The Writing on the Wall

The last few weeks have been kind of a whirlwind of emotions.  A few weeks ago I finally went to the dr. to check about some pain that I have in my foot (been happening of and on for a few years).  I had an incling it was arthritis, because my mother, my grandmother, and my great-grandfather all have/had pretty extreme arthritis.  The writing was on the wall, I just was waiting to see when.  Well, a few weeks ago was the "when" I've been waiting for- I found out I had the beginning signs of Osteoarthritis.  Since I found out that I had this I've decided that I have to change my goals a little bit.  I've decided it probably would not be wise to run a marathon, or even a half-marathon in less than a month.  My Dr. suggested any major sport activity was probably unwise.  26 miles is major-so I am not doing this anymore.  There is a 10k that I will still be doing on Thanksgiving, and luckily I can already run that and its not too much on the good ol' joints.  Now I am in the process of thinking about other things that I can become good at, instead of running.  I have my bike and enjoy riding it.  Maybe I will become super good at biking, and will start doing biking races next year.  Or, maybe I will become a super good swimmer which is also a good exercise, but something that can really only be done during the summers (or if you have a gym membership).

I am realizing that, after much thinking, a little negative at first (like I CAN't do anything anymore!), to positive (like, I just have to do different, good things now.).  Exercise will always be a part of my routine.  I can't wait for the new goals I will make in the future and for the different things that I hope to be good at.  YAY!