Enough people have asked me about my knee that I realize it's time that I updated this blog about my running situation. Since last October when I went to the physical therapist I've been very lucky. I followed the advice of my therapist and was pretty good about doing the painful deep tissue massage 3 times a day for the first couple of weeks. As soon as I was able to run again I got out there but kept the mileage low at first, running just 2 or 3 miles 3 times a week for a few weeks. Having my Dad visiting was a great help because he came out running with me. It was really nice to be able to bring him running along some of the trails that I use regularly in the Bay Area.
So when the season came around again I decided to sign up for another race. Napa Marathon was calling my name and I decided to give it a go. Having run one marathon I know that I can do it now, as long as I keep to the training schedule. The holidays brought a lot of challenges in keeping to my training schedule though. I went home to Ireland where the unexpected, unusual snow clung to the ground and the sub-freezing temperatures kept me inside. I tried to stick to the treadmill but even running just 5 miles on a treadmill is really tough. I fought so hard for each and every one of those miles and was thoroughly exhausted at the end. Not a good sign for my progression. When I arrived back in the bay area in the New Year suddenly a March marathon seemed a big stretch.
Luckily my first long run when I got back, last week, was 12 miles and it felt sooo good. The cool weather and jet-lag-aided early morning held perfect conditions for me and I swear I skipped at least 2 of the 12. So now the next few weeks are big ones for me. I have some challenging long runs coming up but I'm ready for them. I know I can do this. I have before. I just need to keep going when it gets tough and make sure to stretch and foam roll diligently.
I am raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for this marathon again. If you'd like to donate you can find my fundraising page here. I truly believe that this society knows how to invest its money effectively and funds research that will lead to better treatments and better lives for blood cancer sufferers.
Looking forward in 2011, Daddy and I have made a commitment to each other to run the Dublin Marathon together in October. It still feels like a long way away and with quite a few planned vacations before then I hope that we can fit in the necessary training. As a way to keep the motivation up I'm also planning on running a half in San Diego in June with my oldest friend from home. Also, I just found out today that this blog has also inspired another good friend of mine to sign up for her first half-marathon. I love that somehow I have made all of this seem possible enough that people who wouldn't think of themselves as runners are putting on their running shoes and taking to the streets. You should too. Really, if I can, anyone can.
