Gratitude for running and the folks I run with

       So I *almost* felt I had to stop running this week. I was diagnosed with arthritis in both knees about two years ago and since that was a chronic condition I just was careful with them. If I had a big race, or even a little race that I wanted to give my all to (which is EVERY race) I wouldn't ride my bike that day or the day before...would be careful not to climb too many stairs, even taking the elevator at work. They grind, they twinge, they occasionally hurt enough I call off a workout. But then last week the left one started to hurt more than usual. Then on Monday I was trying to run slowly on a track at the WIC and my left knee just wouldn't cooperate. It felt more than usual twinginess and I decided since I wanted to continue my running streak MAYBE I should go get it checked out.
   I sat in the ER room and they took me to Xray. I thought maybe the arthritis was getting a bit worse, maybe some extra stretching, something like that. Then the doctor came in and said in this grave voice "I see some osteoporatic changes in your knee joint and it's wearing away." She gave me a sleeve to stabilize my knee which is good because sometimes it does track a bit funny. And she made an appointment with an orthopedic doc and sent me home with the scary word "osteoporosis" on my discharge papers.
   I couldn't stop crying on the way home...and it is not fun to be crying on a bus. I told my friends on FB and you know what? Everyone was so sweet and supportive and caring. I got instant support for what I was going through. I got some funnies from Erin, a sweet text from Christy, another from Cheryl, messages and all. I felt like I had such a great "family" that were there for me instantly. I had never had that before. It made me blubber more but in a good way. So then yesterday started crying in Starbucks. That was embarrassing but oh well....people have probably done worse in Starbucks.
   I went to the specialist today and he said he only saw some Osteoarthritis, which is what they had already told me, and I had been running with it anyway. He said if it doesn't hurt I can run as much as I want. Said just take some Aleve if it is bad and do what I have been doing for it all along. I felt reborn! I can run! I can still run! You never, never know how much something means to you until you almost lose it. And you never know who your real friends are until you need them.

Grateful I can continue what I love and grateful for the people who love me.