Paradigm + Perseverance = Pay Off?

My last post.....kinda gloomy.

I know it.

Truth is, it's how I felt, how I feel. It is getting easier as I tell each patient who asks about Boston, "It just wasn't my day".

Through so many supportive friends and family I have gotten some incredible words of advice and encouragement.

One friend ran outside for the first time in years and was motivated by ME.

One friend, weeks after foot surgery jumped on the treadmill in support of ME.

One friend who PR'ed at Boston sent me a message to tell me,

"Fact is when you are hurting it takes more stamina and determination to finish than it does to hit your goal when you are at the top of your game".

These words and actions helped me shift my paradigm about myself as a runner. It is still a work in progress and I have been so moved by the support and love from family and friends.

By choice and by force I am at a point of reflection.

I am evaluating and re-evaluating what it is I want to do with my running.

What is it I am running for?

I'm resting, sleeping-in and doing what I probably should have done months and months ago. I will not be running for a little bit, or at least not running as I once knew it. It took all I had to get on the bike with PC this weekend as he ran, but for once.....I asked my body what it could do and it willingly admitted running just wasn't in the cards, not yet at least.

I remember in the first semester of grad school we had to use words we thought would represent what was ahead of us.

Perseverance.

I held tightly onto this word throughout my grad program and it still resonates in me.

Perseverance.

I believe it is why I was capable of finishing Boston.

Perseverance.

I believe it is why I will run like I know I can again.

Perseverance.

I know it is within me.