Hobby #3. Running again.

Oh Jeez... Here we go again. 


Now that summer is on it's way, and knitting/baking season has slowed, one of the greatest hobby-loves of my life is calling me back. I've been running. 


My running past has been checkered, that's for sure. 


Just over two years ago, I set out to train for and run a half-marathon, with the hope of running a full marathon by the time I turned 30. I didn't accomplish either, as I was plagued by various injuries including shin splints, (bad) achilles tendinopathy, and knee pain.


I've picked a bit at jogging every now and then since, but only really got serious again recently. Not because I have a race in mind, but because I miss the feeling of enjoying running. So I nagged myself into submission, and here I am. Excited, overwhelmed, and a bit terrified. 


I've been out for several short runs, and besides a very brief twinge behind my left knee today, things seem ok. I'm so scared of injury and/or losing motivation, so I'm going to do things different this time. 


1. No goal beyond enjoying myself. The minute I start to compete, even just with myself, I lose the ability to self-regulate, ignoring important pains and good advice. So this time, there will be no races!


2. Stay motivated. There is a decent chance that laziness is going to sneak up on me during a weak moment on a rainy, too cold, or too hot snap. I'm hoping I'll be able to keep myself motivated by reminding myself not to be a big wimpy wimp. 


3. Don't get hurt. This one's the trickiest. I'm going to read up on Chi-running and try to stick to a slow-and-steady couch to 5k program. I've also decided to make the "100-up" part of my daily routine with the hope that it will help with my running form and less-than-ideal musculature. 


So hopefully in a few months and years I'll be able to look back on today and feel like my re-entry in to the running world was incredibly successful. Wish me luck, and many injury-free miles!