Writing Prompt #84

These Feet Were Made for Walking…Just a Bit Slower Now

How I accepted my aging body despite growing limitations

Here are the culprits that betrayed me! My feet can no longer run long distances ( author’s photo)

I was a long distance runner for 50 years, beginning at the age of 12 and running half-marathons as an adult. Childbirth, education, nothing stopped me. I ran for my health — both mental and physical.

Until I suffered a work injury to my feet.

I have been treating them for two years, but have not been able to return to running more than a half mile.

And that is with discomfort the next day.

Running kept me slim and helped fight depression.

I miss it.

This injury hurt my identity, my ability and my psyche. I miss being a runner and the actual act, which kept me physically and mentally fit.

I felt betrayed by my body, despite so many people telling me we were not meant to run later in life.

I was certain I was!

Focus On What I Can Do

To combat my depression, I started cold submersion a few years ago. I lived near a lake and could go for a dip in all types of weather.