Hiyah friends! Ahh.. the elephant in the space – I’ve been MIA! And if you hadn’t noticed, then it’s just as well, and huge shrug. I had to take a healthy break to catch up with my to-do list and bring it down to a managable size while maintaining my activities. In essence, I had to sacrifice something, and my writing went to the chopping block. Am I ready to resume? Yes! Sorta! Maybe. The list grows ridiculously, but I gotta get back to writing, and there’s no time like the simmering/summer-to-be present to get me thinking and doing. If you’re wondering what about, then here’s a glimpse into my current and possible future shenanigans this year.
So I’m happy to say that yours truly is back at the box, aka crossfit, at least 3 times per week, and it feels great! I’m also running 2-3 times, albeit shorter runs, but man, it’s satisfying. And no, my lower back and sciatic nerve issues have not been totally resolved. Hence, the more restricted schedule, but I’m not about to complain given the progress I’ve made after a year of PT and at least 6 months of very little running. In fact, I’m ecstatic with my fitness, and while the journey has proved tougher in the last few years, it remains rewarding. It goes without saying that there’s always room for improvement and a toner stomach to be had if I’m to keep it real. All in all, I’m pretty chuffed that the long breaks didn’t put me back to square one and that I’m in a decent place with my lifts, my workouts, and my running. Slow and steady does it, and that’s my intentions these days, both at the gym and on my runs. They keep me safe and sane, and that’s also very important these days.
What’s more, or what’s next? Well, I’m glad you asked (wink)! I may have mentioned in an earlier post that I have intentions to participate in a triathlon this year. Well I’m still focused on doing just that, but it’s been a witch of a time finding the right training for the swimming portion of the event. Unfortunately, New York City is indeed the concrete jungle Alicia Keyes sang about, so swimming is quite the exclusive event. No matter, I’ll have to make do and figure something out pretty soon given how quickly time’s a’flying. And what of the race! Where and when? Believe it or not, I’m not sure yet, but that too will be finalized soon. It has to happen by the end of fall, so there’s only so much time left. Stay tuned for further updates.
Meanwhile, I’ll have a quick run for Global Running Day, and I hope you’ll do, if not the same, something that includes moving outside at a pace that’s somewhat uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens in the comfort zone, and that is and deserves a whole other blog post by itself. Lol. God knows what we’re in for this summer. We can only pray and prepare. At the very least, we can set ourselves up for a great one by keeping it moving. Like I always say, perspective is everything. And you can’t have too much of that. In fact, it might just change everything if you try. Go ahead then, and get you that summer perspective that speaks to your best one yet. I’m standing with and believing for us.
July came with all the sunshine, heat, and yes, thunderstorms – with a jump into the hurricane season, that’s meant we’ve been sitting in 90°F+ for the past week or is it weeks, hard to keep track with everything else going on. America celebrated July 4th – independence day – the likes of which this generation had never seen before. I mean we had fireworks in our neighborhoods unlike anything, in terms of its aggressiveness and duration, it went on for weeks at all hours of the day and night, which initiated unprecedented complaints and reports and made national news that got the powers-that-be attention and eventually tempered the insanity. Could it be, like many were insisting, that it was an outlet for a people tired of Quarentine? Meanwhile, Black Lives Matter protests continued, though it has simmered down now, and in a final twist to highlight the issues of African Americans and the social unrest bubbling, John Lewis, a main figure in Congress and representative of the struggle for equality and justice for African Americans, died a few days ago. This is amidst the continued restrictions in American society aka social distancing, wearing masks in public, outside dining, many small businesses going belly up, and others, like gyms and health clubs, remaining closed.
The Mall It’s another favorite interval running spot for my run group and an overall favorite of many park goers; that day so green and uncrowded. From there I meandered my way through the East Drive, where the NYC Marathon exits out the park onto its final leg on West 59th Street. There I stood at Grand Army Plaza with 5th Avenue off to my left and the famous Time Plaza Hotel to my right. Straight up ahead on 5th Ave was the opportunity for a shopping experience the likes of which you’ve only seen in the movies, only not that day, they were all closed, well almost all. From my precarious perch, camera in hand, I could see the Apple store open while practicing social distancing with people lined up outside. Apparently, iPhones are “essential”. Still, there was more traffic in these parts and I was getting nervous so my hands went to the handle bars and my eyes to the roads as I made my way back over to 1st Ave and onto the bridge once more for my return to Queens. I didn’t feel so nostalgic then, where there was a will, there will be a way.
Yoga and Stretching – Stretching should ideally be performed before and after your workout, whether its an at-home workout, or before or after a run or jog. Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints (Harvard Health). Pre workout, it serves to warm up the muscles so as to prepare for it’s use and works to keep you free from injury. After that run or workout, 
Ab Workouts – Ideally targeted to that area of the body that makes us crazy with envy when we see a person boasting a six-pack. I mean, yes please! Of course much of that has to do with our diet but some is attributed to exercise and a minute amount to age. Again, thank God that we can do these alone, at home, in the park, or in the backyard. There are tons of YouTube videos and many exercises we can do on our own as well. You can make a list of your favorite, most challenging, or an ideal combination and set up a schedule to workout. If inside, it’s best to clear a spot in your living room for those days when you’re stuck in and designate it as your workout area. Stack up your mat and any workout additions in that area and allow it to work as a reminder of your intention. Some common and simple 
Dancing – a fun way to release stress, burn calories, and enjoy yourself. You can do this alone with just a dance playlist in the privacy of your own home or join an online class. Virtual
Gymnastics movements – I’m limited here by the fact that I have no bars at home. But hey, I have a wall; so while I can’t do pull ups, toes-to-bars, knee or elbow raises, I can manage some wall walks, practice my handstands and handstand push-ups, which helps with shoulder strength and mobility. Since this is a movement that requires demonstration, and YouTube is a treasure trove when it comes to learning a new skill, check out a 
Cardio Exercises – outside of running and cycling there are many other easily accessible exercises we can do to get our heart rates up and release those endorphins. 1. Jump Rope/ Skipping is a favorite of mine and doesn’t require much technique unless you want to graduate to a more advanced skill level like Double Unders. In the CrossFit world we use the term Single Unders for when the rope passes under your feet once and 
runningwithfaith 