Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Getting Back on Track

Almost a year has passed since my last post. I didn't even remember my password for logging on! I am recommitting to blogging; one, because I love to write and two, because it is good discipline for me.

When I last wrote, I was discouraged about not being able to run or do much of anything else, because low iron was keeping me in a state of fatigue. I am happy to say that I finally found an iron product that works! I tried many over the course of several years, and the one that made a difference is Nature's Plus Hema-Plex in gel cap form. As a female athlete, my ferritin should be in the 25-50 range yet had hovered around 5-7 for several years. Last time I checked, about six months ago, it was 19! And I could tell the difference. (No, I'm not getting paid for that commercial.)

So, I am a happy runner now, right? Wrong. I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for a good five months. In fact, when it first started, I ignored it and ran all summer thinking it would go away. Instead, my heel became very angry and unforgiving. I am doing penance now.

My running has been on hold for almost three months, and it has been a lesson in patience! I hope to start running in about two weeks, as I am closely following doctor's orders. In the meantime, I have been doing spin class and water jogging to stay somewhat conditioned. The holidays, busy schedule and runner's blues (what I get when I can't run) has threatened to rob me of the fitness I had attained through the summer.

I am determined to hold my ground though and move forward. I hope you too, have a plan and motivation to get in shape or stay in shape. The mental benefits are almost as good as the physical. Share your plan with someone, for accountability, and keep a journal to record your progress. And whether or not you will set racing as one of your goals, keep in mind that this life is a type of race, or at least a journey, and its good to find the pace that works for you.