One Day at a time becomes 2 years....and adventure racing!

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep". Robert Frost

I have not always been a runner, but i have always been obsessed with the outdoors. If you haven't read my story I met my husband in my twenties working as a whitewater raft guide. I have always loved kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, camping...anything that involves being immersed in nature. It soothes me and feeds my soul.

At my one year post-op mark I developed the urge to run. The idea of running a marathon had always been a "bucket list" kind of thing for me, but I had never really considered myself a runner. It was more something I did occassionally when i got the urge...and that urge soon would pass as I would come limping and huffing home gasping for air...and the remote.

But when not one, but 3 orthopedic surgeons told me I may never run again, but maybe, yes that is maybe, we can do something about the chronic dehabilitating pain in your hip...well being the stubborn person that I am I wanted to run darnit!

But that involved one 4 hour hip surgery, weeks on cruthes, months of hard physical therapy, countless sleepless nights and a river of tears. It also involved a life changing, mind centering, prayer warrioring time in my life that i became someone i liked a lot better than before the whole thing started. Oh, and most importantly feeling the love and support of so many who came to bring meals, help with the kids, stand with me in my darkest moments. It really was a beautiful thing.

So, here I am just shy of 2 years post-op, training for my first adventure race. I am averaging 10-15 miles per week running, but hope to see that increase one mile per week now. I started running about 9 months ago by using the run to walk program as suggested by my physical therapist. Basically each "run" is 30 min, walk one minute/ rest one minute. Every few days increasing the run time, but always a one minute rest. It is ideal for injury prevention. And if you're like me you are paranoid about reinjuring yourself post-op. There is pain from weakness and it used to really freak me out, but i have learned to recognize it. And when I feel it i rest until it is gone. Usually that is about 24 hours, anything longer than 48 could be a sign of trouble.

I have 2 months to go until race day and I will keep you all posted. But i am loving the early mornings on the trail...even the steep hills. Every step is a reason to be thankful.

Happy Healing!

Vanessa