Back at it.

Beth's post yesterday was just what I've been struggling to put into words. Being injured is hard. Not running is sometimes harder than getting out there and pounding out the miles. But being injured sure gives an appreciation and an affirmation as to the "why?" behind why we run. Everyone runs for different reasons. And sometimes the reasons may change as quickly as the days. Sometimes it's for a chance to be alone. That doesn't happen very often for us mom's and we relish alone time. Sometimes it's to clear the brain and sometimes it's to think things over. Sometimes it's to prove that I can do things that I wouldn't have imagined that I could accomplish. Sometimes it's just to be outside, to be in nature. Sometimes it's because there's a race looming in the distance and I know that I need to put in the miles to be ready. But whatever the reason is on that specific day, I run because I love it. I love the feeling I get after running and sometimes even during running.

Being injured always reminds me that I love running. Maybe it's my personality or maybe it's human nature that when we can't have something, we want it all the more. Biking has been my saving grace this go around. And even though I've been able to put in some long runs without pain and I think I'm mostly healed, I am still enjoying the bike and plan on making it a permanent part of my routine. Now if I could only get the swimming thing down, I might consider a triathlon.

In the meantime, I've discovered a great mountain biking trail that I'd NEVER ride a bike on, but it's a great place to run. You cross through a tunnel, it has bridges that cross mountain streams, hills, sheer drop offs, and some wicked downhill switch backs that make you feel like you are flying. There are wildflowers, butterflies, and to be honest, I can't believe it's so close to my home. It's almost like being in another world. Running on that trail makes me feel like I'm a kid again. Seriously, there's a smile plastered on my face the whole time. It's my new favorite place to run. It reminds me of a Runner's World Daily Kick in the Butt quote. Goes like this, "We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves...The more restricted our society and work become, the more necessary it will be to find some outlet for this craving for freedom. No one can say, 'You must not run faster than this, or jump higher than that.' The human spirit is indomitable. "

Sir Roger Bannister -first runner to run a sub 4 minute mile.

Running makes me feel free.

I was seriously contemplating running a fall marathon. I ran a 14 miler and survived. I planned on trying a 16 miler and then committing. But I really don't feel like my hip is totally better and I really want to be able to run through the winter. So even though I feel kind of left out, I will cheer on my friends who are running fall marathons and hopefully will be able to join them in the spring.

And now for your viewing pleasure, some sunsets I've seen while riding my bike with the husband in the evening. I haven't even mentioned how great that's been. I really look forward to riding with him in the evenings, talking about our day. It's like a bunch of little midweek mini dates. I love it.

And I know these are totally boring, but logging my exercise helps me look back and see what works and what doesn't. So you can just ignore this part!

Saturday: 4 mile run

Monday: 17 mile bike ride

Tuesday: 38 mile bike ride, 4 mile run

Wednesday: weight class, 13 mile bike ride

Thursday: 4.5 mile run

Friday: weight class, cycling class (10 miles)

Saturday: 5 mile dam race, 5 mile run home down the canyon

Monday: weight class, 23 mile bike ride

Tuesday: 29 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 5 mile run

Saturday: 14 mile run, 10 mile bike ride

Monday: 5 mile run

Tuesday: 39 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 4.5 mile run

Friday: cycling class (10 miles)

Monday: cycling class (12 miles)

Tuesday: 21 mile bike ride, 2 mile run

Wednesday: 11 mile trail run

Thursday: 11 mile bike ride

Monday: 6 mile run with 4 hills

Tuesday: 26 mile bike ride

Wednesday: weight class, 13 mile bike ride

Thursday: 5 mile trail run, 21 mile bike ride