.MARCHMONT — Rick Ball had his sights set on the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Now all he wants is to be healthy again.
“This is my spot, right here,” the single-leg amputee and record-holding marathon runner said with a twinkle in his eye as he popped up the footrest and fell back onto the black, leather sofa in his sunny Marchmont living room. “I am so sick of this chair,” he said with a laugh.
Ball, 46, has been hit by two cars on separate occasions on Coldwater Road in Orillia.
After the first incident in 1986, during which he was on a motorcycle, he lost his left leg below the knee. After the second incident, which happened in August while he was riding his bike, he had reconstructive surgery on his right arm. The 18-year-old who hit him was charged under the Highway Traffic Act. Neither accident caused him as much pain as that of the bone infection he’s currently battling.
Ball’s rehabilitation had been going well. He had been doing light training runs and was about to start back at his job as a subway mechanic in Toronto when he woke up with a fever one night in late January.
“I had a pain in my right side,” he said. “My shoulder froze up and that’s how it all started.”
When Ball’s right arm was fractured in the second accident, the bone pierced through his skin and dragged along the road. Although the doctors did the best they could to clean it up, some debris must have been left behind.
He’s been hooked up to an antibiotic intravenous drip for 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the past two months. When the infection was at its worst, the pain shot up his neck and through his head.
“I’d be sleeping most of the time because I had no energy,” said Ball.
A nurse comes to his home every three days to change the line in his drip. He’s still seeing a sports medicine doctor, orthopedic surgeon and infectious disease specialist. “It’s like learning to walk,” Ball joked.
And he’d know.
“I never thought I’d have to do it again. It’s like déjà vu,” he said. “Give me a break.”
Last year was a difficult one for the local athlete, whose dream of joining Team Canada and competing at the Paralympic Games in London was dashed by a torn calf muscle that prevented him from attending trials in Calgary.
Ball — who competed in the 2011 Parapan American Games in Mexico, where he finished fifth in the 400-metre sprint — realizes he may never be able to train at the elite level again.
“If my body physically won’t let me compete at that level, I don’t want to do it,” he said. “I can’t do it.”
But that doesn’t mean he wants to give up on running.
“I love it. It’s my passion,” he said.
Before the infection, but already armed with life experience, Ball travelled to local schools talking about perseverance and overcoming obstacles.
“I’m telling students ... not to give up,” he said. “Now I’ve got to do the same.”
Right now, he’s focusing on short-term goals. He wants to get back to work.
“Every day is the same ... It’s getting old,” said Ball, who is still too weak to get back into the routine.
“I just want to get healthy. The running, I’ll worry about after,” he said.
“I would love to continue doing it. I don’t want to quit.”
An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I saw this story in today's online paper
2014
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
injured
2013
Snowflake 10k....stopped at 5k
Rest of the year a write off because of injury.
2012
Snowflake 10k Jan 1 done
Run 4 Kids 10k Jan 7 done
Harry's Spring Run Off 8k. April 8 a disaster, but I finished
Centurion 50k at Horseshoe Valley (cycling) done
Centurion 50 miler at Blue Mountain (cycling) done.....barely!
Snowflake 5k, Dec 16 - done
2011
Harry Rosen 8k. April. done
Rotary 5k fun run. May. done
CANI 10k. June. done
Canada Day 10k. July. done
Barrie Waterfront 5k. Aug. done
CANI 10 k. Oct. done
Base Borden Army Run 10k. done
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Rick is so inspiring -- I'm sending him my RM vibes!
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
That's not a very happy update. But if anyone is the poster child for picking yourself up and never giving up, it's Rick. Speedy healing vibes to him!
"Maybe I will be my own inspiration." - UltraMonk (Laura)
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have enough time." - Steven Wright
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I was just thinking about him the other day and wondering how he was doing. Sorry it's not a happier update
If it ain’t broke, run through it -- Strider
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Thoughts and prayers for Rick.
I wanna live like there's no tomorrow
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Love, like I'm on borrowed time
It's good to be alive, yeah....Jason Gray
Running is a conversation with your body. Sometimes you listen and sometimes you tell it to stop whining and do something. - Ian
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Oh man, that's so tough!
Healing vibes headed your way Rick.
You have the Orange Nation rooting for your improved health!
Healing vibes headed your way Rick.
You have the Orange Nation rooting for your improved health!
http://connect.garmin.com/profile/trixiee14
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
~ Dr. Suess~
Life is short. Drink the good wine first!
Why fit in when you were born to stand out?
~ Dr. Suess~
Life is short. Drink the good wine first!
- mas_runner
- Bill Crothers
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Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Tough break for Rick. Get well soon!
PBs
5th Sep 2015 - Run Ottawa free 5km - 21:05
21st Jun 2015 - UR 4 Men's Cancers 10km - 45:45
16th Jun 2013 - UR 4 Men's Cancers 15km - 1:11:44
16th Apr 2016 - MEC 10 miler - 1:20:21
12th Apr 2015 - EY R4R Half Marathon - 1:41:15
26th May 2013 - Ottawa Marathon - 3:43:51
2017 races - coming up
7th May - Defi Entreprise 10km
28th May - Ottawa Half Marathon
17th Sep - Army Run Half Marathon
5th Sep 2015 - Run Ottawa free 5km - 21:05
21st Jun 2015 - UR 4 Men's Cancers 10km - 45:45
16th Jun 2013 - UR 4 Men's Cancers 15km - 1:11:44
16th Apr 2016 - MEC 10 miler - 1:20:21
12th Apr 2015 - EY R4R Half Marathon - 1:41:15
26th May 2013 - Ottawa Marathon - 3:43:51
2017 races - coming up
7th May - Defi Entreprise 10km
28th May - Ottawa Half Marathon
17th Sep - Army Run Half Marathon
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
sorry to read this...bone infections are not something to fool with
Sending Rick some healing vibes.
