Merry Christmas Everyone!! Unfortunately I drew the short straw this year and I'm sitting at work today!
On the plus side I got up an ran this morning! Brisk morning, 34 and clear.
I started my 10k training this morning with a 2.5 mile run. I'm going to be following the Hal Higdon training plan if you are interested.
I've stopped recording my warm up walk as part of my distance, so splits "should" be going down and I'll get a better idea of where I'm at with pace.
Fitbit stats
Total distance 2.52 miles
Total time 25:33
Mile 1- 10:13
Mile 2- 10:07
Mile .52- 9:59
Overall a solid run. I'm very happy with these times as I did this run on very little sleep. About 5 hours due to family Christmas celebration last night.
I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the past 6 months. Six months ago today, I stood up for the first time in 3 days to test my new hardware. The first attempt at standing was a failure and I have to admit I was a little worried about the pain. After taking a short break, I was able to stand with a little help from my wife and the therapist. Next, was one loop around the hospital floor. I'm not sure how far it was, 200ft maybe? But I was totally spent. Waited a few hours and then did two laps.
Next day, I was able to go home. I don't remember much about the ride home except that I could feel every pebble in the road. My body was on high alert for any sudden movement and by the time we made the 1.5 hour drive home it was time to go back to bed. After a short nap, I made a walk to the mailbox and back escorted by my wife. Then I laid back down. The next couple days were more of the same. Lay around, take short walks and try to sit up and visit with the family. Sitting was the worst, I would rather have been up and moving than sitting.
My first month was spent stretching my walks to the end of the block and back, and then around the neighborhood. I think I was up to a two mile walk after the first month. Slow, but steady. Maybe 18 min miles. I went back to work after a month, the boredom of sitting around was killing me. I had many, many restrictions and thankfully I have a manager who was willing to accommodate all of them. Walking was my only exercise for the first 3 months. After my first follow up, I was cleared to start PT and the doc removed my restrictions.
I was really hoping to start running after my follow up with the doc. But, she said "let's do a stationary bicycle for a month". Boy was I bummed. Turns out the doc knows best, there was no way I was really ready to start running again. My core and back were still too weak. Started PT and from the beginning I shared my goals and they put me on the track to reaching them!! I have to say I love those folks!! Though there were nights I went home completely exhausted, they did a great job with me. I can't thank them enough...
My walks were getting longer and my therapy was making me stronger. Now it was finally time to go for a run. Therapist said, go run 2 miles and see how it feels. I found a nice flat loop around town and ran 2.08 miles in 22:26, avg pace 10:46. That was on Saturday October 27th. Not too shabby for my first run. No hills yet though, especially downhill. Turns out that hurt more than running up the hills.
I decided then that I would run a 5k in December, and with my Daughter I was able to train and run the Jingle Bell Dash 5k on December 15th. 3.13 miles, 32:36, avg pace 10:25. This run was fantastic! I felt great the whole race and I think the time was pretty dang good! Today, I started my 10k training 2.52 miles, 25:33, avg pace 10:08. I like that my avg pace time seems to be consistently dropping. Can I get back to a sub 9 min mile? I think so! I haven't really pushed myself, because I can still feel the tightness in my back and I'm afraid I am going to hurt something. Just gonna keep things slow and steady for now.
So much to be thankful for over the past 6 months.
Beginning with the EMT's that made me lay down and strapped me to the backboard, wrapped me in a neck brace and transported me to my first hospital.
The doctor's, nurses and xray techs at Skagit hospital. Thanks for taking good care of me and being patient with me when I wouldn't let you cut off my t-shirt. I really appreciate everything that you guys did with the exception of wheeling me past the coffee stand on the way to and from the xray room! The smell of coffee was delicious and you guy wouldn't let me have any. Just kidding, I understand!
The second ambulance crew that despite being at the end of their shift transported me to Harbor View, our level one trauma center in the Northwest.
The staff at Harbor View. What can I say but thank you!! They were all amazing! Even when I got grumpy because of some miscommunication from the surgeon to the nurses. Everyone there seems to REALLY care about their patients!
Finally, I have to thank my wife and family.... I put them thru a ton of stress. My wife has always been my saving angel....
Looking forward, 5k in January, 10k in February or March, half marathon around the end of June, another half in September and the Dopey in January 2020.
Windy again! Wow! Seems like every run has been windy this winter! Fairly warm though, 50 ish.
