Off And Running....That Is

As some of you may be aware, I have been trying to get back into running. Seems I have had a rough go of it this year. I bought new shoes (were actually fitted for these) to replace my worn out ones and have just not quite gained any momentum. My legs scream in agony after a short trot, so I decided that maybe I had become extremely unfit in the past 8 months.

I began a new program and seemed to fall right into a comfortable stride. That is until I hit the 2 mile mark. Doesn't matter if it is walking or running, after two miles, my legs will no longer cooperate.

I decided maybe I should just give up on running for awhile and concentrate on becoming a little more fit. I opted for five mile walks. Once again, after only a short while, my legs were in agony. Hips, knees, ankles and muscles that I have never used before, all revolting against my wishes.

I have noticed my pace is slowing with every run, and although I am no where near breathless, I just cannot complete a good run. Grrrrrr.. I was running 6-7 miles at a time one year ago!!

Saturday, I set out on my 5 mile walk, and it was not long before I wanted to phone someone to come pick me up. I was done. It was then that I looked down and noticed my shoes. You see, I have always walked/run on the outer edges of my feet. These shoes were causing me to strike at almost a flat step. I watched in amazement as the realization hit me. These shoes (fitted specifically for me) were causing me to twist all of my joints in a way that was unnatural to me.

However, I was determined to not give up entirely. On Sunday, I had decided to check out a road I had been eyeballing in Virginia and get a few miles in for the day. I left my new (fitted specifically for me) shoes at home, but that was not going to stop me. I dug out my old shoes, laced them up and set out for 4 exhilarating miles.

Seems the little road was a perfect place for my workout. I met a group of 7 cyclists, another pair of runners, some cows, horses and 4 dogs.

Nothing but the picturesque Appalachian Mountains to my east, and several horse farms to my west. I

originally set out to walk the entire distance, but after 2 miles, I thought.....I want to run!!.....So run, I did. And there was absolutely no discomfort. It was divine. A beautiful day with lots of fluffy white clouds shading me the entire time, 78 degrees and a relaxing breeze.

There is hope for me yet!! And just for the record, I began running again on May 9th and to date have accumulated over 75 miles. Not bad considering they were 75 very painful miles!!