Will Run For Ice Cream

Why do I run? I am by definition a “runner”. It is a label that I am proud to wear. When I was in MS, I ran mainly just for exercise and for the social aspect. I would meet my best friend every weekday and at least one day on the weekend and we would run. It was our time - time that we both cherished. - time that I still greatly miss. When I moved to PA, I wasn’t prepared to feel the loss that I felt. I was married with a loving husband. I didn’t expect to feel such a loss at leaving my friends, especially my best friend, and my family. When I first moved here, I put off running for a little while. I was getting used to my surroundings and honestly I just didn’t want to do it - not alone. But I knew I had to get back out there. I would leave the house crying, often angry. I would end those short runs crying telling my husband that it was awful and I just wasn’t going to do it anymore. I put my husband through a lot during those times. But running had changed for me. Gone were the days

I ran my first 11.1 miles on Saturday. I had mapped out a 9 mile route. But after getting ready to go run on Saturday, I told myself that I was going to do an extra loop and make it 11. The weather was gorgeous. I’m surprised that I’m not more sore today. I expected to be really stiff. Maybe it helped that after I ran, I was on my feet cleaning the house all day. So far no issues with the knees, although I do plan to ice them tonight. My pace was slow. It was a little over a 12 minute mile. But I am pleased with myself that I did it. I am fairly confident that I will run the half marathon in September. So this run boosted my confidence which I really needed.

Struggle does not even begin to describe how I was feeling today in the race. The temp was in the 40’s, and it was raining with a slight breeze. I was cold and wet, but not really bothered by either. Today’s race felt difficult from the very first step. Everything I did felt 'off'. It was as if I couldn’t get my breathing right, and on top of that my legs felt sluggish and the knee was nagging me. At mile one we were a little over a 9 and half minute mile. At mile two, I was beginning to wonder if I was going to be able to finish without walking. At the two mile mark, I knew I had to slow my pace or I wasn’t going to make it. I watched as my boss (who was also running the race) eased farther ahead of me. I tried to concentrate on my breathing and the water splashing around me. By mile three I had warmed up, but I was soaked. I could feel the water seeping through layer after layer. I kept trudging ahead. I suppose the goal for the race was 55 minutes. This was my longest race s

More ice and ibuprofen please…. yep, my knee is still bothering me. I’ve been icing it and taking some ibuprofen. I think it is a little better, but I can tell that it is still not 100%. I tried to run earlier this week and I only made it a mile. I could have pushed through it, but I may be running a 5 mile race next weekend and I didn’t want to do any further damage. I plan to somehow try to run tomorrow. I have a ton of things to get accomplished, but tomorrow looks to be the only day that the weather will be nice. So I am planning on trying to get a 6 mile run in if my knee will allow it. I’ve somewhat hit a slump about ‘pushing forward’. My last 6 mile run was very difficult. I hope tomorrow will be easier.