Don't get it twisted

Note to self: Do not attempt to adjust back of tank top under fuel belt mid-stride while running in the bike lane.  This could end badly.

Well, now I know. That is a bad idea.  2 miles into my pre-planned 6 mile run yesterday I hit a rock.  My ankle twisted. Hard.  I shouted out an obscenity (Of course I did. I have the mouth of a sailor sometimes! I figure injury is a hall pass in that case.) No one was around. Well, except for the car that whizzed by just as it happened.  Boy did I feel foolish.  My marathon dreams flashed before my eyes.  My mind began to race. Here we go, I thought.  Two days of training and I have to wait out an injury.  Just when I was beginning to feel so capable.  The disappointment began to build in my heart.  The thought of having to call and wake my husband to have him pick me up was bumming me out.  I felt like a failure. How could I be so careless?  Why didn't I do the smart thing and walk while I fixed my clothing issues? My ankle throbbed in pain. Then I took a few cautious steps.

Relief flooded over me. Right away I could tell that this was not a serious injury.  It hurt like hell, that's for sure.  But, I could walk on it and put pressure on my foot.  And if I could do that then I could certainly run on it.  Could I run for 4 more miles?  That I didn't know.  But I would try.  Because that is what I set out to do when I left my cozy bed this morning.  One thing I know about myself is that I am determined and focused.  If my body is capable then my mind is willing.

So I started running.  The first quarter mile after twisting my ankle was uncomfortable to say the least.  But it wasn't enough to stop me.  I cursed myself for being so distracted.  Vowing to focus on the path in front of me and not make silly mistakes kept me going.  I thanked the baby Jesus that I didn't really hurt myself.  I successfully completed my 6 mile run.  In this instance it was the right decision to keep going. My ankle feels pretty tender today but is better than yesterday.  All I have to do is cross-train for an hour.  Tomorrow is a rest day.  By Friday I should be back to my regular self.

I am a rookie.  As a rookie I need to respect the fact that I am going to have to be extra careful.  My body will be tired.  My attention will wander.  I will occasionally feel overconfident and invincible as well as incapable.  I have to reign all that in. Preparing to run a marathon is a physical AND mental game. The last thing I need is for an injury to sideline my running.  Loving running is so new to me.  All things considered though...  After 6 miles and one twisted ankle.  I'm feeling pretty good.