Into the Groove

The past 6 months have not been my finest when it comes to my running career.  Back in April when my knee problems began I was ready to cry out of frustration.  As the months went by, to call me "discouraged" would be an understatement.

This past month since I've returned from my vacation out west I've made it my goal to try to balance pushing myself to run my best & not doing too much.  Unfortunately, I found that I was babying myself & my legs far too much to get the results I was looking for.... I needed a new approach.

Two weeks ago I decided to make a new plan.  I searched for a local 5k race at the end of the month.  I decided to run at least 3 miles twice a week & walk 3 miles once a week & do other activities that didn't involve running once or twice a week as well.  I set a goal of finishing the 5k race in under 30 minutes.  Then, I started my training.  I've ordered myself not to make any excuses.  I decided that if I have minor knee pain, I'm running through it.  If I have knee pain that's serious enough to cause me to stop running, then I'm making an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon.  (I mean, after all, what's the point of meeting your deductible with a few months left, if you're not willing to go to specialists for the now "discounted price").

So, it's been 2 weeks, and how is it going?  Awesome.  I feel awesome.  I'm hyperaware of my knees, which means I'm taking care of them so much better.  I'm back to sneakers that are perfect for my feet & gait.  I stretch my legs out religiously, and I ice my knees after every single run or walk I do.  So far, so good.

Today I even went running in 48 degrees, raining & windy.  I layered on my Underarmour & hit the road for what I was sure would be a miserable 3.1 miles.  Ya know what, it wasn't.  I felt awesome & finished it in 28:25 (a 9:10 pace).  I couldn't be happier.

I've missed running so much.  It's seriously my favorite escape.  So many times in the past when I was running I was so focused on doing it for losing weight, or burning calories .  Now, honestly, when I'm running, I'm not doing it for those reasons.  I'm doing for pure pleasure & enjoyment.  I guess I'm also doing it to challenge myself.  There's nothing better than finishing your 5k 20 seconds faster than your last.

Conclusion: I'm trying not to focus on all the bad things that can happen.  I'm focusing on keeping myself healthy & to continue to improve my running.

This week's stats:
Total miles run: 6.2
Total miles walked: 6.2
Other workouts: Pole 101 (I'll save that for a follow up post!)

Favorite song on my current playlist:
Superbass (Nicki Minaj)


Superbass has been one of my fave workout songs for a while, but my love for it has recently been renewed due to one little girl who does an impressive job of singing it.  Not that this is the most appropriate song for this 8 year old to be singing, but oh, well, she's awesome!