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Starting Over

That's it! I've decided to train for another full marathon and I'm inviting you along on the journey. For a while I thought I'd be happy just saying I'd done one. But I'm itching to try another now. This week I'll be completing my 15th half marathon and there's just something in me that makes me want to do another full. Maybe it's because so many think I can't.

Just recently I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Yep - you read that right. So far I have been okayed to run. My cardiologist said I can run as long as I have my blood pressure under control. My primary care told me I can run carefully- as long as I don't over-do it and as long as I walk if I am having any issues. So using great wisdom - I push forward.

I have a half this weekend and then another in April. I'm becoming "okay" with doing them even if I have to walk a lot for my health's sake. It still gripes me a lot though. Since I've always been a go-getter and an overachiever having to slow down is very difficult. It's much easier on me to push, push, push! I'm actually learning a lot on this journey though as I learn to slow down in order to "pick it up" some.

It's really more about just staying in the game. There's no quit in my mind - it's more about learning how to get it done and doing it right so I can continue getting it done. One foot in front of another.

Let me say this - I will be listening to my doc and cardiologist on this journey. But I intend to finish any way I can. One of the lessons I've learned in the last few months is to actually listen to my body. It is important after all. I can't do a marathon without it, now can I?

I'm learning that I need to focus and refocus a lot. I'm not "officially" starting marathon training until after the OKC half next month. So we'll just have to be patient 'til then.

I really think I can do this - even with such a terrible diagnosis. I just have to be smart - and do what I know to do. Isn't that the case with any area of life? We can accomplish anything as long as we do what is right - and what we know we should be doing in the first place.

I hope you choose to join me on this crazy adventure - I'm going to be totally open with how I feel physically and emotionally. You'll know when I have a really easy, enjoyable run and I'll let you in on it when I have one that is gut-wrenchingly endured. I'll tell you what I do right - and where I mess up. Hope you'll join me on this journey as I continue to train my body - and train my mind.




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