It’s hard to know where to start. So I’ll just give you the Cliff’s Notes version of the past month of our lives.
Our trip to the Dolomites and other European ski resorts was heaven on earth. If it weren’t for wanting to get back to the States for the 100K Vertical Challenge on Feb. 4, we may have stayed forever.
Less than 12 hours after we returned from Europe, in the most random and absurd injury imaginable, I slipped on some ice in my driveway and broke my left proximal ulna (left lower arm, near my elbow). The bad news: It has to be surgically repaired, and I won’t be able to ski for three months after I have the surgery on Thursday. The good news: The recovery will allegedly be quick and painless otherwise, with only about a week in a splint before I can do physical therapy.
Yesterday, Steve completed the 107 runs of the Second Annual 100K Vertical Challenge at Whitetail in a little more than 12 hours. The event, which many of you supported, raised more than $20,000 for Two Top Adaptive Sports, enabling the nonprofit to provide even more ski and snowboard lessons to wounded warriors and other disabled athletes in the D.C.-Baltimore area. I had a great time manning the support table and keeping track of the two-dozen participants’ runs.
I’m sure I’ll have lots more to say about our trip in the coming weeks, and more to say about coping with missing the rest of the ski season. But for now, I’m too sad and angry about the sudden post-trip turn of luck to say much more about either (as Tig Notaro says, “God giveth, and God taketh away, but sometimes, God just keeps on taking-awayith.”). Also, while typing isn’t too terribly painful, it’s not my left arm’s favorite activity. In the meantime, please send your kindest and healingest thoughts, and hold the jokes about calcium and bubble wrap.
Amy Reinink 
When I had elbow surgery Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software became my new best friend. It takes a while to train but once you get the hang of it, it is awesome! I literally did not lift a finger and type a single stroke during my recovery! Good luck Amy. Sending bubble wrap your way!
Oh geez, Amy, I’m sorry. As usual, you have a way of seeing the good in a situation and at least your injury was preceded by some seriously great times. I have no doubt you’ll beat this just like you find a way to beat every other challenge in front of you.
But this is why I do not care one bit if people make fun of me for treadmilling cautiously through winter training – the slightest bit of moisture, especially during weeknight running – sends me inside. Dry streets, don’t care how cold it is.
Oh arrrrrrrrrgh. I was wondering how you were doing the other day–I’m so sorry to hear that you’re injured again! Many healing thoughts!
Sending all the healing thoughts possible your way. I have a feeling this one will heal up waaay faster than the last. And, YOU CAN RUN!!! Right? That is truly, truly good news. Please let’s make a run date soon (and on a day with dry pavement – we can sucker KateKirk into joining us too!
Kirstin
Just stopping by to give you (and your arm) a virtual hug. Gently.