Going out for Run – How Hard Could it Be?

Monday after work I did something that I haven’t done in quite a while. I threw on a pair of gym shorts, laced up my running shoes, and set out for a little run around the neighborhood. My plan was simple, I’d head over to the developement near my house and run a single lap around the same route that I ran the Slimming Down Dad Virtual 10K Fun Run.

One lap, about two miles – how hard could it be?

I expected to have to walk part of the way. Surely I could cover a mile before that though, right? WRONG!

I made it 0.72 Miles before I had to slow to a walk. My calves were screaming, my shins ached, and my lungs burned. I knew I set off at too fast a pace but with it having been so long since I’ve been out for a run, I found it nearly impossible to self-regulate.

My pride was damaged but I didn’t want to give up. I walked for a minute or so then set out at a very slow trot. I made it a little farther before my legs protested and I had to walk again. I repeated the process but was forced to shorten my route.

When it was all said and done I had managed 1.78 miles in 22 minutes 24 seconds. My first mile came in at 11 minutes 5 seconds – which was way too fast. Practically starting all over again with running, I need to get that time up into the 14 to 15 minute range and ease my way back into a groove.

The goal at this point is to complete one lap around the developement without stopping. Once I can manage that, I’ll work on one and a half laps. I have a long road ahead of me but I’m excited to be back at it again.

When I got back home after my run, my wife seemed thrilled that I had gone out (our daughter was getting her hair cut and I left before they got home). She has always supported me but I felt guilty working out throughout the later part of the pregnancy, knowing that she wanted to do it with me. I’m beginning to feel foolish for allowing myself to back-slide as much as I have.