That's Josh Downs working from home about an hour after having surgery on his ankle. Don't worry though, you didn't miss anything. I just never mentioned it because:
1. I've been a subpar blogger as of late.
2. I think the whole thing was kind of hard on his pride at the time.
About six months prior to this photo, Josh Downs was running in downtown Atlanta, stepped off a curb wrong, hit the ground in pain and then limped several miles back to his hotel.
He went to meetings (in pain) all the next day and when he got back to his room that night, he couldn't get his boot off (due to the swelling) so he caught a cab to the nearest Urgent Care.
They took x-rays and said it was just a bad sprain.
He came home limping but within a few months, started training for a marathon (in pain.) After several months of training, little improvement in his ankle and lots of advise (nagging) from me, he finally went to the doctor again only to find out that he had broken the navicular bone in his ankle and tore a few tendons.
So he had surgery and was put in a soft cast.
Then he was put into a hard cast.
Then he was put into a walking boot.
And now, he's out of all those things and (hopefully) on the mend.
So for those of you who were wondering, that's what happened to Josh Downs. (For those of you who were not wondering, I apologize for the last 30 wasted seconds of your life.)
And totally off topic but I was trying to finish up this post before heading out the door this morning to pick up Josh (He had to drop his car off at the body shop.) but the craziness of the morning didn't allow me to get it posted before I left.
By the time I got to the body shop to pick him up, we were both irritated with each other (due to a misunderstanding on the phone) and when we tried to make small talk to mask our irritation with one another, we found ourselves arguing over sun screen.
He was planning to keep my car for the day so he dropped me off at the house and before he left, he said, "Have a nice run" A. Because he knew I was going running and B. Because he's cordial like that, even when we're mad at each other. (A no win situation for him because if he weren't cordial during our disagreements, I'd be mad but somehow, his 'cordial-ness' makes me mad too.)
So I grabbed my iPhone (I told you I got one right?) and was getting ready to head out the door when I realized I didn't have any new podcasts to listen to. (I almost always listen to Andy Stanley when I run and am convinced that God understands my need to multi-task while listening to His Word.) So I took a few minutes, downloaded a current podcast and pressed play to make sure it was working. It sounded all garbled and weird so plugged my iPhone back in again and...
Are you waiting for me to get to the point?
...trashed all the old podcasts I'd already listened to, reloaded the new one, checked the weather, realized it was already 67 degrees (even though it was only 9:30am), thought about how irritated I was with my husband, checked my new download only to find out it still sounded garbled and weird, thought about how much I hate running when it's hot, pondered all the reasons I should skip running, reminded myself how good running makes me feel, tried to convince myself to skip running some more and then I walked out the door to go running.
As soon as I got out the door, Josh called me to say that he looked out his window at work, saw my car and thought I had driven to his work to make up with him - but then he remembered that he was driving my car, decided it was a sign and called me to make-up with me instead. So we made-up, said our 'I love yous' and I started running.
A few minutes into my run, I realized I had downloaded a podcast that I had already listened to a few months back so I went to play another podcast, only to remember that I had trashed all my other podcasts. So I tried to convince myself to head home because the thought of running in the heat while listening to a garbled podcast that I had already listened to seemed like reason enough to skip my run and eat doughnuts instead.
But I ran anyhow.
And I listened anyhow.
And it was exactly what I needed.
An additional three minutes of your life wasted? Quite possibly. A coincidence that God wanted me to listen to that podcast again? I think not. (It's a four part series and apparently God wanted me to listen to the third one today and I figured I'd better post it in case He was wanting you to listen to it too.)
This is so freakin' funny! I have been wondering about Josh Downs' foot but never thought to ask. Thank you to the reader who posed the question! Isn't it funny how things get all crazy in a matter of minutes and we don't know what direction we're heading? And just for the record, here in Florida I bet most runners don't mind running in 67 degrees:) Well, when you compare it to the mid to high 90's it is definitely a better alternative.
Posted by: Patty Hetrick | June 14, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Lovely story! And thanks for the update, I was wondering what I'd missed! I was slightly confused when you said it was "already" 67 degrees though- I live in Texas so 67 sounds like fall compared to our 100 degree summer!
Posted by: Tori | June 14, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Your blog is one of my faves; thanks for keeping things real.
Posted by: Ellen Patton | June 14, 2011 at 12:43 PM
Okay, this might be my favorite blog post ever. ;-)
I, too, was wondering about Josh Down's foot, but figured I'd missed something along the way. Thanks for clearing that up!!
