I don’t want to complain, but I thought I’d be running by now. I miss it. It’s my stress relief and something I really just enjoy to do.
My recovery from Sinus Surgery and my transition back to work has been harder than I thought it would be. I am bouncing back much slower than I expected and I am still very tired. I am just starting to feel up to about 75% at work and am in no position to be pushing the miles.
I keep thinking… “Next week I’ll be better and I’ll go to the park and run!” My parents taught me to always try to stay positive and dream big!
I think I even wrote that I thought I would be running a 5K in May. That’s hilarious because there is no way that is happening. At the time I knew I was being an optimist, but I actually believed I could pull it off.
To be completely honest, I think for once in my life my optimism is failing me. Every week I want to run, but then my body wins out and I continue to rest. It’s just not time yet to run. I know better.
Sometimes it’s just best to take a step back and be realistic. By continuing to think I’m going to run tomorrow, I keep setting myself up for disapointment.
The doctors have told me it will take a full two months from my initial surgery to completely recover. The internal swelling in your head can take a long time to really go down. I’m just not well yet. I have to be patient.
I’m going to have to be ok with not running for a little bit longer.
There are so many positives to focus on…..
*I am back to work and each week is a little easier.
*My voice is overall getting stronger instead of worse.
*I am able to do some walking and yoga. Both of these are doctor approved activities and seem to be helping me with my energy levels.
*My head seems less congested- which means hopefully the surgery worked!
*My family is being so patient with my recovery.
Sometimes when things are out of your control, like your health, it’s best to find a balance of optimism and realism.
And if that means I’m not running at the park for awhile, I just have to be ok with that. It will happen eventually.. and when it does… it will be awesome.
QUESTIONS:
Have you ever been forced to take a break from running or your hobby for health reasons?
Do you think it’s best to be an optimist and realist sometimes?
Flyover_Belle says
You don't know me, but I went through two emergency arm surgeries in November 2012, got really deconditioned in terms of losing weight and muscle mass and my appetite (I was on IV antibiotics for 6+ weeks...), and was finally able to start jogging - sloooowly - again in mid-February. I'm still not back to where I want to be - but I'm making progress, slowly but surely. I had to really mentally back off, and I *was* able to do other things (bike, elliptical, lift light weights) but it was HARD. Running keeps me grounded, much like it sounds it does for you. You'll get there, but please please please listen to your body!
JulieWunder says
Thanks for sharing your story. I am encouraged to hear about other comeback stories. I hope you continue to get your running legs back. I love other forms of working out too-- but running is different 🙂
Shirley Deters says
I enjoyed reading your article and believe you will return to running - and it is best to do so as the doctor advises. You are also learning a great virture - patience - which will also come in handy for the rest of your life. Your positive attitude, with patience, will soon have you running along your road to recovery.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Shirley... Your comments have helped me so much. Sometimes it's hard to wait but it is for the best.
Katie Descieux says
Hi Julie,
I'm a new visitor to your lovely blog! After watching you on t.v. it was so exciting to see the "real you." And as far as running breaks go, I feel your pain! A back injury waylaid me for most of the past winter, but you are going to come back and be better than ever. Be patient with your body. You are young and have all the time in the world!
Best Wishes,
Katie Desiceux
A 29 year old Asheville Native 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the encouragement Katie! I'm glad you found me online 🙂
I bookmarked your blog and am looking forward to checking it out too.
Kevin B Luther says
My daughter-in-law is doing a blog on her efforts to get back up to speed in her old passion of running. She is training for the Marine Corp marathon in October (my son is a Marine). if you want, check out her blog : http://thetraillesstraveled.wordpress.com/2013/05/14/marathon-training-week-four-recap/comment-page-1/#comment-142
Bob in Greenville says
Hi Julie, I don't have any problems as serious as yours, but a few years ago I developed a bone spur that was poking through my achilles tendon in my heel. Since then I've pretty much given up running. I can run a couple miles one day, but then I pay for it for the next several.
I say you can be an optimist AND a realist. I think where it falls apart is when you are only focusing on running. [insert boring adages about lemons/lemonade and silver linings here].
Be optimistic about all the other blessings you have for now, and know that more blessings will come, just maybe not on your schedule.
We love you!
JulieWunder says
Yes-- Life rarely happens to the schedule you think... all in good time though.
Thank you for reading and for positive thoughts. I'm so sorry your foot problems have kept you from running.
Rick Hill says
Julie: No matter what...you are always an inspiration to us runners and hikers...keep your honest feelings flowing to us...Rick Hill (astronomer)
joyce m. ogles says
Hey Julie, I actually lost the use of my legs and had to start over..I did get to where I could walk, nobody can tell me what happened.....however 2 yrs later (last year) I had a total knee repalcement in Nov...developed MRSA and they had to go back in the knee in Dec to clean it out and I am still not back where I can do things....so aggravated me...I feel like a total burden to my husband.....my life sure did change alot and i dont like it...I hate to depend on people, I like to do things for myself and others, instead of people having to do for me....Keep your head up, you are awesome and God will see us both through...
JulieWunder says
Wow Joyce. It sounds like you are dealing with so much.
Keep your head up too-- God will see us through. I pray for you to find the strength to continue to heal.
Sometimes it's good to be grateful for the small things.
Thank you for reading and sharing your story with me.
Steve Hedrick says
It's OK Julie. You'll be back soon and showing me up again way too soon. Much love and best wishes and your "Park" friends will be there waiting on ya, but hopefully not underwater.
Kim @ Cooking in the City says
I feel your pain 🙁 I think we should have a mini pity party here because when we are able to run again its going to be 10,000 degrees. Ok, done!
That's my strategy right now- recognizing how much this sucks, but trying not to dwell on it.
JulieWunder says
YES! Seriously-- we are missing all the Spring running weather- grrrrr!!!! Every 60 degree afternoon I cry a little inside.
OK- that was a little dramatic... 🙂 But I have defiantly thought about it.
Thinking about you too....
Jaime says
I exercised until the day before I had my first baby. I ended up having a c-section, and I couldn't do anything for six weeks (and even then, I was somewhat limited.) It was a tough six weeks and I ended up running a race eight weeks after the surgery (I didn't "race". I just ran/jogged/walked when I needed to.) Lucky for me we headed straight into winter weather, and I didn't feel like running non-stop.
Hope you continue to heal and are able to start running/jogging in the very near future!
JulieWunder says
oh tough!! I think surgery of any kind takes more out of us than we want to admit or realize.
Cheryl says
Julie,
I always thought weather people talk way to fast when reporting the weather and I was always missing out on a lot of information. I have noticed you are going slower I'm sure from your condition. I appreciate it though. Please don't speed up. Hang in there....
JulieWunder says
Thanks Cheryl- that has been part of my speech work- speed and breathe control to keep my voice working.
I never realized before how fast I did talk! There is always a silver lining!
Thank you for watching.