tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post2189558189763264559..comments2024-02-11T00:54:20.373-08:00Comments on A Trail Runner's Blog: Fighting My Demons at the Mt. Diablo 50kScott Dunlaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-29810864840378335932008-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:002008-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:00Hi Scott, I realize I’m a bit late in reading this...Hi Scott, I realize I’m a bit late in reading this post, but I’m sure the ordeal is still quite fresh in your mind. Sometimes a grueling run will open those emotional gateways, and fortunately, others recognized your mental state and were willing to sacrifice their own goals to support a ‘fallen’ comrade, just as you did with Debby. Good to hear that she is recovering nicely and will someday return to the road. <BR/><BR/>Cheers,<BR/><BR/>funky<BR/><BR/>P.S. Was hoping to contact you directly, but can’t seem to find an email. Please contact me at funkylegs(aht)yahoo(daht)com if you get a chance.funkylegshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04672092261855410176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-35714681182152494782007-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:002007-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00Scott, as we traded paths recently at the SB9T eve...Scott, as we traded paths recently at the SB9T event (11/24/07 - that's me in the photo coming out of the bamboo trees) there was a vibe I could not explain...the guy who broke his foot (also a Scott, interesting!) pointed me to your blog...now I know why there was a vibe...I read this and found myself back to the day that I nearly died ~10 years ago being hit as a pedestrian, doing of all crazy things, running while on vacation on Cape Cod. Closed head injury, multiple pelvic fracture, lower back injuries, partial kidney loss, etc...the driver did stop and neighbors called the emergency crew...airlifted to Mass General, shunted for the head injury swelling, surgury for pelvis, bolted back together, weeks/months of therapy (physical and more)...the goal simply was to run again...and a marahon at that, for which I had only done in passing the prior year (no official race)...if not for family, friends, and the grace of God, I endured...though I still endure a level of pain, strangely enough it is best relieved running distances...both for the body and the mind...frequently too, across many courses, with a wide range of people, the sights are plenty, the conversations are wonderful...the running community, particularly I'm finding this year with ultra trail running is a deeply thoughtful and inspirational group...wonderful blog, best wishes to you...and btw, your daughter at the turn on SB9T was great to see! :) Mike (37 @ SB9T)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-14992782368586789332007-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:002007-09-02T21:03:00.000-07:00This is one of the most insirational and moving po...This is one of the most insirational and moving posts I've ever read. Scott's emotional account, having Deborah's friends and eventually herself check in...<BR/><BR/>I got hit on my bike in front of Alice's restaurant two years ago and flown to Stanford hospital with fractured skull, etc. The Stanford docs told me that fit bicylists recover in a third the time an unfit person would, and survive crashes unfit people never could.<BR/><BR/>God bless,<BR/>Chris MacAskillUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06155820197452878061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-23599685260081649282007-07-06T18:06:00.000-07:002007-07-06T18:06:00.000-07:00BTW, I feel like I need to correct one thing in th...BTW, I feel like I need to correct one thing in the blog entry where I said "I was told incorrectly from police officials that she was dead". <BR/><BR/>The person who informed me that she was dead was not the police officer on the scene, but another person shortly thereafter who claimed to be in close contact with police and insisted this was the news. Under no circumstances did an official give me information about her condition - they aren't allowed to do so. <BR/><BR/>In retrospect, I think the person who informed me had confused Debra's accident with a previous death on the same road just two days before. It could also have been my error in hearing "the police just told me" and assuming it was the same case. Anyway, I just wanted to make sure nobody was thinking that I was getting insider info from the cops.<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-23198050480412621272007-07-06T17:28:00.000-07:002007-07-06T17:28:00.000-07:00Thank you, Debby, for letting us know you are back...Thank you, Debby, for letting us know you are back at home. Your progress is quite an inspiration! We continue to think about you and hope you are doing well. <BR/><BR/>I'm certain if our roles were switched, you would have stopped to help me. I hope you get a chance to reach out to the others who stopped to help too, for there were certainly people who did more than me. I look forward to meeting you when the time is right.