Oh my god, Scott, I got teary with emotion and concern for you, and the prospect of you not making it to Boston really hit me. I have been reading your annual Boston reports for as long as you have been running that marathon. I’m so sorry for this sudden onset of vision loss. It certainly didn’t take away your writing skills however; maybe it enhanced your creative expression? This is beautifully written. And bravo if you dictated it rather than typed. I believe you will recover and get back to running just like always, but in case your vision is permanently impaired, I would like to put you in touch with ultrarunner Will Barkan whom I used to coach. He is legally blind from an inherited form of macular degeneration. He has all the apps and advice you’ll need to run down the trail even if your eyes can’t guide you. Stay strong and positive, and keep us posted.
So kind of you! I really enjoyed listening to your last few posts about trail camp. It was a nice distraction, and vividly told. Your friend Will sounds like a boss! Would love to meet him.
Boston is still a possibility, as long as I'm cleared to fly (no needle-freezy thing needed). I am prepared to walk ithe course blindfolded....anything to keep the streak alive! 🙌
On the writing, I think having to listen to a story to edit it, rather than read it, has been really helpful. But I can't post pictures. That somehow feels okay for this one. 🙈
I will be cheering for you for Boston. Maybe you’ll have to go really slow and low impact, like Tommy Rivs in his comeback, and a four or even five hour Boston instead of your normal three may be an incredibly special experience. Will became famous last July as the runner who missed the golden hour cutoff at States by seconds. AJW called him the most inspiring runner of 2024.
Holy shit — this is both a brilliantly and terrifyingly written piece. I don’t know you Scott, but having stumbled upon this I both empathised and felt deep fear on your behalf in every word.
As a head-injury-prone-pro-runner I can’t even begin to imagine what it felt like to have your vision just screw up like that … and it’s certainly going to make me pay closer attention to what’s going on.
I have spent much time in Germany and Austria, and can imagine how comforting and reassuring the ‘no sugar, no cream’ (beautiful way to put it) approach was in a moment like this. Living in Mexico I’m not sure I’d get that same treatment (literally or figuratively).
I love when an article really stirs something in me — this was unexpected and very much welcome. Thank you 🙏 LL
Holy cow, Scott! That was a scary read. I didn't click the like button because, as much as your writing was impeccable as always, I cannot 'like' this one. What a scary scenario.
As I was reading two thoughts kept recurring:
1) My brother had a similar weird eye ailment strike him a year ago. He had some headaches and reduced vision suddenly interrupted by a kaleidoscopic spiderweb of neon lines while at work. Turns out it is his body immune system attacking his optic nerves. They have it under control at this point but still don't know what caused it. Like you, it came on suddenly and was really scary and also lead him suddenly to the ER but not to immediate surgery.
2) How exercise might exacerbate some underlying health issues (like the hip replacement I just got) but that general fitness has an incredible way of improving outcomes for all kinds physical set backs. Like your impressively fast healing of the initial surgery, I too got through the recovery stage of my hip in a fraction of the time of most hip replacement recipients.
I can only imagine how different the slow paced life in dimly lit rooms must be. I am so glad you have the dogs to keep you company. I cannot picture being sedate for prolonged periods of time. I truly hope you bounce back from this quickly and get back out on the road, trail and pool. I am guessing the pool will come first. All the best. Heel quickly.
Thanks, Charles! Your brother's situation sounds crazy. Glad he got it checked right away. I'm healing quickly, and it appears I'll be back to running soon. Lots of indoor cycling for now.
A little bit of both. 😍 I did try to explain the American "you'll go blind if you keep doing that" reference...it did not translate well. 🤣 Thank you for the well wishes!
Your writing is better than ever Scott. Sorry to read about your condition, truly what a scary set of circumstances. On the positive side athletes experience tears that heal up better than ever all the time, so just hold on to the hope that this is another one of those times. Get better soon, we are pulling for you!
Thank you, Tina! The prognosis is good, and a smiling Austrian doctor is definitely a good sign. I get the impression they appreciate athletes and their healing powers. 😇
Oh Scott! I am so so sorry about your eyes! You are wonderful writer and I "felt" the burning as you described the lazer surgery. I'm just so sad that you have to have this experience!! You of all people! Your continued optimism and relentless pursuit of physical health is remarkable. May all love you back home and our rooting for you!
As Sarah says, keep strong and think positively. And please keep us posted.
So I ran Boston in 2022 (my first and probably my last) - and Tommy Riv was running it that year.......he was about my speed - slow. Everyone was so happy to see him on the course.......and talk to him. I eventually passed him. I have seen blind (or poorly sighted) runners use a guide......so that is a possibility if you need it. I admire your perseverance for keeping the streak.......
Ahh. Gruesome. So thankful you paid immediate attention to what was happening in your eyes & got good help right away. You will still be an extraordinary human even if you become blind & you ONLY have 20 consecutive Bostons to your credit. We are all cheering you on in your recovery.
This healthcare story has the simplicity of (1) a clear diagnosis, (2) a fast and affordable treatment, (3) at my age, not a lot of complications of other medications or conditions. Far greater horror stories lie in the grey areas as we age, something you have a front row seat for much more than me.
Optimism is our greatest ally, I am all the more convinced. 😍 hoping you are well, and having one of those better days. I have a dog on either side of me at the moment, sending their snores and love. 🐶
Best to you as well! Perhaps this is the "training for the next 20 years" reality that we have often toasted. Is this a setback, or the beginning of the end? Nah, we shall both bounce again.
