Physical Therapy - Reward for running

By feeling good throughout the day, you become an instrument of peace, and it's through this channel that you eradicate problems. - Dr. Wayne Dyer

I have to laugh, since when people see my boot for the first time, they always ask "What happened?"  My answer is "I attempted to run a Marathon, this is my reward."  Ok, so maybe I should say I completed a marathon....but we shall leave that discussion for another day.  Usually the comment comes with a chuckle from both parties and if they ask, I give them the story of the actual marathon and my training for it.

Well today started another phase of getting out of this lovely boot.  Physical Therapy.....I had some mixed emotions.  Not because I have grown to love this thing, cuz lets face it, I have not.  Can't wait to be able to be normal again. (and by that I mean walking without a black boot, since we all know I'm far from normal)  But there is still a considerable amount of pain with the boot off.....and PT means I have to spend more time out of it.

Physical therapy today did not consist of a lot of torture, mainly because some of the things she wanted to do she couldn't since pain was already there.  Did the whole conversation of "how did it happen" and "where does it hurt".  She poked and prodded and checked my range of motion and flexibility.......(Focus people, this is not a dream I had, I'm talking about PT here...heehee)

She had me walk to the other side of the room and sort of giggled as I was coming back and commented how it was obvious I was favoring one side and carefully placing my right foot down.  I tried walking as "correct" as possible despite the pain.  She then went over 4 different stretching exercises that I am to do each day to get the range of motion in my ankle and to help my calf, which btw, is now smaller than my left leg...LOL
Finished off with some ultrasound on the bottom of my foot and that was it.  Quick and easy....We scheduled our next few appointments and as I was leaving I was noticing my foot really hurt (something it rarely did while the boot was on)  She sort of laughed and said, "Ya, I'm sure he's not too happy with me right now"....I said imagine how pissed he is at me, I brought him here. (yes, I was just talking about my leg as he, I know, very funny....insert sarcasm)
Its going to be an interesting next couple of weeks/months.  Its not as bad as a few years ago when I was in sick in the hospital for weeks, lost most of my definition in my legs and had to "re-train" to walk again after about 2-3 months.  I can at least walk, just with pain....Just need to take it slow, I'm in no hurry....

In the last 2 weeks I got the opportunity to dog sit.  Some have joked I should open up my own little service with the amount I do.  But when you're single its not like I have a family to look after, so when people go out of town, guess who is first on their list?  Well, I have no idea who is, but somehow they all say no and the bottom of the list comes me....heeheee, ok, kidding.  First week were 2 Black Labs and a cat....after that were 2 Westies and a cat.  Luckily the house with the Labs has a fenced in backyard, that way I do not have to walk them (or should I say, they would not have to walk me with my boot)  They are all pretty well behaved....for the most part  :-)  But what they really are is all spoiled....I almost want to come back in my next life as a dog.

Next PT appointment is Friday,what a way to kick off the weekend.  One step closer to running again....well, at least walking again.  :-)

Until next time....

Dash for Donation 5k

Once you run out of excuses you can then become the person you were meant to be. - Unknown

Saturday was the Lifeline of Ohio - Dash for Donation 5k.  I had signed up to support Team Noah Man before my injury was diagnosed and despite the boot, I decided to go out and join them in the event, since after all we were just walking.  Here is an article from Saturday's Columbus Dispatch featuring the family.
The purpose of the day was to promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation and to encourage Ohioans to join the Ohio Donor Registry and give the “Gift of Life.”

I can honestly say I can't remember the last time I did a 5k.  These types of things are more fun with groups of people, since I can run 3 miles anywhere without paying an entry fee.
While we arrived, I headed off to see if I could find a friend of mine, Marc, who had his own team and walking the 5k.  I went to college with him and his wife.  He had a kidney transplant in 2000 and is currently going through dialysis.  It was great seeing them, albeit, for the short time as I went back to find the rest of the team at the "start line".

