Today was my first official countdown to the next big running goal that I have – and that is running in the Mercedes Marathon next February (2011). Since my injury after my last 1/2 marathon in April, I’ve been low-key with a few setbacks; injured knee, weight gain, summer with kids out of school, heavy work load, etc. Things haven’t been ideal, but are they ever, right?
I got up early this morning, around 6:30, jumped into my running clothes, synced my iPod and out the door I went. Oh, and I got my running stick too so I could ward off all those dogs that people insist “won’t bite you.” People, lock up Daisy and Killer, ok? Everybody doesn’t think your dog is so cute, alright?? Anyway, I digress. Back to running…
I started off really slow, on purpose, so that I can give my body time to acclimate to running again. Not to mention that I’ve picked up a few unwelcomed pounds, so it’s hard to lug all that stuff around too fast! So I went slow and paced myself nicely, listening and paying attention to my body as I went along. This is going to be a slow, methodical journey for me. One thing that this hiatus has taught me well and is very spiritual is this: The race is not given to the swift or to the strong, but to the one who endures to the end.
My timing will improve of course, over time. But, I’m in NO hurry for that. All I want to do is treat my body well, take care of myself and get to February injury-free. I have a couple of friends that I’ll start training with in a few weeks who are way faster than I am, and with how competitive I am, that would normally bother me. But not anymore. They’re my girls and we cheer each other on despite all. Now all I’m focused on is enjoying myself, losing some weight and feeling good. Life is good and I’m convinced that you get out what you put in. Today was my first deposit.
I’m off now to make a healthy breakfast and focus on getting healthy and strong. I may take a spin class later at the Y today, but for right now I’m good. I’m scheduled to do 10 miles this week and then a long run on Saturday, so I’m just happy to be able to run. If those miles take me one hour or ten hours, so be it. Running has helped me so much, mentally and physically, so it is what it is. It just feels good to me and I’m going to keep on!
About Bridget Wright
