Run Grateful Because Every Mile Is A Gift

"Run Grateful Because Every Mile Is A Gift!" - unknown

So things have not gone according to plan since my Delirium 24hr race.  I hurt my knee doing a track workout and had hoped to recover in time for the South Carolina Track 24.  Unfortunately, I was not able to participate in that race because my knee was still bothering me.  I then took a full 2 weeks off to give my knee a rest hoping to recover in time for Fort Clinch 100, which is in late April.  Sadly, last Saturday after a short run it started to hurt again.  At this point I am really frustrated because all I want to do is get back to doing what I love to do.  So now what?

Seeing as my big race for the year is Grindstone 100, I want to make sure I am fully recovered so I can have a stellar performance at what will be the toughest race I have done to date.  I am currently wearing a knee brace to stabilize my knee, and I am staying off of it as much as possible.  I am not sure how long I will be out of commission but it will be at least another 2-3 weeks... possibly more.

I am trying to stay positive but it is proving to be difficult especially since the weather is getting better, and all I want to do is go running.  I used to struggle some days just getting out to run, whether it be because of the weather or just a lack of motivation. I now realize how much I took my health for granted.  I can assure you that whenever I am able to start running again I will be grateful every time I lace up my shoes.  It doesn't matter if I am running along a busy highway, on the beach or some beautiful trail in the woods. It doesn't matter if I am running 1 mile or 100 miles because I am quickly finding out how hard it truly is to not be able to run.

I believe this injury has allowed me a lot of time to really think and put things in perspective. I miss running with all the wonderful people I've become friends with here in Charleston. I hope to be back running with you all soon! Run one extra mile for me!