Running update...Most of you know that I have been running competitively since I was seven years old. After the 2000 Olympic Trials (marathon), I began to slow down a bit. Forced to slow down actually -- by an injured knee. Then, I was working on my doctorate during that time as well. Still, in spite of "slowing down" and not having as much of a focus, I have been able to run a few good races each year since 2000. My knee healed up but I kind of enjoyed NOT having to run 2x/day and log tons of miles.
This Fall I ran Cross Country for the first time in a couple years. I was hoping to run for my team this past weekend at the National Cross Country Championships in Rochester, New York. Training was coming along well. I ran two races, and had some rapidly improving workouts. But I never recovered from the second race. Somehow I messed up my back at the Western Washington University Invitational-- this is something that has never happened before. Makes me think I might be getting old. OK -- I know that I am getting older and these things start to happen. When I was in Manila and Bangkok, it was really hurting. It took my back four weeks to heal -- long enough to lose my fitness and keep me from competing at Nationals.
Am I disappointed? A tiny bit -- but I had so many other things going on during the past six weeks, it actually was nice not to have to train hard. I kept my focus on other things.
Disappointments can always be a blessing in disguise. We just have to not focus on the disappointment. Instead focus on the new opportunities. I'm running again -- but I have yet to schedule another race. Right now I'm content to enjoy the crisp air, the fall colors, and time to think and pray. I just read the results and my team did well. Congratulations to them! And someone else was able to run in my place and have a great experience.
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