As some of you may know, last year was a difficult one for me. I had many struggles with my health that made it difficult to train for my second half marathon. In the weeks leading up to the race, I got sick again. So, I didn’t get the training in that I’d hoped. I still felt like I would probably be able to finish, and felt I should at least try.
Race day came, and we’ll just say that parts of my body were already feeling iffy. I got going, and the farther I went, the more I hurt. There were definitely times when I didn’t think I could finish. The one thing that remained consistent was God. He never left me, and he always let me know He was there. Throughout the race, I saw people with shirts that said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13) This is a verse that has brought me strength and confidence throughout the past few years of struggle. No matter how much it hurt, I knew I could finish. I did, with a decent time, but it wasn’t pretty. In the following days, I got sick as well. So, this time, I came back sick and injured.
I won’t lie. The weeks that followed have been pretty difficult. I realize all of these are first world problems, and I don’t have an incurable disease. I know I came home to a roof over my head, food on the table, and a job. It has still been frustrating and painful. I haven’t been able to run more than a 5K distance, and cross training has been slow going as well. There were times when I wanted to quit. As recently as the last few days I have thought about it, if I’m being honest. Running is hard, and can be painful on a good day. Why do I even bother anymore? (I do get the irony that this post is going to follow the one called “Why Are You Running?” by the way…) In the last couple of weeks, I have tried to slowly get back on track. I won’t say that I am 100% confident right now, but I do know one thing. When I am running, I feel more like me than any other time. I am going to do everything I can to get back to the person I used to be.
I know that recently I have stepped away from this blog and social media. I could come up with all kinds of excuses…too tired, too busy, etc. etc. The truth is, I didn’t feel like I had anything worthwhile to contribute. I haven’t been on track with exercise, so I couldn’t give you any fitness tips. My attitude and focus have been up and down and all over the place, so I couldn’t inspire you or give you advice. What I have realized recently, is that this is precisely why I should be sharing. I am sure a lot of you have experienced struggles in the journey to healthy living. Maybe if I am honest about mine, someone will feel less alone. We’re all in this together! It is never going to be easy, but it helps when you feel like someone else understands.
Please feel free to contact me through Facebook, Twitter, email, or in the comments with any questions, or if you would just like to share.