…..well maybe a little. But, the good news, is that I can, in fact, be put back together again!
When I was seen at a specialists urgent care clinic last week, I was told I should find a new workout & quit running forever. In my temper tantrum moment, I wish I would have asked him if sitting on the couch doing 12 ounce arm curls was an acceptable program. He did not listen to the symptoms I was experiencing. I felt as if he walked in with a decision made & that was that. He told me I had shin splints or a stress fracture – “Stop running. Get some crutches. Find a new workout.”
My desire was to get my script for physical therapy so that I could go see my therapist who has worked on me since high school. Most recently was after my full-marathon two years ago for my knee. I trust his opinion & expertise & I really just wanted him to evaluate me.
Yesterday I met with him & found out we can put me back together again & I can, in fact, run. Basically, I am a total mess in my left side from my hip down to the ridiculously high arch my foot has. Like total mess mixed with some tendonitis of my peroneal. Nothing is working correctly or together from my hip to my toes.
Really, here is the deal. If I want to be a runner; if I want to continue doing long distance races, I am going to have to put in the extra work. I was not gifted with the ideal body for a runner; clearly with my short legs, solid frame. From there, feel free to add in the mile-high arches my feet have along with zero flexibility & the amount of issues my hips have always caused me.
But, guess what? I could care less. Growing up, I was a softball pitcher & knew I wanted to be a pitcher from the day I started tee-ball. Over the years, it was always noted, that I could be a much better pitcher if I had a “pitchers body.” In other words, I needed longer legs for a better stride, I needed longer arms for a better arm whip & I needed longer fingers for my grips.
I did not have any of that. But, what I had was this:
*Determination
*Dedication
*Passion
*Drive
*Perseverance
*Persistence
*Heart
I was completely committed to out working my competition. I made sure no one worked harder than me. What I lacked in some areas, I made up for in others. I was not the fastest pitcher in the area, but I was one of the best because of these characteristics. I had the edge because I had control; I could trick you & make you chase a crazy curve ball; I could force you to hit the ball right at my best fielder on the diamond for the easiest out.
I worked hard because I loved it. There was something about standing in the circle with the ball & having complete control over the game that made me feel alive. I loved facing that challenge of the next pitch & knowing that it could change the outcome of the game & it was in my hands.
A few years ago I learned to fall in love with running. I loved the feeling I had driving forward putting one foot in front of the other. I loved the challenges it gave me every single time I laced up. I loved how much I learned to fall in love with my body again, for everything it was & everything it wasn’t.
Running gave me back life. It brought passion back into my life; a fire was lit.
So, if I have to put forth extra work to still lace up & chase something I love, I will. Because when it comes to running, I have the following characteristics that make up for what my body may lack from other runners:
*Determination
*Dedication
*Passion
*Drive
*Perseverance
*Persistence
*Heart
I am changing my game plan, I am changing the way I train. But, I will never give up on something I love that makes me feel alive.
Until Next Time~
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