and the calves, shins, hips . . .
In the spirit of a non-athlete, when things get difficult, I give up. Here I am at the 10 week mark (?) and I'm doing what I always do. It got difficult, I was in a lot of pain so I stopped all together. I wouldn't be that bad if I had the intention of working on my pain issues during my 'vacation' but I started eating poorly to fully push myself under the wagon.
For the past few weeks I've been overindulging, not exercising and not stretching. Apparently stretching is the key to getting over this hurdle I'm faced with. After two wasted weeks and regaining 2 or 3 pounds, I'm ready to pick up where I left off. I went to the gym today and walked at an incline to stretch the back of my legs. I've done stretching exercises throughtout the day. Apparently I hate to have to work at anything and expect that things will just come easily. Wrong, SO wrong.
I am recommitting myself starting today to do what it's going to take, no matter WHAT it takes. I started thinking about the 5K coming up in a few months and immediately thought it was easier to scrap it than keep going. Negatively creeps in quickly when you lose focus. I must not lose focus again.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Pain in my A$$
I'm talking about sciatica. That miserable pain in the butt I get every once in awhile is back with a vengeance. My body isn't too happy that I'm pounding the treadmill with it. I got hurt in several car accidents years ago and have permanent problems with my back, neck and knees. I know the one exercise I shouldn't be doing is running, but running a 5K is on my "bucket list."
I noticed a twinge at first which has now led to my entire leg from hip to toe going numb. Just sitting is causing pain at this point and my hand is also starting to tingle. I'm stubborn and refuse to give up until I accomplish this goal. The smart person would do what the doctors have told them and not push their luck but I have a problem with that.
As a kid with asthma there was so much I couldn't do. I couldn't play outside in cold weather, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded and I couldn't participate in gym class for all 12 years. I think that most doctors today would never advise inactivity to that extreme. Moderate exercise can actually help asthmatics as long as they have it under control with meds. But growing up in the 70s, technology wasn't as good and so many medications had yet to be developed. Due to frequent hospitalizations and bronchitis, my parents were afraid to let me do anything. I grew up thinking I COULDN'T do things and accepted that fact. I figured I would always be on the sidelines watching other people accomplish their goals.
As I got older I started challenging myself to prove that theory wrong. Because I did this, I am capable of much more than anyone would have thought. I remember this every day, especially when a workout seems more difficult than usual. My mantra is "FOCUS" and I try to stay in the moment no matter how hard that may be. I focus on my breathing and trying to slow it down when I'm feeling overexterted. I focus on the pain and know that it's temporary. But most of all I keep focusing the goal and envision myself crossing the finish line.
I noticed a twinge at first which has now led to my entire leg from hip to toe going numb. Just sitting is causing pain at this point and my hand is also starting to tingle. I'm stubborn and refuse to give up until I accomplish this goal. The smart person would do what the doctors have told them and not push their luck but I have a problem with that.
As a kid with asthma there was so much I couldn't do. I couldn't play outside in cold weather, I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded and I couldn't participate in gym class for all 12 years. I think that most doctors today would never advise inactivity to that extreme. Moderate exercise can actually help asthmatics as long as they have it under control with meds. But growing up in the 70s, technology wasn't as good and so many medications had yet to be developed. Due to frequent hospitalizations and bronchitis, my parents were afraid to let me do anything. I grew up thinking I COULDN'T do things and accepted that fact. I figured I would always be on the sidelines watching other people accomplish their goals.
As I got older I started challenging myself to prove that theory wrong. Because I did this, I am capable of much more than anyone would have thought. I remember this every day, especially when a workout seems more difficult than usual. My mantra is "FOCUS" and I try to stay in the moment no matter how hard that may be. I focus on my breathing and trying to slow it down when I'm feeling overexterted. I focus on the pain and know that it's temporary. But most of all I keep focusing the goal and envision myself crossing the finish line.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
High
I hear runners talk about the high they get 20 miles into a marathon. The energy they suddenly feel to go the distance and get through the pain. I don't think I've experienced that yet.
What I have been experiencing is more energy in general. I sleep better, wake up easier and on days when I don't work out I'm actually looking forward to the next time that I do. I haven't been able to say that in a long time. I've cut my asthma medication in half and increased my pace at the same time. It's very promising and I hope that I'll eventually be off all the medication.
I think the other thing that energizes me is having a weekly goal. I find myself looking toward the next increase in mileage just to see if I can do it. So far, I've been able to. The bigger goals loom just enough for me to keep my eye on the prize. Tomorrow I'm going to try to register for the 5K so that I feel totally committed. I think that in 5 months I'll be able to run the entire distance and I can't wait to find out.
Quote of the day: "You can always quit. Just don't say you can't do it."
What I have been experiencing is more energy in general. I sleep better, wake up easier and on days when I don't work out I'm actually looking forward to the next time that I do. I haven't been able to say that in a long time. I've cut my asthma medication in half and increased my pace at the same time. It's very promising and I hope that I'll eventually be off all the medication.
I think the other thing that energizes me is having a weekly goal. I find myself looking toward the next increase in mileage just to see if I can do it. So far, I've been able to. The bigger goals loom just enough for me to keep my eye on the prize. Tomorrow I'm going to try to register for the 5K so that I feel totally committed. I think that in 5 months I'll be able to run the entire distance and I can't wait to find out.
Quote of the day: "You can always quit. Just don't say you can't do it."
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