Yes, I love running, but I love it for transcends just being fast. This year has been quite the year of trial and error and potentially missed opportunities, setbacks, and readjustment of goals.
Last year, on the first weekend in June, I ran one of the best Red Rose Runs that I have ever been able to pull off. A just over 32:00 5 mile run is certainly good, but not quite incredible, however, it was not completely miserable and I was just coming off a very heavy season of racing. About 2 weeks later I ran my first ever trail 5 mile run (outside of cross country races of course), and it was a total disaster and the perfect set up for a year long injury. One more 5k in the end of June, and I was down for the count with a massive hamstring tear. Not like, wow, this hurts, like I went to the PT and they were amazed I was still walking and trying to hobble through a few miles. It was devastating. It wasn't like there was a snowball's chance in Hell I was going to quit running, so I stupidly kept at it through horrible pain and very little actual movement. Months and months passed, and my disappointment in my big comeback was totally overtaking every aspect of my life. I was so used to pounding out miles, placing at races, and getting out my frustrations, that to have such a setback was very difficult to handle.
Late September finally rolled around, and I signed up for the Boston Marathon, with huge amounts of apprehension. I could barely make it through an hour run, how the heck was I going to pull this one off? Not so sure.
Months later, I would line up in Hopkinton, walk run the last few miles...but finish anyway.
Last weekend, I took to the streets of Lancaster once again for another Red Rose. I was very apprehensive going into the run. Would it be another disappointment? Would I feel like junk? Thankfully, I decided to completely change up my routine. Different race kit (which I have not changed in years), different nutrition, and new race plan. I found some friends at the start, and decided that instead of going out like a crazy person and taking advantage of the few down hills, I would hold back and save it for the inevitable gigantic finishing hills. I stuck to the plan, and shockingly, it was not terrible! I finished in a hair under 34:00, BUT I had a good time, didn't feel like death, and even won my age group. I know there's a lot to work on, but it feels like I am finally getting back to racing shape and moreover, getting back to my love of running. Here's to a great summer.
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