Starting up Again!

It is getting closer and closer to Christmas, which means that the end of the year is almost here! It has been just over two weeks since the marathon and I ran for the first time this weekend. On Saturday, exactly two weeks after the marathon, I went for a 3-mile trail run near my home. I kept a slow, but steady 9:40 pace and enjoyed every minute of it. My left ankle began hurting pretty much immediately after I started. It was a sharp pain, not just the dull ache associated with soreness. I have been babying it for two weeks now so I just ignored it and it went away after about 5 minutes. It was a little sore afterwards but no more than normal. I am beginning to think that I NEED to run more on it, but just be careful about pushing the mileage up.

On a sad note, I think my ipod is on its death bed. It has been intermittent at best and did not work on the trail run. It is frustrating to strap it on my arm and then it be pretty much useless. I am starting to try and figure out how I can put my mini to rest and save for a new nano. We have already purchased my Christmas present – a new bike trainer for my road bike – so I will have to figure out something else. Of course, trail running is serene enough that I can do without music so I may just stick to the dirt track.

I also biked out on the road for an hour on Sunday. I was with a friend so I did not worry as much about traffic but that is going to be a real concern. People around here don’t know how to be respectful of bikers and I know that it would probably hurt to be hit by a car! But I am already eyeing my first sprint tri in March so I need to build up my cycling endurance. I didn’t push it hard but I only managed an average of 15 mph on the rolling country roads Sunday. I need to push it up to feel comfortable enough to complete a triathlon.

Swimming is another story in itself. I can’t remember the last time I swam so I know I have a rude awakening coming! Plus, I am not all that thrilled about showing off my gut to get in the gym’s pool. I don’t yet have a tri swimming suit so I am going to aim for beginning in the new year when I should at least have some goggles.

Christmas is now just a week away! I hope all of you have most of your shopping done!