Finding my running groove…again.

I’m not entirely sure how it happened or what pushed me to do it, but all of a sudden I started running again. And it feels really good! My body is by no means in shape, it’s been weeks since I last played softball and that wasn’t exactly putting me in shape. The thing that got me excited about running was starting where I left off on my Couch 2 5K app. Well, that was week five of the program. I seriously gave up five weeks into an eight week program! If I’m going to give excuses, it was because my left hip was hurting me a lot. It hurt when I ran and it hurt for days after. So, I took four months off. I TOOK FOUR MONTHS OFF. Don’t worry, I wasn’t lacking things to do. I was getting up every night to feed Quinten. Well, I guess I was falling on the couch exhausted every night. So, pushing my body through the pain wasn’t something I considered. 🙂

Week five of the program was a little intense. It was definitely 0 activity to running a total of 15 minutes. Of course I didn’t stretch before I did it. I was too excited that Bryan was letting me take a running break while the boys were still awake. I tried to stretch after I ran, but then Bryan used the treadmill so I was back on mommy-duty. I thought I’d definitely be a mess the next day but I surprised myself. My back was a little sore getting out of bed, but I felt good all day! Of course I thought that meant I would have the two-day stiffness. Please tell me everyone else experiences this also. The next day you’re fine, but two days after you’re a hot mess. Like they say, aging is not graceful! And feeling fine the next day is an evil trick on you. You assume that you’re still young and agile. Then, BAM!

I wasn’t sure how it would work out, but I decided to run again two days after that first run. I was traveling and my knees were aching from the cramped plane rides so I figured the run would help. Thankfully it did and it helped me sleep great that first night! My legs felt tight during my run but about five minutes in I felt really good. We don’t have a mirror in front of our treadmill at home so it was interesting to watch myself run. I think I picked up on some good things and I could tell the difference in my stride when I was feeling great. While I was running, I was reminded about a time five years ago when I was a consistent runner. I used to go to the Y every day after work and run on the treadmill. Those first few minutes were always brutal, but once I got warmed up it felt so good. Maybe that’s what makes people run races. I’m not sure I have that in me, but I’m enjoying this new motivation!

Last night my program had me running for 20 minutes with a five minute warm up and cool down. I was a little nervous when I saw the details, but I gave it a shot and was amazed at myself! I’m running a few notches below my desired speed, but I’m very impressed with my lungs and legs for getting me through it! The next day, I’m feeling pretty good. I’m a little sore in a few spots on my back and my caves have some tight spots but nothing is screaming that I’m out of shape.

At this point, I’m trying to decide if I should give my body a little more break between runs or if the tightness is ok. The last thing I want is to injure myself right when I’m getting back into the groove. The only question left is, was this a one week kick of motivation or will I actually keep up with it?! I might need some cheerleaders on this one!