Or more over the course of this month!
Wow, pretty soon I'm going to be Forrest Gumping all over the place, at this rate.
I want to get this writing over with quick, the sun is out shining and I have a Sunday drive to attend to.
Today was my long run Sunday. 9K. I didnt wear my headphones until the last lap when my knees were achy and I wanted any kind of distraction. What else was different. The first three laps were easy. I got to hear the sound of the tide rushing out under the bridge, and the swans honking away in the bay. Also the screaming children...
I got really salty on my cheeks and forehead! When I was wiping sweat off, it kind of stung...that actually made me feel really good, fucking tough...or something...
I said hello to every person who met my eyes as I passed. One old guy told me I was making everybody look bad. Thanks guy! Only four people wouldn't look up to say hello.
I got a little excited on my third lap, I thought I might actually run the nine in under one hour.
I ended up starting at 10:30, and finishing at 11:41, which is still pretty awesome to me.
I got an ache above my right hip, just a ghosty kind, on my third lap. That is my danger zone, so I slowed down. It went away, and then my knees started. I tried to loosed up my steps a little, I felt like maybe I was trying too hard to do it a certain way. It actually eased the ow a little.
So, it started with a little rain, and ended withthe sun fully coming out. I held my hands palms up to catch the sun while I ran. Its Sunday, I can have a religious experience, too, can't I?
I am a little disappointed to say, there were still no thoughts in my big empty head. I didnt get into anything! I was so looking forward to daydreaming on this long run...
Next time I won't expect anything at all. Except to do it, and feel like FUCK YEAH!
I've pretty much run my ass to Parksville!
And now I get to drive my awesome truck!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Boring!
Friday 4K steady run.
I set out with a raincoat on, it was spitting on me. I walked for a two blocks, and then got into my super slow an steady pace chinese walk run. It must look as though I'm hurrying to cross a street the whole time I'm running.
I ran the same route as last week's 'round my 'hood run. This time my pedometer told me I went 4.15. I turned my music down way down, but maybe for my next run I won't wear my headphones at all. I couldn't zone out. I've noticed that over the course of this week I haven't been getting into my thoughts at all. I guess the music is actually distracting me.
From what? Maybe there's just nothing in there!
Nothing hurt, wait, there was a pain in my foot when I started, from my heel into my middle toes, like a line, but it worked itself out...noting hurt. It seemed so easy that I started to think maybe I should speed up? But I kept the easy pace. I didn't stop.. I got really bored.
I wanted to be done, I wanted to go home and eat pizza! I almost quit, but I decide to complete the thing. Completely.
I set out with a raincoat on, it was spitting on me. I walked for a two blocks, and then got into my super slow an steady pace chinese walk run. It must look as though I'm hurrying to cross a street the whole time I'm running.
I ran the same route as last week's 'round my 'hood run. This time my pedometer told me I went 4.15. I turned my music down way down, but maybe for my next run I won't wear my headphones at all. I couldn't zone out. I've noticed that over the course of this week I haven't been getting into my thoughts at all. I guess the music is actually distracting me.
From what? Maybe there's just nothing in there!
Nothing hurt, wait, there was a pain in my foot when I started, from my heel into my middle toes, like a line, but it worked itself out...noting hurt. It seemed so easy that I started to think maybe I should speed up? But I kept the easy pace. I didn't stop.. I got really bored.
I wanted to be done, I wanted to go home and eat pizza! I almost quit, but I decide to complete the thing. Completely.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Oh no! Okay
Im sure it's not as bad as it feels right now.
I'm home from my 4K steady run, and it was good. It was easy, really. The rain stopped when I quit work, so out I went. I turned the music way down, it was good run to music, The Freshest Kids 3.0 Mix from their site. It took about 32 mins.
I've had a little ache in my hip/back since yesterday, nothing new, nothing different or terrible, sometimes it is just there. My feet are sore in the heels, from being off my feet for four days again. The return to work is hard on them, I have worn my pedometer to that shitty job that inspires me to do better, and clocked a 16km/day step average.
I rest for five minutes on my bed, eating soup after stretches and a shower. When I go to get up, I am 75 years old! My back is as sore as its ever been, my feet are painful stubs that dont want to bend, and I stump around for a minute, trying to get my mobility back.
