Perspective: Part 2

So here I am. Now what? Well, Perspective, that's what.

I am so blessed for this entire ordeal. I know it sounds hokey or at the least a good public service announcement but it's true. Sure, would it have been awesome to never have had this issue in the first place? Yea. While I'm at it why don't I turn the clock back to 2010 before the hamstring tendinopathy kicked in? Or even better still, 2008 when I tore my plantar fasciitis in the steeplechase instead of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics? Yea, of course that could have been the path I walked but it isn't. The other paths that I didn't walk, though, also include never having been to the Olympics at all, having a terminal illness instead of this "elective" surgery, or not having the amazing support network of family and friends that I do.

Starting to see it? That's Perspective. I would like to get back to running competitively and even go after the qualifying standard for Rio 2016. But you know what, when this started (before the myopathy) I used to look at the girls I used to race against and think, "Darn, why can't I be competing? This sucks!" Then, as time went on and I stopped running, I would look at the overweight person trotting along the street trying to stick to a healthy training regimen and think, "Wow, good for him! I hope, I can go running one day (that's right just regular, ol' go-out-for-a-run-because-it-just-feels-good running)." Over these months I've gained perspective.

When I first flew to Houston to see Dr. Brown it mattered to me that he was an athlete specialist - and it still does of course. But as the months progressed and I was showing up in hospitals regularly for tests, I would see people much sicker than I and with much more serious issues to consider than "can I make it to the next Olympics". That's perspective.

I really want to stress and point out that I don't feel bad at all about looking inward and getting caught up in the bubble that surrounds me that is my life. My issues are important to me and that matters. I don't have to cure world hunger to feel important. I don't have to feel ashamed for looking inward and crying when things don't go my way or I can't run. I don't have to excuse my ego, my vanity, or my obsessions.

This perspective thing is just a way that helps me cope with challenges better. It helps me to realize that on the road to pursuing your dreams there are going to be setbacks. Things won't always go your way and, for better or worse, they might not go your way at all.  You still put you head down (βάζεις το κεφάλι κάτω) and work your tail off pursuing your goals...but every so often it is good to look up and realize that there is more to life.

This time away from running gave me the chance to spend even more quality time with my family and to build on the great relationship I have with my nephews. I even got a job as office manager for a great startup, PopWi, and I am busy sharpening my dormant office skills. I realize that there is more to enjoy in life than just running, but don't get me wrong...I'm hitting the roads with my running shoes June 12 and if I only make it 1mile that will be my first mile on the road to Rio!