Something very traumatic(well at least the most traumatic event that has occured to me outside of people close to me dying)happened to me earlier this month. While playing at a park with my son and my co-worker's son, I fell and hit my right knee hard, which also involved me dislocating my knee cap temporarily. If you're wondering if that is very painful, well it is! It took me a few minutes to actually cry because I was just shocked at what had happened. I was more concerned with the fact that I fell in front of a butt load of people, which was very embarrassing.I'm pretty sure my underwear were showing while I lay in a fetal position. My little boy was sooo concerned and I had to reassure him that I was okay, and try to drive us safely home, with my right leg. I've had problems with my knee before, but never while in motion because I was running fast down a hill this time.
Now, for the average person with an average 9 to 5 desk job, this event would be inconvenient. However, modifcations can be made to allow you to work in your setting. In the event that one with such type job should break a bone, that person would probably have to make a few adjustments (i.e get a wheelchair or crutches to get around the office). However, I am a physical therapist. The majority of my job is standing and walking, and helping other people to stand and walk. Not being able to perform my job has always been a scary thought for me. I need to work to help support my family. The moment I fell, the first thing I thought about was, "I won't be able to work". The second thing I thought of was, "I won't be able to run". As many of you know, I have developed a knack for running. In fact, a couple of days prior to my fall, I had logged my best running time with a new running buddy from church: 4 miles in 40 minutes. I'm no speed demon, but coming down from a 11 minute mile to a 10 minute mile is a big accomplishment for me. I have been training for the nationwide 10K race in Charleston on March 31st, and was trying to hit 6 miles in under an hour. The race was over a bridge, with the first part of it consisting of a steep incline.
Needless to say, because of my injury, I had to be out of work for 3 days per the MD. I am extremely grateful for plenty of personal time accrued. I didn't really allow myself to rest because I had set a personal goal. The first couple of days I went hobbling to the gym, forcing myself to do every conceivable exercise that didn't cause me extreme pain, followed by a ritual of icing, elevation and Aleve. By the time I did go back to work, I was still limping, but I was walking. An orthotist I work with was able to provide me with a supportive brace and I also taped my leg when at home. I was sooo excited that after 2 weeks of not being able to run, I was able to go out this past week with my running group and log 2.5 miles of run time out of 4.5 total. I probably could have run the whole time, but didn't want to push it because it was my first time back out on the pavement.
Well, this weekend was the big race. I was soooo excited! Not only did I get to meet fabulous women from the southeast who take part in Black Girls Run, but I accomplished what I didn't think I would be able to do a few weeks ago because of my injury. I didn't know I had that much determination. I was even in a minor car accident the night before in Charleston while leaving the Black Girls Run Meet and Greet. Yet, that didn't stop me, I just showed the Devil that I came to win this race (at least in my mind) whether I was first or last, and I did it! My official run time was 1 hr 17 minutes and 51 second, BOOYAH! lol. The whole event was spiritual, inspirational, and tiring! I saw a lady who was blind pass me. They had wheelchair racers, I mean this thing was big. The last mile of the race, I really wanted to stop and walk, but there was this gentleman (I wish I would have gotten his name or picture) and he told me, "You've been keeping me going, we are going to finish this thing together", and we ran across that line, together. When I finished, I waited for many of my sisters from Black Girls Run to finish, because we believe in "No woman left behind". So many women who normally would have been in the higher ranked corrals, fell back to encourge those who were running there first big race, which was just phenomenal!
While I haven't really lost weight (well, except for the 4 lbs of water during the race), I looked back at some of the pics I took this weekend, and I look darn good! I am sooo proud of myself for pushing through, and I thank the many of you who ecouraged me during this time.
WEIGHT LOST TO DATE: 66 lbs. Don't worry, I think I put some of that back on with my victory lunch! :)
