I'm not too good at turning these days. The flu shot resulted in some sort of compensatory neck strain--I hadn't realized before how much I pick up and hold things with my left hand at work--and I had to pull the plug on an attempted 8 mile run yesterday. After about a mile, a slight stiffness on the left side of my neck turned to a sharper knot and then to a repeated spasm. I turned around and went home and stretched, applied arnica, ingested muscle relaxants for perhaps the first time in my life (they seem to have helped), got my husband to push the knots looser, stretched, etc. And I pigged out. My husband felt a bit sad that we weren't back in Ottawa (or Vankleek Hill) for Octoberfest, so we had our own impromptu celebration. This included a delicious though perhaps disgusting culinary breakthrough: some of the sausages split while frying, and my husband failed to make a consistent sauce with the drippings, but I took the solidified portion and made a pancake out of it. It's probably mostly trans fat...but so tasty. It reminded me of traditional Nfld outport cuisine. And it's a good sign that my appetite and digestive system have pretty much fully recovered.
This week, my weight has finally steadied, at about 8 pounds lighter than pre-illness. Every morning, the exact same weight. This is fine. I woke up a couple of pounds heavier this morning, though, which I interpreted as successful carbloading, and I crossed my fingers and banked on the linear nature of treadmill running.
I rewatched the 2012 Boston marathon, including a bunch of pre-race coverage, while jogging for 3 hours. The treadmill odometer/speedometer ran out of battery life, not that it was accurate in the first place, but the sliding knob that adjusts the belt pace doesn't lie, and I started the run slightly faster than I'd started last week's run, and I ended up at a still faster pace: an experiment gone right. I had more muscle soreness this time--fortunately, not including my neck!--though it took a while to manifest and the first 1hr45 felt really good, and then my hips started to feel jammed. I kept reminding myself to tighten my core, thus releasing the tension in my hips, but at 2hr30, my right leg started to get kind of stuck. I'm not sure exactly what throws the mechanics off in this case, but sometimes this hitch occurs and my right foot lags, and that's it for the rest of the run. I can continue, but I can't pick my right foot up as quickly as before, and sometimes it feels like it'll trip the rest of me up.
This time, I decided to push the pace. Maybe increased quickness would improve hip "buoyancy" and allow my right leg enough space to swing through more cleanly. I was sweating a lot (I think I drank about 1 L/hr), but the air was otherwise comfortable and my breathing remained easy. I eventually got into my biomechanical comfort zone, which on the flat outside is (was?) about 8:15/mile, and stayed at this effort for the last 20 minutes or so of the run. The hitch went away.
Another thing I noticed with this run was feeling more stiffness in my feet due to too constant flexion--every so often, I loosened up by allowing my feet to point more after impact and to flex less otherwise. This addresses a point of inefficiency that has existed for years. I think my core was so weak that my hips were somewhat compacted and my foot action was constrained as a result.
The last fifteen minutes of the run were tiring muscularly, though still easy aerobically, but I was accompanying the Boston marathon winners who were suffering considerably more. This comparatively lightened my own burden.
My neck still isn't 100% normal though it was not a factor during this run. The true test will be withstanding the physical demands of my job. Hopefully, I will feel fit enough to run outside this week. If not, I have next week off to recover: we're going to North Carolina to check our next posting out. I was hoping that this vacation would be spent in Belize or someplace like that, but we're getting sent to something of a dump and thus we really need to see which areas are reasonably un-dumpy (another slap or two in my face from Dixie but I'm trying to be positive and one bonus is an apparently relaxed dress code--I was wearing short shorts and tank tops in Virginia (and slightly less in my rather private backyard during the even hotter sauna this summer in Kansas), but it sounds like I can actually get away with wearing pyjamas in public this next place! Shades of old Shanghai, and practical too if I get light and airy jammies: cool cotton wafting back the rays...).
At any rate, this year has been challenging, but I think I can finally commit to a fall marathon. I haven't signed up for one yet because I was wavering between two small local races that are a week apart in November. My hopes were pinned on the later one because it is later, and flatter (though still hilly), but I recently found out that they don't have same day bib pick up; thus I've decided that the first one seems a bit more picturesque and better organized. It is two out-and-backs which include a ~200 ft hill; consequently, I cannot abandon hills just yet. I have three good ones to choose from: the familiar ~250 ft one on the 8 mile loop, a ~300ft one on post that's on a 11-12 mile loop, I think, and a ~220 ft one on a 6.5ish mile loop which includes some trail and steeper portions. I have enough time to work up to running the 8 mile loop twice, I think, and perhaps 3:20 on the treadmill. I will see.
Meanwhile, I am working on fulfilling another craving: roasted tomato sauce.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
A good start to a poor week
On Sunday, I placed my computer on a bookshelf that I'd previously placed in front of the treadmill, clicked on a video of the Olympic men's marathon, put headphones on, and floated through two hours and fifty minutes. I felt great. Later on, I was a bit tired, but I had no soreness whatsoever. Either the hills have made me stronger, or the Olympic coverage was that inspiring. Probably both. Not hearing the noisy treadmill and my dreadful-sounding footfalls was also invigorating.
This was the first time I've tuned out of a run to this degree. I tried to keep my hip flexors and core engaged, and I tried to keep other things loose in general, especially my quads, but otherwise I was running in London. Whenever the camera was trained on the backs of the runners and everyone went around a corner, it was really hard to keep running straight.
This was the prelude to a very tiring week. Final exam on Tuesday, prospective renters viewing the house on Wednesday--fortunately, the landlord told us that they will take it, thus absolving us from deep cleaning for a while--and I really don't know what happened to Thursday except that I went to work and got a flu vaccine while I was there. Oh, and before that, I got onto the treadmill and did half of a 20 minute tempo run before I got interrupted. Today's 8 mile run did not happen. I slept in past the comfortable weather and my left arm is sore. Fortunately, it's fresh salad day at the caf. The prospect of crumbled feta is a powerful tonic.
This was the first time I've tuned out of a run to this degree. I tried to keep my hip flexors and core engaged, and I tried to keep other things loose in general, especially my quads, but otherwise I was running in London. Whenever the camera was trained on the backs of the runners and everyone went around a corner, it was really hard to keep running straight.
