If you have missed my updates on this injury, check out my post on the under water running.
As I left off in the world of the sprained ankle, last week was two sessions of underwater treadmill running. I also included 3 pilates classes and several different rounds on the elliptical. But late Friday afternoon, I heard the most glorious words I had heard in 26 days. “You can try and run a 1/2 mile this weekend on the treadmill.”
I thought I would be the first person at the gym but a few cocktails left me sleeping in and rehydrating before I made it there. I told myself no running until you finish your elliptical mileage. My goal was 6 miles. Let me tell you-I am not one with the elliptical. I have tried, and tried, and tried over the years. But I get bored. Thank God for College Game Day, the latest Runner’s World, and NUUN!
keys to success.
They saved my 1:05 on that dreaded machine. Did you know that the elliptical starts over after you hit an hour? I had no idea. Just so you know, I spun enough to make it 6-stupid counter cut me off after the 1:05.
dumb 5.99
I said a little prayer, and on wobbly-post-elliptical legs I hopped on the treadmill. I’m not sure if it was the fear, or being tired, but I couldn’t move very fast. I started at a slow jog and tried to increase speed. I told myself, “Baby steps.”
I felt off. It wasn’t pretty. It was slow. It was short. BUT, IT WAS RUNNING!!
half a mile-take that!
I really didn’t hurt on Saturday either-which was a great sign. I was excited for PT yesterday. I went in prepared for the water, and was asked, “Ready to try the treadmill?” Uh, yes please!
I did even more jumping type exercises, my regular strength work, and then hopped on the treadmill. I’m not going to lie, it was sore. I was a bit worried but Chris (PT) said that was normal. She said it may be sore for the next 6 months and the key is to ice it after each run.
oldest treadmill in the universe!
I started slow and worked my way to a 10 minute pace. Honestly, I am scared to push the pace any more than that. I know it will come back eventually, but I want to play it safe-especially after tired legs from all of the PT exercises. I was only allowed 1.5 miles. I’m okay with that. It felt nice to just get back into the rhythm.
Before I left, Chris gave me more exciting news. I can run 3 times this week. All on the treadmill, increasing by half a mile each time. So, PT counted as one, yesterday I did 2 (pain free and awesome), and Thursday I will do 2.5. I’m excited. I’m anxious. I’m a little nervous and scared. But it’s running again. Baby steps, yes. But running.
How do you stay entertained on the elliptical or treadmill? What’s the furthest distance you’ve gone on either machine?
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Yay for getting to run on the treadmill again!!!! I have never been able to do the elliptical either I am to short or not coordinated enough I can’t seem to get in a rythm.
The treadmill is boring boring boring but the longest I have made it was 5 miles however tonight I will have to try for 6 on there since its raining and muddy out.
I am so happy to hear that you were able to run a little! Yay for PT!!!!
YEAH! Great progress!! The longest I did on the treadmill was a half marathon. I set up a laptop in front of it and watch The Bachelorette on hulu
That’s awesome! Cautious, is GOOD. Your speed will come back before you know it, but there’s no benefit to pushing it.
I was only able to make myself stay on it for 30 mins, though…
Also, I was reading that same issue, whilst despising my elliptical workout, yesterday.
So awesome! Congrats on a great run – doesn’t it feel so good after a few weeks without it? Who cares if it’s just a couple of miles, it’s awesome!
Hooray!!!! Welcome back!!
Hooray! That’s great news Elizabeth!
I don’t care for the elliptical either.
I’m so excited for you! There is something about being hurt and not running faster than a 10 min mile. I hear you on that one. Stay in the safe zone and continue to get better.
I am so happy and excited for you!!!!! I remember the first day I was told I could run- I was jumping up and down like a little kid. I was thinking of glorious miles on the open road….and that wasn’t the case, but I have no worked up to that point. Baby steps and taking it slow are important. How does the running feel this week?
I love it that you are running again…no matter the speed…no matter the mileage
Yay! Glad you’re getting back into running!
The longest I’ve run on the tread is 18 miles and while at times I wanted to stab myself in the eye, dying on an icy road wasn’t my idea of fun either.