Impressed with pics of Scratch's cousin Nicole running another 5k (way to go Nicole!), I got a little jealous as I remembered my running days from ever so long ago. I was never very fast, mind you, or even a little bit fast come to think of it, but I did run in high school and all through college and after giving birth to both Cici and Bugman. I've run pretty much all my adult life. Except for the last few years. A very bad ankle sprain was followed by another ankle sprain (once weakened--watch out...) was followed by pregnancy was followed by...you get the idea.
But I missed running, for some odd, inexplicable reason that only other crazy runners can understand, and I was determined to get back into it. So this summer while I was visiting my family, I brought along my sweats and running shoes, had the time and the babysitters handy, and was ready to go at it. I knew the trails by my parents' home well: paved paths through shiny suburban enclaves; dirt paths by the quickly disappearing homesteads with broken fences and horses shyly peeking through matted manes. The first day was great--I was back, breathing in the fresh air and exploring my little corner of the world. Second day, I felt a little stab in my knee, but no biggie. Third day, I could barely hobble around the house after my run. I spent most of the day with my knee elevated and an icepack. Dang! There is nothing like committing to a goal and then having something out of your control derail you like that. But, at this point, I knew I wouldn't be running until I had seen a doctor.
I saw my doctor soon after I got back from vacation. I was expecting to hear it was some torn ligament or the like. I was NOT expecting the verdict that I did get....early onset arthritis. Say what?!! Arthritis? I AM in my 30's still, for heaven's sake! But no, that was the diagnosis. And so, it's low-impact cardio and swimming laps with little old ladies in funky swimcaps for me! Ah well.
You know what's weird? Half the time I run, I truly hate it. But after you're at it for awhile, you break through a wall and experience that runner's high. I will miss that. Is there such thing as a Pilate's high? Anyone? Anyone?
4 comments:
Oh, me, oh, my, first it's the early-onset arthritis, next step, Early Bird Special at IHOP! (And by the way, I think all you runners are lying about that 'runner's high' thing!)
Runner's high? Is that what they call the shin splints and rib crushing pain that I got everytime I tried running? LOL Hmmmmm...I'll stick with the lows of nice walks with my kids through the woods LOL My big "high" was Tae-bo~ the kickboxing thing. Oh man I loved doing that! I felt like NO one could mess with me! "I am woman hear me ROAR!!" LOL Now my atrophied muscles and I are squeaking like a little mouse *blush of shame* So sorry to hear about the arthritis diagnosis. What a drag! And you being such a lovely spring flower! Waaaay too young for that kind of thing. However, I have to admit to a slight giggle when imagining you with the old ladies in the funny swim caps LOL I just may be joining you too, so we'll just have to have a good laugh at ourselves and find THE most fashionable swim caps available! ("make it burn ladies! make it burnnnnn!") LOL
I don't get a Pilates high, more of a mellow, which I appreciate just the same. It's funny how itchy I get to run. I really sprained my ankle on the tennis court three weeks ago and about a week ago, I really wanted to get back out running.
Oh and love the word verification, carne? Is it mocking the fact that I can't eat this morning? ERG Ps it's the first recognizable word I have ever gotten.
I am so sad to hear of your arthritis. That is so true about getting through that brick wall to the place where you feel like you can run forever. I am excited to be able to start running and exercising period. A couple more weeks of taking it easy and then hopefully my varicose veins don't hold me back. I once read that we all have trials, that is what earthly life is about, but it is how we handle them that counts in our eternal progression. Isn't it wonderful knowing that we will have perfect bodies someday :)
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