Momma’s Got A New… Pair of Shoes

October 25th ~ as in 47 days ago ~ that  was the last time I ran.  Having built my endurance up to 7+ miles and averaging my pace around 9:15, I was anxiously looking forward to logging double digit runs.  But, after feeling pain in my ankle for several runs and then swelling, I knew it was time to stop on that last one.  And, I did what most of us do….  I self~diagnosed via Google.  With my printout explaining Tibialis Posterior pain in hand, I headed to the doctor.  After asking him how much he appreciates patients who graduated from the Google School of Medicine, I reluctantly shared with him my diagnosis.  And…  I was right!  My first running injury.

I knew I was adding miles too quickly.  But I was hooked and feeling good.  So, rather than following the 10% rule for increasing my distance, I followed the Kim rule of ~ see how far you can push it.  And… that landed me at the doctor’s office with a prescription to STOP running for a week or two to recover.  It was also suggested that I get fitted for new shoes.  Apparently picking out the ones with the cute pink stripe wasn’t going to cut it anymore if I was going to get serious about running.

I left the office feeling frustrated that I would have to stop when I had just gotten to a place of feeling so strong.  Little did I know that those two weeks would turn into much longer….  What has followed over the course of these last weeks is a few other non~running related medical issues that have kept me from having the option of working out at all.  But that’s another post for another day.

It’s funny what a perspective you can get with some time off from exercise.  There were times when I felt well, but couldn’t workout that I enjoyed the excuse.  It’s cold outside…  so snuggling up in my yoga pants with a hot cup of coffee is pretty nice compared to heading out into the cold.  But, then there’s the feeling of trying to cram flab into clothes that reminds me that it’s time to get back to it.

Knowing that Monday was the day for the all~clear to be able to get back to working out….  I got fitted for shoes over the weekend.  Totally a worthwhile experience to hop on a treadmill to have your stride video taped.  Slowing down my steps frame by frame revealed that I do in fact over~pronate and need a stability shoe….

I’m not sure what I expected this first run to feel like.  But, I’m pretty sure I was a bit more confident than I should’ve been.  I was told at the shoe store to take it easy as I get back into the swing of things…  ”Keep your runs to about 3 miles this first week, with your long run at 4 miles.  Then begin adding using the 10% rule of thumb.”

Maybe it was the black shoe strings that made me feel a bit too sassy and edgy….

But let me say that literally five minutes into my run and I was ready to be finished.  THREE miles?  Wow.  Suddenly that felt like a LONG way to go.  The air was cold and burned as I breathed it in.  My legs felt weak.  And my lungs were ready to call it a day.  To top it off, I couldn’t get my music to work.

I hit my first mile at 8:40.  It was then I realized how happy I was that the neighbor friend I called to run with me hadn’t answered her phone…  because there was NO way I would’ve been able to speak a word during the run.  It was time to settle and focus

I hit mile two at a pace of 9:06.  I wasn’t going to finish if I didn’t get my breathing under control and use my arms.  I caught a look at my shadow…  I looked like a 130 year old woman, hunched at the shoulders leaning forward.  I was sucking air and not at all in control.  I tried REALLY hard to focus on the way the sun warmed my face, the sounds of the birds singing, and….  it wasn’t happening.  I wasn’t going to have one of those good feeling runs where I own it and am in control.  Today was a day to just do the thing.  I was out there to get it done.  It wasn’t going to feel good.  And I wasn’t going to enjoy it like I would again soon.  Today was simply to get my body moving again.  And it was gonna hurt.  Mentally it hurt to struggle to eek out just three miles after working so hard to feel super strong going seven.  Physically is just plain hurt.

I was desperate to hear the woman who lives inside my phone call out, “Time…” to signal I’d hit mile 3.  When she did, it was at 27:49.  I had slowed considerably that final mile.  But overall, I’m happy that I didn’t lose that much off my pace in this time off.  I’ve just lost endurance….  and with some work, I’ll get it back.

Lessons and Questions from today:

1)  Gotta use the 10% rule of thumb to increase mileage.

2)  It’s super great that I’m registered for a Half this coming spring….  seriously not sure that I’d haul myself out into the cold to do this without some kind of carrot dangling in front of me.

3)  Ummm….  how does breathing work when it’s frigid?

4) Proper fitting for shoes is essential.

5)  The run was a chore….  but oh how I’ve missed that feeling when it’s over.  I’m hooked again!

6)  I think I prefer running in warmer seasons when the geese are swimming, not hovering on ice….

So let’s hear it….  Have you been keeping up with exercise during this extra busy season?  I regret that during my “down~time” I didn’t at least take a walk or find some way to get moving.  It’s always hard to make the time to prioritize exercise, but it’s ALWAYS worthwhile on the other side.  Remember:  Taking Care of Them STARTS with Taking Care of You!  Let’s encourage one another to find just 20 – 30 minutes 3-5 times a week to commit to getting aerobic exercise as we get ready to wind down this year….  so we can go into 2012 without the need to have exercise as a New Year’s Resolution!  We can do it!!!  Who’s with me?