finding inspiration

I ran yesterday for the first time since June 2.  I was pretty worried about how hard it would be or how tired I would feel, but it turned out to be a great (slow) 3 mile run. 

See, I work out at a gym that is owned by a bone and joint clinic.  Their PT is set up out of the gym.  Yesterday as I was getting on the dreadmill I kept thinking to myself "ok self, just start and if it is too difficult you can stop or walk the rest of the way."  This was my first run since I completed the shot series in my knee, another cop out I had planned in the back of my head.

About 10 minutes into my run a young man in a wheelchair rolled himself to the treadmill beside me.  He hoisted himself out of the chair and on to the treadmill.  You could see how much of a struggle it was for him, but he set the machine for .09 and worked his legs.  He would probably do this for a few minutes and would have to put his legs to the side or slow the treadmill down to rest.  But, he was doing it.  How do you wimp out on a run with this guy on the treadmill beside you?  I wanted to tell him that he inspired me to push through but I didn't want to make him uncomfortable. 

I had a great run.

When I got home I signed up for the Springfield, MO conservation half marathon November 4.  I have no one to go with me at this time but I don't really care, I am sure someone will step up and go - especially since it is the weekend before my birthday and I want to spend some time at the outlet malls in Branson the day before. 

I really needed that.