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.

Whew, 8 miles was difficult today. I shaved about 30 seconds per minute off of my time. I can contribute it to the course being flat instead of hills. But it was tough! I saw several other runners running which helped motivate me. Although, it didn’t do much for my self esteem as they whizzed past me. I’ll set the scene. My face was no longer red but a shade of purple. I had salt trails down my face. My breathing was labored… but on a positive note… I was still moving. Park benches lined the trail I was running. It was tempting to just sit for a moment, but I refused. I have to admit that running 8 miles during the middle of the day and then going back to work was a little tiring - more than I had expected. But, I’m glad I did it. I ran 8 miles on Sunday, 5 on Tuesday and 8 today… not bad if I say so myself.

I’m trying to get mentally prepared for my 8 mile run tomorrow. I plan to go to work and work for a few hours, then go run 8 miles on an extended lunch break, and then come back to work. I’ve mapped out my route. This route should be flat so hopefully it will be a little easier than the hilly route that I ran on Sunday. I don’t normally run my ‘long’ run on a week day, but it’s supposed to rain all weekend. It’s raining now. I hope the forecast is correct for tomorrow because it is supposed to be mostly sunny and in the 60’s. I remember when I ran my first 4 miles alone. I wasn’t sure if I could do it. Now, I’m attempting to run my second 8 mile run. It’s nice to finally see some progress.

8 miles…that was the goal for the day. I just wasn’t feeling it yesterday, and I decided not to run. The weather was a little cooler than I had expected, and I wasn’t in the mental frame of mind to push myself. Today, well today I told myself that the number was 8, there wouldn’t be any excuse, and that I would complete it. Once again, I ran a new route. I wasn’t expecting the gigantic hills! About half of my run contained hills with two long winding steep hills mixed with smaller rolling hills. I was about half way into my run and as I looped around, I could see my car. I knew that I could quit or I could continue on and reach my goal. I took a left and kept running. As I made the last loop, once again my car was in sight. At this point, I was 6.2 miles into my run. My legs were tired and my knees hurt, but I had set a goal and I was determined to completed it. I was thirsty on this run. This is the first time that I’ve actually wanted water while running. When I was in MS, I ran long...