As I mentioned in my 20 facts post, I was a runner throughout high school and college. I was never fast but I was dedicated. I mostly ran the mile and two-mile races during meets and while I was never fast enough to run on the collegiate level, I continued to run throughout college.

There is just something about running that I loved. It was more than just the physical activity but it was almost emotional and spiritual at the same time. I have prayed some of the deepest prayers and done the most thinking on runs where its just me and God.

I miss it. A lot.

Between the pain and crushing fatigue that often accompanies chronic illness, it has just not been in the cards for me lately. There was a period of time after my Celiac diagnosis that I was able to run again for several months before my endometrioisis made its return post-hysterectomy.  I was hoping the most recent surgery would have allowed me to get back on the road but haven’t got there.

Yet.

For the first time in weeks (or maybe in months), I feel encouraged that my pain will not always be this way. Will I ever be completely pain-free? Not likely. However, the constant pelvic pain will hopefully ease up as physical therapy progresses. The first 3 weeks of PT have been very difficult and very painful but for the first time today I didn’t leave the office in tears. Progress. There were definitely some painful moments and I’m still a little crampy but not like last week. Progress. As we get these lower abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles loosened up, I should see my pain levels lower. Progress.

I love progress. I may never run a marathon but at this point, a jog around the neighborhood would do just fine!

And because everyone needs a giggle on a Wednesday, I am pretty sure the following is pretty accurate  -

via