This was the prelude to a very tiring week. Final exam on Tuesday, prospective renters viewing the house on Wednesday--fortunately, the landlord told us that they will take it, thus absolving us from deep cleaning for a while--and I really don't know what happened to Thursday except that I went to work and got a flu vaccine while I was there. Oh, and before that, I got onto the treadmill and did half of a 20 minute tempo run before I got interrupted. Today's 8 mile run did not happen. I slept in past the comfortable weather and my left arm is sore. Fortunately, it's fresh salad day at the caf. The prospect of crumbled feta is a powerful tonic.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Tempo Thursday and Special Friday
After the long run on Tuesday (not Wednesday), I was kind of drained.
Wed: nothing
Thurs: impromptu 2.5 mile tempo run. I wasn't going to do anything, but then I started feeling the need for something...I didn't have a lot of time before work by that point, so I went on the TM and straight into the tempo run. It worked out much better than expected. Somehow, I loosened up quickly and got into a good groove, which continued all the way through work too. My mood and energy levels were brilliant. Who'd have guessed that rushing through a short run and then in and out of the shower and to work would be so invigorating? I will be tapping into those neurotransmitters more often.
Fri: The 8.whatever mile hill loop. At first, I felt unaccustomedly nervous about this run, and then I remembered the extra-six-mile issue last time: not today! I checked my key a few times during the run, mostly pointlessly, but I took extra care at the summit to make sure that the key came down with us. Otherwise, the run was uneventful.
Once again, I didn't have much time at home before heading over to work because it was Special Friday!! all surgeries were cancelled for various reasons, and I got permission to start and leave early. I've been at home for two hours and it's still light out!! It was pretty trippy walking back in the sunlight; it felt like a summer afternoon/evening in a different town. On the way home, I talked with a couple of people on the street who apparently see me going past on my bike in the afternoon and thus were wondering what was up today; I also got to explain Special Friday to some people at work. (It's not really called Special Friday, btw, just in my world.)
Still pumped! I just ate some gluten-free mac & cheese, and now I'm going to try making gluten-free doughnuts. It's been a long time since I've had doughnuts. Years.
Wed: nothing
Thurs: impromptu 2.5 mile tempo run. I wasn't going to do anything, but then I started feeling the need for something...I didn't have a lot of time before work by that point, so I went on the TM and straight into the tempo run. It worked out much better than expected. Somehow, I loosened up quickly and got into a good groove, which continued all the way through work too. My mood and energy levels were brilliant. Who'd have guessed that rushing through a short run and then in and out of the shower and to work would be so invigorating? I will be tapping into those neurotransmitters more often.
Fri: The 8.whatever mile hill loop. At first, I felt unaccustomedly nervous about this run, and then I remembered the extra-six-mile issue last time: not today! I checked my key a few times during the run, mostly pointlessly, but I took extra care at the summit to make sure that the key came down with us. Otherwise, the run was uneventful.
Once again, I didn't have much time at home before heading over to work because it was Special Friday!! all surgeries were cancelled for various reasons, and I got permission to start and leave early. I've been at home for two hours and it's still light out!! It was pretty trippy walking back in the sunlight; it felt like a summer afternoon/evening in a different town. On the way home, I talked with a couple of people on the street who apparently see me going past on my bike in the afternoon and thus were wondering what was up today; I also got to explain Special Friday to some people at work. (It's not really called Special Friday, btw, just in my world.)
Still pumped! I just ate some gluten-free mac & cheese, and now I'm going to try making gluten-free doughnuts. It's been a long time since I've had doughnuts. Years.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
long run
Long-ish impromptu run.
The dog and I ran the 8 mile big hill loop, got good and tired and got home and discovered that the house key didn't make it as well. My pouch was zippered tightly and there were no holes. The only place the key could be was where I took my gel.
Unfortunately, when I was nearing the summit of the large hill, the thought that I should keep going and take my gel at the bottom remained just a thought. My gel, and my key, were withdrawn on the top.
This was three miles away. I had time. The weather was cool (16C?) and the dog was game. I was tired, but adrenaline kicked in. I was a bit nervous about ascending the closer side of the hill because it's a bit longer and higher in prominence from the closer side, and so I have always gone up the farther side, but the closer side actually felt easier. I wasn't worn out by the 2nd series of hills before it. Likely, the adrenaline helped most of all!
I tend to generate a good bit of adrenaline, and sometimes it's a bit hard to come down.
I didn't have too much time to eat--showering seemed more important--and I got to work still wired, but starting to get really, really tired. It was kind of uncomfortable. I felt like I should keep moving, and I was moving, but not fast enough. And yet too fast. I needed to either be charging back up that hill, or sleeping. No happy medium at all.
Total, 14.5ish, I think, miles. A tough run. But it gives me the confidence to consider doing a 2 loop, 16 mile run one day. I'm getting to know the hills. I like to compare them to other hills I know. The last hill before the big hill is almost exactly the same length and elevation change as Somerset, Preston to Bell. Kind of neat. I can imagine that I'm heading up to Kowloon Market or Sushi 88 or Bubblicity, or other delicious places.
Tomorrow, the dog and I aren't going to do much before I go to work. We have a patio, some sun (high of 30C) and a ball of fresh mozzarella waiting for us. Of course the dog likes cheese too!
The dog and I ran the 8 mile big hill loop, got good and tired and got home and discovered that the house key didn't make it as well. My pouch was zippered tightly and there were no holes. The only place the key could be was where I took my gel.
Unfortunately, when I was nearing the summit of the large hill, the thought that I should keep going and take my gel at the bottom remained just a thought. My gel, and my key, were withdrawn on the top.
This was three miles away. I had time. The weather was cool (16C?) and the dog was game. I was tired, but adrenaline kicked in. I was a bit nervous about ascending the closer side of the hill because it's a bit longer and higher in prominence from the closer side, and so I have always gone up the farther side, but the closer side actually felt easier. I wasn't worn out by the 2nd series of hills before it. Likely, the adrenaline helped most of all!
I tend to generate a good bit of adrenaline, and sometimes it's a bit hard to come down.
I didn't have too much time to eat--showering seemed more important--and I got to work still wired, but starting to get really, really tired. It was kind of uncomfortable. I felt like I should keep moving, and I was moving, but not fast enough. And yet too fast. I needed to either be charging back up that hill, or sleeping. No happy medium at all.
Total, 14.5ish, I think, miles. A tough run. But it gives me the confidence to consider doing a 2 loop, 16 mile run one day. I'm getting to know the hills. I like to compare them to other hills I know. The last hill before the big hill is almost exactly the same length and elevation change as Somerset, Preston to Bell. Kind of neat. I can imagine that I'm heading up to Kowloon Market or Sushi 88 or Bubblicity, or other delicious places.
