I imagine that anyone just glancing at this blog, it could appear that I’ve fallen off the running wagon, this being my first post since June and all.
Thankfully, I can say I’ve had many runs in the interim, although I have been unforgivably lazy about blogging and did have a major interruption to my running life.
Shortly after I began doing track workouts (see last post) I began noticing some pain in my lower abdominal area. I had hoped it would go away on its own. We runners are used to the fact that aches and pains will always be a part of our lives, but, with a little rest, stretching, foam rolling or roller-sticking or, in some cases, physical therapy, it can usually be dealt with.
At first, that tried-and-true method seemed to be working, but, long story short, when I finally broke down and had a doctor check it out, it turned out I had a bilateral hernia that would require surgery and rob me of a month and a half of running and even more speedwork.
But, perhaps my biggest running accomplishment of 2009 — even bigger than the marathon — is that I am back. One of my biggest fears as a runner has always been that, if I ever stopped running, even for just a little bit, I’d never start again. Back in high school, I’d end every cross-country and track season with a promise to myself that I’d continue running in the off-season. Every off-season, I’d stop running altogether. From high school to my mid-twenties, I think I ran a total of about 8 miles. (Those times I was gutsy enough to try give running another try, promising each time I’d stick with it.)
Now, running has been a part of my fitness regimen for about 12 years, and I’ve never allowed myself more than a few days off from at least some form of cardio, always worried that if I took a break, that would be the end. 2009 was my most intense year of running ever, likely leading to the aforementioned hernia. But still, that fear lingered that if I stopped running, I’d become that guy I was in my 20s whose only exercise was going to the fridge for another beer.
Yet, here I am. I took the four weeks of the doctor recommended, and laid off the speedwork for six weeks thereafter. I’ve added 10 pounds, which I am working on shedding again, and I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me to get back to where I was before the surgery, but, with 95+ miles each in November and December, I can safely claim that I am still a runner.
Today’s run: Spyglass Hill
A 12-mile loop, up 373 feet over the first three miles and mostly flat or descending thereafter. Beautiful views of Carona del Mar and Newport Bay along the way. Ran with my running club, averaging a little faster than I should have at 8:28 per mile.
BY THE MILES
Today: 12.08
This week: 12.08
This month: 12.08
This year: 12.08
