First Running Post of 2008

Distance: 7 miles
Time: 1:05:30
Where: Rose Bowl

If you've visited this blog hoping to read something related to running you have been out of luck as of late. The fact of the matter is that there hasn't been much running to write about in the last couple of months. I was sidelined with a knee injury, which hit a couple of weeks after the San Jose Half Marathon. First it was the left knee, which took a long time to recover. A couple of weeks ago my right knee started hurting. It was, needless to say, very frustrating. It has only been in the last couple of weeks that I've gotten back into running, and I am out of shape.

I tried running six miles with Andy and FJ last weekend, and while I was able to keep up (thanks to both of them for not leaving me behind), it felt like I had run 14 miles. I had side stitches and my breathing was labored. My aerobic fitness had declined significantly. Earlier this week I ran three miles on the treadmill and it still wasn't easy. My legs were sore and cramping two miles into it and I could barely maintain my form as my side stitches got worse. Two days later on Friday, I ran another three miles on the treadmill again. That time, though, was a better experience. No sidestitches, no cramping, and I felt pretty good. Maybe my body is remembering what it's like to run again.

Not only am I trying to regain my running fitness, I also have to train for the Surf City Half Marathon on February 3. That's less than a month away. The goal is to train to run it respectably. If I PR, which I doubt, it will be a small miracle.

Today's run was supposed to be six miles, but early on in the run I decided to turn around at the JPL parking lot, which would be about 3.5 miles. I felt pretty good. The weather was perfect--cloudy, cold and no rain. My level of fitness is still not where it was in October, but I just need to be patient. I'll get there.

The great thing about the rains is that it makes for some great scenery. The colors of a rainy day--gray and brown--though somber actually makes me feel warm and cozy inside, and the sight of the arroyo flowing with water is a great sight to see. I also some beautiful birds, including one with a long neck that a hiker I was talking to thought was a pelican. I wish I knew more about birds.

So, it looks like I'm on my way to recovery. My knee still doesn't feel 100% but I think I may be babying for fear that I'll hurt it again. It's been so long that I don't remember what 100% feels like. Hope it all goes well.