Hard decision made....

Emotions are raw so forgive me...

After 2 weeks back on the roads, I attempted 18 miles this morning to see how the leg would do.  First of all, the wind was brutal and we ran into it, up hill for most of the run.  Typical!  So with one element already working against us, the pace was slow although it felt like we were doing 7 min miles!

My first 9 miles felt good.  The calf was slightly tight but good.  And that's where the positive ends.

The furthest I had run during the week was nine so as soon as we clicked 9.01, I felt my ankle and the pace slowed!  The "Hail Marys" began and after about a mile and a half, a voice in my head started to say, "defer, defer, defer".  Message heard & received.

I will not be running Houston next month.  Period, the end.

Right now, I don't know what the future holds for me & Boston.  Maybe it was a pipe dream and the closest I can hope for is as a spectator.  Maybe tomorrow I'll have a better attitude and perspective.  Right now, I'm just frustrated & I'm going to allow myself that.

I know I have a lot to be thankful for and proud of as far as my accomplishments this year.  My mind is telling me this but my heart hurts.

Thanks to my group for the support and words of encouragement this morning.  I hope you can forgive the stinky attitude.

Found this image.  Message heard & received!

Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe that the end of 2014 is here.  I, like so many used the Facebook collage to show what happened over the past year.  When Facebook put together the pictures for me, it became apparent that my year was pretty much filled with running, A LOT of running!

Its no wonder that injury is rounding out my year.  It was bound to happen.  Here's where I'm at....

I have been back on the roads for 2 weeks now.  The first week was slow, just wanting to test things out and see how I felt.  I did pretty well until the Saturday run.  The ankle pain came about a quarter mile left to the run.  I was pretty bummed and tried to listen to the wise people around me that said, I may need to think of a Plan B & be okay with it not working out in Houston.  Stubborn that I am, I wasn't willing to say okay, yet.

So on to this week, so far so good.  I have tried to pick up the pace and the distance but not over do it.  I have 2 more days this week with longer distances so we'll see how it goes.

On another note, Merry Christmas everyone!  It was a wonderful day today & I hope yours was too!  I know I have said it before, but on the day of the birth of our Savior, I reflect on just how blessed I am and thankful for all you in my life.  So, thank you for supporting me & cheering me on!

Off to bed before tomorrow's run!
Wish me luck!

The other side of the street.....

So its the end of the 2 week hiatus & I have to be honest, it has been rough.  My emotions were high & spirits were pretty low.  Runner depression, definitely a real thing.  So, what did I do on my last day of not running.....

I spent the day supporting those that have supported me.  It was so important to me that I do what I could for the guys that have given me so much of their time.  I know they run with me because they need to run anyway but they don't have to.  I am so much slower than they are but Saturday after Saturday they have met me before sun is up, mapped out the courses, dropped water and been my support, so now it was my turn.

There was a chance of rain so we were worried not about how it was going to be for spectators but for the runners.  Its funny but when I look at the weather forecast, I'm always thinking about how it will affect a run. So, we prayed that it would hold off & by race time, it was.  It was muggy & the streets were slick with condensation but no rain.

The first stop on the course for A & I was Mile 5. We got there a few minutes before the Elite runners & just in time to see Meb Keflezighi & Ryan Hall.  I was like a teenage girl at a One Direction concert (I think teenage girls like them, right).  Here are the pictures I got of them both, at least I think this is a picture of Meb & I promise it is Ryan.  I was so excited I couldn't keep the camera still.

So that was cool but what was really cool was all the everyday runners out doing what they love, trying to meet a goal or shooting for a PR.  We had so many friends out on the course, I was truly honored to be able to see them at different points on the course.  They all did amazing!  I am so proud of them all.  One didn't feel prepared but finished strong and never let up.  Another hadn't run a marathon in 14 years and PR'd by almost an hour.  And I'm happy to say, they crossed the finish right before the rain came.  I can't say the same for those of us on the spectating side of the street.  We  weren't as lucky but I wouldn't have changed a thing.  I had a blast!

While I had a great time, next time I plan to be on the street instead of the sidewalk.  Training started again today!

Wish me luck!

Benched for 2 weeks

“You must listen to your body. Run through annoyance but 

not through pain.” ~Dr. George Sheehan

Not really sure what to say.  So I did the right thing and saw the doctor.  No stress fracture appeared on the x-ray.  I left with exercises & stretches to do at home.  Told to ice & re-tape my leg before my long run.  I left feeling optimistic that things were going to be fine as long as I did what I was told.  I ran a Thanksgiving Day run with the Running Club from the kid's school.  Had a great time and was looking forward, although a little nervous, to Saturday's 18 miles.

We started out great, fast as always but I felt good.  I made it through mile 10 so I was starting to relax.......and then we hit the 14 mile mark.  It felt like someone took a sledgehammer to my ankle!  Thank goodness we had a water stop a mile later!  I took my time stretching and procrastinating if I'm being honest.  

The doctor told me, if it hurts run faster.  Sounds crazy but it worked.  Either that or I was just so focused on getting it over with that my mind refused listen to the pain.

I went home and immediately foam rolled & iced.  I was being a good girl for once and doing what I was told.  Yep, it must be serious if it comes down to this.  However, I couldn't stay off my feet for the day.  I promised shopping with mini me and by the end of our excursion I was pretty much limping.  Not good.....

I had a follow up appointment on Monday to see how the week went.  I was not looking forward to this discussion & in my heart knew what I was going to be told.  It still may not be a stress fracture but it definitely is worse than it was a week ago and I had a decision to make.  Or should I say, I came to a compromise....because what I was told wasn't an option!

No running for 2 weeks!  No boot camp for 2 weeks!  

Here's what I can do:

Swim - have you met me?!  Not going to happen

Bike - don't own one & John's has a flat......

Continue to Foam Roll & Ice - these I will do!

Right?!

Wish me luck!