2 weeks! It doesn't seem like it's been two weeks since I posted last. Anyway we went up north with a group of friends and their kids. 5 couples, 12 kids, two houses, tons of rain, and lots of food what more could you ask for? The kids had fun. On to the running thing, I've been doing a lot more cardio which I love. I ran 4 miles before we left for up north. It was boring but I felt really good. I was shocked at how normal I really felt. NO pain! You gotta love that. Up north I ran 5 miles and then 4 plus another day. I was suppose to run 3 times but I just didn't have time one day. I could tell too that I was getting tight again. My knees started to hurt. I ended up skipping my Sat run and Sun I ran the 7 miles I was suppose to run up north. I haven't done any cardio since before we left and I'm hoping to throw some more in, it really is making a difference. Last night my sitter called and couldn't watch the kids today for my big 10 mile run that I was dreading. After her call at 8pm, I started to sic myself up and by 10pm I was in the gym on the treadmill running. All I have to say is I really don't like the treadmill. 10 miles and I was bored!! All they had on the tv's were talk shows and it's a little hard running and reading subtitles without my glasses. I found myself swaying from side to side. Or I would get so focused on my running that I almost ran off the treadmill in the front. Yeah you figure that one out. I like the great outdoors and the ability to run on your own pace when you want without having to push a button. So today my knees hurt and I can't wait till tomorrow's therapy. I purposely scheduled Thu, Fri after the big run. I had a feeling I wouldn't be walking too well. I don't run again until Sat but I'm going to try and go to the gym and do some big cardio this week.

I just want to add an extra note. For those of you who don't know I have reached my fundraising goal! Thank you to everyone who was able to give to a great cause. I also want to say thank you to everyone who has given me their support. It's been a challenge that I was ready for and not ready for. I wouldn't keep pushing forward if it wasn't for you who let me know that you still recognize my attempts, challenges and pain. Thank You!!

Finally

I was able to run on the path today. Yipe. I ran 3 sets of 1mile with 60 sec walk after then walked 4 minutes followed by another set. I almost did anyway. I forgot my fuel belt and it was too late to go back home to get it soo I did the first set of runs just fine. By the time I walked the 4 min and started to run I was thirsty. So after .5 mile run I walked then tried again at the following mile only ran .25 and walked. For the final mile I did run. So in total I ran 4.75 miles out of 6 and aside from being really thirsty I felt good. I have so much to think about while I run, my form mostly that I've found myself picking a few to really concentrate on. Hopefully after a few more times they'll become habit and I can concentrate on the others. Who thought running would be so hard? haha Legs feel really good and I can't wait till I get my inserts for my shoes then my ankle will stop hurting. Plus after not running for 2 weeks I fueled up on all the birthday cake from party after party that I was able to run 11:30 average!

Back in the swing of it

Got back on the treadmill today. I wanted to run outdoors but Bill thought it best not to run on the path just yet. I only ran two miles but it took a few to get the hang of it. I forgot the i-pod. What a bore! Afterward I jumped into the pool for a good 30 minute swim. I feel pretty good knees hurt a bit.

Update

So I'm off for 2 weeks and I know it's going to be hard to get back into the groove when I'm able but I'm still excited. A marathon I'll be able to check that off my list and move on to the next thing come Oct. 21. Until then I'm feeling much better. I can actually walk down the stairs one foot in front of the other. I'm not just laying around the house, I'm cross training. I think it's harder to do the elliptical than run. You've got to tell the machine how much you want to work, what type of workout, how much you weigh, how old you. And resistance? I just want to move. Then you have to hold onto a handle just so you can get a heart rate which it never can read mine. At least with running you just put on your shoes and go. Easy. I'll be back on the path soon enough.

Recommitment?

Sat. I went to the park to run only I left early, I was afraid to run 12 miles in the heat. Luckily Sat was nice and cloudy in the morning. I ran my 12 miles all of it with one bathroom stop. I was in pain, real pain. I actually added minutes to the time from my last 12. I wasn't happy with my run at all. The society sends out recommitment papers and wouldn't you know I had them in my hands. I've been fearful of the 26.2 miles I'm not sure why right now but by Sat. it was because there is no way and I mean no way I could finish 26.2 miles without crawling across the finish line. I kept those papers as long as I could. I wanted to just mark the no thank you box and put an end to this. I even thought just run a half marathon, I can run 12 miles what's another 1.1? Yesterday the paperwork was due. I waited so long I had to fax them in. I marked the yes I'll run a full 26.2 miles box but it wasn't till yesterday that I was really sure I could do it. I finally sought the advice of a professional about my leg pain. It was yesterday that I got answers, I finally know that it's not a "normal pain", it's more involved. It's all in my mechanics. The pain in my ankle, knee and hip in my right leg and ankle and knee in my left. I was in so much pain Sat I couldn't walk! Now I know, now I have answers, now I have a game plan, now I have hope. First step to the new plan? I have to take 2 weeks off, yep you heard me. 2 weeks to get all the swelling and irritated tissue back normal. I'm a little fearful about taking 2 weeks off at such an intense time, but I know if I don't I'll never finish. At least this way I'll be able to at least walk to the finish line. It's amazing with the race getting closer I'm less stressed than I was going into this. A serious weight has been lifted and I'm in it to have fun!