If running and I were in a relationship, I’d have to list it on Facebook as… it’s complicated. That’s because it is.
I never considered myself a runner. Not ever. Then as an adult, I decided I wanted to tackle a few 5Ks. I accomplished that. Felt really good about it. Then I decided to kick it up a notch. I wasn’t prepared to do a full marathon. But I thought to myself… a half may be just about do-able.
So I trained… through a long, hot Oklahoma summer for the Spirit of Survival half-marathon in my hometown in October. I was doing fine… until the final half-mile. I blew out my knee running down a mini-hill. I finished. But, man, I still have knee woes to this day. It makes running really difficult for me.
Here’s the problem. I’m ready to run! It’s SUCH a good workout. In fact, as Andrea Cespedes with the YMCA says, it’s “a complete workout” that strengthens your heart, lungs and legs.
She also says it’s a major calorie burner. “The average person burns about 100 calories per mile,” said Andrea. “Larger people burn even more.”
You know what else is great about running?? You don’t need anything but a pair of shoes. And you can take those with you anywhere!
When I see all these great things… it makes me want to run even more. Plus, I think in my HEART, I’m a runner. But my knee just won’t allow me to achieve my workout destiny.
I actually took off the last six months from running – at the gym, at home with the dogs, without the dogs, etc. No running. I’ve been trying to let me knee really heal. But I’m completely unimpressed with the elliptical. I’m ready to run.
I’ve talked with Andrea about my desire to get back into it. She offered this advice:
First, start gradually. “Even if you were once a runner,, but haven’t put in miles in a while, begin with a run/walk program,” she says.
Sounds about right. So, last week, I hit the treadmill for just one mile. OK…. So I’m out of practice. But it was a start. And my knee wasn’t throbbing afterwards either. Good start!
She also advises not to increase mileage more than 10% per week, so you can avoid a running injury.
Another tip she offered was about WHERE to run. “Treadmills offer more cushioning than pavement and definitely more than cement,” she said.
AND, she advised that I get my gait checked and get fitted with a good pair of shoes. So, I plan to hit up Boulder Running Company to see what my run looks like. That’s up next for me.
At this point, I’m willing to do whatever it takes. After all, if I want to make this relationship work, I’m going to have to put in the time and take it slow.
