This Foot Injury Won't Slow Me Down!

How is it already July?! It seems like yesterday that we were still wondering if it were going to snow again this spring. I, for one, am glad summer is here. It means warm weather, perfect for some of my favorite activities - sailing, and cycling!

Unfortunately, I experienced a fall about three weeks ago that injured my left foot. I was going out to the car to get our bikes off of the roof rack (after a great ride in the dunes while we were in Provincetown!). I was trying to get the bikes indoors before the rain hit. In my rush, I tripped over myself and fell forward on our front walkway. At first I thought it was just a bunch of scrapes and scratches. Two days later, though, I woke with severe pain in my foot, centered around my left big toe. I went to urgent care and they x-ray showed no fracture, but they gave me a fancy boot and sent me on my way with instructions to elevate, ice, and rest my foot.

I was worried about how the injury would impact my Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) training. Because, you know, feet are an essential part of bicycling! Once the swelling went down, I was able to fit my foot in my cycling shoe. Because it has a hard sole that prevents foot flexing, it was actually very comfortable to ride my bike - no pain! Still, I didn't want to overdo it and prolong my injury, so I've ridden my bike only twice in the last three weeks.

The PMC approaches, despite the injury (which still hurts, by the way!). I saw a podiatrist this Wednesday (who said I DID fracture it, slightly!) and he said I am okay to ride my bike, so long as it doesn't hurt, I ice my foot after a ride, and that I don't ride for too long at a time. No, I didn't tell him I am riding 190 miles over two days in four weeks! I am hoping the pain is long gone by then. I'll be taking training a little easier than I normally do, but I am determined to be prepared for my 18th PMC in August.

I'm also determined to meet my fundraising goal! I am committed to raising $13,000 this year to help in the fight against cancer. So far, generous donors like yourselves have contributed nearly $4,000 towards my goal - thank you! I hope that my commitment - especially my determination to heal my foot in time for a fantastic PMC weekend - inspire you to virtually jump on my handlebars and join me in the fight against cancer.

100 percent of your donation will go directly to the Jimmy Fund, which funds the innovative cancer research and compassionate cancer care that the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides every day. The funds that we raise through the Pan-Mass Challenge are making a real difference in the fight against cancer. New therapies are extending and saving lives. Adults are living to see their grandchildren, and children are living to see their first days of kindergarten. I am honored to be a small part of this fight, and I would love for you to join me.

Please make your cancer-fighting donation today. Together, we are making cancer HISTORY!