Tomorrow, the dog and I aren't going to do much before I go to work. We have a patio, some sun (high of 30C) and a ball of fresh mozzarella waiting for us. Of course the dog likes cheese too!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
The hill again
It's a tough run and maybe I shouldn't do again it two days after doing it, but it is so satisfying. Not only is it in my preferred distance range (8-10 miles), but it transports me further than that. The street with the large hill reminds me of somewhere else, not quite Colorado, but sort of like that. Someplace more full of sky. Though I don't mind this town too much, I am happy to get away, even for just an hour or so.
Yesterday, I was drained and I didn't do much apart from bike and work.
Today, I was slightly less drained and I decided to attempt the 8ish mile big hill run. I slept in later than desired--the last two days, I've slept 10-11 hrs a night--but it was only about 19C when we set out. I gave the dog a break in a stream and some of my water, and he was ok, though pretty tired by the end, as was I. I was tired even before we started, and by the time we were near the end of the 2nd series of hills, I was breathing as hard as I usually do on the big hill. Not a good sign. We actually stopped twice on the large hill. First time I've ever stopped on it. Truthfully, the dog was the first one to stop, and once I'd lost that momentum, it was easy to decide to lose some more a few minutes further up. But, hey, I was tired and the air wasn't the best. My chest feels kind of raw.
I also have something going on with my left ear. Fortunately, I'd swallowed all of my protein/iron supplements before the first twinge of pain, but my freshly made strawberry/kiwi smoothie is not going down except in small and frustrating increments. And this is a smoothie that I've been looking forward to all week! No veggies, no filler melon fruits, just unadulterated strawberry and kiwi. It's not as tasty as I'd thought it would be, but I suppose it has paled in comparison to a week's worth of over-anticipation. Anyway, I'm not sure if wearing a hat made sweat collect in my ear or something like that--I've worn the hat on considerably hotter and longer runs without any issues. So now I have to wait to eat and drink, and unfortunately the supplements don't sit pretty on a mostly empty stomach. But stomach pangs are a change from colitis. And I'm better off than the last time this happened, 4 or 5 years ago after a 20ish mile run. I couldn't swallow anything for several hours afterward. Now that was true hunger!
Funnily enough, one of the documentaries I've watched this week was The Sound of Insects. It's based on the journal kept by an anonymous Austrian man who walked into the woods and starved himself to death. There is no actor apart from the narrator and a few random people in the imagery, which intensifies the descriptions of self-cannibalism, a body dismantling itself for fuel. An interesting film for sure, and it's made me consider that I'm very well off in comparison! I can eat (even today, later on, I'll probably be able to eat)...I have to watch what I eat, and how much, and sometimes there's discomfort and fatigue, but I'm handling this bout pretty well. I don't think I'll be shedding 30 or so pounds this time round! So far, I'm down about 8. I can afford to lose several more, I think, but I really really want to hang onto whatever muscle I have. And so, I have supplements, and I've been eating meat chili (overdid it the first time, so smaller amounts and much less cheese and sour cream), and lentils, beans and rice, and I've started putting chia into my smoothies (except for today's special strawberry-kiwi extravaganza) and lately I've been thinking about eggs.
I was planning on doing a long run tomorrow, mostly on the treadmill because the high is supposed to be about 30C....will see how things go.
Oh, yes, I nearly forgot to mention that the dog pooped in the same spot as last time, beside a certain fence around a certain yard. This time, there was a dog in the yard, a pitbull type that was also on a chain, probably a female judging by the reactions of both dogs. 'She' was whining for my dog's attention, and he came bearing gifts. I was distracted by the other dog; by the time I turned back to him, he had his butt against the chain link fence and was in the thick of defecation. I couldn't pick up all of it; he managed to get some of it into the yard. Too bad her chain was too short for her to check it out. I am thankful that I can use words instead to communicate. Hopefully I will exercise the forethought also available to humans in time to dissuade my dog from pooping there again. Carrying dog poop while running dampens enjoyment.
Yesterday, I was drained and I didn't do much apart from bike and work.
Today, I was slightly less drained and I decided to attempt the 8ish mile big hill run. I slept in later than desired--the last two days, I've slept 10-11 hrs a night--but it was only about 19C when we set out. I gave the dog a break in a stream and some of my water, and he was ok, though pretty tired by the end, as was I. I was tired even before we started, and by the time we were near the end of the 2nd series of hills, I was breathing as hard as I usually do on the big hill. Not a good sign. We actually stopped twice on the large hill. First time I've ever stopped on it. Truthfully, the dog was the first one to stop, and once I'd lost that momentum, it was easy to decide to lose some more a few minutes further up. But, hey, I was tired and the air wasn't the best. My chest feels kind of raw.
I also have something going on with my left ear. Fortunately, I'd swallowed all of my protein/iron supplements before the first twinge of pain, but my freshly made strawberry/kiwi smoothie is not going down except in small and frustrating increments. And this is a smoothie that I've been looking forward to all week! No veggies, no filler melon fruits, just unadulterated strawberry and kiwi. It's not as tasty as I'd thought it would be, but I suppose it has paled in comparison to a week's worth of over-anticipation. Anyway, I'm not sure if wearing a hat made sweat collect in my ear or something like that--I've worn the hat on considerably hotter and longer runs without any issues. So now I have to wait to eat and drink, and unfortunately the supplements don't sit pretty on a mostly empty stomach. But stomach pangs are a change from colitis. And I'm better off than the last time this happened, 4 or 5 years ago after a 20ish mile run. I couldn't swallow anything for several hours afterward. Now that was true hunger!
Funnily enough, one of the documentaries I've watched this week was The Sound of Insects. It's based on the journal kept by an anonymous Austrian man who walked into the woods and starved himself to death. There is no actor apart from the narrator and a few random people in the imagery, which intensifies the descriptions of self-cannibalism, a body dismantling itself for fuel. An interesting film for sure, and it's made me consider that I'm very well off in comparison! I can eat (even today, later on, I'll probably be able to eat)...I have to watch what I eat, and how much, and sometimes there's discomfort and fatigue, but I'm handling this bout pretty well. I don't think I'll be shedding 30 or so pounds this time round! So far, I'm down about 8. I can afford to lose several more, I think, but I really really want to hang onto whatever muscle I have. And so, I have supplements, and I've been eating meat chili (overdid it the first time, so smaller amounts and much less cheese and sour cream), and lentils, beans and rice, and I've started putting chia into my smoothies (except for today's special strawberry-kiwi extravaganza) and lately I've been thinking about eggs.
I was planning on doing a long run tomorrow, mostly on the treadmill because the high is supposed to be about 30C....will see how things go.
