On this date in 2008 I ran the Staten Island Half-Marathon for the second time (the first time was in 2006 and it took me a loooong time to finish). In 2008, though, I set a PR which still blows my mind–1:48:50. I can’t believe I ran that fast for 13.1 miles.
Some details of the race are fuzzy, but a few moments stand out. I remember feeling aces, just completely loose and primed. I remember getting passed (rather quickly) by a superfit, supergorgeous guy on our way up that mile-long hill. He had amazing arms, which reminded me, happily, of someone I knew. I wished I could run up a hill as relentlessly as Fit Guy. I remember EN and I hooting with excitement and triumph as we crossed the finish line together, arms raised. And I remember running that half-marathon with a feeling of great anticipation. I knew that this race, this PR, was only the first of other wonderful things to come, and I couldn’t wait to see what the day, the night, the rest of the year held.
This time last year, I was training for the New York City Marathon, and was living through a year with no injuries. For the first time ever, my weekly mileage hit 50, and looked forward to my mid-week 10-milers. I felt healthy in a way that made me more even-keeled. I felt balanced, I felt I understood myself.
Even though I was training hard, I wasn’t living through difficult times. I was happy. When the difficult times came this winter and spring, I would constantly think of October and November 2008 as the place I wanted to go back to.
I still haven’t made it back–my training and performance expectations have been temporarily downgraded due to injuries and weaknesses. I accept the runner I am today, believing that she will lead me to the runner I want to be tomorrow, next month, next year. Right now, I’m just going to keep running until I chase her down.
Pigtails Flying 
What the hell are you talking about when you say ‘weaknesses?’ I’ll accept injury because you are legitimately hurt but you are anything but weak.
The weaknesses of certain muscle groups that historically give me trouble (hamstrings, stabilizers, hips).
And the weaknesses that have resulted because I have had to lower my training efforts (no speedwork, etc), like decreased heart/lung fitness, decreased anaerobic threshold, and decreased endurance.
Having a weakness doesn’t mean I am weak.
Keep on keepin’ on.
You’ll be back. Sounds like you’re being smart about your recovery so there’s no reason to think that 2010 won’t be another kick ass year for you (think 2008, but better). 🙂
Look at you with a 1.48.50 PR!!! Yikes, can I even contemplate running with you??