I hadn’t run in 17 days.
My emotions were running the full spectrum: nervous, scared, discouraged, anxious.
Did I mention scared?
I was going to wait til today, just to give myself the full weekend to rest after Disney, but I’m an impatient kind of gal. I had to see what I could do.
I intended to be up and out by 6:00 AM, but I just couldn’t do it and Mr PugRunner slipped into my running spot. He said he was only going out for a quick outing, so I was ok with spending a few extra minutes in bed. He even texted me when he was heading back, so I could be ready to go. Very thoughtful.
And then, I was in my running shoes and outside.
After some consideration, I decided to go back to Week 5 of my 5-10K training. It was a recovery week, starting with an easy 15 minute run, sandwiched between a five minute warm up and five minute cool down. I figured that would be a nice test run, no pun intended.
The Good:
I ran the full 15. My legs felt good and I didn’t have too hard of a time falling into a groove.
The Bad:
I was slower than the first time I did this particular workout. Not incredibly slower (1.9 miles in the full 25 minutes down from 2.12), but slower, nonetheless. While it was to be expected, I was disappointed in myself and my performance. I know it will get better, but it was also kind of a slap in the face. Maybe it’s not even a “bad” but a “not so good.” I don’t know. I’m sure I’ll get a better perspective on it in a day or two, but I’m still bummed.
The Ugly:
I’m still experiencing some issues from the surgery. My jaw and throat are still sore, especially when I wake up and when I’m tired. I also have a mucous issue from everything getting back to normal. It’s not congestion and it’s not major, but the combination of that and the throat impair swallowing and breathing. Additionally, it’s still difficult to properly hydrate and nourish myself. I can eat and drink to a point, more than I could this time last week, but it’s hard. My swallowing is still off and things get stuck. Meals end up being more exhausting than anything else. Drinking is also a challenge, and I really have to push myself to make sure I’m getting enough water in a day.
For the most part, each day is an improvement, but I have also been pushing myself pretty hard, so it’s possible that I’m not giving myself enough time.
I’m hopeful. Really, I am. I just need to focus on the positives, and the fact that my body seems to know what to do, even if I’m having some small struggles. I’m not looking for any kind of PR in my upcoming 5K, but I’m glad I have a short-term goal towards which to work. If I can just get over the small hurdle, I’ll be in a better state of mind for the bigger challenges to come.
Any advice?
How do you cope when you are limited, either by a running injury or something unrelated?
What are your workout plans for the week?
Well, being often injured, I know what you mean. I keep having to find new goals. Sometimes being pain free is a victory. Sometimes it’s a pr. Good luck.
Injury is the worst 🙁 It’s got to be challenging to keep changing the goals, but we runners make it work!
Hi Jennifer, I am very lucky-I’ve never had an injury that I’ve had to deal with, but I can imagine that would be tough. I think if you listen to your body it will tell you what it needs/wants. Good luck! Oh and I love those running shoes! Cheers!
Tara @I’m Fit Possible recently posted…Perfect Sunday
Thanks! I love them, too. 🙂 Well, my body is kind of saying get out there and run, run, run! But there are parts that just aren’t doing their job. So incredibly frustrating. Hopefully, everything will catch up soon.
I haven’t been running in a week because of my ankle and honestly I think it was just what my body needed. I’m going to try and workout today to see how it goes. It is definitely scary though. I don’t want to hurt it more but I also need to try to find out.
Good luck! I hope your ankle doesn’t give you more trouble.
You got out there and ran! Celebrate!
Too worn out to celebrate! But I’m glad I was able to do a little!
The first run back is always the toughest, full of what ifs? Way to go getting out there and beating those emotions 🙂
Jen recently posted…Marathon Weekly: Too Close for Comfort
It had to be done!
Slow and steady is all you can do at this point. I remember how bad my mucous was after my surgery, it took forever to get better. Just listen to your body!
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…Monday’s Motivation
Ugh. I’m so over it. I just cannot understand how two tiny little tonsils can cause so many problems, especially when they’re not even there anymore! What is up with that??? I’m listening to my body but it’s not saying anything good.
Congratulations on getting back out there! I’m sorry to hear that you’re still struggling, but at least you didn’t lose TOO much fitness! You’ll be back on your feet in no time 🙂 Good luck with the rest of this week!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…A Princess Weekend Recap
Thank you!It’s definitely a challenge. Not one I’d like to tackle again any time soon.
Great job on getting yourself out there! You’ll improve a little more every day!
Thank you! I really hope so!
runswithpugs recently posted…lacing up
It’s only going to get easier 🙂 You’ll get back up to speed in no time! Just stay positive!
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…My First Early Morning Run
I hope so! I’ve had the positivity turned pretty high the past few weeks. I hope it can keep going!
Great job on your first run back. I know it can be frustrating, but just keep reminding yourself that your running will keep improving as you get back into it.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…To Tri or Not to Tri
That’s my newest mantra!
Well, I’m proud of you. You’re going to get back to where you were and then beyond faster than you think. Hang in there, mama.
FiddleDeeAshley recently posted…June/July Runnerbox In-Depth Review and Giveaway
Thank you. I appreciate your support. <3
runswithpugs recently posted…ENERGYbits review & giveaway
I’m impressed you got out there! I wouldn’t worry about your pace at ALL until you feel fully recovered.
jan recently posted…Moonlight Chase 4 Miler
Congrats on getting back out on the running trail. Hopefully every run will be a little bit easier going forward! Sending you positive vibes!
Debbie @ DebRuns recently posted…Top Ten Reasons to Follow a Runner’s Blog
So glad you got out there, good job seeing the positives along with the not-so-positives. And also – I think those are my shoes!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Review and Giveaway: Runnerbox’s Tribox!
Love these shoes! I’m ready for a change of color (I’m thinking the blue with pink), but they are so comfortable and have made all the difference.
I’m late on reading this so I’m really hoping that you’re feeling better by now! I know how that slap in the face can feel after some time off. Just remember that we’re always harder on ourselves and you’ll be back to where you were in no time. 🙂
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted…Clearly Natural Pure & Natural Glycerine Hand Soap {#sponsored}
I’m still just meh. For some reason, in my head, this was a minor procedure rather than a major one, and I can’t wrap my head around the fact that I’m not even at 6 weeks yet, which is standard for a lot of bigger surgeries. I am seeing improvement, but it’s not as fast or impressive as I would love, but I’m tough on myself, so there’s that. I’m just doing what I can and hoping for the best.