A New Kind of Soreness

Friday afternoon, I worked out with my trainer for the first time. I suppose I wanted to make a good impression so I really pushed myself to do as many reps as I could of every exercise he wanted me to do. From our initial consult, he knew that my biggest goal is to qualify to run Boston. To do that, first and foremost, I need to build a stronger core.

I did a 1/2 mile easy run on the treadmill to warm-up as Kyle finished up with another client. He then had me start out doing some lateral movements, jumping in and out of a series of hoops on the ground. We then moved on to a variety of exercises that alternated the use of the kettle ball, medicine ball or body weight (squats, lunges, etc.). I used a machine for only 2 exercises, one of which simulated the motion of cross-country skiing. Balance was also a key to many of the exercises so I was either on one leg or on a balance ball. Fun stuff!

The best part, for me at least, is that the space is very open - not much equipment - and they are very accepting of children. In fact, he has twins the same age as my little guy. As I was not able to find a sitter - he was cool with allowing the kids to play with much of the same equipment that I was using. It was fun to strength train right along side them.

That evening, though I hadn't really run in nearly 4 weeks, my right heel really flared up. I massaged & iced it periodically throughout the evening. By morning it was still tender but I could walk. By Saturday evening, however, I started to hobble and moan with pain - not from my heel (that remained the same - about a 1-2 on the pain scale) but from the rest of my body. I got so sore!

I stretched as often as I could - though I am certain, not enough. I rested. By Sunday, I was able to go for our usual family walk but not comfortable enough to do a strength training workout as Kyle had suggested. I told myself, tomorrow.

Tomorrow came. Still quite sore. I went to the pool for my usual Masters swim and it felt great! The aerobic workout really helped to get movement back and get the blood flowing. I had hoped to find time in the evening to do some strength training, but a las, it didn't happen again.

Today, I plan to go for a run with Buddy in the jogger while Sweetie is in Mandarin class. The other mommies will be joining me - I'm hoping we make it a regular thing as their class meets 2x a week (TR) for 90 minutes right now. Come June, the class will be 3 hours so we'll be able to get in a solid, moderate to long run. I even borrowed a single jogger from a friend and will be selling my double, as Sweetie prefers to accompany me on her bike now and occasionally (depending on the length of the run) in her own running shoes!

OSN: The pool was set-up on long course - always intimidating at first glance but I actually prefer it this way, particularly for long sets. 400 m warm-up, 400 m w/ fins, 4 x 50 m backstroke drill, 3 x 300 m free descending, 100 m backstroke cool-down ==> 2000 m total

Winter Warrior ?

My new year's resolution for 2009 is "Have more fun!" For me - that means qualifying. I would be elated to finally qualify. I have to believe it is an achievable goal. However, I know I need to amp up my training. Take it further.

These past couple of weeks, DH has been using MY treadmill more than I have. I had lost my mojo these past couple of months and was lucky to workout/train at all. With his new enthusiasm to get in shape himself - he has put me to shame. I've been wallowing in self-pity. But no more!

I found my incentive.... the ticket to burst out of my winter training blues. The challenge I need to kick myself in the arse and stay motivated. Fleet Feet's Winter Warriors.

In 2009 - to have more fun and to push harder, I've vowed to join a running group at least 1x week. The group dynamic is powerful. My love of swimming with Masters is largely due to the friends I've made. I know the same will be true with running.

I thereby joined the Fleet Feet crew this morning for the Sunday run. It took me some time to get into the groove again... I felt out of sync at the start and thereby opted to do just 4 miles. The final 3/4 mile I pushed hard for a fast finish (the fact that the course was slightly downhill was certainly helpful).

Today's run earned me 5 points. Just 70 more to go and I'll earn a "Winter Warrior" tshirt. It will be a little tricky though... I'll need to attend a few evening workouts and that is tricky with the family. However, since DH has started working out himself, I might be able to motivate him to join me.

I've also resumed Cross-Fit. The rage has finally hit Central Oregon - I don't know why it took so long. However, I will still have to do it at home - basically alone, though the kiddos try to do it alongside me - because the facilities here that offer classes do NOT offer child care. Urgh! Why can't they figure out that moms like to stay fit, too! Perhaps more so!

Yesterday's Workout of the Day (WOD):

Angie (for time):
100 Pull-ups
100 Push-ups
100 Sit-ups
100 Squats

I don't have a pull-up bar... thus I substituted Standing Dumbbel Press (or is it Military Press?). I did 40 reps with the 8lb weight but had to switch to 5lbs to finish. The push-ups I had to break up in sections... 25, then the sit-ups (I did crunches) 25 more push-ups, 100 squats, then the final 50 push-ups. It took me 17:49:30.... much room for improvement!

DH and I had date last night. We saw the movie Twilight... he says I was gushing. Perhaps I was. Anyway... at dinner afterwards, I asked if we couldn't get a pull-up bar. He said, 'Sure.' At Fleet Feet, they have this one, Perfect Pullup. Cool huh?

Feels good to be back. :D