So I Used To Be a Runner . . .

It's true.  I used to be a runner.  I started running about six years ago through a Learn to Run clinic at the Running Room.  I ran fairly consistently for about a year.  Then I had a few surgeries for endometriosis and after the six weeks of recovery, I wasn't able to run for a while and I just didn't do it again.  About two years ago, I decided it was time to do it again.  I did another Learn to Run clinic at the Running Room and right after it, I moved into the 10 km clinic.  I ran rain, shine, sleet, snow, and windchill.  Big windchill especially here in Manitoba.  After the 10 km clinic, I moved onto the Half Marathon clinic and registered for the Hypothermic Half Marathon in February of 2010.

This picture on the left was the first time I ever ran 16 km, October 11, 2009.  I knew I was going to do a long run but I was thinking 10 - 12 kms but I joined the group that was going 16 km and decided that if I didn't want to go that far, I could always turn around.  I didn't!!  On November 22, 2009 (picture on right) was the first time I ever completed the half-marathon distance.  We were out for the Sunday long run which was supposed to be 18 kms and we decided to just keep going so we knew what it was like to do 21.1 km without snow on the ground.  Oh, and I was about 177 pounds then.

Training outside in the winter was difficult at times but not impossible.  I actually prefer the minus 30's to the plus 30's when it comes to running.  This picture was the New Year's Day Resolution Run of 2010.  The temperature was -45 with the windchill.  This is one of my favorite running pictures.  Yes, those would be my eyelashes.  And I'm wearing a Santa hat.  

These pictures are from the Hypothermic Half Marathon on February 28, 2010.  Running for the finish line and so happy after.  This is my first and only (to date) half marathon.

 

After the half marathon, I needed a break from running.  It was very time consuming and tiring to train for it.  It was a major commitment.  But my one - two week break, turned into a couple of months.  In May 2010, I ran the Winnipeg Police Service Half Marathon relay and a 10k in Fargo, North Dakota with a bunch of friends who went to the States for the weekend and then after that, I didn't run at all.  

Then, when it's in the back of head to get started again, this happens.  Sniff Sniff.  I missed a step and turned my ankle right over.  I heard the crunching sounds, felt it too!  It was twice its size within 30 minutes.  I thought I broke it but I actually tore the ligament in my ankle.  This was June 25, 2010.  I had the cast for 5 days and then an air cast for a few weeks. Glad I'd recently had a pedicure!

This brings me to right now.  My right ankle still isn't quite right and I'm starting to think that it never will be.  It's always stiffer than my left ankle.  I don't have the range of motion that I used to and it still swells sometimes.  I really want to run again though.  Today I went to the gym and used the treadmill for 20 minutes and three times, I increased the speed and ran for a minute, just to test it out.  I'm going to keep doing this for the next week or so and if all goes well, I will start the Couch to 5 K program.  I don't want to be a one hit wonder when it comes to running and half marathons!  And I have two new pairs of runners that I'd bought on sale!  One here in Canada at the Running Room and the other from the Nike store set up at the Fargo Marathon in May.  Had to, it was a new color we didn't have and they were half the price than at home.  Had to!!  

So yes, I definitely want to be running again.  I do my ankle exercises and i"m working on making the muscles surrounding my ankles stronger.  Oh how I hope I can get back to where I was.  I miss it.  I love entering races and I have a pile of bibs that I've saved and a few medals too!!  I want more!!

I'll keep you posted and wish me luck!!  

Michelle :)