Running into kismet.

I continue to recover from this last cold. The flax seed tea does work for quelling the cough remarkably well, I've bought another bottle of the Umcka Cold and Flu mixture which William is taking also. Yes, the cold finally got him, poor fellow. But except for a little coughing and a little pressure in my upper chest I'm nearly well.

I felt well enough yesterday to go for a little run. I used to run in my mid-twenties and loved it but after participating in a race (which I finished and wasn't dead last) I stopped running. I'm still not sure why, exactly, but regardless, I'm attempting to add running to my life again. I tried to do so about fifteen years ago but was too ill with candida to do more than realize that something was wrong. I spent a number of years getting past the candida and began running again last summer. I was doing really well with it, too, feeling light and happy and energetic- and then in September I stubbed a toe on my right foot. It didn't hurt particularly in the actual stubbing but the second I put my foot down there was pain, oh, WOW, was there pain!

I was completely lame on that foot for about two weeks, couldn't walk or drive, couldn't even wear a shoe for several days. I didn't see a doctor at the time of the injury as I've had foot injuries before and the only thing the doctors said was how they couldn't do anything for it and the best thing for a foot injury was rest and elevation. I added epsom salts hot water soaks to this good advice and gradually, very gradually, my toe got better.

Then around Christmas time I realized the sole of my foot was beginning to ache- just a little and not all the time. I massaged it and rested it more but really, life goes on and I had to drive and walk and I was sick of sitting so much. The ache wasn't consistent and it was hard to pinpoint... but finally it got bad enough that I could point to two areas of pain, right before the ball of my foot and some at the heel.

At about the same time my sister mentioned how she was getting over plantar fasciitis. My ears perked up and I asked her for her symptoms and, by golly, mine were just about the same as hers.

This made me VERY unhappy. I've known several people with plantar fasciitis and it's not easily dealt with, not to mention very painful. There's nothing like waking up with sore feet before you've even gotten out of bed to make a person grouchy and depressed. My pain wasn't very bad but I really didn't want it to get worse or become chronic.

I spoke with my sister a few days later and she'd gotten tremendous relief from a local massage therapist by working not just on her feet, but also on her calves and shins. I started doing a little massage every night while watching TV with my Mom and William and the pain began to ease up some but I wasn't making much progress and my left foot was also starting to twinge at me now and then.

Then, I got a newsletter from ChiRunning and I immediately went to look through their articles and sure enough, there was a post on plantar fasciitis. I looked at the illustration and read about what was going on with my feet and my symptoms were exactly what they described. I followed their suggestions of deep massage on the foot and lower leg and added in a lot of achilles stretches, too. I immediately began to feel relief and yesterday I woke up with no pain at all which was why I felt up to trying a little running.

Today I'm sore in my thighs, calves and ankles and my right foot is a tiny bit tender but otherwise, no major problems to report. I only walked today as I don't want to push too hard. I will walk another day before trying to run again and you can bet I'll be paying strict attention to how my feet and legs feel! I really don't want to mess up my feet or any other part of my body be being too enthusiastic.

The neat thing is (and this is quite "kismet" if you ask me) I'm going to Oregon tomorrow to house sit for friends. I'll be taking care of four horses, a dog and a cat- and a 14 year old track star. All who know her assure me is a modest, intelligent, kind girl. I do hope she'll be up for talking to me about running.

Rebirth.

Easter- the time of focus on rebirth, the relenting of death to allow the return of life, a time of fitful rain and sudden sun, unsettled wind and abrupt calm, chilling shade and gilding light...

In every day there is this miracle, the chance to re-birth your self into a new state of being. Every morning is a new beginning springing from the shade/death/sleep of night into the light/life/waking of a fresh day.

Sleep, and be glad! The earth cradles you, gravity stills you and allows you effortless rest. The moon and the stars swing overhead, their illumination made subtle by distance and time but still acting on your own subtle energies, encouraging dreams and inward turning thoughts.

Wake, and be glad! The earth supports you, gravity orients you and teaches the beauty of balance. The sun, even from behind the darkest clouds, draws you up with its radiance and steadily encourages growth and change.

The Universe is waiting for you! Wake from the sanctuary of sleep, wake to this gift. Accept it with an open, grateful heart and all is yours.

Namaste.