Chin up, Chin up!

I've had several rough drafts composed in my head how this post was supposed to begin and how it would conclude.  Sadly, I don't feel they apply.  I know this blog's purpose is to build people up, however, I feel like today I am the person who needs the support.

Today marks one week away from my half marathon.  The half marathon I am running in honor of my dad.  It also happens to be his birthday next Saturday, and he had always ran one of the races in this event.  I have been looking forward to this race all summer.  It has been driving me to get up and run in the mornings and on Saturdays leave my kids for a few hours just to put in the miles.  This was more than just a half marathon to me it was a way to honor my dad and the legacy he left.

Wednesday while I was out on a run I rolled my ankle on some uneven pavement.  I thought I was fine but as the day progressed my ankle began to tighten and feel worse.  I've been taking it easy in hopes it will heal soon.  My spirits are down though.  I've been questioning why me? Why now? I've done everything to avoid injury and now a week before the race I'm injured.

I asked myself what would my dad do at a time like this?  Well, he would probably take some ibuprofen, ice and rest.  I remembered a  time in my dad's life when he and his wife signed up for a bunch of races one summer and they were excited to accomplish them.  He ended up crashing on his mountain bike and broke his elbow.  So running was out of the question. I saw him walking to work just to get some exercise in. That year he walked his half marathon he signed up for and I think he did it in a pretty good time for walking.  The next week he walked a 10K and he even placed! So i've decided this is where I will find my strength.  Mind over matter, right?  I will heal if I believe I can.  I can run this half with strength and determination if I think I can.  I will run next weekend.  I may need to walk some, I may not.  I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself and think positive.  Oh ya, and maybe you could, cross your fingers, pray for me, and send some of your positive energy my way!  Thanks. :)

Josie