Tape doesn't really fix everything...

Training is going fairly, not getting up to where I was as quickly as I'd like, but overall I've been doing well. Ran five miles a few minutes ago, wanted to do more, but decided not to push it too much, since I have reduced, but not eliminated, my knee pain. Taped my feet until they almost didn't fit into my shoes, it's helping, but I can't get the tape to stay on for more than a few miles. I can feel it loosening, and that's about the same time my knee starts hurting. I'm going to look into some inserts this week, as well as some new shoes, if my wallet can handle it.

I tell you what though, I am really enjoying being able to run again. There's this feeling that comes over me, I feel so empowered, like I can accomplish anything. All the doubts about the race, about fundraising, even non-marathon related issues I've had this week, they all seem so much smaller, so insignificant when I'm running. I love that feeling, and it lasts for awhile even after the run is over, until life settles in again. I am so thankful to have my health back, what a precious, precious thing it is, and I will never, ever take it for granted.

Come to think of it, that's why I'm doing this whole thing anyway...Because there are so many people out there with IBD, people that haven't been as lucky as me. They struggle every day with their health, and I know personally that it's mentally and physically exhausting. If by running and raising money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, I can help fund research for medicine and a cure that can help all these people, many of whom I know personally, then I can't give up now. Even though I'm having some struggles of my own, trying to keep up with training and fundraising, it's nothing compared to what some people have to go through on a daily basis. So basically right now I'm feeling inspired, energized and excited.

On another note, I decided that I'm going to dedicate every mile of the 13.1 mile race to someone that I know. It may be someone that has helped me financially, morally, just inspired me, or all of the above. I have a few people in mind already, and I'll post the final list, with someone corresponding to each mile I run, sometime closer to race day...which is in 4 weeks!!!