Image from way back in the day when I would scrapbook.
In 2001, I ran the St. George Marathon. And again in 2005.
Two years ago, I decided to train for my last marathon. After my first long run (seventeen miles), Brad and I went to see The Dark Knight. Halfway through the movie, I needed a potty break, so I got up to leave, and as I was hobbling to the bathroom, I knew something was wrong--something more than just the stiffness and soreness that accompanies a run of that distance. I had torn tissue in my hip joint. And I've been sidelined (or pregnant) ever since.
I've tried running a few times since having Eve in October. But that socket still hasn't recovered. I'm afraid I may need surgery to fully fix it, and I'm not willing to do that yet. I refuse to be that old.
How I've missed running. There's something about being out on the canal, early in the morning, watching the sun rise. There's no substitute. But there's also no option available--running or pain?
Yesterday I decided to try something different, so I hopped on Brad's bike and headed for my canal.
It wasn't the same--everything moving more quickly, no friends to discuss world issues and child conundrums.
And it was the same--the same landmarks. The same rocky places and smooth places. The same sunny patches and shady patches. Ducks swimming along in pairs. I even raced a small rabbit--he gave up when he discovered my newfound speed.
I'll need a new set of wheels and definitely some of those extra-padded biker shorts. I'm ready to return. Maybe not to running, but back to exercising. Back to thinking time.
Back to my canal.
I think it's missed me, too.
Seeing people out running truly brings me to tears. With my health no longer what it was, I am no longer able to run anymore. I love running, I ache to run. Oh how I miss running. Hopefully, biking will fill that void for you.
ReplyDeleteWay to go! And I'm sure your canal has missed you too.
ReplyDeleteThat'll be awesome for you! I never have braved the canals... or running for that matter (since h.s. track where I high-jumped). Enjoy the time alone with yourself :)
ReplyDeleteI do love the canals. Though i will say, Gilberts are FAR better. So glad you're back in the game, in whatever capacity it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a runner but wish I was. I used to be so in shape before Griffy! Yoga...pilates..bodypump..tennis. I was at the gym every day. Now it's me and Jillian Micheals on the DVD while the baby watches and laughs! Go get yourself a nice bike and get back out there. It definetly clears the mind doesn't it? Can you put little Eve on the back?
ReplyDeleteJen! Great for you! Sorry about your injury. I am a runner...but no more than 5K at this point. I think biking is a great way for you to get back out there...and I remember when my youngest loved to ride on the back of the bike.
ReplyDeleteI also must know...Do you ever feel bad about not scrapbooking anymore? I used to keep a book for each child..and for each year. I don't anymore.
Have a great day!
I love riding my bike, especially early in the morning. I don't ride along the canals though, I've never explored further than right by our neighborhood. How far did you go? How are they-I'm afraid of flat tires if I go too far away!
ReplyDeleteI love running on the canals. Unfortunately, I have never been an early riser and those are the best times out on the canal. Especially during the summer.
ReplyDeleteBummer about your hip. At least you got two marathons under your belt. That's saying something!!
Why were you carrying a shirt?
ReplyDeleteYou could always try the yoga class I teach at the church three times a week. Most runners scoff at yoga but I have two injured runner friends who have given in to the goodness of yoga. Just ask Brittany. ;)
ReplyDeleteya know, i can relate.
ReplyDeletewhen my husband was deployed i walked. a lot. there was a particular route i loved that took me through our entire rural town-ish area (if you can call it that. there's a mosquito control district, schools, a grange hall, 2 gas stations on the highway, and 1 tavern)...across the highway, under the bridge on the highway. really all over. it would take half my morning, and i LOVED it! that had to stop when we moved to rexburg. i'd walk there too, but it wasn't the same. there were too many people, and i missed my old sites/landmarks/routine. since moving back i haven't gotten back to it. well and where we live is so far away from where i was too, i couldn't walk there if i wanted. so, yeah, i gotta find a new outlet. perhaps a new bike is in order here as well...i'm just across the train tracks for the columbia river, perhaps i need to embrace granola-ism and get a kayak? hmmm...anyhow, glad you got back out there. glad to hear you outdid the bunny. =) have a great wednesday.
Remember when you used to ride bikes with your Dad?
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! I would be crushed if I couldn't run...I can only imagine how you feel. When you're healed ('cause it will happen miraculously) and you decide to run another marathon let me know. I'm always looking for one to do out of state. The ones here in KC aren't that exciting anymore.
ReplyDeleteHave fun shopping for new gear!
I love the canals. Have you ever tried running with the walking poles? I've heard they do a great job reducing the wear on hips and knees. I walk with them. I have fibro fairly bad and they really, really help a lot!
ReplyDeleteI love the canals. Have you ever tried running with the walking poles? I've heard they do a great job reducing the wear on hips and knees. I walk with them. I have fibro fairly bad and they really, really help a lot!
ReplyDeleteI used to dream about running. I can no longer do it (but I wonder if I could if I really really had to - like to dodge a car or something) I've had to learn to do other things, and I've discovered swimming and long walks, and yoga. I still occasionally have dreams about running. I agree with the yoga enthusiast - it does something for me I don't get anywhere else. There's stretching, strength training, AND meditation. I love it. Give it a try between bike rides. It may do your hip some good.
ReplyDeletei miss the canals! i never knew how much i appreciated the dirt paths until i moved to utah and was forced to run on the sidewalk! also, people on the sidewalk aren't nearly as friendly as mesa canal people. everyone is always saying "hello" on the canal but such is not the case on the sidewalks of happy valley. enjoy the canal for me :)
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing- I'm not a runner in any way shape or form. Truly it would take something as horrible as a man with a knife or a gun (and I'd also have to be positive I couldn't take him) before I'd run. Now swimming- there is good think time love it!
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