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THREE. {Diary of an Unlikely Runner}

THREE

It seems rather surreal and perhaps even a bit pathetic to consider three miles a milestone after running 13 just a few months ago, but this was definitely a major feat. Not only did I run three miles, but note the time!!

For those non-runners out there, a 9:20 mile is pretty respectable, and it’s very good for me — even for where I was when I had to stop running.

I knew I was pushing it, and I knew it was probably stupid to push it, but I had taken a 5-day rest due to my foot acting up a bit and the horrendous weather we’ve been having. I was craving exercise, and when I woke up on Thursday morning to sunshine and 40 degrees, I knew I had to run.

I was planning to take it easy and do my typical run/walk deal, but I was determined to put in a good three miles or so because I need need to burn some calories, yo!

Before I went out, I updated my running playlist, and I made sure to take my inhaler (my asthma has been acting up lately). I had two cups of coffee and a piece of cornbread. In other words, it was the “perfect storm” for a good run. The air was perfect, the sky was sunny, the birds were chirping, and when I started to run I knew I wasn’t gonna be doing much walking.

It. Felt. So. GOOD. to fly.

Every run I take these days could be my last, so I figured, what the heck. I know it’s not the right attitude to take with this. I know I need to go slow and be methodical about re-entry. But y’all. I miss it!

My running playlist is quite the potpourri, as always. Have you heard Phil Phillips newest song, Raging Fire??? Yes, more please!!!

And then I have a few Christian songs that I’ve discovered on my Sirius Satellite Radio. Every step I take makes me thankful, but never more so when I have a good spiritual song playing, focusing my thoughts heavenward. I appreciate the ability to run so much more now that I’ve spent so many weeks benched and babying this foot.

At the end of my three miles, the Newsboys’ It Is You came on. I was literally running down the road with my hands in the air, praising the Lord. Anyone who drove by must have wondered what the heck I was doing. It makes me laugh just thinking about it. In fact, sometimes I do laugh out loud out of pure joy as I run down familiar roads.

My foot has been . . . dare I say . . . amazingly okay since running 3 miles yesterday. I’ve been stretching it and icing it just in case, but I am feeling hesitantly hopeful that I can keep going.

In fact. Guess what I’m doing in the morning?

I’m going to run my first 5K since my half marathon.

My friend has an extra bib for the Phillies 5K and asked me this morning if I wanted to join her. Knowing that I could, indeed, pull out 3 miles at a decent time, I decided to go for it.

I. Am. So. Excited.

I realize that just last week I skipped a race I was hoping to run because I wasn’t feeling up to it. A lot can change in a week! This is a flat course and a new one for me, so that’s always fun. I couldn’t resist saying yes, even if it’s a bit premature. I hope my foot doesn’t crap out on me for putting it through a fast three miles twice in three days. I guess I’ll find out soon enough! 

I’ve been gathering my stuff, putting my bag together, and it feels surreal. For a while there I really thought I would never race again. I have this awful feeling I’m jinxing myself to even type it out. Maybe I should wait and see how it goes, but I’m putting it out here anyway. I’ll take any prayers and good wishes you can send my way. I know that every run is a gift, and if it is my last, I’ll figure out how to deal with that when the time comes.

Now I’m off to finish packing my bag. I hope I can remember everything I need!

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10 Responses

  1. You go girl! Just hearing about it inspiring. I kind of hate running but have recently fallen in love with Zumba. I feel the same way at class!

  2. Well done for not giving up and all the very best for your 5k, can’t wait to hear how it went! You’re inspiring me me to sign up for a half marathon later this year as I’ve been rather hesitant so far, like can I do it?!…

  3. Good luck! My daughter suffers from plantar fasciitis in both feet, so I know how painful it can be. I’m sure you’re familiar with the tennis ball method to break up that tissue…painful, but that seems to bring her the most relief for the longest time. Love your blog, very inspiring. Love your outfit choices, I can use the help. 🙂

  4. I have never been a runner, but 3 (!! I didn’t think it had been that long!!!) years ago I trained and ran a 5k. My back went bonkers after that, then I was pregnant, but now that my back is not acting up nearly as much I am itching to get back to run/walking at least. My favorite running songs are “He Is with You” by Mandisa, “How Many Kings” by Downhere, “Run to You” by Third Day, “I Will Not Be Moved” by Natalie Grant, and “Let God Arise” by Chris Tomlin.

  5. Hubby & I are running our first 5K in a couple weeks — can you share what goes in your pre-race bag and what we should be prepared to take with us? It’s an overnight trip and I don’t want to forget anything important!

    Congrats on having a great run!

    1. Hey Anne! Congrats! You’ll have so much fun. This is a good post topic… I should totally do one soon. For now, I would say to make sure you have your sneakers (duh, lol) and a pair of comfortable athletic flip flops or a second pair of sneakers to change into after the race. I don’t like to wear my running shoes for long after I race. I always have to bring my inhaler. I like to have tissues, earbuds, my arm band, a headband or hat, and my Garmin. I think that’s it! A sweatshirt to put on after if it’s chilly…. compression socks or knee brace if you wear those. Does that cover it? Have a blast!

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