I'm Back!

Big News! I went to my doctor Friday and I've been cleared to run more and and add in some workouts! I've been running the last few weeks with days off and cross training in between per doctors orders but now I have full clearance. It feels so good to get an actual running schedule from my coach John. I ended up taking 8 weeks off completely from running. I knew that running was my number one choice of exercise but I have now fully realized now how much it brings to my everyday life.  I was able to cross train while I was out and am still cross training but nothing does it for me like running.  I was recently asked by someone if there is another form of exercise that I could get just as much joy out of and my answer was without a doubt no.  The first day back of running four straight miles felt so good!  I told Derek that day if four miles was all I could do each day for the rest of my life I would be happy, but there is also that competitive drive in me that can't wait to get back in shape and start racing.  It is so much easier for me to get up in the morning when I know I am going to run rather than jump on the elliptical or bike.  I am sure Derek is glad I am back running too because at times I was probably difficult to be around.

I have some races planned that I am pretty excited about.  First the Carlsbad 5000 on April 7th.  Derek and I did this one last year and had a great time.  I'm not sure what kind of shape I will be in by then but excited to get back out there racing.  We just decided to sign up for the Eugene Half Marathon on April 28th.  I traveled to Eugene a lot in college to race and have always wanted to go back.  A lot of the ladies from Oiselle will be there so I figured it would be a perfect time to make a trip to Eugene.  After that I am hoping to make it to Duluth, MN in June for the US Half Marathon Championships.  I just received an email from the race director welcoming me back and it got me pretty excited.  I'm sure there will be some more local races mixed in also.  When I was looking at old photos I came across this one below and decided to put it on my fridge for motivation.   It is from last year at the US Half Champs and I want to be back in 2013 fitter and faster!

Us With our Friends Jake and Andrea at the US Half Marathon Championships in Minnesota