Running

My mother always told me I "run away from my problems". Thankfully she means physically and not emotionally! Ever since my Freshman year of college I have enjoyed running. When doing my student teaching in 2017 I was running at least 3 days a week and at least 2 miles each of those days. It keeps me sane and my mind busy. It is my perfect little get away! In 2017 I even ran the distance of a half marathon while living in Mississippi for the Summer. It's still one of my biggest physical accomplishments!

I eventually ended up having a lot of pain in my right knee. I went through two hospitals, five doctors and two physical therapists before finding out I had what is called "runners’ knee". In 2018, I found out that my Runners Knee was actually caused by a break in my left foot that didn't heal right in 2009. I had surgery on my foot in 2018 and have since worked on finally getting my knee better through physical therapy for my foot and knee. It feels amazing to be on the right track after years of figuring out what was wrong with my knee!

In the past few weeks I have returned to running longer then a mile since my Laparoscopy Surgery I had this Summer for my Endometriosis and I couldn't be happier! I have ran two 5Ks each week and have even decreased my average mile time! In order to keep my body healthy for running I do have to continue physical therapy exercises as well and use a foam roller for my legs and back. For my foot I use a racquet ball for the arch to massage it and then a foam ball to roll out my hip and butt muscles. All of these things are so important for me to be able to keep running and they may help you too! My body feels the best and is always rested after doing my physical therapy and rolling out my muscles! A tennis ball is also helpful to roll out any knots in your upper back and shoulder.

I guess the meaning behind this post is to give you some idea on how to help your body while running longer distances and to also finding ways to keep your mind free! Running is truly one of the only things I can do to keep my mind busy. I am hoping to continue running and hopefully still make my goal of running Grandmas Half Marathon in Duluth MN sometime in the upcoming years! What do you do to keep your mind clear? What are some goals you have for yourself in the next few years?

~Marissa