Rediscovering the Joy

I have been slowly resuming my training. As all has been going well (knock on wood), I finally took the leap and registered for a half-marathon in October.  A part of me really, really wanted to sign up for a full but my head won out ... and I told myself to take it slow.  I think I pushed to hard in the past to go longer and thereby developed the injury that set me back so far.  Though, I can't blame the past 2 years of non-running solely to the injury, I know. 

But I am running again!  I can't believe how much I have missed it!  My enthusiasm is partly due to my new interest in barefoot running.  I am learning so much about my running form .. about the proper stride length.  In fact, I'll be attending a clinic next week ... I am really looking forward to it.  I'll take notes and be sure to report back what I discover.

As before, my training plan incorporates 3 days of running and 3 days of swimming.  I am also still trying to include core / abdominal work and strength training but alas ... one step at a time. 

On my running days, I try to run 2 with my Vibrams or completely barefoot (one easy and one speed work or tempo).  I continue to wear shoes for my long run.  Right now,  I am still using my Brooks but I plan to buy a pair of racing flats next month. I'm definitely going minimalist. 

The fact that the kiddos can ride alongside me on their bike has completely reinvigorated my running as well.  I no longer have to find a sitter.  I don't have to struggle to push the double jogger.  Their bikes are small enough, in fact, that I can throw them in the back of my Volvo and hit the trails that are so popular amongst the runners here.