Oct1720092:43 p.m.
Life - but not as we know it...
Felt that I owed everyone an explanation for almost total silence.
Three things, one big, two small.
Small 1 – amazing response from EVERYONE who has actually read the book!! No one associated with it can understand why sales are so unbelievably small. I personally can’t understand why people I know will NOT buy it.
Small 2 – Great Eastern Run is run by the City Council, with support from the local running community. I have given an incredible amount of time and effort to this event, and at the Pasta Party the Race Director was kind enough to say in his speech that he thought entries at record levels were largely down to my efforts. This week, during the ‘de-brief’ emails ahead of the next meeting I was personally insulted and my efforts denigrated by the most senior Council Official responsible for it. As a result I have severed all contact with the race permanently.
BIG REASON.
My surgeon has now identified the problem with my ankle as abnormal bone growth around the mid-foot joint as a direct result of the accident when I was 16 (40 years ago). The result is a total, permanent, irreversible BAN on ever running again. In addition, I will eventually need surgery, removing the extra bone growth and fusing the mid-foot joint in order to be able to walk into my old age. He wants to do the surgery now, but I have declined for the moment because of the risks attached to it. I have to wait until I am in constant pain, THEN get the surgery as a last resort.
Needless to say, at this precise moment, Life SUCKS!!!
TISM
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Comments (27)
tinabee 'How rotten for you after the high of last weekend to have to be bought down to earth with such a bump. When you mentioned not running again last week I didn't realise you meant permanently - how awful for you. It also seems such a shame that you have had to end your ties with the GER especially with next year's special occasion. They will miss you of that I have no doubt. Still you have to do what you feel is right and hopefully someone or something else will benefit from your enthusiasm and experience. Peterborough Council's loss is someone elses gain. ' added 17th Oct 2009
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Nick 'I'm sorry to hear all about your woes, Mike, For what it's worth, I've met quite a few people who have been told by their doctors that they will never run again, but they are still out there; so don't lose hope!' added 17th Oct 2009
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Skye_Trekker 'Sorry...' added 17th Oct 2009
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laurajehane 'So sorry to hear your news. Please don't lose hope or give up trying.' added 17th Oct 2009
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Pituitary_Patient_Sharon 'TISM issues addressed: 1) The book - I would dearly love to read it, but simply can't afford to buy books at the moment...and I love books especially sporty/biography/autobiography ones and especially from inspirational people like yourself Big smiles :O) I intend pressurising libraries in Newport, Cardiff and Barry though! Public lending rights, ahoy! 2) Council officials. Don't take it personally, but many of them are just plain "thick". I deal with them most days and can't believe how much money they waste and how much they fail to see. It's exasperating especially when, for eg, a member of public this week solved a traffic problem which has so far cost the tax payer more than £120,000 to create said problem. Now, they are going to take about a year rectifying said problem by employing (and paying) consultants to try and convince them to ignore the unanimous public disdain. So, accept that senior council officer is in that job because in any field where they would have to prove themselves they'd not get employed. And if they were any good, and worthy of their job, they'd credit you and appreciate your efforts, insight and knowledge. Your talents are better used elsewhere. Want to offer assistance to Cardiff? 3) Big reason: One door closes, another opens. Trust me, I know how you feel. Afterall, I'm supposed to be dead by about now! You have humour, intelligence, knowledge, communication and organisation skills that can inspire others and new challenges abound. I've failed to get into the VLM to run for my charity and I feel sad they will not receive the funds. But I've found another worthy cause - National Hospital Development Foundation - which addresses things close to my heart and I hope they will give me a go. If not or after that, I'd like to do the Escape From Alcatraz Swim to help the Pituitary Foundation so they don't lose out on me failing to get a VLM place and running on their behalf. Come and join me swimming with sharks, in San Francisco Bay...or whatever with whoever! There are many physical and mental challenges out there and you have an opportunity to try things new. "It's your attitude not your aptitude that determines your altitude" - and there's a few more like that on my Facebook profile. You can do it, I know you can, you know you can, impossible is nothing,,,,:O)' added 17th Oct 2009
