7 weeks later...a bit of injury perspective

My 2.5 planned weeks off from running turned into a full 6 weeks off. Yes, the stress fracture in my right foot was the culprit.

My wise coaches and doctor told me I could swim or bike instead. And I flirted with the idea of swimming regularly (and even bought the athletic swim suit, cap, and goggles to do so). But I was quickly discouraged by how much effort it was to find a pool with lap swim hours conducive to my schedule. And my bike has seen more rust in the last 4 years than riding. Mostly though, I was just frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn't do the one thing I wanted to do...run! (So frustrated, I haven't felt the urge to update my blog until now.)

For the past six weeks I exercised very little indeed. And I'll admit that I began to feel angry, stressed out, and a bit sorry for myself. My hopes of completing my first full marathon went down the drain. It was unclear if I'd even be able to do a half marathon this season (as it now looks like I won't). Any of you runners out there will understand how upsetting this is, to be so driven to achieve your distance goal only to have your body protest.

But an unexpected positive has resulted from my time off my pesky right foot. I have had a whole new Team in Training experience, one that I'm sure I would have missed were I more focused on drumming out the miles. Manning water stops, I have seen fast and slow team members alike pounding the pavement for hours...with smiles on their faces. I got to hear a cyclist on the Burke Gilman trail shout out, "my mother thanks you!" when he saw our Team in Training sign. I have had the opportunity to talk with captains, mentors and participants and to learn more about their personal reasons for joining Team in Training. I have cried with teammates over loved ones lost. I have laughed with them whenever we had reason to. And I have been so touched with how many people consistently ask how I'M doing...even in the midst of completing a grueling workout. Most importantly, I have been reminded that the reason I joined Team in Training in the first place is because of the people and amazing mission to which we dedicate ourselves. For parents, for friends, for siblings, for children, for friends of friends, and for complete strangers...this team works hard each weak to train and fundraise. I see everpresent hope in my teammates' faces and increased tenacity in their fundraising, as we work together to fund blood cancer research.

I am humbled by this experience. I have learned that perhaps my positive attitude is too contingent on positive circumstance. I see more than ever that great things are happening through Team in Training. Brave and strong and compasionate people are pushing themselves everyday for the good of others. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to be amongst these people and to participate in the mission to end blood cancers forever.