I’ll Just Keep Moving On…

In 2010 I ran one thousand, one hundred and eleven kilometers.  Completing two half marathons (the latter being a PR of 1:53) and my first ever marathon in Las Vegas with a finish time of 4:12. My running became an obsession as it was a place I could retreat and be thoughtless. It was an escapism that was much needed at that time.

When 2011 rolled around I had grandiose fitness goals, which have all taken the back seat. I’ve managed  to keep in shape with a combination of spinning, lots of core work and believe it or not, tons of hot yoga. But thus far in over six months I’ve ran a measly 252 kilometers.

My friend CC is running the Scotia Half Marathon this Sunday and she’s asked me to be by her side. Without hesitation I told her I would be there. There’s just one problem; I haven’t run in over a month!  On Monday I laced up and went out.  I felt physically strong and rested but my lungs felt as if someone was pressing down on them, blocking my air flow for the first 4 km. I actually had to stop and catch my breath three times. (Unheard of!) After crossing Burrard Bridge I found a happy pace and a suitable breathing rhythm. The 7 km run which I easily used to complete in under 38 minutes took me 45, but I didn’t care, I had my runner’s high back!

I managed to squeeze in two more short runs this week each feeling a bit easier than the other. My lungs are slowly recovering and seem to be getting over the ‘shock’.  I’ve got months and months of serious training ahead of me if I want to get back my peak fitness level I was merely seven months ago; but I can’t dwell on that right  now. This week I have one goal only; FINISH the half marathon on Sunday. As CC’s running partner I have absolutely no expectation of my own yet I do admit the knowledge that my last run over 9 km was back on April 2^nd is a bit concerning. But on race day, I’ll just keep moving on … mimosas are being served at the finish line.

Ill just keep moving on

PT Girl xo