Tuesday, August 09, 2016

Readers Workouts -- Long-Distance Running

Readers’ Workouts is the weekly event by Joy's Book Blog where book lovers share workout stories, goals, successes, and challenges
Fourteen years ago, I joined a marathon training group.
I was running six miles about three times a week, so I was ready to jump into a group and train to run the Columbus Marathon. That was a very active time for me with the kids ages 6, 8 and 10.
Then that September, I tore my ACL while rollerblading with my boys. I heard it snap, but didn't know what it was other than that I was in a lot of pain.
My husband was gone on a business trip, so what choice did I have but to get up and rollerblade home. The boys suggested that they could get the wagon and pull me up, but I know getting in and out of the wagon would be more difficult than relying on the one good leg to skate home. I had surgery and weeks of physical therapy.
I didn't run the marathon that year, but the following year, I joined the group again and made it through the 26.2-mile race.

Since then, I've met with running friends most weekends to run -- our long runs, we used to call them. We've seen each other through a lot -- marriage issues, cancer, rebellious teenagers, depression. Sometimes our runs are more like therapy sessions.
One friend, and the main motivator of our group, moved away. Our runs have gotten shorter and less often.
This weekend, after a 5-mile run, we decided to commit to long runs again.
I miss the feeling of the salt tightening on my face after I've run for miles and then I stand in the shower washing it all away and feeling my muscles relax in the hot water.
So our goal is to run 10 miles on the weekends again. We're starting with a marathon training schedule, even though we don't plan to run a marathon. In about 7 weeks, we should be running 10 miles and enjoying our time together on the running trail.
Is there an exercise you miss?

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow. You are hard core!
The exercise I really enjoy is Pilates. A little more physical than yoga, but still very individual. Most of the time you have no idea whether the person next to you is killing it or sluffing off. So you pay no attention. I like that.
The thing I really really miss is dancing. Years ago, I was seriously into Argentine tango for years and did it all over Europe with the best dancers in the world. But it takes two to tango. Sigh.

Paulita said...

Francetaste, I'm much more impressed with your pilates and Argentine tango than my running. I've tried to learn tango and it just seems beyond my ability. My husband and I enjoy swing dancing though.

Vicki said...

I used to run but a knee injury makes it too hard now. I miss swimming and biking. It's been way too long since I've done either of them.

Joy said...

That's great to have a group to undertake this with. I've been thinking that I miss feeling stronger and being able to touch my nose to my knee -- unfortunately, I'm not sure that translates into missing strength-training and yoga enough to do it more often. :-)

Carol said...

I've never had a group to run with. I do run, but all on my own. I just signed up for a half-marathon in September; it's one I did last year and enjoyed.

Paulita said...

Vicki, Joy and Carol, Thanks so much for visiting my blog and commenting. Friends do make a difference when you're exercising!

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Tamara said...

Paulita, it's so strange that you posted this now. I was just sitting down with my cup of tea to think about what I would blog about this weekend. Exercise was at the top of my list, because I miss it. Ive recently discovered I have significant issues in the hips, including arthritis. I'm not old - and not frail. It's a recent find, so im still going thro tests and consults, but most of this year I've had pain which has prevented exercise of any great sweat producing experiences. I love walking and cycling but i cant do either. It's swimming for me at present. When i understand more, I'll be looking for a small group to train with too...i like the social aspects of exercise too.

Just Me said...

Well I miss you guys and our time together more than you'll ever know. We had logged so many hours of time together (before we set about with our respective lives and obligations) that no one could understand. I know with technology people think moving away is no problem. We have email, texting, Facebook, tweeting and more. I'm here to tell you, nothing compares. I don't want to be a Debby downer but it's the worse breakup I ever experienced. On a positive note, it is an experience I will always cherish and will be forever grateful. Good luck on the 10 Mike goal but the best part is just being together on a consistent basis, everything else will come. Hugs.

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