Don't Quit

I have been "practicing" running in my ankle brace, and knee brace.  With the help of the orthotic insole my calf muscle (gastrocnemius and soleus for the technical term) no longer feels like it is being torn from the bone; which is what was happening with the 9mm drop in my arch when I would use force to run.  Most people have a 4mm drop.  In non-technical jargon, this means, I have feet so flat they sink when I walk.  It is ugly.

"The big bruise on your arch didn't clue you in to stop running?"
"I am part of a trail group, I have to run."  She furrowed her eye brows and glared at me.
"Why are you nuts?  That isn't a related answer to the question I asked."
"I have a half-marathon I am training for.  I have been working hard, so I have to take the bruises, and just tape, medicate, bandage, and brace into place until it is over."  I was not shocked that she was so forward about her disdain.  I have already had the same canned response for the three doctors that have spent the last three weeks patching up my leg and foot.

She shrugged her shoulders.  "Fine.  Do your half marathon then you HAVE to stop until the muscle is healed.  If you don't rest and don't stop, this condition will form scar tissue and you will risk much worse injury.  You can start running distance again when the bruise and muscle are completely healed.  Which is six weeks."

I understand.  I understand pushing past pain, but I also understand being an idiot.  This half marathon is my last long distance run until the first of the year.  I will still run nearly everyday, but it will be one to three miles.  Runners don't count three miles as "distance."  This is a bit disheartening.  But I keep running.  One mile is still a run.  Two miles is still a run.  Three miles is still longer than the majority of the population can do. 

 The last week, I had to walk.  Ankle braces make my feet feel like they are sliding around in my shoe.  Which is not optimal for being stable on uneven terrain like a trail.  But I am moving forward and pressing past what feels normal and comfortable.  I have to cross that finish. 

I changed the time I will finish.  I am in the slowest group now.  It isn't what I wanted.  But life is 100% about how you take being knocked down.  Are you going to make excuses and use injury to give you an attitude of fear, and failure?  Or do you want to put on some decent shoes and go for a long walk that gives way to a run?

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