As most of my regular readers are aware, I’ve been working hard to come back from my hamstring/hip injury. The holiday season is one of my favorite times to race. I love the costumes, the festive atmosphere, the families that come out and run together. I was not about to let my injury ruin all of my holiday fun so I signed up to do the Run With Santa 5K.
Run With Santa 5K
When running is good, running is very good. When running is good, you can pop out for an “easy” 3 or 4 miles and not think anything of it. A 5K is often a warm up to a longer run. However, when you least expect it, the rug can be pulled out from under you. Bam you’re injured. Running can be oh so humbling. What is a piece of cake one day, can be impossible the next.
As I have worked my way back to running 60/30 intervals, I decided to take on the Run With Santa 5K. I knew, this would be my longest “run” in 7 weeks. I was so much more nervous than I expected even waking up way before my 6 am alarm. With temps in the mid 20’s, I was not sure exactly what to wear. I usually run hot but I would not be running my normal pace and I would be walking- a lot. I chose a base layer and my new Athleta jacket.
We met up with a few other MRTT ladies for some pre run photo fun before lining up for the start. I had no goals for this 5K at all except for finishing the 3 miles without any pain. Did I mention I was nervous? My 30 second walk intervals seemed to fly by while the 60 second run intervals often felt long. One mile turned into two and I was confident, well mostly, that I would make it to the finish.
That last half of mile was hard, really hard. I was tired and hot and then cold. I was elated when that finish line was in sight. That day, I remembered that the 5K distance is something to be respected. Every mile is a gift. Watching and listening to other runners achieve their goals, reminded me yet again that every finish line is a victory. While that 3.1 miles was probably my slowest to date, for other runners out there it was perhaps their first 3.1 miles.
Returning from injury has reminded me that every mile is a gift. Running health is something to be treasured and something to be respected. I will slowly be working my way back and hope to be stronger for it. Have you run a race while actively recovering from injury?
Linking up with Kim, Zenaida, Debbie and Marc
Well done, Deborah! You managed to hold yourself back and stick to the 30/60 rhythm. Actually, stopping and starting is much harder than running the whole way through.
Congrats for doing this and for reminding me that every mile is a gift!
Stopping and starting is challenging for sure but I am determined to get back there!
Awesome job Deborah! I am glad that you were able to do this race with your intervals. And you’re so right, I think we often underestimate the 5K distance but it should be respected!
Definitely! I was glad that I was able to achieve it
Nothing like an injury to give you respect for even shorter distance races. It’s a reminder of why our non-running friends respect us so much when we run a 5k! It really is a long way.
Congrats on your return to running. While I knew that you’d be back, it’s still an achievement to follow your injury plan and to make your return pain-free.
Thanks Deb it’s going to be a long road back but I will get there!
Welp, I wondered why submitting my comment looked so different. Here we go again:
So glad to see you are back at it! I’m sure those run/walk intervals will turn into run/run for you in no time. I like your perspective about this race. It may have been slow, but it is done!
I don’t know what’s up with that comment thing today thanks though I am hoping to get back to longer intervals next week
Yay! I’m so proud of you for tackling that 5K. I know it was hard for you but you did it! And soon you’ll be back to running your normal pace and distances and all will be well in the world. <3
Thanks I sure hope so! Have to start somewhere
You said it with perfection…”every run is a gift.” Being side-lined after my surgery reinforced just how much I enjoy the simple ACT of running. Even now….I’m not loving the winter season, but I GET to run in the cold temps, so I’m good. I’m thankful for that choice. Chin up, Deborah! YOU’re doing well with your rally back!
If you can come back stronger, I can too! Thanks
Wow! Way to go! I have definitely run races while injured and have paid for it dearly in some instances. I’m glad to hear you were able to finish and really appreciate how far you’ve come with your recovery!
Thanks Lex working hard over here
I totally agree about the 5K deserving respect and every mile being a gift. I’m so glad you got to go out and do this and I hope this means you are on your way to recovery!
I hope so too
A 5K is definitely not nothing! I don’t race but while injured once I found myself in the U.K., in Oxford, and had the opportunity to run on the running track where Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile. I was injured but boy, I was not going to pass this up. And it was “only” one mile after all. I did it and wound up no worse for wear. And what a memory!
Great job on getting through it no worse for wear yourself!
That is a fun story and a great experience
Great work on finishing the 5km and not being worried about time. Wishing you an injury free 2020!
Thanks so much Chris that would be a nice gift
What a humbling experience, I’m sure. I Love your perspective after finishing this race. What great insight!
Thanks so much
I love themed races!! Everyone’s outfits are so festive. Happy holidays!
I’m sorry to hear about your injury but glad you’re taking it slow getting back into running. I usually run intervals (probably due to my fear of getting injured) – it gives me a chance to enjoy the run instead of just focusing on finishing. Love the costumes and MRTT!
Running intervals is a huge help and I know lots of people swear by them
I’m definitely one of them! I’ve been a convert since I had my 3rd kid (I’m on #4 now) .
Great points to remember here. I need to be more grateful – I was a mass of moaning minniness on my cold run this morning!
Happens to all of us!
Hugs to you, Deborah! Slowly you will be out there running again like nothing happened. I know it hasn’t been easy but your patience and dedication will pay off.
Thanks I sure hope so