Normally “I went for a run” would not justify its own blog post. When I’m in my normal routine, It’s something I do at least three time a week. But since I had surgery in late March, my life and especially my workout routine has been anything but “normal.”
In the past month, I have been able to run on the treadmill up to a half mile at a time, but had not taken my Mizuno’s out on the road yet. The doctor gave me the all clear to run several weeks ago, but with our trip to Italy on the books, I decided to wait until after vacation to get back into any running routine.
I wake up Saturday morning excited and anxious about my run! It sort of feels like a race morning getting ready and making sure I have all my gear with me. When I turn on my GPS watch, it is still flashing my last glorious 8 mile run from LAST FEBUARY! I can’t believe I haven’t been able to run outside since then.
My hubby (who normally isn’t a runner) decides to go with me to make sure I am ok and don’t have any problems. He thinks running 1 mile is a good idea and I think running 3 miles is perfect. We compromise and decide to run 2 miles. We agree that if I am struggling too much we will walk.
We set off at a brisk pace and my legs and lungs feel rested and healthy. Around a half mile I can tell I have lost a lot of muscles in my legs, but I am thrilled to start the process to get them back. I know, I’m a nut 
.
We keep a solid pace for the first mile and when my watch beeps to indicate we have gone a full mile I feel a huge sense of relief. I even start tearing up. I feel like running has been taken away from me because I was sick for such a long time. Getting my “running legs” back makes it seem like I can finally put this mess behind me. Being able to run makes me feel healthy again.
We slow down a bit during the second mile and it gets harder, but we still keep a respectable 10:30 pace. Considering all that happened with my health, I actually expect to run much slower. I don’t care though, I would have been happy with any time! 2 miles turns out to be a perfect starting distance and I never feel like I need to stop. It’s challenging but not exhausting.
Post-Run Pic!
It’s just good to be back. I’m not going to push myself to reach any certain distance or time goals in the immediate future. I’ll listen to my body and will hopefully know when it’s time to make some goals again. I still have my heart set on breaking a hour in the 10K this year
But for now, I’m running for the pure joy of it.
Related Article: Getting Back into Running After An Injury or Illness
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QUESTIONS:
How has your first run back after an injury or illness gone?
Any tips on my running comeback?
Did you do something outside this weekend to enjoy the summer weather?
Bethany says
Glad to hear you're back at what you love! Just take it easy and enjoy every step. Slow and steady wins the race right?!
Diane Oslund says
You Go Girl!!!
Joyce says
Hi Julie, Thank you for responding.I haven't thought about using my rescue inhaler before doing outside things.I will certainly give it a try. I love to walk,so i will try to go very early in the morning and see if that helps too.I do the nasal wash just about every day.That does help me.I am able to breathe better after the operation..Thank you for this information and good luck to you too..Glad you are doing better...
Timothy Thew says
Hey Julie!
Congratulations! Welcome back to running! I know how hard it has been to be stuck on the sidelines. No plans or expectation at this point sounds like a great idea. Let me know if you need anything,
Tim
Jaime says
I had a c-section almost two years ago. I wasn't allowed to take walks for two weeks, much less run. I was released to run after 6 weeks and it was definitely slow-going the first few weeks/months. I was so excited to get back into it, though. (I did try to jog for several months while pregnant, but then I just had a hard time breathing.)
Take your time, listen to your body and enjoy it. You'll get back to running form soon enough!
As for enjoying summer? We played in the yard - complete with sandbox, slide and kiddie pool!! 🙂
Dan Steadman says
Depending on the injury/illness...after the IT band injury, a little tentative, waiting for it to go again...broken toe, still ran on it (I mean was training for a half) but a TON of pain...
Tips...take it slow, and don't push too much too much and too hard (this is the hardest), remember don't increase more that 10% a week...cross train to build muscle and rest, rest, rest.
This weekend, run, get some outdoor work done, went to the Spartanburg Community band concert with my dad, mom, and middle son.
JulieWunder says
oh... running on a broken toe- you are tough!
Thanks for the tips-- great advice-- it's so easy to just want to pick up where I left off...
Sounds like you had a great weekend
Kim @ Cooking in the City says
Congrats Julie! That is such a big step and so exciting! My first run was 1 mile, and then I worked up to 2 and now am at 3. I've been feeling pretty good and think I'm almost ready for a 4 miler. Woo! The first few runs were way more challenging than I had expected, but everything has been coming back pretty steadily. Good luck!
JulieWunder says
So glad you a feeling better! 4 miler- woop! Sounds great.
Joyce says
Hi Julie, I have asthma and allergies also..I had the sinus surgery the day before you did. I got out and trimmed some bushes on saturday and had to use my rescue inhaler afterwards..Does it bother your asthma or allergies to run outside? Maybe i need to be on more medicines or something..Also i am 61 yrs old, ALOT older than you are,maybe that has something to do with it. Joyce..
JulieWunder says
Hi Joyce--
Yeah-- I have all sorts of lingering allergy and asthma problems. My husband jokes that it might be best if I live in a bubble-- but what fun is that!!
I decided to run outside in the morning for the first time so the air would be a little better.
My doctor has told me to use my rescue inhaler before activity that could cause me problems... like running. That seems to help me. It might be worth it to ask for doctor about doing that as well... I'd definitely check with the doc though.
I also do a nasal wash after I spend time outside to get the pollen out...
I feel your pain-- I don't think people who don't have bad allergies and asthma understand how hard it can make it to do thing.
Good luck...