Another day off running...one of what will be many days off by all indicators. My back was pretty stiff this morning, but has loosend up a bit after going to the gym and doing some light lifting and core exercises. I made an appointment with a podiastrist to get my foot officially diagnosed. If it is indeed plantar fasciitis, from what I've read, I should expect to be out at least 4-6 weeks...if things go well. For some people it takes over a year to heal. It's crossed my mind several times that there's a possibility that I may not run competitively again, at least at the same level. My body has been messed up for a year now. You have to been able to train hard to be fast, and if I am unable to train hard...Well, I can't really think like that at this point, but it's in the back of my mind: what would life be like without running and racing? The answer is: pretty good. I have a wife who loves me, a satisfying career, a good group of friends, and MOST importantly, a God that loves me and promises salvation through grace as well as a life in full here on earth. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 Life will go on and be good with or without running, and I feel blessed to have had the chance to do what I already have. Those thoughts have kept me grounded and given me peace about being injured. If all thing go well, I could be base training again by June or so, and run St. George well. Even if I can't run until July, I could run St. George well. If not until beyond that, well, I guess keep trying. I'm young. (although I feel like I'm 80-years old sometimes) | 