When people ask about my most recent accidental injury, my ankle sprain, and I tell them that I did it on a trail, most people say that's why they are afraid to run trails. There have been a few days during this period of not running that I have cursed that leaf covered, rock and root ridden trail. But mostly, I've been o.k. When I think back on this year and the places I've been, the views I've seen, and the people I've been with, I can't help but just be grateful to have been there and experienced it all. I've been to the tops of mountains, gained perspective, and strengthened relationships through it all. I wouldn't trade that for the 4 weeks that I couldn't run. It's been an amazing year.
During those 4 weeks I snowshoed with my husband going further up the canyon than we did last year. It was absolutely gorgeous and just what I needed that day.
I've focussed on my yoga a bit more and am loving it the more I do it. I joined an Instagram challenge to do a pose a day and photograph it. It's really helped me see what my body is doing and ways I can improve. It's also been fun to be creative and get my kids involved. My name on Instagram is Runnerjen1 if you want to follow me.
I don't like being injured. No one does. But I didn't go crazy this time. I knew I could find things that would keep me active and my mind busy until I could run again. And I am back to running. My ankle isn't 100% yet but it is still improving each day, even on the days I run. I'm working on strengthening it still and getting full mobility back. I also got into the second round of the Ogden Marathon in May and have that to look forward to again.
Being injured also gives time for reflection. I know some people look for excuses not to run. I know that some think I'm crazy for loving to run. This injury gave me cause to pause and reflect on really why I run. Cycling is not the same. Swimming is not the same. I decided that while it's so many reasons: my sanity, the physical challenge, ability to eat junk... I think one of the biggest reasons why I run is to be out in nature. The trails are where my heart longs to be. It's where I belong. I love the perspective change from the top of the mountain. I love the silence. I love the constantly changing scenery. I love being in trees. I love rocks. I love rivers. And if I have to risk a scraped knee, a banged up toe or another sprained ankle to be there, I will willing go.
What about you?
What is your number one reason to run?
Oh, and I've run out of photo storage on blogger. Time to make some decisions. Advice?