Yes, you read that right. Surgery day is here. It’s been a long time coming. I’ve seen doctors…oh so many doctors…jumped through all of the pre-op hoops, been disappointed by doctors, schedulers, and navigated a medical leave from my job. I feel like I’ve already been through the wringer and surgery hasn’t even begun. But soon.
I digress: Before I head into surgery (femurs crossed) let’s open up the Runfessional. Because it would be wrong to welcome February without a thorough cleansing of the soul…and soles.
Surgery Day Is Here
I runfess that it may be all in my head, maybe not, but since I’ve had a surgery date, I feel like my hip pain is progressively worse. Maybe because there’s a light at the end of the tunnel? Does the homestretch of a race seem more painful?
These cold, dark months of the new year are rarely fun but I runfess that I’m laser focused, one might even use the word obsessed, on the minutes of daylight we are gaining each day. The rate at which we gain daylight will increase in February and I am so here for it!
On that same note, while I am not at all happy when retailers jump the gun on Back to School, Halloween and Holiday promotions, I runfess I’m all for whisperings of the “S” word. Yes SPRING! It’s a long way off but I’m all for it!
Switching Gears a Bit
I’ve mentioned here before that lululemon’s Sea Wheeze Half Marathon is coming back in 2026. They’ve offered early access registration to legacy runners, however I runfess I’m seeing a bit of groaning about the $275 (325 Canadian) price tag. That seems steep to me for a half, but I haven’t raced in a good long time so I’m no expert on race pricing anymore. I can say that Sea Wheeze is a whole “experience” complete with lots of coveted lulu swag so maybe that’s reasonable? I’d bet that Disney race prices are in that same ballpark.
I runfess I did that 2016 throwback thing that’s all over social media. When I thought of 2016, absolutely nothing jumped out at me before I looked at pics to jog my memory. By the looks of the pics on my camera roll, 2016 was pretty darn exciting. I ran a Marathon (Indy) and a few halfs, including one in Dublin, Ireland. It was also my triathlon era, which was completely out of the comfy zone of this formerly non swimmer.
I runfess that I think it took some time for me to be able to look back and realize just how awesome some things were. In the moment I remember not loving my marathon finish time, and of course I was critical of the tris and embarrassed about my lack of swimming prowess. But 10 years into the future, it all seems kind of amazing now. I runfess that I sure am glad I went out on a limb and embraced those adventures and experiences.
Okay your turn: What have you to runfess? Do you have a price limit for a race? What adventures and experiences will you embrace this year? Are you looking forward to spring?
Spring, you ask? I’ve been yearning for summer since Thanksgiving (when we had three solid weekends of torrential snow). But, I will settle for spring 😉 I hope all goes well with your surgery, Marcia!
Best of luck and recovery with your surgery, Marcia! Here’s to hoping that you will be pain free and mobile very soon! <3
Okay Marcia- femurs crossed!!! Sending all the good thoughts your way for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! This is exciting- the first step towards being pain free.
I like your thoughts on looking back and appreciating how awesome your accomplishments were. We’re always so hard on ourselves- if only we could skip over the part where we’re critical and embarrassed, and just be happy with what we’re doing!
Good luck with your surgery and a speedy recovery I have many tennis friends either new hips and they are really active.
It’s great to look back and see that I thought finish time mattered.
Now I just want above zero temps and get outside. This has been a rough winter.
Only looking forward to racing when the snow is gone.
I hope your surgery goes well! It’s a good season to be rehabbing vs. on the sidelines.
I love your thoughts about your 2016 look-back. You did have quite a year.
I think the big races have gotten pricey, but they still get sold out!
Surgery day already! After all those hoops, it must feel like a relief to finally get to the starting line.
I often feel my injuries magically IMPROVE right before a doctor’s visit, which is really annoying. So yours ramping up almost makes it feel more justified, like, okay, this surgery is actually needed!
Cheering for a smooth op and an even smoother comeback, Marcia!
Sending you so many good vibes Marcia – I hope your surgery goes smoothly and that your recovery is even better! As I approach the one year anniversary of my surgery I can say wholeheartedly that I’m so glad I did it.
I really appreciate your perspective on the 2016 look-back. It’s so easy to be critical of ourselves in the moment – it would be great if we could all learn to celebrate our successes no matter how things play out.
Good luck to you on your surgery! If you are up for it we would all love to follow along on your recovery. I know you will be back up on your feet in no time doing the things you love. Wishing you a speedy recovery
I hope your surgery and recovery goes well! Please keep us posted.
Look back on 2016 was pretty wild. I met some of my very close friends and had some great trips that year. Good to look back on that. Also a good reminder to appreciate where we are as things may not always come so “easy” even when they don’t seem easy at the time.
Oh, I hope everything went smoothly and you are on the road to recovery soon!
That’s a lot of money for a race, especially one that involves international travel, a hotel, and plenty of merch. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it, but I’d have to be really in the right place for it.
Stay warm!