Oh, yes, I nearly forgot to mention that the dog pooped in the same spot as last time, beside a certain fence around a certain yard. This time, there was a dog in the yard, a pitbull type that was also on a chain, probably a female judging by the reactions of both dogs. 'She' was whining for my dog's attention, and he came bearing gifts. I was distracted by the other dog; by the time I turned back to him, he had his butt against the chain link fence and was in the thick of defecation. I couldn't pick up all of it; he managed to get some of it into the yard. Too bad her chain was too short for her to check it out. I am thankful that I can use words instead to communicate. Hopefully I will exercise the forethought also available to humans in time to dissuade my dog from pooping there again. Carrying dog poop while running dampens enjoyment.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Hibernating until the ideal fall
I overdrew my energy account, ate less judiciously than I should've, got slammed at work, etc, etc, and, man, I am wiped. but recovering.
Monday-Tuesday, nothing except biking to/from work and work. Fortunately, the dog was wiped too and didn't mind missing a couple of days' of walks.
Wednesday, just a walk and zwow 12 with a couple of additional exercises thrown in, and work/biking.
Today, we got another 'cool' snap. I slept in until 9:15--my sleep schedule has become out of whack recently and I can't get to sleep before 2:30ish--had a protein drink and grabbed the dog and headed out. It was only 12 C!!!! with dark heavy clouds.
Would we do the full 8ish mile big hill loop, or a shorter one? The dog decided by pooping in yet another inconvenient spot, and I knew that the closest trash can was on Limit, and once we got there, it was simple to keep going until 20th, and then an even simpler matter to head back home.
The first series of hills was a bit uncomfortable, mainly because I was holding a bag of dog poop for most of it and this threw my form askew, but once I ditched that, the second series of hills was almost easier in comparison. I was pretty tired when I got to the big hill, but the darkening clouds and newly strengthened wind and a faint whiff of O3 were powerful incentives to keep moving up.
I didn't stop at the top this time--I felt the first drop of rain near the summit, and then many others followed, and I coasted down and kept pushing. I found a new reserve of energy at the bottom and the last part of the run flew by.
And now I'm eating chill! Another victory; it's been in the fridge for over a week, but I couldn't stomach it until today. Eating has still a bit iffy, although I've been able to eat all the fruits I want, and a rice, mung bean, and lentils almost every day, and cheese most days. And I went through a couple of days of snacking on work chips (salt and vinegar, my best friend!) but this hasn't had the best effect, so I stopped. Recently, I watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, a documentary about two men who turned their health around by going on a juice fast. This inspired me, not to go on a juice fast, but to put greens into "evening" smoothies, to compliment the fruit smoothies I have in the morning. Vegetables have not been appealing at all, but since the 'veg' smoothies still have a good portion of fruit, they don't turn me off. I bought a bunch of kale, chard, and spinach. It's been an adjustment.
Monday-Tuesday, nothing except biking to/from work and work. Fortunately, the dog was wiped too and didn't mind missing a couple of days' of walks.
Wednesday, just a walk and zwow 12 with a couple of additional exercises thrown in, and work/biking.
Today, we got another 'cool' snap. I slept in until 9:15--my sleep schedule has become out of whack recently and I can't get to sleep before 2:30ish--had a protein drink and grabbed the dog and headed out. It was only 12 C!!!! with dark heavy clouds.
Would we do the full 8ish mile big hill loop, or a shorter one? The dog decided by pooping in yet another inconvenient spot, and I knew that the closest trash can was on Limit, and once we got there, it was simple to keep going until 20th, and then an even simpler matter to head back home.
The first series of hills was a bit uncomfortable, mainly because I was holding a bag of dog poop for most of it and this threw my form askew, but once I ditched that, the second series of hills was almost easier in comparison. I was pretty tired when I got to the big hill, but the darkening clouds and newly strengthened wind and a faint whiff of O3 were powerful incentives to keep moving up.
I didn't stop at the top this time--I felt the first drop of rain near the summit, and then many others followed, and I coasted down and kept pushing. I found a new reserve of energy at the bottom and the last part of the run flew by.
And now I'm eating chill! Another victory; it's been in the fridge for over a week, but I couldn't stomach it until today. Eating has still a bit iffy, although I've been able to eat all the fruits I want, and a rice, mung bean, and lentils almost every day, and cheese most days. And I went through a couple of days of snacking on work chips (salt and vinegar, my best friend!) but this hasn't had the best effect, so I stopped. Recently, I watched Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, a documentary about two men who turned their health around by going on a juice fast. This inspired me, not to go on a juice fast, but to put greens into "evening" smoothies, to compliment the fruit smoothies I have in the morning. Vegetables have not been appealing at all, but since the 'veg' smoothies still have a good portion of fruit, they don't turn me off. I bought a bunch of kale, chard, and spinach. It's been an adjustment.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
The ideal summer
So, after a week or so of descending into Ottawa summer temps (reminded me of those hottest couple of weeks in July), we have sunk even lower into my preferred summer climate this weekend. Lows around 12 C, highs around 25 C. Love it! I have spent many (most?) of my waking hours outside. It is such a treat to sit in the backyard and not be sweating like a stuck hog.
Anyway, I failed to wake up "early" and the dog and I headed out around 10:30 am. I packed my ID and snacks into my backpack and we ran onto post.
Lately, the dog has been receiving a lot of compliments, and he got another one from the guard that checked my card. I hope this attention doesn't go to his head.
I wasn't sure how far we'd run; I was hoping for at least 15 miles. The weather was good, but I wasn't sure if it would still be too hot for the dog, and I wasn't sure how tired I'd be after yesterday's hill. I like to do some long runs in a tired state so that others seem easier in comparison, but this would be the first time I'd attempted a long run the day after the hill. There is another hill nearly as tall on post, but the ascent and descent are much more gradual and undulating; I'd already decided to walk up the steepest portions. It's all about time on my feet!
Unfortunately, my backpack became a bit of a problem. I have worn it during longer runs, including my longest run ever (over 31 miles), but always with a sleeved shirt, I suppose. Today's choice of a tank top wasn't suitable. As well, I forgot to apply bodyglide. So lots of tugging cloth back into place occurred. My neck was starting to feel rubbed raw.
