The runner returns... sort of

I don't want to brag or anything but I started running 6 weeks after my c-section.  Slowly - and not far.  That lasted about 3 weeks.  Then I had those annoying moles removed, which left me looking (and feeling) like the Bride of Frankenstein and derailed me for several weeks.  And then winter arrived.  And motivation departed. 

So, fast forward to yesterday when  I went for a "run" with my jog stroller containing one Leola (which roughly equals 24 lbs).  Running- or walking- in Miami or Houston- on flat surface- would not be so bad.  For those who haven't been to our house, we have an extremely steep hill at the end of our street- the only way in or out.  But I can't blame my performance entirely on the hill.... I had barely left our driveway (and hadn't even passed our house) when my 36 year old right knee popped and I was left limping in pain.  Thankfully, I was able to mostly walk it off before reaching the end of the street. 

When I reached the bottom of the hill I, against my better judgment, started to run.  Both knees immediately started hurting.  I noticed the time as I passed the bank:  5:15.  I kept going, determined that the pain would again go away.  After all, I'm a runner!  I used to run 5+ miles a day!  I've run multiple races, half-marathons and marathons! So, I kept going.  Finally, what seemed like miles later, my knees began to scream for mercy and so I finally stopped to walk.  I looked at my watch:  5:16.  I am not lying.  I actually ran for 1 entire minute. 

I still had a good little power walk- and still had to make it back up the hill (I am sore today, by the way) so it wasn't a waste of effort.  It just reminds me of the days when I first started running (lets just say a decade or so ago) and never took a mile for granted.  Back then I was so proud of every step.  That's the way it is now. I marathoned for 6 years and had a year of Jubilee.  Its time to get back to not only doing what I love but being proud of every step.  Its funny, but part of my identity in Miami was in running.   I had made good friends through running and even my non- running friends supported me.  Its weird that I am so far from that now.  But, so great that the old thrill of accomplishment is returning.  I've always said that I want to be running marathons when I'm 80 years old... of course, it may take me until I'm 79 to really began training!

Comments

[Laurel]

Running for a whole minute! That's great! I can relate to your entry, even though my running career was very short and only involved one 5K race. Something about bearing children . . .But you'll do it again, I'm sure. Lately my running involves getting through the woodsy area of the path before the mosquitos swarm Henry, or trying to catch up to Elisabeth on her bike or in response to Henry saying, "Race me mommy"--he doesn't quite get it--I'm pushing him in the stroller and he wants me to race him.