And I ran.......

[jmasgat]

After nearly four months of trying to heal a herniated cervical disc and become symptom-free (not there yet) and listening to my doctor say no, and trying to keep up a level of fitness, and gaining several pounds (well, okay, that may have been because of all the chocolate I brought back from Germany), I strapped on my Nikes and did 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday. Here's what I learned:

----I finally have to admit to myself that I am a runner. It is the thing that gives my life a certain structure that is otherwise not there. And despite what I have already accomplished as a runner, I have always felt as though I'm just a poser. But it felt good to get back--even on the treadmill.
---I didn't "lose it all", although I will try really really hard to just take the whole month of September to see if my body will tolerate this.
---I need some sort of Taguchi experiment (dated engineer reference) to figure out exactly what it is that triggers my symptoms. Haven't succeeded in that yet. Hoping running will not be one of those things.

Anyway, sorry for the random long post. But it was a really big deal for me and I am just hoping I can continue. After all, there is the marathon relay in January and I have also yet to shake the delusion that I can register for Boston this month AND do a Boston/New York double in 2012.

Maura

 

[joan4mickey]

Glad you were able to get a run in. Hope that your body agrees and that you will be able to continue to run more and more.

 

[CALIFLADY]

Maura-

I'm just as delusional as you. I strained my calf on 1 August and got my first 10 minute run on the treadmill on 26 August. I'm running the W&D Half in four weeks. Running. Not walking.

Delusional? I think not. Hard headed. Maybe. Runner? Absolutely!

See you in January in Orlando!

 

[crewmatt]

Now the trick will be to figure out when you officially became a runner - when running stopped being an optional part of your life.

Hope you feel better and that you figure out your triggers. Tread lightly

 

[crewmatt]

But it was a really big deal for me ...

Everyone on these boards who's had an injury will understand exactly what that first run meant for you. I tore my meniscus last year and I remember the first run I went on after that and what it felt like.

 

[rubato]

Maura, I am so happy for you. I'm glad you are taking it carefully. You wouldn't want to waste those 4 months by reinjuring yourself. You are definitely a runner, there is now doubt. You qualify for Boston, which, in my humble opinion, is the ultimate test for a runner.
(I am injured now too, and unable to run, so I completely understand.)

 

[MikeofRose&Mike]

Congratulations on running again.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Maura,

I hope that you continue to have progress with your running. I had no doubt that you were a runner and I hope you stay injury free! Sending lots of good thoughts your way!!

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maura - Like Tandy said, you've run Boston, so you're definitely a runner. And having suffered through that 3 months of no running, I know exactly what that first run on the treadmill feels like. All those times when we dreaded having to resort to the treadmill, and suddenly it's your best friend! Congratulations on that first run. PLEASE be careful! I had to take several steps back many times (and shed a few tears) and accept that my body just wasn't ready, but it's worth it in the end. Or at least it had better be!

Jackie

 

[Joolish1313]

Sending a big thumbs up your way. Healing is hard work emotionally & physically. Im glad you saw yourself as others see you. Congrats on your first run. Pixie first!

 

[Qltrgrl2]

Maura,
Congrats on getting out for your first run. You are most definitely a runner and a worthy contributor to the Disney WISH boards. Your advice is always thoughtful and helpful....as a new runner I have fully enjoyed reading your posts. Keep your spirits up and good luck with run number two.

Happy running!
Pam

 

[Figment1990]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

I'm not an "official" runner like you. I haven't run a race - yet. I always ran just for fitness. I was a dancer, more than I was a runner... BUT I am a recovering injured person (who also put on a few pounds struggling to deal with the psychological aspect of being so injured). Your first paragraph spoke volumes to me - I could have written that!

After 8 months of PT and ELEVEN months of not running (and barely walking) due to some major knee and quadricep issues, I started "running" again in April. My first goal was to run 10 steps and not fall down. Then 100 yards. and so on. I'm up to 5 miles, (not completely pain free or symptom free) and it feels AMAZING.

My sister was in a fairly bad car accident a year ago and she decided to train for the Wine & Dine half marathon to give her recovery a focus. She's never run a race either and her determination helps me keep going.

I hope your post (and mine) and everyone else's stories help others out there.

Thank you for posting and good luck with your recovery!

 

[jmasgat]

Figment1990 Same back at ya (the congrats and good luck, that is!) I hope that one day I'll be "back to normal", but for now I'll take what I can get.

Maura

 

[DrMomof3]

Good for you Maura!!!
I hope your injury continues to improve and that you get back into your groove.

Amanda

 

[RunRookie]

Maura: Ramp it up slowly and follow your body's lead. Feel the confidence that you will succeed! You will definitely get to where you want to be!

Run smart, run Happy!