I have struggled with depression forever, possibly even when I was a child, I'm not sure but I became aware of it when I was in my teens and it got progressively worse in my early twenties until I sought help.
As you all know I have been training for a marathon that is supposed to happen in 6 days.
Last weekend I ran a half marathon "just for fun" and ended up exacerbating the condition. I beat my person record by one minuet but had the worst run I've had in 6 months. BOO!
Well, My shin is healing but I am not positive I will be able to run the marathon. I haven't run at it at all and have been R.I.C.E ing, and taking NSAIDs like nobody's business! So fingers crossed.........BUT..........
Like any HUGE life event it comes with high emotions.
I'm sure any of you that have been married or have a baby know all too well the intensity of the "lead up" to the event and then the infamous "let down."
Even if everything goes off without a hitch, there is always a sort of let down. Maybe some like to call it the calm after the storm but the storm is what keeps me going and the calm is what brings me down.
So whether I run that marathon or not, I'm going to be feeling some major blues I think and if I don't run it.........it's going to be much more challenging!!!
Luckily I have a plan.
I have started to mentally prepare myself for a week now that it's TOTALLY okay if I don't run that marathon.
I'm not a weak person. There was nothing I could do about it. In fact I'm a smart person as not to injure myself further and prevent myself from running more in the future.
Running, as you all know has become my whole world.
I think about it all day, I dream about it all night. I can't wait to wake up so I can hit the road. It has saved me!!!!

MY PLAN:
So I've decided the I will make an executive decision a couple days before the race and if my shin has even the tiniest twinge of pain, I will not run.
I will reschedule myself for another marathon in the coming months. There are a few in my area coming up.
I will get a membership to a gym and start cross training HARD.
If I can't run this marathon I plan to run the next one stronger and faster.
I plan to have my core in tip top, STRONG shape, as well as my upper body and legs of course.
I plan to up my game and take every precaution not to let this injury beat me.
I just got new shoes but I plan to get a new pair of orthotics too. I have a high arch and over pronate so for me special shoes and orthotics are smart.
The bottom line is..........I will not let this get me down
I will use this an excuse to train harder. Be more fit. and create new and exciting goals.
I WILL PREVAIL!!!!
Life is too short my friends to be depressed, to give up. I just won't do it!!! Not this time!!!
I am determined to keep running and be a strong, competent runner. I plan to run lots of marathons so if this one doesn't happen, there are millions more just waiting for me.
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| My amazing husband gave me this ridiculously GORGEOUS fresh water pearl necklace for my 30th birthday. God, I love that man! |







25 comments:
That sounds like a good and SAFE plan ! I am really glad to hear that you are being careful at the same time. It's better to keep your body healthy than to still run and hurt yourself even more. I will be thinking of your and hoping it heals fast so you can still do the marathon ! Either way, your story is amazing and it proves how strong and motivated you are!
Great post! You have to stay positive! =)
I still think your shin will turn the corner in time. Does it hurt if you run super slow, like ..,12:00 miles? Check to see if your race has a time limit and run/walk it? I know it would be a bummer to do your first one that way, but a marathon is a marathon!! I'm looking for another marathon come fall. I think we should do it together. :)
Good luck chica! My shin turned the corner before 2 weeks, yours may too!! Especially if you aren't a heel striker.
I really hope your shin heals enough for you to run your marathon!! You've worked so hard for it. But even if you can't, I know you'll ROCK the next one you sign up for. Keep fighting :)
Ok I MUST know where you go that dress! That is the exact dress I'm looking for to pair with my cowboy boots, LOVE it!!!
Awesome post. Never give up. Attitude is everything. Giving yourself permission to not run THIS time is SO Smart. It's going to be good--- great!
and if I can put in a plug for your cross training gym membership, may I recommend you check out Curves for Women. The workout really does kick butt!! It's GREAT strength training which we women need! Just a thought.
I totally hear you on the lead up and let down. It happens constantly now that I have kids, and I hate it!
But, I can't wait for the day you are rocking running so much you decide to do the Boston Marathon.
Hannah, SO inspiring and admirable!! LOVE this post. Kudos for a positive plan - I am sharing this with a couple of people as I admire your determined, positive outlook so very much.
Last but not least, that dress is adorable, and the necklace is amazingly gorgeous. You deserve it!!
(I am totally in love with that necklace, I keep looking at it!! Pearls are my birthstone and I love them.)
<3 HUGS Hannah!!
You are right. Your self-worth is not determined by any marathon. Running is an awesome aspect of your life, but it does not define you. If you don't run it this time, you will next time! Take care of yourself!
Ón the positive side, your training has made you look strong, healthy and you really rock that dress.
I hope your marathon dreams will come true sooner or later.
Great inspiration. Awesome attitude. Whatever decision you make, it will be the right one. Pray about it and the answer will come.
Love this post and your positive attitude! Great plan to take care of yourself!
That is the best way to deal with every day Hanna. Good for you and you look fabulous!!
Hugs
SueAnn
the same thing happened to me. i was training to run my first - the chicago marathon - when suddenly i got horrible shin splints. i was depressed out of my mind... until i realized that IT IS OKAY to not do the race. it's silly to get all worked up over it. a marathon will never define me.
just remember god has a plan :)
Beautiful dress, you look amazing. Thank you always for your honesty. I can completely relate and your outlook is inspiring. Stay strong.
Eeek! You look gorgeous!
I want to be 30 again. Yes, yes I do.
However you decide is good. Do what's right for you friend.
GOOD FOR YOU! So proud of you...and hope you feel better soon. You never cease to amaze and inspire me, Hanna! I know I say that often, but when it's true and meaningful, I feel like I should keep saying it. :)
P.S. You look beautiful. And if you wouldn't mind asking your husband where he got that necklace...cause I must have it. :)
Kristin :)
this my be my fave outfit you've posted. It just the most perfect look for a summer day.
PS dont beat yourself up if you dont run that marathon. You have to put your health first.
Just keep trucking there. The lead up is always such a high but you are so right about the let down afterwards. LOVR the necklace.
You ARE smart. There will always be more marathons if this isn't the right one at the right time. Feel better, honey.
I just ordered the running shoes you recommended! Thanks so much for the tip - I'm hoping they help with the pain I get from high arches.
xo
First-You look stunning, and I totally adore your outfit! Wowza!
I'm sorry that you might not be able to run in the marathon coming up, but it is great that you have a plan for if it doesn't work out! Keep your head up, you are doing great!
You are beautiful! I am going to get an xray today, and maybe a MRI if the results/bloodwork do not show anything on my spine.. since my legs keep going numb.
i'm not sure how i'm going to run this weekend!
how are you feeling today?
glad you're thinking smart.
Oh no, fingers crossed that you start to feel better, but you are so smart to have a back-up plan. When I had injuries during this training cycle, I spin classed the heck out of my legs to keep them and my heart strong. I didn't have my best marathon performance, but I went into it without any pain so that was a win! Here's to feeling better soon.
i've got my fingers crossed for you that your shin gets better! you are smart not to risk further injury! love you outfit!
xo ashley
ashleytrujillo.com
ugh you poor thing! i had shin splints when i ran xc in high school and they were the worrsstt! be careful and feel better soon!
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