But I firmly believe that no injury is forever. Once a runner, always a runner - so with patience, introspection, and diligence, any runner can get back on their feet, back out on the roads, back out doing what they love. ![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzy-pKYJ6o0QLNOkCgeu8OsNC6qHLKiOr9bhRktH-kNhbs_TK1u8pRrZVk-e3yUQgR7VkqS44abbNl5DYTp78sin28qdJVAEpmtMrwIt4EkhcU_hgHadcNICMLcuZLeAHtxVM57pDg8w/s200/09wchamp250.jpg)
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You all know I've had my issues. But nothing I've experienced can compare with a certain friend of mine. I won't list her problems, because dwelling on the bad doesn't help anyone. Let's just say that she's been through a lot, and dealt with it in various ways, ranging from angry tears to systematic treatment, to hours upon hours cross-training in the pool or on the bike.
But this week, after many months of almost-recoveries, things finally went well. So this blog post is an Ode to Jess.
I'm like a ridiculously proud parent right now! Seriously, imagine me as an crazy lady on the bus (probably wearing spandex...and maybe a fanny pack). And you are all the unsuspecting passengers. I pull out my pictures, a newspaper clipping, and commence subjugating you to a long detailed story.
Gather round children, here's how things went down:
Last June, Jess ran in a Corporate Cup Race on her company's team. And won. Because she's that awesome.
A few weeks later, I got a call: Oh my God, Mol, remember that race I did? Well Fidelity's team won, and now they're sending us to South Africa in March!!!
(Did I almost pee my pants with jealousy? Maybe.)
So here we are in March, and about 4 injuries since her Boston win, Jess boarded a plane to Johannesburg, not exactly planning on racing. But her feet felt good, and it was too much of an "event" not to run. So she did.
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How's that for inspiring?
Like I said, I'm so proud of this girl! I know she works hard, and I know it hasn't been easy...so wow. Usually a blog is a platform to brag about oneself...but I can't compare with this one - Thus, my Ode to Jess. Go her!