Next week, on the 2nd, it will be 7 months since I tore the tendon in my foot.  I can just now …..finally…… say that I’m feeling stronger.  Not stronger than I was before the injury but strong enough.  I’m strong enough to make the run for Ragnar FL Keys with a full 12 person team.  I’m strong enough to run at least one 10 mile “long” run every weekend.  I’m strong enough to run a few hills.  I’m strong enough to start pushing the pace when I have fresh legs.  I’m strong enough to start thinking about the future and how I will achieve new goals for 2013.  I’m strong enough to let go of the injury.  I’m strong enough to be confident in my rehab.  I’m strong enough to once again believe that dreams are possible.

Part of the process for me was giving myself 100% to rehab.  I needed help and my foot wasn’t the only issue,.  It was just the result of a lot of other “little” things being neglected for so long.  I still rehab once a week, whether I should still call it rehab, I know not, but I go in to be tortured once a week.  My foot is still a major issue although, it generally only hurts now after a period of immobility.  Mornings are not good.

Another big part of recovery was/is about being honest.  Being honest with myself.   Being honest with Dr. Alexis even when it didn’t/doesn’t make her happy.  Being honest about the pain.  Being honest about what was working.  Being honest about what wasn’t working. 

I also had to be brave and have blind faith in the rehab. 

I had to believe.  I had to believe that it would work.  I had to believe that the doc knew what she was doing.  I had to believe that I would run again.  I had to believe that the doc was on MY side and WANTED ME TO RUN AGAIN.  I had to believe. 

Fortunately, it’s easy for me to believe. Running has always been a part of me for as long as I can remember.  I had a few short years where I lost my way but that was a few years over the course of my entire life.  I am a runner.  Nobody can take that away.  It doesn’t matter if I run fast or slow.  I am a runner.  It doesn’t matter if I cast running to the side for a few years.  I am a runner.  It doesn’t matter if I’m injured or healthy.  I am a runner.  It doesn’t matter if I’m overweight or ideal weight.  I am a runner.  It doesn’t matter if I race or just lollygag on the trails for fun.  I am a runner.  There was never a doubt in my mind ……. I knew I would come back to run again.  I am a runner.  Nobody can take that away.

I’m stronger now.  Strong enough to run. 

** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com **