Dear Running (Ode to a Long-Lost Friend)

Dear Running,

I miss you. In the days since we last spent time together, I have found in myself a sense of loss and longing — and I wonder…do you miss me? I’ve been spending more time with your cousin, Ralking, as well as some time with your distant relation, Walking. We all know it’s best, for now, to separate me from Running. At least until our unforseen enemy, Injury, leaves forever. Unfortunately, Injury is an uninvited visitor who has not revealed his travel plans.

On the bright side, Walking has shown me some beautiful things; things I never noticed while with you, Running.

And today, just as I was really feeling sorry for myself, Walking showed me something that made me realize…I am lucky to be able to do anything at all.

What a beautiful tribute…that’s how I’d like to be remembered someday. As a girl who loved to dance.

Thank you, Running, for giving me the space to come back to you a healthy, happy and ambitious person. I hope we can get back together before our planned events in December and January. But I know that no matter what — no matter how long I go away or how badly I talk about you in your absence, you will greet my return, unconditionally.

Love,

Katy

As you can tell, I’m really struggling with the emotional side effects of being forced to the sideline. My injury is getting better — I think. I wake up some days with no pain and some days in terrible pain. I’m doing my best to stay optimistic and not get overwhelmed by the fact that every day I can’t run is a major setback in my half marathon plans.

Walking really has been great. I’ve been listening to Dan Brown’s “A Lost Symbol” on audiobook, which has made it possible to pass 90 minutes easily and quickly.

On the non-fitness front, No Nonsense November is going pretty well. I’m doing much better with portion control and am shocked at how little food I truly need. I have been taking a lot more time to breathe — I have finshed two books in two weeks, have walked almost every day and have been much better about taking some “me” time.

Lucas is like a little kid with his brewing, and it’s fun to watch. He just posted a video of himself explaining the brewing process for his Pumpkin Ale.

While he was getting set up, he got two great videos of my crazy cats: Travers the trouble-maker and Laila, who is my shy girl. Watch her go into a total kitty trance in her “safe spot” on top of the fridge.