Not being able to run is frustrating.. On the way home, I ran into a friend of mine that was out running, doing a “nice easy three miler” as he prepared to do the half-marathon this weekend. This is the same gentleman that sent me a Facebook message 1.5 years ago asking if I wanted to go do a 5k, which I went and ran – with no prep, and didn’t do near as horribly as I thought I would. The St. James 5k also had the added benefit of getting me back into running.
Had a great talk with him (and he was nice enough to humor me as I interrupted his run) about looking for more interesting runs, focusing on distance over speed and other running-related things. I was definitely jealous, both of his running today as well as his doing the half-marathon. The not being ABLE to run right now is hard. The good news is that my calf continues to loosen every day. I probably could run, but since there is still a knot there I am going to do the smart thing and wait (I know, hard to believe.) Hopefully I will be pounding the pavement again on monday.
So, In an effort to keep motivated and in shape, I need to watch what I eat (as I am burning less calories) and find other ways to exercise – such as my “imitation-total gym.) I haven’t been terribly successful at either. For some reason, when I am not able to run my dietary habits get REALLY bad.. Probably trying to relax and deal with stress by enjoying things like chocolate instead. And while I like lifting, its not near as enjoyable as running is when I am looking at solitary exercise.
Ah well, today is fruit and healthy stuff – and tonight I will do some lifting.. And keep wishing i could be running.
As for the half marathon this weekend? Good Luck Chris!
I run, because I am a runner. Having realized that I have always "been a runner" - even when I went years with out running, I am learning how it has integrated itself in all aspects of my life. When I started running in highschool, my perspective on life changed. Funny that I didn't realize how much it had affected it until just recently.
Once and Future Runner 
Thanks Rob! Hang in there! You’ll be kicking my ass soon enough!