Today was a critical day in my return to training.  I've had several false starts along the way, but I've not been able to coax myself to the gym three days in a row in a very long time.  Although my body felt tired today, I set out at lunch to the gym.  The weather was beautiful again and once I started running I felt more energetic than earlier in the morning.  

My run was a three mile loop around the park and I did a good job of reminding myself to finish the run, rather than worry about the snails pace at which I was running.  It always feels good to finish a run whilst still running.  I think it builds more confidence.

I've noticed a few things about getting back into the training mode.  First, the usual side pains didn't happen.  I think that pain was psychological rather than physical before.  I know that my body is capable of running these distances and paces and I've been able to push past the quitter in me.  It almost feels like riding a bicycle.

So far this week I've run 15.8 miles.  I plan to run again tomorrow and take Friday off.  

I headed to the gym at noon today.  This is later than I like to go, but I managed to make my way despite my stomach's grumbling noises.  Today one of the staff at the gym mentioned that she had not seen me in the gym before.  Nothing says you've been away too long more than a statement like that.  

I ran a 3 mile loop today and felt pretty good for someone that hasn't been doing anything athletic in ages.  Tonight I am a bit stiff and my legs feel tired, but I know these feelings are the price of laziness.   The weather was overcast, which made the weather feel even nicer.  I love this time of year in Florida.  

What is rock bottom?

I'm not sure if I hit rock bottom or not. My weight hasn't ballooned, my close still fit, my excuses for not running are more convincing every day. I usually know that I need to get back on the streets when I start to drink Pepsi. I started that routine almost a year and a half ago now.

My energy levels have been lower than normal lately. I feel the strain of concentrating on my many tasks in the office. It's this feeling that convinced me to start running on the weekends in February. I ran every weekend, at least one day around our new subdivision in Lutz, FL. The area is beautiful and I enjoyed getting out for a run.

Still, I continued to think of all the reasons that I should not use my lunch break to run. This weekend I was searching for a cable for a video camera and I stumbled across my garmin forerunner. After I charged it, I saw the last recorded run was May 23, 2007. I was on a business trip in Atlanta that day, and I recall it was a nice run. I felt bad that my forerunner was lost among the junk piles in my new house.

I ran Saturday and Sunday at home. I didn't wear the garmin, so I can't be sure how far the runs were. I'm guessing 3 miles. Last night I spent time looking at a new pair of sunglasses, since my pair has seen better days. I was looking at models good for running. Then I thought, why? I've not committed to run, so why should I commit to the expense of a pair of expensive sunglasses for running. In today's market, I think about every penny I spend.

While I was researching the glasses, I visited my blog. Man, the dust is thick over here. I read my old posts. I recalled the fun I had running, how good it made me feel. I also recalled the pain I suffered from my Achilles injury in the final stages of preparation for the Gasparilla Marathon.

This morning I committed to go to the gym at lunch. I didn't have to pack anything; my gym bag has been sitting at my desk for 9 months. When lunch time came around I headed to the gym, no excuses today. I felt like a stranger in the gym. Almost everything had changed. Gone was the computer to sign in with. Gone were the staff I remembered from my days as a daily runner. Gone was the parking lot outside of the gym... Yet, the lockers were still there, and some of the same gym rats were there too. The sun was shining outside.

I started outside with the intention of running 3 miles, but when I got to a fork in the road, I chose the longer path. Today's run was momentous for me. I didn't run well; didn't feel good; definitely, didn't look good; but I ran.

When I returned to my cube, I felt so good. I don't think I hit rock bottom this time, but I'm so glad that I woke up and laced up my shoes today.

Telecom Park

It's been a great week to run at Telecom Park, with temps in the 70's and quite a bit going on in the area. The park is exploding with new construction and I've been observing progress each day as I pass by. I think about how this growth will impact my drive to the office each day as well.

I feel lucky to have such a great place to run each day. The complex is complete with a jogging path with many options. Without crossing a major road, there are loops of 2 and 3 miles and if you choose to cross over to Lettuce Lake Park, your loops can range from 3 - 6 miles. So far this week, I've been running a 3 mile loop in the complex. Next week, I plan to start running a 4 mile loop into Lettuce Lake. This loop has been a normal part of my running routine for quite some time.

This week I've chosen to run without the aid of auido books/music. I enjoy listening to a book while I run, but I feel more in touch with my running when I go natural.

Back on Track

It's been quite a while, but I'm back in running mode again. I quit running because of injury, followed by fear of injury, followed by fear of getting back into shape. Funny that fear is bringing me back. See, my wedding ring, circa 1999 isn't fitting so well these days. I've had to take it off at night, because my finger is falling asleep. I have no ambitions of increasing my ring size, so back on track I go.

I really like to run anyway, and everytime I take time off, I wonder why, the minute I get back out there.

It was about 45 this morning, but a very nice 60'ish by the time I ran at noon. This week, I've been running 9 minute miles and about 3 miles each day. Feels good to be back.