Grateful for legs that work..

About an hour ago I saw something that in an instant put things back into perspective for me.....
I've never mentioned running on my blog before because I fear that it will set up this false image of this toned fitness freak; one who looks down upon those who sit in front of a sewing machine instead of either being at the gym, or deciding upon which coordinating lorna jane outfit to wear to the gym.

Last year I finally went back to running after a 20 year break and ran my first 10km race. This weekend I am running that same race again. I have been training reasonably hard, and my body (legs) don't appreciate it as much as they did 20 years ago. I am having all sorts of hip problems which have been giving me a lot of pain into fancy sounding muscles in my legs. I can barely get up from the couch at night, and it hurts when I roll over in bed. I have been spending a fortune at the physio who leaves me bruised after he's tried to 'release' the muscles that are seizing.

This morning I went for my last run before the big day. I was feeling quite disheartened as I am really doubting that I can make my goal of running the 10km under an hour, and know that there is no way that I will be able to do my first half marathon this year. So, I am about a km into the run, I go around a bend and there is this brand new little motorised wheelchair swerving all over the path, with Dad alongside, placing his hand over the little hand trying to learn how to steer. I spoke briefly with the Dad, who smiled and said his son had only had his new $15 000 chair for about a week and was trying to get used to it. I look back, and this little boy, only 4 or 5 years old, had the biggest smile on his face and was revelling in the freedom of being able to move independently. What a thrill and an honour to witness this.

So here I was, feeling disappointed that I may not be able to run my 10km in under an hour. I suddenly felt incredibly lucky to have legs (and a body) that works. Ones that take me where I want to go and can function for themselves. They may not be the prettiest, but they work. They may hurt sometimes, but I am able to do something about that, I can stretch and do strengthening exercises, its within my power. It was not in this little boys power to walk at all.
So I am very grateful for legs that work. And I will be proud of my achievement this weekend, whatever that is.

Michelle xx