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philip_owen 'I feel for you and IMHO I cannot think of anyone who deserves this rotton luck less than you. As for the council official I cannot put in writting what I think of him:-( . On the subject of the book I am not a fast reader or indeed someone who reads a lot (to my shame), I almost at the half way point and love it and I now find myself snatching moments to read. Worth every penny and I encourage anybody to read (and buy) it. You have achieved so much, please don't give up now as I am sure their is fight left in you. Have you considered cycling or distance swimming? Both have some great challenges which would not put stress on your ankle. Take care and the wife, the girls and me all send you our very best. The wife and girls send their best as I do. ' added 17th Oct 2009
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kizzi10000 'WTF??!! Insulted??!! Lost for words after the efforts you've put in for that race. You still on for the cycling idea for 2012? No-one has said you can't cycle, have they :). Life sucks a bit down here this weekend too, but completely different reasons. Though I have no idea how it will work out either, and am a little scared, but it was a fab weekend, loved the race, loved meeting you and the others, and enjoyed the pasta party no end. I agree with Sharon, just because you may not be able to do one thing, you've opened up so many avenues with the work you've done over the last few years, I'm sure something will come along when you least expect it and take running's place. Good luck mate, and a big hug from me x x' added 17th Oct 2009
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eclipse 'Mike that realy is a crap week for you, its rare we see you down but completly understandable, obviously we dont know what the issues were for you and the council but if they do not apretiate your efforts then surely they do not deserve your help. Fingers crossed that things start to pick up again for you soon mate. Tel' added 17th Oct 2009
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shazzoah 'not sure waht to say,.......echo all the above......hugs......xxxxx' added 17th Oct 2009
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superrunningmummy 'I am so sorry to hear that all your terrific efforts have not been noticed by some stupid elected official. I deal with councillors and boy are they stupid. obviously they can't get a paid job so they get into politics. i am a great believer that things happen for a reason. sometimes these things are not nice. but what does not kill us, makes us stronger. i believe something good will come your way because you are a very special person. take care and big hugs!' added 17th Oct 2009
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roddymacp 'Sh!t, sh!t and treble sh!t. Councillors---I've sh!t them. Heads so far up themselves it's unbelievable. Next years record low entries will prove how wrong he is. So sorry about the rest as well Mike and you can have hugs from me too. (And NO I am not that way inclined)' added 17th Oct 2009
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aminita 'Hi mate - even though life seems crap at the mo you still have a lot of fans & support out here in the running community. a) Will deffo buy the book when I'm more flush with cash :D b) Ignore the council plonker, he (or she) prolly has no idea, and like most council folks paid far too much to do a non-job. c) Crappiest of luck about the foot, but as has been said, many a person has been told they cant run again, only to do it through a sheer force of will. It has been your extrodinary will that has got you this far, and I'm absolutely positive it'll continue to get you through the trials ahead. Keep your chin up high, ignore the doubters, and if you're feeling low just think of all you've done so far *big virtual hug*' added 17th Oct 2009
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Geoff_rb 'ouch, sometimes things just seem to combine together in a totally carp way don't they? Shocking news about the ankle - can only imagine how you must be feeling at the moment. As for that councillor - plainly an idiot. ' added 17th Oct 2009
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Alaistair 'So very sorry to read this Mike. Doctors, what do they know anyway! Your journey is far from over, this is simply another challenge,....' added 17th Oct 2009
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jamieB 'Hey! You know I hate the clichés but this is just another bit of the story and the chain of things that are going to happen. The TIS we know will overcome all this. If the guy said entries were up because of you then it must be true! I think you were right to walk away from the GER - you gave it your all and someone got very petty about it but they don't matter one bit..... Opportunity then - TISM the Race 2010 - I'd be there and I'm sure your mates would be too. Plenty of expertise around here to assist. Plus, the book is a grower so plenty of opportunities to sell more... I just need to get Ofrah and Lance interested in things then we can start thinking about getting your ankle right and start thinking about Volume 2. Plus I think the guys should be wearing TISM t-shirts at High Legh to let people know about it... You've never given up - life does suck sometimes (it does for us all) - but these are just challenges which you are going to nail....' added 17th Oct 2009