Oh my god, Scott, I got teary with emotion and concern for you, and the prospect of you not making it to Boston really hit me. I have been reading your annual Boston reports for as long as you have been running that marathon. I’m so sorry for this sudden onset of vision loss. It certainly didn’t take away your writing skills however; maybe it enhanced your creative expression? This is beautifully written. And bravo if you dictated it rather than typed. I believe you will recover and get back to running just like always, but in case your vision is permanently impaired, I would like to put you in touch with ultrarunner Will Barkan whom I used to coach. He is legally blind from an inherited form of macular degeneration. He has all the apps and advice you’ll need to run down the trail even if your eyes can’t guide you. Stay strong and positive, and keep us posted.
So kind of you! I really enjoyed listening to your last few posts about trail camp. It was a nice distraction, and vividly told. Your friend Will sounds like a boss! Would love to meet him.
Boston is still a possibility, as long as I'm cleared to fly (no needle-freezy thing needed). I am prepared to walk ithe course blindfolded....anything to keep the streak alive! 🙌
On the writing, I think having to listen to a story to edit it, rather than read it, has been really helpful. But I can't post pictures. That somehow feels okay for this one. 🙈
I will be cheering for you for Boston. Maybe you’ll have to go really slow and low impact, like Tommy Rivs in his comeback, and a four or even five hour Boston instead of your normal three may be an incredibly special experience. Will became famous last July as the runner who missed the golden hour cutoff at States by seconds. AJW called him the most inspiring runner of 2024.
Holy shit — this is both a brilliantly and terrifyingly written piece. I don’t know you Scott, but having stumbled upon this I both empathised and felt deep fear on your behalf in every word.
As a head-injury-prone-pro-runner I can’t even begin to imagine what it felt like to have your vision just screw up like that … and it’s certainly going to make me pay closer attention to what’s going on.
I have spent much time in Germany and Austria, and can imagine how comforting and reassuring the ‘no sugar, no cream’ (beautiful way to put it) approach was in a moment like this. Living in Mexico I’m not sure I’d get that same treatment (literally or figuratively).
I love when an article really stirs something in me — this was unexpected and very much welcome. Thank you 🙏 LL
I have no words Scott, except to wish you the best and the speediest and the fullest of recoveries from the bottom of my heart.
❤️❤️❤️
Holy cow, Scott! That was a scary read. I didn't click the like button because, as much as your writing was impeccable as always, I cannot 'like' this one. What a scary scenario.
As I was reading two thoughts kept recurring:
1) My brother had a similar weird eye ailment strike him a year ago. He had some headaches and reduced vision suddenly interrupted by a kaleidoscopic spiderweb of neon lines while at work. Turns out it is his body immune system attacking his optic nerves. They have it under control at this point but still don't know what caused it. Like you, it came on suddenly and was really scary and also lead him suddenly to the ER but not to immediate surgery.
2) How exercise might exacerbate some underlying health issues (like the hip replacement I just got) but that general fitness has an incredible way of improving outcomes for all kinds physical set backs. Like your impressively fast healing of the initial surgery, I too got through the recovery stage of my hip in a fraction of the time of most hip replacement recipients.
I can only imagine how different the slow paced life in dimly lit rooms must be. I am so glad you have the dogs to keep you company. I cannot picture being sedate for prolonged periods of time. I truly hope you bounce back from this quickly and get back out on the road, trail and pool. I am guessing the pool will come first. All the best. Heel quickly.
Thanks, Charles! Your brother's situation sounds crazy. Glad he got it checked right away. I'm healing quickly, and it appears I'll be back to running soon. Lots of indoor cycling for now.
wow! i thought the title was just an attention grabber. that was a wild ride. thanks for sharing, and i hope for a speedy recovery
A little bit of both. 😍 I did try to explain the American "you'll go blind if you keep doing that" reference...it did not translate well. 🤣 Thank you for the well wishes!
Your writing is better than ever Scott. Sorry to read about your condition, truly what a scary set of circumstances. On the positive side athletes experience tears that heal up better than ever all the time, so just hold on to the hope that this is another one of those times. Get better soon, we are pulling for you!
Thank you, Tina! The prognosis is good, and a smiling Austrian doctor is definitely a good sign. I get the impression they appreciate athletes and their healing powers. 😇
Damn, that's a harrowing story. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Thank you, Jill! 🙏
Oh Scott! I am so so sorry about your eyes! You are wonderful writer and I "felt" the burning as you described the lazer surgery. I'm just so sad that you have to have this experience!! You of all people! Your continued optimism and relentless pursuit of physical health is remarkable. May all love you back home and our rooting for you!
As Sarah says, keep strong and think positively. And please keep us posted.
So I ran Boston in 2022 (my first and probably my last) - and Tommy Riv was running it that year.......he was about my speed - slow. Everyone was so happy to see him on the course.......and talk to him. I eventually passed him. I have seen blind (or poorly sighted) runners use a guide......so that is a possibility if you need it. I admire your perseverance for keeping the streak.......
Scott, get better soon!
I've read it twice, and I like it less now. No more headbanging, please.
Sounds like quite the ordeal. Wishing you the best for recovery.
💕🙌
Ahh. Gruesome. So thankful you paid immediate attention to what was happening in your eyes & got good help right away. You will still be an extraordinary human even if you become blind & you ONLY have 20 consecutive Bostons to your credit. We are all cheering you on in your recovery.
This healthcare story has the simplicity of (1) a clear diagnosis, (2) a fast and affordable treatment, (3) at my age, not a lot of complications of other medications or conditions. Far greater horror stories lie in the grey areas as we age, something you have a front row seat for much more than me.
Optimism is our greatest ally, I am all the more convinced. 😍 hoping you are well, and having one of those better days. I have a dog on either side of me at the moment, sending their snores and love. 🐶
What an ordeal. All the best luck with your recovery and to getting back to bouncing in the future. Take care.
Best to you as well! Perhaps this is the "training for the next 20 years" reality that we have often toasted. Is this a setback, or the beginning of the end? Nah, we shall both bounce again.