race canceled

I just received an email that the half marathon we were schedule to race has been changed to a Sunday morning. The wonderful people putting on the race are offering a full refund to those that can't attend. We would not race on a Sunday morning, so that in itself is reason enough to cancel, but I feel like I've been given a new lease on my running - no more stress to prepare for a race! I am free to take time to heal and sign up for other races at later dates. Woo Hoo! I am so thankful! I still have a goal of a half marathon, but I want to do it when I am healthy. I will wait to sign up until I am further in my training :) Possibly one on Thanksgiving weekend?

I was finally able to run 3 entire miles with my hubby while on vacation this past weekend. It felt sooo good!

Dreaming

There are many moments that I think about simply running for miles. I want to do it without worrying about my knee. I don't want to think about if I am re-injuring it, or if I'll be able to walk tomorrow. I want to just run. Pain free. I want to feel the exhilaration of accomplishing more than I've done before. I wonder if that will ever be a reality. Today, it feels unattainable.

I give up. That's what I said twice during my run this morning. I made it 2.3 miles and had intense knee pain so I stopped and walked it off. I figured I could try running again and see how far I could go for the 2nd round. I ran 2 steps and stopped. I walked almost a mile home, pain free, just couldn't jog. I came to the decision to sell my race entry. I even emailed a friend about it. Then, I researched a bit and realized my entry is non-transferable. I can only switch to a later event (for a fee, of course). I believe my struggle is so hard right now because time is passing and the race is less than 12 weeks away. I suppose I shouldn't look at the calendar, but on the other hand, how can I properly train in time? At least I am still able to get in good cardio exercise - which is why I started running. I will still be able to run 5K's, even if the half marathon doesn't work out.

Back on track??

I went out to run yesterday morning. I have put it off for a bit because honestly, I was scared to go out there and encounter more knee pain. I also wasn't sure how I would feel after taking almost 3 weeks off from consistent exercise. The weather is slighter cooler, so it was refreshing to run and not die from the humidity at 7:30 in the morning. I look forward to the lovely fall weather! Anyway, I felt great. Truly great to be out there. I was praising God for the ability to even be out there using my body. Unfortunately, I only made it 1.78 miles before having to stop from severe pain again, but I can say that my cardio was fine. It was very frustrating to know that in spite of all the rest that I still have the pain. I am still going forward with my training plan - the half marathon is in 12 weeks and 3 days. I hope that by taking baby steps my knee will just get better and better? Right?!

Lazy

What can I say? I have been completely, inexcusably lazy this entire week. I have not worked out, ran, or even done crunches. We have been having some work done to our home, and with contractors in and out all day, as well as trying to keep kids entertained and out of the way, I am exhausted by evening. I can't do my video while the people are here since my tv is right in front of the front door. Enough excuses? We are going on vacation this weekend, and I hope to get back on track once we return. I've even printed off my half marathon training schedule in anticipation. I just can't seem to motivate myself. Honest.

Progress

I ran last night. We only made it a little over 2 miles, but that was progress. I am running as long as I can and letting my knee tell me when to stop. I do not want to do over use it. My half marathon training begins August 20th, so this is a time to rest and recover, not push my limits. Praying for complete healing of my knee prior to my training beginning.

I purchased the Jillian Michael "30 day shred" video, and wow. Yes, just wow. It is tough! I have managed to do 3 days of it, and I am using it as cross training. It lasts 20 minutes (doesn't sound bad at all, right?), and every muscle in my body hurts when I am finished. It's a good hurt, and I plan to continue with it!

I've lost almost an inch from my waist (measuring around belly button). Still going strong with the crunches, but on the days I do the Jillian workout I use that as my 100. I missed one full day of any ab work, so my sweet, encouraging hubby told me I had to start from scratch. I honestly am not counting at this point, but I think I would finish around the end of August?

Yes, still here

I am still here. I ran 6 miles last Thursday and seem to have re-injured my knee. I can still walk, and the pain isn't severe, but it is there and I am trying to give it a rest. I've been diligently using my foam roller, so hopefully I can try to run tonight.

My crunches are still going. I missed last night, so I am going to do double today. Yippee!