Why is it that OK has known the date and place for the US relay chumps for more than 7 weeks now and Dan and Peggy still have yet to set up web-sites for their training diaries? If they keep this up much longer, people will begin to question their priorities.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), January 26, 2000

Answers

Well, I don't know about Peggy, but we gotta cut Dan some slack. It is, afterall, the busy time of the year for tax accountants.

Even though Dan isn't posting a relay training diary, I can provide a few updates...Dan ran the PTOC meet on Sunday and did the course in about 59 minutes (some time was lost to a turned ankle).

-- Michael (meglin@juno.com), January 26, 2000.

There seem to be many individual approaches to the problem of chronically turned ankles. If I'm correct (and I may be corrected), Fritz has had considerable experience with turned ankles. His solution is to wear supports on his ankles and this has probably solved that problem? Spike rarely has turned ankles, if ever. I think this comes from spending a lot of time running on uneven ground, so he has practice on where to place his feet and how to adjust himself if there's a pending problem. Mook, on the other hand, prefers to keep his ankles flexible enough that if turned, he doesn't stretch anything abnormally. How do others handle the issue of turned ankles?

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), January 27, 2000.

Spike rarely has turned ankles, if ever. I think this comes from spending a lot of time running on uneven ground, so he has practice on where to place his feet and how to adjust himself if there's a pending problem.

I have not had many problems with turned ankles. I tend to agree with Mook that doing a fair amount of running on uneven ground helps. I think it also helps that most of my running is slow -- I think you tend to put less stress on the ankles when you are moving slow and running with a slightly slouched form.

I have had problems a couple of times. I remember turning my ankle a couple of times during a training camp and then the next few times I ran O' races. I learned how to tape my ankle and tried to do some strengh excercises (balancing on one foot, moving the ankle, etc).

I also am the proud owner of an "active ankle" (although Dan has mine now). The "active ankle" is a brace that keeps the ankle from twisting but allows the foot to move more-or-less normally. It keeps your ankle very stable. I find it fairly comfortable.

-- Spike (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), January 27, 2000.

As Mook continues his downward spiral toward hip replacement surgery, Spike stands poised to move right into his spot as he approaches the 200 control mark for the year 2000 already!!!!!!!

-- Dan (daniel.meenehan@umb.com), February 04, 2000.

Mook just thought OKers might want a little update on how the surgery went yesterday. Right now, Mook is resting comfortably and "taking it easy" with the help of doctor-prescribed morphine pills. His hip is stiff and he occasionally has to dab at the puss that runs out between the over 100 stitches in his thigh.

The surgery lasted 9 1/2 hours, and when it was all over Mook's right hip had been removed and replaced with Missy's right hip. May Missy rest in peace - we will always remember what our baboon friend gave up for the good of the OK relay team.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), February 06, 2000.