We’ve all heard it from time to time – we shouldn’t sit at our desk so much. We need to pay more attention to proper ergonomics or we’ll get carpal tunnel syndrome, become fat, or even get a bad back. But is sitting really that bad for us? Well, I found out the hard way that it’s even worse than that.

I should have known things were too good to be true. I guess I just got caught up in the euphoria that comes with having my condition improve for the first time in over three months. I began to think I was almost back to normal. Turns out I’ve forgotten what normal is. I made plans to return to work and live a relatively normal life once again. Well, I jumped the gun. Back to earth I came crashing.

I saw my physical therapist today for the first time since before my back surgery. After she showed me the exercises and stretches I am to do, I mustered up the energy to ask a question I thought I didn’t want to hear the answer to. I hesitantly mentioned that I had my eye on a 10k trail race in December. I cringed, waiting for her to tell me there was no way in hell she was going to let me run any time this year.

A few nights ago I dreamt that I was running freely down the trail in perfect form. There was no pain, no limping, no concerns whatsoever. Instead, I was having the time of my life. As I recalled the dream the next morning I was once again filled with the joy I had during my dream run. It was incredible just how much fun I felt while I ran.