And your running quandary sounds all too typical for me. I can always come up with a few thousand reasons to skip it, but am always glad when I don't! I totally love Andy Stanley, and am thinking his podcasts might be a good idea for my next jog! :-)
Posted by: Leslie @ {Tiny Wings} | June 14, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Love the part where he thought you drove to work to make up and he realized he'd driven and made up with you!
Posted by: Kelli | June 14, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Ahhhhhhhhhh......Thanks for telling me that the third part is on the website! I've been waiting for a while for it in itunes. Stupid!
If I wasn't married to my husband (Josh too!), I'd be married to Andy Stanley. Except he has Sandra and he lives in Atlanta and I live in Rhode Island and I'm QUITE certain he doesn't know I exist! :D
Poor Josh (yours)! I hope he continues on the mend!
Posted by: Keri | June 14, 2011 at 01:01 PM
He did want me to listen to it today, so thank you, thank you very much! :)
Posted by: Michelle Adams | June 14, 2011 at 01:06 PM
I love how real you are...that is what I miss when you are away.
Posted by: cinback | June 14, 2011 at 01:30 PM
this was a good one. total and complete randomness. i wondered too about josh downs ankle but was not cordial enough to ask about it:D do you ever listen to Ravi Zaccarius (sp?) he's amazing too. and you should listen to KDOV in the mornings...i think it's 91.7 in CP? 88.7 in GP. maybe some of Josh's political views would rub off on ya;)
Posted by: mandy friend | June 14, 2011 at 01:41 PM
I love your blog so much - even when you think you're rambling and wasting our time. You're not! I wondered why JD was on crutches in your last 3 posts but didn't want to be nosy. Glad he finally listened to your "advice" and got it checked out and is now finally on the mend. I've never heard Andy Stanley but will Google him to check him out. Think how many people you shared your testimony with today :-) My pastor has said that there are no coincidences. God has a plan - we just need to be quiet and listen. P.S. 67 degrees sounds cold to me. Have a beautiful day!
Posted by: katemeri | June 14, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Okay, so my day has been like that since I got up but my argument/disagreement was with my best friend/sister in law and she hung up on me!! So the rest of the day went down hill because I still felt badly that she too was having a bad day. I went to the gym too even though I was grumpy. I wanted to crawl back into bed and ignore the world. But I was forced by something greater than me to go buy more perrenials for the garden and plant in the rain. Things feel a little better right now.
Thanks for keeping it real Karen. Always happy when you blog:)
I will listen to your Podcast tonight.
Posted by: Patricia | June 14, 2011 at 02:02 PM
Love, love, love your realness and life stories and family and photos. Please don't ever stop-it would break a lot of hearts.
Posted by: Renee | June 14, 2011 at 02:06 PM
Ah man, I love listening to Andy Stanley. Lately I've been doing it while on a morning walk and I so get what you're saying.
Posted by: Deanna | June 14, 2011 at 02:12 PM
ha ha..that is SO something my husband and I would do! I get mad and he stays so "cordial" as well and it drives me mad and crazzzeeee and even more upset!
And the running part..I run to keep my sanity! In fact my daughter was channeling me the other day when she told her dad she had "to go for a run to feel better." :)
And I too was wondering why he was in crutches! Glad everyone feels better! Cute post.
Posted by: Kelly C | June 14, 2011 at 02:23 PM
My first thought when you mentioned that you were going for a run was "oh ya, Oregon, it's cooler there". But 67 is getting on the warm side, I agree. Hope the rest of your day was better
Andy Stanley is the man!
Posted by: kathy b | June 14, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Great post!!! I think it's so sweet that Josh called you! Thanks for the story about the crutches.....I was so curious! I really admire your ability to stick with this running & marathon training! I fear I'd seize up if I tried running just to the end of the driveway! Hope the rest of your day was great!
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | June 14, 2011 at 03:10 PM
67 is warm? Goodness it was over a hundred here today!
It's sweet how things happen, both with Josh thinking you drove to make up with him, and how you heard the podcast you needed to hear today. I love when that happens!
Posted by: JaYne | June 14, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Oh, my! I need to hear that too!!! After 15 years of marriage...
