sometimes it's not distance or speed, it's just doing it. (long and rambling, sorry)

So, I've been a runner for over a year now.  Got a few races under my belt.  After my last half, the burnout started.  I know some of you have experienced that motivation decline once your "big event" of the season is complete.  I had other races planned afterwards, but really didn't exercise much during the week, just a few weekend races here and there.  And then there was all the snow, and I hate the treadmill.  You know the drill.  I haven't been shy about my lack of activity.

 I got back into the swing of things mid-February.  Treadmill, elliptical, building back my cardio, thrilled to discover that my legs still have some distance in them.  Then my grandmother died.  I missed the call that she was fading fast that day because I was at the gym doing intervals (and I'm ok with that).  I didn't run again that week.... but i was back running the next week, finally able to run outside, and was finally getting some of that cardio back.

Then Thursday I found myself in horrendous pain.  It started out as discomfort, and it progressed all day.  I left work at lunch, went home, took GasExx, drank peppermint tea, put a heating pad on my belly, but finally called my surgeon to ask what to do.  After explaining my situation, they advised me to go to the ER.  I was Xrayed, CT scanned and given morphine (not in that order).  They finally admitted me telling me that they could see gas and stool in my intestines.  I passed gas finally and the pain resolved, but due to fear of a partial blockage or hernia, they wanted to observe me for a day.  I left the hospital Friday at 5pm.  I took it easy on Saturday, but frankly, felt fine.

According to my training plan, I was due to run 5 miles this past Sunday.  I've yet to run more than 2 without needing to give my lungs a walking break, but I wanted to fit in as much  mileage as I could, even if I had to walk it. 

I decided to break up the mileage and run to a cafe where my boyfriend would meet me and have lunch, and then after waiting for digestion, I'd run home again.  Total mileage: 4.5

I ran all but 1 minute of this 2-part run, and it felt as good to complete it as did my last race.  It was raining, it was gray outside and I'm struggling to get my stamina back, but I KNOW I can do this.  I WANT to do this.  It's ok to take things slow and be SMART about pushing myself without hurting myself.  I felt like a rockstar. 

I'm COMING back people!!  :)

Thanks especially to Nate and Paul who gave me some encouragement today...and Bill who is always encouraging me on Facebook...and newbies *****mind that we are all filled with potential!!!!

Great job Sue! Wow, with everything you've been through, and you're still going. What an inspiration you are!

Good luck to you!
Jan

You are on the right track, you're healthy and ready, and I know you'll kick ass just like you always do!

Also, thanks for pointing out the grim reality of snow, we could be looking at a potential move to the Northeast and if it happens, I know I need to prepare myself.

she's baaaack!  awesome.  i was worried about you when i saw all the hospital talk on FB.  mixing it up is the right way to bring it back, brilliant move on splitting up your run to get your head back in the game.  also, and i know you don't want to hear this, unless you are hardcore like cassie who seems to be able to run in any subarctic condition, you may have to make nice with mr. treadmill.... just sayin :)

Glad to see you back Sue!

She is back! and with attitude!  The inning attitude.

So nice to see you back.

Great to see you feeling strong and positive. The winter is hard and I hear you completely on the treadmill. Congrats on getting yourself back and setting goals!