So good to hear your updates. I think you received good news about your injury. After my non-running injury last Spring (2025), I've slowly come to the realization that running may not be in my cards. In the meantime, I have increased my cycling miles and I love it. I also upped my game in lifting weights and feel much stronger. I can hike and paddle and do all kinds of things. The goal is not to have knee surgery someday. I've done a lot of research and just getting your knee replaced can put me down for 6 months. I think that is worse than the knee replacement! Being unable to move for that long or even longer wrecks havoc on our body in the long term. Have you read Chris Z here on Substack. He writes A LOT about not running and I love his writing too. https://dasz.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Yes! I have read Chris Z and enjoy his Substack! Bravo for you and doing all the things to keep moving and getting stronger. I wish I could like cycling more, but since my eye injury I just don't feel as confident being on the roads, but I do what I can. And I am upping my lifting game to keep these bad bones getting better ....LOL!
I should have clarified - I invested in an indoor bike last Fall and I love it. We live on the top of a hill and having an outdoor bike is not feasible. Now I can bike in any kind of weather and day or night. And also, my husband is not confident on the roads either. And now with E-bikes all over....
Thank you for sharing Ali.....injuries are never easy, but we do learn so much through the process. I love that you lean into others and I'm so happy that you have a "return to running plan" fabulous news!! ....the trails are waiting xo
Thank you! And thank you for your help in getting the recovery process rolling!!! And as I said before...this weekend was just what I needed to remind me why I love this community so much!
I just read your last three writings - your honesty and thoughtful reflection are inspiring. What a challenging situation you have had. As we age we are challenged with how we used to self-identify and the physical and emotional changes that make us alter our current reality. I’m glad you’re on the upswing. I think I will see your mom on Wednesday - she’s having lunch with my mom. And if you need writing inspiration you can discuss our plays. Paint Your Wagon was a classic. ❤️
Oh my gosh Nancy! I just laughed out loud remembering paint your wagon and our shows in your basement! If only we had physical evidence of those.... thank you for kind words about my writing, it means so much when people reach out and connect.
PS mom is still mom, and so tiny now!!!
PPS love that we still connect and our moms as well.
John had a way with words! Among my favorites is when someone asked him why his trouble is so much worse than others', and he replied, "Because they are mine."
Hi Ali, I must have missed your last update, and I feel awful that I didn't know the extent of your running injury when you mentioned it last week. I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better and have some great healthcare providers in your corner. I appreciate what you wrote about running and writing. It resonated. Running and moving my body definitely help my writing too. It shakes things loose. Hope we can connect soon, and I'm sending lots of hugs your way.
Thanks, Julie! I am glad to hear that the running/writing connection resonated. Always appreciate your kind words and your lovely thoughts on Monday mornings. And yes to connecting soon!
Ali, Im sorry I didn’t know. Your honesty and integrity are always an inspiration. I’m in a similar place. I’m think going to avoid a third artificial disc in my neck, but recovery from my symptoms is going to require constant vigilance and exercises to retrain my body to refrain from holding my head forward. It’s actually called “Forward Head Posture” and is much more likely causing my headaches, neck pain, and scalp sensitivity than the bulging disc shown on my most recent MRI. I don’t remember who said it, but the only way out is through…Thanks for the important reminder. You seem in a great place. Love the photo too! ❤️
Thanks Barry. Retraining our bodies is tough work, but better than the alternative! And the quote I think is Robert Frost! One of my faves with a connection to Vermont, naturally. Oh and I should have given photo credit to mr. Johnson :) Thanks!
I hate the messy middle. Glad you’re on the road to recovery. See you on the trail soon!
At least I am still eating croissants as part of recovery :)
So good to hear your updates. I think you received good news about your injury. After my non-running injury last Spring (2025), I've slowly come to the realization that running may not be in my cards. In the meantime, I have increased my cycling miles and I love it. I also upped my game in lifting weights and feel much stronger. I can hike and paddle and do all kinds of things. The goal is not to have knee surgery someday. I've done a lot of research and just getting your knee replaced can put me down for 6 months. I think that is worse than the knee replacement! Being unable to move for that long or even longer wrecks havoc on our body in the long term. Have you read Chris Z here on Substack. He writes A LOT about not running and I love his writing too. https://dasz.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search
Yes! I have read Chris Z and enjoy his Substack! Bravo for you and doing all the things to keep moving and getting stronger. I wish I could like cycling more, but since my eye injury I just don't feel as confident being on the roads, but I do what I can. And I am upping my lifting game to keep these bad bones getting better ....LOL!
I should have clarified - I invested in an indoor bike last Fall and I love it. We live on the top of a hill and having an outdoor bike is not feasible. Now I can bike in any kind of weather and day or night. And also, my husband is not confident on the roads either. And now with E-bikes all over....
Thank you for sharing Ali.....injuries are never easy, but we do learn so much through the process. I love that you lean into others and I'm so happy that you have a "return to running plan" fabulous news!! ....the trails are waiting xo
Thank you! And thank you for your help in getting the recovery process rolling!!! And as I said before...this weekend was just what I needed to remind me why I love this community so much!
So glad you’re feeling better!!!! Congratulations on the return to running plan
Thank you! And double thanks for all your check-ins :) Hope you are feeling better as well!
PT today fingers crossed
toes crossed too!
Thanks I’ll take it I’ll let you know
I just read your last three writings - your honesty and thoughtful reflection are inspiring. What a challenging situation you have had. As we age we are challenged with how we used to self-identify and the physical and emotional changes that make us alter our current reality. I’m glad you’re on the upswing. I think I will see your mom on Wednesday - she’s having lunch with my mom. And if you need writing inspiration you can discuss our plays. Paint Your Wagon was a classic. ❤️
Oh my gosh Nancy! I just laughed out loud remembering paint your wagon and our shows in your basement! If only we had physical evidence of those.... thank you for kind words about my writing, it means so much when people reach out and connect.
PS mom is still mom, and so tiny now!!!
PPS love that we still connect and our moms as well.
John had a way with words! Among my favorites is when someone asked him why his trouble is so much worse than others', and he replied, "Because they are mine."
Oh I love that Isiah! So true :)
Hi Ali, I must have missed your last update, and I feel awful that I didn't know the extent of your running injury when you mentioned it last week. I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better and have some great healthcare providers in your corner. I appreciate what you wrote about running and writing. It resonated. Running and moving my body definitely help my writing too. It shakes things loose. Hope we can connect soon, and I'm sending lots of hugs your way.
Thanks, Julie! I am glad to hear that the running/writing connection resonated. Always appreciate your kind words and your lovely thoughts on Monday mornings. And yes to connecting soon!
Ali, Im sorry I didn’t know. Your honesty and integrity are always an inspiration. I’m in a similar place. I’m think going to avoid a third artificial disc in my neck, but recovery from my symptoms is going to require constant vigilance and exercises to retrain my body to refrain from holding my head forward. It’s actually called “Forward Head Posture” and is much more likely causing my headaches, neck pain, and scalp sensitivity than the bulging disc shown on my most recent MRI. I don’t remember who said it, but the only way out is through…Thanks for the important reminder. You seem in a great place. Love the photo too! ❤️
Thanks Barry. Retraining our bodies is tough work, but better than the alternative! And the quote I think is Robert Frost! One of my faves with a connection to Vermont, naturally. Oh and I should have given photo credit to mr. Johnson :) Thanks!
Hang in there, Ali! If you need a writing prompt, I'd love to read about your life and work at Shelbourne Farms....
Thanks, Sarah!
I'm so glad that you are doing better. So good to have a "Return to running Plan!"