One Year Ago

(a.k.a. impromptu 2009 recap...)

One year ago today, I went cross-country skiing for the first time and took a nasty spill resulting in my very first DNS for a race I was supposed to run the next day. I didn't realize just how serious my injury was until I finally went to the hospital the next morning, only to discover that I had separated my shoulder.

I was put in an immobilizing sling and learned then that it could be a long road to recovery, but I was fortunate in that it appeared my shoulder would heal on its own. UNfortunately, hubby was literally on the other side of the world on business at that time and wouldn't be home for six long weeks - not the best time for me to be incapacitated! I'm blessed with a wonderful support system with great friends and the best Mom in the world who took care of me when I needed it. For the first week I couldn't even wash my own hair - that's what Moms are for, right?

After three weeks in the sling, I made an appointment to have a suspicious and painful lump on my forearm checked out. I learned that I had developed a blood clot as a result of the trauma of impact and subsequent immobilization of my arm. This led to quite the list of health issues, but we were able to monitor and treat it with blood thinners and frequent appointments over the next three months. (Remind me never to cross-country ski again...)

I didn't run for four weeks, which was even more disappointing since I had just started up my very first round of group marathon training (same group I am with now). Everyone was extremely supportive and I stayed involved with the group as much as I could during my hiatus. After those four long weeks, I re-joined the group and they welcomed me with open arms even though I could only run a fraction of their distances.

Due to the missed training, I had to sit out of a couple more races, but I made the most of it by volunteering and spectating, eventually making a comeback at the Inaugural B.A.A. 5K during Boston Marathon weekend.

I wasn't able to run a Spring marathon as I'd hoped, but I made up for it by running 9 races in 10 weeks, including 4 half marathons and setting PR's in the 5K, 10K and half marathon distances.

I resumed marathon training for the Summer session, eventually seeking Marathon Redemption at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

And that just about wraps up my 2009!

After a successful long run with my group this morning followed by a lifting session at the gym this afternoon, I can safely say that January 24, 2010 has been much better than January 24, 2009.

Here's hoping there are many good things to follow this year. Stay tuned for 2010 race plans and goals next week.

(And a giveaway too...)