Crater Lake ~ Colorado 11 mi/05:08

Clint and I hiked a very strenuous 11 miles. We set out to hike a few miles today, but did not intend to go this distance. Elevation went from 10,752 to 11,690. It was tough, but what a beautiful view today. Once we left Crater Lake, we ran a good bit of the way back to the bottom. Clint got a little taste of the trail running today. The best part was the recovery drink on the way back to Durango...chocolate milk!! :)

Durango, CO, Hwy 250 - 3 mi/9:52 pace

Woke up this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. My leg was a little sore, so I decided to run it out. What a beautiful day! I just love this route. The Animas River is gorgeous! No one on the road except for me and nature. Good for the soul!

After half a mile the soreness was gone. :) I have been following the doctor's orders, I promise.

Off to see the Four Corners today! :)

Elbert Creek Trail, Durango, CO - 5.4 mi/03:45

Hiked a VERY strenuous trail with the family. It was interesting with an 8 yr old and 11 yr old. They did great though. Elevation went from 8802 to 10444 at the peak. Beautiful view!! About 3/4 of the way up there is an old cabin. We stopped there and had lunch and then went on up to the top. Lot of Aspen trees and critters around. About four years ago my husband and I hiked this same trail, and it snowed on us at the top. Today it was hot but windy. Sitting on the edge of the cliff almost made me feel woozy. It was high up!!!!! Fun trip.

Logged the miles today. This makes about 8.5 miles today, and my leg is feeling GREAT!!!

Durango, CO, Hwy 250 - 3.16 mi/9:30 pace

I'm back in my happy place!!! :) I could not think of a better place to celebrate my first run after surgery than Durango, CO. What a gorgeous view I had this morning!! Stopped at the bridge over the Animas River and took it all in. Leg felt great. I had forgotten what it was like to run without pain. I have been dealing with this for 6-8 weeks. And running at 6700 elevation wasn't too bad. Very happy with a 9:32 pace today!! Now we are off to go hiking. Logging the miles this week...oh, yeah! :)

Durango, CO - 4 mi

Just took my bodyguard to scout out tomorrow's route, and we got a great walk in. Beautiful backroad that runs along the Animas River. I ran 1 mile of the 4 we did, and it never felt so good!!!!! Even at 7,000 ft elevation. My leg felt brand new!! I had so much energy and was so excited...I was like a hyper little dog jumping at his owner wanting to play. I can't wait for tomorrow to get here because this girl is ready to run!!

South Fork, CO - 3 mi

I got a good walk in CO tonight. Only 2 more days until I can break free and try my new leg out. Woohooo!!!

Dodge City, KS - 3 mi

Day 4 post-op walk in Dodge City, KS. It's very windy and dry here. Leg has been a little sore this afternoon and my ankle is a bit swollen. Maybe from being in a vehicle. Other than that it's feeling pretty good. It certainly feels better than it did before surgery. :)

Emporia, KS - 4.5 mi

Today is Day 3 post-op, the day they said would be the most painful, and I am happy to report no pain today. Yay!! Having some sort of reaction to the shots or something because my leg is itching...But no pain!!
Already feeling relief from the surgery. I'm not having that instant pain as soon as I hit the floor in the mornings. That is gone. :)
Got a good walk in today. Can't wait to start running again!!

Day 2 post-op - 1 mi

Road Trip!! Today is Day 2 post-op, and I spent most of the day in a vehicle. In West Plains, MO, headed to CO. Leg is a little stiff when I am off of it for a while, so it felt good to get a short walk in tonight. No pain yet, but it itches!! I have to admit, on our walk tonight part of me REALLY wanted to break out in a run, but I am following the doctor's orders. I will be ready to throw down on Wednesday...the day my restrictions are lifted. :)

Post-Surgery Walk - 1.6 mi

Surgery went well this morning. My whole leg is bandaged until in the morning. Have some swelling, but it feels fine right now. Was told the pain would come Friday. No running for 7 days. I've been walking around all day, but finally put the Garmin on and clocked some distance. :) Looking forward to taking the bandage off tomorrow.

Out of surgery!

I'm done!! Everything went well. They ran a catheter from my shin somewhere, all the way up to my groin...and numbed right above the area as they were pushing that up the vein. Then they lasered through that I think. After that was over they made a couple of slits and removed the part of the vein that was visible. I watched that...it was gross. :) My whole leg is bandaged right now. It's been a conversation piece already. :)

Thanks for all the kind words. I have such great friends and wouldn't trade that for anything!!

TM plus Weights - 3 mi/10:00 pace

Well, I just couldn't help myself. I had planned to bike today but really wanted to get one good run in before tomorrow. And after last night's attempt on the treadmill, I could not resist giving it another try. It felt sooooooo good to run today!! The pain eased up after half a mile and I was able to get my minimum miles in. Rocked out to some good music with a big goofy grin on my face. Now I'm ready for tomorrow. :) It'll be no running for 5-7 days, but after that's it's game on!!

Great weight workout today. Legs and upper body.

Tomorrow is the big day!!

Hoping to leave my shin pain on the table in the morning and walk out pain-free. Surgery is scheduled for 8:30 am.

Thanks for all the prayers. I am feeling the love with all the texts and calls I have gotten today. :)

Treadmill - 1 mi

Leg hurts BAD, so 1 mile is all I had in me tonight. I know I'm dealing with an injury, but I HATE not being able to finish something I start. It drives me crazy! I am dying to get out there and run pain-free. I have forgotten what that feels like!! :) Ready to get some more long distance running in. Well, 36 more hours and I hope to be a new woman!! Surgery on my leg is scheduled for Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. Woohoo!!

Love this!

May have to get one of these!