Wednesday, October 31, 2012

giving thanks....for the next 30 days.

So, tomorrow, November is upon us. I'm not really sure where September and October went, but here we are one the eve of November, surrounded by fall colors, scents and food. I'm ready for a month of all things pumpkin, apple and turkey.

Looking back on October I had some amazing moments and some not so amazing ones. On October 14, I ran the Baltimore 1/2 Marathon and got a new personal record. 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds. Just under 2 hours! I was ecstatic! The run felt great, the accomplishment felt great....I was truly thankful. Then as we explored the city of Baltimore, I realized the pain in my tendon....and was hobbling all over the place. I took the next week off from exercising. The following week I went for a couple of bike rides, and then saw the doctor. I was diagnosed with Achilles Tendinitis....and am not allowed any weight bearing exercise of any kind. The toughest part of hearing about this was the reality that I would not be able to run in the All Women and One Lucky Guy 1/2 Marathon this coming Sunday. (The one that my mom and two friends ended up registering for, as well.)

I tell you, I know it's not the end of the world, and I'm hoping that 3 weeks of rest will help heal the tendon without having to wear a boot....but only time will tell. In the meantime I'm learning how to sit. If you're a person on the go, like myself, this is a challenge. I have been praying daily for patience and healing. I've also been in a bit of a funk, sad that I had this great race 3 weeks ago and now I can't run at all. I get daily email reminders about upcoming races....I delete them hastily.  I also frown when Daily Mile sends me an email that my friends miss my training.... :( 
But enough of this pity party. 

In the midst of it all, I have been inspired by a few things. The first being the cover article for our November newsletter. It has inspired me to give thanks each day during the month of November. 
I have also been inspired after seeing a book that was made up up 365 photos....one taken each day of the year. That book was centered around seeing God at work in the world. My one photo a day will show things for which I am thankful.

In essence....my 'down time' on the sofa will give me the time to reflect on things in my life for which I am blessed. I'll share pictures of things for which I am thankful....and take some time to blog about the specifics....now would probably be a great time to generate my Christmas card list, and get that photo card created.....who knows, maybe I could even do a Christmas letter this year.....hmm.....

While I realize that not everyone loves to take pictures or likes to journal, I hope that my blog this month inspires you at some point to see the things in your life for which you are thankful and to share those with others.  Feel free to share ways or things for which you are thankful.

Thanks for reading....

+paz