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.