I'm Back!!!

Woo! Hoo! Yippee! I am so excited! Today I had my six-week post-up (hysterectomy) appointment, and I was released to run! It was a gorgeous day: sunny and about 57 degrees. As my daughter and I drove home from Evansville, I could hardly stand the wait. I wasn’t certain what my body would do, but I could not wait to lace up my brand-spanking-new Asics, put on my running shorts and a t-shirt, and hit the streets. I need a new battery for my Garmin, but I didn’t get one because I did not think I would care about pace, and could guess my distance. And since it was my first time back out, I didn’t think I would be going far anyway.

Guess what! I have a training app on my Droid phone that I hadn’t used yet. I decided to try it out. It works like a GPS Garmin, so I got it ready, and put it in my little pink pouch that goes on my arm. Then I began to run. The first mile was tough, but it always is. I have to say that I was thrilled to hit that one mile mark. I kept going. It felt awesome! It was not easy; my breathing was labored; I was running. These legs had not run in six weeks and two days. I got to the two-mile mark, and decided I at least wanted to run three, but then I reached three, and thought I could surely make it one more mile. I was tired, but it was a good tired. Nothing hurt! I ventured on, probably with a goofy grin on my face. I had no idea what my pace was; I felt like I was running in mud and moving rather slow. I finally rounded the final corner and my car was in sight. I was going to do it! As soon as I stopped, I took out my phone to analyze what I had accomplished. My miles…4.34!!! My pace: 9.42! I know that for professional (or even just good) runners, that is not fast. For this soon-to-be grandma on her first run after surgery, it was smokin’! It was faster than I had been running before surgery. I was beyond thrilled.

Still out of breath, I phoned my husband. I could not wait to share my joy. He was impressed. Then I had to call my running buds, Kassi and Jackie. Since I made it over four miles, I am ready to join them this weekend for a run. My goal is to run six miles. If I can do that, I will be on track for the half marathon that is six weeks from Saturday. 
 

As I walked a few laps at the high school track, I texted two more of my running friends. I also posted my run on Facebook when I returned home. Was I proud? Heck, yes! I can’t wait to get out again. It is great to feel like my life is returning. Spring is my favorite time of the year to run. We are busy with our daughter’s sports, but I always manage to work in my runs so that I can watch as the world emerges from the gray of winter. Every run is a bit more colorful, and a little warmer.  I love this sport!

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