Does this make me a runner?

It has been a bit since I last posted, and I have a decent reason. My left knee started to hurt and swell. I had injured it two years ago when my daughter jumped on it while I was sitting cris cross applesauce on the floor. We used to call it indian style, but that term is not used anymore. A few trips to the Orthopedic Doctor, a cortisone shot, some Naproxen, ice and physical therapy later, it was good as new.

Right after Christmas 2012, I started to run. No problems. After my first 5K in February, I thought I would work on my speed. It sounded like a good goal to me. My right knee did not agree. I went to see Dr. Armour, the demi god of messed up knees, again Friday. He let me know that my knee was swollen a bit, but actually in pretty good shape. It was my quads, hip and glutes that were in need of strengthening. So in essence, my doctor told me I was a slack ass! Wow!

He told me that he would make me a fine tuned machine. What? I just started running and he is going to make me a fine tuned machine. I am in trouble. He asked me to do the following workout 3 times a week: 20 mins on the Arc Cross Trainer, 1-1.5 mile slow run, 1 mile faster run, 20 more mins on the Arc Cross Trainer. Plus ice two times a day, naproxen two times a day, 50 walking lunges daily, and some resistance band training when I am at the gym. Don't forget that prescription for Physical Therapy. We do not want the fine tuned machine to still have a slack ass, or slack quads, or slack, hips, do we?

I ask you: does all this make me a runner now?
Honestly, I am excited to start this regimen today. Wish me and my slack ass luck.

Also, I am super happy to announce that Jenny and Cristina will be doing the 5K at the Cary Road Race! That is two more awesome Moms that will be running their first 5K. Woo hoo!