When I can Run Again...

Here's the deal. I had my post-op appointment with my Ortho and  he said I do not need to wait until my knee is 100% to start running again. He said once I could do low impact cardio that mimics running for a "good" amount of time without pain, I'd be ready to ease back into running. "Ease back in" meaning, 5 minutes, then 7 minutes, then 9 minutes, etc.

Well, I had worked myself up to 45 minutes on the arc trainer with no pain. I then took two days off of everything lower body. Friday morning, I went to the gym and did 45 minutes on the arc trainer. (This is what I had worked myself up to.) But this time, my knee hurt the whole rest of the day. It felt weak and it ached- the way it ached BEFORE my surgery. This is the first time it has hurt in the same way it hurt before I had my surgery and I am really sad. I guess I overdid it?

My doctor had assured me at my appointment that cardio would not slow my progress. Even if I overdid it and my knee ended up hurting, it would not "erase" the work he did on my knee. So that is good. I know I didn't mess anything up. I am just mad. I thought taking two days off would make my knee even stronger- not make it hurt for the WHOLE REST OF THE DAY.

I am not ready to run yet. A few days ago, I thought I was. Right now, I don't feel like I am. I'm going to wait another week and reassess. But I'm also not getting my hopes up. In fact, I am wondering how little training I can get away with and still run Boston. What if I can't run for another month?? That leaves me...6 weeks to train. FREAKING A!!!!

What does a runner do when she can't run? Dream about running. I've had lots of night dreams about running lately. I've also been daydreaming about running, and thinking about what I'm going to do when I can run again...

I add salt to everything. NO MORE. This is Step 1 in reducing the amount of salt I consume.

I'm NEVER going to stop talking about my runs!! (My runs. Tee-hee.) 

Brace yourself. Every post is going to start out, "So I went for a run today...". 

Well, not every post. I don't run every day. But I will still talk about running a shit ton!

I know, I already gave up fake sugary drinks. Confession: After my surgery, 

when I found myself a wee bit depressed, I'd hit the bottle...

 the "lite lemonade" bottle, that is!

Every wonderful sight, sound and smell on every single run... I will not take it for granted!

I can't wait to be able to call up a bunch of friends and invite them on a long, "good for the soul" trail run. I miss the trail so much. My ankles are going to be so sore, but it will be worth it!!!

**Sorry for all the exclamation points and capital letters. I am all hopped up on Diet Coke right now.**


Did ever have to take a long break from running? What were you looking forward to the most when you were able to run again?