I'm back.....kind of

Hey hey friends!  So I wanted to catch you all up on how things have been going over in my neck of the woods.  It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about running….or really anything in general, but for today, let’s get up to speed on what’s been going on with me and my Mizuno’s

 I have been pretty conservative and careful getting back into running.  I attempted my first run on August 10^th (yes I do remember the exact date, it might as well be a national holiday).  I had ZERO expectations going into it, all I wanted to do was be able to run pain free, if I could only do a mile, so be it.  Well I ran a mile, got a happy-tear in my eye, and gave a fist pump (I’m dramatic, but we already know this).  So I kept going, and ran 4 miles that day.  I felt good, no pain, and knew things were on their way back.  The next couple weeks after that, things weren’t quite so happy.  I was nervous before each run (still am), and was only able to do once a week – my hip/knee would be sore for a few days after.  The runs I did do weren’t that great, I felt slow, and heavy and awkward.  I try not to get discouraged, and I knew the only way to get stronger was to keep at it. 

After the first couple weeks back, things seem to take a turn for the better.  I’m feeling less clumsy and awkward (it’s weird having to remind your legs how to run again!), and the last 2 weeks I’ve been able to run 3 days/week (last week I ran a whopping 18 total miles – is that sad?).  Last week I was also able to do my longest run since being injured and I ran 8 miles last Saturday.  It was slow and steady, but it was the best I’ve felt so far.  I am still stiff when I start out, but the time it takes for my leg to warm up is getting shorter, and I’m almost at the point where I have no soreness the next day.  Things are definitely looking up, and I have some new found motivation to really hit my cross training hard, so I can go into a training plan strong.

But, there will be no training plan for a little bit.  Now that I can run a little more consistently, it’s all about getting healthy, and being smart.  In talking with Nichole, we want to get to where I can run 3-4 days in a row.   This week I’m attempting my first back to back days, so I’m crossing my fingers it goes well.  I’ve been thinking about some future goals, and what kind of base I want going into the late fall/winter.  I still need to talk it out with Nichole, but once I get things figured out, you’ll be the first to know J.

Speaking of, can I just say how awesome Nichole is?!  Seriously, the last couple emails I’ve gotten from her have really lit a new fire in me.  If you don’t follow or read her blog already, DO IT!  She is such a motivation, and I can’t wait to cheer her on in Chicago.

Ok, off my soapbox now, sorry for the lack of fluffy pictures and for making you read so many words, go stare at the TV for 5 hours to make up for it.

It feels good to be back-ish J