Some runners are indestructible, never getting a single injury, never so much as a scratch. Me on the other hand, has had to deal with a significant injury once a year since I began long distance running, be it a pulled hamstring (twice), sciatica (three times), burnout, and now a surgically repaired right foot. I can't remember the last year I got through unscathed.
It was abundantly clear that running would never be the same again after this surgery, and the physical therapist advised me, along with a few others, to take 2020 as a healing year and focus on swimming and cycling. Initially, I was going to do that and try again in 2021. But as I sat there this morning, I realized that even though I love running, it clearly doesn't love me back. And I realized that even if I was cleared to run again, I'm afraid that I'll end up with another injury that will sideline me for a lengthy amount of time. I don't want to take that risk any more. And I think it's better to stop now, while my right foot can be saved, rather than to try again and permanently injure my right foot.
Besides, I have alternatives. Once I get established in a job, I plan on getting a membership to the Holland Community Aquatic Center and swim lessons. This will open me up to aquabike (swim/ride/medal) and swim only events such as Swim to the Moon near Ann Arbor and the Big Shoulders 5K swim in Chicago. I have a decent road bike, which will allow for events like any distance at the Holland 100 or MSU Gran Fondo, and if I get a gravel/cyclocross bike, that opens me up to events such as Bell's Iceman, Barry Roubaix, and the Hellkaat Hundie. And there's always volunteering for a change of perspective. I can be the one to hand out medals, or I can be at an aid station, or I can be there the day before to hand you your packet. I think this reckoning was coming.
And one more thing: it's not like I'm lacking for things to do right now. I'm so close to a job in my field again. I restart my MSW in April, and that will run through March 2022. And the money I'm saving on marathon entry fees will easily be deposited into a "move out and establish myself independently" fund. I'll be okay, even if it is a tough pill to swallow. What I'd like from you is your support as I come to terms with this.
Thank you.