And the dog, that terrible little turd, dropped namesakes in the worst place possible. We'd passed umpteen trash cans and umpteen semi-deserted stretches with high grass (either one works), and then after about a 1/2 mile of mostly uphill road and no trash cans, he stops in a little triangular patch of very manicured grass between some roads and in front of the 'fancy' restaurant on post. No trash cans anywhere, just a recycling bin, and I'm not that low. Do I go back down the hill? No, surely the airfield up ahead has trash bins. If so, then maybe we'd run around it because that's the flattest place for miles.
It had more of the recycling bins but nothing for trash.
We headed to a warehouse with an outdoor water spigot; I wanted to refill my water bottle and douse the dog a bit (not out of retaliation, but to keep him cool), and surely there would be a trash bin there. No, just another recycling bin. Kudos, but...
At this point, I've carried poop for over a mile. It stinks and seems to be liquefying. The bag is fairly opaque white so the visual isn't too bad, but the once solid matter is gradually coating the inside surface uniformly. I'm fed up. I double bag it and put it in an outside mesh pocket of my backpack. The dog starts to get anxious because I'm upset. I think this is when the run started to go downhill, but we actually had to go uphill, even worse.
Fortunately, the prisoner cemetery about a half mile further up had a trash bin! Everlasting peace for everyone.
We still had more uphill, we walked a bit. There are some ranges back there (not facing the road, of course) that were being used. The dog didn't like the noise of gunfire. I missed the turn off for the forest trails. Maybe they would have been too soggy anyway, or filled with horses on this fine day. The dog isn't a huge fan of horses, although I think it's the clip-cloppy noisy ones on asphalt that he objects to because he doesn't seem to mind the ones on dirt. Some of them don't like him, though. Actually, the horses are officially prohibited on that trail, but they help keep it clear so nobody complains. That's pretty much the ethos that I like about running on most posts: there are places that are restricted and locked down, and other places, especially housing areas, have a lot of rules, but there can be a surprisingly lot of latitude in other places, particularly those underdeveloped or semi-abandoned stretches. I can help myself to drinking water, I can take my shirt off and run in my running bra, I can stretch out on a patch of lawn, I can run around and around without any questions asked and without worrying too much about getting hit by a car or getting chased by dogs or getting hassled. This is pretty much like home (although, at home, it's a lot easier to get food on the go), but not like some parts of the US I've been to. This town we're in now isn't bad at all, actually, but our previous two US postings were subpar.
Eventually, we got to coast down and off the post. 11 miles by the time we got home. I decided to run 4-5 more on the TM.
And the power went out after about 3 miles.
There was nothing left to do except sit in a hot bath and eat! It was lovely.
Anyway, I failed to wake up "early" and the dog and I headed out around 10:30 am. I packed my ID and snacks into my backpack and we ran onto post.
Lately, the dog has been receiving a lot of compliments, and he got another one from the guard that checked my card. I hope this attention doesn't go to his head.
I wasn't sure how far we'd run; I was hoping for at least 15 miles. The weather was good, but I wasn't sure if it would still be too hot for the dog, and I wasn't sure how tired I'd be after yesterday's hill. I like to do some long runs in a tired state so that others seem easier in comparison, but this would be the first time I'd attempted a long run the day after the hill. There is another hill nearly as tall on post, but the ascent and descent are much more gradual and undulating; I'd already decided to walk up the steepest portions. It's all about time on my feet!
Unfortunately, my backpack became a bit of a problem. I have worn it during longer runs, including my longest run ever (over 31 miles), but always with a sleeved shirt, I suppose. Today's choice of a tank top wasn't suitable. As well, I forgot to apply bodyglide. So lots of tugging cloth back into place occurred. My neck was starting to feel rubbed raw.
And the dog, that terrible little turd, dropped namesakes in the worst place possible. We'd passed umpteen trash cans and umpteen semi-deserted stretches with high grass (either one works), and then after about a 1/2 mile of mostly uphill road and no trash cans, he stops in a little triangular patch of very manicured grass between some roads and in front of the 'fancy' restaurant on post. No trash cans anywhere, just a recycling bin, and I'm not that low. Do I go back down the hill? No, surely the airfield up ahead has trash bins. If so, then maybe we'd run around it because that's the flattest place for miles.
It had more of the recycling bins but nothing for trash.
We headed to a warehouse with an outdoor water spigot; I wanted to refill my water bottle and douse the dog a bit (not out of retaliation, but to keep him cool), and surely there would be a trash bin there. No, just another recycling bin. Kudos, but...
At this point, I've carried poop for over a mile. It stinks and seems to be liquefying. The bag is fairly opaque white so the visual isn't too bad, but the once solid matter is gradually coating the inside surface uniformly. I'm fed up. I double bag it and put it in an outside mesh pocket of my backpack. The dog starts to get anxious because I'm upset. I think this is when the run started to go downhill, but we actually had to go uphill, even worse.
Fortunately, the prisoner cemetery about a half mile further up had a trash bin! Everlasting peace for everyone.
We still had more uphill, we walked a bit. There are some ranges back there (not facing the road, of course) that were being used. The dog didn't like the noise of gunfire. I missed the turn off for the forest trails. Maybe they would have been too soggy anyway, or filled with horses on this fine day. The dog isn't a huge fan of horses, although I think it's the clip-cloppy noisy ones on asphalt that he objects to because he doesn't seem to mind the ones on dirt. Some of them don't like him, though. Actually, the horses are officially prohibited on that trail, but they help keep it clear so nobody complains. That's pretty much the ethos that I like about running on most posts: there are places that are restricted and locked down, and other places, especially housing areas, have a lot of rules, but there can be a surprisingly lot of latitude in other places, particularly those underdeveloped or semi-abandoned stretches. I can help myself to drinking water, I can take my shirt off and run in my running bra, I can stretch out on a patch of lawn, I can run around and around without any questions asked and without worrying too much about getting hit by a car or getting chased by dogs or getting hassled. This is pretty much like home (although, at home, it's a lot easier to get food on the go), but not like some parts of the US I've been to. This town we're in now isn't bad at all, actually, but our previous two US postings were subpar.
Eventually, we got to coast down and off the post. 11 miles by the time we got home. I decided to run 4-5 more on the TM.
And the power went out after about 3 miles.
There was nothing left to do except sit in a hot bath and eat! It was lovely.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Buffalo Bill Days
While wandering about the fair, I ate a gluten-free Frito pie for lunch. I earned it: the dog and I ran the hilly 8ish mile loop this morning.
I slept in for various reasons. I knew that the weather would be milder this weekend, and my biphasic sleep schedule has changed Recent gluten/digestive issues have made me pretty tired and sleepy in general and I have been sleeping in every day. Admittedly, I have also been napping most days.
