Back in the Saddle...

After being MIA for a little bit, I'm getting back in the saddle of running & blogging.

A little less than a month ago, I went back to see my orthopedic doctor for my ITBS. He had previously said when I returned he'd probably do a cortisone injection. I wasn't too excited about this & many people were trying to talk me out of it. My PT didn't recommend it because she said it'd make the tendons weak & brittle and could also mask the pain causing more injury. Up to this point, I had worked my way up to 2-2.5 miles, but still had discomfort around the fibular head. The doctor felt I was progressing too much too fast. He told me I needed to stay at 2 miles for while and if I was having pain to lessen each future run. To be honest, this irritated me! I wasn't progressing like I wanted to!

I told my doctor that I had hopes of being at 3-4 solid (no walking) miles without pain by the time I go back to work on August 1. I also told him that by Labor Day I needed to be ready to start my training for the St. Jude Half in December. My plans were to be around 5-6 miles so that I'd have a good base to start with. He still felt that I was trying too much & kept saying that I still had time, but I was getting the panicky feeling that this Half might not happen.

So I guess this is kind of why I went MIA. I felt like my attitude was changing...I was getting in a funky mood. My husband would even say, "TRUST ME! I'M READY FOR YOU TO RUN TOO!" I was missing my running buddies...I didn't want to slow them down & I knew I couldn't run the hills, so I chose to run by myself. I'd get so frustrated on a run, I didn't know whether to cry or kick something...that's when I'd hop my bike & pedal out my frustration. For fear of sounding like Negative Nancy or Debbie Downer, I decided to wait until I was in a better mood to post/blog.

This past Saturday I started out for what I thought would be my pitiful little 2 mile run. I saw one of my running buddies, "Coach Ruthie", running towards me as I was walking to warm up. She was by herself & said how she wished I was able to do a long run with her...she was doing 10 miles that day. I commented back, in passing, "I wish I was too!" I didn't even think to tell her if she looped around the block & stayed flat I'd run my 2 miles with her. Boy was I glad to see her come back around! I wound up running 3 solid miles, then had to take 2 brief walk breaks, but I made it 4 miles altogether! She was so encouraging that day! I've run 2 more times since then & made 4 miles with very brief walk breaks. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel some discomfort when I ran, but I'm not going to know until I try. I will say that I haven't had pain after my runs, so that's a GOOD sign! Maybe I'm on the mend...

For so long I never really had a hobby...something I truly enjoyed. My husband has always been involved with motorcycles. A little over 3 years ago, I found running & it found me! I feel like I truly found myself with running and found a great group of inspiring women to run with in the process. I'm sure there are some people that make fun of me for constantly talking about running, but besides my husband & Jamaica...I'm happiest when I run! I found something I'm truly passionate about, and it stinks when you feel like it's been snatched away from you...if only temporarily.

Besides my running buddies, as much as I may moan & groan...I miss the HILLS! I miss the LONG RUNS! I miss NINJA CAT! I miss being able to leave it ALL on the pavement! I miss ME! Yes, I know all of these things are there waiting for me...and all I can say is....I CAN'T WAIT! I'M READY FOR YA!

**Ruthie, if you're reading this....thank you for being patient & encouraging me!