The morning started off with a Kids Dash with the Mascots.  Was pretty neat and surprisingly only saw one kid bite it.  But it was cool to watch the mascots form a wall to make sure he didn't get trampled on (at least more than he already had)


Kids Dash with the Mascots

So we start on our way, a nice leisurely stroll around downtown Columbus.  Weather was amazing and it was a lot of fun.  But, damnnnnn, it felt like I was out there all day. I missed seeing the first mile marker and after about a half hour I didn't think it would ever end.  We finally came up to mile 2 and people were asking the old "are we almost there" question.  Definitely a lot different than "running" a race.  I can also see why its much easier to run than walk.  You finish a lot quicker....heehee


Alan, Phil, Mark and I....I guess I got the boot, they got the kids


I got a lot of comments on the boot, which I couldn't really hide.  I had 3 strangers take pictures of me along the way.  One of them passed me and said that she had to take a picture to send to her husband and show him how lazy he was.  The next thanked me for being out there on one good leg.....But the last one was the funniest (for me at least)  I heard some giggling and someone mentioning how they couldn't believe I was walking with that on.  Well, a few seconds later the woman comes up and told me "she had to take a picture of my boot to send to her friend".  I smiled and responded by saying "it's ok I know you were only taking a picture of my butt".  Her friend started laughing and she bit her tongue and started blushing.  Hey at this point in the morning I needed a chuckle and thanked her for providing it.

We finally made it to the end.  It's weird, I definitely had some mini flashbacks from Cleveland.  Felt like I was walking for hours.  Ended up going to Bob Evans for some brunch and I headed back for an afternoon cat nap.  (I think it was deserved)


Myself, Dana, Hillary & Mark close to the finish



184 participants for Team Noah Man....Where's Waldo


I'm definitely feeling the affects of the "race" right now.  My lower legs and feet are pretty sore and all I did was walk.  LOL  But it was fun and for a great cause.
Goal for this week is to figure out when my physical therapy starts.

Until Next Time.....

I actually RAN today!!!!

In the end everything will be fine, if everything is not fine, then it is not the end! - Keith Cameron Smith

 

JUST kidding……I mean, I technically did "run", but it was in my head, in a dream.  Of course I knew it was a dream since well, I've got this on me.  Being injured and wearing a boot hinders the whole running thing.  Here is me and my friends daughter, who recently broke her ankle, so the two of us hopped around her brothers soccer game while I was in Cleveland hanging out.

Meaghan and I

 

Well it’s been awhile…..for a lot of things.  48 days since I have laced up the shoes and ran.  24 days actually wearing this stylish black boot on my leg.  Been 21 days since I last blogged and I've only sporadically checked others, which bums me out since I've learned I enjoy it.  Has been about the same time since I have done anything productive, as far as activity wise and frustrates me.  Part of me can’t get focused and other part tries to make excuses I suppose.

 

I have managed to keep myself busy and like everyone, looks back and thinks….Man, where did the time go.

 

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I spent 2 weekends in Cleveland volunteering at the area prison.  A friend of mines mom founded a non profit group called Wings Ministry.

The goal of the Wings Ministry is to connect spouses, caregivers and children of inmates with the nurturing and supporting relationships of Christian people in local churches. (ok, so I copied that from the site...lol)

It's really an eye opening experience.  We start out with games with the inmates and their children/families until everyone arrives and gets settled in.  There are songs from the prison band and interaction from everyone.  After that they act out a story from the bible.  Everyone participates, which is one of the "rules"  So the kids and families and volunteers get picked from the crowd and dress up for the story.  Once that is complete, the director speaks with the families while the kids and their dads go to the tables that are set apart so they can spend some "arts and crafts" time.  They can make cards together, decorate cookies, make necklaces out of cheerios and pretzels.  This is that part I enjoy, just watching them interact and seeing the joy in their eyes, doing something so simple.  Once that is finished we get into groups and have pizza and cookies, with at least one volunteer per table.  Spending time talking, answering questions and relaxing.  After dinner is cleared up we grab a bag and everyone gives one person at the table a new "outfit".  Creativity, with only newspaper, ribbon, paper plates and odds and ends.  It sounds corny, but its pretty fun.

Watching them leave is the hardest part.  Not a dry eye in the place.  In a way its hard to actually "explain" everything that goes on, some of which almost has to be experienced I guess. (if anyone gets the chance, come check it out)  Here is the website:

 

Was able to spend some time with most of the Cleveland 10 Miler girls, which was awesome.  It was sort of a way to celebrate some birthdays that happened in the past few weeks, mine being one of them…..I’m not a big birthday person, at least when it comes to me.  I’m all about everyone else’s and yes, that may be hypocritical, but that’s life…heehee  Heck, if it were not for facebook I’m not sure how many people would have known when mine was anyway.  But that’s fine, as I have been told, we all need our special day.  The less time the spotlight is shining, the better.  Dinner with friends is perfectly fine way to celebrate.



