Good to Be back

I just put away my laundry!  Does not sound like breaking news, except for the first time in 4 weeks there were running clothes in my laundry.  After a new change in meds and new pre-running allergy plan for reactive airway disorder I was able to run, even in the pollen dusted ATL.  I got in 5 runs and three strength training sessions this week!  I am so excited. 

Tomorrow will be my first run back over 4 miles.  Hubby and I are planning on an easy six on Silver Comet.  The weather today was fabulous and tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful.  I was also happy that I was able to stick to my recovery plan, with a 5 un week.  I am hoping for a 6 run week next week.  It will be a challenge, because I am also travelling for work and I have still been a little tired at the end of the day.  I plan to listen to my body.  I am not looking to have any setbacks. 

I realized a few things this week while getting back in the saddle.

1. Sometimes the mental hurdle is more challenging then the physical.  I think when I first started back I worried more about being stuck out there not able to breathe, and did not even really tune into the fact that my breathing was  okay. 
2. I must have had a strong fitness base because after almost 4 weeks with barely any exercise I was back at my fairly normal running pace by mid-week.  We will see how endurance took a hit on the run tomorrow and I have a race next Saturday so we shall see.
3. Running really does make me feel like a different person.  When I can run I am calmer, more centered, nicer and I definitely have more energy.  So I am sure everyone I work with, and certainly live with, are probably happy I can run.
4. When you can't run all you ever see on your way anywhere is people running and it makes you mad.  Once you can run you certainly don't focus on them as much.

Here is hoping everything is going well for you! Looking forward to my first long run in my New Balance Minimus 00 Road Version 2 tomorrow. 

I bet you already know what I am grateful for today...what a nice run today in the warm sunshine!