I have decided that I really, REally, REALly, REALLY like running. Even with all the aches and pains I get after, I still enjoy the feeling I get when I run. I feel free, alive, strong and blessed to be able to do this, something I only dreamed of a year ago. When I run I have time to think about all the things I have accomplished and the things that I have yet to accomplish in the future. I feel at times almost "super human", not because I run like a gazelle but because I now feel stronger than I ever thought imagineable. Every stride I take now has purpose, intention - from the first heel strike right through to the next heel strike. Before, I questioned every aspect of my running - breathing, torso position, placement of feet, pacing.
Now, dont get me wrong, there is still alot to get right but it just feels so much easier. I don't have to think about my pace anymore - for the most partI could pretty much set my watch by my pace. It's not lightening speed but on average I am dead set on 5min30sec/km, quite a manageable speed for now. My breathing starts off not too crash hot but it then settles into a really relaxed mode and at times I actually find myself only breathing through my nose. My torso positioning now is always in a relaxed shoulders, relaxed hands and slightly leaning forward - my husband now says I actually look like a runner and seem to be falling into my stride. So not having to think of all these things during my run now, allows me to actually just enjoy the run. AND I DO.
Yesterday I signed up for another run. It is part of the same series I ran on Sunday but this time it is a 10km run at Dolls Point. Sounds pretty but I am sure there will be hills through this run due to the area. I look forward to it and it still gives me time to prepare as it is on the 11th July. Good thing too, after the run they give you yummy pancakes, oranges, bananas and lots of fluids as they did last time. I think I consumed half a banana, a quarter orange, 3 pancakes and 3 glasses of water. YUM.
Yesterday was designated as a rest day - I had groin and hip pain, not during rest only when I would get up and walk and put pressure on my right leg. So I took regular Ibuprofen and just rested it totally yesterday and discussed this ailment with Lisa (physio). Not quite sure if this was true hip pain, groin pain or referred from my back she made me lie on my back and asked me to raise my right leg/knee and she began to press down, this caused hip pain as well as slight groin pain. I now have an X-ray booked for tomorrow. Clinical notes state: +ve hip quadrant test. I guess all will be revealed in the next couple of days - or not. X-rays are funny things as is my body. Frustrating really - it's always 2 steps forward, 4 steps back. What do you do, I am no "spring chicken", and this chook has arthritis so I must tread carefully or I run the risk of being used for dog meat.
On a more positive note, I ran the bridge's today and I did it in an even faster time than before - 36min50secs for 6.7km. I initially thought it was 7km but I was corrected today, nevermind I still have run it 30 secs faster than my last attempt. YAY for me. This old chook still has some kick in her.
Now, dont get me wrong, there is still alot to get right but it just feels so much easier. I don't have to think about my pace anymore - for the most partI could pretty much set my watch by my pace. It's not lightening speed but on average I am dead set on 5min30sec/km, quite a manageable speed for now. My breathing starts off not too crash hot but it then settles into a really relaxed mode and at times I actually find myself only breathing through my nose. My torso positioning now is always in a relaxed shoulders, relaxed hands and slightly leaning forward - my husband now says I actually look like a runner and seem to be falling into my stride. So not having to think of all these things during my run now, allows me to actually just enjoy the run. AND I DO.
Yesterday I signed up for another run. It is part of the same series I ran on Sunday but this time it is a 10km run at Dolls Point. Sounds pretty but I am sure there will be hills through this run due to the area. I look forward to it and it still gives me time to prepare as it is on the 11th July. Good thing too, after the run they give you yummy pancakes, oranges, bananas and lots of fluids as they did last time. I think I consumed half a banana, a quarter orange, 3 pancakes and 3 glasses of water. YUM.
Yesterday was designated as a rest day - I had groin and hip pain, not during rest only when I would get up and walk and put pressure on my right leg. So I took regular Ibuprofen and just rested it totally yesterday and discussed this ailment with Lisa (physio). Not quite sure if this was true hip pain, groin pain or referred from my back she made me lie on my back and asked me to raise my right leg/knee and she began to press down, this caused hip pain as well as slight groin pain. I now have an X-ray booked for tomorrow. Clinical notes state: +ve hip quadrant test. I guess all will be revealed in the next couple of days - or not. X-rays are funny things as is my body. Frustrating really - it's always 2 steps forward, 4 steps back. What do you do, I am no "spring chicken", and this chook has arthritis so I must tread carefully or I run the risk of being used for dog meat.
On a more positive note, I ran the bridge's today and I did it in an even faster time than before - 36min50secs for 6.7km. I initially thought it was 7km but I was corrected today, nevermind I still have run it 30 secs faster than my last attempt. YAY for me. This old chook still has some kick in her.