Mellisa, Me, Deb, Kim and Nell



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I've spent the last week animal/housesitting.  Watching animals can be fun and frustrating all at the same time.  Cats, pretty easy, low maintenance.  Dogs, they are like kids.  Need to schedule everything around them.  Everywhere in the house you go, they go.  Plus they have yet to learn to speak English.  I mean, hellooooo, isn't that what Rosetta Stone is for, to learn to speak new languages?  Have they not come out with a dog version?  LOL

Luckily my friends have a back yard, so I can let them outside rather than walk them around the neighborhood, since I'm pretty sure one of the labs would drag me around.  But it's like a mini vacation.  Of course, it's still in Ohio, I still have to go to work, just a different place to sleep.  Ok, never mind, not like a vacation. 

 

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I had a follow up with the Doctor this week.  I didn’t expect the worst, but also knew this little thing called pain was still there when I am without the boot, so nothing he said really shocked me.  The boot stays on….for now.  He has a plan.  He wants me to slowly work my way out of the boot, and no, that doesn’t mean I attempt to take it on or off like an 80-yr old w arthritis.  Starting next week, each day I take time without the boot, working my way up to a full day.  Both the stress fracture in the right leg and the stress reaction in the left leg were tender but the pain when he poked around was minimal.  The foot however hurts like H E double hockey sticks….(That would be ‘hell’ for you non spellers)  J

He is starting me on physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscles in and around the foot.  I also need to get some sort of orthopedics or special padding for my shoes, especially if I am going without the boot.

So no plans of training, in regards to running.  But I can still daydream and look ahead.  I may or may not search the sights to find any cool half marathons or triathlons when I get bored.

 

****

Speaking of running, I will be participating in a 5k tomorrow.  The Lifeline of Ohio Dash for Donation.  I signed up before I was injured and this little thing won't stop me.  Now before you get any crazy ideas of yelling at me, I am NOT running.  I will however be walking (or hobbling, however you classify it)

Worst case it was brought up that they would get me a wheelchair and my buddy would push me the whole way along with his kids.  Told them I would pass on the wheelchair, as funny as that would be.  It's for a good cause and with some good friends.

Here is an article about the family and the race.

 

****

I’m also using my “down time” towards reading.  I guess it helps when there is nothing but crap on to watch on TV, but I feel more productive this way.  I was about to start another Myles Monroe book and I’m itching to read Rex Crain’s new book, but I came across another book and started reading “The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking” by “Norman Vincent Peale“   It’s actually a great book so far and highly recommend it.

 

Yes, it sucks being injured.  Yes, it sucks wearing this boot.  But hey, it could be a lot worse.  It could be broke and have to be on crutches....It could be permanent.  The world does not stop, so you have to adjust.  I know it will be awhile before I am able to run again, but it’s all good.  Doesn’t stop me from planning my next race (which yes, I have looked into)  Granted, another marathon is not in my foreseeable future.  If someone put a gun to my head and asked when that would be, I would have to say 2013 at the earliest.  There’s always fun races as well as triathlons that are ahead before that.

 

I’ve at least gotten a plan of sorts, for a few things.  While it still sucks to drive by seeing everyone run, I don’t “have” to run.  I’ve found that I do actually enjoy it though, so coming from a swimmer, its weird to say.

 

Life doesn’t always go according to plan…..But that’s ok.  You need something to rock the boat every now and then.

 

Until next time…….

 

Side Note...Special thanks to my friend Kim who FORCED me to blog today.  Yes that's right, made me....and yes, by force, I mean suggest that just because I am not running doesn't mean I should stop blogging.  My blog was a way to hold me accountable during marathon training, as well as get me out of my comfort zone.  So since I currently have no race to look forward to, I can still hang out "outside of my comfort zone" and write about others things (as boring as it may be)  :-)

Of course she also threatened to physically harm my other leg if....ok, ok, ok, I'm just playin around.  Heehee  thanks

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it...

