What's there to Runfess?

July has been a month like none other.

First of all, there was that unexpected emergency surgery that landed me in the hospital (and kept me there) for the entire first week of the month (extensive details HERE). Then, the prospect of not being allowed (or even able) to run. And let's not forget the continued IV antibiotics (three at-home infusions, everyday).

Every day has blessed me with significant progress with my recovery, though. I was discharged from the hospital on July 6th. The stitches came out on July 11th. My surgeon cleared me for speed-walking (and moderate knee-bending exercises, like squats) on July 20th. And, the PICC Line is due to be removed on Friday morning (July 28th)!

So, with all of these great milestones....what's there to RUNFESS?

The Gift of Walking
It feels so good to be out and about! Of course, I'd rather be running, but for now, walking is where it's at for me. I have been doing a lot of walking in the past two weeks, and my hamstrings and quads are definitely feeling it. I've also been doing a lot of leg lifts, which have also contributed to the sore muscles. All of this increased exercise has boosted my spirits...but I must runfess the foam rolling and stretching have kinda been forgotten. OOPS. I know, my bad.

Early Morning Miles
I'm back in the routine of early morning rising and moving! Obviously, I'm not heading our for any #5at5's (running 5 miles at 5 a.m.), but I have been walking every morning. I love getting outside before the sun has made it's appearance...but, oh gosh! I  runfess that (some mornings) it does take about 10 minutes of "thoughtful" consideration before I actually get up and get out the door.

July vs. June Mileage
Is it possible I will meet (or surpass?) my June mileage? June's mileage ended at 72 , and July is currently at 52 (with four days remaining). Just in the past 10 days or so, I have been averaging 4-6 miles of walking each day. Doing the math, there's a good chance I'll be able to crank out enough miles to at least match my June mileage. What's really crazy is that June's miles were from running and July's mileage are all from walking. I gotta runfess that it's bizarre how fast those "easy" walking miles can add up!

Reality
I'm so grateful that things didn't play out as bad as they had the potential for...but, none-the-less, I have to honestly runfess that I am still frustrated it happened. The surgery was needed to "clean and flush" the infected gunk that resulted from a spontaneous flare of knee bursitis, and left me with a 6-inch suture site (in a delicate, high maintenance area). Recovering from a non-running injury  (and not being allowed to run as a result) really sucks at times.

A Sense of Relief
It has been exactly four weeks since the surgery. I still have another month (at least) of no running action, so my fall racing schedule will not be very full this year. Although I will have to miss several favorite races, I runfess that there is a tiny little bit of me that feels a sense of relief in that there will be ZERO pressure (or ability LOL)  for any PR's this fall. When my surgeon gives me the green light to resume running, it will have to be slow and gradual. I'm good with that....if I take things slow and gradual, the odds of a full recovery will be that much greater.

So, that's what I'm runfessing this month. Gosh, it feels so good to get that out in the open!

Enough about me, your turn...Have you ever been sidelined from a favorite sport for an extended length of time? If so, were you able to stage a successful comeback? What's the most miles you've ever walked in month?

I'm linking up with Marcia for the monthly Runfessions....do you have anything to runfess?

I'm also linking this with Meranda and Lacey and Rachel for the Friday Five 2.0. Please join us!!