It would be quite helpful if OKers could get a report on the state of Snorkel's ankle and how his training is going as he begins to recover. It has been several days now since we've heard anything. If anyone has information to share I'm sure it would be widely appreciated. There had been a report that Snorkel would attempt a run in the woods soon. I await any news with bated breath.

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

Answers

I ran on a trail for just under 40 minutes yesterday at Knob Noster. It was very uneven and I ran fairly slowly, although my ankle hurt a couple of times when I twisted it a little (not anything that would even be felt on an avrage run) and it did make it through the run. The length and heat both got to me though. I'd say my ankle is about 75% at this time. I'd say yesterday's run strengthend my ankle.

-- Snorkel (daniel.meenehan@umb.com), March 27, 2000.

I don't have any hard data -- but, based on minimal observation it does appear Dan's ankle is improving. I met him for lunch today and he was moving (walking) without a noticeable limp. In the week after the injury, he was definitely favoring his ankle even when just walking.

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), March 27, 2000.

These reports sound positive enough given the circumstances. I don't want to pile any excess pressure on Snorkel, but there sure is a lot riding on that ankle of his. He needs to do just enough so that he is confident of using that ankle in the woods, but shouldn't take unecessary risks. I hope that Snorkel will realize the magnitude of every decision he makes. I've been holding back going into the relays knowing that what gains I can make physically are relatively small compared to the potential downfall if I were to do something that puts me at risk for injury.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), March 28, 2000.

Good advice. I could have used it 3 weeks earlier though.

-- Snorkel (daniel.meenehan@umb.com), March 29, 2000.

Speaking of late advice: For soft tissue injuries -- RICE'M rest, ice, compression, elevation and meds. This works most effectively when applied immediately, to cut down on swelling. But I've found therapeutic effects from ice long after the injury. Also, wear the air cast until you have absolutely no doubt you are doing better (like for the next six months) and be careful you don't injure the other ankle while favoring the injured one (as I have done more than once).

OK team psychiatric nurse (and trainer wannabe).

-- Fritz Menninger (fpmenninger@hotmail.com), March 30, 2000.

Fritz, do you have any psychiatric-treatment suggestions?

-- Michael (mike_eglinski@kcmo.org), March 30, 2000.

It has now been a week since the last official ankle report. Can we get an update here, please?

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), April 04, 2000.

I will do the SMP test loop tonight and let you know tomorrow.

-- Snorkel (daniel.meenehan@umb.com), April 04, 2000.

I obviously misled people by saying I was going to do the SMP test loop yesterday. I was just going to go run for 3 loops and not go for an all out assult on the record. Last week I ran 3 loops and averaged just over 17:30 for each loop. Last night I had the goal of trying to average around 17:00 for each loop. I tried to run fairly steady and hard without hurting my ankle. Here are the rusults from last night. Loop 1- 15:58. Loop 2- 15:54. Loop 3- 15:35. A minimul amount of pain in my ankle with no big hurts. read into it what you will, I still don't feel like I'm running very fast but I should be in shape to do adequate at the relay.

-- Snorkel (daniel.meenehan@umb.com), April 05, 2000.