Homecoming

The hardest part about having to take some time off running for an injury is that it feels like a betrayal. Here's this hobby that makes you feel strong and fit and whole in so many ways, and it's turned against you. Instead of making your body feel strong, it's done the opposite!

And with every run, you're in denial. Is this pain real or in my head? Is it getting worse? How much time off do I need to take?!

It's like when you're suffering from a breakup and you want your best friend to comfort you but your best friend is the breakup-er. I mean, that's some 90s-teen-TV-drama, you know?

Classic. I knew The Hills would have an appropriate gif for this analogy.

But then you make amends, and coming home feels so, so good.

I ran on Monday. I went into it feeling lethargic - inertia had definitely set in from two weeks off and lots of holiday relaxation. It didn't take me long to warm up, though.

This is an unedited photo of the start of my run. With this view, how could I not get into the mood immediately?! That's Matt on his OneWheel on the grass.

I didn't wear my watch and I just went by feel. My splits ended up being very even, which tells me that listening to my body is the way to go. (Go figure.) My calves were "sensitive" in the way that I was hyperaware of every sensation in them, but they were pain-free.

My Garmin was dead so I downloaded Nike+ again and just stuck my phone in my belt to be forgotten about until the end.

The run felt like starting fresh. It felt like a "welcome back."

Post-run, so happy!

It was with some trepidation that I ran Wednesday. Was it a fluke? Are my legs truly healed?

It certainly looks that way! Although I had the usual "We haven't run in 14 days why are you doing this to us again?!" muscle soreness, my calves didn't even ping on my radar.

Plus I had my buddy back!

I'm going to keep on taking it easy; I'll ease my way back in and get back to with training. For now, I'm just basking in the thrill of a couple pain-free, watch-free, enjoyable runs!

ABK