RELIEF.

Finally. For the first time in nearly six weeks, I ran ALMOST pain free this morning. I had ASTYM Tuesday at Physical Therapy, and while ASTYM hurts like a mother and makes me all bruised up and puffy, it works. I had it on my right hip years ago, and haven't had problems with that hip since. I'm hopeful this proves the same on my left side. I go back for more torture this afternoon. But it's worth it.

I was seriously considering dropping to the half-marathon yesterday. As in ready to say at the end of my day, "okay, this isn't worth it." I'm not this athlete. I'm not meant to marathon (i'm still not convinced i'm built for it). But after my morning run today with my dear running buddy Shellers, I feel better. And ready to run a marathon. Of course the delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte's after and a good chat didn't hurt a bit....sweet goodness how I LOVE fall.

Side note: Milo hit his mileage PR today, five miles! So proud. He kept our pace the entire run and didn't once peter out.

It was my best run in a month and a half. My pain has been reduced by at least 80% and while I still had some pain, it was nothing like it's been. It was just the boost I needed to pick myself up and decide to do the marathon after all. With me and marathon training, it's never drama free. There is always that point I get to where I say, forget it, I won't do it. And then I get better and I do. It's a good time.


But. This is what I've worked hard for the past few months, really hard for. To get healthy in running, but also overall physically, emotionally and spiritually. To get past the junk, to get past the pain and be able to pick myself up and say it's okay regardless of all the crap. To keep going. And to live a happy and content life. Despite the junk. Despite running injuries.

The hard work and determination and refusal to give up are paying off. I feel like I've been climbing Everest the past few months in regard to a lot of things. Like life, running, career. And I finally made it to the top this week. Time to take a breath and enjoy. Because finally this week, there has been RELIEF.