While I was reveling in the wonder of the ski season, one weekend in February, for no particular reason, my back started to kill me after one morning on the slopes. I had no idea why my back felt tweaked after skiing--I didn't take a bad fall, I didn't twist weirdly or sharply, I didn't crash into anything or anyone--but nonetheless my back was out of whack after that day. I could not straighten up for about a week, and after 3 weeks with visits to my massage therapist combined with at home stretching exercises and foam rolling, I was still not quite right. What a mess!
I tried my best to keep "running" throughout this period of time, my pace was greatly decreased along with my mileage. I was at bare minimum mileage for February. Miraculously, I squeaked out my 100 miles for the month, but just barely. I was so annoyed by this because I was so energized after my California race in January, and I came home determined to add weight training back into my regimen. So much for that in February. (Meant to post these sooner, but here are 3 fabulous pics from the CA race taken by the official photographer, Rob Nelms. It is rare that all three of us would take a great race photo while running, so here's the proof...)
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| Hazel on the course. Making it look so easy. |
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| Myself, flashing a smile and big wave. |
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| TJ the running man, peace out! |
Also in February, we experienced the death of one of our dear family members on my husband's side. Having the family together to grieve was a blessing, but my diet suffered around this few weeks with lots of comfort foods around. So basically, I was eating too much fattening food and not running enough. February was a cruel month, for sure.
March brought a bit of change. My back finally came around to feeling normal, and with Lent upon us, I decided to clean up my calorie intake by giving up my favorite snack of cheese & crackers along with all alcohol. Plus, I've tried to just eat cleaner during this time. I also started off the month with a Beach Body 3-day Refresh, which is always hard, but it really helped me to refocus and get out of the comfort food mindset. The month of March ended up being a real bang up month...I clocked 125 miles for the month and lost about 5 pounds. Not too shabby.
And now the weather is starting to improve, which feels magnificent! Spring is my absolute favorite season for running. I love the smell of the dirt and the blooming spring flowers and trees. I love the feel of the sunshine, fresh from its winter freeze. I love shedding the heavy layers and getting back outside, freeing myself from the confines of the treadmill. It is such a season of renewal, and it helps make running feel fresh again. I have started up the spring edition of the running club at the school where I work, and the kids are so happy to be back outside having fun. It feels so joyous!
I'm relieved for all of this change, as I have a race coming up at the end of April and was unsure about my training with my back being so bad in February. Thankfully, I feel good and strong right now, and I've been able to add weight training back in to my routine, so I hope I will be even better by the end of the month. Looking forward to the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini-Marathon (#44).
May your spring be filled with a newness, be it running, or some other activity. Get out there and enjoy whatever your passion may be! Time to leave winter far behind!
