My doctor has given me semi-clearance and so I ran with my class for the first time in 2010 (I'm not counting the magic mile). It was SO MUCH FUN! I have really missed running with our groups, let me tell you.
The great thing is that my coach for Tuesday/Thursdays is Barbara! She coached Lindsey and I last year during the week to prep for the marathon and she's just great. And we have a really good group. Everyone seems super friendly - and there's a lot less stress in thinking about a half marathon, rather than full.
But the best part is I felt pretty good. I was super nervous about a number of things:
1. How would I feel about getting up to run at 5:15 am in the cold when I've been "sleeping in" for the past 6 weeks - Answer: fine, no problem at all except that I forgot my watch.
2. Would I be able to keep up with the 11 minute pace group - Answer: I led em! I don't know what pace we ran since we are a combo 11/11:30 group and I forgot my watch, but I felt strong the whole way.
3. Would I be able to run for 4 miles since I haven't really run since the marathon or any cardio (except for a 5K on 1/2 and the magic mile on 1/3) - Answer: Yep! No problemo. I ran 4.5 miles with the Half B group even though I'm signed up for the A group on doctor's orders not to run more than 3-4 miles (whoops - our route was longer than we thought). I could have kept going.
4. How would my knee hold up - Answer: not too bad. I had a brace on which helped and it ached during the end of the run and aches a little now, but no stabbing pain, thankfully.
When I drove out of that parking lot, I had the hugest grin on my face. It is so great to be back!
