My First Virtual Half Marathon & Other Things

I went to my physical therapist yesterday for a check-up.  Being out of town, PT has had to come to a halt with him.  In one sense, my shoulder is much better.  I can raise my arm straight out in front of me over my head almost to a normal range.  It won't be long now.  But the outward raise of my arm's range of motion is poor.  He suggested I go back to the doctor for a shot to release the scar tissue he feels has built up and that he thought he would do manipulation of the shoulder; then for more physical therapy.  Said that my limitation is very indicative of a torn tendon!!  I was sad about that because this is impossible for me right now.  I am going to try harder to move that shoulder out and maybe between Kent and I it will release some and give me a better range of motion.  I have decided that if this doesn't work that I will go back to the doctor when I can.  Maybe I should have had the surgery...sad about this news!!  Please pray with me to keep working on this. 

My friend, Diane F., posted a challenge to run a 5k, 10k or half marathon for Put Kids First Virtual Race for St. Jude's.  Though I am going to participate in the half marathon at St. Jude's in Memphis in December, I just couldn't resist signing up for this.  This is my first virtual race.  They are done on your own time wherever you are whenever you can do it.  Since my training long runs are up there now, I decided to go ahead and shoot for the half today. 

This morning was beautiful!!  A perfect day to run.  The temp was 46 degrees and sunny.  With the exception of the WIND, you couldn't ask for anything better to be in place for a long run.  My run was a slow one because I wanted to try to run as much of it as I could.  I finished 10 miles running and my feet were getting tired.  So, I stopped my watch at 10 miles and reset it so I could tell how I did on the run without stopping.  The last 3.1 miles were ran/walked and recorded separately.  I ran more than I thought I could...again, I'm pleased with that regardless of the pace.  Throughout the entire run, my mind was continually on those sick children.  We are so blessed!  Never take a day for granted. 

Also, my friend, Barbara H., didn't get as good a report from her chemotherapy treatments yesterday as she had hoped.  My heart cries for her.  She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and is so giving.  I wish I could take this away from her but undoubtedly God has more plans for her.  People she hasn't met yet so God can touch their lives through her.  Her future is bright though it may not seem like it now.  Barbara, I prayed for you throughout the morning today in my run...I love you, my friend!!  You are NOT alone in this trial! 

Another thing that was on my mind today was the woman that died right after the ING NY Marathon last weekend.  A quote from the following link: "The 86-year-old athlete, who had said she wanted to die running, was found on her hotel bed Monday afternoon."  Another quote: "Johnson, of San Jose, Calif., completed her 25th run in the marathon on Sunday. She stumbled and hit her head near the 20th mile, but still managed to complete the race and carry out her annual interview with the 'Today' show's Al Roker the next day."  And, finally, "Joy Johnson, the oldest woman to compete in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, died in her sleep the next day, her sneakers still laced on her feet."  God undoubtedly let her leave this world doing what she wanted to do.  Below is a link to the full article.  It is inspirational!  This is the third thing that I thought about a lot while running this morning.  I named my run today "Run with Joy".  For one, joy in God and second to run for her.  I think I will remember her for a long time.  RIP, Joy Johnson.  You are/were an inspiration to many, including myself.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/oldest-woman-new-york-city-marathon-dies-86-article-1.1507052#ixzz2k5RsFbgh

Until next time, I hope you will put your shoes on and go

Run 4 It