Crisp Morning

I slept in a little bit accidentally, but did manage to get my run in this crisp fall morning. I am one of those people who love the mornings(I was frustrated that I slept past the alarm!)...I love to get up early, read the Word, pray, run, cook or prepare a nice breakfast for my family...all of it is good! I have the most energy in the mornings, but by 9pm I am usually going downhill fast. My husband is the opposite, so he wants to discuss important issues and make major decisions around 9pm or 9:30. I just sit and contribute very little because I am so tired at that point of the day. He always laughs at me. I guess that helps me to be submissive and allow him to make all the decisions...I am too tired to not be. We try to compensate for our differences and I really do try to be awake when he needs to talk.

I said all of this to say that I love running in the mornings. I don't think I could in the evenings. This morning was especially beautiful. It was cool--there was a little frost on the ground, but I wore shorts, a warm top, hat, and gloves. The sun was a little brighter since I went a little later. I felt zero pain and actually felt like I was back close to my old pace. It is still weird, I feel things some days and others days, I feel great. I am just thankful for being able to have made this progress so far and thankful for God healing me to the point that I can run.

I ran into one of my ortho doctors last weekend and he asked how I was doing. I told him I am able to run short runs and I rest in between each run and he said that was good. He mentioned that if I feel any pain to stop and I think he really wants me to have an MRI....thinking it could be a sports hernia or something like that since it has lasted so long. I still consider having one, but at this point I am managing and am hoping it is all going to become a distant memory and time of growth for me.

I am doing an excellent Bible study right now on the book of James and I am learning a lot about responding to trials with joy...seeing that God is conforming to His image through it...no matter if it is a big trial or a small one(like my injury)...He is working through them all and I am very thankful. I have known this, but studying it again has been a good refresher course for me. We tend to want out from under the pressure of the trial, but as believers we should be persevering with joy and allowing God to do His work in us. Trials should be joyful. Only by God's grace can they be. That is hard for this stubborn heart to really live out, but I am trusting the One who can do it through me.

My second oldest is running in a 5K tomorrow morning with a friend...oh, how bad I want to, but I know I might push myself too much, so I am not going to try any races for a while. I'm okay with that.

Another Good Run and 100 Push Ups

I am very blessed to say that my running is going well and the pain has almost subsided completely. I do feel some twingy type pain in lower abdomen every once in a while, but I think it is just the after effects of whatever injury I had. Overall, I am running at a nice comfortable pace and feel great. I'm still trying to be patient and keep my mileage low and be super careful...afterall, pushing myself is what got me here in the first place...so PATIENCE and paying attention to my body is what I am trying to do.

Today it was bright and sunny, cool enough for my frosty running tights,and just a gorgeous morning! I ran a little bit farther...I think close to 4 miles,I am guessing it was close to that since I know how long each stretch that I normally run is. Plus,I am not wearing my Garmin yet, so I don't have exacts. I felt good at 3 miles, so I added little bit more. I was fine and actually did really well with the distance. So, Yay!!!

I have also been doing this challenge..trying to get to 100 push ups. My older daughters are working towards this, too. My 6 year old is trying to do it, too...she can do 10 real push ups! I may not get to 100, but I am already getting stronger am able to do so much better than when I started. I did 4 sets of 10 yesterday. I like following the workout schedule, but some days I do my own thing. It is fun!

A Bit Nippy...

A beautiful crisp cool morning. I usually overdress because I do not like to be cold, but today my legs were a little cold in my running shorts...but I did have on a cold gear top and gloves. Very nice morning for a run and I was so thankful to be puffing up that big hill!

3 miles with hills and lots of early morning sunshine!

Looking forward to lunch out with some dear friends in Little Rock today...

3 MilesToday with Hills!

I am thrilled to say that I think I am really better! I ran three miles with hills and no injury pain at all. I did go slow and was really careful, but I think this may be the end of my mystery injury. The only thing I am looking out for now is that it could be a sports hernia...I feel no evidence of that, but the last ortho doc I went to said to watch for signs of that.

Distance--3 miles with hills

Time--about 30 minutes (I'm not using my Garmin right now because I am trying to go slow--not fast. That silly thing makes me try to go faster and faster.)

Clothing--Under Armour cold gear half zip,running shorts, and gloves. It is getting a little chilly in the mornings...but still very comfortable.

Last week on one of my runs I had the pleasure of seeing a momma deer and her baby cross the road...just like old times. Smile :)!

Jacket

Do any of you have recommendations for a running jacket that is:

1)lightweight
2)windproof
3)warm, but breathable
4)black...preferably

Thanks!

Getting Stronger

I have been able to run about 3 miles at a slow pace every other day lately and so far so good. It has been so nice to be out there running again...even if it is as slow as a turtle. Faster isn't always better, I am finding. I think taking a rest day in between really helps me have time to allow my body to repair and feel better. I have made some small diet changes as well. I read that my mostly vegan diet may have too much fiber in it...plus not enough protein to heal after an injury, so I am upping the protein some with some lean protein choices. I still eat lost of plant foods, especially during this terrible flu season...to hopefully help my immune system, but a few animal products may make me stronger and able to get over this injury.

It is lots better, though. I am thankful.

Reality Check for Injured Runners....

I awoke early this morning....and headed out into the cold darkness. I love running in the early hours of the morning. Such peaceful quietness...no cars, very few house lights on, and no people. Nice. I was running along, with extra energy and I noticed the tension in my shoulders and neck started melting away. I was relaxed...and I kept going, pushing myself to a comfortable pace to endure the long run. My heart was beating fast and my pace was picking up. It felt good. I remembered then why I have love running so much! I was anticipating the sunrise that I knew would be visible in the next half hour or so...what a morning and I was getting to enjoy it.

Then I felt that twinge of pain in my lower abdomen and hip...and reality hit hard. I have not been running for 4 months! Wow! I have missed it.

But, I did manage to run 3 miles with hills and walk one mile at the end.

And...I am feeling good.