Running for My Soul

A couple days after the marathon I ran a couple easy short runs. My body felt great and I was already planning my next marathon (November 30th). Six days after the marathon I went on a 10 mile run that ended with me limping back to the car at the end of 10 miles. My right arch was killing me. I took it easy that day and the next day I headed out for an easy 4 miles... nearly two miles in I realized I would never make it and I limped crying back to the car.

I rested for days but no improvement and I ended up with a Podiatrist who diagnosed me as I expected... Plantar Fasciitis (in both feet). I have spent the last month (longest month of my life) not running. I swam miles and miles, I've lifted, I've done ab workouts... but no running. I run for my sanity. I run for my soul. It works out my stress, my frustrations, my problems... I run long distance to leave all of my thoughts & pain on the road. Not being able to run for a month = an emotional roller coaster for me.

Last week I was cleared to start a few very short runs a week. That first run had me running down the side of the road with the biggest smile on my face. People in cars must have thought I was crazy.

I posted this picture on facebook with the caption "Running Shoes Make Me Happy" -- so true!

Well today, I'm positive everyone thought I was nuts. In the middle of a wintery mix of sleet/snow/ice I went out for an afternoon run (Plantar Fasciitis is worse in the mornings). This is my all-time favorite weather to run in thanks to an awesome gift last Christmas. Today I got dressed for the cold weather and went exploring (since no one would be around to call the cops get upset). This run was exactly what I needed. I felt refreshed, I felt renewed and I didn't want to stop (I did make myself after an extra mile). This was the exact run I needed for my soul....

All bundled up for my run

The Piano I found in a field on my run today...

Gorgeous piano in the middle of a field