I stepped up to the challenge, I overcame my fears. I met new people and made a friend. I ran my race. I finished what I knew I could do but the fat girl brain kept telling me that I couldn’t. I set out to run a 5K I figured if I ran at 14 minute miles. I would be happy with my pace. Picture a turtle running through peanut butter. You get the picture.
I started running at age 47, it started as I just want to see what I can do. It transformed into how much further can I go. I have run on and off since then. More often times off. My health has gotten in the way. I have broken an ankle, mourned the loss of my husband and marriage, battled depression and anxiety, and the list goes on.
I have had people say to me that I don’t have to run, walking will serve you just as well. I have been asked if I actually enjoy running. Yes, I do. Why because there is something about running that got in my head. It brings me a since of accomplishment. I like the alone time I get from it but the social time with other runners is an added bonus.
I have a 5k route that I walk or run around my house so I am fairly certain of my miles. Everything seemed longer than what I thought it should be. When I hit their 3 mile mark two things happened. The first oh thank goodness! 1/10 of a mile left. Next thing I know my watch is telling me that I hit 5 miles. I knew I hadn’t walked 2 miles that morning besides it was set for that run.
I just kept running at this point I felt a little bit like “Forest Gump” it was odd . Finally I saw the finish line and my new friend. She came to join me for the last 20 feet and I took my stride and I came down on my right foot and my ankle dislocated.
I got up with the help of the people around me. There was no weight barring on that ankle or leg. I wanted to finish. I hated the idea of not crossing that line.
Someone took my bib and crossed the line for me.
I broke my ankle and shattered my fibula. A trip to the Emergency Center and some talk with friends and that feeling of family. So weird but the paramedics bring me in and my anxiety and frustration went down, I was being taken care of by family. There is nothing better than to hear the nurse or the tech even the doctor say she is one of ours.
My first call was to my sister. She answered her phone with you finished! I responded with I broke my ankle. My sister was 4 hours away. But she was still my call. She did her big sister role well. As always. But there is something about being among people that care about you because they choose to.
This past week has been a week of asking for help. Tears being shed for all the stuff I wanted to do this summer. No biking, no swimming, no trip to Sioux Falls for the Fourth of July, no cabin. When you break your right ankle you don’t drive. My garden is another story, but I will figure out how to take care of it.
So I will re think my summer. I will find my Pollyanna thought process for a new summer. I will figure out how to garden, how to make the most of my summer.
Until next time,
Juli
Juli's Blog 