Love Andy Stanley!!! (And his father, Charles, but you already know that because I've said it a hundred times on here already. lol)
Posted by: kat-in-texas | June 14, 2011 at 04:27 PM
I remember you telling me about Josh's injury back when Jeff had broken his foot. But...oh man...Josh had really been through it!! Jeff was so thankful he didn't need surgery. Hope everything heals well and he can get back to running. Jeff is up to 12 miles...training for a marathon in September and then if all goes well with the registration he will be heading to Boston next April!! I just watched Andy Stanley...love the pod casts....thanks!
Posted by: Tracy | June 14, 2011 at 05:06 PM
seriously love you, your thoughts, words...and your lovely life....and wish that our creative paths would cross...I think we would laugh...alot!
Posted by: stephanie ackerman | June 14, 2011 at 05:15 PM
i so love it when i come to your blog and see a new post! love the stories of your life!
Posted by: laura j | June 14, 2011 at 06:26 PM
THANK YOU for making me crack up that I am not the only person who actually thinks like this! I was one of the "nosy" and probably overly cordial (no, just nosy!) readers that asked about Josh thinking I had missed something. So, thanks for explaining! My husband had that whole pride thing when he tore his meniscus mowing the lawn! (Slipped on wet grass on the hill..) I have never listened/watched Andy Stanley, but take heart that it was a sign, because I shall download (after a kids shows me how) it onto my ipod for my trip to the gym! I, too, am in Oregon-will probably rain tomorrow, but praying for a little sunshine-since it is summer and all! Thanks!
Posted by: Kelly B. | June 14, 2011 at 07:07 PM
Karen, I know this probably means nothing. I'm a "small town" blogger :), but I have a list of 4 "favorites" and you are the only blogger that made that list. Love your blog, love your photos, love your stories.
Posted by: Sharla | June 14, 2011 at 08:42 PM
I appreciate that you keep things real on your blog and don't just sugar coat your life. I also appreciate and admire that you share your faith with us.
Also, I was just reading the post above mine and saw that she mentioned that your blog is on her favorites list so I will mention that your blog is also on my short list of favorites (also four total). I look forward to new posts from you (even though I don't comment on every one).
Posted by: Ashley S. | June 14, 2011 at 08:45 PM
You often make me giggle and so often it's just what I need .. so thank you .. for sharing!
Posted by: Liz Walker | June 15, 2011 at 02:15 AM
Ok, you pretty much blew me away with that 67 being too hot to run. I thought you were going to say it was too cold. I forgot where you are for a second. If I'm not out the door to run (I'm in S. Fl) by 6:30 AM, I'm in trouble. But only because the sun is not up yet and it's only 78 with a heat index of over 80 with the wicked morning humidity we have. I WISH it was 67!
Also, I have been thinking lately of trying to switch to podcasts or audio books instead of music and I will check out Andy Stanley. Thanks for the idea :)
Stephanie
Posted by: Steph | June 15, 2011 at 04:50 AM
God is absolutely GOOD like that. And I adore your posts. You make me laugh - which just happens to be my most favorite thing to do.
Posted by: Susan Bowers | June 15, 2011 at 05:31 AM
I still can't get over the 67 degrees being too hot to run part. It's been in the 80s at 5:00am where I am and it feels positively refreshing compared to the 100's later in the day. lol.
Posted by: Jill | June 15, 2011 at 06:11 AM
Yes, it is a sign, you were meant to post it and introduce me to Andy Stanley :)
Thanks for sharing
Posted by: shalini | June 15, 2011 at 06:34 AM
Karen we love your randomness. It's real life, and you have such a sense of humor and I love your writing. Thanks for keepin' it real!
Posted by: Katie Johnson | June 15, 2011 at 09:49 AM
Funny you mentioned that sermon series. It is one of my all time favorites. I think it should be required listening for every couple. This morning I was just looking at a little post-it note I made to remind my self to go back and listen to them all again, but especially part three, and then I had this confirmed by your post today. I think I'm off to relisten to part three. Happy running & happy loving on your hubby.
Posted by: Sarah K | June 15, 2011 at 09:59 AM
You totally made me laugh with your story about how Josh was being cordial to you when he left. My husband does the same thing to me. We can be arguing about something trivial and I will be totally riled up and he has to go to work or go somewhere and he will say something sweet and it usually irritates me. But like you said, I would be even more irritated if he didn't say anything! Men....I think some of them actually have us figured out (kind of....)
Have a great day!
Posted by: Yvonne C | June 15, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I love how God uses a variety of ways to teach us...and I love how you shared your experience. I enjoy reading your blog and seeing your pics!
