If you're lucky enough to be in the mountains, you are lucky enough.

When something bad happens, you have three choices: let it define you, let it destroy you, or let it strengthen you.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

I can see the light at the end of a tunnel.

It's not painless, but I can run, and I can deal with the level of pain I am in, and when in the doctor's office and he is digging with his thumbs into my foot to break a scar tissue, there are times I think he is not as strong as he used to be, and then there are times that instead of wanting to kick him with my foot in the face I simply bite my knuckles. I guess it's getting better...

And with that comes hope, dreams and smiles. Plans begin to roll in my head. Races to register for. Workouts to have done. Foods to eliminate from my daily routine. Gym workouts get tougher. Rolls of fat that jiggle around my belly get less obvious. I am more incline to focus on good stuff than on bad...

It's amazing how much of my life depends on whether or not I run. But then why am I surprised. It's been around for longer than anything else was ever constant in my life. It is something I depend on as some depend on comfort food or baby blanket. It is so real, I can basically palpate it, taste it and smell it. And so I embrace...

The summer plans are coming along. The disappointment of not getting into Hardrock was short lived. I am thinking I need to go back to Tahoe Rim 100 and get that beautiful buckle - I don't like unfinished business. I am hoping it won't happen next year (stopping for being bored that is). It also dawned on me that one of the long-trail fastpacking treks I wanted to do was Tahoe Rim Trail 165M, so we are kind of have this idea of rolling it all into one vacation - make TRT100, sleep for a day, then take a week to complete the circle. I am excited beyond believe.

There are couple of shorter races I registered for, both first-time events, both promise to be delightful, each in places we'd love to go. I also might throw my name into San Diego 100 hat just to see if the 24 hrs could be in the cards - while Larry is still awaiting on his WS100 lottery results (no big hopes, I don't think either one of us is a lucky bastard come lotteries). And, speaking of no luck, I am not delusional, but not going to deny I may try HR100 hat again, although I won't be putting much faith in it. Whenever. Whatever. It is gorgeous out there, and it is fun to squeeze those mining miles into 48 hrs...

After July - there is still lots of dreaming. I don't think those of us that love adventure will ever run out of things to do and places to go to. And because of that, we better keep in shape.

11 comments:

Thomas Bussiere said...

Welcome back Olga - That's the attitude I'm use to seeing.

Sarah said...

Never stop dreaming. You'll be back better than ever! :-)

Danni said...

Just be careful!!!

Larry said...

She's being super careful. I'm very proud of how careful she is being through all of this after seeing her run through so many injuries. Actually seeing a doc is huge. It's a major shift in how she is dealing with injury because she wants longevity way more than short-term gains. :)

Way to go Baby!!!

Carilyn said...

Glad you are healing up and planning your summer. Maybe we'll cross paths again at SD100 - I might do it if I don't get into WS100.

Ronda said...

So glad to read you are getting better! Looks like I might see you next year, yay. I am running SD100M for sure. Nice timing for me and new course. Continue to make progress with your foot..such good news.

Steve Pero said...

Sorry you didn't get into Hardrock, Olga...but I really believe things happen for a reason. Don't stop entering!
I hope you and Larry come out to Silverton like you did last Summer :)
Best of luck with 2012, so different than last year!

Zeba said...

Dreaming is the best. :-) Love the quotes on the home page.

Ric Munoz said...

Very encouraging news, Olga. I couldn't agree more about always having something to look forward to and to dream about. Good luck with ALL your future plans!

ALM said...

I like your attitude Olga! Glad you have fun adventures to plan and complete rolling around in your head. That's the spirit!

Julie B said...

Seeing light at the end of the tunnel is feeling great excitement, joy and adventure! Thank goodness. We are coming out on the bright side, Olga. We are!! <3