Good Knees

"Winning has nothing to do with racing. Most days don't have races anyway. Winning is about struggle and effort and optimism, and never, ever, ever giving up."

-Amby Burfoot, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life

Running does not come without its challenges. Those challenges usually include injuries and at the moment I am trying to hang in there by, as the above quotes reads, "never, ever, ever giving up..." even when the pain makes you question if it's worth it.

A few months back, a trainer at the gym stopped me and asked if I was a runner. When I told him I was, he replied, "I could tell. You have nice knees." At first I thought that was the weirdest compliment I'd ever received. However, after some thought, I realized how appropriate and well-earned it was. My knees deserve all the credit in this crazy running experience I have put them through. My knees have put in miles and miles, cried out in pain, given out, been iced, wrapped, coated in heat rubs, and finally, rested...and then shaken and stretched in the early morning hours to do it all over again. They deserve the adulation.

For the last two weeks, my right knee has been acting up.

But, I have miles to run.

So, hang in there, Knee.
Just give me until June.
After that I will give you a long, well-deserved rest.

I promise!