Many people say that running is controlled falling.
Today, I ran outside for the first time since I had my Achilles tendon reconstructed last June. It has been a long recovery, and you might think I would be excited to hit my feet on the pavement.
Excited is not the word. Petrified would be a much better word.
I got out there anyway, looking all plump and soggy.
I ran 9 minutes; then, walked 1 minute repeating this pattern for a total of about 3 miles. Most of the run was miserable, and I felt as if I was suddenly stricken with the flu: achy everything, over-heated, just miserable. But, every now and then, a few steps would loosen up, and I would feel peaceful.
I must have looked awful, because one of my neighbors came out to her driveway and said, “Don’t overdo it now, Laurie.” I was able to mutter a kind half-intelligible reply that didn’t include my raised middle finger, so I figured I was doing really well.
Before my Achilles became shredded, I was able to run 14 miles peacefully. I will get back there soon enough.
I love so many things about running.
One thing I love is that there is such a great feeling of accomplishment for completing a run, no matter how hard the hills or fast the pace or achy the legs. With each step I take, with each fall, my self-confidence rises, and I am reminded that I can achieve a whole lot more than I think I can.
Now speaking of falling, the fallen egg is still resting comfortably. My youngest daughter got out my amp and my husband’s mike and stand, and she practiced singing “We Are the World,” to the little fella. I think it helped. It must have helped. I do believe every act of kindness helps in its own way.