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Thoughts During Your First Run After 3 Months Off
Running after a hiatus is a mixed bag of emotions
In 2020, I ran my first half-marathon (virtually, of course). Then, I took some well-deserved and much needed time off from running.
This week, thanks to the go-ahead from my doctor after some routine tests for my chronic illness, I set out on my first run in around three months.
As excited as I was to get back out there, I knew it would be difficult to face the loss of fitness I’d incurred over the last several months of walks and yoga only.
I know I’m not the only one who’s had to hustle and struggle through a running comeback, so I thought I’d document a few of the thoughts I had during my inaugural return to the pavement.
Pre-Run Prep
Okay, here we go.
Haven’t done this in a while, but damn it, I ran a half-marathon last year. This shouldn’t be that bad.
Hmm where did I put my knee brace… and why do I feel like it’s in the basement?
These shoes are a little tighter than I remember, but didn’t the guy at the running store say that was a good thing?
Let’s see, just a quick stretch this time, I think.
Where are my headphones?
Has anyone seen my headphones?
Okay, here’s the app I use… and my running playlist… let’s see what I can do.
On The Run
Oh god, I can do nothing.
Why does everything hurt?
Is this how legs work? This cannot be how legs work.
Surely I’ve gone at least half a mile by now, right?
-checks watch- Nope.
Okay, focus on the breathing. It’s all about the breath.
How do you breathe, again?
Stop checking your pace. It’s day one. It’s okay.
Is that my pace? Oh god, I’m so slow!
How much further?
-checks watch again- Is this thing broken?
