Virtual 10K on the 10th

Where to begin. Today was my first attempt at running since I smashed my 10K PR last Sunday at Run for the Zoo. I've been nursing a mild injury all week. I thought about claiming last week's run as my virtual 10K and not attempting to run today at all. But I figured that was cheating. Mostly cheating myself out of the opportunity to get outside and move my body.

It was just about three years ago today that I got the crazy idea that maybe I could do a sprint triathlon if I trained for it. It took me a full three months after the idea popped into my head before I bought running shoes and got myself out the door for the first time. I couldn't make it a half mile without feeling fully out of breath. I wondered how I would ever run 3.1 miles, much less afer a 400m swim and 12.5 mile bike. I thought maybe the bike would be easier, but my first attempt yielded 6 slow miles and completely wore me out. It would be another 6 months before I got serious about swimming and took lessons. And it took a full month of lessons before I could swim one length of the pool and back.

My lifestyle has changed sooo much since then. I rode my bike to work twice last week. I often wake up a few hours early, eager to get to the pool or the gym. I had an awesome 27 mile ride with Cindy on Friday. Husband & I now regularly run races together (5K, 10K,Half-Mary). I've done a handful of triathlons including a couple Oly distance.

The truth is, I've come too far to let a poor performance keep me from going outside and doing what I love.

So the plan for today was as follows: Go easy. Leave the pride at the door. Take as many walk breaks as needed. Try to cover the distance. Do NOT make the injury worse. It's a beautiful day; enjoy the moment.

I knew in the first half mile that my leg wasn't fully recovered and that I was going to do a lot of walking. I stuck to the plan. I went out easy. I left my pride at the door. I took as many walk breaks as needed (including one that was 2 miles long - ha!). I covered the distance. I don't think I made the injury worse. It was a beautiful day; I enjoyed the moment.

And with that, I proudly submit my PW (personal worse) 10K time of 1:27:54 for the 10K on the 10th Virtual Club Run. It may have been painfully slow, but it sure beats sitting on the couch...and for that I am grateful.