<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-21965899594335804212007-07-04T10:56:00.000-07:002007-07-04T10:56:00.000-07:00Scott, how do I thank someone for saving my life? ...Scott, how do I thank someone for saving my life? You and the others who stopped to help are heroes and I am eternally grateful. It was almost three weeks after the accident when I woke up in the ICU at Stanford and began learning what had happened and what I needed to prepare for. I had 19 hours of facial reconstruction surgery, two broken arms, broken ribs, lacerated kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs... but I know I am lucky. I'm home now with 24 hour care.<BR/><BR/>I am certain it was the positive energy and encouragement (letters, prayers, cards, flowers) everyone sent my way that helped me emerge from the darkness of the ICU, find my way out of those lost days in Trauma, and finally achieve success in rehab. Of course my team of 29 doctors helped too. <BR/><BR/><BR/>In rehab, I learned how to swallow water again (that took five days), I was pushed to take five more steps when I thought it impossible, I performed memory exercises and surprised all the therapists, I performed memory exercises and surprised all the therapists (did I already say that?), and I rode an exercise bike (which may be as close as I get to a bike in a long time).<BR/><BR/><BR/>I am truly grateful to all of you!<BR/><BR/>Today is Independence Day. I hope you enjoy the day and count your blessings - especially for your good health and the wonderful people in your lives.<BR/><BR/>Scott, I will call you again when my vocal chords begin cooperating. btw, congratulations on completing the Mt Diablo run while carrying those demons. I believe I was with you the entire 50k.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-52655996602690977592007-07-01T23:50:00.000-07:002007-07-01T23:50:00.000-07:00Scott and Friends, I'm a buddy of Debby's from wor...Scott and Friends, <BR/><BR/>I'm a buddy of Debby's from work and wanted to let folks know that yesterday (6/30) Debby left Stanford Hospital! The day before, I spoke to her for the first time since the accident and she passed on her endless thanks for everyone’s thoughts and prayers. We talked for a while, told some stories, and had a laugh or two. It's been a long haul in the hospital, but she could not stop talking about how grateful she is for your actions, and amazed by the magic worked by the EMTs and doctors who saved and rebuilt her. You should know that one of her docs told her that she's made the most rapid recovery he's witnessed in his medical career. <BR/><BR/>Debby has as long and extremely challenging road ahead, including more surgeries and rehabilitation. I know her well, and I promise you that if there's anyone who's physically and mentally equipped to come back from this unspeakable trauma, it's Debby. I know she's ready, even anxious to keep moving up and looking forward. In her whisper of a voice on the phone last Friday, she said "I can't wait to get back to my life." <BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for saving this wonderful person, for staying by her side until the pros arrived, for keeping her in your thoughts, for this amazing account and for the inspiring and brave way you related this story to your own. You are a rare type of human being, and I'm grateful beyond words.<BR/><BR/>Best to you, <BR/><BR/>Ed GrayEd Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02533025391870643745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-43350029526607206402007-07-01T16:10:00.000-07:002007-07-01T16:10:00.000-07:00Dear Scott,I am a member of Debby's family, and I ...Dear Scott,<BR/>I am a member of Debby's family, and I discovered your blog when I "googled" Debby's name. After speaking with Debby today, I had to let you know how very grateful I am that you helped her. I can't imagine what life would be like if we had lost her.<BR/>May all good things come your way.<BR/>Bless you, Scott.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-80522747115598469092007-07-01T14:04:00.000-07:002007-07-01T14:04:00.000-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Ed Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02533025391870643745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-37292442360574618522007-06-24T19:04:00.000-07:002007-06-24T19:04:00.000-07:00Hello again, have just come from visiting Debby in...Hello again, have just come from visiting Debby in the hospital, and she has continued to make amazing progress! She asked me to let you know as soon as she can, she is looking forward to emailing you or chatting on the phone to express her gratitude (she isn't yet able to speak normally, due to the the trach tube site still being open). Best wishes, MCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-12837960430751558632007-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:002007-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00Whomever you are, thank you so much for leaving an...Whomever you are, thank you so much for leaving an update about Debra Weil. I have been getting updates here and there, and it sounds like she is making good progress. She is an amazing woman.