As I sit here uncomfortable and in pain, I try to think back the whole way to Sunday which seems like it was ages ago. A half marathon. 13.1. 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 45 seconds. I’m not going to lie, when I look at my life 9 months ago, I wonder how I ever got to this point in my life. I couldn’t run at all, I never wanted to run, in fact, the last time I had run a mile was probably in high school for the presidential physical fitness test.
Yet on Sunday I ran 13.1 miles and I only walked for about 15 seconds. Some people go through life never accomplishing this goal, some people go through life thinking everyone that runs is crazy. I used to think that until I realized how awesome it also makes me feel. The switch takes a long time to occur but it happens and when it does it is almost like an addiction, however, a healthy addiction. When I run I feel the epitome of mindfulness, not mindfullness. I am in the zone and it allows me to concentrate fully on my breathing and to be in the moment. My worries leave, my stresses are released and it pulls in my focus.
Sunday was a life changing experience not only because of the event but the items leading up to the event and also the items after the event now. I did a good tapering up to the start of the event (or so I thought) but taking a week inbetween long runs and also cutting off exercising on Thursday. Saturday into Sunday I realized my hip was hurting with usual pain that I really haven’t felt in a long time, but there was no way I wasn’t running. The “never give up” attitude is a blessing and a curse to me. I am stubborn. Shocker, I know.
I finished that race, darn it, and in pretty good time I might add for a first half. Then the pain started, and it wasn’t just a normal soreness of running a distance. My hip and back pain started radiating into my calf as if I have a hurt nerve. Here I am on Wednesday still dealing with this pain and hoping that it subsides in order to get back to doing what I love sooner than later. I have made two visits to the chiropractor and I go back Thursday to see how it is doing. It hurts majorly to sit down, to drive, and to even reach down to tie my shoes. Piriformis muscle pull…literally a hurt butt. I will come back, however, and it will be stronger than before.
I’m not going to lie, I have let this get under my skin a little, but I am still staying my positive self. The whole “you don’t know what you got til it’s gone” is so true in this circumstance. It is killing me that I can’t exercise and that I should rest. I can’t take this whole rest for more than a day thing anymore. I feel so much like a slug, and it’s only been 3 days. I have been reminded that be glad I can still walk, which is what I needed to be honest. I ran 13.1 miles. Ran it. I have the ability and the means of my body to even do something which is what I should really be thankful for. It just stinks that it had to happen this way.
I’m not counting myself out at all. I’m giving myself time because that’s what this hip needs, and I am listening to my orders by not even working arms like I really want to. My Spartan race is in under 3 weeks which is killing me to even think about because it is something I have been preparing months for. I need to do that. I need to be in tip top shape for it, and my half the next weekend as well.
Other thoughts from half marathon day were nervousness. After all, my mom, dad, and brother had all come to support me. Add on top of it the surprise of my amazing boyfriend being there as well, I felt the pressure to do well which is pressure I place all on myself. The whole being in competition with no one but yourself is all I need to be honest. I’m not done yet by any means.
The weekend was amazing overall. Such support, love, and good times were had by myself, family, and my boyfriend. Oh, my boyfriend, have I mentioned how amazing he is? Because he is seriously one of the best things to happen to me in my life so far. I can’t really say enough about him.
Now starts the healing process. I reflect upon the past 9 months and I am incredibly humbled at what I have accomplished in such a short time with a little effort and consistency. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me in general with my whole life. I just love my life, which is what matters in the long run. This is a big speed bump for me, but it isn’t a road block. I’m not done yet.