Writing, Running, Cross Fitting, Summering, and all the ings

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 IĀ  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.

Not a running break!

Etsy’s poster is good for my wall and Exercise is good for me! win-win 😃

Ever had to make a decision that made you want to run just to let off some steam only you couldn’t run because that was the decision? Yes, gosh dang it, me! Last week, I decided to take a six to eight week hiatus from running to see if a break from the constant pounding of my legs and knees will help alliviate the stress on my sciatic nerve. While I’ve been doing PT for this issue for a couple of months (1x p/week) it doesn’t seem to be getting any better and well I really need to go all in to figure this out. This lingering discomfort that’s restricting my movement is not my idea of a good time nor anything I want to be dealing with in Spring as the weather warms up, so I figure I need to do the unthinkable and not run. How has that been working out? Hmm, sorta.

On the heels of moving and getting myself situated, I’ve been figuring out what will work best for this current season, which I hope to be a short one, and looking at gyms/ boxes/ studios in the area while trying out different things. Amidst all that I’m committed to my PT routine and getting my full range of motion back and have been spending a lot of time stretching and working on core strength. To this end, I started doing Pilates, which took on a whole different meaning when I was introduced to the reformer machine. I ended up doing a little too much on there in the excitement and exacerbated by lower back, which had me take a step back to acknowledge my limitations and consider my options. It really is prudent to listen to your body and tame your/my competitive spirit. I’m sure you’re nothing like me though and know better than to try challenging things that could compromise the very progress you’ve been working on. No excuses. I’m a hard nut sometimes, but I’m getting better I promise!

After going around in circles for a bit, and talking with my PT guy and doing a little research, I’ve decided that the gym – crossfit-type – without the olympic-style lifting, is the safest place to be. Apparently, I store too much energy away from the gym and the safest outlet for me is to get in there and take it in smaller doses. Lol. I’m an exercise nut y’all! So I came up with a guide to help myself stay safely exercised: some minor running to/from workout (one and a half miles away) for the next six weeks and modified workouts of any type of pushing, pulling, pressing, squatting, or any type of exercise that involves my lower back. My goal in this season is to stay in the gym and not get sidelined by injury so I’m working on staying fit and not looking for any 1RPM (one rep max) neither any new lifts nor any type of challenge. Yes, I’m preaching to the choir. I’m also aware I’ll have to remind myself of this each day for the next six weeks. Dang it, I can do this!

See guys, I’m really thankful that I have options. Some people, who are stubborn like me, have not been so blessed and don’t get to work out with an injury. I want to remain mindful of that and be a good steward and I believe this mindset will keep it all in perspective. I didn’t have to be able to move around and be free to exercise but I am. I am grateful. Next post I’ll dwelve a little into the common areas of injury prone to runners and how we can guard against them. Till then, stay thankful. Perspective is everything!

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