Saturday, March 2, 2013

March 2

This morning I ran a 5K.  Although this wasn't my first, I have participated in a hand-full, this was the first since I have been actively trying to be a running enthusist.  Getting ready this morning I was so excited to immerse myself in the excitment of race day--the crowds, the music, the anticipation if accomplishment--the atmosphere of race day is a high.  I knew going in to this, that there was a bit of a 'bump in the road' for me.  A few weeks ago while running a five mile circuit, my right knee just had a little "pop".  Immediately, there was some pain and probably more fear, knowing that the potential of immense damage was possible.  One thing I knew for sure, the rate at which I was running was going to significantly decrease.  Needless to say, I have not run five miles since this, I can barely run a 5K without pain.  However, I wasn't going to miss the race.

I started out at a good pace, feeling good.  But then, not even a mile in, the pain began.  I immediately wondered if I would be able to finish.  As I began to get really discouraged, I found myself running a little harder so I wouldn't stop.  And then it happened.  The pain buckled in my knee and I knew I had to stop for a few minutes--luckily I had just come up to a set of steps so I stretched for a minute, walked a little further, and continued with my run.  I hadn't seen any mile markers for awhile but figured I was really slowing down, or I wasn't paying attention (although the combination basically hits the nail on the head, I am leaning more toward the latter).  My body felt like it was needing to be finished.  Just then, my friend caught up with me and asked, "do you want to sprint to the finish?" Quickly I answered "no", and was thinking "heck, I am barely making ti here, there is no way I am sprinting!"  and off I watched her go.  The finish was just around the corner, still out of sight.  My head began the playing my litany over and over, "you are stronger than your body...you are stronger than your body!"  As I brought my eyes up from the pavement, I saw it.  FINISH in huge red letters.  I don't know why, and I don't know from where the tears came, but they streamed. 

This is how I want my life to be.  I want to always be focused and encouraged that I can cross the finish line running.  I thought about Vivi, she will always be on the other side.  She completed her race in record time and is cheering me on to my Victory! Life has the ups and downs of the course, it has different road blocks, different delays and detours, but the Start and the Finish Line are always there.  St. Vivi pray that I have the strength, the hope, and the determination to keep running until I cross that Finish line!  And I would like to cross it with my PR :)

3 comments:

  1. Congrats on the finish. A few tips for the knee:

    Elevate it @ night & ice it for a bit.
    Don't bump up your mileage too quickly. Slow & steady.
    Lastly, a good knee exercise is to lay flat on your stomach & lift each leg up in the air w/out bending. Do 3 sets of 15.

    I read your blog all the time. You have a great zest for life. If only more people thought like you -- it would be a better place.

    God bless

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  2. Are you having vivians victory race this year?

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    1. Amber--we are! We have had a lot going on so we are still pinning down the date. I will be sure to let you know when! I hope you are all doing well :)

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