October 28, 2015Dear Left Foot:
I know I was due for a little perspective. After all, I'd gotten too focused on the small things again, too narrow. I'm aware that I tend to get into occasional slumps where I need an It's A Wonderful Life kind of moment. You know, just a little "aha" to remind me what is truly important and all the wonderful things I have to appreciate.
I actually look forward to those "aha" moments appearing in my life. They give me that big picture perspective that we all should be focusing on. But you, my friend, were certainly not the "aha" I expected or wanted to receive.
Here I am contending with you and your ridiculous metatarsal stress fracture. Why do you have to be so aggravating? From your perspective, I guess you think I should have run less and gotten more rest. Did you need more cross training? Or perhaps...simply a different shoe? Honestly, I haven't quite yet figured out what lesson you are trying to teach me. But please know, I am listening.
Surely you realize you can't keep me down. My perspective dutifully changed, but so did my training routine. Do you prefer biking 70 miles a week? Do you like getting up at 4:45 for pool running? I must tell you the real swimmers think we are quite nutty. I need you to hurry up and heal so we can get back to running. There are fantastic new adventures to be had. I'll give you more TLC. Pedicures? Massages? You bet!
Let me remind you our next marathon is scheduled in January. We've already paid. Let's not waste our money again. And, you can't fool me. I know you want to go to Disney, home to those beautiful glass slippers! Just think, from everyone's perspective we would then be a marathoner. Wouldn't that be the coolest thing ever? Come on! At least give it some consideration.
Respectfully Yours,
HoHo
What would your letter say?
I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.
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Biking 70 miles a week and getting up at 4:45 for pool running - that's dedication!
ReplyDeleteSome might say insanity. I guess it's all about your perspective, huh? LOL.
DeleteHow did I miss that you will be running the Mickey Marathon in January. That is on my race calendar too....hope we get to meet. In the meantime, I love your word for the day and yes, you are keeping a good perspective on life Stay focused and before you know it, you will be pounding the pavement again.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can make it! I'm sure I'd just be aiming to finish as I will have not have enough time to increase mileage like I should. And, I certainly don't want to do anything stupid. Fingers crossed.
DeleteUgh, foot injury. My hat is off to you with your alternative exercise -- your determination will work around that foot of yours. Heal fast!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It would be such sweet redemption to come back strong and run the January marathon.
DeleteLove this - I hope your foot is a good listener! I'm still noticing that my foot doesn't hurt - I expect a tweak or wince when I stand up in spinning, but nothing -- you'll get there too!
ReplyDeleteI'm so accustomed to that dull pain now, that I'm always surprised when I walk across the floor and don't feel it. It's healing. I think I'm over the hump. Hopefully.
DeleteCute spin on this! I hope the healing is going well. You've really jumped gung ho into the cross training! That's awesome? Do you think elliptical would help at all? I've never felt coordinated enough to use one of that, but I guess the motion is more similar to running that cycling is (not that I would ever advocate giving up cycling!)
ReplyDeleteI didn't choose the elliptical at first because I felt it was too much weight on my foot. Pool running simulates the proper motion without any weight. Now that I've healed some, I could probably handle it as an alternative. I think I would still pool run though. And cycle too.
DeleteI hope your foot is listening! It's SO HARD to not be running! Can you talk to my plantar fasciitis? I'm ready for that to go away.
ReplyDeleteI'll have my feet give your feet a call. I think I've turned a corner this week. I see a glimmer of light, but still just a glimmer.
DeleteInjuries are the worst!! I love your spin on this - how is the healing going?
ReplyDeleteI can finally feel some improvement this week! For a long while, there was nothing. This certainly had helped my outlook.
DeleteGosh I hope your foot heals soon. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle. Patience is not one of my strengths.
DeleteOh no, I hope your foot is listening too! Last year I tore a tendon and the dr said it was really bad and I would have to take at least 6 months off. Devastating! In the meantime I did a lot of spinning and bike riding. Ends up, I was back running after 6 weeks! Hope you heal fast!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love hearing stories like that. It gives me hope. I'm trying to maintain whatever fitness I can so I am ready when the time comes.
