When I was a senior in high school, I had back surgery for scoliosis. The Harrington rod, a stainless steel surgical device, was implanted along my spinal to treat my drastic curvature of the spine. Post surgery, for years to come, I stayed very active but with limited flexibility. Thankfully, I was able to continue to run short distances and kept in great shape through weight bearing exercises as well.
That changed a few years ago with my divorce. The toll of taking care of my home and raising two extremely active children practically on my own, resulted in a return of back problems and pain. But I picked myself up and forged on. Since my divorce, I have LOVED running. I ran three half marathons, tons of Turkey Trots and Rye Derbys and just completed the Danskin Triathlon with the Y Tribe team. It was awesome and I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Y. Now I am left with a recent diagnosis of Degenerative Disc Disorder.
The doctors have told me that I shouldn’t be running. To tell a runner this is the most disheartening news. It has taken me months to wrap my head around this but I am accepting the news slowly but surely. I count my lucky stars that the Rye Y yoga classes have been amazing for me. And that pool has also been beyond therapeutic. I am on a Deep Water Running mission now as I try to find different exercises that are good for my back. I see this challenge as a new stage in my life and one I literally can’t run from. The Rye Y is my comfort, my support, my inspiration and my motivating source. Thank you so very much.
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