Return to Running

23 Feb 2009 - Eugene Today was the first time I've run in almost 4 weeks, since my knee troubles flared up to enough that I sought help. Today was a bit lighter re-introduction to running, with 2 laps of Rexius (2 miles). I specifically wanted something flat, as I think the ascents, and particularly descents, are what exacerbate the knee issues. Plus, I wanted to ease back in, as my chiropractor said to start at about 20 minutes. Today was 17 minutes including 2 minute warm up. Things worked out really well. I felt a bit sluggish/heavy running, as I really don't have running muscles/reserves built up like I do for cycling (where riding just comes naturally regardless of fitness level). But, that said, things went well, and there was absolutely zero knee pain, not even an inkling or a notion that it could be there! Very happy about that, very happy. And, at 8 minute miles (factoring in the warmup aspect), I figure that's actually not really that much slower than I was going before. All-in-all, a good return to running. Oh, the one other total bonus - I nailed the weather window - totally sunny when I ran, yet it had been raining buckets earlier in the day. Today was also the first day of week 4 of Hundred Pushups. Ouch. This wasn't even as many as I did in my "week 3.5" that I did last week (since I wasn't happy with my week 3, I did a week that is halfway (in number of pushups each set) between week 3 and 4 as a segue way). The max/last set was basically not do-able with satisfaction. Argh. Likely this just means I'll do a week 4.5, and I've pretty much been of the mind set that I'd be doing that the rest of the time anyway, which is fine by me. I've already noticed various improvements, so that's success and I want to keep it up.