Difficulties are meant to rouse you, not discourage you. The human spirit is meant to grow stronger by conflict. Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records. Today let your test become a testimony and your pain become your power! Invite adversity in. Always remember....A wounded deer leaps the highest. - Rex Crain

The phrase “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is used a lot and growing up I heard it playing sports. (Yes, for you sticklers out there, I know “ain’t” is not a word…lol)

Whether it was playing basketball and shooting the ball the "correct" way, or having the "correct" stance in baseball while in the batters box.  If it worked, I saw no reason to mess with it, despite a few coaches thinking otherwise.  Maybe that’s why at a certain point in High School I stopped playing those sports.  I didn’t want to “fix it”. (or maybe I just wasn’t any good…haha)  Same went with swimming.  I went with what worked for me, but realized in college I couldn’t do that all the time.  When the coach said to do it this way, it was a rough adjustment, since what I was doing WAS actually working, just not fast enough.  So if I wanted to get better, I had to “fix it”.  Of course it would usually work, but thats another story.

 

When it comes to body parts….you gotta fix it whether it's broke or not.  I had my appointment with the sports doctor last week and the X-Rays were clean, despite the pain.  So this week I had my bone scan.  Went to the hospital to the Nuclear Medicine department for my test.  First off, as I joked on facebook earlier in the week, I have never heard of “Nuclear Medicine” being a part of the hospital.  I meant, I always figured nuclear was something that blows up in a bomb….hey, as those that know me, I never CLAIM to be smart.  :-)

I arrive on time and as I’m sitting with the front desk person going over information she informs me that I’m going to head to the back and they take some pictures and inject some dye in me.  Then I am to come back in 3 hours for the bone scan.  Well, the look on my face and the fact I said, “I’m sorry, what was that” seemed to confuse her. 

Receptionist - Did you not know that?  

Me - Gee, what part of my facial expression or comment gave it away. 

Receptionist - (after giggling at my comment) They should have told you when you made the appointment…Do you want to reschedule?

I laughed and said that was fine.  Granted it was a bit annoying, but it made it worse that that day may have been the busiest at work for me.  At this point I needed to know what was going on with my body and delaying would just drag things out, as well as frustrate me more than I already was.

As most things usually do, it all worked out ok (Hence the reason I find it silly to stress out over things you can't control)

 

Wednesday arrives and I have my follow-up with the sports doctor to find out if I won the lottery (ok, so maybe just for the results of the tests).  He comes in smiling asking how I am, and of course in my usual sarcastic self tell him that I’m great, just figured I stop by because I’m bored…lol

He takes out the chart and the first thing he says to me is “well, you have a lot of things going on here.”

Going into this, I was obviously hoping nothing would be wrong.  But as each day passed, the pain kept getting worse and worse.  It was annoying to walk and I also was failing miserably in “hiding” my limp.  The past week more and more people were noticing and asking what happened, what's wrong, why you limping...

Now in the same sense, while I hoped nothing was wrong, I was at the point where I sorta hoped he didn’t say I was fine, because obviously I’m not. (no comments from the peanut gallery from those of you rolling your eyes at that one…lol)

Started with the foot…..good news, there is no stress fracture that showed up.  I immediately put my head down and said that’s not really good news.  He actually said he understood what I meant.  But for the bottom front of my front and top side of my foot, I have something called metatarsalgia, which is severe bruising of the bones.  Then he threw me a curveball.  I also have a stress fracture in my lower leg above my ankle, which confused me, since I really didn’t have any pain there.  That is, until he started poking around to feel….ya, funnnnn.  Right leg completed and said that it will need a boot and to stay off of it until further notice.

And just for fun, to throw a little twist in….now to the left leg.  I knew I had been having some issues w/my leg giving out on me recently and I thought it was my LCL, but my ligaments seemed fine.  He said that I have a stress reaction in my fibula, below the knee.  Seems a stress reaction is not a fracture, but a precursor to one.  I guess meaning that if my stubborn self kept running, it probably would have turned into a fracture.  Of course I had no plans to run, since it hurt just to walk.  Now lets be honest here, if I had no pain walking and just had a bit while running, I would have kept going….heehee  I mean I did I have pain at times even before the marathon but still went through with that.  He did actually ask if I had any plans to run, which I thought he was trying to be funny.  (For those of you wondering....the answer to that question is a hellll no)

 

So here is my new fashion attire.

