The last time I took an extended break from running due to injury was during my junior year of college when I had arthroscopic knee surgery.  It has been 4 years since I have taken more than 2 weeks off at a time from doing the sport I love.  While having to take time off from anything you love is difficult, I believe that when you get back to doing what you love you find a new appreciation for exactly what it is you are doing.  Last weekend I watched several of my friends compete in the Air Force Cycling Classic.  Watching both them and the professionals really made it sink in just how much I miss racing and competing. 

Tonight I had my first “official” day back to running.  I stepped out of my building and immediately starting sweating thanks to the heat of summer and the humidity of a nearby storm.  I looked at my watch when I thought I was around a mile in, only to discover I had completed all of 4 minutes of running.  It’s amazing to think about the fact that last year I didn’t stop running until I crossed the finish line of my first marathon and yet after 4 minutes I was really feeling it.  I managed to squeak out another 18 minutes and called it a day.  

I have been looking forward to this day for 6 weeks and it didn’t disappoint.  I can’t wait to find my fitness and my stride again.