Every once in a while I think too much.  I forget why I started running in the first place and what’s kept me running all these years.  And right now as I recover from a foot injury (hairline fractures in 3 bones in my right foot:  Is this the day I no longer run?) I’ve found myself thinking waaaaay too much about not being able to run again in the future. I know the bones will mend but that first run is going to be a challenge mentally.

Stop thinking!

My motivation now is to be back up to speed for a decent effort in the Reggae Marathon 10K this December 1.  To keep in shape I’ve been swimming and using a great pool-running workout from Reggae Marathon friend, Carrie Tollefson.

Taking that first running step…again, is going to be a leap of faith.  And ‘keeping the faith’ during this non-running time has been helped by these inspirational running quotes.  Enjoy!

Duh!  Fall forward.  While my first run won’t be on the wide open road as in the photo above, that will be the vision in my mind.  That and the start of this December’s Reggae Marathon.  Lining up with you all at 5:15

am at Long Bay Beach Park in Negril waiting anxiously for Frano to send us off to the sounds of the drumming is a major motivator.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s this:  the only person I’m competing with is myself.  When I forget that I do the stupid things and get injured. True confession about this foot injury:  It was self inflicted.  I increased the intensity of my speed workouts much too quickly resulting in my first broken bones…ever!

I downloaded this one, printed it and have it up in my office over my desk.  It works and keeps me focused on the day I go out for my first post-injury run.  I’ll also have it with me in Negril for Reggae Marathon this December.

Until next time…