Masters and More Rest

I have been in a state of thankfulness since my last post. I am still in awe of God's greatness and the joy I have in the hope of many more tomorrows with my hubby. Living with a miracle is pretty darn cool.

I began graduate school 2 years ago with the idea of taking a class here and there. This plan changed quickly upon my hubby's diagnosis. We decided instead of quitting or taking a break we would instead try to bust it out as fast as possible. This involved many, many days and nights in my homework cave. It meant doing papers during surgeries and time in the hospital. Most of the time I wanted to quit but I was always encouraged. My hubby would tell me I could do it when I didn't think it was possible. There were tears and fits but somehow I would always get it done. I was motivated to push on for my amazing hubby who was busy fighting for his life. I wanted him to know that I would do everything I could to be in a position to support our family. Well last Saturday I was finally able to walk across that stage and graduate with my Masters. I now have a M.S. in Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership. To translate I pretty much get to teach, mentor, consult, and lead others.

A few snap shots and off to celebrate with close friends.

It really has been a journey. One that I did not want to go on. But God is good and His promises are true. I have been surrounded by a support system that has given so much. Spring has been a blessing. With our miracle and no more chemo topping the list by far. Eugene was just icing on the cake. I did not have much time to devote to training as I spent most of the months leading up to Eugene solo or up at the hospital. I pushed when I knew my body was hurting. My first long run of 18 miles I began to have pain on the inside of my ankle, going up the side of my leg. I ignored it. Eugene represented my battle and I was not any way shape or form not going to show up to that start line. Every long run after that (thank goodness there weren't many more) my ankle hurt. In Eugene it really hurt. The last 3 miles were pretty painful. I rested for a week post marathon and then ran a easy 3 mile run.

It hurt again.

I have RESTED since then. Yesterday I went to the foot doc. He did some tests with like a tuning fork thing, squeezed and twisted some things and decided that it seems I am having a STRESS REACTION. Stress? What stress? This can be a precurssor to a stress fracture which in the running world is a really bad word. So I am thankful. My doc was nice enough to give my credit for time served so I will need to rest for a minimun of another 4 weeks. He basically said when it stops hurting I can start running. He said I could do a MRI but did not think it was necessaryl. I am a bit bummed but hopeful that by mid June I will be able to get some summer miles in. I plan to cross train as much as I can. I want to heal so I can play ball with my One and Only, Volleyball with Lovely L and soccer with Sweet J. So again I need to patient, bump up the calcium and give thanks. I would love some fun new workouts or exercise suggestions to get my heart rate up. Just needs to be low impact. Hoping to finally get around to sharing some fun reviews and giveaways as well.

But for now I just want to be with my family and soak up the miracles of each day. Keep On Keeping On.