I'm very afraid of being in that much pain again. But I have been working too hard at my physio. I've been so good at doing it on schedule. I know my back is strong now. I know my weak ass brain is trying to make excuses for my will to quit. It will be better tomorrow.
I sat up in bed early this morning after I shut off the evil alarm device, the first thing I thought of was why am I waking up, the next was I want a smoke, I have to go back to that place and work there today. Not long now...
I'm home from my 4K steady run, and it was good. It was easy, really. The rain stopped when I quit work, so out I went. I turned the music way down, it was good run to music, The Freshest Kids 3.0 Mix from their site. It took about 32 mins.
I've had a little ache in my hip/back since yesterday, nothing new, nothing different or terrible, sometimes it is just there. My feet are sore in the heels, from being off my feet for four days again. The return to work is hard on them, I have worn my pedometer to that shitty job that inspires me to do better, and clocked a 16km/day step average.
I rest for five minutes on my bed, eating soup after stretches and a shower. When I go to get up, I am 75 years old! My back is as sore as its ever been, my feet are painful stubs that dont want to bend, and I stump around for a minute, trying to get my mobility back.
I'm very afraid of being in that much pain again. But I have been working too hard at my physio. I've been so good at doing it on schedule. I know my back is strong now. I know my weak ass brain is trying to make excuses for my will to quit. It will be better tomorrow.
I sat up in bed early this morning after I shut off the evil alarm device, the first thing I thought of was why am I waking up, the next was I want a smoke, I have to go back to that place and work there today. Not long now...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A good time! (on the clock, not really for me)
4K Tempo, I think I'm getting the hang of these.
It was okay, really white out today. Went back to the airpark loop. Wore the heart rate thing, it still isn't working. I tried to make the sensor fall off because yesterday I was thinking about holding the sensor over my ribs, maybe barrelling my chest, which could have caused the breathing issue, not taking deep enough breaths??
My toes went numb again, from the cold. I forgot to mention that about yesterday's run, how my toes were numb for the whole thing, and how frustrating that felt, like I couldn't warm up all the way, what was I doing wrong that cuts off the circulation all the way around? I'm boiling hot, sweating pig on top, but I have no toes? No fair!
They got a little numb on the so called warming up walk from the truck down the path to the loop, but they came back and I forgot about that because a new problem arose every lap, I swear! Started out at a quick pace, and reminded myself to slow down for the first little bit. Once I was sweating, I started translating what I had read about running techniques into action (yes, I have been reading up on this stuff! It's all new to me, and I can use all the help I can get!). I think my posture is good, like a string is pulling my hips forward. I tried to not bounce, to pick my knees up less, and found that the shuffle I read about made for a a quicker pace than I thought I could manage.
I kept at it for the whole loop, rocking along. It felt as though I was wearing a skirt, my knees sort of confined...or I imagined that my legs were even shorter than they are, and my torso went all the way to my knees, so I just had these little stalks down there flailing along, I liked that thought, because it made me laugh and get into it, the quicker they moved, the funnier it looked in my head!
My energy flagged at 2.5, so I ran slower, and a rad brown lab ran alongside me for a minute with his smiley sloppy face, so cute! On my last km, I got really achy between my front shoulders, just under my collarbone. I rolled my shoulders in, thinking maybe my posture was too rigid, started trying to shake out my arms and loosen it up, but it just ached and hurt for the rest.
Lets see how my time was, I'm going to add up the songs...I'm not going to list them today because really none of them stood out.
35:32mins for 5km
That includes the warm-up .5 and cool-down .5
Yay! I'm improving my time!
It was okay, really white out today. Went back to the airpark loop. Wore the heart rate thing, it still isn't working. I tried to make the sensor fall off because yesterday I was thinking about holding the sensor over my ribs, maybe barrelling my chest, which could have caused the breathing issue, not taking deep enough breaths??
My toes went numb again, from the cold. I forgot to mention that about yesterday's run, how my toes were numb for the whole thing, and how frustrating that felt, like I couldn't warm up all the way, what was I doing wrong that cuts off the circulation all the way around? I'm boiling hot, sweating pig on top, but I have no toes? No fair!
They got a little numb on the so called warming up walk from the truck down the path to the loop, but they came back and I forgot about that because a new problem arose every lap, I swear! Started out at a quick pace, and reminded myself to slow down for the first little bit. Once I was sweating, I started translating what I had read about running techniques into action (yes, I have been reading up on this stuff! It's all new to me, and I can use all the help I can get!). I think my posture is good, like a string is pulling my hips forward. I tried to not bounce, to pick my knees up less, and found that the shuffle I read about made for a a quicker pace than I thought I could manage.
