Sore, Beaten and Battered

Today was a hard day to run.  My body is sore!  Old injuries are slowly reappearing.  I have gone back to doing exercises that I did during rehab a year ago.  I refuse to let these injuries hold me back, but also know full well that not listening to my body and haphazardly going about my training schedule could not only sabotage my goals, but could also side line me for a very long time!  After 30 minutes of rolling out the knots in my thighs and performing some rehab exercises, I managed to run 3 miles on the treadmill.  It was NOT an easy start.  Stiff and sore, I started at my normal pace, only finding myself at .5 miles, slowing the treadmill down to a walking pace of 3.5 mph.  After a short recovery period, off I went back at my training pace.  Half way through my goal distance, I find myself a little more comfortable and settling into my pace.  It was not an easy run, but I made it!  Another 15 minutes of rolling the knots out of my thighs and calfs, and I was ready to call it a day. 

Three of my favorite pieces of equipment during  my rehab and training have been a foam roller, a marathon/body stick, and bosa ball.  All three have been invaluable; from rolling out knots to improving strength and balance.  Check out Runner's World website for more information and how to use them properly!  You can find a link to Runner's World under "Favs and Raves"!

Until our next run.....!

Because I Can!

Running has been a part of my life for over 17 years. I played basketball in high school and my first year in collage, I was lost....I had no practice to go to, I had no goal to shoot for. I had classes and freedom and nothing in between. I needed something active in my life! That's when I found running! A pair of shoes and comfortable running gear and out the door I went! And I never looked back! Running provided me something that no other activity could.....peace, solitude, but most of all.....a sense of accomplishment! I'm not a great runner! In fact I started out as a recreational runner. But I soon found out that just going for a run began to loose its motivation! I signed up for my first 5k....a goal to work toward....something to get me out of bed and out the door. Though I can honestly say I don't remember my first race, I do remember my nerves, my lack of knowledge of what it takes to train properly for a race of any distance, and looking at other runners and doubting myself....I don't belong here.....look at her....look at him.....they LOOK like a runner....I don't! But I ran the race.....and years later, I still run races, I still get nervous and I still look at other runners and think.....I don't belong here....look at her....look at him....they LOOK like a runner! But what I didn't know then and now know....I AM a runner! I DO belong here! I train smarter, run smarter and though I may not look like runner.....I believe I am a runner...because the same injuries I have suffered, the same highs and lows I have had, the same mantras I repeat, the same goals I have, the same pace charts I study, the same roads I run.....are the same experiences ALL runners have had, no matter their level or experience!

Any athlete will tell you that their sport is the best because....... But as a runner, I have to say that runners are a unique breed of athletes. And with that comes a unique sisterhood/brotherhood. Runners are competitive and determined, yet supportive, optimistic, and enthusiastic! They love the camaraderie, but love the solitude! This is a group of athletes that fits me! I may not look like a runner.....but I AM a runner at heart and I LOVE every mile of it!

So why the blog? Really it's more for me....a place I can journal my runs. A place where I can leave my pessimism and check my ego. A place I can log my favs amd raves (I have too much going on to try to remember the details...like the type of socks I just bought and love!),the courses I've ran, a place where I can journal the comical things that ALWAYS seem to happen on training runs! And as much as I see myself as no professional source of information or an inspiration.....I know that I possess practical, everyday experiences! I'm just an ordinary person with extraordinary goals! I work full time, am a full time mom and wife and somewhere have to fit in training runs! At best...I will provide myself and others with a sense that we are not alone. That no matter your experience.....good, bad or embarrassing.....chances are I have and others have had the same! Remember....you are what you think you are! If you run, think of yourself as a runner! Be proud of your accomplishments...no matter your miles logged! Be true to yourself! And PS......you LOOK like a runner....no matter your size, your pace or the gear you wear or own! Thanks for joining me on this "run".