March 17th

It's the luck of the Irish today.

On Tuesday the 13th I bought a "perscribed" pair of insoles meant to help with fasciitus, the pain in my feet that has kept me from running for almost a year. I wore them in for two days before I decided to try a run with them. I went down to the 'ole Cyprus track and began my warm up. Some good tunes in my ears and one leasure lap behind me I start my run. I had in my mind that I'd only run the straights and walk the curves the way I started training two years ago but ended up whipping out a mile in about 15 minutes. Legs felt good, lungs and heart were still in great shape wondering why my legs couldn't keep up. Next went the test of how well I could walk on my feet afterwards. Needless to say, the insoles were amazing!! I could go dancing afterwards if I wanted to. I finally felt like there was a glimmer of hope in me actually running a half marathon someday soon.

So, I've set new goals, much like the goals I have achieved before. First: a timed 5k. Second: a strong 10k. Third: a succesful half marathon. Bonus: a Dirty Girl race somewhere in between. For the fun of it: a Ragnar with my sister.

Not running for a year broke my heart. I'd watch women running on the street and almost cry because I couldn't do that. Plantar Fasciitus is one of the most painful things I have ever experienced, and it's emotionally painful to feel like you aren't strong/healthy enough to walk on your own two feet. My foot injury was not because of my weight, even though it sure felt like it. I have flat feet and knocked knees. It was bound to happen no matter what my weight was. But, it's not going to keep me from running anymore!

I don't know how successful I will be at this, but over all, I'm just so happy to say that I can try.