Last year, I considered myself a Runner. I was out nearly every morning, running. Not fast, not terribly far, but consistently and aggressively (for me) running. I saw my average speed go from a 13 minute mile down to about 11:13. I said I'd be happy to reach a pace of 11 min/mile. I never got there.
Sometime in April, I pulled something deep in my right hip. Nothing seemed to help make it feel better, not stretching or massage. In June, I ran my last 3 miles, with a pace slower than my 11:13, but faster than 12:00. I have not run since.
Until this week.
I wanted to get back out there... I'm about 24 pounds lighter now than I was then, so in theory it should be easier on my body to run. I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired, and I know running is part of the answer. I don't need to break any speed records, just need to get back to my consistent and aggressive (for me) running routine.
I know I have to go slow. I know I have to listen to my head, not my ego, or I will get injured again. I know I can't go out every day or I will burn out. So, here's what I've got so far...
1st day out - 2.75 miles at 16:21 (*walked the whole thing)
2nd day out - 14:13
3rd day out - 13:37 (3 miles)
4th day out (today) 12:53 (3 miles)
I'm not back to where I want to be - but I'm clearly seeing an improvement in my stamina already. An additional benefit to working back into this slowly - I am taking Cyrus with me. He makes a wonderful running partner.. and it makes for a very happy and mellow Cyrus for the rest of the day.
Sort of what it does to me, too.
1 comment:
Good for you! It's so difficult to get back into an exercise groove. I keep thinking about digging out my swimsuit and hitting the pool again at lunchtime. So hard to begin; but so wonderful once I brace myself and hit the cool water.
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