A runners path typically winds down the road of injury. As the saying goes: it's not a matter of if but when.
Wrapping my calves in sports tape, wearing compression sleeves and 2 sessions of acupuncture didn't provide me with super-human protection or recovery. My training has ended with acceptance to embrace the unscheduled and unplanned, discarding the rigid running timeline to just enjoy the path.
Originally my intention was to push my limits, explore endurance and physical strength. Perhaps this journey is better suited for exploring patience and compassion with oneself? Could it be that we push too hard and too fast, expecting too much of ourselves, in today's world? Could injury be the universal sign for slow-the-heck-down and smell the roses?
One week from today we'll be hitting the last 70 miles of St James way to run, walk, hike, crawl or whatever it may take to be part of the adventure and a perpetual student of life.
Buen Camino - Enjoy the path - intentional or not you are on a path make the most of it.
P. S. I actually recommend compression sleeves, KT tape and acupuncture. Eash of these did improve my pain and allow for me to continue training much longer than I could have otherwise.
I am excited for you...I was about half way through my 40 day walk at this time two years ago. I had some physical challenges and found that they were part of the learning experience of my Camino. I learned so much about myself on my pilgrimage. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Travel light, pack joy and compassion, patience and acceptance...leave behind all those things that wiegh you down. Less is more! Buen Camino Peregrina!
ReplyDelete"Ginn"
In Sunny SC