Off and Running... Finally!

So I finally put on my running shoes on Monday morning and went for a run. I haven't run since the marathon (really) so I was a bit concerned about my performance. I haven't gone this long without running in a really long time! Monday was a nice day so I dragged D out with me and we set out for 6 miles. Our usual neighborhood route in the East Bay. The thing is, the first 3 miles is virtually downhill. Which is great. The problem is the return route. The 3 miles back home is an uphill battle. Even when I was in decent shape it was a tough climb. But out of shape... it was no joke. Like I said, the first 3 miles was downhill so it was easy breezy! Even thought, my lungs did feel like it was going to burst around mile 2! It was the uphill 3 miles that kicked my butt. I was already tired by the time we turned around and around mile 4, I had to walk... And we pretty walked the rest of the way home. In retrospect, maybe I should have set out with an shorter goal but I was told once that muscle memory goes a long way. Maybe my muscle memory isn't as good! Even after the regrettable run on Monday, I tried the same route again. It wasn't as bad. It was still tough. But I went much slower this time and walked every mile or so just to catch my breath. I ran about 5 miles yesterday. I was really sore last night from tackling those hills but I am feeling much better today. I am planning on an 8 miler tonight. Yeah, probably crazy but I have a lot of ground to cover! My Hal Higdon marathon plan for the Nike Women's Marathon on October 19 is not pretty. (No, I am not registered, yet but I am keeping positive!) As you can see, I am supposed to be running 13 miles this weekend which I don't know if I'm even physically able!