The 26.2 with Donna was two weekends ago, and I had to sit it out. First time I haven’t run it since 2013, and I was pretty bummed. I’ve been really missing my running friends lately, and just had to share this photo from 2014, which appeared in the Florida Times Union:
See those 3 little packs of runners? Those are my people. This was my second marathon, but the first one that I didn’t run alone. And it was incredible – even the part where we ran the last 3 miles on a bridge in a thunderstorm.
I’m not sure what the future holds for me in terms of running, but if I’m ever able to work my way back to marathon (half or full) training, I’m thinking about rejoining the Galloway program. I’m still not sure if run-walking is the optimal training program for me – I wasn’t able to give the Maffetone Method a fair shot because of illness and injury. But I do know that running with a group is a huge factor in my passion for running – and if I want to rediscover that passion, the best place to start will be in a group.
As far as my back injury goes, I’m kind of in a holding pattern right now. My physical therapists said they couldn’t help me. My epidural pain injection landed me in the ER with a post-dural puncture headache (i.e., a spinal headache) and required a blood patch. So now I’ve been referred to a neurosurgeon, with whom I have to wait a full month to get in for an initial consult.
In the meantime, I’ve been trying to manage the pain on my own, mostly with heat and medication. The only thing that seems to give me relief is 800 mg of ibuprofen 2-3 times a day, but as you can imagine, that’s pretty hard on my stomach. Earlier this week, I had severe stomach pains that brought me to tears in the principal’s office at my girls’ school. (Awkward.) So I’m currently taking a self-imposed drug holiday. My back feels terrible, but at least my stomach feels okay.
On good days, I’m able to do some stretching and even a little yoga, yay!
And I’ve been trying to walk on the beach as many times a week as possible, which is good for both my body and my mental health. I’ve even discovered a new passion for beachcombing!
A photo posted by Sharon 💕 run | yoga | joy (@mommyrunsit) on
I’m actually putting together a story for Mode about sea glass, and I’ll share it here when it’s published.
I hope wherever you are, the weather is as beautiful as it is here! Have a great weekend!
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