Archives for December 2006

Some things are basic; but I’m a little out of practice at this running at lunch thing. When I arrived in the locker room, discovering that I had forgotten my jog bra, I was determined that I *would* be running today at lunch. The day was wonderfully sunny, meaning that the tights that I had packed were a little too warm for the day. These things did not stop me.

Since I did have a short-sleeved shirt, I wore that with the tights. These two pieces were not ones that I would normally pair up. *sigh* Oh well, people were going to get a nice view at my backside whether they liked it or not. I tried to slip through the halls un-noticed, but there were people all over. I am sure that I was not the sight of corporate professionalism, but I need a run today that is worthy of calling a “run”.

I got all wired up as I did a few stretches for good measure. It is amazing to me just how tight my muscles have gotten doing essentially “nothing.” The first 2-3 minutes were on pavement. I could feel my peroneal tendon stretching with each footfall. By the time I hit the uphill, however, the foot was comfortably plodding along. I then became aware of my breathing. I am so out of synch with where my mind wants to be; it was silly of me to expect that I could just power up the hill as if I never stopped running. Thankfully, the hill is short. A few minutes later I was rolling easily down the other side, carefully negotiating each step of the rugged dirt path.

I made my way past the many people strolling in the park, past the ducks and geese, and around the little lake. Before long, I was heading back towards my office building. Back in the locker room, I had the dilemma of the sweat soaked bra. I pulled my work shirt on and went back to my desk to see what further madness had been delivered to me via email. I hoped that the sweat would stay put, not penetrate my work shirt, and dry up before my 2 pm meeting. Corporate professionalism for the price of a run worthy of being called a “run”.

The 49er game had just started when I laced up my shoes and took to the road. As I plodded down the street I thought of the California International Marathon. I should have been there too; I wanted to be running with all of you who were there on this absolutely beautiful December day in California.

CIM has a maraFUNrun (2.62 miles) that goes on as the marathoners are in their early miles. Family and friends can participate and keep occupied in the early hours of their finish line waiting. I thought of all of the runners out there doing the 26.2 miles at CIM. I ran 2.62 miles, the maraFUNrun distance, in honor of the race and for those racing. Go Running Blog Family, and Go Linda (my big sister).

I ran to the nearest school and ran circles around the grounds. My run was kept to mostly grass and dirt, which I figured, would be an easier transition back to running for my susceptible foot and ankles. The run was not exciting. It was not easy either. Instead, I felt the effects of 8 weeks of nearly no physical activity.

I expected my foot and ankle to be stiff, but I did not expect (who knows why) the rest of my body to so challenged. But my body WAS challenged. My breathing was strained for at least the first mile, and my legs were stiff as well. This was all a reminder that it will take some time to get back to where I was before my injury.

When I returned home, I found the 49er game still on the TV, but the room was empty. Instead, our little niners were head to head with the neighbor niners in the backyard.

Go Lil’ Niners!

As I watched them play, my heart went out the YaYa who tried to hold his own against his big brother (cast and all). Of course the odds were stacked against him, and he melted down in protest now and again. It’s hard not being able to do the things that you normally can do easily.

Tomorrow, YaYa’s ankle will be freed once again and, hopefully, for good this time. I have a feeling that he will bounce back quickly and will be back holding his own against his brother and the neighbor kids.