Mission Summer Virtual Run: Complete!

March 2012 marked a change in my life. I felt mentally and physically prepared to re-enter the running world post injury! It had been roughly 3 years since I had last ran, due to a stress fracture in my right hip. And for all that are wondering how that happened; I was running down a steep decline in the country, landed my foot wrong, and SEARING pain had shot up through my body! That was it. I knew I had done some major damage. Believe it, or not...I ran the rest of the way home. I feared stopping.  I knew that if I did,  I would collapse. (I really didn't feel like becoming a cougar's lunch, that day!)
After this happened, I had abdominal surgery for my endometriosis ( it was approx. my 11th abdominal surgery over the years), and I also moved from a large house to a small apartment, jobless in Canada. Waiting to heal from both my running injury, and surgery was AGONY! Patience is key.


But, I made it. My hip still bothers me from time to time, and I am due for another surgery, shortly. But, I am running better than I ever have! I can feel my muscles gaining some strength back, and I am beginning to love my body, again for the first time.


There are a few things I have done differently, this time around.  I have created my Facebook page for support, motivation, inspiration, advice, and to hold me accountable. And in return, I hope to motivate others to run and eat healthy. I also read everything about running! I watch my shadow as I am running to perfect my form. I pay even closer attention to how my feet land. I do core strengthening, and free weights every other day.  I eat as clean as I possibly can on a jobless budget (still looking for work, by the way.  Any offers? Anyone? lol). And last but, not least: I found a love for online Virtual Runs! They are free, and fun, and they give me a sense of purpose and accomplishment! Highly motivating, and some even offer fantastic prizes. With that being said...


Last night, I ran the Summer Virtual Run 5K/10K. (There is still time to enter! Click on the link to do so, and join a really awesome running community!).
My first attempt at the Summer Virtual 5K was Monday night. FYI: Environment Canada has issued a Humidity warning. (REALLY motivating, right? lol) This week will be the hottest week, so far with temperatures hitting as high as 41 degrees Celsius!!!  Ontario literally feels like a scorching, wet oven! Le yuck! So out I went, feeling tough and motivated with a "Can-Do" attitude lol. The night was cloudless. The stars were amazing. 


Ya... I made it one mile. I just could not regulate my breathing, the air was so incredibly thick! So, taking care and caution, I headed home feeling a little defeated by mother nature. Tomorrow is another day, I thought to myself. 

Come Tuesday, I drank water ALL DAY, as if it was the last day on Earth to ever enjoy water lol.  I thought positive thoughts as much as I possibly could, in between cursing the heat..
(I try to remember that our troops are fighting in far worse heat, than we are. So, I really should not be complaining, it could be far worse).

10 pm hit. The sun was down, the street lights were shining bright.

Another cloudless sky. Amazing stars. My Mp3 player was sitting on the coffee table, tempting me.  And then the craving to run became me. I laced up, stretched, and began to pound the pavement. My shadow ran beside me, keeping me in good form. My calf muscles felt relaxed and loose. My breathing was steady. I made sure to breath deeply from my belly and up into my chest. Slowly.  There was a perfect cool, summer breeze.  It wasn't pushing against me, but gently urged me on, don't give up ! 


I made it! And although I am not the fastest runner out there, it felt good. I felt great! 
Here is a pic of my happy self post run-shiny face and all! (I had to take it myself lol), and I could not print off the bib. But, I suppose it is better than nothing, right? ;)

3.18mi

Distance

00:34:09

Duration

10:44

Avg Pace

316

kCal

I feel very dorky Ha Ha!

My time was actually 00:34:09 lol Oops. Oh well hehe

There you have it, folks! I hope this has motivated you, thanks so much reading. Please don't be shy to leave me a comment. I love to read them :)

- The Restless Runner