Posted by: Roberta Smith | June 15, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Don't know why I'm all teary eyed after reading your post.. I'm such a sap..so what I needed to hear..I will have to check out Andy Stanley.. thanks for being you and hope Josh heals back to perfection!!
Posted by: teresa b | June 15, 2011 at 11:55 AM
just what i needed to hear today....bookmarking it so i can listen again and again until it sinks in. :)
Posted by: taniawillis | June 15, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Thank you for sharing the link to Andy Stanley - I'm signing up as we speak and am delighted to have another person to hear the gospel from. I'm a follower of Joyce Meyer and love her delivery of the message as well. God Bless!
Posted by: Brandi Talmadge | June 16, 2011 at 04:25 AM
67 degrees is too hot to run? Girlie, come on down Dallas way. Anything below 100 is considered pleasant.
Posted by: Amy | June 16, 2011 at 06:40 AM
Karen Russell, you make me smile! Thank you!
Posted by: Heather Freeman | June 16, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Ankles are so not fun! My second parents were in Hawaii for a week and I was home alone at their place. Slipped and fell on their back patio and had to pull myself back into the house. Turns out the phone company was down and I had literally locked myself in the house,so when I did get ahold of my parents, they had to go through the back alley and then I rolled out on the office chair to the ER. Missed finals and was in a boot, soft cast, and various other splints plus surgery (and being off of work during our busiest season). Although I am walking fine now, they say it takes a year to fully heal from.
Posted by: Lindsey. T. | June 16, 2011 at 09:42 AM
What a lovely story! A Lesson to us all and I can't wait to listen to the podcast myself. :)
Posted by: Cathy B | June 16, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Ok - so...
a) I'm so glad you finally explained what happened to Josh Downs because all the spring break photos of him on crutches were killing me, and I wanted to email you and ask, but figured that you were busy and if you wanted us to know, you'd tell us. So, I put my patience panties on (my new favorite phrase and waited). And, it was a great 30 seconds. just sayin'
b) You have the coolest husband ever - except for that whole Republican thing - which I can almost forgive - but well, I'll still admit that he's cool.
c) But what REALLY made me sit up and take notice in this post is the "whining" about how hot it was going to be for your run... but uhm, it was like 67? I'm sitting here thinking - and I just went to boot camp in 110 degree weather at 6:00 at night and SHE's calling 67 HOT? Seriously, I'm wearing gloves and a hat when I work out in 67 degree weather! LMAO! :)
Posted by: Ally | June 16, 2011 at 06:42 PM
I laughed out loud at your 67 degrees and its hot!! I live in Arkansas and I run in the morning at 7am when the temp is only about 75-80. Goodness knows I could never run in the middle of the day when it's above 100 degrees. I guess everything is relative. Love your blog. My husband and I are huge fans of Andy Stanley and his wonderful podcasts! Such a communicator! Been wondering about Josh's leg too. thanks.
Posted by: Ladonna | June 18, 2011 at 09:07 AM
Love your "realness"
Jan
Posted by: Jan From Canada | June 19, 2011 at 07:54 PM
if you think 67 is hot then try Texas, it's already been 105 and it's not even the "really hot month" yet. I have to get up at 6am to walk and then it's mid-70's, no joke. Glad you stuck with the run :)
Posted by: Mi | June 20, 2011 at 05:33 AM
I'm going to check out your podcasts. I love reading your blog. It cracked me up that you hate running when it's hot - at 67 degrees. Our low tonight is supposed to be 76. It feels like it's over 100 out there right now. Thanks for sharing. I hope Josh is better soon.
Posted by: Janna Jennings | June 20, 2011 at 01:57 PM
Ok, now I'm going to google "downloading podcast to iphone" to see if I can figure out how you get them on there. My 8 yr old could probably do it, but he's playing with a friend right now...
Posted by: Janna Jennings | June 20, 2011 at 01:59 PM
I finally got them loaded on my iPhone. Thanks for suggesting this. I've listened to #1, and it's great stuff. Definitely needed by everyone in a relationship.
Posted by: Janna | June 21, 2011 at 06:22 PM
Every time I come back after taking a break from the computer, I read something on your blog that I really needed to read and this is definitely a gold nugget for me. Your blog is absolutely my favorite. I second Ashley S. and also appreciate how you keep it real and tell it like it is and share your faith with us! Your family photos and stories always put a smile on my face and so often I can really relate to what you are saying. Thanks for being you!
Posted by: Susi | June 27, 2011 at 03:53 PM