DeleteI love this! You are so dang creative, and I hope your foot is listening too! We ain't got time for this! Really though, I am impressed with your diligent efforts to stay active, I'm not sure I could find the means the way you do. It just shows what a strong willed person you are and a leader, not a follower. You are teaching us all when life gets in the way, make a new way. You have done just that. I hope you have a great Wednesday!!
ReplyDeleteStrong willed? You should probably talk to my husband about that one! LOL. Also, tell me I can't run a marathon Mr. Foot and I will SO prove you wrong. I can't help it. I like that...make a new way. Yep, I'm making a new way. Will it work? Who knows. But it was definitely worth a try.
DeleteHaI I hope Left Foot starts listening! Keep telling it (her?) about the wonderful adventures you'll have at Disney!
ReplyDeleteIt better! I think it's a him and he's really old. I don't know why. Cantankerous acting? LOL.
DeleteLet's hope BOTH feet are listening. And knees,and hips, and so on and so forth.
ReplyDeleteYeah, there are several body parts that need to pay close attention!
DeleteI love this take on "perspective", writing a letter to your body when it seems to be rebelling might be a good practice for all of us! It's a unique way to twist your angle and consider something differently - which is what perspective is all about, eh?
ReplyDeleteObviously, my foot and my brain have two very different perspectives. And there are other body parts that probably need to change their perspective too.
DeleteMy hats off to you for all the cycling and pool running you're doing! Hope your foot's listening!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that. It's not easy, but I've got to do what I can. I hope it pays off.
DeleteI love how you approached this topic! Awesome post! I might have to have the same coversation with my right foot. I have dealing with tendonitis off and on since June and now it has decided to flair up three days before my big race. I hope your left foot listens and is ready for Disney in January!
ReplyDeleteI went through a long battle with my Achilles tendon several years ago. It was very frustrating and I can certainly relate. Good luck with your race!
DeleteLove your attitude!
ReplyDeleteYou're a few weeks in, and coming from someone who has had foot stress fractures in 4-6 weeks from injury date if you take care of it, your Dr. will let you get back to running normally:)
You probably aren't but make sure you're not taking any ibuprophin or stuff like that for the pain. I've had 2 different Doc's tell me they slow down the healing process and since they are only masking the pain for them, there is no purpose for them in stress fractures. My Docs instead had me eating lots of high protein, lots of yogurt:) things that promote healing! You'll be back and ready for the race in January, and stronger for it I am sure!!!!
Believe it or not, I'm a month in now. Times flies...not! But I'm not rushing anything! I don't take anything unless absolutely necessary. I've always believed you need to know what's hurting and deal with the cause - not cover it up. I had an ankle stress fracture years ago and learned a lot from that experience. My diet is pretty good anyway but I've made sure to get extra calcium and not skimp on anything.
DeleteIf only we knew exactly what to do. It's a continual learning process. You think you've got it figured out, and then...not so much. I've been there, you've been there. We know it's possible to come out on the other side. We'll try anything to keep us sane and ready, right?
ReplyDeleteBig kudos to you with rehabbing your injury! I'm sure it has been both humbling and frustrating at the same time! I have never tried pool running but I think you just inspired me to try!!
ReplyDeleteI would never have guessed what a tough workout it is! I hope I will see huge results when I get back to running.
DeleteGood for you for being able to approach your injury with a sense of humor. I'm not so sure I could do so that well. I hope your foot listens and cooperates!
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up and sharing your perspective!
You know, you just have to laugh to keep from crying. All it needs is time but that is difficult for someone like me with no patience.
DeleteOMG, hilarious. I hope your foot gets the message loud and clear, you don't want to miss Disney!
ReplyDeleteI hope my foot can read! It's been pretty stubborn but now starting to ease off a bit. Hope.
DeleteGreat post! I hope your foot listens and heals quickly so you will be ready for the race in January!
ReplyDeleteI hope so! It may be a race that I just have to mostly walk. But I can do that if necessary.
DeleteI really hope your foot listens to you! Loved the way you put it together. Perspective is always good for those "aha" moments.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have to send a 2nd request memo. Hopefully not.
DeleteI hope your foot is listening! I want to see you in January! great attitude my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt better be, so we can be Disney bound in January.
DeleteVery cute! I sure hope your left foot realizes you've gotten the perspective it set out to teach you, and that you're ready for it to get back on board!
ReplyDeleteI'm beyond ready to be back to running. My foot is taking its sweet time though.
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