Running Again

I went to the sports medicine doctor on Monday for my stress fracture check-up. I was expecting him to say something like, "you've still got one more week to rest before you can start running again." He checked out my leg, asked some questions, and then I heard the best words ever: "YOU CAN START RUNNING AGAIN." I was in complete shock, but filled with happiness after he said those words.

In order to avoid future stress fractures, I get to complete an intro. to running program. My doctor, who competes in triathlons, said he has used this plan as well as many patients and it is pretty successful. The first week consists of running 1 mile every other day. When I read it I started to laugh, thinking that it is nothing. He told me to start running on Tuesday.

Yesterday I got to the gym and warmed up on the elliptical. I started using the elliptical last week and realized it is not as bad as I originally thought, given the fact that i had not run in a month. It seemed wonderful to be on it. After a nice warm-up and vague stretch, I ran my amazing 1 mile and although it did not last long, the feeling I got when I was running was something I desperately missed the past month.

I must admit I was a little nervous before I actually started to run. I know I am not in as good of shape as I was in, but still, I am in decent shape. I wanted to take my mile slow, so I started off and ran the first 1/2 in a little over 4. It felt okay, then as I ran on, my leg felt funny. I then started to play mental games and wonder if I could even run a mile. I ended up finishing my mile in 8 and some change. My leg did not have any problem when I was running, but my foot did. It was like it was not bending properly and I felt like my stride was awkward. However, although it felt odd, it did not hurt. Maybe I'm just not used to running? I am not sure, but I am going to do my 1 mile again tomorrow.

Running brings a sense of balance to my life. It gives me a chance to let my mind wonder most days. It brings me peace and happiness and I am glad I can do it again.