Running does not come naturally to me. I don’t know that running truly comes naturally to anyone but I know that even when I’m in good shape running is still a struggle. And anyone that runs regularly knows that some runs are just flat out bad; you struggle to find a comfortable pace, your breathing feels labored, and your legs feel like lead. But if you’re lucky those sucky runs are balanced equally by awesome runs; ones where you feel like you could go forever and fall into an effortless pace right from the get-go. But let me tell you, I am not lucky. I have far more bad runs than good runs. Runs where after only 1/2 mile I want to throw in the towel and head home. But all those bad runs make it that much more awesome when I do have one of those great, effortless runs and that’s exactly what I had last night. I grabbed my favorite running buddy, sported my new Reflective Vest, and set out as the sun was setting.
It wasn’t particularly long or particularly fast, but man, it was awesome and reminded me why it is I like running so much.
This run was exactly what I needed. I haven’t done a long run since my 8 miler that resulted in me being sick for 10 days afterwards. Those 8 miles took place on December 10 which is a really long time to go without a long run when you’re supposed to be training for a half and full marathon. But I think I needed the break. Throughout November I was feeling really discouraged with my running. I didn’t feel like I was getting any faster or handling long runs any better. Add that to the many aches and pains I was having (hip, knee, and foot pain!) and running had just lost its appeal.
But the break left me missing running which is why yesterday I finally bit the bullet and registered for a couple races. I will be running a 5k through Sea World (!) on February 23rd and the Alamo half marathon on March 24th. That gives me exactly 2 months to get my butt in gear. I’m not going to focus on speed at all, but rather on simply completing my long runs and enjoying them. Sometimes I forget that it’s been almost 3 years since my first (and only) half marathon so I can’t expect my body to just pick up where it left off. It’s a good feeling to be excited about running again though and having already paid the registration fees is a huge motivator. Time to start logging some miles. 
I’m running that same half, my first ever. I’ve already started training – slow and steady. Just like you I’m having foot, knee and hip pain – not all on the same side. I know what the knee is from (screws in it). I got new shoes and compression socks, last night was my 2nd run in them. At what point do you listen to your body to say you can’t do the 13.1, and at what point do you tell your body to shut the F up and get over it? LOL I love your vest – I need one!
I’m glad I’m not the only one whose body just falls apart when they start doing long runs! And honestly I have no idea when to tell your body to just shut it, ha. But you’re smart for getting new shoes and compression socks. I need new shoes badly and have never used compression socks but maybe I should start if they actually help!
I thought you were running in the flying pig with Nikki.
We’ll see how the rest of my training goes. I haven’t registered for the race yet and I’m not going to try running 26 miles if I don’t feel properly trained.
Yay! Your positive attitude is encouraging.
And you’re right, running doesn’t happen over night, so you can’t compare your runs from yesteryear to your runs from yesterday. It will all come back to you though.
Wouldn’t it be so nice if once you got into running shape that you just stayed like that forever?! The awesome thing about training for a distance race is that once you start doing long runs it helps build confidence (as I’m sure you’re finding out). I know if I can do 8 miles then I can do 13 miles, because really what’s an additional 5 miles?!
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