Update

I guess I should post an update, for anyone interested in the doings of a gimpy semi-runner.

I've been swimming once a week and enjoying it. Would like to get to the pool more often, but my schedule hasn't allowed for it yet. I swam a mile earlier this week. I took 30 second rests after every 2 laps (100 yds). My endurance in the pool is slowly improving, and I'm actually enjoying it.

I feel guilty that I haven't been outside on the bike much yet (okay, only ONCE). I've been doing some indoor spinning, but since spring has finally shown up here in the Pacific Northwest, I'll be rolling down the roads soon. I'm tentatively planning on doing the bike leg of an Olympic distance triathlon later this summer. I guess I've got my work cut out for me.

On the running front, I'm still progressing ever so slowly. I'm up to two miles of actual running now (no run/walks lately), but I'm running slowly (usually with my oldest daughter), and hills are still a no-no...as I found out this morning. I ran an easy two on some rolling hills and my heel is mad at me, as opposed to the flat two-miler I ran earlier this week. I'm sticking with no more than 3 of these runs per week.

I'm also lifting weights 2-3 times per week and getting a lot stronger. Granted, not much of my weight lifting relates directly to running, but I feel stronger overall, and even though I'm 22 lbs. heavier than my "race weight," I notice that my core and glutes feel more powerful, even during these short, slow runs. Plus, my wife likes my current "buff-ness."

So, I'm making haste slowly. I'm in no hurry, which is a new mindset for me. I'm not the most patient person in the world, and I still long for some long, fast runs (especially when I see my running friends doing so), but I'm going to enjoy the process and hopefully get to where I can be a "real" runner again.