Sunday, March 02, 2008

The good

I try very hard to be a positive person. And it's not too difficult most of the time, because I inherently try to see the bright side in most situations. It's my nature. I've been working hard to stay upbeat since I've been injured, but I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't gotten me down. I've run twice on the roads and my progress is not where I'd like it to be or where I think my chiropractor expected it to be. So that is definitely disheartening. I don't think we're necessarily back to square one, but perhaps a different approach is called for. I'll ease back and talk about it with him this week.

But this post isn't supposed to be about the bad in my life, but rather the good:

• I have a wonderful family. I'm happily married (for 21 years!) to a crazy non-runner (who is taking on the Pac Rim 24 hr run!) and am the mother of a fun-loving, bright 9 year old boy.

• I'm in pretty damn good shape for a 43 year old (whether I can run or not). I've never truly been overweight, but it wasn't until I was 40 that I felt comfortable wearing a bikini.

• I may not have the career of my dreams, but I enjoy my job and have great co-workers (yes, Leslie, if you're reading this, I actually do like my job most of the time).

• I can bake a mean 3-layer cake and my chocolate fudge ain't too shabby either.

• I enjoy the support of a network of loyal friends that I can count on.

• I live in one of the best places on earth, in a city just the right size, with an abundance of nature (forests, mountains, beaches, rivers) just a short trip away.

So life is good. I'm going to try to focus on what I can do and not get too wound up about what I can't do. Hopefully I'll soon look back on this time as just a small blip in my running history.

An administrative note: I activated anonymous commenting. So you lurkers who may not have ever commented because you don't have a google account....feel free to make yourselves known!

16 comments:

Catherine said...

Sarah,
It's funny how much our lives are paralleling each other right now. I've decided after a bunch of running stops and starts with my leg not getting any better, that I just have to STOP running until I see my PT on the 10th. And like you, I'm maintaining my fitness with cross-training. I forgot how much I love the road bike!

Reading your post today helps keep my spirits up. I too have been down because of this injury. Our time will come and soon we will be enjoying our favorite passion: running on the beautiful trails.

Jamie Anderson said...

You are indeed lucky and have a lot of great things going on in your life. Sorry to hear the recovery is going slow. Hang in there!

Ginger Breadman said...

To be able to pause and look at your own life with such positive introspection is truly inspiring. Injuries happen, but life still moves forward.

Unknown said...

You do have a lot of wonderful things going for you. I think it's important to think about all the good things, especially when you're injured. You'll be back to full speed before you know it.

And yes, I will be aiming for 100 at Pac Rim. Time to rest up and focus.

Backofpack said...

Sarah,
This is a great post. Injuries can happen to any one of us at any time and your post helps remind us to look at all the good we have. I'll see you in two weeks at Pac Rim - you can test your legs on a slow lap or two with me!

Olga said...

I am a lurker and I like reading your thoughts...ok, I am a lier too:) Sarah, you're right, we NEED to see the bright side in every situation, why would we want to live otherwise? It's practically easy - we just need to look around and think a bit. Besides, we do have it great! Mrac and Bart, prtland and bikini, cake and job...you are a pretty well set, and oh, yeah, you are a great friend and supporter too!!!

Joe said...

You also have had the time to change your blog header!

Good post, Sarah. I'm really sorry about the recovery, though. I see you did 10K on Sunday...sorry if that doesn't feel good yet. This is tough.

Yet you have much for which you are thankful.

Persevere!!

Darrell said...

Since these are our running blogs we often "forget" the other aspects of our lives that can also bring happiness. I'd have to agree with you, life is good, injured or not.

Adelyn said...

Glad to see such a positive post. I should really follow your example :) I'm sorry to hear that your recovery is going slowly, but hopefully a change up in the plan of attack will help progress speed up.

You do have a lot going for you and it's great that you're able to be so reflective about them.

Journey to a Centum said...

Your husband is a non-runner? That must have been some other guy that ran PCT and is planning to run Pac Rim and CCC.

Hate to burst your bubble but Puyallup is the best place in the whole world to live. Neener Neener Neener!

Hang in there gimp! Take is slow for a strong comeback!

Anonymous said...

yay! focusing on the positive is something that has helped me in the past when i feel down.

Rick Gaston said...

You are blessed. I just hope more blessings come your way in the form of healing. No more nagging injuries! I hope you turn the corner soon on that pesky injury.

Jack said...

When we start looking at the good things in life the bad will usually dim. Keep those positive vibes flowing, you'll heal faster!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Hope things are working out for ya Sarah on the recovery part, it's been a battle for me also the past few months...and does suck!! JUST LET US RUN BODY OK!!! --lol

I added you to my list of a person I would like to meet in the next few year (( I can bake a mean 3-layer cake and my chocolate fudge ain't too shabby either.))) was the catch--LOLOL

ok kidding I would want to me you whether you can bake a cake or not but the FUDGE had me at HELLO--HAHA

Recover Well

Unknown said...

i was just talking with a friend the other night how blessed and lucky i am, and i listed for her a lot of the things for which i'm thankful. every time things seem bad, i remember that "list" and things seem to be better after all.

great post!

RunBubbaRun said...

Hang in there, coming off some injuries myslef and I know how it feels not to able to do the things you want to do.. Escpecially hitting the trails

But glad you are staying positive and you will be out there soon..

Enjoy Life, and take one step at a time.