Of course since I just completed my first run/walk 5k since trimalleolar ankle surgery, I should be able to do a 10k just 2 weeks later, right?? I know, I know, even I hear myself sounding all KINDS of crazy!
Heres the deal though... I was on a half marathon a month mission when I broke my ankle, meaning, I had races that were months ahead that were already scheduled and paid for. I was able to transfer or refund the other races, but I held on to the Down to Run race in April as a 'goal' to keep myself on schedule with physical therapy. The race director let me downgrade to either a 5k or 10k. But of course since I completed the 5k distance with Never Quit, I wanted to challenge myself for the 10k distance, even if I was to walk it. In training, I had already made it to the 4.5 mile mark run/walking, so everything sounded fine in my head. Again, as with every other step of this recovery process, my body just felt like it was ready.
The ankle was getting stronger, but the bend was still not the same as the other ankle. The movements on uneven surfaces was getting stronger, but fear was still there on twisting the ankle or falling. With this race being a trail race, I knew it was something I had to do to help get over this anxiety. My running at this stage is very uneven. I feel like I look completely lopsided, as my push off and landing on my right side is so uneven with my left. My calf is still way smaller and my overall muscle mass is not nearly where it usually is.
The race took place at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Jupiter Florida, so I made a weekend out of it and stayed with a friend. She even got me on a bike for the first time since surgery! We visited the Loggerhead Marinelife Center where they rehabilitate turtles. I met Valentina, a turtle with an amputated flipper, and she showed me that she was still able to continue to swim around like other turtles even if she looked/felt a little different.
Once again, I wore a sign on my back. I got a good luck from other runners as I lined up in the back. I knew this one was going to be 'turtle' slow. The trail was flat with lots of sand, divots, grass patches, very narrow single track. Most of the run I was alone until people started heading back to the finish.
There were little pink flowers along the entire course, which each one I pictured as my pink angels who I run for, cheering me on along the way, telling me to keep going. We have a mission to complete! I wasnt done with my breast cancer mission and Im not letting a little setback tell me to quit! I took it nice and slow the entire way; more like a speedwalkers jog. I was surprised i ran as much as I did on the uneven surface.
I had an older guy secretly be my hare in front of me for the first four miles and then I was finally able to pass him. He told me he had a 14inch rod in his leg after I told him about my surgery! He quickly followed it with, 'but we are still doing it and BLESSED to still be doing it!'
Yes Sir! Yes Sir we are!
This state park race has all kinds of challenge distances! ...all the way up to 100 and cute awards for each one!
The 'medal' for this 10k was a pair of sunglasses! How cool is that?!
No after party with beer, being a state park and all, but lots of people were partaking in their festivities in the campground! Me, well, I celebrated on a Pontiki boat and a Prince coverband concert! 10k Done....Half Marathon coming right up!!
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