I kept at it for the whole loop, rocking along. It felt as though I was wearing a skirt, my knees sort of confined...or I imagined that my legs were even shorter than they are, and my torso went all the way to my knees, so I just had these little stalks down there flailing along, I liked that thought, because it made me laugh and get into it, the quicker they moved, the funnier it looked in my head!
My energy flagged at 2.5, so I ran slower, and a rad brown lab ran alongside me for a minute with his smiley sloppy face, so cute! On my last km, I got really achy between my front shoulders, just under my collarbone. I rolled my shoulders in, thinking maybe my posture was too rigid, started trying to shake out my arms and loosen it up, but it just ached and hurt for the rest.
Lets see how my time was, I'm going to add up the songs...I'm not going to list them today because really none of them stood out.
35:32mins for 5km
That includes the warm-up .5 and cool-down .5
Yay! I'm improving my time!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
not my favorite day
3.15km at 27:30 mins
Went a different way. Wore my new/used heart rate monitor that Lukas got me from the thrift store. It never turned on. It is supposed to once there is perspiration...I could buy a new battery, but I dont think it's worth it. Down to the river, along the path, under the bridge, then back up the hill halfway. That killed me. It took two blocks to recover, and then I had to go up the rest of the hill. My pedometer said 2.10 and I had to walk. I couldnt breathe and felt faint. Eating coleslaw before a run is also not a good idea. Note to self.
I walked for a ways, it is a long hill back to my hood.Then ran from the library, through town to my block.
I should stay up here next time, go along the tracks, maybe. At least they are for sure level!
Went a different way. Wore my new/used heart rate monitor that Lukas got me from the thrift store. It never turned on. It is supposed to once there is perspiration...I could buy a new battery, but I dont think it's worth it. Down to the river, along the path, under the bridge, then back up the hill halfway. That killed me. It took two blocks to recover, and then I had to go up the rest of the hill. My pedometer said 2.10 and I had to walk. I couldnt breathe and felt faint. Eating coleslaw before a run is also not a good idea. Note to self.
I walked for a ways, it is a long hill back to my hood.Then ran from the library, through town to my block.
I should stay up here next time, go along the tracks, maybe. At least they are for sure level!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Loong run Sundays
sunday long run-7kms
I wasn't hyped on my music this run, in fact I turned it way down to try and get into my thoughts more.
Four laps around the airpark, plus the half kilometre to and from my little truck.
My pedometer worked properly, I adjusted my stride length after some painful math done in my head. Losing a quarter of a kilometre per kilometre, so I have to adjust how many centimetres per step from 80 to make up for it? It hurt my head, and took a whole lap to figure, but I got it!
The weather network says there is an extreme wind warning for this afternoon, so as soon as I was done my coffee, I took off reluctantly for my run. It seemed cold. There was a bit of wind, and it was spitting rain. It was grey and the tide was in all the way, the river high up on its banks, close to the path.
The run felt good for the first lap and a half. I did an approximate ten and one, but really just went by the end of the loop. I ran each loop, until I hit the low point, where all the driftwood has piled up, covered the path,and been pushed back out of the way. There were all the ducks in the world down there in the marshy bit. I'd walk to the end at the corner, and then run the loop again.
The mountains were grey, covered in misty rainclouds. I gave them the finger on my third lap, because it looked like I'd beaten the rain. I have to trim my toenails again, I guess, they were really annoying, poking into my toes, I couldnt get my mind off of the feeling...gross! Last lap was tough. Just that long, boring inside stretch. I'm glad that my pedometer works now, because now I can run wherever I feel like...all over town!
Got home starving, ate and ate and ate. mmmmm! Now I feel great.
Haha! I did beat the rain, I can hear it starting to blow against the window now.
Awesome.
I wasn't hyped on my music this run, in fact I turned it way down to try and get into my thoughts more.
Four laps around the airpark, plus the half kilometre to and from my little truck.
My pedometer worked properly, I adjusted my stride length after some painful math done in my head. Losing a quarter of a kilometre per kilometre, so I have to adjust how many centimetres per step from 80 to make up for it? It hurt my head, and took a whole lap to figure, but I got it!
