Working My Way Back

I haven't posted on Traxee since I wrote about the incredible experience of running my first half marathon.  There is a good reason for that:  running had taken a back seat to life.  After a year and a half of making running a priority, I suddenly found myself unmotivated and just plain lazy.  I didn't want to be a slug; it just seemed to happen.  It was as if I had checked running a half marathon off of my bucket list, so I could quit.  Give up.  Gain weight (which apparently happens the moment one decides to back away from exercising). 

The first couple of weeks after the half, I kept telling myself that I was 'in recovery'.  That excuse only flies for a short period of time.  Then I began having some health issues - my insides seemed to be falling out.  After giving birth to three children, things seem to become rather loose, and body parts can drop. At times  it can be quite painful, but at other times I notice nothing.  I have an appointment with a specialist next week, so I hope to get some answers.  I fear that surgery might be the only option, and I am not quite certain that I am ready for that.  Mostly because deep down, I don't want to have to stop running for an extended period of time.  Though I haven't run regularly the past two months, I have run, and I knew that I could if I really wanted to.  I ran at least once or twice a week the whole time, and this past week I ran four times in an effort to get back into a schedule.  

So, what happens when a runner doesn't run as often as she should?  Pounds begin to deposit themselves around her middle.  She feels tired and lifeless.  Confidence begins to wain.  She gets grumpy easily.  So, with all of this occurring, it is time to get back out there.  This week I remembered how much I enjoy cold-weather running.   I really began to miss my time with my friends.  I NEEDED to run.  So I did.  It was tough to get out, but once I did, it was great.  I started to feel my semi-athletic self emerge from the depths of sluggishness.  I became happy and self-confident.  I had more energy for my job and my family.  Now that I am truly attempting to get my butt in gear, we have snow on the ground.  I don't have a problem with running in the snow; I actually look forward to the serenity and beauty.  My problem is that we live on top of a big hill out in the country, and once that hill is covered, I am basically stranded at home.  There really is no place to run out here, so that means my exercise will be on the treadmill, elliptical, ab circle, and through DVDs.  I will get back on the streets as soon as the weather allows - I promise!  

Traxee friends, hold me accountable!  I need to keep running in my life.  Without it I am just a chubby couch potato!  I love to eat sweets, and if I don't run, my passion for desserts and junk food is obvious.  I need to come back to life.  Running life.  I need to stay healthy. I need to run!!!

Peace, Friends!

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