I can't think of another word other than adaptation to describe what is going on right now.  Although it has been the title of a previous blog, I figure there are no blogging rules that say you can't use the same title on numerous occasions.  So here it is again: Adaptation.

The first time I was "adapting" was in my first squad camp experience in St. George, Utah this past June.  And I was most certainly adapting at that time!  But it was different.  At that time it was largely a mental/emotional adaptation more than it was physical.  I was getting used to new expectations, a new environment, and a new understanding of what being a professional athlete truly entails.

This time around it is more of a physical adaptation taking place.  I've said it before, but I may as well say it again, getting the hardware removed from my tibia was the best decision I've ever made.  I was given run clearance for the second time around a little over a month ago and am now really and truly starting to work my run back to its previous form...but better.

It is quite a process and it's truly fascinating to watch and 'feel' unfold.  My body is adapting and remembering every single day what it is supposed to do.  Because that is what is expected of it.  I'll run and feel aches afterwards, but then the next time I run  the aches are gone. (With help from my amazing therapists!!)  The tight spots are disintegrating every single day. The human body is miraculous.  Truly.     

I know there has been a lot of public speculation about my 'running' after the accident.  I distinctly remember a doctor (who shall remain unnamed) asking me about my 'run times' and how he really didn't see how I would be able to run the way I "used to."  Granted, the run has been the last to develop, but even with the hardware in my ankle when I first started running again, I could literally feel and see that everything was exactly the same...just still in a bit of hibernation mode. 

But with the hardware now out and a run that is now pain free, I'll put it right out there.  I am back to running the majority of my zone 2 (comfortable but concentrated runs) at 3 hour marathon pace.  Fire a bit of speed work and endurance into that equation over the next few months (while factoring in someone who is extremely motivated)....and...I'll let you do the math.  It's all there. 

Don't get me wrong.  I don't advise taking nearly a year off of 'proper' running. It's hard, hard work bringing it back...and I'm just getting some miles in and haven't even started speed work yet!!!!  But whenever it starts to get 'hard' I simply remember how lucky I am.  How much differently this could have all turned out.  How much I appreciate running for the simple act of what it is. 

And...how I am going to make use of every last bit of what has been given back to me.  In more ways than one.