First Long Run In A Long Time

Today was my first long run in a long, long time. It was 5 miles, which doesn't seem like much compared to where I was before, but this has been my biggest lesson since I started running again. I cannot compare myself now to who I was then. They're two totally different people.

All I can do is try to improve from where I am now. I've had a pretty good week. I've done some heavier lifting, which I love and haven't done in a while.

I've also been running. My summer goal is to run more and be more consistent. I found a plan that I like that also includes lifting. I was going to start it in July because this month has been all about home improvement projects, and I have to teach theatre camp next week.

I realized yesterday that, without meaning to, I have already been following the plan. I did an upper body workout and then took two rest days. There was only one in the plan, but that's okay. I did an awesome morning run, which was my fastest in a long time. It was supposed to be a tempo run, so that works. Yesterday was an easy run, which I did when I ran with my girl. She has just started the c25k app, so it was a nice, easy interval workout.

Today was my long run. Honestly, the first three miles sucked. My feet were cramping, and my calves were really tight. I did a lot of walk/run intervals and walked more than I wanted. I almost quit a couple of times. It switched to a mental training day, but I managed to push through. My legs finally loosened up around mile three, and the last two miles felt pretty good.

The first hill almost made me quit.

It was such a beautiful morning, and I am so glad that I pushed on for the whole 5 miles. First long run is complete, and I can only get better from here!

A Little Progress - Slow And Steady

Making progress - slowly but surely.

Yesterday, Moon Dog and I walked almost 2 miles, and my ankle felt fine. I was excited. Every little bit of progress counts. I have been feeling a little on edge from not being able to exercise. It felt great to be outside and moving.

The weather has been amazing. I really wanted to run this morning, but I was a little concerned about how it would go. It took a little while to convince myself to go, but I did. I went really slow and walked if things started to twinge. I ran 2.7 miles with only two brief walking breaks, and I even powered up a hill near the end.

It felt so great. The sun was shining, and it was a cool, beautiful morning. I got into a good rhythm quickly, and I felt strong. When I pushed it up the hill, I focused on my form and remembered why I used to love running hills.

I had to change my thinking. Lately, I've faced hills with dread. Something to struggle over. I felt weak at the thought of the effort it would take. Today, I felt good. I felt energized until I got to the hill. As I got near it, I started walking. Not because I needed to. Then I decided to power up the hill like I used to. I fixed my form, my pace increased, and I got up it and still felt strong. It was nice to feel that way again. In addition to consistency, I am going to focus on my thoughts - before, during, and after my runs.

The ankle is a little sore but not too bad. I'm going to try some yoga later. Limping has caused my muscles to get really tight. I need to loosen up.