Be Patient and Accept Help

I jogged 3 miles this morning. This in itself isn’t a a big deal, and I don’t deserve a trophy for it, even if I want one!!! However, I haven’t been able to run without limping or pain since February 16, when I overexerted myself and strained my right hip. I took anti-inflammatories, rested, and did stretches I found online, but after 6 weeks of only mild improvement (Improving from grade 4/5 to 3/5 lame for the horse people), I finally made a doctor’s appointment and got referred to physical therapy. You know what? After 2 sessions and some weird exercises, I was able to start running a few steps without pain. This morning, I had time before my 3rd appointment with the therapist, so I took Mako out to my favorite trail, and gave it a try. It felt great! And by great, I mean it really, really sucked, everything but my hip hurt, I was sweaty, and I couldn’t breathe, just like I’m supposed to feel after having a 3 month hiatus.

One foot in front of the other.

Those of you who know me are aware that I am not very patient and think I can do everything on my own. So, I was quite frustrated waiting for an injury to heal. Especially a self-induced stupid injury, when I was finally building some endurance and increased distances. When recovery wasn’t happening with time and rest, I finally accepted that I needed help. And, with time and professional treatment, I’m back on track, and my goal to run a half-marathon again this year and log 500 running/walking miles are still on the table.

If I hadn’t pushed myself so hard on that run, and had taken the appropriate time to cool down and stretch, I’d probably be running 10k easily by now, instead of back to a slow alternating walk-jog. But, I wasn’t patient that day, and tried to fit too many things into my schedule. As a result, I ended up learning a lesson in patience.

My running buddy on a much colder day.

If I hadn’t made the appointment and followed up with PT, I would probably still be limping around, whining about hip pain and falling apart, and obviously not being in my 30s anymore. I almost cried when the physical therapist told me she thought I’d be back running in 2 weeks at my first appointment. To be honest, I didn’t really believe her. But, she was right. A little bit of direction and treatment made an enormous difference in hastening my recovery.

Now, I need to take these lessons to heart and be patient as I rebuild my running progress, along with not being afraid to pause if needed. I also need to be willing to accept help, because I don’t know everything, and I can’t do everything. What this is, my friends, is a simple reminder to slow down.