I promised Myka (That would be my sweet ride. A beautiful 16in, 2008 Specialized Myka Sport. White with red butterflies 'tearing' out of the frame. A pretty sweet ride indeed.) that after the Tour de Cure, I would take her in for a tune up and cleaning. Afterall, a happy bike means a happy ride. And she deserves it. And I've taken my sweet time getting her in. So I felt I needed to do something else to get out and move. I think we all know what's coming...
I took up running. Well I move my legs more than walking and bounce a little. Running would be a generous description of what I am actually doing. But I'm doing it. And not some fancy 'couch to 5k training' program. Been there, tried that, FAILED. And I hated it. I tied my old worn out shoes and was determined to do it. So I did. I walked to the preserve a half mile away from the house and picked a spot and said 'I will run there' and went. And when I got to that point I stopped, stretched, and picked a new spot. And so on. I walked and ran 3 miles that first time. And I went home and took a shower and felt ok. Not bad for my first run since high school.
I woke up the next morning and felt awful. I was incredibly sore. My feet hurt and were completely stressed out. My knees were on fire. Muscles I didn't realized I had even used were audibly ticked off with me. And I wanted to cry. 'This is why I don't run.' 'What the hell was I thinking?' Work was painful. And I knew it would be weeks before I would do that again.
And it was. 3 weeks. To be fair, Tour was the week after the run and there was NO way I was going to stress my body out while I was in the final stages of training for 30 miles. I don't know what it was. I just couldn't quit this time. I needed to move while I was waiting for Myka to be done at the shop. I needed to find 'me time' with the 2 dogs at home (who always need to be in the exact same spot I am). I am stubborn to a fault sometimes. I looked up a few tips and picked out that I thought would help.
I decided to tape my feet for arch support (a little trick from playing soccer). The only tape I had was painters tape. So I used it.
Carry the water bottle was stressful on my hands (I clutched it until I thought it would tear). So I grabbed one of my running shirts with the pockets in the back. Fits the water bottle perfectly. Bonus: I can carry my inhaler in the pocket and not carry it either, AND my phone fits in the 3rd pocket: running tunes!
My feet went numb. I found a site that suggested threading my laces 'straight' at the top of my foot not in an X pattern. So I did.
And I went out.
I had a path in mind that combined walking and running and stuck to my plan. I moved slower than a turtle, but I pressed on. I went 4 miles, with about half of it actually running. I got home sweaty and exhausted. I did what I set out to do. And I felt pretty darn proud of myself. The next morning was sore, but not awful. The little tricks made a big difference. And I made myself do it again 2 days later. I wasn't going to give up.
And I haven't so far. I plan out my runs for Tuesday and Thursday nights. This way when the school year starts again, this will still fit into my schedule. I am slow. But I press on.
I have a blister that covers the complete instep of my right foot. It is extremely sore to the touch. It finally dried out and broke open last night half way through my run. But I press on.
I have so many bug bites. They have welted in spots and are impossible not to itch raw. But I press on.
The tendons in my feet are tearing and healing after each run as they get used to the impact. There are a few mornings it's been hard to walk. But I press on.
My neck and shoulders are stiff from my running posture. I am learning how to hold myself correctly, but it's a process. It's interrupted my sleep a few nights. But I press on.
I feel a bizarre sense of accomplishment after I finish each run. I can actually feel my body responding and getting stronger with every mile. After 6 consistent runs, I can see physical changes in my body. My thighs are tighter. I've lost inches around my middle. My arms are slimmer. (My tush looks great!) I never set out to lose weight or even really change anything. I just wanted to get out and move and my normal mode of outdoor movement was in the shop. I understand how people can say running is addicting. I have found my mantra 'each step is one more than yesterday'.
I'm not sure how I can say this, but I'm pretty sure running will stick. I still don't 'like' it, but I love how it makes me feel. Powerful. Accomplished. I know I can set reasonable goals that are tangible. I've already met a few. I am enjoying the challenge. I even rewarded my feet last night with a new pair of shoes. Happy feet means a happy run right?
No comments:
Post a Comment