It's been almost 2 weeks since I fell trail running. I can get into bed without screaming, now. Yes, I was literally crying out in pain when I had to lay down, move in bed or get up. Coughing or sneezing were horribly painful... & even breathing was uncomfortable.

This week I tried weight lifting, again. I knew I wouldn't be able to do any chest or back exercises. I figured I would work arms & legs. I started with light bicep work & was dumbfounded that my chest was hurting during these exercises-- even at the light weight! I didn't realize how much you used your core even for bicep and arm work. I tried tricep pulley work. The same strain was felt at the right side of my torso. I think I made matters worse because I am sore, again, just standing.

I told Jim & he joked, "Did you say 'boom' when you went boom?" I laughed then whined. "Too soon?" he asked. I explained that when I fell, I just turned to my side... "Then took a picture," Jim added, "Like Justin Beiber" (in the Ben Stiller movie before he dies). We started laughing. I know it looks vain on the surface; but, I document almost all of highs & lows of training. Falling is inevitable when trail running. I didn't think I hurt myself as much as I did. -I've had my fair share of scrapes but this one is the longest lasting trail injury I've sustained (bruised ribs). My "Lucy injury" (dislocated SI joint & hip out of socket) is an ongoing strengthening cause; but, that wasn't running related. It has affected my ability to run-- but it wasn't caused by Running.

For now, I can gingerly run & try to keep working secularly & around the house. I'm not swimming as the "pulling" motion is straining. I'm better this week & look forward to being stronger next week. As I'm less sore, I plan on popping the rib back into alignment at a chiropractor's visit. Until then I do what I can, as I can. I'm sticking to miles on pavement & gravel trails to avoid tree roots and another face plant. Missing my trail miles but enjoying Jim's company on the pavement for my longer runs.

There is a great weight removed when you admit your limitations. I find this makes you more approachable. I enjoy expressing my good and bad moments in running & training. Some say I share too much... but, I find it appeals to other "late bloomers" like I was. I didn't try running until I was 40. I thought people "just KNEW" what they were good at-- from a young age. Nature vs nurture? I believed nature was the deciding factor. THEN... something happened. I got a pep talk (repeatedly) & I tried. I tried running: secretly, solo, privately. It wasn't pretty, at the start... but after I started trail running-- I just wanted to keep going. I wanted others- especially women- to have this weight removed of what a woman needed to "look" like. I wanted women to feel strong, confident & capable. So I started "preaching the gospel". I was asked to be an ambassador for the Glass City Marathon. I started a blog to promote the race... & found great joy in keeping this running diary! I would write the good, the bad & the ugly of running. I would share the beauty of the woods through photos as well as the silly, crude stories of runny noses & tired legs. If people could see the "journey", I hoped they would see a "regular mom" could have success, too. 

Eventually, a mom from our 4-H group started texting me. She explained running to her barn... then running there & back... -Eventually she accepted a challenge to do a 5K from a workmate.  She & her husband started a Couch to 5K program. We spoke often and I gave her information on running apps, shoes, clothes, pace, etc. I planned on showing up to cheer at their race. Then Jim started running, again-- farther... faster... He wanted to run this event, too. So we did. (Photo by Running with Larry Photography)

Our 4-H family finished their race. Jim said the look on Dawn's face was: "YEAH! I can do this! What ELSE can I do?" Does it matter what their pace was? -NO- Imagine how good I felt when I was told: "Sarah, this is 'XXXX'. She challenged me to run. You inspired me to run." --WOW!-- I've been told some pretty amazing stuff. People have thanked me in many different ways for encouragement... but this is a compliment I won't forget! Someone paid it forward to me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing the look on new runners' faces! It's an ego boost; an a-ha moment; a realization that there is physically & mentally more in us than we know. "The SKY is the limit" realization is a force for good!

 So where are WE, now? Jim is, steadily, increasing his mileage. He cut his hair. He has gained muscle & we spend time, together, with the girls. Running is not the most important thing in our life; but we ENJOY it... & we enjoy time, together. Time together IS important... & we're loving every mile...

