Corporate Challenge

Last night was the Chase Corporate Challenge. I am the team captain and so even though I couldn't run the race, I registered to walk it. My plan: Start with the runners and run across the starting line to the end of the gates, then pull off to the side and walk the rest of the 3.5 miles. Yesterday dawned with an ugly forecast and by the time I got out of my car at work, it was pouring. It had stopped raining by the time I got out of work. So, ever the optimist, I changed into my run/walk clothes and headed over to RIT. It was raining on and off before the start, but by the time the race started, there was a torrential downpour! I ran across the starting line and wow! NOT pleasant! Ok, now I understand why I am not cleared to run! Plus, my feet were absolutely swimming in my shoes. At this point, I decided that instead of walking the rest of the way, I should just bail. I really can't afford to slip and fall - and let's face it, sopping wet shoes in a crowd of 9,000 really does increase the chances of me having an accident. Instead, I went over to the finishing line and cheered on my friends as they crossed. This race really nailed home to me just how much I miss running and furthered my desire/will to do everything in my power to get me back to running as soon as humanly possible! July 4th is approaching quickly and I just want to be able to run the entire 5K that day. I'm not even concerned with a PR, just a running finish!

Best Spinning EVER!!

Last night I went to spinning class for the first time since the injury. I was really nervous. . . I planned on clipping into the bike and was worried that I would be able to get out. I spoke to the instructor ahead of time to let her know what was going on with me. I didn't want her to take it personally, or be worried about me, if I had to leave class early. I warmed up and stretched for ten minutes before class. Then I clipped in with my new gym/spin/MTB shoes. I noticed right away that I needed to move where the SPD clips were placed, but it was not bad enough to unclip. . . . Then the music/class started. I swear I had the biggest grin on my face throughout the entire class. The music was pumping, my classmates were all cranking, and I just had an awesome spin! I kept up with the class and had no pain at all throughout the class. I think that maybe I did not increase the tension as much as I would normally, but if that's the only difference, then who cares? I felt so good I wished I was capable of going to a class in the morning. Right now I am pondering attending another class on Friday. Just thinking about the class makes me smile! WhoooHooo!!! I am so close to getting back to normal training. I can't wait!!!! :) :)

First Bike Ride of 2009

Although my stomach was feeling a bit wonky yesterday, I couldn't resist the nice weather. My physical therapist cleared me for a short bike ride, as long as I didn't clip in. So I got my precious baby out of the basement, pumped up the tires and got on my gear. I could feel my pulse quickening just at the thought of a ride. Or maybe it was just the fear of falling. . . After all my balance is still not up to par and let's face it, I've never really had that awesome of balance before the injury. Without a lot of confidence in my overall awesomeness, I decided that I would just go for a light ten minute ride around my neighborhood. I rode for about 10 minutes, did just over two miles and man did it feel great! Hopefully I will be able to go for a five mile ride tomorrow. . . and ten the next day. Hmm. . . might have to check with the physical therapist about that. But honestly, I just wanted to shout, "Whoo Hoo, I'm back!" Give me a ride by myself on a country road this weekend, and that might just happen.