Ok, those who know me, know that I don’t really complain, but I want to share a story.

I turned 45, in the best shape I had been in years.

There was no way I was going to acknowledge this pain in my knee after finishing the Providence Marathon in 2014.  I always approach all situations with a ‘safety first’ mindset and I am definitely considered risk averse by my friends.  

Sometimes they tell me I play it too safe, so it was no surprise that I was going to give voice to my pain and cancel my birthday morning run with the guys.  

Who likes to be mocked on their birthday? Not me.

After the run, I felt this knifing,piercing pain started on the left inside of my knee.  I could not put any pressure on it and could barely walk without wincing. That evening at dinner I could tell there was something wrong that required immediate attention and so I rushed to get an MRI the next day.

The doctor said  – “SURGERY NEXT WEEK” – on the one hand, I was relieved because he told me what was wrong and how it will be fixed.  On the other hand, I wouldn’t be able to move for 2 months.

Enter devastation and feelings of defeat (something like the negative thoughts that comes up for me today with FOMO and being able to run less)

But, after some intense physical therapy with Danielle Irish, and going to the GYM and doing strength training, balance and agility exercises and running LESS MILEAGE (which was key to my healing process), I was actually able to improve my pace and run the Boston Marathon in 3:24 just 10 months later.

So lesson learned: Despite the situation which made me want to complain all the time… there was actually a better outcome at the end of it.  

I kept going to the gym and improved my overall fitness, which I would not have done, had I not been injured.  Secondly, I became more in tune with my body and the fine line between pushing myself and real pain. Thirdly, I didn’t expect to enjoy working out at the gym so much and I enjoyed it to the point that I decided to get certified as a personal trainer.

So now, here I am again; Injured and at semi-bed rest (note: bed rest to me is not being able to run more than 20 miles per week) and I am wondering what is the silver lining in THIS round of recovery?

Enter complaining.  What will I be able to do in the future as I again sit on the sidelines?

Tell me about one of your silver linings?  Inspiration is contagious…