Discretion is the better part of valor.

It can also be quite humbling.

I just emailed StartLine Racing this morning requesting that my registration for the 2023 Phoenix Shamrock Run this Sunday the 19th, be changed to a virtual run. I want to be there more than I can tell you. I wanted to be there so badly in fact that I had planned to take 800mg of Ibuprofen, and 2 Extra Strength Tylenol just to make it through the race. Then I would tell no one about the excruciating pain I knew I'd endure for the next week. Sounds brilliant, right? I know. But that was my plan.

I agonized over this decision for 5 days. The internal struggle was real. I do not want to hurt myself, but unfortunately more than that, I do not want to quit. It was only after admitting to myself that I was likely setting myself up for severe injury that could lead to months off my feet, and months more of rehabilitation that I relented.

I do not want to take a DNF (Did Not Finish) so early in my running career, so I'll complete the race virtually, and then NOT register for another until I'm healthy enough.

Slow progress is better than no progress.