An Ode To Pain...And Tiger Balm

Last night we had ourselves a run. A 46 minute run.

I feel I should mention that those used to be something that seemed near impossible. I always used to define myself as a "non-runner" because, well, I wasn't. I had convinced myself that I couldn't do it, so I wouldn't really try. I figured even though I kind of wanted to be a runner but was afraid of it in some ways, perhaps my best bet would be to join the run-bashers out there. Convincing myself it wasn't good for me and my body is a nice, safe cop-out. But since there is some running in this triathlon, of course I had to sort of "become" a runner. Or try and embrace it.

Soooooo....4 months ago I decided to follow a 'Couch to 5k' running plan. In 8 weeks the plan takes you from mixed walking/running stints and works you up to running a 5k. It was a great way to go, and I'd recommend it to anyone. You can find it here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

And this was before my 'official' triathlon training started with Kate in September. We started together with, well, maybe 20 minute runs? And in time we worked our way up to 40 minute runs. It hasn't been easy, but we have done it.

At this point I feel I should mention that I had two good solo runs lately. You see, it is one thing to have a running buddy and support system. It almost doesn't feel like you are running, because you have distraction of another to keep you from thinking about it. Solo runs are still new to me, at least at this distance.

So about my big runs. The first was in New England, early morning in 28 degree weather, feeling my bones slam against each other every time my foot pounded the frozen ground, feeling the aching pain in my lungs from breathing in the icy air, feeling the challenge of hills (albeit little hills) as they loomed in front of me on the way out and back, and feeling the desire to have brought a tissue (or ten) along with me on that run. It was only a 30 minute run, but I did it and felt great about it.

The second run to mention was a solo run back in Florida without Kate. All along I knew I could do the runs with Kate, but I knew I needed to be able to do it without her too. So I went for 42 minutes, no problems, no worries. It was just last week. I think, I dare say, I'm becoming more of a runner. Finally.

That being said, there is still pain, folks. Oh yes. It seems that most every time I finish exercising, there is some sort of pain. Mostly a new spot every time. I feel like a 90 year old woman when I get to talking.

But I would have to say the variety keeps it interesting. And I gave this blog the title "An Ode To Pain...And Tiger Balm" in part due to inspiration gained from Sati, a fantastic yoga teacher, mentor, guru. We had a discussion in class about pain. Sure, pain is not good when it causes an injury, but it is important to examine the pain that exists that doesn't cause an injury. Is it really that bad to have a little pain? To live outside of the comfort zone of our normal lives, to push our boundaries a little is a GOOD thing. Sure I might ache a little here one day and there the next, but I am growing, changing, improving. I am making a better me. And it's not even a good thing, it's a great thing! They say to make an omelet one must break a few eggs. And yeah, I sure am doing a little egg breaking. Oh yeah.

So for now, I'll take my pain with a grain of salt. And when you find me hobbling around post-run due to knee pain, back pain, etc., and you can smell the Tiger Balm on me before you can even see me, know that it's all good. It's all good. Just as long as CVS keeps Tiger Balm stocked up on their shelves, it is all good...