Anyway, we got rolling about 10:30 am, and the temperature was still below 20 C! I can't remember the last time I ran in the teens. This probably was the main cause of a minor improvement.
This is the route, roughly (start/end point is different):
http://www.runningmap.com/?id=435868
Click on Show Elevation
I've run this loop often enough to recognize its stages. After the first bit (downhill, a warm up), there is a series of 4 hills, followed by a downhill portion and the flat stretch of the run. Then, there is another series of several more hills of more prominence, then a downhill 'pinch' leading to the big climb of about a mile. Then, a coast downhill, followed a portion which is flattened in comparison but still contains a few more hills.
Whenever I've run this route before, my level of effort departed the easy range during the first series of hills, usually during the very first hill. And the downhills are not long enough for things to settle back down.
Today, however, I felt more strength and efficiency--I felt a drive from the hip flexors and glutes, and a stronger core--and I was able to get through the first series of hills while maintaining an easy level of effort. The lower temperature certainly helped a lot, as have all the exercises I've been doing, and I've noticed as well that, since my treadmill is at a 1 % grade, slight inclines have also become relaxing recently. As well, I think I've lost about 5 pounds so far since losing my appetite (but it's slowly coming back). Anyway, today's run was the largest improvement in running hills since I started running here. To get over those first four hills and feel the same as when I started was remarkable.
The next series of hills, however, asked a bit more of me!
Still, I felt like I was in pretty good shape. As we neared the pinch, the dog started making signs to poop. There was a trash can a couple of minutes ahead; I urged him forward, and we made it. After a few minutes of al fresco defecation (canine only), we tackled the big hill. The short break was long enough for my legs to stiffen up and at first I worried about a potential gruesome slog to the top, but I calmed my nerves and concentrated on keeping my steps short and quick.
The big hill has stages too. I try to relax during the first third, and then effort intensifies and I aim for a point which I think is 2/3 up, but roughly 1/2 in energy expenditure, and then I undergo the final push and smaller and smaller fractions, going from light post to light post by the end. However, it was a lot easier this time. Whenever I felt tired, I reminded myself to keep my steps quick and short, and this led me to hidden reserves of energy and fresh sets of muscle fibre. I can't say that it was a mild stroll, but it was definitely easier to avoid slowing down too much.
Unfortunately, when I got to the top, I stopped, and this sudden change of exertion tripped a bit of SVT, but carotid massage did the trick after only a couple of seconds and I resumed running without further issues. I know I shouldn't stop or turn suddenly, especially after pushing hard, but post-op episodes have become so mild and infrequent that I forget!
We coasted down and home. By the end, it was getting a bit hot for the dog. I hope to wake up earlier tomorrow so that we can have a longer run. Meanwhile, I'm hoping to carb load a bit tonight. This past week, I've been eating fruit (lots of fruit), Lara bars, and a lentil-mung bean-corn noodle mixture that was supposed to be part of a tuna casserole (which never blossomed fully because I couldn't stay up long enough at home to cook it at first, and then I gave up). And I've been taking the usual protein/iron supplements. For a while, I just wasn't hungry, and then I started feeling hunger pangs that begged for popcorn. I overindulged the first time and paid for it, but things are getting better. Yesterday I had what seemed to be cheese cravings, but not much tolerance for eating actual cheese! However, some steamed edamame went down nicely. And I was really surprised and happy to eat 2/3 of the Frito pie I bought today. It was made of Frito chips (they were gluten-free!), meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. So far, only very mild discomfort.
Unfortunately, my Garmin doesn't seem to want to recharge, so we might end up aiming for a certain time, not distance.
Edit: soft reset: lap + mode at the same time, then power. It worked!
Oh, yeah, I did zwow #12 yesterday. That makes 3 for the week!
I slept in for various reasons. I knew that the weather would be milder this weekend, and my biphasic sleep schedule has changed Recent gluten/digestive issues have made me pretty tired and sleepy in general and I have been sleeping in every day. Admittedly, I have also been napping most days.
Anyway, we got rolling about 10:30 am, and the temperature was still below 20 C! I can't remember the last time I ran in the teens. This probably was the main cause of a minor improvement.
This is the route, roughly (start/end point is different):
http://www.runningmap.com/?id=435868
Click on Show Elevation
I've run this loop often enough to recognize its stages. After the first bit (downhill, a warm up), there is a series of 4 hills, followed by a downhill portion and the flat stretch of the run. Then, there is another series of several more hills of more prominence, then a downhill 'pinch' leading to the big climb of about a mile. Then, a coast downhill, followed a portion which is flattened in comparison but still contains a few more hills.
Whenever I've run this route before, my level of effort departed the easy range during the first series of hills, usually during the very first hill. And the downhills are not long enough for things to settle back down.
Today, however, I felt more strength and efficiency--I felt a drive from the hip flexors and glutes, and a stronger core--and I was able to get through the first series of hills while maintaining an easy level of effort. The lower temperature certainly helped a lot, as have all the exercises I've been doing, and I've noticed as well that, since my treadmill is at a 1 % grade, slight inclines have also become relaxing recently. As well, I think I've lost about 5 pounds so far since losing my appetite (but it's slowly coming back). Anyway, today's run was the largest improvement in running hills since I started running here. To get over those first four hills and feel the same as when I started was remarkable.
The next series of hills, however, asked a bit more of me!
Still, I felt like I was in pretty good shape. As we neared the pinch, the dog started making signs to poop. There was a trash can a couple of minutes ahead; I urged him forward, and we made it. After a few minutes of al fresco defecation (canine only), we tackled the big hill. The short break was long enough for my legs to stiffen up and at first I worried about a potential gruesome slog to the top, but I calmed my nerves and concentrated on keeping my steps short and quick.
The big hill has stages too. I try to relax during the first third, and then effort intensifies and I aim for a point which I think is 2/3 up, but roughly 1/2 in energy expenditure, and then I undergo the final push and smaller and smaller fractions, going from light post to light post by the end. However, it was a lot easier this time. Whenever I felt tired, I reminded myself to keep my steps quick and short, and this led me to hidden reserves of energy and fresh sets of muscle fibre. I can't say that it was a mild stroll, but it was definitely easier to avoid slowing down too much.
Unfortunately, when I got to the top, I stopped, and this sudden change of exertion tripped a bit of SVT, but carotid massage did the trick after only a couple of seconds and I resumed running without further issues. I know I shouldn't stop or turn suddenly, especially after pushing hard, but post-op episodes have become so mild and infrequent that I forget!