Sending Rick some healing vibes.
Technophobe Extraordinaire
"Princess" J0-JO...The Awesome Running Machine.
"a precious, unique and quirky individual"...definition given by a Toronto Cop
An Ever Loyal and Devoted Official Doonst Fan.
"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" -Albert Camus
"Keep Going. Never Give Up." Spencer
"Princess" J0-JO...The Awesome Running Machine.
"a precious, unique and quirky individual"...definition given by a Toronto Cop
An Ever Loyal and Devoted Official Doonst Fan.
"In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer" -Albert Camus
"Keep Going. Never Give Up." Spencer
An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I hope he recovers quickly.
Support me in my fundraising for the Boston Marathon, Boston Public Library team:
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign ... iferwolf11
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign ... iferwolf11
- orleansrunner1962
- Jerome Drayton
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- Joined: Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:12 pm
- Location: Orleans, ON
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Sending Rick some Orange Power -- his great attitude will get him through this!
2014:
Mar - Around the Bay 30 km - Done
May - Sulphur Spring 100 miler - DNS
Sept - Army HM
Sept/Oct - 50 miler
Oct - Pace Bunny - Toronto Scotia Waterfront
Dec - Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
Mar - Around the Bay 30 km - Done
May - Sulphur Spring 100 miler - DNS
Sept - Army HM
Sept/Oct - 50 miler
Oct - Pace Bunny - Toronto Scotia Waterfront
Dec - Reggae Marathon in Jamaica
-
- Lynn Williams
- Posts: 15482
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- Location: London
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Thinking about you Rick and sending you some healing vibes!!
When your legs get tired, run with your heart.
Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of your chance to be extraordinary.
Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of your chance to be extraordinary.
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
That sucks! Poor Rick - sending all the vibes I can!
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?
Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?
- ultraslacker
- Site Admin
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- Contact:
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
That sucks. :/ I hope he recovers soon.
"You're an ultrarunner, normal rules don't apply to you." (Doonst)
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. ~Epictetus
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I was thinking about him the other day as well. Sad to read this update, but his 'carry on' attitude is evident at the end of this article! I will keep him in my thoughts for sure
The rumours are true......
2013:
Thanksgiving Day 5k: 27:26
Coming up:
ORW Half Marathon
NYC Marathon 2014
2013:
Thanksgiving Day 5k: 27:26
Coming up:
ORW Half Marathon
NYC Marathon 2014
- Darth Tater
- Lynn Williams
- Posts: 22549
- Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2008 12:25 am
- Location: Winnipeg, MB
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Lots of positive vibes for Rick's recovery.
Darth Tater
"Wherever you go, there you are."
"Wherever you go, there you are."
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I hope you get well quickly Rick.
"A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers but borrowed from his children." - John James Audubon
"The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"I was watching the London Marathon and saw one runner dressed as a chicken and another runner dressed as an egg. I thought: 'This could be interesting'." - Paddy Lennox
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast!" - author unknown
"The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
"I was watching the London Marathon and saw one runner dressed as a chicken and another runner dressed as an egg. I thought: 'This could be interesting'." - Paddy Lennox
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast!" - author unknown
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
That really sucks. I hope he's able to bounce back and get back to doing what he loves.
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Hope that you recover quickly!
- QuickChick
- Lynn Williams
- Posts: 13274
- Joined: Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:52 pm
- Location: Whitby ON
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Aw, that's awful news. I'm sending all the positive energy I can... all the best for his recovery. He is a resilient guy and I know if this can be beaten, he'll beat it. Get well soon Rick!
"Don’t let negativity rent space in your brain for free. That is how you become a badass…by excavating her from inside you. You don’t have to become someone else. You need to identify the effing awesome parts of you that are your tools to work with, and maximize those." -Lauren Fleshman
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Thanks for posting this update on Rick. Sending vibes from here as well. He's been such an inspiration to so many people. Myself included.
An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
I'm sorry to read this update. I can't believe how unlucky you've been, Rick. It must be very tough to go through this! Hang in there. We have your back.
"Keep Going. Never Give Up" - Spencer
"Have a little faith in yourself and watch the magic begin" - Ironboy
Plans for 2014:
Run for Women 5K, May 11
Ottawa Race Weekend 10K, May 24
"Have a little faith in yourself and watch the magic begin" - Ironboy
Plans for 2014:
Run for Women 5K, May 11
Ottawa Race Weekend 10K, May 24
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
That is such tough luck. Here's hoping that Rick is able to shake this off soon and be able to get back to both work and running.
2013
Get back to a regular exercise routine
Get back to a regular exercise routine
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Wow, was just wondering what happened to him. That sucks. I wish him all the best.
2012 Bread and Honey 5k: 27:30
2012 Harry Rosen 8k: 45:20
2012 SL10k: 52:55
2013 Army Run: 1:58:49
2011 Midsummer's Night Run 15k: 1:35:17
2013 ATB 30k - Coming up!
2011 Scotia TWM Full: UGH! I'll post my next one
-
- Lynn Williams
- Posts: 17817
- Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2008 9:13 pm
- Location: B.C.
Re: An update on Rick Ball - he's having a tough time
Sad to read this.
Sending tons of orange vibes to Rick. Speedy recovery!!!
Sending tons of orange vibes to Rick. Speedy recovery!!!
On the books for 2017:
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
50th Birthday!!
Boston Marathon- April 17th what a day- DREAM COME TRUE
Run for Water 10K- May 28th
Scotia Half - June 25th
Trail River Run half marathon- Sept. 30- CANCELLED
MEC 10K Race 10- Nov. 5
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