2 foot/ankle surgeries
@15 pounds
not running nearly as consistently as I did 12 years ago
all added up to a much slower Lakefront 10 miler than I did in 2006, which, Athlinks reminded me, was my best race EVER. I somehow did it at 9:15 pace. Yesterday was more like 10:40 pace. But that was honestly better than I expected. I was really happy staying under 11 min miles. Oh how far I've fallen! Anyway... I was thrilled to be on the course. Felt good pretty much the whole time. I did slow down quite a bit in the last two miles, but that was to be expected, since the most I'd run since I got hurt in 2014 was 8 miles last week. I spent the whole time thinking about all the friends who've supported me through my running adventures (most of all Mark), and what running means to me.
I realized how much running has defined my adult life. I started running in my late 20s, as I decided to make changes and push myself to grow and try new things. I was never at all athletic, and running wasn't something I ever thought I'd want to do. I started running as an easy way to get in shape for an adventure trip that I signed up for to bust myself out of a rut. I found that I really liked it. I loved that it was so unexpected. I loved that it was so tangible. I loved that it was so simple. I found my way to marathons, and still remember that I ran my very first 14 mile run the day I met my husband. He missed my first marathon (it was only a few weeks after we met and he had a trip planned), but he Friday night carbo loaded with me before years of long runs, sustained clapping injuries cheering me on at many marathons, traveled with me to a few out of town ones, and lined up beside me for many half marathons and the one full we ran together.
I thought about all the friends I've trained and raced with, the running commutes, the many great cities I've been able to run in, and the faces of people when I tell them I used to run Ultramarathons. And I think about the big scar on my foot, and how it still hurts most days, and how I still limp if I've been sitting for too long.
When I got hurt I had to learn how to do other activities to keep myself sane (and married, the surgeries were as hard on my amazing caretaker as they were on me). Getting back to running was always a priority and I learned important lessons about pacing and moderation through that process, which I'm applying this time.
Its been 3.5 years since my last surgery and I am still actively aware of how fortunate I am to be able to run again. I never tell myself "I have to go running today". Its always "I get to go running today". That kept me going yesterday.
As I turned off Lakeshore Drive on Wilson and saw the start and finish lines and all the people lining up for the race, I got really choked up. And now I always wipe tears off my face as I start and finish races. I couldn't breathe when I crossed the finish line yesterday. It's so emotional for me that I'm able to do this again. I know that the obstacles I've had to overcome are really small in the grand scheme of things, but I could've gone in a very different direction and I'm really proud of myself for continuing to push my way back.
Next up, North Shore Half Marathon on June 3. It'll be easier if I can drop at least 5 of those 15 pounds! And I get to do a long run in London, which I'm really looking forward to!