The weather network says there is an extreme wind warning for this afternoon, so as soon as I was done my coffee, I took off reluctantly for my run. It seemed cold. There was a bit of wind, and it was spitting rain. It was grey and the tide was in all the way, the river high up on its banks, close to the path.
The run felt good for the first lap and a half. I did an approximate ten and one, but really just went by the end of the loop. I ran each loop, until I hit the low point, where all the driftwood has piled up, covered the path,and been pushed back out of the way. There were all the ducks in the world down there in the marshy bit. I'd walk to the end at the corner, and then run the loop again.
The mountains were grey, covered in misty rainclouds. I gave them the finger on my third lap, because it looked like I'd beaten the rain. I have to trim my toenails again, I guess, they were really annoying, poking into my toes, I couldnt get my mind off of the feeling...gross! Last lap was tough. Just that long, boring inside stretch. I'm glad that my pedometer works now, because now I can run wherever I feel like...all over town!
Got home starving, ate and ate and ate. mmmmm! Now I feel great.
Haha! I did beat the rain, I can hear it starting to blow against the window now.
Awesome.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
My Little Secret...
I've developed this funny secret thing that is about to not at all be a secret. I have to share it because every time I do it I go, "What am I doing!", and laugh at myself. I want you all to laugh with me, at me, whatever, cos it's funny to me that I do this!
OK-my little embarrassing secret: when I finish a run now, and what am I on, week three? I do my stretches, and when I am done with those, I go into my front room that has a big mirror by the door, and I pull up my shirt and flex like a fifteen year old boy at the gym, like, "Look at those muscles!"
I can almost (hardly) see tummy muscles there, and it's so exciting, but I keep thinking that one day I'm going to finish a run and there's going to be a big, crazy, defined, scary sixpack there. Every run. That is almost every day! Hahaha! What a fuckin' weirdo I am! And I swear that this (losing weight/getting fit-whatever this is about) has had very little to do with why I am running this thing. Or so I thought...
Okay, what else. I went to the gym on my off day to make sure I did my physio all the way. Sometimes when I do it at home, I get bored and distracted. OK, most of the time. It was hard, but I did all of the sets, reps, whatever they are called. I felt like doing a little run, since I missed last Sunday, and Tuesday's runs. Felt good. Thighs a little sore, not bad at all.
Today I got off of work all set to do eight laps around the track, but it was dark, and that place is not lit, and for some reason- I guess because it is always empty and far from everywhere- that creeps me out. When is it going to be light again?!
I got home parked and set out with my wacky pedometer on my hip, and my walkman tucked into the front of my sports bra.
Warmed up to Distance Equals Rate Times Time-Pixies-1:19 and
One Road to Freedom-Ben Harper-4:19.
Got running to that one, started slow, and looked at the scenery, the sweet little houses I was running past on 5th Street. Easy pace.
Radiohead-Climbing Up the Walls-4:58
Sped right up at the corner. Got going pretty quickly all the way up Lake Trail Road, past the busy little market. Doubled back where the sidewalk ended, rocked past the market again, and down the side street towards 13th Street. I slowed down as soon as I got around the corner. Do you go faster too when there are people around? "Yeah, I'm fast..." pffft!
Don't Look Now-CCR-2:14 came on as I was in the market parking lot, then Droid-Clutch-4:43
At this point I had checked my distance once, twice, three times. One more time as I got onto Willemar. 1.94! It was starting to feel far!
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos-PE- 6:23
Aall the way down Cumberland Rd to Fitzgerald, over to Fourth St.
Ape Drape-Vandals-3:30 down to England St. and back to 6th. THEN my pedometer finally told me I had run THREE KMS? Seriously! I'm sure that was closer to five!
Come On!
hahaha! It felt good, though, I ran the whole way, sometimes sort of fast, really panting and struggling. Oh yeah, which brings me to the other thing that happened today.
I guess I quit smoking. I decided to, anyway. Again.
When I got to work this morning, I realised I had no smokes left in my pack. I had a panic in my heart, in my chest, little breaths, a terror runs through me: I didn't bring my wallet! What should I do! I've felt this way before, I thought about when, and that recognition grossed me out. A lot. I felt sick for a minute and thought about the last time I panicked because I thought I was going to have to go a day with out something or someone. How I felt like-what?- like I would die, or suffer terribly...it was unthinkable to have to go without, like I couldn't do it.
