The challenging part of really paying attention to something is that you run the risk of paying so-o-o-o much attention that your mind tricks you into seeing, or feeling, something that may not really be there...This afternoon after work I slipped on my trail running shoes and made my way out onto the slushy roads and sidewalks for a short shuffle, the goal of the exercise being not to run too fast or too far, but to get a sense of the level of comfort (or discomfort) while exerting pressure on my ankles. I've rested the seven days suggested by my primary physician, and I still have two more weeks before seeing a podiatrist, so I reckoned it is time to try...
Following some light leg stretching, I was on my way... I really attempted to pay very close attention to how my legs felt, at least just enough attention to know when, and if, a needed to adjust the duration of the run. At the :04:00 min. mark, my knees were achy, due, I think, to my being more sedentary of late, but my ankles felt strong.
At :09:00 minutes, likely just over a mile in, I thought I felt a slight pulling behind my right ankle, but rather than lingering my mind too long, I took a deep breathe, slowed down and tried to "slide" rather than "stomp" over the ground, to better minimize the pressure on my ankle at each foot strike.
Finally, when I had gone about two miles (:18:00 min.), I knew it was time to head back home and complete the roughly 2.5-3.0 mile route around my part of the city. I am trying to slowly test my body, easing myself back into a comfortable physical groove before attempting to run any large chunk of distance or at an increased pace.
Oooops, almost forgot... I woke up this morning and did a little riding on the bicycle:
Cycling (Trainer): 15 min. @ 5:00 a.m.
Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!
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