I'm Back in the Game

I was hoping to run the Ogden Marathon in May and when I got pneumonia in November I had to let that goal go... at least for a little while. My lungs are still not 100%, even 2 1/2 months later. I have coughing fits at night and get a little wheezy, but thankfully it is much better than it was even one month ago. I slowly made my way back to the gym in January and a few weeks ago I tried running 3 miles straight without stopping... couldn't do it. I did run 3 miles, but it was slow, and I stopped probably 5 or 6 times due to a hacking cough and my lungs feeling like they were going to explode. Just minutes after my run I literally was sick to my stomach and had to go straight home. I was nauseous for a few hours and had to sleep it off while the kids were napping. I felt defeated. Just 5 months before that I ran an awesome half marathon and was on my way to running a full. How did I get to this point, that running a 5K wasn't doable?!! It was horrible.

Well, I am proud to report that today I ran 3 miles without stopping. I wasn't going for time (got 29:30) because I just wanted to keep my heart rate regulated, by getting into a nice groove and keeping it there. After my run, I even felt good enough to do stairs for 20 minutes, bike for 15, and then do abs. My lungs held up and I know deep down I still have 'it'. I just need to be cautious that I don't push too hard too fast. Don't want to get sick or endure another IT band injury like last year. All in all, I feel really good about where I'm at. Yes baby... I'M BACK!