First post-marathon run (okay, jog)

Ironically, I felt more like a runner today -- when I jogged two whopping miles -- than I did on Sunday during the marathon.

I'm sticking with the plan I read about in NW Runner magazine, slowly working back toward running. Monday I walked on the treadmill. Tuesday I got on the elliptical trainer. Today, third day after the marathon, I felt like I could handle a jog.

I set out from my house at a walk, paying careful attention to my legs. They felt normal. I never would have guessed that I used them to drag myself through 26 miles just a few days earlier. I thought I'd stick with walking 'til I felt good and warmed up, then break into a jog. But I song I really like came up on my iPod (still in shuffle mode): "Let It Go" by The Village Green. I couldn't help myself, I had to start moving faster.

Those first few strides were a revelation: they felt great. I settled into a rhythm so easily and happily, it was like coming home again. I didn't plan to jog two entire miles. But it felt so good, and so easy, and so right, that I didn't want to stop.

I did check my watch to make sure I wasn't exceeding the plan's recommended time of 30 minutes max. When I saw 26 minutes show up, I slowed to walk to cool down. Within a few more minutes, I was off my feet altogether.

I wondered if I'd pushed my luck, if my legs were going to start to hurt. It's 5 hours later and I feel great. So appreciative of my strong, resilient body. Today I love running more than ever.