A Very Happy New Year

              On December 19^th, over 10 months after the accident, my physical therapist cleared me to “run.” She said I could run for 5-10 minutes but had to trust myself and listen to my body (we all know how good I am at that).  While this was the best Christmas gift anyone could have given me, I was terrified. I knew it would be painful and mentally challenging. Before I laced on my running shoes I waited a couple days. I waited till I had a day off from work, and I was at home on the safe roads of CT where I knew my course perfectly. I rested the day before I ran because I knew this would be painful and discouraging and a soar ankle from activity the day before would make it that much worse.

              I was right, the first run was BRUTAL. I ran for 7 minutes and literally watched the clock every minute. My foot, ankle, and knee throbbed every step. Not to mention I felt incredibly out of shape. Limping my way back to my house I wondered if running was really something I should ever do again. Was it really worth it? Bone was healed, motion and flexibility were intact, and it was still a miserable experience.

         2 weeks later, I am able to run 2 miles.. no pain, no limp.  I’ve discovered through trial and error the importance of speed walking prior to running and fixing my stride.  So this excitement, endorphins, and passion has obviously made sit down and create a training plan so I can cross the 2013 Boston Marathon finish line. Yet, I am completely aware that is setting extremely high expectations.

         As my dad reminded me this Christmas, he was “so happy just to have me at Christmas, alive and well.” During New Years Frank admitted “I spent that last year questioning if you would be able to ever live a normal life again. I wanted so badly for you just to do day to day things without pain. What you did and how well you're doing after splitting you leg in 4 different places is almost a miracle.” With that, my new years resolution this year will be to make sure I am able to stop when it's too much. And remind myself just how lucky I am that I can live everyday without any pain. If running and training for the marathon stops me from living my life pain free, it won’t be worth it.

2012 hit me hard for a reason. It taught me to just be thankful for everything that I am able to do and everyone I have. But most importantly, it taught me when to stop. It taught me when to say to myself  “Sarah, that enough now, if you continue it won’t do you any good.”  But luckily, I don't need to say that yet. And if I keep on keeping on, I’ll see you at the finish line. 







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