Yesterday, Saturday, for the first time since September, I woke up, looked outside, and thought, "I am going to go for a run."  Thanksgiving week was my first run after my hiatus, but yesterday was my first run on the weekend at home.  I didn't have to trudge to the gym and get on the elliptical or the spin bike.  I could just lace up my running shoes and go out the door.  So that is exactly what I did, and it was wonderful.

It was Saturday so there were not many people out and about, and it was early in the morning so there were even fewer people out and about.  The ski crowd was not even making their way up to the ski hill yet.  The highway was quiet.  The dirt road where I turned on was silent.  Nothing but me, Zoey, and the deer.  The morning was gorgeous.  30 degrees, crispy clear.  The sun was not yet up but the sky was light.  The cold air felt clean in my lungs.  The road was a bit slick so I couldn't really push the pace, but that is fine.  I am still hesistant to push too hard quite yet.  I want to make sure my injury really is healed before I push hard. 

Zoey and I made our way up to the turn around point, simply enjoying the solitude of the morning.  She was zigzagging, smelling the new smells and relishing in the feeling of being outdoors.  (As a side note, she is the most fun dog to run with.  Whenever I am struggling through a run, I look at Zoey and focus on her complete unbridled happiness.  It always makes me feel better.)  Yesterday I felt great.  My glute / hammy twinged a few times but that was it.  Otherwise I didn't even notice it.  My legs felt good, my stride felt short due to the ice but otherwise good.  The air and the quiet and the mountains...it was good to be back to running. 

This morning I got a text from my good friend, The Marathoner.  She reminded me that last year on this weekend, I had just finished the Tucson Half Marathon and she was in the middle of the Tucson Marathon.  Crazy to think about now.  After nursing this injury for so long, it is hard for me to imagine training for another half.  I am sure I will run another one, but not in the near future.  Right now, I am happy just to be able to run.