Wednesday, June 06, 2007

2nd anniversary - forgot to celebrate

For those of you who have been following this blog for a while, you'll remember that last year at the end of May, I was ecstatic because I'd made it through an entire year of going to the gym on a regular basis.

I really wanted to celebrate by going for a run, but I was in absolutely no shape to do so. I'd been told by the physiotherapist that I likely would not run again. That prompted me to stop seeing him and to start seeing a chiropractor, Dr. Mike, who is also a distance runner. At the first consultation he said, "I think we can get you running again, but I can't make any promises. It will take time. At least six months. And I don't know what kind of distance you'll be able to do... I'd guess maybe 5 or 10 km, but I don't know about more. We'll have to see."

So, since my knee was still crapped out, so I celebrated my "one year fitness anniversary" by going wall climbing.

I remember a blog comment (from Michelle, I think) that said something to the effect of "I hope you have so many of these anniversaries that you lose track of them."

I just realized that the 2nd anniversary came and went, quietly and without notice.

Oh well. Not a bad thing, I guess.

I guess I kind of did celebrate this year by signing up for the half marathon. But it wasn't a conscious celebration. My head was too into my exams.

I've gone wall climbing once since then. But really... why would I want to do that... or take any more swimming lessons, or try to learn to ice skate, or embarrass myself on a bicycle, or anything else I did in that first year when I was in physio, desperate to find an activity I liked and could do without pain ripping through my knee, when now I can run?

I've spent so much time getting strong enough to do this that I don't give a rat's ass that I have thunder thighs that can hardly squeeze into a pair of jeans respectably. I've earned every inch of 'em, lemme tell ya. And if that's what it takes to keep these knock knees in line, bring on the squats, baby!

They're what allow me to run, so who cares?

And run I do (albeit slowly). 15 miles I did on Saturday. That's 24.3 km for us metric types.

That physiotherapist was an idiot. :-)

8 comments:

Turtle Guy said...

Wow, lots to digest here... I'll email you my novel! ;)

ipodmomma said...

wow, I so remember those earlier days.. and look where you are today!

life is full of unknowns... keep trucking up the hill, and you never know what is over the next bend!

Backofpack said...

Isn't it great! You are now like me, looking back on a period of injury (or illness) and regarding yourself with awe for what you have accomplished. You deserve a wonderful celebration for everything you have accomplished in the past year - both intellectually and physically!

Turtle Guy said...

...came back to read the comments... what poor grammar I wrote at 2AM! Sheesh...

Must hide... now, where's my shell at?

Anonymous said...

I think if anything, your struggle and progress in the physical realm simply shows yourself and the rest of world that limitations are self-made. If you want something bad enough, you just have to make a plan and work for it. Thanks for the reminder!

24.3 KM - Wow. Great Job!

Anonymous said...

15 miles, woo hoo!

Sarah said...

Congratulations! That's just awesome. : )

Unknown said...

You don't know how happy it makes me to read about your running. Not because I am bias to those who enjoy running long distance, but because I know how hard you have worked and the struggle that it has been to come this far. 15 miles is just so incredible when I remember reading about you starting a walking routine and being unsure of how things would progress. A big hug to you from way over here in Bonney Lake.