I couldn't imagine myself doing it.
I took a deep breath and told myself I'd done this before, that I had managed to go without things and people I thought I wouldn't be able to live without for a long, long time now, and only good things had happened since I decided to do that...deep deep breaths.
I sat in my truck and looked at the awesome Garry Oak tree that they actually had to design the building I work in around. You aren't allowed to chop them down, they are protected. It is all bare arms and gnarled knuckles right now and reminds me of a puzzle I had when I was a kid, that had cartoon ponies in it, all chillin' under these barren oak trees. As I'm remembering rocking puzzle after puzzle out on that big square heavy table, maybe made of oak, I remember that when I was a kid I could levitate, and build crazy blue forcefields of love and faith around myself, on my will alone. Nobody told me I couldn't.
I am rebuilding my will, I reminded myself.
I've been at it for awhile, in so many ways.
So just sit still and breathe on through it. It worked for today.
Of course, this is probably going to suck for awhile.
I'm prepared for that...I think.
I know the next four days will be okay. When I am not working at that crap ass job, I don't even want to smoke...the test will be returning there to work next week.
Let's hear it for seven kilometers tomorrow!
I am actually looking forward to it!
I can almost see muscles.
In my tummy area.
Hahaha!
OK-my little embarrassing secret: when I finish a run now, and what am I on, week three? I do my stretches, and when I am done with those, I go into my front room that has a big mirror by the door, and I pull up my shirt and flex like a fifteen year old boy at the gym, like, "Look at those muscles!"
I can almost (hardly) see tummy muscles there, and it's so exciting, but I keep thinking that one day I'm going to finish a run and there's going to be a big, crazy, defined, scary sixpack there. Every run. That is almost every day! Hahaha! What a fuckin' weirdo I am! And I swear that this (losing weight/getting fit-whatever this is about) has had very little to do with why I am running this thing. Or so I thought...
Okay, what else. I went to the gym on my off day to make sure I did my physio all the way. Sometimes when I do it at home, I get bored and distracted. OK, most of the time. It was hard, but I did all of the sets, reps, whatever they are called. I felt like doing a little run, since I missed last Sunday, and Tuesday's runs. Felt good. Thighs a little sore, not bad at all.
Today I got off of work all set to do eight laps around the track, but it was dark, and that place is not lit, and for some reason- I guess because it is always empty and far from everywhere- that creeps me out. When is it going to be light again?!
I got home parked and set out with my wacky pedometer on my hip, and my walkman tucked into the front of my sports bra.
Warmed up to Distance Equals Rate Times Time-Pixies-1:19 and
One Road to Freedom-Ben Harper-4:19.
Got running to that one, started slow, and looked at the scenery, the sweet little houses I was running past on 5th Street. Easy pace.
Radiohead-Climbing Up the Walls-4:58
Sped right up at the corner. Got going pretty quickly all the way up Lake Trail Road, past the busy little market. Doubled back where the sidewalk ended, rocked past the market again, and down the side street towards 13th Street. I slowed down as soon as I got around the corner. Do you go faster too when there are people around? "Yeah, I'm fast..." pffft!
Don't Look Now-CCR-2:14 came on as I was in the market parking lot, then Droid-Clutch-4:43
At this point I had checked my distance once, twice, three times. One more time as I got onto Willemar. 1.94! It was starting to feel far!
Black Steel In The Hour Of Chaos-PE- 6:23
Aall the way down Cumberland Rd to Fitzgerald, over to Fourth St.
Ape Drape-Vandals-3:30 down to England St. and back to 6th. THEN my pedometer finally told me I had run THREE KMS? Seriously! I'm sure that was closer to five!
Come On!
hahaha! It felt good, though, I ran the whole way, sometimes sort of fast, really panting and struggling. Oh yeah, which brings me to the other thing that happened today.
I guess I quit smoking. I decided to, anyway. Again.
When I got to work this morning, I realised I had no smokes left in my pack. I had a panic in my heart, in my chest, little breaths, a terror runs through me: I didn't bring my wallet! What should I do! I've felt this way before, I thought about when, and that recognition grossed me out. A lot. I felt sick for a minute and thought about the last time I panicked because I thought I was going to have to go a day with out something or someone. How I felt like-what?- like I would die, or suffer terribly...it was unthinkable to have to go without, like I couldn't do it.
