The Inevitability of Injury

So I have been out of commission for about 3 weeks now. I have been suffering through what the doctors tell me is a heel spur. It is painful and swollen where the Achilles attaches to the bone. It's aggravating because the rest of me feels fine, until this injury starts to take its mental toll.

There are 3 categories of runners. Those who have been injured before, those currently injured and those who will be injured. It is the nature of the sport. We can blame it on the shoe companies for manipulating our running form with the style of shoes they offer. We can blame it on over training. We can blame it on not listening to our bodies. We can blame it on running from the street dog that looks like it wants to take a piece of your thigh. The truth is, injuries fall into all these categories plus many more. It is probably the worst part about running.

Not being able to run for the last 3 weeks has taken a toll on my spirit and emotions as well. It isn't that I am obsessed or addicted to running, but when something means a lot to you and is suddenly ripped away, it leaves a hole. Do you know what I mean? I have some really great days and other days I fake it. Some days I don't have the strength to fake it. But I have learned a few things about myself in this process.

1. My whole life is connected together. When one piece is out of whack it makes me "walk with a limp" metaphorically and literally speaking. I knew this before, I think. This experience just confirmed it.
2. It gives me the ability to encourage others. Some days it is sending a friend an email or catching up for lunch. It is going out to visit the running club even if I can't run just to show support. To stay engaged. My friend K told me that runners are very compassionate and understanding with each other because we have all been injured. It is something we all understand together. Encouraging others keeps me from throwing a pity party as well.
3. Lastly, it reminds me that my life is more than running. No doubt it is an important piece but my faith and family come before it. It helps me appreciate those things even more.

I will try to run a little tomorrow. I am probably about 90% better. I need to go give it a try and see how it feels. I know I have gained some weight back but not much. It's OK. We never "arrive" with running. We are always on a journey. I am way behind in training for the Bangkok Marathon but I will do my best and there are many running adventures to look forward to down the road.

Isaiah 40

Isaiah 40:28-31

⁸

²⁸ Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
³⁰ Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

My Body Hates Me

Not too much to report today. It was tough waking up and realizing I couldn't run. My back had just had enough. It was pretty sore from 9.56 miles on Sunday and swimming yesterday. Fair enough. Tomorrow maybe I'll do 1/2 hour swim and 1/2 hour run.

Sometimes we have to know when our bodies need rest and when to push through. Today, because of the location (lower back) I knew I had to give it a rest. It is important to learn your body and know the difference between wimping out and allowing yourself to heal. I still focused on nutrition today and am doing pretty good. Just because we can't accomplish the fitness part of the day, doesn't mean we throw in the towel right?

On a side note, I just finished a book by Andy Holgate. It is called Can't Swim, Can't Bike, Can't Run. It is the story of a regular guy who decides to see what he is made of. He ends up becoming an Ironman. Check out the story of this librarian and see what connects with you. Maybe your challenge isn't in an Ironman, but find that dream your chasing and go get it. God plants dreams in our hearts but it is up to us if we are willing to pursue it. We were made for a purpose and for different challenges.

Go get it.