I am really beginning to learn how exercise, or the lack thereof, affects me. I hadn’t realized it until the past few days because usually there isn’t consecutive non-exercise days happening in my training schedule.
But, wow. It has become very clear over the past few days that I need exercise in my day — and the earlier the better, too. I did not exercise at all on Saturday and Sunday, and I was miserable — sad, lethargic, angry. Oh, I was so not at my best those two days.
Today, I could take it no longer. I spent the first half of the day Boston multitasking: watching the race on TV, refreshing my tracking list online, updating my friend’s progress on my Facebook page and watching the live feeds (I saw Mel on Heartbreak Hill and crossing the finish line!). So proud of everyone who ran today!!!
Then I played baseball with T Junior in the cold, windy, but SUNNY, back yard until it was time for his nap. I so wanted to fire up my treadmill, but knew I should not. Need to give my shin a good rest so I can hit the ground running later this week (pun totally intended). Instead, I put my Jillian video in.
I couldn’t help myself! I did 30-Day Shred Level 2, but a very modified, safe version — no hopping or jumping (I substituted them with a fast step-touch), and I did all the lower-impact moves. Basically, I followed Anita, not Natalie.
After the video, I was so productive! I showered, wrote a little, played golf in the back yard with T Junior, vacuumed the living room and the stairs, Windexed the sliding glass doors and the stair window, emptied and reloaded the dishwasher, did laundry and made dinner (okay, fine, we had leftovers).
It is obvious I need to exercise. It is like fuel for me.
The shin feels fine. In fact, I haven’t felt any soreness in two days. I am so tempted to run, but I think I will hold off. Tomorrow, to keep myself busy, I plan to do errands during lunch — so it will be a rest day. Wednesday I will swim before work, and Thursday, if it’s not raining, I will walk. Friday, I will walk-run for 30 minutes. If I feel good afterward, I will run my scheduled six miles on Sunday. So glad the Jeff Galloway plan backs you off a little after the really long runs.
I know I’m being way over-cautious, but I don’t want a repeat of last year. Do you think I’m being paranoid?
And did you watch Boston? What did you think about Desi’s finish? I was so pulling for her!
8 comments
I find that I'm pretty much a bitch on my rest days but…doesn't that make my family appreciate me more on the other days?
I'm like you … and Alma! LOL! I'm much happier and productive on workout days. Oh, and you're smart to be cautious, just don't let it freak you out! So excited for you …Winks & Smiles,Wifey
You are being smart!!! You have a great running base, this down week will not affect you negatively—unlike if you hurt your shin. THAT will set you back! It is hard but you are doing the right thing!! Hang in there!!!! We all want to see you run RnR Seattle!!!!!!!!And totally watched Boston!!! I can't believe I missed Mel at heartbreak hill. Grrrr!!
I think you did the right thing not getting on that treadmill. I can totally sympathize with the whole not-being-able-to-exercise-craziness.I think the things that makes us good distance runners (perserverance, drive, motivation, the ability to push past discomfort/pain) are also the things that make it so hard to hold back and take it easy. On the first visit of my rehab, my Physical Therapist had me pegged,”I don't think motivation is going to be an issue with you…the issue is going to be holding you back to make sure you do this right.”
You are being patient, disciplined and SMART! I know it will pay off. Hang in there and try to keep yourself sane. I don't think there is such a thing as being paranoid with this stuff.
I fall victim to the rest day phenomenon too. I think it has a lot to do withA: No workout to temper my appetite. I'm hungry all day, and I crave junk which leads to me feeling worse.B: With no workout to “get in” my day lacks the usual structure and routine that I have on running days. So things feel chaotic and disorganized. Rest days leave me feeling anything but rested! LOL
I am always cranky when I don't run. You would think the extra sleep would have the opposite effect, but it doesn't! I am glad your shins feel fine and hope you are running again soon! 🙂
I am a depressed version of myself when I'm not exercising. It's strange. Take it easy, it's not paranoia.