Teammate David Cannon's passing was a somber beginning to my week - although I'd gotten enough updates to know it was imminent. David truly lived life to the fullest - "live, love, laugh"- and he made every event really fun. Losing him is shocking and very sad.
On the running side - I finally am again. I badly sprained my ankle 9/7 - it was grotesquely swollen at first, but after a week of pool running, it looked almost normal and didn't hurt. I got a referral to PT, though, and gratefully went. After two weeks of PT, I was finally allowed to "run" (4 x 3 min.) on a track, which I attempted to do as fast as possible.
I diligently did my exercises and aqua jogged at least an hour a day,increased my running to up 3 miles and was allowed to "participate" in a xc race on 10/15 - in spikes on a very difficult course with uneven footing - and survived. It was also my longest run to date. ;)
Still doing at least a half-hour of PT exercises a day, but I'm allowed to run 6 days a week (which is hard since I never liked to take a day off). I ran around 32 miles last week, including a "fartlek" run and a "long" run of 7 miles. This week I should be around 35-36 after my "long" run tomorrow (trying for 8 miles).
The PT pointed out that I didn't have working ligaments in my ankle (probably not in either ankle) as I'd torn them already (in one of the other 3 times I've sprained one), so I needed to really work on other things to protect my body. While I can't say whether or not I'm slower or faster right now, I am hopeful that all the work I'm doing on my balance, hip/butt/core and calf strength (which now include the calf raises) will help in the end. It might take a while. I appreciated that the PT was able to tailor the exercises to my level as I'm far to weak in some areas to follow a plan out of a book.
Since my off day was the day David died, I wound up walking for an hour. Maybe not as wonderful as running, but it was nice to be outside (even in the rain) and reflect and process.
Who knows if I'll be anywhere fit enough for the remaining xc races, but I'm going to keep up the exercises and give it a go. Very grateful to be running!