I couldn't imagine myself doing it.
I took a deep breath and told myself I'd done this before, that I had managed to go without things and people I thought I wouldn't be able to live without for a long, long time now, and only good things had happened since I decided to do that...deep deep breaths.
I sat in my truck and looked at the awesome Garry Oak tree that they actually had to design the building I work in around. You aren't allowed to chop them down, they are protected. It is all bare arms and gnarled knuckles right now and reminds me of a puzzle I had when I was a kid, that had cartoon ponies in it, all chillin' under these barren oak trees. As I'm remembering rocking puzzle after puzzle out on that big square heavy table, maybe made of oak, I remember that when I was a kid I could levitate, and build crazy blue forcefields of love and faith around myself, on my will alone. Nobody told me I couldn't.
I am rebuilding my will, I reminded myself.
I've been at it for awhile, in so many ways.
So just sit still and breathe on through it. It worked for today.
Of course, this is probably going to suck for awhile.
I'm prepared for that...I think.
I know the next four days will be okay. When I am not working at that crap ass job, I don't even want to smoke...the test will be returning there to work next week.
Let's hear it for seven kilometers tomorrow!
I am actually looking forward to it!
I can almost see muscles.
In my tummy area.
Hahaha!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I love the steady runs!
Ok, getting all worked up about it- now I feel like a toque.
Today's run was a good one.
I parked further down the riverwalk from the airpark, to force a proper warm up and cooldown walk, it worked nice. It was raining when I parked at 2:41, behind the new Old House -what is it now, a hotel? I don't know...
I speedwalked, swinging my arms and not giving a shit how I know I looked silly in front of the hottie dishwasher on his smoke break.
Shame-Oh Susanna-3:12
It was .5 right on to the start of the airpark loop, and off I went, song started right on time.
Too fast off the bat, lost my breath, must have been the guy with the retriever.
Flashback-Tomahawk-2:58
Bad Luck-Social Distortion-4:27
Funny, my pedometer fell off during this song and I didn't notice. I found a decent pace and settled in, but there is no bounce in my knees, it was hard to move forward today. Lots of work for my feet and arms, it felt like. And like I couldn't get a comfortable posture going. My arms didn't hurt, and I wasn't suffocating, like yesterday. Maybe it's the break that hurts me.
After Forever-Black Sabbath-5:25
Had a short walk right before this song, realised the rain had stopped. Again, my luck with the sunshine! Just wasn't easy to move, but I felt like maybe I kept trying to move a little faster than usual?
Staralfur-Sigur Ros-6:46
This is great music to space out to. Found a really comfy pace, and rocked it. Found my pedometer. The sun came out. Saw a friend. I like to put on Sigur Ros before bed. I was afraid it would make me feel sleepy, but it was relaxing and good.
Cold Blows The Wind-Ween-4:26
Tried to sing along to this one. Sunny! Thought about the chicken soup I would make, am making, when I got home. Happy Last Lap.
Same in the End-Sublime-2:36
High fived the end marker.
I think I just felt good for doing it. My heels hurt. It looked like snow was coming over the mountains, really dark up there, but it was nice down here. I was done. Had to walk back to the truck, stretched my leg muscles out like the manual said, and thought about the distance I had covered, and the distance I will cover in town.
Act Nice and Gentle-Black Keys-2:41
I made it back to my lovely truck at 3:19.
So thats 5k in a half hour.
Oh yeah, thats nice!
Today's run was a good one.
I parked further down the riverwalk from the airpark, to force a proper warm up and cooldown walk, it worked nice. It was raining when I parked at 2:41, behind the new Old House -what is it now, a hotel? I don't know...
I speedwalked, swinging my arms and not giving a shit how I know I looked silly in front of the hottie dishwasher on his smoke break.
Shame-Oh Susanna-3:12
It was .5 right on to the start of the airpark loop, and off I went, song started right on time.
Too fast off the bat, lost my breath, must have been the guy with the retriever.
Flashback-Tomahawk-2:58
Bad Luck-Social Distortion-4:27
Funny, my pedometer fell off during this song and I didn't notice. I found a decent pace and settled in, but there is no bounce in my knees, it was hard to move forward today. Lots of work for my feet and arms, it felt like. And like I couldn't get a comfortable posture going. My arms didn't hurt, and I wasn't suffocating, like yesterday. Maybe it's the break that hurts me.
