Today was day three of my return to running. I was greatly appreciative of all the company that happened to join me for the run as well! Technically, today is the Beginners Run. Of course Laurie was there, as well with Gary, 2xJustin, Amanda, Karen, Emily, Micah, Jeff and special appearance by Jacob.
My first two runs were Saturday (1 mile) and on Sunday evening (2 miles). Were both testing runs. Testing how my back is healing while simultaneously allowing me to test how much my muscles have atrophied over the last few months. While my heart and lungs were both feeling fantastic, I could feel my legs were getting tired and the muscles weren't as happy as they used to be when I would run.
On Sat Laurie and I went out to the Sandrat Trails. Laurie wanted to do a longer run and I wanted to do a shorter run. So we took separate cars and I ran with Roxy Dog. We had a fun quick mile and went back home. Laurie did 5 miles (though I thinks he had planed to go further). The run was great. I had previously went to hard at Yoga a couple days before, and could feel some tightness around some of my legs but nothing I was concerned about.
On Sunday Laurie and I waited till late (8:30pm) to go run a) cause we were both a little hung over from drinking in Wichita with the Clarks and Amos's and b) it was freaking on on Sunday. We ran two miles, I kept the pace a little high. I was feeling good, I wanted to go faster, but my legs were starting to show their fatigue. When we finished the heat of the day was getting to me a little. My quads and calves were both radiating heat that it almost felt like had heating pads on my legs.
Today running with the group was great fun. We stood around for a while waiting for Gary to take the mandatory group photo, then we stood around for a little, and I decided that it was time to go! Justin "GNT Hawk" made a quick quip about how I'm already taking charge first day back. I lead at an easy pace, everyone talking and having a good time (as far as I could tell). When we got to the 3 mile turn around, Jeff, Jacob, Karen, Gary and myself turned off and went back. Justin lead the rest of the group around the 5 mile loop. When we got back we talked a while waiting for the rest of the group to catch up. Drinking water, talking about the Sweaty Ass and the Shoreline Shuffle.
All in all I'm feeling really good. Anxious to get out and go more. But I'm holding back, making sure that I strengthen the core and ensure that my running resumes stronger and faster than it was before.