The California newt (Taricha torosa)
On my 2nd to last run I passed this little guy. Everything I passed seemed new, fascinating, and photo-worthy that day, as always seems to be when I am able to get out and run so infrequently. As you might imagine, I’m getting pretty frustrated. You know how I love running.
Or perhaps, if you are a fairly new reader, you don’t. I’ve been doing battle with back pain since sometime after completing my 19th marathon, and the Boston to Big Sur Challenge (May 2011). Completing two full marathons so close together did quite a number on my ankles, but taking a 6 month break from running for them to heal seems to have set me back more.
In as much as the smooth, slippery skin of this newt appears to be benign, so too seemed the act of breaking from running. I often feel as if I’ve been hit by some sort of neurotoxin but I swear, I never touched this little guy.
At this point in the game, I no longer need to understand the why; I just need to rid myself of the painful toxin-like effect and get back to living the active life I love. In the meantime, I can’t count my many blessings of family, friends, employment, a roof over my head, and all of the awful diseases that have been ruled out — among other things.
You have such a great attitude! While you are down you might as well appreciate the slower things in life which you’d potentially run by otherwise.
Don’t tell anyone, but I’m sort of faking it right now. More accorately, I’ve been really discouraged lately. I want to get out and go. I want to ride another century, do a trail marathon for #20 (maybe), and roll out my mat without fear of overdoing it.
While I do indeed recognize that I am blessed, I need lots of reminders lately. It is truly a conscious effort staying positive.