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.
Right away let me point out that this method of exercise is not just something I do. It is, for all intents and purposes, a way of life I’ve adopted into and I couldn’t be more pleased. As with everything I do, I dove in fully prepared to give 100%. After all, anything less would have been unacceptable and surely wouldn’t have worked in an environment where giving 110% is routine. The term “bring it” well describes my daily workouts as each one seems designed to have you leave it all out there on the floor dripping, exhausted, and hurting, but oh so good. As it is I’ve become rather good at complaining aloud at the demons that drive our coaches when in reality I’m really struck with their ingenuity and creativity in coming up with varied WODs (workout of the day) that keep us interested, excited, and eager to return.
My only complaint is that of there not being enough hours in the day. I find the days slipping away so quickly and I have yet to figure out a sustainable workout schedule that will merge CrossFit workouts, running, and my relatively infrequent but necessary yoga and soul cycle sessions. The truth is now that marathon training has begun and it’s smack in the middle of Summer, I have to schedule my workouts around my job, which has intensified things somewhat and leaves me with but one option of training runs in the morning before work, CrossFit workouts in the evening, and long runs on the weekend. This of course is based on the premise of being well rested ie. getting to bed by 10pm so I can be up and ready to go at 4:30-ish and getting my mid-day nap. At this point, I’m still struggling with making this my reality and know that I will eventually figure it out.
Meanwhile, the jury’s still out on the physical impact CrossFit is having on my running. This is of course largely due to my inability to find a fixed schedule to maximize both workouts. On the other hand, my physicality has improved tremendously: I’m stronger, more flexible, certainly more skilled and adept in the gym, and I’m told I look fit and strong. To that point, I feel great and look forward to the time when I’m able to combine the best of both worlds. For now, I remain chasing dreams and perfection.
runningwithfaith 