What I'm grateful for...

After my long run this past weekend I started thinking about how I've changed as a runner since my foot surgery 6 months ago. Before then, I frequently skipped my long runs that I scheduled. In fact, I've skimped on training for every half marathon I've done. I think when I trained for Disney last year, I did maybe 4 or 5 long runs total, 2 of them outside. I don't think I ran more than 9 or 10 miles. I was way undertrained, and it showed based on my decreased ability to walk up stairs or sit on a toilet for about a week after. After I went out for my long run sunday, despite the cold weather & lack of sleep, I was so proud of myself. I feel grateful that I'm able to run.

Years ago, when my podiatrist told me I'd need bunion surgery one day, I had a panic attack when he told me I'd be non-weightbearing for 2 months. I avoided the subject for another year and a half. Finally, my bunion pain got so bad, that after Disney I decided to get a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon. He told me I could heel weight-bear right away, but it would be 5-6 months until I could run again. Slight panic attack. No running for 6 months??!! I imagined all the weight I would gain (and then gained some pre-surgery out of depressing thoughts of no running), the races I would miss, and all the free time I would have. Some of you may remember how stupidly I grinned when I jogged at 4.4 for the first time (READ HERE). My surgeon was impressed that 5 months after surgery I completed my first triathlon, and now 6 months later I am beginning training for 2 Half Marathons!

I am just so happy to be running, and having my foot feel good. I feel like I can really focus on my training, and give it my all. I'm loving the FIRST training program. I'm loving only running 3 days, and being able to cross train. I'm loving having these quality runs where I can really work at it, instead of just running.

In exciting news, I also booked our flights for New Orleans for the Rock N Roll Half! They dropped to $222 & we scooped up the savings. I'm excited several of you are running the Disney Princess Half too! What are your travel plans as far as days your staying or hotels your staying at? I think we are going to do a Vacation club rental at the beachclub or boardwalk resort. Now back to Biggest Loser before bed!

ooo! And I'm wicked excited because I won a giveaway for a Road ID certificate from 5K Rae!

And I'm also grateful for all of you new followers! Thanks for joining me along on my journey!