Important Lessons

I have now missed two weeks of running.  I can't do any cardio--every type of cardio I can think of uses the motion that is causing the problem with my knee and I don't want to risk it.  My doctor told me to take it really really easy for four weeks, so I'm doing my best to stick to that.

The last two weeks have been a big learning experience for me.

Lesson #1:  Running Keeps Me Sane

Running alleviates stress in a way I never had noticed.  Without the ability to run away the worries of the day, I am finding myself crippled by stressful situation.  They build and build and build until finally I breakdown.  Worse, I know that I shouldn't be as stressed as I am about these dumb work issues.  I finally put it together that these were so stressful to me because I wasn't running.  It made me miss running (and hard workouts in general) that much more!

Lesson #2: I'm High Risk for Double Damage

When I'm injured, I somehow feel like I deserve to eat all the food I want.  Apparently it is my way of showing my body who is boss.  "Oh yeah?  You want to be injured?  Well, I'll show you!!  I'll eat you into a coma to teach you a lesson!!"

Hmmm...there is some serious logic missing there.  But, I've followed this routine the last two times I've been injured so it is definitely worth noticing and being proactive about.  It makes absolutely no sense to up my food intake when my activity level has taken a severe decline.  I'm really surprised I haven't gained any weight.  Either way, no more food comas!

Lesson #3: Running is Clearly My Drug of Choice

I really like running, and I haven't had as much joy in other forms of workouts.  Since running has always been so dang difficult for me, I feel like any other workout isn't a true workout so I don't want to do it.  Lame.  I'm glad I love running, but I wish I loved all types of workouts!  Admittedly, I love Zumba and biking but I can't do either of those right now so it isn't the same.  Sigh.

All in all, there are a lot of things about myself that I need to review and continue to work on.  I can't wait to get back into the game of running and really amp up the mileage once it is safe.  I'm hoping to get in a few short runs on my trip to Australia in the next couple of weeks.  I'm nervous, but so very excited!  In the meantime, it's time to reign in the eating and stop trying to do double damage to my body!