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Lackadaisical_Plodder 'I love your book, with 3 kids its taking me ages to read it - but hey I’m getting my moneys worth. I shall also be purchasing a copy for my mate for crimbo. I work for a council, some are ok, then councillors are mainly self important twats, who only can be bothered to help when they need votes. Other "old school" council people are just a bunch of head in the sand, lunch box under the arm, sandals in the winter numpties who would shrivel and die in the real working world! Bet that bloke is just jealous of all you have achieved. Bummer about running, but hey you are “Mike Hare Extraordinaire”; you will find a way around this! Be it shorter runs, biking, or taking up trapeze! Now you have been Mr Positive on here for so long, an inspiration to many of us, you are special to many of us on here, so you darn will better stick around, air you views (good or bad) because the realbuzz family love you man x ' added 18th Oct 2009
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kraftykat 'What can I say Mike? I read your blog yesterday and didn't know what to say then. And I still don't know what to say now, except echo what everyone else has said. Life does deal us difficult times but you will come out of the other side of all this. I'm half way through your book and really enjoying it. I save it for my night time read before lights out! Keep your chin up Mike. Thinking of you.... :)' added 18th Oct 2009
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Russell_Nimbus 'Our thoughts are with you. Russell & Marie x' added 18th Oct 2009
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man_in_the_stand 'You have put a lot of effort into the GER and for a council official to then come out and make unkind reamark. I am certain that a lot of people who ran the GER woujld not have been there if it hadn't been for you and I am one of those. As I said last weel I am really gutted that you can't run again. It will be hard for you at the moment but your long term health is the most important thing here. Take Care ' added 18th Oct 2009
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Mick_6 'Not good news about the running i hope you find something to fill the void. Sorry to hear about the Council offical (tosser). Hoping the book finds it's way into my Xmas stocking fingers X' added 18th Oct 2009
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pops 'Oh my god! ou won'tknow who I ambut I follow your blog religiously - I amso sorry for the hideous news! Hope you will accept hugs xxx' added 18th Oct 2009
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Way_Too_Slow 'OMG, Mike I'm gobsmacked!! It took me ages to actually read you book as my OH kept pinching it as she was totally gripped from the first page. A fantastic book which everyone should read (I mean buy and read). You've had a sh!t week so no wonder you are down. A life-time ban on running?? Can you get a second opinion? As you know I'm a big fan of my bike. It's a great workout without the impact stresses. Take care and keep your chin up.' added 18th Oct 2009
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judith 'I agree with Sharon 'as one door closes another one opens.' You have many talents that can be well used to aid and assist others in many ways. Take care x' added 18th Oct 2009
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Johnf 'Agree with all the other folks on the foot, get second opinions and don't give up, not that you will. Its very sad that some people behave like the council official, hope he enjoys himself next year. Hope the book sales do pick up, but amazed that friends and colleagues don't buy. FYI its not in Waterstones in Ipswich, though of course you can order it, but I guess that is the real thing to crack for sales, to get a national to display.' added 19th Oct 2009
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harrietemma 'BIG HUGS. I hope you don't mind me saying this but I really believe that at some point in the future )maybe 6 months, maybe more or less) you will look back on these things and think "Ah, now I can see why that had to happen". You have some really strong support here and I feel gutted for you but I also feel that someone like you will only go from strength to strength. You are needed somewhere Mike, just keep your eyes and ears open and you will find out where xxx' added 19th Oct 2009
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malcolms 'Mike, Just catching up with your blog. Sorry to hear you news. What a bombshell. Clearly I don't want to interfere in medical matters but why not seek another opinion. Talk to your GP who clearly knows a thing or two about running! and see what he suggests. As for the book - I plug it everywhere I go and to everyone I see! Take care of yourself!' added 19th Oct 2009
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emmteeyess 'Bummer on all fronts! I might just pull out of next year's GER now (without actually having been in it!) Look at how much you proved people wrong after your previous surgery - there's every chance you can do it again. You know we're all with you on this. Cheers, MTS' added 20th Oct 2009
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