I Have Become Fran
from The Stubborn Tortoise Hosted by Donna Pazdera
I hit a sad realization over the weekend: my arthritic hip won't let me attempt a half-marathon next month. After I ran-hiked an 8K on Saturday, the hip yelled at me all day and night, and I knew if I tried doing 13.1 miles on pavement, I would destroy what's left of it. So, I did what I considered the unthinkable: I dropped to the 5K. Immediately, I felt loss and like the character of Fran, in "Strictly Ballroom," the secretly talented ballroom dancer who is relegated to the beginner's group because no one realizes her ability -- until she meets a handsome, talented dancer who lost his partner. For me, running is Scott Hastings: the thing you want so much and who you hope will pick you. Running, once I was capable of it, was this challenging, yet gleeful feeling. I belonged! I could do it and fit in! I was so happy. Until reality and age settled in. Sorry, my brain is still processing all of this and I am feeling kind of shattered, still. I did sign up this morning to volunteer at the marathon finish line next month. It will not be the same, but will be better than not going. I haven't given up on running/hiking, because -- honestly -- nothing else will fill that void. I'll let you know when I figure this all out.
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