When I first was diagnosed, I thought I would never be able to run again. The pain was too much to suffer through. There were days I would continue to run until a could barely walk. I do not suggest doing this! What I do suggest is that you get out there and try. I had to take a break from running for about two years. I didn't completely stop running, but I cut back drastically. I went from running 75 miles a week, to 40 miles, to only running a mile or two every few days. It was not easy to stop. My mind wanted to run but my body said no.
This is a daily struggle still to this day.
In college, my coaches would tell me not to let my body tell my mind when to stop. Keep running through the pain, it is supposed to hurt. I would agree if I was any other college athlete who is running for the win. Unfortunately, I was not "any other athlete" I was a sick athlete who needed to listen to my body.
The other day I decided to go out for a run and see just how far I could get. I was surprised when I realized that I ran 3 miles non stop (big deal from not running much at all). While running I was battling with my mind the entire time. Do I stop now? My legs kind of hurt, should I walk? My side it fine though so maybe I should keep running? While talking to myself and running I was thinking about the days when I could not run at all. I decided to keep going until my body said no more. I made it through 3 miles and was happy with that.
I took a day off from running and worked out at the gym. Then, the day after I felt good and wanted to run again. I made it through 3 miles the other day, surely I can make it to 3.5. That day, my body won. I made it 1 mile and had to walk the rest of the way. Disappointment!
The reason I tell you this is because I want to encourage you to at least try! There are going to be days when you feel like you can go for hours and there may be days your body wont go. Whether you like to run, get on a machine at the gym or lift weights. Just get out there and give it your best effort. Even if you can only go .5 miles or lift 10lbs weights. Take the good days and the bad days. No matter what, it is still making you better than you were yesterday. Give it your all without hurting yourself!
2 Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[a] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
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