No such thing as a swimmers high

I haven't run a road race since 2011. I was part of a relay team, '4 Cheeseheads and a FIB' in the Fox Communities Marathon with one of my dear friends Gina. Since then-I participated in a few mud runs, which were fun! But life without running has been a little less healthy, and it's time to get back in the race.

I LOVE to run! It's a sick addiction that no amount of swimming, biking, walking or weight lifting can replace. But the effects it has on the body are pretty nice too. I used to have six pack abs (or at least four) and now I have a muffin top. Add a few bruises and I resemble a blueberry muffin. I was so proud of the strength in my legs, the definition from the muscle that showed off my hard work. The recent reminder I have of muscle was a fall down the stairs when my legs were needed to try and stop my fall. Yup....my thighs were screaming for days after that.

I used to love the ache of my body from the exhaustion of a long work out. Now my calves burn and I'm winded from walking up two flights of stairs-occasionally I need to nap after moments such as these.

Why did I quit-I had knee surgery a few years ago and have knee problems. About two years ago I saw a doctor who's solution to my pain was a cortisone shot directly to the knee. If you haven't had a cortisone shot before-let me tell you, any doctor who says that it won't hurt, is a liar.  First, the needle was about 12 inches long. Two nurses came in and one sat next to me while the other injected the cortisone directly under my knee cap. the first thing I felt was about a thousand needles under my knee cap followed by an intense pressure as the fluid filled the cavity under my knee. I thought my knee cap was going to pop off my leg and hit the nurse with enough speed to knock her out cold. But instead, I was the one who blacked out. I came to with one nurse holding me with both hands on my shoulders pushed square against the chair. I was soaking with sweat yelling "Good GOD THAT Hurt!" I'm not sure who was more startled at that moment. The same doctor who told me that the shot wouldn't hurt also said I would never run again and should try swimming instead of running. "Many people get that same high." I really dislike that man.

I have never felt anything close to a 'swimmers high' and am ready to prove the doctor wrong. I have set a goal to run a 5k in March at Tanners with my friend Brendan Dooley. It's a small race, but a start. And here is where you all come in. I am asking you to be part of this process. I am going to blog my training. I promise to keep it light-hearted and fun, and what I need from you is motivation. Please feel free to shame me if I'm not sticking to my work out and don't for the positive feedback too ;)

My goals are as follows: 

1. No drinking during the week (unless it's a special occasion...such as my girl Kelly needs some 'Robyn time'-that's a special occasion?!)
2. Three runs a week with two other work outs. (I'm buying 'Run Less, Run Faster'-thanks for the suggesting Gina) and following the training program.
3. Blog my work outs
4. Be honest when I don't follow through
5. To have fun with this
6. MAYBE will take a before and after pic....this is still in the air.

For your:

1. Have fun with me!
2. Stick with me and if you are a fellow runner-please feel free to give advice.

Blog one. Done.