I tied my 5K PR of 31:31 at the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure in Charlotte, NC on October 1, 2011
It has been nearly three months since my last update and it should be no surprise that such a lapse on my running blog coincided almost perfectly with a lapse in my running. An overzealous June and July, after working my way back into running for the first time in years in the earlier part of the year, led to some sensitive knees courtesy of overtraining – biting off too much, too soon, with too little rest and recovery time before runs for unfit legs attached to an obese middle-aged body. Since that time there has been some sporadic jogs, swims, and workouts, but, that’s it. Fortunately, however, with a more conservative approach over the past three months my confidence is building that I’ll be able to meet the goal that I established over the summer of running the Winter Flight 8K in Salisbury, NC on February 1, 2012.
My more conservative approach has consisted of less consecutive workout days (and subsequently more time for my legs to recover between runs), replacing 1-2 runs a week with elliptical machine work and, in the least two weeks, resuming a 1-2 swim-per-week routine into the schedule. All that being said, though, my expectations are also conservative: I’m hoping to make it through the holiday season staying right around 230 pounds. I did get down to 224.8 toward the end of the summer, but, my discipline with eating, like the downturn in my running mileage, has contributed to a lack of progress in the weight-loss department. So, now I’m trying to blend realistic expectations, consistent workouts, and increased discipline in order to survive the holiday season and open the new year happy to still be 25 pounds lighter than I was the same time last year. If I can do it while continuing to steadily build my mileage, I should be able to pick the weight loss trend from where I left off at summer’s end and, hopefully, continue working toward a sub-200 pound weight before next year’s holiday season.
As for this very moment, though, I want to pause, amidst good food and family, and be thankful for running. It has served as a productive vent and life-enriching addition to my life in the midst of a very difficult year tinged with the reality of my father’s failing health due to a terminal brain tumor. In addition to the therapy that running has provided, it has also introduced, restored, strengthened, and deepened friendships with many other runners. Running, as slow as I am (I consistently finish toward the back of the pack in 5K’s that I enter), has turned out to be one of my greatest strengths. As my dad’s journey continues to unfold, I will continue to look toward the pavement, the trails, and my fairly worn Brooks running shoes. Thank God for running.
Drop It 26.2 