I was running this morning around the North End and Charlestown before work in the rain - thinking about how good it feels to be up and out with the 'club'. What is "the club?" There is an entire society of runners out there! People I pass every day, that now give a wave - those who get out of bed, even on dreary mornings like today to indulge their healthy habit.
This morning I did want to throw the covers back over my head, and sleep for another hour, but I knew I'd miss the boat. Am I getting addicted to this healthy habit? I got out of bed, hung out with my beatuiful teenage son for a minute who was getting ready for school, and then headed out to my new running journey today. I joined the 'club' out there running. Beating the odds. It was perfect running conditions - 55 degrees, drizzle rain in the air - smelled scrumptious- just perfect.
Speaking of clubs - there is also the 'inner circle' club, the Marathon Runners, to which I have never been a part of until now. (pending I make it until April 15!!) Yes, I've run numerous 10k's and even a 1/2 Marathon, but never the Granddaddy of them ALL. As soon as a former marathon runner hears that I'm training for Boston in April, there is an instant cameraderie - a bond! Tbey smile, tell their stories, and immediately connect. The advice-giving, the 'apps' to add to my iPhone, the diets that I HAVE to try. The, "have you heard of Jeff Galloway's program?" Where to buy shoes where people really know what they are talking about - and the ups and downs of the Boston Marathon Route. These are my biggest cheerleaders - Kim, Stephanie, Lisa, Gordon (one of my wonderful Health Club Members), The beautiful Taylor Lopez of Safar Coiffures,who ran Boston for the first time last year in 90+ degree temps, those who have done it, and KNOW deep inside I can do it.
So I'm running along thinking of this today - happy that running feels better and better each day, happy I got out of bed, and am becoming stronger and stronger......this running feels GOOD.....when all of a sudden...... I feel pain in my left knee! WHAT ?!!! And it persists. So I walk a minute, and then go back to running around the Charlestown Harbor (hello Constitution!). Still there. Ugh. I fight it and keep running KNOWING the task ahead of me won't put up with any knee pain. Then the 'exercise physiologist' in me kicks in, and I walk the rest of the way today. Until "Sweet Child of Mine" came on my iPod, and I just HAD to run back over the C-Town bridge! But I digress......
Now what do I do? I have to stick to my program, back up a little. Yeah, I started out a little strong, so it's back to the Jeff Galloway program for me. And I need to also build up my quadriceps and incorporate yoga at my favorite gym (Equinox) to stay strong and flexible. But I'm realizing I'm no longer 30..... Right now as I type this after work, I have a bag of frozen peas (thanks for the tip, Joyce Stephens and Lynn Bova!) on my swollen knee. How did this happen? I've never had knee trouble! I'm also deciding, the extra weight I'm carrying around has to come off. Otherwise, I'm in for six months of aching joints, followed by a painful marathon. I'm scared! I really want to do this!! I NEED to do this.....
If any of my fellow club members have any advice, I'm listening :). I will go out tomorrow morning too and test it, and hopefully it will feel better.