Run baby run: Part 3

I hurt. Everywhere. My back. My knees. My ribs. My boobs. My eyes. My arms. Any movement seems to elicit pain. Not uncomfortable pain. But rather the type you get when you know you've pushed yourself hard and you feel a certain sense of satisfaction.

I went out hard today and feel a great sense of achievement in spite of pain and the exhaustion from a long night vigil for my family.

I literally had to pick my arse up by it's cheeks and drag it to the gym this morning at 6am. To my pleasant suprise, I found that my usual Body Pump class had been increased from 45 min to an hour. Yesss! I lifted heavier weights. I completed more repetitions than usual despite the screaming protests of my muscles. I worked hard. I even had the sopping wet t-shirt to prove it!

I took a little more time and care with getting dressed and made up and felt like one hell of a classy chick cutting up the pavement on my way to work. I may have even 'minced' into the foyer of the hospital.

Then, after work I went on the much feared run with the running group. I ran for almost an hour .. I may have walked for a total of 15mins. Admittedly, at times my running was barely faster than walking. But I would like to point out that the Oxford dictionary defines running as: moving at a speed faster than a walk ... albeit just! My back was killing me. And at times I thought I would pass out ... but maybe some of that had to do with the lack of oxygen I was able to inhale due to the fierce constriction of my new running bra! But I just kept going.

You know what? I kind of enjoyed it. It was complete hell but the fact that there were 10 women of varying abilities, shapes, ages and running ambitions made it a hoot. We did split runs (fast/slow), fast relays and a fun, fiesty game of 'tiggy'(tag) on the way back to the hospital. I loved it. I loved the camaraderie. I loved the support ... these women encouraging me, supporting me, cheering me on yet being understanding enough to jog at an almost non-pace when my back pained too much to run. I think I may be hooked. It's social. It's outdoors. And dammit, it may just end up being more fun than I could imagine.

So here's to uber sore muscles tomorrow and pushing the boat out of the harbour of comfortable and familiar.

Must. Read. One. Chapter. Of. Running. Book. Before. Falling. Asleep. Maybe not.