A Two-Mile Victory.

It's crazy how much can change in so little time. Almost exactly one year ago on October 9, 2011, I ran a marathon. Twentysix.point.two miles. It was the most proud and accomplished moment of my life! This was only two years after I first began running, and my very first event being a half marathon that I trained so diligently to run with my friend, Leigha. I quickly and steadily climbed that running ladder, pushing distances and times that I never thought I'd see! Now....almost twenty races under my belt with most of them being long-distance, I am humbled to say, that one year after the greatest feat of my life, I am happy and proud that tonight I was able to run two.miles.

My how that mighty have fallen..... haha. Or at least that's how I felt about two months ago when I wasn't able to run at all! After the "Epic Relay" from which I suffered my "epic injury";  I felt like such a loser that I couldn't even run twenty steps outside without being in severe pain for a week afterward. I had to go through several rounds of physical therapy for a busted up knee and a whacky hip, and sadly I was forbidden to run. WHAT? I don't think you understand.....running is what I DO! Not to mention, I couldn't help but scoff when the PT handed me a sheet of paper detailing a running schedule that would have me running a 5K in 10 weeks. There must be some mistake, see, I'm a distance runner.....I run 5k's in my naps! Surly there has to be some mistake, I can train for half-marathon in the amount of time you expect me to "train" for a 5K! Well, it was very quickly pointed out that I'm the one suffering, and this is the solution to get me running pain-free. Take it or leave it. Ughhhhhhh.okay.

Needless to say, it is extremely humbling to start over again like a first timer. But it's been paying off! Although I must admit, I haven't exactly stuck to the schedule, I certainly heed the caution of going out too fast and too far. After a couple months of PT and getting back into my regular yoga practice, I think I've finally kicked all the inflammation in my hip and knee. So tonight, on the most beautiful fall evening, I decided to go for it. I was itching all afternoon at work just thinking about the run I would do tonight when I got home! I couldn't get my shoes laced up fast enough! The first block I ran felt incredible! My body was screaming "yes!" This is what I've been missing for so long! I felt so relieved, so free as I kept it up and expected pain, yet not an ounce picked at me! I didn't want to push it too far, and let's face it...I'm severely out of shape so I was actually getting pretty tired, but that two miles was probably my best run of the year. It's a long way from 26.2, but I'll get there again.
 
-just me and my thoughts.
blessings&love.