Return to Running

I did it!
I ran today, after more than a week off. My knee/leg did not feel 100% but I figured I could always stop if I needed to. I started out with a longer-than-usual warm up walk. When I did start running, it felt awkward at first. I felt stiff and hesitant about putting weight on my knee. Once I got into the flow of it, I felt good.

Dirt Lover!
I decided to give one of our local parks a try. They have lots of walkways and trails. I kept to the trails as much as possible since it feels better on my joints. I felt like a kid in a candy store! There were a few different trails to choose from and it was hard to stick to the shorter trails. The routes I chose were pretty flat, with only a few small hills.

Speaking of Hills...
I used to dread hills. I avoided them as much as possible. Now for some strange reason I like running up hills. OK, I'm not talking about huge, steep hills... yet... but I do like the way my legs feel when I run up a manageable hill. I don't like going downhill, though, because of my knee.

Family Fun
My husband and kids went with me to the park when I did my run. They played, explored the "woods", and kicked the soccer ball around. We got the kids to burn off some energy, my husband got to spend quality time with the boys, and I got to run. A win-win-win situation.

Speaking of Family Fun...
My boys (ages 4 and 6) have decided they want to run in the Jr. Carlsbad, which is the kids' version of the Carlsbad 5000. The kids do their races on Saturday, while the main races are on Sunday. It seems like a fun day for everyone. They are SO excited because every kid who runs gets a medal (my 6 year old wants this), a Goodie-bag (my 4 year old wants this), and a T-shirt (Mommy wants this).

The only problem is, I'm supposed to do a 16-mile group run that Saturday. I think I'm going to have to do the run on that Friday on my own so that I can see my boys run. I can't miss that!

Comments

Marathonman101108 said…
It doesn't get any better than that, does it? Quality time with the family, as well as running. Congrats on a transition back to running. Take it from me, take it easy! Yes, as strange as it sounds, I like running hills also. I don't even mind the downhill part, but maybe it's because I'm 6 ft. 1 in. tall. I think my "giraffe legs" help!
March 24, 2009 at 1:28 AM
Oz Runner said…
glad the run went well...how cool that your kids was to run a race now too...great to get them started early.....and you can have all of my hills, i can't stand them...
March 24, 2009 at 4:33 AM
Unknown said…
I like running hills too! Call me strange...

It is cool that your kids are interested in running now. Good stuff!
March 24, 2009 at 6:22 AM
Sarah said…
That's awesome that your boys want to run too! My daughter did a kids fun run last year and was so excited with her plastic medal and goodie bag. :)
March 24, 2009 at 6:37 AM
tfh said…
Great job on the run! I find the trails are easier on my joints, too. So sweet about your boys and the race-- no, you definitely can't miss them making mom proud!
March 24, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Felice Devine said…
Excellent! Glad you were able to get back to a run!

I love running up hills, but not down them. My advice is to land lightly (obvious, I know) and pick up your foot as quickly as possible once you land. That keeps you from pounding too hard when you go downhill.
March 24, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Unknown said…
Kudos on your recovery and return to running. I'm hoping it goes well and you're back on track in a matter of days!

Also, nice revision of your blog - very different than the previous template. What compelled the change (too much time on your hands since you weren't running???)?
March 24, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Aka Alice said…
My daughter and her girlfriend did the Junior Carlsbad a couple of years ago. It was fun...and amazing to see the fastest of the young runners finish in 6 minutes (you'll have to run from the start to the finish to see them...they'll be done in a blink).

Glad your knee is feeling better. I like running uphills too...the downhills are the ones that hurt.
March 24, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Mel-2nd Chances said…
glad you're feeling better, and starting to run! sounds like time well spent! :)
March 24, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Laurel said…
Awww, how exciting the boys are going to run! See? That makes me want to have kids :)

Sounds like it will be a fun day. You definitely have to reschedule your 16 miler. I hope you take pics!
March 24, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Anonymous said…
Glad the run went well and that you were able to combine it with family time. Very cool that your kids want to run a race.
March 24, 2009 at 7:13 PM
joyRuN said…
Ooh - excellent news on the run! Dirt's definitely more forgiving than asphalt on joints.

And yes - it would be priceless to see your boys running!
March 25, 2009 at 2:11 PM
Anonymous said…
New blog header - new intro which I find super! Yes, you are a runner:-) And one who loves hills, wow - I only like them going down.
March 25, 2009 at 7:51 PM
Marathonman101108 said…
By the way, I LOVE your changes to the blog. Yes. you ARE a runner! Welcome to the world of the "asphalt addicts!"
March 26, 2009 at 1:55 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Few of my Favorite Things Giveaway & Happy Blog Birthday!

Image
Happy birthday to Blog Happy birthday to Blog Happy birthday, dear Blo-ooog... Happy birthday to blog! One year ago today I posted my very first running blog post. If you feel so inclined, you can read it here .  The funny thing is, I thought I had come up with an original idea:  I would chronicle my marathon-training journey for all the world to see! It didn't take long to discover that there were lots of people out there with running blogs.  Did I mind?  Heck, no!  What I lacked in originality, I gained a hundred-fold in support, encouragement, and knowledge from this incredible community of runners. I believe there is a good chance that I would have given up on running and training if it weren't for my Running Blogger Friends.  Your stories, experiences, triumphs, trials, and heart-breaks have kept the running spark alive in me.   I consider each of my Running Blogger Friends a blessing. In order to thank you and to celebrate my blog's first birthday, I am
Read more

Goals and Plans for 2010

Image
I'm caving into the peer pressure and decided to blog about my goals (or "resolutions" if you prefer).  I don't usually make New Year's resolutions but, as always, I've been inspired by my Running Blogger Friends. Health Goals Eat more fruits and veggies... in fact, as of three days ago, I'm a vegetarian.  I'm going to go month-by-month on the whole vegetarian thing.  I'm trying it out to see if being a vegetarian makes me feel any different.   Eat more raw foods Drink at least 60 ounces of water everyday Cut back on sugar Training Goals Ride and Run a total of 2010 combined miles Strengthen my core, ankles & feet, and upper body Join a running group Run or cross-train five days a week Get custom orthotics if current injury-eliminating endeavors don't work   Personal Goals Get clean laundry put away before the pile turns into Mt. Everest I try to be realistic when I set goals.  I think all of those goals are do-able.  We
Read more

My Marathon

Image
Well... I FINISHED THE MARATHON! It was tough. I was slow... even slower that I had hoped to be. But I finished it and still had a big smile on my face! My chip time was 6:44:32. See? I told you I was slow. I felt like I was doing great until about mile eight. I felt OK until about mile 13. After that, I hit that wall everyone talks about. I think there were a few contributing factors in play by that time: An annoying and painful blister had developed on the big toe of my right foot. My left heel started hurting pretty badly. I mistakenly thought there were going to be GU packs available around mile 14 so I didn't ration very well. As a result, I ran out of gel packs. The GU station was at mile 17 or 18. My hydration belt kept riding up on my waist and that bugs me. There were many, many positives about the race: The whole thing was very well-organized. The volunteers were awesome! The weather was overcast and drizzly... perfect. It was a fun race with lots of positive e
Read more