Running is a Privilege

[Kira G.]

Hello everyone!

I have been mostly AWOL from these boards for the past month and a half as I have been struggling with my first running injury ever, Achilles tendonitis. I had to skip the two events I had on my schedule in September (the Virginia Beach Half and Philadelphia Distance Run), and had almost 4 weeks in which I didn't run at all. This was very frustrating and disappointing.

Easing back into my training in the past couple of weeks has been almost (but not quite) like starting over again. On the one hand it has been challenging, and I have struggled with fitting running back into my life. But it has also been even more rewarding than it was the first time around.

My body has not forgotten how to run, and it has not forgotten how good it feels. I am slower than I was before, but also more appreciative. I am really clear that running is a privilege, one that I keep earning by taking care of myself and continuing to put one foot in front of the other. While I was not running, I did other activities like biking, swimming and Pilates; I am continuing those activities and I know they will keep me running longer!

I want to thank all of you for being here for me, and I apologize for not keeping up on the Boards (particularly to my long-suffering team - I promise to catch up with my hours soon!). I am in awe of all of us that take this on, and treasure our relationship.

Go WiSH!

 

[Cindylou]

Kira: What a great post. It truly is a blessing to be able to run. I'm glad that you are able to get back to running. You'll have to come back to this post in January and it's snowy, icy and cold and you really don't want to go for a run. It should motivate you.

Cindy

 

[Honeibee]

Hi Kira! Glad your back!

Having been forced to take several breaks in my "racing career" I know exactly how you feel. In many ways it stinks to have lost what you worked so hard for, but in some ways it's kinda nice to have a break. Not because of an injury though. But anyway, you now know what to do and what it takes to do it so YOU GO GIRL!

 

[FireDancer]

Love the post. I have been lucky in my running life not have had many long term injuries but those couple of weeks I have had to sit out were torture. As much as running is looked at as a weird hobby outside of the running circles I am grateful not only that I have remained injury free but that I don't have any physical limitations that keep me from running.

Hang in there Kira, it might seem like it takes forever but getting back into it is never as hard as getting into it in the first place.

 

[wtpclc]

Been meaning to ask how your achilles was doing. Glad you are doing better. thansk for the reminder! I so need to keep that in mind these days.

 

[disneyrunningnut]

Well said!!! I have had a few setbacks and injuries. 2006- heart problems, 2007-- hamstring injury, 2008-- to much to quick, burned out. Here is a graph of my running since 2004. Almost 11,000 miles with lots of ups and downs. I really enjoy running everyday. If I never raced again I still think I would still run everyday.

David

 

[ironz]

Kira....very thoughtful post, and hugs to you! You just get caught up on the team page whenever you can. I hardly stay caught up myself.

I totally understand...with my various running injuries, and with the shoulder surgery last year...amazing to learn how not to take it for granted. When I couldn't run, it seemed as if I saw runners EVERYWHERE....and I was so happy to finally join them.

You hang in there, and keep getting better. See you on the boards!

 

[wtpclc]

Thought of you last night. Can't say it made my run great, but I'd like to think I whined less about it. ;-)

 

[windwalker]

Very well put Darlin.

I injured my achilies and it has been a run stopper for me for 5 years. I had to switch to race walking since the scar tissue wouldn't hold up to the pounding of running. In my case the move to walking was a good one and it's taken my fitness training on a whole new path.

I wish everyone would realize how wonderful using your body makes you feel.

Dave

 

[SamSam]

Kira, I'm glad you are recovering and that you shared that wonderful post with us. I know that I am grateful for being healthy and being able to run/exercise.
My DSIL used to be a runner, ran 3 miles everyday, then one evening her legs started going numb, by morning she was paralyzed from the waist down. That was 8 years ago, and she is still paralyzed from Guillain-Barré syndrome and other auto-immune syndromes. Yes, I am truly thankful that I can run.

 

[smileyk8]

Kira what a refreshing post. Really glad to read that you're recovering and heading back out there, but also that you've managed to take a break when your body needed it.

I found myself wondering why on earth i was out on a long run this week and doing this to my body. Then an image of a lady who is learning how to walk at my gym came to mind, followed by a story my instructor told me about rehabilitating a patient who was severely injured in a crash. Gave myself a verbal beating for being so selfish and ran on!

Keep it going everyone and enjoy every step, push or stroke; no matter how hard, because we can!

 

[TEK224]

Great post Kira. I'm glad to hear you're getting back in the groove. Slow and steady. I've been there with the achilles injury and you just need to ease your way back.

Bummer about missing your two fall events, but hopefully there will be many more in the future.

Terri

 

[Kira G.]

Thanks everyone!

It's great to hear your stories, and really helps to keep everything in perpective. David, that graph is amazing!

I am so grateful to have this wonderful team behind me. I honestly would not be where I am without you. Thank you!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Kira, thanks for the reminder.

I do hope you have a good easy recovery. One good thing is that you will get back into it well just take care of the tendonitis. Do what you can. Your body won't forget.