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I’m Approaching My Goal: Support Welcome!

I’m running the Portland Marathon next Sunday.  Oh. My. Goodness. I’m running the Portland Marathon next Sunday!  Excuse me while I obsess a bit….

Some of you may know that I ran my first marathon last year.  It was a big audacious goal.  It made me nervous and excited.  Okay, it scared me. When I started the training, I had no idea how I would do it, but my running program gave me a schedule and I decided I’d just tackle it one week at a time.  I did and I did it. Literally one step at a time.

What you may not know is that, although I finished the marathon, I finished with a broken foot (I didn’t know it at the time—in fact it took a good 6 weeks to sort out what was wrong with me).  Apparently I suffered a stress fracture mid-marathon in my calcaneus (that’s your heel) bone.  Two physicians, two physical therapists, two chiropractors and a massage therapist have not been able to explain exactly why it happened.  I don’t do any of the things that tend to cause this rare occurrence and my bone density is great.  They all encouraged me to not to give up.

My favorite comment—from my new favorite physical therapist—was, “You’re 43—you are in your prime.  Go for it!”  So, I took a deep breath and I did. I am.

Did you hear that? I am in my prime

Since I am determined to have a memory of a marathon that is more fun, and because I really enjoyed training with a great running group and my supportive friends, I decided to train for another marathon.

Sunday, I’m going back to Portland again.  I’ve been training—carefully, conscientiously, and week by week.  When I was able to start running again in mid January I was allowed to run for only two minutes.  The first time I tried to run 2 miles, I had aches in all sorts of new places.  But I kept going.  And I am very proud to say I’ve had a great summer of running. I’m having fun.

So now the marathon is upon me.  In the true style of a woman with a lot on her plate, I will be driving down to Portland with my family and we will combine the trip with tours of college campuses for my son who is in his last year of high school.

My goals: to have a great time, and to be healthy and happy and able to dance at the end.  Oh, and I want to know I did my best.

Now for the really important stuff—what to wear?

Running skirt or shorts (I tend to be a running skirt kind of girl)?

What to put on my playlist?  I’m always in the market for songs that make me soar and run faster—and that will help me conquer that hill at mile 17-18.

Let me know what you think.

One Response to “I’m Approaching My Goal: Support Welcome!”

1. Alice Greene says:

   September 28, 2009 at 12:24 pm

   Keep up your great attitude Melissa. I’m a running skirt kind of gal too, so absolutely wear what makes you feel great. Stay focused on your vision of having a great time and dancing afterwards, because your body is whole, complete and fully able to do the run you’ve trained for. I happen to love Shania Twain to keep me jazzed, so that is my suggestion for your play list. Congrats on doing a second marathon!
   Alice