The Rules Have Changed

Two days ago I had to toss my training schedule out the window. It was a very sad moment, and I will preface my explanation of what happened by firmly stating that I am still planning on training for and running the Boston Marathon this year. So what happened?

With just over 13 weeks left till the marathon I managed to fall down the stairs in our apartment building and sprain my ankle. Nick had to come and carry me back to our apartment. There were a few tears, and a few x-rays. Now there are the crutches and a lot of hopping around.

Nick and I have very different memories of the prognosis the doctor gave me on the speed of my recovery, but we agree that my foot is definitely getting better. The swelling is decreasing, and today I have started very carefully putting some weight on it.

Before this accident, I was very much looking forward to getting into the routine of running and strength training. I was excited about being able to add extra miles and track workouts to my schedule this year. More than anything, I was hoping to have a season without injuries.

Since clearly such "utopia" is not to be, I am determined to see the bright side of things. I did not break any bones, nor did I damage any other parts of my body (not even my brain) during the fall. My previously nonexistent upper body strength is growing at lightening speed with every crutch step I take. I have over 3 months before the marathon--the same accident 2 months later would have left me with no chance of running the race. The injury is just another challenge along the way.

More importantly, in the grand scheme of things my sprained ankle is a scratch compared to the suffering the cancer patients endure, and the courage and the strength they muster in their fight against cancer. I will only work harder on trying to heal and rehabilitate while thinking about the people I am running for. They endure radiation and chemotherapy--I can definitely overcome a mere sprained ankle and run the marathon for them.