 

I’m going to be sporting this for awhile.  It even has the Dee Brown "Pump it Up" part...Not sure it would make me able to dunk a basketball though...lol.....I go back in 3 weeks for another follow up.  If my left leg gets worse, he is leaning towards adding a boot to that leg as well.  JUST DANDY, maybe I should grab some bunny ears, a big red nose and a long tail so I stick out even more.  Have I mentioned I don’t like attention???  But as my friend Kim mentioned to me….The spotlight makes me shine. (Not sure I believe her)  Well, a lot of times my redheaded fair skinned self just likes to stay in the shade.  Teehee

I'm not alone and have had permission to vent at times.  One of the most cheerful and upbeat people I have ever met, Morgan, has a stress fracture which kept her out of running the Cleveland Marathon sent me a message and said she heard that we're twins now.  I told her I wanted to be just like her.  Unfortunately she has been a trooper for 14 weeks now....Hey Morgan, since your's is your left leg, do you want mine so you can have a matching set?  :-)

Of course at this point I may start to carry flyers around with me, that way when someone comes up to me and says “Oh my, what happened to you?”….I could give them the flyer and save both of us the time….hahaha  Ok, that didn’t mean to come off as rude.  The amount of people that have asked that is rather funny actually.  A lot of it is my fault since I spent so much time trying to hide the limp people didn’t see that much wrong with me over the last few weeks.  Heck, alot of people didn't even know I ran a marathon.

I'm kind of going with the flow for now.  I make jokes to make light of everything and have heard a few people tell me I'm awfully chipper for having this thing on.  Well, first off, it could be alot worse, it's only a boot.  Granted, it's annoying, but I'll live.  Second, I think having the past 3 weeks to "deal with it" has helped soften the blow since I sorta expected it.  Ya, it sucks that I won't be able to run just as the weather gets nice along with having the chance to run with some really great friends.  But I'll get over it, I always do, life goes on.  I'm used to it.

 

Right now I’m allowed to swim, as long as I don't push off the walls.  Luckily I’m like a fish out of water.  I just need to get back into the mindset I had, since I have not done anything as far as working out in about 2 weeks so I don't want to fall into the "lazy stage".  I don’t specifically have anything to “look forward to” as far as a specific event, and possibly won’t do another event in 2011.

 

There's always next year...lol   Ok, so it's really not that bad.  Just got thrown a curveball by the man upstairs and how it goes for the next few months is how I swing at the curve.  I can sulk and whine....and swing and miss....or figure out a way to go with it and work around da boot....and hit it out of the park.

 

Until Next Time…

The need for more....

"Let go of your need to have more. When you stop needing more of everything, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life. Since you're detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realize how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace." - Dr. Wayne Dyer

So this won't necessarily be about me and running, since well, there has been none of that lately.  I do however have an appointment in the morning with a sports doctor at Max Sports Medicine, so we shall see what bad news he has in store for me.  (Ok, Ok, I know, I know...positive thoughts...but as each days goes, the pain worsens and the optimism seeps away.)

Reading a friends blog got me thinking and it's only fitting that I saw this quote today from Wayne Dyer.  My friend Beau is a teacher and recently blogged about some stories from his first year teaching in the "suburbs" after years of teaching in the "ghetto" (not sure if that is politically correct or not or even the proper term, but let's just say it's not somewhere you want to hang out at night).  Now there is a difference in school systems between inner city and the suburbs, but the goal is still the same.  Reach out to as many kids as you can and help them learn and grow.  Beau is the type of person who wants to get to everyone, reach everyone and help them all.  If even one fails, I think he looks on it as a failure in himself.  I have always mentioned to him to look for the positives, even as small as they may be.  Sure, it would be great to get the whole class to "get it".  But rather than be disappointed when the whole class doesn't, be proud in the few that get it.  Revel in that small success....Why let the accomplishment of what you just did, be ruined in wanting more.
Now granted I am not a teacher (unless a year of majoring in elementary education in college and a semester partial student teaching counts, which of course it doesn't...lol), but as a teacher your success is not based on how many A's your kids get.  In my opinion success is about touching someones mind and making a difference in their lives.  Doesn't have to be everyone, even one kid would be a "success".

