Never say Never November is here and so far it is definitely so good. I have been chosen to be a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador. I look forward to working with GGS to promote fitness and share my experiences as a hysterrunner.
I kicked off the month RUNNING! On November 1st, exactly 6 weeks post-surgery, I had my first run! I got 1.4 miles in around the Lake. I promised my doctor that I wouldn’t do more than 1 mile my first time out to test how my body was healing. But, the Lake is a little over a mile and I completed the loop. I felt good like I could do more. I followed this up with 2 miles the next day and 1.6 miles on the 3rd. Short distances, yes; but, long enough to not stress out my still healing body. From what I have read and discussed with my doctor, I won’t be fully healed until about six months post-surgery just in time for my birthday in February.
The key to running this soon after surgery is to wear supportive gear. Abdominal binders may be good when you get off a bedrest but aren’t conducive to exercise, especially not running. Girdles are fine to deal with the bloating and help you fit back into your regular clothes but they also are not for running. Compression gear is the way to go. So far I have run in Saucony Amp Pro tights and Nike Hyperwarm Dri Fit tights. They both provide just enough support without being restrictive and irritating my incision. I haven’t run in my CW-X tights as yet. I’m saving those until when I get to my longer runs.
Today is Election Day here in the US. I chose to Exercise my Right to Vote by running a 5K for my home town of New York. I donated money to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund and decided to run4nyc. This was a virtual 5K which was perfect for my first attempt as a hysterrunner. I am glad that my first 5K back could be dedicated for a good cause. If you are still looking for ways to help Sandy victims, consider donating to the American Red Cross.
I joined my Twilight Tuesday Black Girls Run Baltimore group for a cold, dark run/walk around the Lake and the surrounding neighborhood. I completed my 3 miles in 41:51 which is faster than my last race pre-surgery!!! Lack of pain and cramping coupled with the cold air worked for me.
I’m looking forward to my progress in my new body. I am now officially a HYSTERRUNNER!
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