<BR/><BR/>You'll be happy to know that there were about a half dozen people at the scene doing their best to help. Some called 911, others helped her stay still and comforted her, a group (including the driver in the accident) redirected traffic and made a clear place for the ambulance and police to pull up, etc. It was a group effort, and I wasn't the only one by any means. And if you want to know who REALLY saved her life, all you had to do was watch the EMT crew when they arrived. They were amazing. <BR/><BR/>When you see Debra next, be sure to let her know that a lot of people are pulling for her and praying for her. Thank you again for the update.<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-73014877812130833372007-06-19T22:21:00.000-07:002007-06-19T22:21:00.000-07:00Scott: I type this trying to fend off the urge to ...Scott: <BR/>I type this trying to fend off the urge to weep... I am a friend of Debby's, and have been so distraught since the accident over 3 weeks ago; no one really heard too many of the details of the actual accident, and of course we have been so worried about her as she recuperates. [I was looking for an article about the accident in the Menlo Park Almanac, and came across your blog] I am hoping you have heard that just this past weekend (6/17), she has been transferred out of intensive care and into 'regular hospitalization'(she had a trach tube breathing for her for 3 weeks, concussion, fractures in both arms (one requiring reconstruction), and of course, multiple reconstruction of her face was required--2 surgeries so far: the first one, 8 hours long. What I really wanted to express is that it's likely due to your Hero-ic actions, when everyone else was "keeping their distance"-- like clearing the 'debris' from her mouth so she *could* continue to fight for breath, and for your very present Energy Field of Concern, focused & being with her--that her Life was saved. Thank you, thank you, thank you Scott.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-45862830846087015502007-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:002007-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:00Wow, what a post. I'm so glad Deborah is recoveri...Wow, what a post. I'm so glad Deborah is recovering. Running can be so amazingly therapeutic.Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08904635948454938056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-13179393466196198302007-06-12T22:20:00.000-07:002007-06-12T22:20:00.000-07:00Scott,I am so happy for Deborah and her family. Fo...Scott,<BR/><BR/>I am so happy for Deborah and her family. For you too. A weight must have been lifted off your shoulders when you heard that she was alive.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for an amazing post.<BR/> <BR/>Congratulations to you for making it through that unbelievable period near the top on the second loop.<BR/><BR/>RajeevRajeevhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05440842184525325640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-49869559177466884552007-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:002007-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:00Scott, I'm late to this party, but I wanted to tha...Scott, I'm late to this party, but I wanted to thank you for sharing your story of the accident. Its a gentle reminder of so many things to keep close to my heart.Weshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11399853707178925175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-83269910130561378392007-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:002007-06-11T10:25:00.000-07:00Thank you all again for sharing your thoughts and ...Thank you all again for sharing your thoughts and experiences! If ever there was a doubt about the support of this community (which I don't think there was), one can just read through the comments. You guys are awesome.<BR/><BR/>SDScott Dunlaphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096284778835123584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-89711352001990382862007-06-11T03:11:00.000-07:002007-06-11T03:11:00.000-07:00Hi Scott, first time visitor to your blog and what...Hi Scott, first time visitor to your blog and what a time to visit. Undoubtably an incredibly hard thing to witness and deal with. Well done on completing the race.Brucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12625630418411930827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-81472024239709446662007-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:002007-06-10T17:08:00.000-07:00What an amazing run. Thank you for sharing it!What an amazing run. Thank you for sharing it!J~Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07414861007306587786noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-18234923208783790072007-06-10T14:16:00.000-07:002007-06-10T14:16:00.000-07:00I'm in tears; what a moving post.I've found that r...I'm in tears; what a moving post.<BR/><BR/>I've found that running, and ultrarunning in particular, is an amazing way to deal with shock and trauma, having come from a history of PTSD. Many people are too scared to talk about their fears, their flashbacks, the fact that they seem to leave their body and they don't know what's going on. The fact that you reached out to your fellow runners was probably the best thing you could have done in terms of healing. And then to post about it to share with even more people is amazing.