The Stockade-athon that wasn't

Today was my last race of the year. But, I actually did not run it. Last night my right heel was bothering me. It felt achy and a bit tender to the touch. So I took some ibuprofen and iced it. When I woke up about 2am and limped to the bathroom, I pretty much knew I would not race in the morning. My alarm went off at 6am and I arose shortly after. The preset coffee maker was brewing the morning coffee. I ate my bagel and drank my coffee. Then I got dressed and left the house shortly after 7am.

I arrived at Central Park in Schenectady and collected my bib and long sleeve shirt. I went back to my car and sat for a little while thinking this is not a smart idea. I can walk but my heel was a bit stiff. Still I pinned my bib to my shirt and started my garmin watch. I tried to go for a short jog in the parking lot but every time my heel struck the pavement, I felt a pain shoot up my calf. That was it... I called it. The race that hadn't start was already finished for me.

I reminded myself that I have nothing to prove. I didn't want to take the risk of causing an injury that could have been avoided. So, as I've been doing all year, I listened to my body. It told me this morning "hang it up." The Stockade-athon happens every year. I shall have another chance to run it next year and many years after that.

As I sit in my living room typing this, I am relieved that I did not attempt to race this morning. A younger and naive version of me would have probably taped her ankle until there was no pain at all and dragged it on a 9.3 mile race. But, like my husband joked... even this Superwoman needs to know when to rest her cape. Even though I know I did the right thing, I don't feel happy about it. Running means that much to me.

In another month or so I will begin training for the Boston Marathon. I had to make a smart decision today and not run. Boston means more to me than any other run right now. Time to rest up for a bit because what's about to happen in the next five months is going to be one of the biggest and best experiences of my life.

Thank you for visiting and stay tune for updates on my Boston Marathon Training!