Learning Experience

So, I ran Sunday. I ran for almost 2 hours at a slow pace. Will had the GPS and ran 11. I have no idea how far I ran, and I did walk a few times because of pain. Not the pain in my heel, that warmed up and felt pretty good. But, the outside of my other knee! So, either my form is messed up due to the injury and I was overcompensating with that side or my muscles just aren't used to the new running form I'm trying to use- abs in, feet facing straight ahead, chin tucked, etc. Which wasn't as hard as I thought actually! And, I noticed that while I ran on trails I just naturally did most of it.

I am *really* done training for this marathon though. Sunday night and Monday I couldn't put any weight on my sore foot. I'm going to end up needing surgery or something if I keep running. Sunday's run really was so beautiful, perfect cool temperature, fall leaves, Will saying hi and encouraging me when he passed me. It was a good way to end my current running dream.

I like to learn from all my experiences. I've learned that it really is important to start gradually and listen to your body- you may feel tough jumping in and doing way too much, but it will catch up to you. Looking back at my exercise journal I had roller coaster training where I'd run 9-10 miles total, then 15, then 8, 14 etc. Until I got on a training schedule and then I jumped up to 20-25 every week- which was too much given what I had been doing, but at least it was a nice gradual increase from then out. So, next time I do this, I am all about the boring schedule, someone telling me what to do, and less about just running as far as feels good on any given day. I will especially take it nice and slow with the vibrams.

Another thing I've thought a lot about is that while I was running I did eat better in some ways, but I also felt that "if the oven is hot enough anything will burn". I would eat things that weren't very good for me because I figured I had more leeway and wouldn't gain weight. Now, I think that while I was demanding so much of my body I should have been taking extra good care of it.

After not being able to run, I realize I was taking it for granted and that it had become more of a "have to" rather than I "want to". I hope when I can run again, I can focus on how strong my muscles feel after running, how free and peaceful I feel while running (once I get in the zone), and how happy I feel on days I get to run.

I know so much more about running form now, that I'm excited to start over and use my knowledge to hopefully prevent any injuries in the future. When I ran with a better form Sunday I really felt great aerobically- I was running slower I think but usually I breathe hard most the time I run, but breathing felt really EASY! I'm going to work on strengthening my core, weight training, and bike to keep my aerobic level up. When my feet feel totally normal, I'll start training again but nice, slow, and gradual increases.