The Runs...

5 Miles
11:19 Pace - taking it easy just in case
5:30 PM
Run/Ride w/ JB

It has been 11 days since my last run. It has been tough not lacing up and hitting the pavement... but I am so thankful for every one's encouragement and advice.

I had pretty much been pain free from Friday to Monday. Unfortunately, I did not do regular stretches, apply the magic juice...basically, I did nothing to help matters. My body wasn't giving me the signs to do so.

Monday AM, JB and I headed out the door and I cannot even explain how good it felt for my feet to be gliding across the pavement...natural, where I should have been for the past week. About 3 blocks in, my knee said 'I don't think so....' Tears welled up as I turned around and headed back. JB was supportive and turned around with me (even though he was on his new Trek Livestrong bike). I think he was ready to test it out and ride like the wind (which he got to do later that night by the way... Got up to 22 mph)

Today was the first day that I had started to doubt whether I could run in Austin or not. Not so much because of the IT Band, but because of my time off. Would my body be able to remember where we were and what it was capable of? Would it let me down as I felt that I was letting it down?

The amount of encouragement that I received on Monday was unbelievable. Text messages, FB Posts, FB messages, a phone call... To each of you that have given advice, support and encouragement...THANK YOU!!!!

One of my running friends sent a FB message and reminded me of a marathon he had trained for.... During his training time, he NEVER hit runs that were in the double digits. Race day arrived and he ran and finished the race.

I have to remember, what I want for my first marathon...I want to get to Austin, with my amazing husband, great friends, see my brother, catch up with family I have not seen in 20+ years, catch up with my childhood friend, that I have not seen in 20+ years, run the marathon with one of my best friends and finish together... I am not going to Austin to try and qualify for Boston, NYC or the Olympics (although I would LOVE to run NYC before my last day on earth, but that is for another day)... and then CELEBRATE. This marathon is about family, friends, fun and a sense of accomplishment...

I went to the therapist again on Tuesday and WOW did she work on it. It was a little more painful than the first time, but SO worth it. If you have not ever tried trigger point massage or don't believe in it... you're missing out. I would rather do this than have some type of foreign substance injected into my body.

Stretches, oh did she do some stretches that hurt, but I could feel the relief of the IT Band...as if it was saying 'Ahhhh, finally'.

She had some natural ointment that she had rubbed on it as the massage was coming to an end. It is a natural version of Icy Hot, Blue Goo, etc. At this point, I am willing to try ANYTHING and EVERYTHING. I am supposed to apply it prior to my runs.

So, my point of rambling.... Listen to your body and still pay attention when your body isn't saying anything. Stretch, massage, rest, ice, elevate, MAGIC JUICE (Thank you Washam, I have shared this with so many people)

I am not going to go on and on today... but I did lace up yesterday and headed out the door with JB. Here is how it went down..

• Magic Juice applied and wrapped last night


• Stretched throughout the day


• Natural Ointment applied prior to running clothes - I do believe in this, it worked


• JB helped stretch my IT Band


• Bundled up like we were in Alaska (a little difficult getting out in the cold after so much time off)


• Knuckle lights on hands and flashing light on my ear warmers (it's dark you know)


• OLD RUNNING SHOES ON MY FEET - I am not a believer in the new shoes and think I am headed in the direction of a minimalist shoe


• Feet hitting the pavement


• 3 blocks in, feeling good


• Body warming up and feeling great


• Lungs are not ticked off at me


• 5 mile run...finished and I could have kept going

As I close the post for today... The Austin Marathon is 1 month from today and I cannot even wait... I feel like I am wishing my already flying by life away to get to this day, but I just can't help it... The runs are my therapy and time to reflect on what a great life I have. I may not have millions of dollars, exotic cars a mansion on the hill... but I have the best husband on earth, two boys that think I am crazy, a family that loves me, some of the best friends a girl could ask for and new found running friends...

So... put your shoes on, lace up and hit the pavement... It's good for the soul.