I’m back to being bitter

That didn’t take long. But every time I see someone running or hear my friends talk about running, I get angry that I’m not allowed to do it. I never broke a single bone in my body. It seems that when I turned 25 my bones just decided to give up and crumble.

Now I’m banned from running more than once a week. And I’m not even allowed to run once a week for a few more months until I’m certain my last fracture is completely healed up.

Sure, I’m biking, taking spin class, push ups, etc., but there is no better feeling than putting on a pair of shorts, lacing up your sneakers, and going for a long run. It’s so freeing and simple to do. You don’t need anything, expect running shoes, and well, an iPod.

I miss that so much. I didn’t have to stick to a class schedule (like I do for spin), I could run before work because it woke me up, or I could take a jog at lunchtime. The simplicity of running is what made it so appealing to me.

So, I’m going to resist running for a few more months (maybe weeks) and ease back into it.

I’m not trying to break another bone, but I doubt that second bone would have ever broken if I had never worn those stupid barefoot shoes. If I get well-cushioned shoes and stick to a track, I think I could be a runner again.

And if I break another bone, then the third time will teach me my lesson.

I’m starting to believe that resting from running does help

Recently my runs have been great and I think it is because I’m not running more than two days in a row anymore. I started to cross train again on what would normally be my third day in a row of running. This happened accidentally because I’m still trying to figure out my winter running routine.

At my new job they have a personal trainer come in once a week to work out with you, and he does an awesome job. Last week, after my first class, I could barely get up from my chair. I like to be in pain after I work out, that’s how I know I worked the muscles that needed it.

I am already seeing the benefits of taking a day off to let your muscles recover. I’ve been feeling stronger on my runs, and the fact that I was able to push myself to run for an hour the other day is proof of it. I’m not saying I am slacking off, I’m just finally seeing the bright side of cross training and rest.

On a separate note, I found a great article from Cool Running today about healthy gifts to give the runner in your life. My favorite are the FoodTees, check them out.

A running milestone

I hit a running milestone today. I ran for 60 minutes, just shy of 6 miles! The longest I’ve run so far has been for 50 minutes, or five miles. This was a big accomplishment.

It was a beautiful November day today so I knew I needed to get a run in. I had lunch with my girlfriends, where I ate two muffins and one-and-a-half cinnabuns, which I believe gave me the fuel to run this afternoon. I started running and I felt great. I could breath, my legs were not tired, and I felt motivated to really push myself.

After three miles I made the decision to run for 60 minutes straight. I thought to myself, “If I am feeling this good, why not push my limit today?”

I was hoping to get in six miles, but I hit some big hills, which slowed me down. I was just happy with myself that I ran for the 60 minutes. I know the distance will come with practice.

When I put what I accomplished today in perspective, I am more than halfway to my goal. I need to run 10 miles by May, and I am already able to run more than five. It just made me feel really good about my progress and gave me that mental boost to know that my fitness is improving.

Keep running!

154 days until Broad Street