Ugly Running

It may not have been pretty. In fact, it probably provoked the pity of passers-by. It wasn't the best feeling of my life. But I did it. For better or for worse, I did it.

Yes, folks... for the first time in weeks, I ran. If you can call it that. My left leg ran while my right leg grudgingly tried to keep up. I tried to run like a graceful gazelle, effortlessly bounding along the road.

That's not me.


Now, imagine this tortoise limping along...

That's me.

Don't worry... I am exaggerating. It was not that bad.

I tried to do a repeat of my Tuesday walk, except faster. I walked faster and since I was feeling pretty good... and because I got jealous of people running past me... I decided to give running a try. I started slow and stayed slow. It was labored, a little limpy, but so lovely! When I felt too labored & limpy, I walked. I mostly walked the 4.6 miles.

I ended up with a pace of 14:58. A heck of a lot better than my 18:something pace on Tuesday*. Hopefully, I can get myself even faster and running more gazelle-like. OK... I'll settle for less wounded tortoise-like.

*I realized that I didn't stop my chronometer at the stoplights on Tuesday. There were a few long "Don't Walk" moments, so my time was a little better than I thought.


Early Day Tomorrow
Tomorrow is our group run/walk. Fourteen miles. Whether I run part of it depends on how my leg is feeling. We are meeting at 6:00 a.m. about 45 minutes away from where I live (without traffic). I should be in bed right now.

Have a great weekend! I know there are lots of you out in Bloggyland who have races this weekend. Have fun & good luck!! I can't wait to read how they go.

Comments

Melanie Tait said…
Hope that leg is feeling okay today post running Sara. You take care of yourself!

Good luck with the run/walk in the morning. Hope the leg is feeling tip-top!
May 2, 2009 at 2:13 AM
Mel-2nd Chances said…
stay positive, sounds like progress! You will do this marathon :) have a great weekend!
May 2, 2009 at 5:09 AM
Oz Runner said…
don't worry about pace or speed...whether you are walking or running, there is still a wonderful health benefit for your body!
May 2, 2009 at 5:35 AM
Unknown said…
Hey - even if it WAS that bad - nothing wrong with being the tortoise!! :-)
May 2, 2009 at 6:38 AM
Aka Alice said…
Hey...that's great that you ran! Running like a tortoise is completely acceptable. It took me a few months to get anywhere near to close to where I was before I got hurt...but I was running (slowly) within a couple of week.

Keep icing, massaging, and stretching.
May 2, 2009 at 7:57 AM
Irene said…
I was the queen of ugly running. People were stopping me to ask if it hurt... It's not as bad now. It sounds like you're making progress, and that's something to be really happy about. Don't worry about the slow thing. Your doing everything right.

I think you asked if I run with AKA Alice (up there) with the track club, and yes I do, when we both happen to show up at the same time. :) It's a great group to be a part of. Depending on scheduling, I might sign up for their half marathon program this summer. We'll see.
May 2, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Anonymous said…
This is super news. So glad for you. I hope you have a great time.
May 2, 2009 at 12:27 PM
Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said…
"and because I got jealous of people running past me." That is so awesome and totally when you know you are a runner. Good work!! Progress is a good thing..

Keep it up!!
May 2, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Glenn Jones said…
That's encouraging news Sara! Keep it easy though - you want to make sure you get better for the long haul.
May 2, 2009 at 6:09 PM
MCM Mama said…
Great news! Hope things keep feeling better and improving for you!
May 2, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Marathonman101108 said…
Great job! Just don't do too much, too fast, OK?
May 2, 2009 at 7:16 PM
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