Call me naive, hopeful, excessively optimistic – or whatever other adjective you can think of to describe the fact that I refuse to believe my marathon running days are over.

If you so choose to limit yourself and your abilities based on the opinions of others, you go right ahead. But I am not one of those people who will limit my own potential based on the narrow viewpoints and doubtful expectations of others, no matter how high ranking they may be in their professional field.

Yesterday, I may have finally gotten through. I had a progress exam with one particular Doctor and, at this appointment, he “cleared me to start walking”. Funny, right? I interrupted him with: “Doc, I’ve been walking this whole time!”

HIM: “Yes, but now I want you to walk daily, for 20 minutes, twice a day.”

ME: “I’m way beyond that already.”

The conversation continued, and I think he finally chose to see ME for exactly who I am – someone who may have been knocked down, but who refuses to stay down!

Now, I’m not saying that he is going to fast track my recovery plan, because these injuries are certainly nothing to downplay. They demand the time, attention and current treatments prescribed in order to truly heal. But with my current collaboration of care providers, each playing a vital role in my recovery process, I am confident that we can adapt and overcome whatever obstacles remain in my way.

Things may need to be adjusted a bit, but that’s the point I’m trying to make.

In so much of life, running included, just because you get things “under control” doesn’t mean you are good to go indefinitely. As your situation changes, for better or for worse, you may need to change things up a bit – but you don’t ever have to quit entirely.

The change could be a subtle, easy switch – or perhaps it needs to be a major overhaul?

Maybe you need to add something new to the mix – like more core strength, balance, flexibility, and stability? These may seem like “little” things, but I can assure you, from my current and very personal experience, they are not. They are key elements to successful longterm running.

On the other hand, maybe you find that the best means of addition is actually subtraction?

Perhaps you find that you need to adjust your training a bit to allow for more recovery time? Maybe that means doing a hard workout every two or three weeks, rather than weekly? Or maybe you swap out a run day in exchange for some cross-training? Or decrease your weekly volume entirely?

None of these answers are inherently “right”, but they’re all viable options. And having options is way better than having no hope.

The point is, as things in your life change, you are going to need to adjust accordingly. The key is to figure out what’s best for your situation. Because Life happens. Injuries happen. Situations change. Don’t quit – simply adjust accordingly.

Admittedly, it’s not always that simple. But if you’re committed to figuring out a solution as your situation changes, I bet you’ll find your way.

As will I.

At least, that’s what I’m counting on… when I am finally able to run again.

#BeyondTheBoylstonLine