I have been watching Olympic coverage every night since the opening. Watching these athletes do amazing things have made me feel just a bit inadequate as a human being. It has, however, motivated me to keep up with my workout routine and I am starting to see some, if minor, results. The shoulder I messed up back in '98 is starting to feel much better and I can rotate it straight up which is something I could not do before. It still hurts when I sleep on it but not as much and not every night. I have also increased my total pounds lifted per workout by about 6,000 pounds. Now, I know that does not correlate to anything including muscle development but I am still happy about the progress. I think the rate of increase should level off now that I have found a level that is challenging my muscles. It just took me a while to figure out what the best weight per exercise and per set should be. I certainly feel a difference in my upper body even if it is not showing yet.
The bigger accomplishment (for me at least) came last night when I beat my all-time 30 minute treadmill record. I won't discuss what it is, but I beat it my an extra 6/100ths of a mile. Not much I know but I haven't been able to get within 1/10th of a mile of my previous best in a month. I had a really strong 15 minutes and then pushed myself harder in the last 15, especially the last ten. I hit a maximum speed of 8 mph during the run. It's funny that I was able to make that mark last night considering I really considered skipping the run after my strength workout. I ended up in the cardio room though figuring I could at least do a leisurely 30 minutes to keep my schedule consistent. Once I got on the treadmill though I was feeling good and decided to give a record run a shot. I realized by around minute 20 that I was on pace to beat my record which motivated me to push it just a bit harder than normal. It was good but I am still having trouble. My legs, especially my right achillies tendon, are still giving me problems. To much pounding I guess. Gotta stretch more. The amazing thing though is that my lungs are not fighting me. Breathing has been my downfall all of my life but this time things are improving with each run. If the slow but steady improvement continues and I can lick the leg pain problem then I can honestly see hitting my goal of a 3 mile, 30 minute run by the end of the year.
There is a 5K run in October. I am considering entering, but I am not ready yet. It would give me something to shoot for, but I am nervous. Running has NEVER been my thing. After last night's success, however, I am more confident I can do it. Maybe by the end of August things will be clearer. Baring any injuries I might even get back on the soccer field. Now that really would be fun.
The bigger accomplishment (for me at least) came last night when I beat my all-time 30 minute treadmill record. I won't discuss what it is, but I beat it my an extra 6/100ths of a mile. Not much I know but I haven't been able to get within 1/10th of a mile of my previous best in a month. I had a really strong 15 minutes and then pushed myself harder in the last 15, especially the last ten. I hit a maximum speed of 8 mph during the run. It's funny that I was able to make that mark last night considering I really considered skipping the run after my strength workout. I ended up in the cardio room though figuring I could at least do a leisurely 30 minutes to keep my schedule consistent. Once I got on the treadmill though I was feeling good and decided to give a record run a shot. I realized by around minute 20 that I was on pace to beat my record which motivated me to push it just a bit harder than normal. It was good but I am still having trouble. My legs, especially my right achillies tendon, are still giving me problems. To much pounding I guess. Gotta stretch more. The amazing thing though is that my lungs are not fighting me. Breathing has been my downfall all of my life but this time things are improving with each run. If the slow but steady improvement continues and I can lick the leg pain problem then I can honestly see hitting my goal of a 3 mile, 30 minute run by the end of the year.
There is a 5K run in October. I am considering entering, but I am not ready yet. It would give me something to shoot for, but I am nervous. Running has NEVER been my thing. After last night's success, however, I am more confident I can do it. Maybe by the end of August things will be clearer. Baring any injuries I might even get back on the soccer field. Now that really would be fun.
Yipee! YOU talking about a 5k!?!?! I wish I was in shape again -- I love running!!!
You might motivate me to get back on my diet/excercise!
Love you!
Do the 5K!
Even if you can't run it solid, its a good thing to get into, and usually it goes to support something - plus... free t-shirt!
In all seriousness, do it. October is several months out, you'll have more running under your belt, and this will give you something that you are "training" for. The sense of accomplishment you'll feel when you cross the finish line will be worth it.
As for the tendon, if it keeps acting up, take a look at the shoes you're wearing and make sure they have enough cushion and support.
Yeah I agree with previous commenters. The race will give you a goal and purpose to your exercise. If you can run 30 minutes on the treadmill you can finish a 5K. A lot of people run/walk races, which means you run for X minutes then walk for X minutes, alternating until you reach the finish line. You don't have to be first, or tenth, or even 100th. You can set the goal to finish the race and it will be an accomplishment.
Do make sure your shoes are less than 1 year old and offer the proper support for your foot type. I saw a pedorthist a few years ago and have never deviated from the shoe she recommended. Trak Shack may be able to suggest something, or that New Balance store. Not sure since I haven't been in either store in a long time.
I got new shoes recently so that is done. Not sure if they are the right ones, but they are new. They helped quite a bit.
I think I will make a decisions sometime in September on whether or not to "run" in the race. Obviously my goal would be to NOT be last.
I'd love to get to play soccer again but I don't know of any league for the "no longer athletic" set!
Chez has convinced me to train with her for the race. So I'll be last!