It’s been a while since I updated on this, and I can’t believe it’s been 13 + weeks since my last run. The first 6 weeks crawled and I thought I would never see the time that I would be walking without a limp let alone running. I am happy to report that I have not really felt any pain for about 3 weeks now. It’s been really good for about a month and I have only felt minor ache when coming out of a set of single leg squats, so if that’s the only time I had pain I won’t even really count that:). My next doctor follow up is on Monday. I am crossing all digits that I can put my Mizuno’s back on and start a very progressive walk run program. For anyone reading this who has gone through big injuries or is currently in the acute stages, it will get better and you will get back to what you love to do. I really had a hard time seeing this way back in May/June. Following this period of time, I really have learned so much about myself, and have made some changes for the better. Here are a few:

1. I am okay to take time off . Whether it be a day, two days, or a month. Not that I want to repeat the month+ thing again, but leading up to this injury, I was afraid to take a day off. Literally. I got so wrapped up in my training and how my body reacted that I got cocky. This was the biggest lesson I learned. Rest is so important. I only have one body and I had better respect it.

2. Sometimes it’s nice not to have a schedule. This is my 18th year of running and 16th year doing triathlon. This is the first summer I have not raced other than the year I had my daughter in 2003. This is the first time I have not followed a training plan. I do what I feel like doing when I feel like doing it. I don’t have to feel guilty or pressured to do any amount of swim/bike etc. If I want to do hot yoga (my new found passion!!!) I do it. If I don’t feel like doing something active, I don’t. This is how it should be for me right now. When I get back into racing, I have to remember this flexibility as I do it for fun and competition, not for my income!

3. I do miss racing. This past weekend I spectated at Irongirl triathlon. Last year I did this race and won my age group. Before this weekend, I felt okay not racing and wondered whether I would feel like I wanted to put that pressure on myself again next year. Well after being at the race, I realized that I miss racing. I miss that accomplished feeling of crossing any finish line, the camaraderie of other athletes and the buzz that goes on in an event.

Well that’s all from me for today. I can’t wait for this weekend when my little girl and I are spending a weekend in NYC! It’s going to be so special for both of us. I will write a blog on what we did and saw for anyone else taking their tween!