For those who have been following this blog anytime in the last two years, you know that in early 2008 I began to run. It all started with my birthday when Nathanael gave me the Nike+ running tool to use with my iPod.
Over the last 18 or so months, I have found successes. I remember when I started running that my max distance was about 1.5 miles. A month ago I had my longest run at just over 9 miles.
The great thing about my story is that I am not a runner by trade. No, sir. I am a tennis player. (And I throw a pretty mean football, but I digress.) But I wanted to find an outlet for my energy, get in a solid workout and challenge myself. So, I started running.
I’ve written about my running journey here, here and here.
Last month on my second to last run, before I was to go after 9.5 miles, which would have been a record, something happened. At the time, I wasn’t sure. But a few days of pain and a doctors visit later, I was diagnosed with IT Band Syndrome. For those who have had this, you know it is not fun. For me, just walking was painful.
But for the last month, I have been getting treatment but the process has been slow. I never thought I’d say this: but I want to run! I ache to. I didn’t realize how much I had enjoyed and how much my mind and body needed that time.
In fact, writing this all down has me thinking: maybe my lack of running (by doctors orders) is the reason why my energy level and my motivation has dipped. Needless to say, I am not happy.
So, a month later, my longest run is now at 5 miles, but it feels like I am just starting out. My knee still hurts after a long run like that, so I will continue to go to treatments and hopefully get better. I am tentatively scheduled to run the New York City Half-Marathon in March; and I desperately want to be there, shoes on and laced up.
What’s the lesson here? Not quite sure actually. I have two thoughts to leave you with though. First, never think that you can’t do something. I never thought I’d be able to run two miles, let alone 9 and be dreaming of 13.1. My other thought is this: There will be growing pains but the key thing to remember is to push through them.
My leg may have me down right now, but I’m coming back. I have my goal in mind and my focus is still clear.
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