Running

Warning, this is simply something that has been on my mind and is more of a look back for myself that I feel like writing about.

As a couple of you may know I am a bit of a runner (well used to be). It has been awhile since I had, what I would consider, a good, solid run. I used to be able to stack up miles like no tomorrow, 5, 10, 20 miles in one go. Now I start breathing hard after going up a flight of stairs. When I was a Freshman and Sophomore in high school I did cross country and distance track. Now, I was no varsity runner but I was a scoring runner for the Freshman then Sophomore teams (top five finisher for the team meaning, cross country wise, you bring in the points for the overall score). If I do remember correctly my 3 mile PR was 21:35 and my mile PR for track was 6:02, both achieved my sophomore year (freshman was 22:45 and 6:22 I believe). 

I was in incredible shape and super dedicated to my training. I did have two injuries from running, tendinitis in my ankle and some issues with my hip (ended up being both hips later on). My ankle healed up perfectly my freshman year but unfortunately my hip issues sophomore year still follow me today. The doctor described it as a hereditary issue that was triggered when I did the training for cross country. I  was treated on my left hip (the worse one) with ultrasounds to speed cell growth and physical therapy. The hip pains were the worst I have felt in my life and I have had some pretty bad injuries (broken leg and arm, sprained ankles, ect.). When I ran my hip felt uncomfortable, but the pain was the next day. The longer the run the worst, it got so bad that the few days after our long runs I would not be able to walk, especially because both hips were having the same issues.

I am talking about this now because I miss the thrill of running! I miss having my heart pound in my chest as I cross the finish line or get to the top of a massive hill. The yoga just ain't doing it for me and I am also a bit terrible at it. So, I am starting to ease my way back into training. I'm not afraid of my injury resurfacing because as long as I ease in and take care of myself I think I should be fine. I am starting by walking every night a few miles. I make sure I get some hills in and keep a fast pace and in a week or two I'll start jogging it and so on. And yes, I will continue the yoga *sigh* because I know it'll help stretch out my hips.

After the Huntington Beach Surf City Half Marathon I ran my Junior year (time 2:04).

Before, Women's Dirt Inspires Trail Half Marathon my senior year (time 2:43). Not my best but this race was truly the most fun race I have ever ran, beautiful trails through the national park near Santa Cruz. Also got to run it with my lovely older sister Francis.

After the race with our mom.

Now time to saddle up and actually break these puppies in, they definitely do not have nearly as much mud on them as they should! Soon I shall be running up and down the west coast instead of driving! Also a friend of mine invited me to run a half with her in December, if everything goes according to plan, those elites better watch out! 

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