Pain in my A$$

I'm talking about sciatica. That miserable pain in the butt I get every once in awhile is back with a vengeance. My body isn't too happy that I'm pounding the treadmill with it. I got hurt in several car accidents years ago and have permanent problems with my back, neck and knees. I know the one exercise I shouldn't be doing is running, but running a 5K is on my "bucket list."

I noticed a twinge at first which has now led to my entire leg from hip to toe going numb. Just sitting is causing pain at this point and my hand is also starting to tingle. I'm stubborn and refuse to give up until I accomplish this goal. The smart person would do what the doctors have told them and not push their luck but I have a problem with that.

As a kid with asthma there was so much I couldn't do. I couldn't play outside in cold weather, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded and I couldn't participate in gym class for all 12 years. I think that most doctors today would never advise inactivity to that extreme. Moderate exercise can actually help asthmatics as long as they have it under control with meds. But growing up in the 70s, technology wasn't as good and so many medications had yet to be developed. Due to frequent hospitalizations and bronchitis, my parents were afraid to let me do anything. I grew up thinking I COULDN'T do things and accepted that fact. I figured I would always be on the sidelines watching other people accomplish their goals.

As I got older I started challenging myself to prove that theory wrong. Because I did this, I am capable of much more than anyone would have thought. I remember this every day, especially when a workout seems more difficult than usual. My mantra is "FOCUS" and I try to stay in the moment no matter how hard that may be. I focus on my breathing and trying to slow it down when I'm feeling overexterted. I focus on the pain and know that it's temporary. But most of all I keep focusing the goal and envision myself crossing the finish line.