My December visits to Hawaii rarely begin as planned. Last year’s end fizzled when some crazy virus got between me and the Hawaii Kai Ultra Run.

This year, a 5 a.m. walk across the room to the coffeemaker changed my running schedule for the next six weeks. I stubbed my baby toe (otherwise known as the fifth digit) on a chair leg.

I stub my toes every now and then and it is usually my big toe. That stings and aches for a bit and then I forget about it. This was not the case on my 5 a.m. coffee walk last week.

Expecting the sensitivity to stop, I first thought I would run, then abandoned that when it was too uncomfortable. Instead, I joined my husband on his walk around Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo. Returning home, I could see some swelling.

The following morning, after surveying my toe, now the shade, size and shape of a pink bubblegum wad, we were off to Queen’s Urgent Care. Checking in, I was given some papers to fill out. Then, the receptionist pulled it back saying, “Never mind. We have you in the system.” Right, I have made a stop or two here over the last few years.

After a brief wait, I was called back for an x-ray and diagnosis; my toe was fractured and I could anticipate a 3-month period for complete healing.

I left Queen’s with a referral to the orthopedic clinic, a shoe-type boot to protect the toe, instructions to prohibit running, walking, hiking for the next six weeks and to stay off the foot in general.

The following morning at the orthopedic clinic, they agreed with the recommendations from Queen’s, but modified that perhaps – just perhaps I could get back to running a week or two sooner, depending on how I heal. They also reiterated complete healing will be 3+months.

Until my follow-up appointment for a second x-ray in a month, I’m doing my best to follow instructions, helping, from a seated position with planned holiday festivities and throwing in some stretching and seated upper body work.

Trying to be positive, although I will most surely miss the Hawaii Pacific Health Women’s 10K on January 26, I am cautiously optimistic for the Great Aloha Run on February 17.

I’ll leave you with some photos from a trip when I was mobile enough to venture onto these landscapes. And in an even cheerier vein, while I am off my feet, I’m on this lovely Island of O’ahu to enjoy the mountains, the sea and the beautiful company.