We coasted down and home. By the end, it was getting a bit hot for the dog. I hope to wake up earlier tomorrow so that we can have a longer run. Meanwhile, I'm hoping to carb load a bit tonight. This past week, I've been eating fruit (lots of fruit), Lara bars, and a lentil-mung bean-corn noodle mixture that was supposed to be part of a tuna casserole (which never blossomed fully because I couldn't stay up long enough at home to cook it at first, and then I gave up). And I've been taking the usual protein/iron supplements. For a while, I just wasn't hungry, and then I started feeling hunger pangs that begged for popcorn. I overindulged the first time and paid for it, but things are getting better. Yesterday I had what seemed to be cheese cravings, but not much tolerance for eating actual cheese! However, some steamed edamame went down nicely. And I was really surprised and happy to eat 2/3 of the Frito pie I bought today. It was made of Frito chips (they were gluten-free!), meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. So far, only very mild discomfort.
Unfortunately, my Garmin doesn't seem to want to recharge, so we might end up aiming for a certain time, not distance.
Edit: soft reset: lap + mode at the same time, then power. It worked!
Oh, yeah, I did zwow #12 yesterday. That makes 3 for the week!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
a sign
The local private Catholic high school has a native American as a mascot: a "raider". I've seen plenty of signs with just the school name, but today was the first time I'd seen one with the raider, or at least noticed it.
But that's not the sign I'm talking about!
While feeling rather low yesterday, I drank lots of water, ate lots of fruit, slept as much as possible, worked s l o w l y at work (there was less than normal to do), and I woke up today and forced myself to roll onto and over the other side of the bed. The dog caught my drift and put the heat on: go go go let's go. We went, a mixture of jogging downhill and walking uphill, for a bit over five miles. Originally, I was going to do the old three mile loop, but I forgot the first right turn again, and by that point it was easiest to keep running because of a tantalizing shady flat area with a creek up ahead. This is one of the few flat areas in town and the longest one I know of, maybe 1/4 mile, and it's amazing to run on, especially after four or five rolling hills. All of a sudden, things feel very familiar and soft, like I'm running indoors.
The temps were in the mid 20s C and sticky, but I figured that the recent storm had freshened and filled the creeks, and I was right. The dog was running out of steam by the end, but I don't think he has any complaints.
And then I did zwow 32 and I really like this one. Albeit, I used light weights because I am still sort of sore, especially my hamstrings (I felt them on the run and decided that doing #12 with a bunch of pistol squats wouldn't be wise), but it felt good to increase blood flow. And I didn't do the broad jumps justice because of constrained space. next time! and there will be a next time because this is a workout that speaks to me. There are other types of workouts, of course:
No, never again in a million years. (dance aerobics. I was so bad that I probably ruined it permanently for others too, at least those who had the misfortune of being next to me)
I should do this again because it feels so bad and therefore it must be especially beneficial, but I don't ever do it again in a million years.
I should do this again because it feels so bad, etc, and I do, once or twice, and it still feels hard and stupid, so I give it up.
I should do this again because it feels so bad, etc, but it grows on me more and more and I end up doing it often (like zwow #12)
Sure, I'll do this again because it's dull but not so bad, and after a few times, it's too boring.
Sure, I'll do this again. A few times, now and then.
And finally, I really really like this. It's hard but suits me. This is how I move! I do it often (zwow #5 and now #32).
And the sign? Z mentioned at the start of the workout that there would be a bonus exercise at the end. I finished the workout but not the video, and I showered, ate, etc, and finally remembered that there was more to watch. By this time I'd forgotten about the bonus exercise and figured that I was going to get another post-workout pep talk. I watched her run down a street and up some stairs to what I presume is her apartment.
The bonus exercise is a 1 mile run.
She said, go outside and run because it's beautiful. Or some adjective. I forget exactly.
OK.
The temps are s l o w l y shifting to Fall, and the sunshine is becoming more beautiful, and less cruel.
But that's not the sign I'm talking about!
While feeling rather low yesterday, I drank lots of water, ate lots of fruit, slept as much as possible, worked s l o w l y at work (there was less than normal to do), and I woke up today and forced myself to roll onto and over the other side of the bed. The dog caught my drift and put the heat on: go go go let's go. We went, a mixture of jogging downhill and walking uphill, for a bit over five miles. Originally, I was going to do the old three mile loop, but I forgot the first right turn again, and by that point it was easiest to keep running because of a tantalizing shady flat area with a creek up ahead. This is one of the few flat areas in town and the longest one I know of, maybe 1/4 mile, and it's amazing to run on, especially after four or five rolling hills. All of a sudden, things feel very familiar and soft, like I'm running indoors.
The temps were in the mid 20s C and sticky, but I figured that the recent storm had freshened and filled the creeks, and I was right. The dog was running out of steam by the end, but I don't think he has any complaints.
And then I did zwow 32 and I really like this one. Albeit, I used light weights because I am still sort of sore, especially my hamstrings (I felt them on the run and decided that doing #12 with a bunch of pistol squats wouldn't be wise), but it felt good to increase blood flow. And I didn't do the broad jumps justice because of constrained space. next time! and there will be a next time because this is a workout that speaks to me. There are other types of workouts, of course:
No, never again in a million years. (dance aerobics. I was so bad that I probably ruined it permanently for others too, at least those who had the misfortune of being next to me)
I should do this again because it feels so bad and therefore it must be especially beneficial, but I don't ever do it again in a million years.
I should do this again because it feels so bad, etc, and I do, once or twice, and it still feels hard and stupid, so I give it up.
I should do this again because it feels so bad, etc, but it grows on me more and more and I end up doing it often (like zwow #12)
Sure, I'll do this again because it's dull but not so bad, and after a few times, it's too boring.
Sure, I'll do this again. A few times, now and then.
And finally, I really really like this. It's hard but suits me. This is how I move! I do it often (zwow #5 and now #32).
And the sign? Z mentioned at the start of the workout that there would be a bonus exercise at the end. I finished the workout but not the video, and I showered, ate, etc, and finally remembered that there was more to watch. By this time I'd forgotten about the bonus exercise and figured that I was going to get another post-workout pep talk. I watched her run down a street and up some stairs to what I presume is her apartment.
The bonus exercise is a 1 mile run.
She said, go outside and run because it's beautiful. Or some adjective. I forget exactly.
OK.
