Welcome February

January was an eventful month albeit not the strongest for running. My lack of blogging is probably reflective of that. Starting out, I felt very confident. November and December were a struggle with injury and I finally was beginning to feel strong again and had some really good runs to start 2014. My speed was nowhere what it was in October but I knew it was just a matter of time.

Unfortunately, January had a few challenges. I had some sort of virus for weeks which had me in coughing fits at night, so sleep was a challenge. When I finally started to get over it, and started to feel like my year was beginning, my lower back and hip pain returned with avengence. A week into dealing with that and then I find myself having another day of rest ruined, this time by food poisoning.

But you know what, I'm not discouraged.  If anything I'm welcoming February with open arms.  It's another new start. It's me hitting reset again on my year. And it all begins with my first race of the season tomorrow at the Steveston Ice Breaker 8K. I've not lined up for a race since November and while I'm not in my best racing shape and am still dealing with hip and sciatic pain,  I'm starting to feel excited at last about being at "home", in the running community, with several familiar faces and the true spirit of my favourite sport renewing me.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not whining about my January.  It wasn't all bad. In fact, it was pretty darn good in a lot of ways. It was low mileage at only 133km, but that's still much much more than my pain plagued December. I only missed one Tuesday night session. I worked my first full month at my new workplace, have been thoroughly enjoying it,  meeting great people, and see it as being a very positive move for both career and health. I've starting training with a new personal trainer at the gym I work at for convenience sake. But it's more than just convenience: I'm thrilled at the expertise I'm receiving and excited about having my challenges addressed properly. I am going to strengthen my glutes and address my strength imbalances to decrease injury risk. I've lost those couple of pounds I put on in Dec from all the indulgences and decreased exercise.  And when I really think about it, 133km isn't so bad. I've had a few really fun long runs, some amazing tempos, some short and sweet spins around the block. My wheels may be slow and squeaky, but my fitness and strength are returning.

Game plan for tomorrow: don't take it too seriously and try to have fun. Because of where I am, I don't have a goal time or goal pace. I think that's the wisest plan. Push too hard, endure pain, risk further injury and future races. I'll start with core activation exercises and a nice 3km jog to warm up. With any luck, that'll loosen things up and I'll be able to run my race strong. Regardless, I plan on having fun. I plan on enjoying every moment and staying for the after party.