Running

I started running years ago. I ran some in high school, and ran a lot in college.  I really loved running, until that fateful morning... Yes, I was dancing in the shower (which I now realize was a bad idea)... And so, I fell out of the shower and shattered my left leg below the knee.

"Excuses are tools of incompetence that build bridges that lead to nowhere." Man, my middle school social studies teacher Mr. Davis would be proud...

So, I look back over the past few years, over the injury that happened a few years ago, my long-term stay in a wheelchair, my leg breaking eight years ago, and my upcoming leg surgery.  And I wonder "why am I still running?"

Why not?

I enjoy it. It's good exercise. I like pushing myself to see how far my body can go. I like the feeling of being outside and communing with nature. I like being dependent on myself to get somewhere. I like to appreciate this cool piece of technology that is my body.

Right now, I am more in a fast walking phase.  I did build up to some decent running until a few weeks ago. After a very strange and unfortunate incident with my son, I tore a bit of my left quad.  So, I've been walking.  My time is still looking good, and I should be able to resume running shortly.

I do remember a doctor had done some testing a while back (while I was in a wheelchair). She had told me the odds of walking unassisted were going to be very slim, due to the amount of neuropathy and muscle damage in my legs.  It has been quite a road of exercise, training, eating healthy, rest, and recovery, but I can't wait to send her the picture of me crossing that finish line! :-)