One of my favorite things to do is run. We all have those things that are our “outlets” in life; the things that help us unwind, dream, pray, relieve stress, etc. Running is that to me. There are many things that I am unskilled at in this life, but put a pair of Asics on my feet and I could hit the open road for quite some time.
Well, about 4 weeks ago I did something to my leg and it hasn’t stopped hurting ever since. Many times I can run through the pain, but not this time. I know that’s it’s sore enough to where if I were to run on it, that would be an unwise decision on my part. I can’t seem to figure out what is wrong with it. I’ve even been to the doctor which I NEVER do, so you have to know that it is somewhat serious. I’ve tried the “icing and IBUprofen” method in hopes that the swelling would go away, but alas, one month later and I’m at a standstill.
My doctor has suggested that I get a cortisone shot, along with a few others who say that it will most likely do the trick. Perhaps I might need a little physical therapy as well until the swelling goes away.
I have to tell you that I’m having a hard time with this. At first, it was honestly kind of nice to have a break. It made me change my routine, switch up the exercising, and give my legs a rest. It wasn’t so bad for the first two weeks. But now, I’m just annoyed. This is not a quick fix. I can’t just throw on my tennis shoes and enjoy this AMAZING weather that we are having in Texas. Being in a gym is the last place I want to be when the sun is shining and it’s about 70 degrees outside.
I’m not sure why I am so hesitant about the shot. I’m trying to talk through it with God. Trying to figure out what I should do, how He wants me to handle it: do I get the shot or not get the shot? So many questions . . . still don’t feel like I have a peace about it yet.
But I gotta tell you that on the other hand it has made me so THANKFUL. Thankful that I have two legs, thankful for my health, thankful for new seasons. I know that I will get better, that I will be able to run again soon. Maybe this will even increase my love for running. Perhaps (not that God necessarily wanted me to get “hurt” or put this pain in my leg on purpose) it’s just a break that I needed, to get ready for the next big race, or maybe even saved me from getting hurt worse that I am.
Whatever the reason, you better believe that I cannot WAIT until I’m able to lace up those shoes, put on my Nike running shorts, and head out to White Rock Lake and run without this pain. Until then . . . well, I’ll be praying for wisdom and hoping that with just a little more time and attention to this leg, I’ll get better in no time.
Can anyone relate? Ever had an “outlet” taken away from you for a while?
*that’s my brother and I in the blue and white running the Chicago marathon – this picture is my inspiration to get better =)*