In my ramblings, I guess where I am going is that we always seem to want more.  But why is that?  More success, more money, more toys, more free time, more wins for our sports teams.  Sometimes people don't take the time to step back and appreciate what they have accomplished or what they have.
People get success and immediately they want more.  Is it because of egos?  Is it selfish?  People get money and immediately want more.  Is it greed?  People get free time and immediately want more.  Rather than enjoy the time they just had, they tend to forget about it and quickly just wish for more.  Even with sports teams.  Our favorite team wins a game, but rather than enjoy the victory, the thinking goes to the next game and having to win that or it won't be good enough.  The season ends and rather than look at the positive, people tend to wish they did better.
I'm not trying to sound hypocritical.  Don't get me wrong, wanting more is good.  I'm not saying to just settle and be happy....We always need to push ourselves, set a goal to strive for.  We need to always push ourselves to learn and grow as a person.  Let's face it, if you aren't growing, you are not living....We need to learn to not settle, something I have trouble doing myself. 
BUT along the way we need to realize that this IS our only chance at this thing called life and in order to enjoy it, we need to avoid getting caught up in "always" wanting more and step back and appreciate what you have once you get it.  Sometimes realizing that makes all those little annoyances that go on in our life seem irrelevant.

Live life, love life....Once it's over, what you have doesn't really matter...It's not about you, but about the lives you've touched.

Until next time....

May in Review...

There is real power in being thankful and appreciative. When you express appreciation, not only does it empower the people who hear your words, but it also releases joy inside of you. You'll find whatever you will praise, you will raise! Who will you empower & raise today with your words? - Rex Crain

May has come and gone which comes with mixed emotions.  Since January, the focus has always been on the marathon.  Making it there, then finishing.  Now that the calendar has turned to June, there is alot of "what's next" and uncertainty.  Next was supposed to be a Triathlon, but that is on hold.
Since this is my first "Month in Review" that I decided to do this year, I wasn't sure how to go about it.  Didn't want to just copy anyone elses, although I thought about it....lol

The first week ended with the Cap City Half Marathon w/Marla, which was the final test.  Pass it and be clear to attempt the marathon.  Fail and well, that thought was being blocked out....but as you can read here, I thankfully passed.

Week Two was what we had been planning for months.  The Cleveland Marathon....You can read about it here (for those that have not, be careful it's long and may put you to sleep....lol)  While the day did not go as planned, the most important part was finishing.  I also have to remember that up until May 15th, I had NEVER run more than 13.1 miles at once.  I also had never run more than 25 miles in a week, so being able to "whip through" 26.2 miles in one day was pretty cool and I'm kinda proud of it.  Heck the day was still awesome, the weekend was awesome.  I was able to meet alot of new people, put some faces to some names.  And in the end I was able to help a great friend of mine accomplish what she missed out on last year....The finish line.

Week Three was recovery week.  There were no plans to run and lets be honest, if you had told me at the beginning of the month that I'd be able to WALK this week, I would have been estatic.  Other than soreness, I felt fine and ended the week with an 8 mile run in Antrim Park.  I really wondered if it could be that good.  Well, there was obviously no wood around when I thought that, so I could not knock on any....

Final week was realization week.  I realized that the pain would not go away.  It was supposed to be a bruise.  Granted I have to be honest, I knew I had some minor things (or major but I was not letting it stop me, or tell anyone) during the final weeks.  Later in the week, the leg started to give out every so often, partially because I was favoring that side.  So now I'm trying to figure out how to walk on my hands, since both limbs are not cooperating.  Week 3 I followed the "post race" program and rested.  Week 4 I couldn't just sit around so I got back in the pool.  Got a mile in one day, 2 miles the next time and 3 miles yesterday.  At least I don't feel completely useless.  Although I did have to focus on the turns, since pushing off was not fun...LOL...

But the month is over....Winter and spring have come and gone.....

And for you Cleveland 10 miler girls, don't think I didn't notice that we were not able to run together all month....hmmmm, how am I supposed to enjoy running without your smiling faces, awesome personalities and little hotties to run with...   :-).