After Forever-Black Sabbath-5:25
Had a short walk right before this song, realised the rain had stopped. Again, my luck with the sunshine! Just wasn't easy to move, but I felt like maybe I kept trying to move a little faster than usual?
Staralfur-Sigur Ros-6:46
This is great music to space out to. Found a really comfy pace, and rocked it. Found my pedometer. The sun came out. Saw a friend. I like to put on Sigur Ros before bed. I was afraid it would make me feel sleepy, but it was relaxing and good.
Cold Blows The Wind-Ween-4:26
Tried to sing along to this one. Sunny! Thought about the chicken soup I would make, am making, when I got home. Happy Last Lap.
Same in the End-Sublime-2:36
High fived the end marker.
I think I just felt good for doing it. My heels hurt. It looked like snow was coming over the mountains, really dark up there, but it was nice down here. I was done. Had to walk back to the truck, stretched my leg muscles out like the manual said, and thought about the distance I had covered, and the distance I will cover in town.
Act Nice and Gentle-Black Keys-2:41
I made it back to my lovely truck at 3:19.
So thats 5k in a half hour.
Oh yeah, thats nice!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
undefeated
OK, so today was supposed to be a 3km tempo run.
I have just learned that tempo means I am supposed to run faster than usual.
80% heart rate-whatever that means. I know it means fucking uncomfortable.
I did my best to go-go-go, I really did. At the end of the day, I managed to reach near swiftness, then die and go slow, slower than ever! Then another less speedy bout, then back to the usual pace. I just kept it in mind that I should speed up a little, and maybe I did go a little faster than I normally do. But it sucked.
My heels hurt before I started from being on my feet again at work after four days off.
My knees didn't bother me, but they really had no power in them. Poor knees, I'm sorry for not wearing my kneepads the other night. They were itchy all day though-healing at work!
My ankles ache now.
And again with my lungs! Heaving for breathing, some more really ugly grunts and moans and coughing. It could be time to quit smoking...(hahaha, no shit!)
What is the most excellent thing is that I did not stop running, even if it meant settling the pace down into a chinese walk-run for a little bit. No stops! Good girl!
What is the most lame is that my pedometer didn't do its job again. Good thing that the airpark is well marked and measured. Maybe time to return the pedometer before it's too late to?
Songs were slow songs! And my Ipod skipped some?
Warm up walk to cool down walk and stretch:
Like a King/I'll Rise-Ben Harper-10:02
The Day Hell Broke Loose..-Maylene & the Sons of Disaster-4:43
Top Secret Clown Business-The Devils Rejects OST-0:19
Angriest Young Men-Chixdiggit-1:51
Johnny Appleseed-NOFX-2:37
Get On Top-Red Hot Chili Peppers-4:06
Homewrecker-Mendozza-3:13
La Donna E Mobile-Guiseppe Verdi-2:15
Hey good day. The sun was out and I got to wear my new PMA hoody! It aaaalmost did the trick, can't imagine how I could have made it through this run without the PMA.
Thanks for the speedy delivery, Michael!
I almost forgot to mention why I called this entry undefeated!
I learned on Monday that this Vancouver "half" marathon is a lot farther than I initially thought it was. One of the kids at the LINC told me that a half marathing was 13kms.
OK, wow, thats far, but I bet I could do it...
On Monday, or Sunday, Paula J posted the route map on her facebook page, so I went to check it out, like, ooh, I hope the route is pretty, and I nearly puked.
TWENTY ONE AND A HALF KILOMETRES!
Its 13 miles. Ummm. Even looking at the route is frightening. Wait, maybe I can grab the image and scare you too:
I have just learned that tempo means I am supposed to run faster than usual.
80% heart rate-whatever that means. I know it means fucking uncomfortable.
I did my best to go-go-go, I really did. At the end of the day, I managed to reach near swiftness, then die and go slow, slower than ever! Then another less speedy bout, then back to the usual pace. I just kept it in mind that I should speed up a little, and maybe I did go a little faster than I normally do. But it sucked.
My heels hurt before I started from being on my feet again at work after four days off.
My knees didn't bother me, but they really had no power in them. Poor knees, I'm sorry for not wearing my kneepads the other night. They were itchy all day though-healing at work!
My ankles ache now.
And again with my lungs! Heaving for breathing, some more really ugly grunts and moans and coughing. It could be time to quit smoking...(hahaha, no shit!)
