The Final Chapter

Well that's it; I've conceded. For the moment, temporarily. My body is too uncooperative at this point to push on. With barely 100kms run in the last 5 weeks my ITBs and right knee aren't really improving. The only reason they haven't gotten worse is that I am barely running. There is simply not enough to continue on to the start line. My Death Race is over...for now.

I should be averaging 100kms+ a week at the moment and I am barely managing a run around the block. A little more rest, a little more rest; no time for a little more rest. With the start of the race in 9 weeks, and some $4000 invested to get there, I have finally admitted I won't make it. I've known this for some time, a few weeks, but not wanting to give up, and hoping to miraculously be able to run without pain, have put off this decision. It's not one I was looking forward to.

The emotional and soppy side of me is gutted. So much invested and I am heart broken. The practical, optimistic, gutsy and determined side of me is angry; and plotting her revenge. Another race, another time; this is definitely not over.

I have met some amazing people in the ultra community in Perth and they have definitely ignited a passion in me for this sport. Though my body at the moment says otherwise, I still think, given more preparation, learning and time, that I might be half ok at this sport. If my Canadian friend BGal can get through this same injury as me (and she also had knee surgery), then I can too. She is now on the Canadian Team for the Worlds in July this year (having taken up ultra running only 4-5 years ago); and though it seems impossible that I would have a tenth of her ability, she has encouraged me to perservere. That, after all, is the catch cry of those who run further just because they can..."persevere". Who knows where I will be in 2, 3 or 4 years time? The wonder of it is excitement enough...for the moment!

I deeply thank all of those people that have accompanied me along the way (so far) for their encouragment and support; especially my kids MGirl and CBoy, and my sister KGal. To those who bought chocolate from me, or contributed in some other way financially to the Lung Foundation, thank you. All funds are still going directly to them and I will update with a further instalment once the counting is done.

This journey since before August last year has certainly given me purpose, and shown me all the emotions between happiness and sorrow. I do feel incredibly lucky with where I am in life...the adventure is just beginning! And when you have a day where you feel you can't keep going; remember the sun always gets up in the morning, and we get a do-over of the day before!