Derailed? NOPE!

So, with much purpose (see previous post) I headed back into the full-swing of marathon training.  Justin is on his way to recovery, and I am (was) on my way to marathon #2. 

About 10 days ago, I had my regularly scheduled sports massage.  I realized at the end of it, as she really worked my ever-tight calves, that my heel (Achilles) was pretty tender.  Sort of the “hurts so good” kind of thing – so I didn’t pay much attention to it.

Over the long holiday weekend, Hubby & I went to Central Washington to enjoy sites we haven’t seen before – Grand Coulee Dam, Wenatchee, Cashmere & Leavenworth.  It was an ACTIVE vacation…getting my daily (hot/higher altitude) runs in, tubing the Icicle & Wenatchee Rivers and Stand-Up Paddleboarding!  I had so much fun – and, in fact, think SUP will be my NEW vice!

Coming back this week, I noticed my Achilles nag me, but chose to ignore it.  That is, until it screamed back at me – after jumping rope at Boot Camp on Wednesday night.  Thursday morning, I couldn’t ignore it any longer.  While not in intense pain, I did notice swelling, and stiffness…like I could walk, but my ankle wouldn’t “go” with me.  After seeking advice from like-minded friends, I determined that getting it checked out right away was the big girl thing to do.

Short story – yes, Achilles is angry…and I’ll be in a walking boot for two weeks.  So, my “Justin Miles” will be shorter than planned as I prepare for September’s race – as I am now planning to do only the half-marathon, knowing that I have a minor training setback.  However, in the meantime, it won’t be all lollygagging, tanning and bonbons!  I will work on my core- and strength-training with as much intensity as I would have running.  And, when I start walking on July 27^th and walk/running in August – I’ll remember who I am doing this for. J

I’ve had lots of people harass me in the last 24 hours about “this is what healthy looks like” and “when are you going to learn?”  In fact, a supervisor asked me, "What are we going to do with you?"  But, I’ve also had conversations with folks who realize that injury is part of life – active or inactive.  One of my favorite gals – Meredith of Swim-Bike-Mom (check out HER blog) – just did an IronMan race…after numerous injuries.  My answer to the "What are we going to do with you?" question is simply this - "Just keep supporting me!"  The key is to get THROUGH it.  So, here I go…marching on…Living My Fit Dreams!