Several months ago I was caught completely off guard by something I never thought possible. I started to love running. I know! I don't even like to say it out loud because I fear it makes me "one of them". (If you don't know what I mean, you are probably the President of that club.) It got worse, and I actually started waking up every morning thinking, "I can't wait to put on my running shoes," instead of, "I wonder if Reese's peanut butter cups would be good cubed and thrown in waffle batter with homemade caramel syrup?" (It SO would.) It was a refreshing new path.
Then something happened. In the middle of a run one beautiful, fall morning I felt something betray me in my lower leg; it popped, I froze, and I had to limp the rest of the way home. I had to stop running after that, and since then I've sort of been ignoring it for months because I was certain that a trip to the doctor was going to result in an MRI, which appropriately translated means "one thousand dollars that I would rather spend on pedicures for life." It's funny though, what happens when something is taken away from you. Just like trans fats, real light bulbs, or "Land Of The Lost" when you lose something without your consent you want it that much more, and that's what happened with running. My body has been missing it, craving it even, (CRAVING it! I'm like your Aunt Ruth who just woke up and announced she's going to start waxing her mustache and wear dresses from now on.), so I finally relented and sought out a specialist. He sent me out the door with the name of a physical therapist and guess what? NO MRI. We can afford those two weeks of college for Samantha after all! I've been going for about a month now and as it turns out, there IS a payoff for enduring repeated deep tissue massage followed by having to peel oneself off the ceiling. Just last week, he released me to do a little running.
In the meantime, Cory bought me an armband for my iPhone as a birthday gift so I could listen to my tunes while running outside. I haven't even been able to use it yet, but since it was SIXTY THREE DEGREES in Denver yesterday I took it on its maiden voyage around my neighborhood. My review on getting back to running is positive - it felt like I was giving my soul what it wanted. Then again, that could have been the seductive haze of 63 degrees talking. Still. I didn't run far, but I felt free again. My review on the armband however, is mixed. Yes, it was nice to not have to hold my phone as I ran, but I hadn't accounted for the chafing. Or the hickey that developed on my underarm from the suction created as I attached it. I was like, "Hellloooo? FIRST DATE here iPhone armband, and I'm not about to give YOU more action than everybody else who took me out for the first time." Loosening it proved ineffective, and tightening it even more was worse than being dry needled at physical therapy. So, arm in arm we continued around the bend until I was past feeling. We'll work through it. In the meantime, I'm free. Today's forecast: High of 72.
BRING IT.
7 comments:
Way to go on the running! You are turning into one of "them". I know exactly what kind of people you are talking about. :-)
I know it's spending more money, and more effort loading music, but I would consider an ipod shuffle. The are little, light, and clip right onto your clothes so you can't even tell they are there. I think they even dropped in price a few years back and are around $40 now instead of the $70 they once were when I bought mine. Plus they don't give you hickies. Just sayin'.
Everything you write makes me so happy.
I've been one of "them" for about 15 years. 7th grade track is where I fell in love with running. I haven't been able to go running for the last 3 months 'cause of an injury. The weather's flirting with spring up here, too, and it is making me antsy for when I can throw on my running shoes and answer their catcalls.
And high-five for officially unofficially, joining the group.
Holy crap, you have betrayed me. And yet, I find myself surprisingly piqued. And may I just say that you should have way more followers than 129. Even though the following game is really a blog spin, especially if we are to believe the skinny chick who takes pictures of herself over and over and over again in mismatched clothing
and red lipstick is good enough to have over TEN FREAKIN' THOUSAND. But if the actual gauge for worthy was based on talent and hilarity, YOU my friend, would rule the roost. (PS~only one week of college)
I can only respect and admire those in that running club. I'd LIKE to enjoy running, really I would... but anything beyond a quick walk and I wet my pants. Yes, it's a real pain when I break into a trot and have to stop and cross my knees.
I know, I know, kegels. Night and day.
Welcome my friend, welcome. Too bad you decided to join AFTER we both moved. 2 thumbs up on the shuffle.
Listen. Do yourself a favor.
Go to: jog.fm
Use your new BPM info at rockmyrun.com (for free!) and then come back and thank me. :D
You're welcome.
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