I have forgotten how good it feels to run. How clear my mind becomes...how focused I am on my pace and my breathing. How strong my legs feel, shoot, how strong my whole body feels. I had also forgotten how good it feels to run PAIN FREE. That has been the most frustrating thing about this plantar fasciitis bull crap. My feet are KILLING ME, but I know I am still strong. I have been practicing Bikram Hot Yoga along with hot pilates AND with the occasional spin classes, and knowing that I am fit enough to run, but I just couldn't.
I had dreaded this mile. For the ones that have been injured and sidelined before, you know that mile. The "comeback mile". That mile that you aren't sure how it's going to go. The mile that could completely make your day or the mile that could break your heart all over again.
Nesin Therapy gave me the all clear to run last week (of course to SLOWLY get back into it), but I didn't do it. My first excuse was nervousness, anxiousness, and dread, so I didn't run Sunday or Monday, but then Tuesday morning I knew I was sick and took myself to the doctor, so that kept me from doing any kind of working out until Saturday's hot pilates class.
I felt guilty about putting it off, especially since I have this reminder when I walk in my door of my home. I have been a runner for 6 years now, and I haven't displayed my medals (well, some hung around my bedroom while others where shoved in a dresser drawer). David had been telling me that he wanted to place my medals somewhere. In December, I received a St Jude Heroes medal display holder for crossing the finish line of marathon #5, and then I received an Ainsley's Angels medal display holder from our Northeast Alabama Ainsley's Angels chapter. They are both so beautiful and were so thoughtfully given to me. When David started mounting them on the wall last week, I became sad and bitter. I thought that I would enjoy them there, but here I was, upset about it, but then again, they were empty. It was time to collect my medals and hang them up.
Once they were mounted, I started collecting the medals from the bedroom and whoa...I can't began to tell you the emotions I felt. So many HAPPY THOUGHTS. The first six medals that stuck out to me were my 5 Oak Barrel medals. Such great memories on such a beautiful course with great friends. Then, my Dizzy 50k medal from 2014. Never would I had thought I would complete a 50k, but I did. The Scottsboro Half in 2015 when I tried to break a sub 2 hour and had amazing friends that helped me try and even though I didn't make it, they still made me feel like a superstar. The 4 Bridges Half Marathon in Chattanooga: where I was an official pacer for the first time. My Ainsley's Angels race medals that provide SO MANY special memories of special people. The Hillbilly Half Marathon, I ran that thinking a race couldn't be any hillier or hotter. Numerous 5ks and 10ks. 29 Half Marathons. 5 Full Marathons, and 3 50ks. So many different stories that I don't have time to type out on here ( and I don't want to bore you with that anyway). :-)
I'm thankful David recommended putting this up because it once again reminded me that I am stronger than I think I am. I am a runner. Once a runner, always a runner.
I don't think of this as a "comeback" blog; I still have a long ways to go. I'm still in physical therapy, but now I am taking baby steps and can actually try running now, which I am thankful for. I really wanted to type this because 1) I am still on a runner's high from that mile! :-) and 2) All the medals brought back so many memories of fun days and wonderful friends.
Being sidelined for over two months with this type of foot pain has taught me a lot. I'm still very surprised how patient I have been and I am still being about this whole process. I don't want to rush it; I don't want THAT KIND foot pain again. I am doing what the doctors are telling me (which all runners understand how that can be tough to do) and I am SLOWLY easing back in, not rushing back in like I have done in the past.
I went ahead and signed up for a 5k (the Paperchase 5k) at the end of the month to keep on track and to motivate me to slowly train. Races have always been a favorite of mine, and they sure do keep me motivated.
My plan is for my next blog to be about the 30 Day Challenge at Bikram Yoga Huntsville. I love that place and how it's made me not only a stronger person, but a stronger runner. I also want to talk about all the stategies, exercises, and purchases that has helped ease my plantas fasciitis pain. Being a teacher AND a runner makes plantar fasciitis even more challenging to manage and overcome.
And...I'm done. Thanks for reading. :-)
Go for a run; it might change your life. <3 nbsp="" p="">
YOU CAN BE A RUNNER!
The main things it takes is a great pair of running shoes and a good training plan: don't do too much too quickly! As always, PLEASE message me if you have any questions. Here are a few links to help. As I mentioned in previous blogs, I HIGHLY recommend getting fitted for shoes at a local running store; everyone's running and walking gate are different and what shoes you own can really effect your running performance!
