I guess what they say is true, time flies when you are having fun. This year has came and flew by! While it was full of extreme highs, it was also full of extreme lows. Being in the hospital and finding out that my condition is rapidly worsening, was a low blow to say the least. But luckily, my support system is INCREDIBLE. My family and friends have been there through everything and believe in me as much as I do. And those weak moments I forget, they remind me.
On a lighter note, I did have an UNBELIEVABLE year! It started off with a bang as I successfully knocked out Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, completing the 39.3 miles with little to no pain thanks to my PT coming out to take care of me. I did the half and the full marathon back to back and it was the most fun I’ve ever had at a race. So many great moments!
From then on, things kept happening, pretty quick too. From being accepted into my dream race, to running races I hadn’t done in the past it’s been a crazy year. I did lots of new things, learned a lot, and grew a little.
Knowing that I was going to run the New York City Marathon, certainly changed my life. I couldn’t believe my dreams were coming true so soon! But in the mist of training for it, I ran into a lot of problems. I started having a new pain in my back I never had, upon checking it out, we found out my spine has moved 11 degrees on the top. But I pushed forward, and kept moving. I saw this as a bump in the road that I was going to overcome. I was going to physical therapy and seeing my doctors regularly. Nothing was helping, nothing was working, so I opted to continue on my own and living my life as comfortable and as best I could. Thanks to KT Tape, it was possible.
Then he most magical thing happened, ASICS America asked me to be a part of their team and represent them for the New York City Marathon! My dream race just got a whole heck of a lot better. It was an UNIMAGINABLE experience! From the plane ride to the race, every moment was one I will not forget. They helped my dreams be sweeter and more memorable.
While the race was my most difficult one to date, my rotated ribs were literally on the move as I moved my way to the finish line. Bruised, battered and purple I made it. I am looking forward to returning one day to redeem myself.
I have seen my doctor and we are keeping a close eye on my rotating ribs. He gave me 4 months until I will start seeing improvement in the pain. Until then I am taking it easy and dong my best to not aggravate it. I have done 3 races since then. One went very well while the other two not so much.
My journey isn’t over. I am just at the slow part. I will continue to move forward and use my positivity to get me through the worst days. I know that is won’t be easy and I am ready. But I do know that this isn’t the end for me, just a new beginning.
Here’s to 2016, a new year of possibilities, opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
Have a safe and happy NEW YEAR.
-gelcys
Empire Unleashed 
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