Overcoming obstacles can be difficult, especially when they seem out of your control. But, I have come to realize that if you fight with every fiber of your being and never lose hope it’s possible to overcome anything. Over a year ago I tore a muscle in my back. I wondered if I would ever run again or even be able to lift a weight without pain. After a month of physical therapy, a series of trigger point injections in my back and a demanding, as well as time consuming, stretching/workout regimen, I finally feel like I have reached the top of the mountain.
My goal, from the first day of my injury, was to do everything in my power to stay healthy and active. However, as days turned into weeks and then months, I began to feel further and further from my goal. I began to lose muscle and my endurance dropped steadily. I was aggravated, frustrated, and lost. I wanted to writhe in a world of self-pity. I wanted to quit and accept the fact that I would never be able to run or lift weights comfortably again. However, I knew that I couldn’t lose hope because I could see the mountain and I knew that the view was a hell of a lot better from the top. I just had to figure out how to get there.
I was limited for months in my ability to work out. Running caused extreme pain and lifting weights resulted in re-injury. However, I was committed to overcoming my obstacle and I made sure that I never lost hope. I would head to physical therapy with joy, instead of complaining. I would do my stretches, as well as workout regimen provided by my therapist, religiously, because I knew that it was important to do everything possible to get better. When my Dr. said she was going to give me a series of trigger point injections in my back I happily plopped down on the table, lifted my shirt and said, “Have at it!” Instead of crumble in defeat I stood steadfast in my commitment to overcome my injury.
In life we are faced with a series of obstacles and it is how we approach those obstacles that determine if and how we will overcome them. To this day, more than a year later, I am not completely 100% (I’m about 85%), but I keep my head up and work hard to get there. I never lose hope, because if I did then I wouldn’t try. All I know is that today I am back to running three miles again and looking to sign up for a 5K in the fall, as well as a half marathon in the near future. I am lifting weights and seeing my strength return. I am not just looking to get back to where I was before. I am looking to improve, because what would be the point of getting injured if something good didn’t come from it?
In my mind I have reached the top of the mountain. I am sitting up here and enjoying the view, wondering if there’s an even better mountain to climb. I think obstacles make life a little more interesting and lot more satisfying when you overcome them. Just make sure that whenever you face an obstacle in life you do everything in your power to fight through it and you never, ever, lose hope. There’s always going to be a mountain to climb, so you better start making your way to the top!
Running On Empty 
I admire your attitude and determination! Inspiring! Awesome!!