Finally back to running! After 3 1/2 quality weeks in the boot and 4 weeks total of no running post-D.C. Marathon (plus the 10 days before the marathon), for a total of about 6 weeks out, I am back in the game. Luz and I did an easy 4 though the slight uphill around the Temple just about did me in and made me realize how out of shape I am (at which point Luz kindly assured me it was just the altitude change from D.C. to Utah--not sure if there is any merit in that but its a nice thought). Today, Sunday, was the real test as stress fractures evidence themselves by pain the next day but this morning I woke up and was miraculously pain free in my lower left leg so I have the green light to start slow and try to get in a little bit of mileage before Utah Valley Marathon in about 6 weeks. At this point, running schedules are out so I am just going to try to slowly get a little bit of mileage to take off the extra weight I swear I have gained the last 6 weeks between no running, moving my family across the country for the second time in less than 10 months, and 8 family birthdays in the last 8 weeks. Crazy times I tell you. Anyway, random thoughts aside, I loved running again, loved being out with LuzyLew again, and loved that I am reaching a new level of running commitment where 6 weeks neither depressed nor derailed me; it was simply a short-term obstacle to wait out. And if I totally suck it up on Utah Valley, who cares? It will be marathon number 10 and I will finish it gosh dang it even if it takes me 10 hours. So long as my leg is healthy and I don't risk re-injury, I will just be ecstatic to run. |