A Beginner Runner After 15 Years of Experience

The hot humid breeze from the ocean was thick with salt water fumes.  The waves crashed over and over onto the rocky beach just below the elevated seaside walkway that is on this side of the island.

My foot was still warming up and a bit stiff.  My legs were difficult to raise and bring forward as I struggled to get good breath and energy in the humid heat.  It was difficult to decide if my leg muscles, the shortness of breath, or my injured foot was the worst part of my return to running.

I'm now a beginner runner after 15 years and thousands of miles of experience.  Running earlier this week while on vacation on Isla Mujeres was my first run since late October.  The last time I ran was around a castle in Sweden last October.  The half a year away from running was due to an injury to my foot / ankle.  The forced absence of running had caused me to feel depressed at times, and even have dreams about running, so it was great to be back.

I did have to walk for a few minutes, but completed about 3 miles at a fairly slow pace.  I wanted to quit.  I didn't remember it being so hard.  My legs were very sore the next day.  It was hard to breathe.

The views of the ocean were incredible.  Relaxing on the beach that afternoon was great.  I slept great that night.  The soreness in my legs was much better on the second day.  The soreness and pain in my injured foot was better the rest of the day and the next morning.  Better than it's been in a long time.

I have an advantage over other beginning runners.  I know where this all can lead.  I remember how great it can feel to go for a run and feel power in your legs as you make it up a hill, or down the street,  across a bridge, through cold weather, hot sun, and cool rain.

I'm back to experiencing new things as a beginner runner.