This past week has been a whirlwind! Jim & I ran his first comeback 5K, in Cleveland, last weekend. It started at the Cleveland Browns stadium & we finished on the 50 yard line, inside the stadium. I cried at the start. He cried at the end... then I cried some more before we left. A year ago we were making regular trips to Cleveland Clinic. Only a few months ago has Jim felt well enough to eat, walk, exercise & start running. At WHATEVER the pace, the event was monumental! Jim was no longer in town as a sick patient. He was in town as an athlete. We are planning another visit to Cleveland & discussed the Turkey Trot 5 miler. Jim has it in his head as his next goal distance. I am excited at this. We will run it together at his pace. If he runs, I am content to be with him. I view it as an investment in a running partner. As his miles increase- & I am confident that they will- I know he will be encouraging me on my tough days. I remember when I was unable to do what he is doing... but... if you stick with it, it "happens." I explained to him on our last run that I was reviewing some old videos-- where he jumped from a one mile goal to a two mile goal. Jumping from two miles to three miles was a big deal. The three miles to four miles "jump" was a cushion of endurance to run his first 5K. As he struggled with a 4 mile run, yesterday, I reminded him of how far he's come. I reminded him of those videos-- what it took to get there; &, now, he wouldn't settle for a 2 mile run. "Well, now, you said it. I can't stop at 2... I have to run 4." :) We chuckled. I look forward to running trails with him. I can't imagine perfection being much better than that... unless you add the girls running with us!!! There is hope for that as we set the example.

We are also taking Lucy out on runs, again. The weather is cooler and she enjoys it immensely.

My Mercy Health Glass City Marathon ambassador promotional week is finished. I VERY MUCH enjoy rallying people to running & races! There is a satisfaction promoting a lifestyle that has changed your life- physically, emotionally & socially. To finally see "growth" in my own family, too? That is beyond the moon excitement for me. I can't stop viewing this as the "cash cow" of investments! My own hubby, an organically grown runner from the same Speer soil as myself- the same work schedule, close to home, carpooling to train & race... sharing the same excitement & stories... Woooohoooo!!!

We have another local 5K, coming up, this weekend. I will run at Jim's pace. We will start & finish, together... then hopefully cheer some new runner friends across the finish line. He gets to pass "on" the torch, too! Life is good.

The winners of week one for a free race registration to the Mercy Health Glass City full marathon, Owens Corning 1/2 marathon or Medical Mutual Glass City 5K are:

Brittany Combs &

Shannon Mandolesi

They will be notified via email.

PLEASE NOTE:
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon
*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners were picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*Only one free registration per person will be honored.**
*If you do NOT win during week one, MORE chances will follow through other Glass City Marathon Ambassadors.

Week one is finished for your chance to win a free race registration of your choice during the Glass City Marathon weekend. 

You didn't win?!?!

There are more opportunities to win! 

Please visit the next ambassador's promotion to try again. 

October 24 -31 Brian Hackenburg 

Facebook: Brian Hackenburg

Today is your last day to enter week one of 9 weeks of raffles. Winner will receive a free race registration to a race of your choice on April 23, 2017:

-Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
-Owens Corning Half Marathon
-Medical Mutual Glass City 5K

Mercy Health Glass City Marathon HOMEPAGE

You don't want to miss every opportunity open to you! Click on the link below to register for THREE WAYS to enter! Two winners will be announced, tomorrow morning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We are 1/2 way through week one of nine weeks of giveaways. Are you entered in the raffle to win a FREE race registration to a race of your choice? The registration is applicable to one of the following races only:

-Mercy Health Glass City Marathon
-Owens Corning Half Marathon
-Medical Mutual Glass City 5K

PLEASE NOTE:
*The free registration does NOT apply to the Yark Subaru 5-Person Relay or the Findley Davies Kids' Marathon

*Winner will be announced & must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.
*Winner will be notified via email with code for online registration.
*Expiration for code will be January 31, 2017.
*Winners will be picked at random by Rafflecopter.
*You may enter as many times as you wish through the various raffles BUT only one free registration per person will be honored.Don't miss your chance to enter! A name will be drawn on Monday. You don't want to be missing your chance

a Rafflecopter giveaway