Q&A With Voluntary Amputee Tom White

[underpants]

If you read the October 2008 issue of Runner's World, you know about Tom White (left). He's the guy profiled in the feature titled "Life and Limb." The guy who, facing an increasingly painful degenerative condition in his left leg, elected to have it amputated so he could continue running.

And yes, by "elected" we mean "chose." Voluntarily.

What you may not know is that a couple of weekends ago, Tom ran the ING New York City Marathon, finishing in 4:40:37. We caught up with him post-race, via e-mail, and asked him a few questions.

Here's what Tom had to say.

How many times did you have to stop, to tinker with your prosthetic?
I stopped five times to tinker and two times to tinkle. I knew I would have to stop about every five miles to remove my prosthesis and liner, dry everything off, and then replace them in better position. It really feels rejuvenating when I do that. The last time was at 23 miles, so I would look good for the finish. After that Tammy took off like a bird and I was struggling so much to keep up with her that I never had time to worry about my prosthesis.

How much discomfort or pain did you endure? Well, beyond the usual discomfort or pain of a marathon.
I endured no pain beyond the usual. OK, my right SI joint was out from the start, I think due to traveling. I felt it the first couple of miles and I knew it was going to be really sore on Monday (it was... and is) but it did not bother me while running. And my stump, not a problem at all. It was amazing. When I finished I took everything off right away and there was not even a blemish on my skin. The next day I was a little bit sore in the stump, but not too bad at all. As usual, the hike through La Guardia on Monday was an endurance event.

What’s next? Any other races planned?
Huge crisis in the house—Tammy does not have another marathon on her calendar. Edgy times in our house, when Mommy doesn’t have a marathon planned. Soon, no doubt. In the meantime, some local 5-k's.

http://dailyviews.runnersworld.com/2008/11/qa-with-volunta.html

[Parche]

1. Run Tom Run

Amazing courage :hi:

[underpants]

2. Motorcycle accident in college

he ran with the pain for as long as he could then he decided on the surgery. Apparently he and his wife were both college cross country runners and were very active in the local running community. He couldn't stand not running.