FEELING GRATITUDE IN COLE HARBOUR

Today was the 15K race in Cole Harbour. This was Maritime Race Weekend's 15K Tidal Trail Race on the Salt Marsh in Cole Habour, Nova Scotia. It was a sunny day and very windy, a difficult run to be sure. What made it even more difficult is that my running has taken a nose dive as of late. Since April 22 when I ran a bust race in Run Our Shore, In Liverpool, Nova Scotia, I have been dealing with a chronic situation that took a turn for the very worst ever.

It has felt like my right side was separate and did not belong to my left side. From the waist down to the knee and including the knee, the entire side including the butt. I had to literally pull my right leg along after laying down or sitting for a long period of time. So what has the issue been? EVERYTHING. Truly a runners nightmare, Piriformis Syndrome, IT Band Issue, SI Joint Issues, and Psoas problems, not to mention those nasty Glutes. So what came first and what issue ran into the other. Who knows? But walking, running, and moving from one position to another as been a nightmare. The pain at times excruciating and the stiffness and swelling unbearable. Not only a runner's worst nightmare, the day to day tasks have been incredibly hard. The simple tasks of cooking, and gardening, have been quite the challenge. Stairs a frightening experience. Getting in and out of the car, somewhat hilarious. Two day trips in the car to Ontario have only exasperated the whole problem.

Piriformis Syndrome

IT Band Syndrome

SI Joint Issues

Psoas Issues

Glute Issues

SO WHY DO I FEEL GRATITUDE? Because I ran a 15K race today in my very favorite place to be in the entire world, other than my home. On the Salt Marsh in Cole Harbour. With the same time as I had last year, when I did not have an injury. As well as we endured 70 mph winds ripping across the marsh.

SO WHY DO I FEEL GRATITUDE? Because I had a host of individuals who made this moment possible. A huge shout out to my sweet little RMT Stephanie Locke for her constant attention to all matters aforementioned. To her knowledge of anatomy, her willingness to keep learning and reaching higher in her field, her patience and her expertise hands. Together we are getting to the core of the issue and rising higher.

To my very special husband Craig, who pitches in where possible and who is never tired of running around and looking for and shopping for all needed items to assist in a complete recovery.

Voltaren

Foam Roller

Massage Roller

Tennis Balls

Spiky Ball

Knee Brace

Epsom Salts

Massaging with Lavender Oil

Not to be outdone by my situation, I decided to turn my office into a Yoga and Therapy room. He watched with undying patience and then helped me wholeheartedly. He is my hugest fan, my chauffeur, my chef and my constant supporter and cheering team. Standing in all types of weather patiently waiting for me to come across the finish line. Putting up with all the shoes and the running stuff all over the house. Sometimes even joining in the run. Maybe just to humor me I am not sure, but yesterday in my slowest race ever, at The Penguin Run in Enfield, he beat me good, he beat me bad. He deserved it. We both were so very proud.

To my New Yoga Teacher, wow you are an inspiration.

Gratitude to my friends and family for their continuous support and for Run Nova Scotia and it's members for believing in me with words of encouragement to not give this up. You have watched me hobbling away, you have maybe been there with a similar injury and your faith keeps my faith strong. This will not get the better of me!!!!

So my heart is bursting with gratitude, for my fighting this, for working through this and for the wonderful opportunity for this run, a most awesome run and for all runs still to come.

WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Namaste

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Images: Google Source