Feet to the floor

So I've been running lately. Not just chasing discs either, just plain running. Yeah, it probably sounds like this is something new to me doesn't it? Surprisingly enough it is.

I have spent 3 years playing this sport that demands a high level of endurance to compete in. Start, stop, change directions, play defense, and then do it all over again... It's a tiring process of picking one foot up and putting it in front of the other for 75 minutes a game over the course of 7 games on a tournament.

Well this year I have finally started running. The 2 miles I ran earlier in January was the longest I have ever run without a treadmill, and recently 4 miles in 1 day (3 before the beer check, 1 after) was the longest 1 day total. I mean, sure I probably log more miles moving around during a weekend tournament, but I just never have plotted a course, tied my shoes, and just ran.

I suppose you're looking for some revealing information about how all this makes me feel at this point, but I don't really think I have an answer for you just yet. My shin splints are still shin splints, I have a bruise on my foot, and my knees generally remind me they're still there around mile 3, but no serious revelations about my personal fitness yet. I will say it is nice when I can get up at 6:30am and take part in my girlfriend's training program (she's going to run a 10-miler in April). Not that I'm planning to run 10 miles any time soon, but it's just nice to share things like pain, sweat, shin splints, and maybe the occassional sunrise if I wanted to be a bit sappy.