Hey guys, I’m back in business! After a busy few months, I’m proud to report that I’m going strong, after putting in a solid 2 weeks of running again.
Wait, what all happened from January to now?
Well, I got injured back in January. I was training for the Boston Marathon (which comes around every April), running my usual route along Crissy Field, when I felt a sudden pain jolt up my right hip/groin. I wasn’t too worried initially. After all, we all experience minor bumps and setbacks. I took a break, stretched it out, and walked a bit. When I was starting to feel strong again, I tried to jog. But nope, my hip wasn’t having it. I walked back home that day, still in high hopes, telling myself I could finish my workout tomorrow.
From January to June, I ended up shuffling back and forth, between trying to run and seeing a physical therapist. Every time I’d pick up my running shoes, I would start very very slowly, working up my mileage. But every single time, the pain would inevitably return.
Physical Therapy
I went to see a physical therapist, who told me I was in no shape to run the Boston Marathon. She gave me exercises to strengthen my hip.
My previous physical therapist also told me I ran pretty weird. That my knees brushed up against each other while I ran and that I needed to strengthen my hips to get them more aligned. He recommended side stepping, but of course, once the plantar fasciitis healed, I stopped all stretching and strength exercises to run free and run wild! (Do you know what side steps are? That’s when you wrap a theraband between your knees and walk side to side.)
Before long, I stopped seeing my current physical therapist. I just wasn’t seeing any results, didn’t have confidence in her guidance, and felt pretty helpless. I started taking other classes like BODY PUMP and swim.
Body Pump
One of my best friends Winnie (hi Winnie! She’s also a blogger, by the way. Check out her blog here.) is a Body Pump instructor. She is SO GOOD, guys. Now I’ve never been a huge fan of group exercise classes, mainly because I’d rather just go outside and run! But she makes the class fun, interactive, and shows you how it’s DONE. I mean, really, have you seen the muscles on that lady? Anyway, it was a nice weekly ritual that I looked forward to every Thursday, because I could work up a sweat and catch up with my girl.
I also took a Level 2 swim class at the YMCA. It’s also about time I learned to swim. I’ve taken this same exact class before, and I think I know the moves. I just need to get my tush out to the pool and practice my coordination and get more familiar with the water to lessen my fear. It’s hard when I don’t have access to a pool because I don’t have a gym membership. Should I just bite the bullet and pay $78/month at the YMCA?
Running
Fast forward to July 4th, when I picked up my shoes and went for an easy 5 miler. 2 important factors made this day possible: I had the day off and my sister’s wedding was the previous weekend! (Congrats to the newlyweds!) I was my sister’s maid of honor and so consumed the past few months with planning her bachelorette party in Denver, her wedding party brunch, and of course, helping out with the wedding. It was a fun, beautiful, and unforgettable event, but at the same time, I was glad to get some free time again! And so I spent it exactly as I pleased: enjoying a few miles along Crissy Field on my way to the Golden Gate Bridge.
How I’m Feeling
I am feeling pretty great now. I’ve been very careful, taking it nice and slow. I’ve been running 5 miles every other day for the past 2 weeks at around 8 minute pace. And I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. It’s such a relief and I’m so grateful to be back in good health and shape.
I’ve taken advantage of all this newfound free time to plan out some goals for the rest of this year. By the way, can you believe it’s middle of July already? WHAT?
A few of my goals are blog-related (of course) and running-related (obviously), and others are personal development and career-oriented. I’m excited for what’s in store for the next few months.
I’ve planned out my training schedule from now until December and have my eye set on the California International Marathon (CIM). It’s a fast race with speedy runners and a downward sloping course. I’m aiming for a sub-3 marathon. Wish me luck!
Lastly, thank you all for reading! I know it’s been a while since I last posted (it’s hard to blog about running when you’re not doing much running!) but I’m both grateful for you all and excited to get back into running and blogging. Until next time :)