My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Friday, August 20, 2010

Running

I did it! I ran (almost) all of a 5K today.  I don't think Cricket is that impressed.
We went inside but she stayed outside still wanting her picture taken, okay Cricket - you are very cute.

I have wanted to start running again.  You might recall my sharing that I ran in 2000, the year I broke both of my arms.  Steve attached a tether to his arm and then I held on to it.  I felt like running that summer kept me going when there was so much I couldn't do on my own with two casts past my elbows.  I had to have help being fed, dressed, but my legs could run.  I ran for a short time, 5 years ago to prepare for a 1/2 marathon to celebrate my 40th birthday.   Okay, that wasn't fun at all!  So, now five years later and I seem to just want to be active and celebrate my good health.  I also want to be able to run for    Trudi on Saturday, September 11th.  Her mom Valerie is my friend and has done some amazing things to share Trudi's story.  Trudi lived life to the fullest and was such a friend to all around her. 


How did I run today?  Steve brought the tether but we were running on the side of a road that has a running trail.  Steve ran on the inside of the road and was able to be my guide verbally without the tether.  We are going to try that and see how that goes.  In crowded places, I will use the tether and my 'blind athlete' tee my friend made.  Steve could WALK at my running pace so I am still hoping to find someone at my pace, but in the meantime, he is a fabulous support and cheered me on the whole way.

Side note:  I LOVE my running skirt.  I enjoy the clothes that go with the activities!

8 comments:

Infrequent Flyers said...

You're a fashion plate even when sweaty! That's so great that you've found a way to work running into your schedule. You look terrific!

Karen said...

Remember your dad always said you had a very natural running gait and it seemed to come easily for you. You go Girl!!

3 labs 4 me said...

I imagine we run about the same speed & it's a shame that we can't run together. I run very slowly so you really can't call it a run. A very slow jog.

jennohara said...

Good for you! It's great that you feel so great, (and look great too!)
You are cute, Cricket girl :)

Becky Andrews said...

Thanks for cheering me on. Today, I am definitely feeling the new muscles that were used by running. Debi, I wish you were closer for us to run together. That would be awesome!

s day @ sdayrunning.blogspot.com said...

Oh mY gosh!!! CAN I PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BE YOUR NEW RUNNING PARTNER!!!! I'm slow. You're probably faster than me already. Oh I can't wait to talk about this tomorrow at lunch! Oh my gosh. I can hardly contain myself!!!! There are not enough exlamation points in the world to describe how excited I am that you're running! Really, I'm DYING To be your running friend. Yay. See you tomorrow. Did I say Yay yet!?!!!!

s day @ sdayrunning.blogspot.com said...

By the way, I'm slow. I call it "shuffling" or "slogging" for slow- jogging! Ha :)

Becky Andrews said...

Shan - I LOVE you!!! That would be awesome ... can't wait to see you and Layla tomorrow for lunch to chat about running and other things :D