Starting Over

After two months of essentially no running or cross training workouts, I finally felt strong enough (and was given permission by the doctor) to go for a short run.  I'll admit, I was nervous and a little scared to get out there.  But, I knew it was time.  I went out with the intention of running 20 minutes max, no matter what the mileage was.  Right now I am not concerned with mileage, I just want to get back out there a little bit at a time.

I got myself ready, put on my running gear, including my new running shoes (Nike Free 3.0), strapped on my Garmin and heart rate monitor, picked some good running music on my iPod, and turned on my flashlight, clipped to my hat.  I went out the front door and proceeded down my street toward Van Nuys Blvd.  When I'm healthy I know where the 10 minute mark is, a little past Beverly Glen, just over a mile away.  I wasn't really paying attention to the time while I was out.  I got to Beverly Glen and looked down at my watch and realized I had been out for a little longer than I wanted, meaning my mile has slowed down.  But, on the positive, my knee was feeling good and strong.  I knew not to push it on the way back.  So, I kept my pace and returned home.

I ran 2.01 miles in 23:23.  A couple of months ago those two miles would have taken me less than 20 minutes, easily.  But, this run took quite a bit longer to cover the same distance.  I got home and realized I am REALLY out of shape.  I was tired.  After two months of no almost no running, and a month of no activity at all (per doctor's orders), my body has deteriorated.  I know it will all come back, with hard work, but I do have to say, I was shocked at how out of shape I felt after just a measly 2 miles.  It might as well have been 20.  Okay, maybe not 20, but it felt like WAY more than 2.

I know once I get my regular schedule back and I'm running regularly, I will get back to where I was before.  I actually think I can get stronger and faster if I do all of this properly, which, of course is my plan.  On a happy note, my knee didn't hurt after the run.  I got home and iced it, did some light yoga and some physical therapy exercises.  And I used the foam roller and stick.  I think the combination of all of these things will help me get going again today.

Today, my knee is a little sore, but it doesn't hurt.  I'm still debating if I should go for a run tonight.  I'll decide when I get home.  But, again, it will be no more than 20 minutes.  And, no matter what I do there will be pt exercises, yoga, ice, foam roller and stick.  Maybe a run tomorrow and not today... Hmmm...

Oh, and on a side note, I'm registered for a 1/2 marathon in San Francisco this weekend.  I'm pretty sure it's going to be a DNF.  It'll be the first time I ever do that.  And, I would normally never go into a race thinking that I would not finish it.  But, I'm going to go to the start and run for a couple of miles and then probably just stop early so I don't hurt myself.  And, by probably, I mean there is a 99.9% chance I will not be running 13.1 Sunday.  And, I'm more than okay with that.

I feel like this injury is giving me a chance to really start over, improve my strength, speed, form, endurance, everything.  I'm ready.  It's time to start over!

Check out yesterday's photo of the day blog to see how I felt after my 2 miles...
http://2011-inpictures.blogspot.com/2011/02/february-1.html

To support my fundraising efforts for the Mayor's Marathon and Half Marathon in Alaska, please check out my Team in Training website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/anchor11/ewallersco