<BR/><BR/>and how wonderful that she is alive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-73873343704525691522007-06-09T06:34:00.000-07:002007-06-09T06:34:00.000-07:00What an emotional story. I was totally veklempt r...What an emotional story. I was totally veklempt reading it. I would like to add a thank you for being strong enough to kneel down and hold her when others were not. At that moment, having someone hold her and not be afraid was undoubtedly very comforting. As a biker and runner, these kind of stories, really keep you alert.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-85792336616845635592007-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:002007-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00Wow, what a post Scott. I saw you on your first l...Wow, what a post Scott. I saw you on your first loop back. Wow, going throught that race with everything that happened, and then in the end finding out she lived...wow. So sorry you had to deal with a situation like that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-1266154958561732112007-06-08T16:11:00.000-07:002007-06-08T16:11:00.000-07:00Hi Scott,I was sent your blog by a friend and read...Hi Scott,<BR/><BR/>I was sent your blog by a friend and read your story about fighting demons. I have to say I sat in tears reading about the death of a women whos daughter answered the cell phone but then was crying even harder when I read she was alive and thought about ger daughter again. It seems so strange at times how we all learn from experiences in life and how others are touched. Your blog post and sharing has and will help us be reminded that life is so very short. Live in the moment, love deeply, care deeply and give, give give until it hurts..and when it hurts keep on giving.<BR/>Yeah for Deborah and we pray she is back on the bike very soon.<BR/>And to you Scott, Nice race!<BR/><BR/>LisaLisa Smith-Batchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17344992789207537587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-43286729959785882962007-06-08T15:41:00.000-07:002007-06-08T15:41:00.000-07:00Dear Scott,Your blog clearly shows that you are an...Dear Scott,<BR/><BR/>Your blog clearly shows that you are an enthusiastic running fan, so I thought you should know about the World Championship Sports Network (WCSN). We provide coverage of Olympic and lifestyle sports, and our track and field site (www.wcsn.com/trackandfield) has become a premiere destination for track and field fans all over the world.<BR/><BR/>We will be broadcasting a lot of the IAAF Track and Field meets, and we are trying to reach out to passionate and knowledgeable track and field fans to let them know they can watch these events on our website, as well as view past meets on-demand, check out photos, get the latest news, and much more. We would like to offer you an FREE WCSN account so that you don’t miss any of the action, and can get excited and help promote our coverage of the World Championships in Athletics, the World Youth Championships, and much more.<BR/><BR/>Upcoming Track and Field Events:<BR/><BR/>IAAF Grand Prix 6/8/07 Lille, FRA<BR/>IAAF Grand Prix 6/10/07 Bydgosczc, POL<BR/>IAAF Odlozila Memorial 6/13/07 Prague, CZE<BR/>IAAF Grand Prix 6/17/07 Warsaw, POL<BR/>IAAF World Youth Championships 7/11/07-7/15/07 Ostrava, CZE<BR/>IAAF World Championships in Athletics 8/25/07-9/2/07 Osaka, JAP<BR/>IAAF World Athletics Final 9/22/07-9/23/07 Stuttgart, GER<BR/>IAAF Road Running World Championships 10/14/07 Udine, ITA<BR/><BR/>We also have a large archive of past events on-demand, such as the 2006 World Indoor Championships and the London Marathon. Please let me know if you would like a complimentary account and we will set it up right away. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you.<BR/><BR/>Best regards,<BR/><BR/>Brady Stevenson<BR/>World Championship Sports Network<BR/>(310) 921-7008<BR/>bstevenson@wcsn.com<BR/>www.wcsn.com<BR/> <BR/>Home of World ChampionsBradyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01646400179233195794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-54061402008093879982007-06-08T12:05:00.000-07:002007-06-08T12:05:00.000-07:00And, gosh, checking your schedule before TRT, just...And, gosh, checking your schedule before TRT, just found out about <A HREF="http://www.deathride.com/" REL="nofollow">The Death Ride</A>, scary home page...<BR/>Take care, Scott, promise?<BR/><BR/>Jean.<BR/><BR/>PS: when I think of the connection between you perfect smile and biking...Jean Pommierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8860166.post-36777169816874601732007-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:002007-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00What to add to such a moving and pathetic experien...What to add to such a moving and pathetic experience... Although I feel I missed a big ultra moment last weekend, your detailed blog makes it so close, I feel we are all taking part of our healing, by just reading (or re-reading!) this story.<BR/>Hope Debra recovers well and can get back on a bik to fight her own demons. Please let us know if you keep in touch. I'll certainly think of her next time I bike down Montebello road...<BR/>As for me, I look forward to hours of therapy with pacer Rob in two weeks, you know where...<BR/>Scott, happier trails 'till TRT!<BR/>Jean.Jean Pommierhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12590228467214315945noreply@blogger.com