The hurdles

There have certainly been hurdles along the way to doing this walk.

Take the picture here. Just out of arthroscopic surgery on my right knee for a tear in the meniscus. Had been an issue for about a year, stopping me running which had always been my go to for mindfulness and keeping myself mentally balanced. 

Without my running, I had to work harder than ever, using other coping strategies to keep my thoughts and mind in check. Being outdoors, appreciating surroundings, being present etc and I am glad to say it was working. But I was looking forward to getting back to running.

So I rehabbed well. Did exactly what I was supposed to, listened to my physio and didn't try to run before I could walk. And then...4 minutes into my second gentle run, a familiar pain. I stopped immediately but I knew.  

What was I going to do? I did the physical things, called the doc, got an MRI and had the tear confirmed. But mentally? I had a choice - catastrophize and give up or stay focussed and stay well. All too often in the past I would have fallen at this hurdle and given up, but not this time. I was bloody determined not to succumb to depressive thoughts and fears.

So far so good! I had wanted to do this challenge as a run but it looks like that is not to be so a walk it is. and even better a walk and talk, involving more people and hopefully more good will come out of it. I cannot say that I will not fall at another hurdle or that we can overcome all hurdles. What I can say is that I am proud that this hurdle was not too high.