Knock on Wood

Seven days ago was the last time I tried to run after injuring myself in a fall two weeks before that. I really wanted to try it out yesterday. Instead I went to Hell and just watched (that was the real Hell). I'm hoping that's the last event I have to be a spectator.

Today was raw. There weren't many cars in the Back Cove parking lot. A steady drizzle fell. And it was wonderful! That's only because as soon as I started running, I couldn't detect any of the pain or even any tightness. I felt strong and actually held myself back on the pace. It's funny how good a rotten day can feel if you're running.

I'd gone 2.5 miles before I noticed something in the knee/hip and then it wasn't exactly pain, just something not totally right. The good thing was that I didn't need to modify my stride like I had before. I finished the 3.5 mile loop and couldn't resist stretching it out a little further. I really wanted to get in 40 minutes cause then I'd only have 20 minutes on the Nordic Tracker (I've been shooting for 60 minutes of cardio druing my lay off).

I found out a few interesting things about Tracking and working out. Since I don't really enjoy it, I don't mind doing intervals on it. In fact, they help break it up. On the other hand, I love my runs so much, I have trouble making myself do anything other than enjoy the run. Speed work also increases my incidence of injuries, but, I haven't found that to be true on the Tracker. It remains to be seen how much the speed work on the Tracker helps with running. I'm hoping that, this time, I can make myself add the Tracker even when I'm totally recovered.

I suspected it would be less tedious if I Tracked not in the basement. The other times I tried Tracking outside, the mosquitoes made it unbearable. This is the season to use it outside (or in the garage, door open, if it rains). My pace improved almost 2 km/hr out of the dungeon.

So, knock on wood, I think I am on my way to recovery. I won't be canceling my doctor's appt just yet, but....I'm hopeful.