I Graduated!

I've graduated from physical therapy for my knee.  I've been running for two weeks now since being cleared to run by the Dr.

The PT progressed from light bicycling on an exercise bike to light ankle weights to heavier ankle weights and some squats either free standing or against the wall with an exercise ball.

I have complete range of motion with my right knee.  It probably feels better that it did before the injury.

One thing that amazed me was how quickly my quads and hamstrings atrophied in my right thigh.  I wasn't off of my leg for anything but the surgery.  None the less, the muscles are significantly smaller and still need some effort to build them back up.

Running is going well.  Yesterday I had a fun run with Andrew and some of his fellow Hanford HS alums.  We ran to Clay Lewis' house and back from the HHS track.  Clay has inspired these young people and they like to visit him when they are home.

On this past Saturday I ran in the annual Cable Bridge Run.  I took it very easy and let myself ease into the running.  It felt great to be running in a race again even if I did start out slow with a tremendous number of people in front of me.  As I warmed up I still ran easy and focused on my Chi Running form, particularly body lean.  By the middle of the race I found myself running sub 8's and ended the race with about an 8:06 average pace.  Much better than I expected without really pushing it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.  Maybe I will see you at the Pooch and Pal run on January 1st at Little Cross.

Running in the Dark

I have realized in the last few weeks that there are a few plusses to running in the dark. In my case early morning around 5:15 or 5:30 am is when I get started. This is always the time I go during the week, except in the summertime when I don't have to get up as early to get the kids going for school.
For the last month I have been watching the Comet Holmes. It is an incredible sight really, so bright you can spot it even when the sun is coming up.
Now yesterday morning and this morning I have been watching the Geminid Meteor Shower race across the sky. I remember staying up late freezing my butt off last year on my balcony trying to spot this same meteor shower and this year saw it while somewhat staying warm! (Even though it was 34 degrees out)
I will be the first to admit that I don't LOVE running in the dark. I get nervous to hear the coyotes howling in the early morning hours. I hear a noise and don't know what it is until I am about on top of it. In the winter I freeze! But looking up and seeing some incredible sights makes it seem worthwhile.
Marjorie