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
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