  Admitted me and started a rotation of IV antibiotics.  Hope to be discharged in time to make it to my next race in Oregon.

Alaska

I'll lead with the spoilers, another marathon finish, so another state done.

The race is point to point, with the race providing transportation to the starting line.  I arrived early enough to board the first bus to the starting line (several hours before the start time). A transportation volunteer denied me access to the school bus because she believed I was a safety issue for the AB (Able Bodied) runners.  Then she apologized that I would not be able to do the race.  I answered that I would have a longer warm up than I usually do before the race, and set out for the starting line.

Did fairly well on my navigating to the start line.  Did take at least one wrong turn, and eventually emerged from tall grass in front of a Air Force Police guard house.  Had an interesting conversation with some heavily armed individuals who were disappointed the only ID I had with me was a bib for the marathon.

Arrived 5 minutes before the start.

Another race with 4 flats.  Only had 3 spares tubes with me.  For the fourth flat took the tube out of the rear tire and put it on the front wheel, dragging the flat behind me.

Bear sighting around mile 14, according to the notices at the aid stations.  Hoping I would not have to fix a flat around mile 14.  People were asking me if I was worried about the bear.  I replied with the classic answer I don't have to be faster than a bear, just have to be faster than the other runners.  Except for sitting on the ground fixing a flat, I am almost always faster than the runners.