I’m only HALF crazy
August was...uncomfortable. Physically, mentally, emotionally...uncomfortable. It all started when a self-awareness assessment had the nerve to tell me I should take more risks. Challenge accepted. So like any logical-thinking human being, I signed up for a half marathon (13.1 miles). Am I a runner? Nope. Do I enjoy running in the middle of a humid Virginia summer? Double nope. Am I crazy? Probably. Either way, September 1st is less than three months away...game on!
Along comes August...
Work has its own set of challenges. No need for all the details, but I'll note that I have temporarily added the responsibilities of interim facility IT Director to my current Physician Services Director hat. The amount of movement in these two spaces right now is enough for a reality show. Likely a cross between The Amazing Race and Survivor, with a couple of Real Housewives in the mix.
By the middle of August, I'm exhausted. Aside from my race, I'm also training extensively for two big salsa dancing performances, including one that is live on TV. No pressure, right? Work starts having its own set of perfect storms, so naturally (and in the spirit of Murphy's Law), so does my body.
Three days before my live performance and two weeks before race day, I experience extreme pain in my left foot. The culprit is Plantar Fasciitis, AKA the "vampire bite of running injuries". I manage to push through the two and a half minute live performance but unfortunately I have to stop training for my race. Then, along comes tendonitis in the same foot. I am devastated. Not just because I have trained so hard, but because this race has a special significance. It also lands on the two year anniversary of when my mom passed. This race is a dedication to her.
The race must go on...(this is the part where all of my clinician viewers will not be pleased with me)
My foot is manageable on some days, but the day before the race I can hardly walk, but the same crazy voice that told me to sign up for the race is telling me not to give up just yet. So I decide to go for it. I pack up my running gear, grab the kids, then head to Virginia Beach to prepare for a 6:00 am half marathon. I fell asleep with a bag of ice around my foot that night and prayed for the best. Mind you, the furthest distance I completed was 10 miles before the injury...so here I am, going for 13.1 and feeling pretty uncertain of how this will end. Not to mention, I also have a salsa team counting on me to be 100% ready to perform again in six days.
With lots of doubt in my mind, and my foot practically mummified in kinesiology tape, I'm prepared to give it my all. As the race begins, I have one goal: make it to the first medical tent...and then the next...and the next. Before I know it, I'm at mile twelve and can see the finish line ahead! Then it hits me that I'm actually going to finish this race and I became overwhelmed with emotions. I wipe my tears and put on a smile as I see my two children waiting for me at the finish line. It was well worth it.
So what's next?
I am ashamed to say that finishing this race is one of the few times that I have actually been proud of myself. What I believe separated this accomplishment from previous ones is the amount of risk, level of discomfort, and self-accountability that was involved. Not to mention, the goal was truly my own and not the ask of someone else. I had plenty of excuses to quit but I had to at least try. What's the worst that could happen? Maybe I would only make it to the first medical tent, or maybe I would feel embarrassed as all of the other runners passed me. I'm sure I will experience defeat many times in my personal and professional journey, but not regret.
My challenge to you is do something that scares you, step outside of your comfort zone, set a crazy goal and then go achieve it! I guarantee it will change your mindset and confidence level when you face adversity.
Maybe now I'll challenge myself to do something as crazy as a full marathon, but for now I'll settle for only HALF crazy :)
