Ok so almost a year has passed, but I am back at it! In November last year I started having really bad back pain and for a while could barely move let alone run. Maybe if I had better prepared I could have jumped back on the running wagon, but certainly could have not attempted the marathon. Anyhow with the back injury and the holidays, I let my running regimen completely fall apart for a long time. Throughout 2011 I have run on and off, but have really struggled to keep anything going consistently. I have truly missed running though and it is like an old friend I am desperate to reconnect with! When I am running I feel more energetic, happier, and I like I am really working towards something.
Well this summer I have slowly attempted to get back on track and I just completed week 1 of my 18 week marathon training. This time I chose with some advice from a friend to follow Hal Higden’s program. It is similar to the program I started before, but builds up a little more over time which is really what I need.
During the weekdays last week I ran 3 miles 3 days and than on Saturday I ran 6. I have been running a bit, but I still need to take a couple of walking breaks. Before I would have felt defeated if I needed to walk, but I know that getting out there and completing those miles is the important part. I also know that when I cross the finish line in November I won’t care if I had to walk some of the race, just that I completed it.
As a part of Hal’s training he has you cross train on Sundays which is pretty fun and a nice change. Today I went for a long bike ride around Charlotte. Recently my Dad brought down my bike from Maryland, but I have only tried it out a couple of times. I’m still pretty terrified of riding along busy streets, but it is hard to get anywhere without doing that so I have made it through. I feel a little shaky still and getting used to the gears has been a bit of a struggle. I find it a little frustrating too that “it’s just like riding a bike,” is the common phrase to describe how easy it is to pick up an old activity. Obviously the person who said that never took years off of bike riding, because I feel like I still need my Dad pushing me and making sure I don’t fall off like I did 20 years ago. Anyhow bike riding may make for more interesting blogging than running, but we’ll see!
Well it feels great to be back and I look forward to sharing all of my successes, struggles, and funny stories with all of you!
