Running for My Soul

A couple days after the marathon I ran a couple easy short runs. My body felt great and I was already planning my next marathon (November 30th). Six days after the marathon I went on a 10 mile run that ended with me limping back to the car at the end of 10 miles. My right arch was killing me. I took it easy that day and the next day I headed out for an easy 4 miles... nearly two miles in I realized I would never make it and I limped crying back to the car.

I rested for days but no improvement and I ended up with a Podiatrist who diagnosed me as I expected... Plantar Fasciitis (in both feet). I have spent the last month (longest month of my life) not running. I swam miles and miles, I've lifted, I've done ab workouts... but no running. I run for my sanity. I run for my soul. It works out my stress, my frustrations, my problems... I run long distance to leave all of my thoughts & pain on the road. Not being able to run for a month = an emotional roller coaster for me.

Last week I was cleared to start a few very short runs a week. That first run had me running down the side of the road with the biggest smile on my face. People in cars must have thought I was crazy.

I posted this picture on facebook with the caption "Running Shoes Make Me Happy" -- so true!

Well today, I'm positive everyone thought I was nuts. In the middle of a wintery mix of sleet/snow/ice I went out for an afternoon run (Plantar Fasciitis is worse in the mornings). This is my all-time favorite weather to run in thanks to an awesome gift last Christmas. Today I got dressed for the cold weather and went exploring (since no one would be around to call the cops get upset). This run was exactly what I needed. I felt refreshed, I felt renewed and I didn't want to stop (I did make myself after an extra mile). This was the exact run I needed for my soul....

All bundled up for my run

The Piano I found in a field on my run today...

Gorgeous piano in the middle of a field

Bad Weather? Nope!

Amen. So thankful that I proved to myself I could run in less than perfect weather!


xoxo
-a

First Snow...

I've been anticipating our first snow. Our first snow in the new house. Our first snow as a married couple. I've been waiting patiently...

The view outside my window this morning.

Unfortunately, it came when Andy had to work nightshift... on a weekend. What used to be "our" time {weekends} would have been the perfect time for the first snow this year. I imagined cuddling in front of the fireplace with hot chocolate.

Instead, Andy went off to work & I curled up in bed and spent way too much time on the computer. Then Andy came home & I woke up... and now I have to be very quite so he can sleep. Mom & I had planned to run errands in Harrisonburg but the weather made that a no-go.

New Life Rule: Be productive for at least an hour every night when Andy is gone. I think cleaning/organizing plus half an hour working out would be a good goal for those nights.

Also, I want to do more baking & cooking. If you have any awesome recipes {and by awesome I mean not too complicated}, please send them my way!!!

Love the sunshine in this picture!