It has been just about a month since I wrote last. My computer went haywire and I FINALLY have a new working computer! Yay for extended warranties that actually pay off!
To catch up, here are a few little anecdotes about my fitness journey in the last month:
- My back pain has finally completely gone away so I have been working on building up my runs again. The most recently completed full-run-with-no-walking was 28 minutes, and it was seven days ago.
- I started trying to take Maverick with me on my runs… it became a back and arm workout instead of just a run. It also gave me something else to think about besides running.
- I stopped trying to take Maverick with me on my runs… not only did it aggravate back problems but it caused both he and I to almost injure ourselves many times due to the fact that Maverick is a bird dog… and he wants to chase the birds anytime he sees/hears/thinks of one.
- I was trying to mix up the runs so I went for one in Banner Forest which is close to our house. I got lost. My 25 minute run turned into 25 minutes running PLUS a two hour hike. I swore I would never go running in Banner again.
- Went running in Banner again. Looked at map before going and did not stray from the main trail. Much more successful.
- Because runs have increased in time and I’m getting a little faster, my typical running path dead ended, and I literally ran out of room to run. Yay for a little accomplishment. I have found a new route from home, much more scenic, but a few more hills… not sure how I feel about that yet.
- I moved to replenishment shifts at work. This means getting up at four AM most days of the week and WORKING for a solid 5 hours. And by working I mean getting paid to work out… hauling freight, unloading semis, lifting heavy boxes, squatting to lift boxes, squatting to set planograms, climbing ladders… and the list goes on. This is great in terms that I am getting paid to workout and I can feel some muscle building starting to occur… HOWEVER, this is not great in the fact that it is really hard to go for a run after having a five hour workout at work. Cool little side note -- I received these samples of Playtex new Sport Body Wipes, and i've been using them after work so I can go run errands on my way home and not feel completely gross. They are actually really great, makes me feel refreshed and not like I need a shower immediately. Should be available in stores soon, watch for them!
This brings us up to this last week. On one of my off days I did that 28 minute run with no walking. I have since not been able to complete a whole run and it is really starting to frustrate me. I’ve been running three times since that, and each time I have stopped and walked during the run. On Friday, the most strenuous day at work… I came home and tried to run but my lower back hurt so bad that about 17 minutes in I just could not run anymore, and walked the rest of the way home.
Today I tried again. I think I ran about 25 minutes total, but it was really broken up. I ran the first 15 minutes straight, and from then on I ran in spurts with a little walking. I cant explain it really, I mean, yes… my back hurt, my shoulder was cramped, my hips hurt (which is new), and my left foot fell asleep… but I didn’t make a conscious decision to stop running, my jog would just slowly turn into a walk. And try as I might to keep starting to jog again, it wouldn’t last very long. So I don’t know what is up with that… but I’ve decided it really is time to start cross training some more and maybe my body will stop throwing a fit.
I’ve got a little over three months until the Danskin Triathlon, and I’ve done very little biking or swimming. I’m not as worried about the events, but I still need to work up the distances a little. So goal for this week: besides running a couple times, bike and swim at least once each!
I promise there won’t be a month lapse this time… see you soon!
Sam
