Injury Report/Passion

     Update: Contrary to what I reported in my last blog, it appears I do not have a defunct SI joint but rather a "protruding disk" in my lower back - proof of which was shown in the MRI I finally was able to get a few weeks ago. 
     It is nice to finally have a name for what ails me and it makes moving forward easier because now I can battle my rehab opponent face to face rather that wondering what is causing me so much pain! 
     Progress is slow....very slow, but I've cultivated enough patience now in the last 2 months to tackle anything. Plus, progress is progress and now I've been able to jog easy for a little over a week now - super cool! Keep sending your good vibes - I can feel them coming my way! 


Now to report on what I'm really stoked about: 


 University City Cross Country


     While I have been sidelined with my back injury I have been able to pour most 
of my energies into my high school cross country team which I began coaching in the summer. I have learned so much in this short amount of time - not only lessons about coaching but also lessons that can easily be applied to my own running. I have thrived off of my athletes enthusiasm for the sport and reveled in all of their successes along the way. 
     I started the season out with a tumbled group of energetic teenagers with a lot of promise but in need of a ton of direction. As I spoke they slowly began to listen, and as their new pr's rolled around more and more bought into the new team atmosphere. Now, I can proudly say I have been able to keep all 40 or so of the kids that began the year with us on the team and running injury free. We are rounding the final corner into the homestretch of the season with League, Section, and State Finals just a few weeks away. 
     I'm a proud coach every time I step on campus to run them through their practice - and I'm an even prouder when I watch them succeed and reach their goals!