May the force be with you

Here we are again. It’s January, the day before the marathon. I trained REALLY hard for this one. Last November I had the spinal cord stimulator put in so I didn’t get a chance to do the official marathon. So, I ran the 26.2 miles the day before surgery. While surgery went well the leads were surgically placed exactly where they needed to be and my migraine pain has significantly dropped since then.

The recovery didn’t go so smoothly but it’s all due to having so many past spinal surgeries that sort of complicated the situation so I wouldn’t compare my recovery to anyone elses. The recovery also affected my training a little bit. I was also signed up for the runDisney Wine and Dine weekend. I did the 5K, 10K, and the half marathon that weekend. It was my first set of races with the device on and it was incredible! I did well and felt strong. It was a true test on how I would do during any race.

During my recovery I was running into some complications with my scar. It was affecting my old Scoliosis scar which had me on the bench for months of not running. It made me nervous because, much to the naked eye, I am not a healthy runner. I have to put in A LOT of work to train for a marathon. More than a healthy runner. But I don’t mind it because I enjoy running, especially long distances. But with complications, my time was quickly slipping away. I was growing weary because I was also fresh off the opertating table. I was determined. That’s my thing.

I kept trying and trying and could barely make it past 5 miles without breaking down in tears. Not because it hurt but because of frustration. McFly would be the one to guide and help me through it. He gives the greatest and most sound advice that I’ve ever heard. With persistance, time, and wanting to reach goals, I pressed on and made it to every goal set.

I safely started making 20 to 30 miles average a week. During stormy times, Lyssa was right there watching me while I trained. Sometimes forcing me off the treadmill, but the most part I made it.

I have survived the training which is the hardest part and now tomorrow is show time. Today we had a bad storm and I got a migraine attack in the middle of the night which affected my arms. It is a Hormonal migraine. One that comes with my monthly cycle and those are killer!!! I honestly do not feel well but I was prepared for all of this to happen. I use several different tools, including Lyssa to help guide me through this. I have pumped up the device a bit to work stronger, I have taken some meds, and now I just need my arms to calm down( I am wearing compression sleeves for it).

Mentally I am always ready for races, it’s my body that has to make up it’s mind on how it will cooperate on race day. All I can do is make it as happy and comfortable as I can with the use of KT Tape and stay as relaxed as possible. Between the pressure of the storm and the coolish weather, those don’t help because of the flucuation in pressure but I am digging that tempurate for tomorrow.

I have trained as well as I could, just over a year after my 5th spine surgery, about to do yet another marathon(don’t know the number bc I don’t keep track, 11? 12?) It’s one foot in front of the other and do a lot of mathing as I usually do. It keeps me distracted and focused as the same time. Lots of cadence and rythm and hope to see some friends along the way. I am prepared for my chronic illnesses to flare up along the way, and hope for the best and prepared for the worst.

26.2 miles is my joy, my strength, my freedom. Here’s to enjoying the victory lap. Good luck to those running this weekend. Where ever it may be.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU.

-g