So this was the year I truly got the bug. The running bug. I ran a few 5K races last fall and immediately knew I needed to set some running goals for 2010. I was hooked!
Here it is, mid-July and I look forward to my HOT, long runs every weekend. But I recently revisited the doctor for her take on my persistent pain in my right foot. Ugh. Clearly plantar fasciitis. Course of action included a cortisone shot in the heel, stretching routine and 4-5 days of rest. No walks. No runs. Stay off of it as much as possible.
Today is Day 5 and I have never wanted to go for a run more.
Looking back to January, I set out to accomplish the following running goals:
1. Finish at least 4 races
2. Finish a 10K race
3. Finish a 5K race in under 30 mins
4. Run throughout the heat of the Texas summer
With the help of the folks at Run On and a new podiatrist, I found a pair of new shoes and set my sights on two 5K races in the spring. I completed the Wish for Races in March and the America’s Run at Cowboys Stadium in April. Two goals down, two to go!
In April, I joined a running group that would help me run through the summer. The group follows Jeff Galloway’s method of Run-Walk-Run. This not only gave me support and encouragement to keep running in the heat, but also refocused my priority on distance, endurance and to have fun finishing.
My group was to complete 9 miles today. Instead, I slept in and made breakfast. I know in the end it’ll be important to give my foot time to heal, but it’ll be a long, slow road to get there. If all goes well, I’ll still be able to complete the 10K and at least one more race this year — hopefully a half-marathon.
Hats off to the athletes out there who have endured injury and come back strong. I want that to me one day. But in the meantime, I’ll just have to be patient.
