Morning Pains

I went running this morning after a four-day hiatus because of my cold. I started off better than I thought, jogging steadily but slowly and easily managing up the slight slope of Grove Street and past the woman walking. It was cold out and I could feel the air sting my lungs. My breathing felt off. My inhalations and exhalations weren't in rhythm with the sound of my feet against the cement. I tried to remind myself to breathe through my nose and out from my mouth, and to take deeper breaths. But, it hurt.

Then, I felt a cramp in my left side. I have no idea how I could get a cramp. I didn't eat anything and only had water before I left the house. This was my first morning run cramp and it hurt too. But, I powered on. I made my way up Geary, jogging up almost the entirety of the incline. I told myself to jog through the pain because I might have to endure this when I actually run my marathon. When my legs needed a break and I turned my jog into a walk, I felt like vomiting. My lungs felt heavy. I wanted to turn back, return home, and pass out on the floor. But, I kept going, though only walking. I walked most of my second lap.

And, when I felt good enough to jog again, I was able to take just a few strides before my cramp returned, this time on my right side. Tomorrow will be better.