The temps are s l o w l y shifting to Fall, and the sunshine is becoming more beautiful, and less cruel.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
retrenching. WORDY
Really, I was already retrenching, but now I'm retrenching from that retrenching...this place took its big bites, and now it's gnawing on my bones. We had some healthy hefty storms last night, thank goodness, but the air is still dirty, and the temperature is once again 30C and rising, but now it's also humid and I also have a bunch of yard debris that should be picked up. WHEN ARE THE DAILY HIGHS GOING TO BE UNDER 30C ?!!!!! With these hot temps lasting since, what, May?, I should be wandering around festive canals and open air markets and spending hours haggling and sipping complimentary tea and sampling juice-laden nearly-almost-overripe exotic fruits or scraps of meat simmering in a pot that is never empty and rarely cold, my nose jammed with an umami stew of spices and perfume and decay, my ears ablaze with a miasma of strange vowel combinations and stranger animal cries, my brain overwhelmed by sensory input, the inner monologue silenced except for a repeated "where the heck am I?" And, of course, being lost heightens perception even more elaborately and seductively, and when I close my eyes, I still see colours.
Instead I get boredom and wheat and a bunch of fallen branches as thick as my wrist. And bad bad cabin fever.
And it is not socially acceptable to sweat much here.
It also says somewhere in my contract that I am required to wear underwear at work but it cannot be visible. Just throwing that in here because I was wondering if typing it would make me laugh as much as remembering it does, and it does! too bad humour doesn't come in a syringe.
I tried to run for an hour yesterday, but my breathing started to get strained again, and my legs were heavy because I still haven't recovered. 2ish miles. And then I did zwow #5 with a couple of additional exercises.
Today, nothing. I slept in. Lots of water and rest still. Colitis, for some reason this time, isn't consistent like it usually is. I get a break, and then a few hours of pain, then repeat. This might have something to do with weak self-control. After having not much of an appetite for umpteen days, I found it returned and redoubled, and I indulged it fully, and squished it. When it comes back, I'm going to have to take things much more slowly. Maybe it's once again time for the old banana, rice, and ginger ale diet, adding a little bit more here and there, mainly other fruits for the first while, keeping that canoe steady.
At low times like this, between naps, I ponder all sorts of odd stuff that is dredged up from goodness knows where. But my main thought today is pretty consistent: why do I run? What do I get out of it? (pretending, of course, that I'm running regularly)
Exercise and a reliable release of endorphins and other mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters, yes, but not these days.
Exercise so that I can eat more. usually, but not these days!
Because it feels good, usually, but not here.
Excitement, yes, but there is none here apart from the epinephrine-pumping type involving bad drivers.
Seeing new things, definitely, but there are few here.
Getting faster, sometimes, but not realistic now.
Goal race?
Ok, there are a couple of possibilities in mid-November. Even October is likely to be too hot.
And what do I hope to get out of the goal race?
Camaraderie? Maybe, but not as likely here. No running group.
PB? nope
New sights, yes, although limited.
Impetus to run more regularly. YES.
If circular reasoning is what I got, that's what I got.
Instead I get boredom and wheat and a bunch of fallen branches as thick as my wrist. And bad bad cabin fever.
And it is not socially acceptable to sweat much here.
It also says somewhere in my contract that I am required to wear underwear at work but it cannot be visible. Just throwing that in here because I was wondering if typing it would make me laugh as much as remembering it does, and it does! too bad humour doesn't come in a syringe.
I tried to run for an hour yesterday, but my breathing started to get strained again, and my legs were heavy because I still haven't recovered. 2ish miles. And then I did zwow #5 with a couple of additional exercises.
Today, nothing. I slept in. Lots of water and rest still. Colitis, for some reason this time, isn't consistent like it usually is. I get a break, and then a few hours of pain, then repeat. This might have something to do with weak self-control. After having not much of an appetite for umpteen days, I found it returned and redoubled, and I indulged it fully, and squished it. When it comes back, I'm going to have to take things much more slowly. Maybe it's once again time for the old banana, rice, and ginger ale diet, adding a little bit more here and there, mainly other fruits for the first while, keeping that canoe steady.
At low times like this, between naps, I ponder all sorts of odd stuff that is dredged up from goodness knows where. But my main thought today is pretty consistent: why do I run? What do I get out of it? (pretending, of course, that I'm running regularly)
Exercise and a reliable release of endorphins and other mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters, yes, but not these days.
Exercise so that I can eat more. usually, but not these days!
Because it feels good, usually, but not here.
Excitement, yes, but there is none here apart from the epinephrine-pumping type involving bad drivers.
Seeing new things, definitely, but there are few here.
Getting faster, sometimes, but not realistic now.
Goal race?
Ok, there are a couple of possibilities in mid-November. Even October is likely to be too hot.
And what do I hope to get out of the goal race?
Camaraderie? Maybe, but not as likely here. No running group.
PB? nope
New sights, yes, although limited.
Impetus to run more regularly. YES.
If circular reasoning is what I got, that's what I got.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
tearing up inside
This past week has been kind of rough internally, but in a totally physical and not emotional way. I've had a few gluten mishaps recently that eventually messed up my guts. I did too hard of an ab workout and tore too much muscle fibre further up my midsection, and recovery was slow because of the gluten issue. And the air got bad again and started to rub my lungs raw. Basically, my torso was wrecked by Wednesday and I haven't run since.
The only solution when I get to this point is lots of water and lots of rest. Nutrient supplements help because very little of what I eat seems to get absorbed, but mainly I try to rest and flush my system. I still went to work but otherwise I mostly slept for a few days.
And miraculously, on Friday, I actually woke up quickly and felt refreshed. I can't remember the last time, if ever, that has happened in this house. Usually it takes slipping on the steps going downstairs to get me to wake up completely. Maybe not coincidentally, Isaac was in town! Rain! real rain! two days of rain!!! The highs will go back above 30C tomorrow, but we've had a reprieve. Never has a rainy long weekend been so warmly welcomed. Everyone I've talked to has been grateful for the rain.
I might attempt a run tomorrow.
The only solution when I get to this point is lots of water and lots of rest. Nutrient supplements help because very little of what I eat seems to get absorbed, but mainly I try to rest and flush my system. I still went to work but otherwise I mostly slept for a few days.
And miraculously, on Friday, I actually woke up quickly and felt refreshed. I can't remember the last time, if ever, that has happened in this house. Usually it takes slipping on the steps going downstairs to get me to wake up completely. Maybe not coincidentally, Isaac was in town! Rain! real rain! two days of rain!!! The highs will go back above 30C tomorrow, but we've had a reprieve. Never has a rainy long weekend been so warmly welcomed. Everyone I've talked to has been grateful for the rain.
I might attempt a run tomorrow.
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