Runner's Yoga

My energy is still a little lacking from that bug I got... so I have felt like I need to conserve my energy to get back to 100% (also incase I am fighting off some sort of virus that is zappin me). However, I want to do SOMETHING for my body. This lead me to pulling out a book that I have had sitting around since college... The Runner's Yoga Book, by Jean Couch. At least then I will be working towards getting my body ready to run. I have been feeling like much of my knee problems come down to my body being so tight. I want to think I can just pull out the book and start practicing a daily routine, but I sorta know myself better than that. Perhaps I will check out a class to help get me going... we'll see.

Two for Two

I am now two for two this week on runs that I can't really count as runs. I got out the door again today, and I actually felt pretty good, but... I am back in Iowa, the weather was beautiful... I mean, perfect... and I got a lot done today (that gave a little mental boost). I was ready to rock that run. Unfortunately I didn't think too much about my travel day, or how that might of effected my body. So I got a little rambunctious. I am getting to the point where I can actually have moments of feeling pretty good during my run (especially early on). It is sort of like my body is remembering how it works, but obviously not enough to say, "hey buddy... slow down so we can get loosened up and make it through this whole run!"

And so... I did not make it through the whole run. My knee started yelling, and I had to walk. This was not all bad, because it was such a beautiful evening to "walk" and watch the sunset. However, I was a little frustrated that I wasn't smarter (and kinder) with my body. I guess that is partly why I am keeping this blog... it is now written down, and hopefully I will learn enough to do better tomorrow.

Today: A few miles running, and some walking
Week: Some running... some walking

Trails

I am back on the campaign trail (my lady-friend works for Mr. Obama), and I have found myself in Indiana... yesterday for my run that placed me specifically on the campus of DePauw University. My body is a bit of a mess because of travel (oh, and not running for almost 2 years solid doesn't help either). However, I managed to find a very lovely trail system at DePauw's nature preserve. A well maintained crushed limestone surface (my favorite) rolled along gentle hills and through the rock cliffs of an old quarry. This was a treat to run on, and it coaxed me into pushing a little harder than my old bones were ready for... so, the end of my run saw a painful left knee, and some walking. It also brought out an ominous group of buzzards that were perched high in the trees above the rock cliffs. I did my best to NOT look like scavengers' dessert... feeling the metaphor (or maybe they really were waiting for me to keel over) motivating my posture into at least "looking" strong.

All in all it was good to get out into near ideal running conditions... something that has been hard to come by in Spencer as I have begun to get back into shape. Hopefully Spring will greet me on my return to Iowa.

Thursday: 2+ miles
Week: 2+ miles

Run #2

Today was sunny. And warm (well, it felt warm for NW Iowa). And I watched the day patiently from Shaky Tree, waiting for my chance to get out and take advantage of this Spring preview. However, instead of basking in the warmth of the sun as I enjoyed my easy "getting back in shape" pace... with about an hour to go before I could get outside... the clouds wrapped their way around the sky. All the blue and promise that Spring is right around the corner, was replaced by the suffocating grey of Winter. Sad. Oh so sad.

I am happy to report though that I got out anyway, and it was certainly more pleasant that my run Sunday. I also managed to make it through the entire run with little to no pain in my knee (this has been an issue, one which I will cover more later). These are good things.

Today: 2+ miles
Week: 5 miles

Mission Acomplished

Ok, got my 3 runs in last week... basically learned that I am starting from scratch. Well, maybe not quite as bad as last time, but I am in pretty bad shape. However, because of the work that I put in last year... I know I will progress a bit quicker (which is a helpful thought). Knee is feeling a little better (beginning to stretch out a bit), but I am going to have to baby it for a while. Weather is coming around, better get going before it gets hot (I think that is worse than the cold to me... well, not worse than the -10s and such). Time to make a plan.

Why? Why not just enjoy getting out the door everyday, or every other day... hmmm (thinks to self). I suppose that is just not in my blood. Maybe it should be, but I have never been able to leave it at that. I know I need to have times where that is the focus (like last week, and maybe for a few more weeks...). However, running has always been a tool for me, and you use a tool for a purpose. Right now that purpose is to re-gain discipline in my life. To push myself out of my comfort zones again... absorb the positive things that running brings to my life. So... got to go to the drawing board and figure out the best (most intentional) way to do that.

That is the goal this week... get 3 or more runs in, and make a plan.