On the Road Again…

OK…maybe not the road.  Preferably soft, forgiving surfaces like trails and tracks.  Ones that yield and let this foot find it’s ground.  It has been over two months since I have been told by the person I chose to put my faith, and feet, in announced that I could run again.  With, of course,  caution, restraint, common sense…all the stuff my natural inclination puts aside when it comes to running.  But the words tumbled out of his mouth…“you are clear to run”.  And my mind began to race.

Joy? Immense!  Excitement? Naturally.  Anxiety?  A twinge.  Discovery?  Unlimited.  It has been two months.  And so much seems to have changed.  I paved new patterns to replace what I had lost.  I have learned to backstroke and pedal through a spin class seated for its entirety.  Ouch!  I can do a pull up now…well, more like a chin up.  And I have organized three kitchen drawers, a closet, and an art cabinet stuffed with dried finger paint and capless glue sticks.  I’ve read through heaps of  books and newspapers…because you can read a lot on the stationary bikes.  I’ve met early morning gym junkies and swimmers that range from dolphins to guppies. (Oh…I am the precursor to guppy…the tadpole.)  I’ve learned to be alone.  And I have come to enjoy it.

So…to celebrate the doctor’s word, the sunny day, and feel of the ground beneath my bootless feet…I went and bought a new swimsuit.  Not the tropical, sand between your toes kind of suit.  Just the kind you see in the chlorinated lanes.  It felt as if I wanted to celebrate what had gotten me through.  And my inner tadpole giggled at the register.

So, what now?  I realize that something snapped for a reason.  And my determination to not be bound to the boot again (which…did I mention…was for over two months) seems to outweigh my enthusiasm to hit the ground running.  As I peer forward, I am not sure I want to run every day…at least not yet.  I am excited to be alongside my running partners again…to discuss and divulge everything under the sun, until the sun comes up.  But somehow, I might have to pause and reflect.  To choose wisely the moments I run, rather than being so drawn to the run that I forgot my own sole.