Downdate (as opposed to an update)...

I have been a little quiet recently, I realize that. It's not that I don't WANT to update you guys, it's just that I don't really have anything exciting or special to report. In fact, I've been pretty bummed and down since the KDF Mini-Marathon.

I know what you're thinking--I've got those Post-Race Blues. You know, the Blues when you finish your BIG RACE and you look around and say, "Now what?" And you get all anxious because nothing will ever compare to that feeling of accomplishment you just experienced. Or something like that.

Well, if that's what you were thinking, you're wrong. The night before the Mini, I hurt myself. I have been calling it a hamstring tear. I have not had it professionally evaluated but I gave it my best guess. I don't need to hear about how I should go see the doctor. I've heard it before.

So I ran with that injury during the Half Marathon. I was in severe pain for the last 4 miles or so, but I pushed through. I stayed off of it for about two weeks after--no running. I was okay with that because I had planned a pretty substantial rest period after the race anyway. But I got the bug to start running again and I felt no pain so I went for it. 2.5 miles in, I was in pain again. So now, I'm going on one month of *pretty much* no running and I'm SO frustrated. I WANT to run.

I was supposed to be training for my 10K in June but I haven't even been able to start because of this injury. I'm just bummed.

I've been cycling and doing P90X, plus a lot of strength training and plyometrics but those activities don't make me feel the way (the GREAT way) I feel when I run. I MISS IT.

I figured that I better start planning something for myself so that I don't get stuck in a RUT and do myself a huge injustice. This is hard for me because THIS round of planning requires wisdom, patience, determination and honesty.

1. Wisdom--to know the difference between the things I can do and the things I cannot do. (Sounds sort of like the Serenity Prayer, huh?)

2. Patience--in allowing my body to heal and in training when I DO start running again.

3. Determination--to fight through the laziness and stay focused on a target goal since I don't have a race urgently waiting for me around the corner.

4. Honesty--with myself. I can't conquer the world. I HAVE to heal. I WON'T be as good when I start running again as I was when I stopped. I WILL have to work hard. I WON'T be able to keep up with my running buddies. I MIGHT get down on myself. I will probably feel alone for awhile. I WILL get better. Everything WILL be great, in time.

So now, I have to create some goals and make a plan. That'll be the next entry--just wait!

Trail Running with My Other Buddy...

Chassis and I went to Bernheim today for some official trail running! This wasn't her first time out on the trails but it was her first time trail running with me. We had a blast! We entered the park, and the attendant at the entrance booth smiled and said "You guys have fun!" That's right, mister, we're two hot chics looking for some hot trails!!!

I took her to the Zen Garden first, which is a favorite of mine. (I'm going to post a couple of pictures but they aren't from today's visit--just some of my own stock photos from previous visits there!)



She was amazed at the sound of a frog croaking continuously. It was here that I also taught her to overcome her fears! I crossed to the other side of the pond and she froze in fear and cowered! I talked her through it, trying to make her feel comfortable enough to just let go and trust herself and she DID IT!!!! It wasn't graceful but she did it and she did it twice!

We then headed over to Knob Top Trail, which is a RIDICULOUSLY hilly trail and if you take it in the direction that we did today, you go uphill most of the time. LOL We had a blast running through there. She tried to run in front of me a couple of times but I was NOT going to let her pass me, not a chance! So I made sure to keep the lead throughout the trail.

From the exit of Knob Top Trail, which is where we entered for today's run:


From Knob Top Trail, we ran over to Two Ponds Loop:


Beyond the bridge, she saw a goose and was quite interested by him. He was NOT happy that we were there and he was very vocal about his feelings--not a typical male, if you ask me. LOL After torturing him for awhile, we exited onto the main road. We followed along the loop and stopped near the Sun and Shade Loop to rest up. I didn't want to push her too hard today but she was having so much fun! (Still no water at the fountains...wondering if they'll ever turn it back on?)

After we reached the parking lot, I grabbed some treats and water and we walked back over to the Zen Gardens and to Lake Nevin. We sat together on the bench and admired the lake and all its beauty! (If you look closely on the left of the picture below, amongst the trees, you'll find the bench on which Chassis and I rested today!)



Total run was just about 3 miles but we had a ball and I really wanted to test out my leg. There's still discomfort but at short easy runs, I think I'll be okay. I'll just need to allow proper recovery even between the easy runs for now!

Happy Running everybody!