After two years of non-blogging: I'm Baaack!
The fact is, I haven't been running much these past two years! It took a while to get over the tendonitis, then I was just really busy at work and took absolutely no time for myself. The result was 10 extra pounds and a really cranky me!
In January of the this year, I had had enough! I was so tired of longing to run and not going out to do it because I knew I would be discouraged for not fulfilling my former "glory". Like a saving grace, an email came through at work encouraging me to join an excercise group with other teachers. I decided to give it a try and even though it was super tough (anyone ever hear of Insanity?) it worked to motivate me and get me moving again. I am so thankful for that group of ladies and gentleman. Not only did I get in shape, but I made friends in a new school.
In February, I strapped on the running shoes for my first race of 2011: a 10K in Tucker, Georgia. It was a killer race and I was not mentally feeling it because of a major stressful morning trying to make it to the race. I had a disappointing time of 1:01...but, it served its purpose, I had caught the bug again! I was back on my way! In May, I redeemed myself with a relatively blazing 27 minute 5K on major hills.
While perusing the net one evening I came across the most wonderful news: Savannah is hosting a Rock-n-Roll marathon in November! I was so excited to see two things that I adore: Savannah and a flat race course! Sign me up, I'm in!
Now I am about 80 miles into my marathon training program and loving every minute of it! I've beeen learning many things on this new journey...here are just a few:
1) For me, Asics are the shoes to wear.
Nikes used to be my shoe of choice, but of course I got injured in them, so I began to question whether we needed to part ways. I went shopping and tried on every shoe in the store (except Nikes) and when I tried on the Asics Gel Nimbus 12 it was like slipping on my wedding dress: I just knew they were "the ones". Ever since then, I have had very little leg pain and the ride has been amazing. I'm not knocking Nike, I love their shorts, but the shoes are not for me.
2) When running during the summer, run very early or very late!
Running in the morning is very refreshing, but sometimes impossible for me, as I am NOT a morning person. When I'm not feeling it in the morning, I will head out a 9:30... P.M. It is crazy-looking, but it works for me and it beats running in unbearable heat.
3) Embrace the sweat-wicking headband look.
I have one that says "I Run So I Can Eat"! So true for me, since I live to eat! It keeps the sweat from running in my eyes and since I sweat like Niagra Falls it is a necessary item in my running arsenal. Bondibands make great ones with cute sayings on them. My new favorite is "In My Dreams I'm a Kenyan"!
4) Run on hills...they make you stronger!
I completely, 100% hate hills with every fiber in my being. I run them because I have to: I live in North Georgia, everywhere is either slow inclines or steep killers. Even though I hate the inclines, the down hills are sweet relief! I actually like those a lot: this is why I have earned the nickname "Downhill Warrior"!
5) No matter how much time you take off from running, it is never too late to start again.
You'll be surprised by how quickly you'll snap back into shape!
All I know is this: I am so happy to be back in the saddle again!
