Running Break

I have to take a running break and I'm so bummed out about it.

On Monday morning I was prepping dinner to go into the slow cooker.  I was rushing and in the process cut my finger on a lid of a can.  I yelled for M who immediately recognized that I needed stitches.  I sat down on the couch with my finger wrapped up while M ran around getting the boys up and dressed so we could go to the ER. 

After a few hours at the ER I learned that I cut a tendon and would need surgery.  I was stitched up and sent home in a splint so I wouldn't move it. 

Surgery was on Tuesday.  The tendon was repaired and thankfully there was no nerve damage.  They had to make a long zig-zag incision down my pinky to repair the tendon.   My fingers were put in a cast to allow them to heal without moving. 

I'm going in to physical therapy later this week for a smaller splint.  But I still won't be able to use my right hand for at least 6 weeks.  No holding E, no giving the boys baths, no putting E to sleep in his crib. 

This also means I can't run.  Sucks.  I'm very grateful to my amazing husband who has stepped up to fill the gap.  Without his support and love this would be even harder.  I'm hoping this heals faster than anticipated.  It just sucks that this happens right after I had a great run, right when I signed up for races this spring.   :-(

This morning we participated in a family hike out of Castle Rock Park.  L loved cheering his Daddy on at his marathon so I thought he'd love participating in a race himself.  There was a half marathon, 5K, and 10K as well.
 
L was pretty excited about wearing his first bib.

It was such a beautiful day for a hike!

E had the easiest job.  He enjoyed being carried.

 Waiting to start!

 L did pretty good walking the first part of the hike but then wanted to be carried.

We veered off course a bit to climb a hill to admire all of the runners and eat a snack.


L enjoyed exploring a bit.

 L walked or ran the last half though.

 M and L take off for the finish line!

Crossing the finish line!
 
At the finish line the boys got medals.

You'd think L would be happier about getting a medal!

 After the hike L still had energy to burn so he ran around the grass with Daddy chasing him.

 We enjoyed a barbecue lunch before heading home.

We all had a blast!  We are going to try and participate in family runs or hikes as often as we can.

First Run in a Month

I went for my first run in a month today. 
 
I was worried about how it would go since I took a break to concentrate on the 30 Day Shred.  The whole family went out for our usual 3 mile loop.  I felt great.  I felt strong, like I easily could have gone farther.  It was awesome.  I start half marathon training at the end of December.  My goal until then is to incorporate running back into my schedule 3-4 times a week with cross training the other days.  Ultimately I want to be active every day.  I feel better when I am. 

After that great run we celebrated with mimosas at brunch.

Making It Official

I've been talking about wanting to run a race for awhile.  I've now made it official.  I've  purchased my registration for the first of 2 half marathons this spring.  Yes, that's right. I'm doing two.  I mapped out the races I want to run and I'm going to do it.

I'm starting off with a 5K on December 29.  Then in January I'm doing a 10K.  In March will be my first half marathon followed two weeks later with another 10K.  Finally in June will be my second half marathon.  I'm hoping that committing to these races will keep me running regularly and motivate me to continually improve. 

I'm a bit freaked out because I haven't run in a month.  I've been concentrating on doing the 30 Day Shred which I've now completed.  I'm hoping to head out on my first run this weekend.  I've decided to follow Hal Higdon's Half Marathon Novice training plan for my marathon in March.  Training begins the week of December 31st (how fitting to begin right at the new year - I love it).  These next two months my plan is to run 3-4 days a week.  I will take one rest day a week and the other 2-3 days I'll do the 30 Day Shred.  I don't want to lose the muscle definition I've gained this month - plus it's an awesome workout!