For now it's a wait and see approach.  I probably need to suck it up and see a doctor, since it is starting to hurt just to walk.  I spoke with a friend of mine who runs and bikes alot and has had his fair share of injuries.  He gave me advice on his thoughts and his "diagnosis".  He's NOT a doctor, but he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last weekend, so his info is good. (ok, someone I know reading this giggled) 
But I know my stubborn self has to do something about it.  I have ditched my plans to do a triathlon in 2 weeks, but still hoping to do 1 or 2 by the end of the year.  I guess the injury gives me time to focus on myself, becoming a better person.
So for awhile, rather than spending my time on the trails (since the weather FINALLY gets nice out), I'll be in a pool.  Nothing wrong with that though, luckily the pool is my first love.  Heehee

After finishing "The Long Run", I need to start on my next book.  Either a Myles Monroe, Rex Crain, John Mason or Rex Crain book...will have to see.  Anyone have any suggestions on an inspirtational or uplifting or spiritual book??

No matter what happens....I'm learning to be appreciative for the things I have in my life and the people that I get to share it with....It's been a rough past few days but no matter what I'm thankful that I went through it all.  It's not about me, but about those whose life you are able to touch.

Until Next Time.....

The week after.....What's next

True genius is the ability to make everything easy. Life is actually easy, but we as humans make it hard. A stroll in the park, a laugh with some friends, a black dress, white pearls, a black suite and white tie. Simplicity, carried to an extreme, becomes elegance! - Rex Crain

They say this is one of the hardest parts.  Yes, the training is tough, yes the actually 26.2 is tough, but what is toughest I think is the "after" part.  What to do next.  All of a sudden there is this uncertainty.  You almost feel that there is no purpose, nothing to strive for.  Because after the race is done the only thing you have left is to "rest and recover"  That's all I heard.  Doctor, friends, etc, etc....Hydrate, eat, rest and repeat.  Its like I'm in a shampoo commercial...All you have to do is just wash, rinse and repeat.  Well, there's only so much of that I can do.  (Not the shampoo part, since well, I shave my head...lol).  So all that is left to do is just think and well, to be honest, I already do plenty of that on my own, I don't need more time to ponder.

This past week flew by a lot faster than normal.  The fact that I was busy at work helped.  Not sure how much rest I got, although there was no gym time....

Saturday I decided to test out the wheels and go for a run.  It was a great morning to run and it seemed most of Columbus agreed.  Runners and bikers were all over the bike paths in Antrim.  I realized on my way there that I forgot my water, but knew I should be fine since the runners group usually puts water along the path and this was the case this time as well.

My plan was to take it easy, head out and see how I felt.  Then either turn around at mile 3 or keep trucking along to mile 4.  Decided to go to 4 and turn around.  The weather was just too nice and more importantly my body was responding well.  It's weird because I joked that I would be on crutches for a week after the marathon and here I am running.  Crazy, yet satisfying.  Made it back to the start and to my surprise there was a group gathered along the deck passing out free ice cream.  I mean, who passes up free ice cream.  I did at least get some water and stretched before succumbing to my temptations.  :-)

Later that night I headed to the Clippers game and I think the combination of the run and all that walking took a toll on my feet/legs and they felt a bit sore.  It's all good though, nothing a little rest and ice can't cure (at least that's what I'm telling myself...heehee)

This morning I got the urge to get back in the pool.  For the time being, I'm going to be safe and only run when I feel right, so to get other forms of cardio in, the pool comes a calling.  Nice quick and easy 1 mile swim.  Thought about doing another mile, but talked myself out of it....LOL

For now I'm still unsure what the immediate future holds.....I've been told, I'm still being noncommittal on my next step.  Yes, I am....I'd love to get back out there and do another marathon.  I accomplished my goal of finishing my first, now I want to run one....start to finish....Which of course would be Columbus in October.  But I also need to work on my weight, need to focus on my health and need to look at other things going on in my life.  As well as map out my long term Ironman goal. (2 years as of now if I had to decide) 

My friend Jodi has decided to get back out there and run the full marathon in Columbus, and worst case is I get to be at the finish line to watch her get her new goal.  Jenn and Marla are set to run the Half, along with a few other friends I know.  The Cleveland 10 miler girls are too good to run Columbus however......I'm teasin, I'm teasin....Deb will be attempting her first full marathon in Chicago a week earlier w/Mellisa by her side and I will be rooting them on. 

No matter what happens, I know the past 6 months or so have changed my life for the better....so moving forward just makes sense....

Until next time......