I'm over it...kinda.

It was cold and beautiful yesterday morning at the trail head.
I stood around a heater with other runners and chatted about what layers to keep on, what to shed, how popular trail running has become, and met a girl who had just finished the Disney double last weekend I believe it was.



The course was an eight mile out and back and took place on the Arizona Trail, which takes you from the most northern tip of Arizona all the way to Mexico.
Many people have hiked this I am sure and I even read about some guys who mountain biked the whole thing.

Amazing.

We started at 7:30 just as the sun was coming up and by mile two I was peeling off one layer of long-sleeves. I always over-dress. When will I ever learn?



By mile three I was developing a rhythm and my breathing seemed good (I carried my trusty inhaler!), but my left calf started giving me problems. I stopped and tried to stretch it. No go.
I re-tied my laces and stretched again.
Not happening.
I found that my stride was not "normal" and I was changing how I ran to compensate.
Not good.

I turned around at a little over three miles and took my number off, walked back and cheered the other runners on as they passed me.

I took pictures.

I stopped to chat and thank those at the aid stations.

At home a cried a little.

My heart aches to go fast on these winding, beautiful paths.

I used to be able to.

Yesterday I couldn't.



But I have to remember that I still was able to see a trail I was not familiar with and marveled at the beauty that surrounded me.

I have to remember than whatever I do, or don't do, my husband still loves me.

I have to remember to focus on the big picture and back off and heal.

Now....weight room here I come.

Thanks, I needed to get that off my chest.