I realize I haven’t written in a while…
This summer has been odd, to say the least. As you read a few months ago, I broke my leg. The cast came off in mid-July, and I was cleated to start working out/moving more around the middle of August.
I thought it would be reasonably straightforward. I figured I could bounce back no problem because I was so active before and it was a “clean break” that healed perfectly.
Boy was I wrong!
I started off with re-learning how to walk. I still used the crutches for about a week after then went down to one crutch. After about two weeks, I was finally crutch free! But it was so hard even to walk. I found some PT exercises to work on my mobility and slowly tried to walk a bit more each day.
When I finally decided to start running, I was so scared. I was afraid I wouldn’t remember how to do it. I googled and found a comeback plan for broken legs (written by a runner/PT) and decided to go for it. The plan called for 4:30 minutes walking, followed by 30 seconds of running for 30 minutes. I laced up my shoes, harnessed the dog, and headed out.
It was hard, but I did it! I ran (walked) for 30 minutes!
The idea of the plan is to build up the run by 30 seconds and reduce walking by the same until you can run for 30 minutes. It’s hard; some days are easier than others. Sometimes it’s not meant to be. Recovery is taking longer than I would have thought. I’m currently stuck on running for 4 minutes and walking for 1. I’m making sure I feel comfortable with each increase before moving on.
I recently ran Friday, Saturday, and Monday plus went out hiking (for the first time since I broke my leg) on Sunday. It was difficult. I wanted to move to the 4:30 running, but I know I’m not up to it yet.
It’s a struggle. I’m not being consistent, which I know I need to be because I’m not where I want to be. To get where I want to be, I have to be consistent and keep trying. My brain and body are at war.
I have three trail races coming up this year in October (5K), November (6K), and December (7K). I will do these for sure. I will probably run/walk them and not worry about time. I was so hoping to keep improving at this series. I rocked them this spring!
I’m signed up for a marathon in January, but I will not be doing that. I have until December 5th to decide if I want to defer or drop to the half or 10k. I’m about 99.9% sure I don’t want to defer and about 95% sure I don’t want to do the half yet again. I may do the 10K since I’ve already paid.
I keep seeing races I want to do, but I’m trying not to sign up for any until I am back to “normal” whatever that means. Once I have a better feel for my limits, I can determine what distances would suit me at different races.
