desperate2run

This Sunday’s half marathon went remarkably well. It was my first since being injured training for a full marathon at the end of 2011. My surgery was almost exactly four years ago.  I did not run for nearly 2 years and then very slowly began running again and building miles.  My first organized race was a 4 miler on thanksgiving of 2014.  This Sunday I finished 13.1 in 2:15 – which is the slowest of my running life but not as slow as I had thought it would be. My pace was consistent over the course of the race and I have to say it was pretty easy.  I felt soreness during miles 8 -10 in the back of my knee, but not the front.  By mile 11 I was so happy I picked up speed and forgot all about any discomfort.  It was not particularly painful and did not alter my gait. I was stiff the next day and did not run (hopped on the elliptical instead) but was able to run by Tuesday with no difficulty. I can’t believe that I am actually running distance again and I can’t be more pleased. I will definitely do another… So for all those folks out there wondering if it was all worth it — MOST DEFINITELY.  With that said, I must warn that the knee is not “normal”.  I still feel stiff when sitting long periods and the quad is still smaller than the non-operated leg side.  But, I really did not think it would go as well as it did.  Pretty fun all in all.  I can confirm what my doctor told me, and that is, that the knee would continue to improve over the course of as much as 5 years.  At year four I can say I am much better than in the three prior years and notice the difference from this time last year.  Life is good.