February 18, 2007
What a day I had today. My friend Gary is a distance runner. When I
mentioned to him that I don't run because I have trouble with my knees,
he suggested that I wear good shoes and run on a cushioned track, and
he offered to coach me. He referred me to a shop where a young man
named Shaun would help me pick out the right shoes.
I went to see Shaun and learned quite a bit about running shoes, feet,
and ankles. We picked out some great shoes that have the support I need in
all the right places. I was really excited that my knee problems might
be something that could be corrected. I used to run long ago, when I
was in my 20's and 30's and I try not to think about it because I
enjoyed running and I miss it. I took up cycling because my knees can
handle it.
I've been having knee pain on the downhill parts of my hikes with Matthew. I wore my new shoes on Saturday's hike and had minimal discomfort at the very end of a steep 1.5 mile descent, which was very encouraging.
Gary picked me up early yesterday morning and we drove to a track. I
remembered watching "Million Dollar Baby" and enjoying the part where
Hilary Swank calls Clint Eastwood "Boss". He grumbles, "And quit
calling me Boss!" And she says, "Okay Boss!" Gary directed me to run a
quarter mile to warm up and to see how my legs would hold up. "Okay
Boss!" and off I went. My knees felt fine and after stretching I ran
another half mile. Running is such hard work! My legs have to carry
this whole 130 pound body. It's definitely easier to let my bike carry
it for me.
Three quarters of the way around my second lap I began to remember a
long forgotten feeling of setting a pace and falling into a groove of
breathing and motion. Just when I thought I wouldn't be able to finish
the last lap, I knew I could. And I did.
We went for breakfast at one of my favorite hangouts, The Daily Market
and Cafe. It's two blocks from Brie's house and Brie and I eat there
often. It's a fun place where families and people of all ages come to
play checkers or cards, have coffee or a great breakfast, read the
paper, and use the internet. I got out the checkers and we had a lively
game. We were pretty evenly matched and had each other squirming in our
seats. Here's a photo of the winner.
Okay we both won.
It was fun.
It's so wonderful that you are finding time to post again. I've missed reading about what's going on in your life!
Posted by: Julie | February 20, 2007 at 03:39 AM