Weekends have been the toughest when it comes to keeping my head in the healing game. I’m friends with a lot of awesome athletes and every weekend all my feeds are flooded with race reports, long run photos and stories of my friends pushing their bodies and celebrating life.
Right now I can’t do that. And (most of the time) that’s okay. This period of my life is just part of my journey. And it’s awesome.
Last night I realized something different that is bothering me: I don’t have anything to look forward to.
I’m all about goals. I keep a packed race schedule and have things to look forward to with work, friends and travel. But for now that list has been wiped clear. “Complete my second Ironman October 22, 2011,” was on my goals, but it’s not an option anymore.
Instead of getting sad, I got planning.
I updated my goals. All of them. Now there are plans for walking, paying off medical bills, blogging more… and possibly even moving to a different city. My career goals got switched up. And, baby goals were pushed back a little.
There’s nothing like a broken pelvis and loss of independence to quench baby fever. I need to get my body back and push it to the limits for a few more years before I give it up again. (I’ve been able to relate to pregnant friends so much since this injury: foggy mind, bladder control, lack of sex, changing body, nausea… difference is they get a baby at the end. I just get to walk again.)
Here are my updated fitness goals. Remember, the surgeon said I would start walking again in the middle of December. I don’t think he knows I’m an Ironman. We do things differently.
I walk unassisted by October 31, 2011.
I run by November 21, 2011.
I complete the Disney Marathon with Ryan January 8, 2012.
I complete an unassisted headstand by March 1, 2012.
I maintain a 9 minute per mile pace for a 10 mile run by June 1, 2012.
I complete my second Ironman triathlon by October 25, 2012.
I complete a 50 mile race by June 1, 2015.
When have you not listened to what’s “normal” and accomplished something big? Share what you’re most proud of in the comments!
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LOVE your goals! You can do it, and I am cheering for you from here in Vermont. When you are ready to find that 50 mile race, we put on a heck of a 50 mile trail race in Vermont called the Vermont 50. It supports Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports to allow all people to participate! I don’t run it, but I volunteer for it. It is amazing.
Hannah Hawley (@sirenical) recently posted..Trapp Cabin 5k – Recap
Here is the link.
http://vermont50.com/
Hannah Hawley (@sirenical) recently posted..Trapp Cabin 5k – Recap
I’m a fellow runner and started reading your blog because you had a race recap of a trail marathon in Florida that I was interested in doing. From then on I would check periodically to see what other races you had done. Needless to say when I read about your accident, it was shocking. When I read your goals I thought of a book I recently read called “The Long Run” by Matt Long. He was a member of the FDNY and had completed an Ironman and was a Boston Qualified marathoner. He was riding his bike in Manhattan to a work out one morning and was hit by a bus. I won’t go through the laundry list of injuries, but needless to say he barely lived and doctors didn’t even think he would ever walk again. Through a lot of rehab and a ridiculous amount of sheer will and determination he was able to complete the NYC Marathon and eventually complete another Ironman. His book details the physical anguish of having to re-learn to walk and try for some normalcy to his life, but also goes into the mental aspects that kind of recovery entails. You seem to have motivation in spades, but this book may be of some help as well. Good luck!
I am new to your blog but I just wanted to say what an inspiration you are. Your positivity is contagious (& unbelievable)–you are amazing girl!
Good for you setting goals! I am amazed at your rate of healing. I’ve been a bit discouraged by my progress bouncing back from the bike/broke leg accident but will chalk it up to age
I love following your progress and gaining inspiration. I start PT tomorrow and maybe will also look into some of the alternative methods as well! Thanks for the updates and keep up the great work!
I’m running Disney too! I’ll be there cheering you on!
Jennifer recently posted..Birthday Week Rundown
You are so incredible!! Cannot wait to follow your progress as you reach and surpass all your goals!
Whether you think you can or you can’t…you’re right.
I’m so happy to see you’re setting goals and ready to rock! Even if you don’t meet them all (and I’m sure you will), trying and failing is way better than not trying at all.
Good luck Ashley- I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Kristen (inspiredbydooce) recently posted..internet hate
You go girl!
Goal setting is so important; it gives us something to work toward. I have no doubt in my mind that you’ll be reaching, if not surpassing, your goals by the dates that you have set for yourself.
I’m so excited for you!
You are amazing! I have a lot to learn from your determination.
Joey recently posted..The Traveling Cat
You are strong, and determined. I have no doubt that you will be running and kicking butt in no time. I can’t wait to see you share that bling from Disney!
Lucy recently posted..13.1 Atlanta – DONE
You can do it! Having a goal in sight makes everything better : )
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