What is the most excellent thing is that I did not stop running, even if it meant settling the pace down into a chinese walk-run for a little bit. No stops! Good girl!
What is the most lame is that my pedometer didn't do its job again. Good thing that the airpark is well marked and measured. Maybe time to return the pedometer before it's too late to?
Songs were slow songs! And my Ipod skipped some?
Warm up walk to cool down walk and stretch:
Like a King/I'll Rise-Ben Harper-10:02
The Day Hell Broke Loose..-Maylene & the Sons of Disaster-4:43
Top Secret Clown Business-The Devils Rejects OST-0:19
Angriest Young Men-Chixdiggit-1:51
Johnny Appleseed-NOFX-2:37
Get On Top-Red Hot Chili Peppers-4:06
Homewrecker-Mendozza-3:13
La Donna E Mobile-Guiseppe Verdi-2:15
Hey good day. The sun was out and I got to wear my new PMA hoody! It aaaalmost did the trick, can't imagine how I could have made it through this run without the PMA.
Thanks for the speedy delivery, Michael!
I almost forgot to mention why I called this entry undefeated!
I learned on Monday that this Vancouver "half" marathon is a lot farther than I initially thought it was. One of the kids at the LINC told me that a half marathing was 13kms.
OK, wow, thats far, but I bet I could do it...
On Monday, or Sunday, Paula J posted the route map on her facebook page, so I went to check it out, like, ooh, I hope the route is pretty, and I nearly puked.
TWENTY ONE AND A HALF KILOMETRES!
Its 13 miles. Ummm. Even looking at the route is frightening. Wait, maybe I can grab the image and scare you too:
Holy fuck, right?
So I see this and decide to quit. Then I think about what it would mean to me to do it anyway, and looked into whether there is a maximum time limit, like could I run it at my 11minute kilometre pace. I think it said I would have to finish in under four hours. What is that?
236:30 minutes divided by 60 minutes each hour... equals under four hours.
BAM!
I don't quit.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
wo, time off
So I've missed two runs, now.
My Saturday night mission left me injured in the knees, and completely derailed by sleep deprivation. Sunday's long run was not doable. I got home, dropped my bag and slept for seven hours, ate and slept for another 10! My knees were bruised because I didnt wear my kneepads! Why! I don't know. My muscles hurt all over. The trip was a success, and it was rad to skate after such a long hiatus. But at 2 and 3 and 4 in the morning, I lost any and all composure and grace. Flopsy flailing arms and tripping over my feet. Still fun.
Monday was a rest day anyway, and I needed it!
Today I've had my runners and shorts on since I got up, but my poor knees are still swollen snap crackle pop, and there's a nasty purple bruise around my ankle that I don't feel.
I think I should just get back into my chubby chillin gear and eat chocolate and watch cooking shows. I'll get back on track tomorrow...
My Saturday night mission left me injured in the knees, and completely derailed by sleep deprivation. Sunday's long run was not doable. I got home, dropped my bag and slept for seven hours, ate and slept for another 10! My knees were bruised because I didnt wear my kneepads! Why! I don't know. My muscles hurt all over. The trip was a success, and it was rad to skate after such a long hiatus. But at 2 and 3 and 4 in the morning, I lost any and all composure and grace. Flopsy flailing arms and tripping over my feet. Still fun.
Monday was a rest day anyway, and I needed it!
Today I've had my runners and shorts on since I got up, but my poor knees are still swollen snap crackle pop, and there's a nasty purple bruise around my ankle that I don't feel.
I think I should just get back into my chubby chillin gear and eat chocolate and watch cooking shows. I'll get back on track tomorrow...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
steady saturday
I ran the whole way! 3km today.
I was on the treadmill, though, dont know why I went there, it was dry outside. I just had it in my head I was going to go there, then leave for the road trip from there, so I went on that tangent.
I remember all the info the machine told me: 399 cal, 5.5 pace, 31:40 min. Thats 10:33ish/km...unless it was in miles, but it didnt feel like it was, I was on the good machine today.
Good songs, nothing hurt. Turned it up to Paula's mix that came through on the shuffle, a little Santogold and Jay-Z, I likey! Thanks P, got me through the last minutes.
It wasnt hard. My mind was on today's trip. Stretched out to sunny side of the street.
Playlist:
Keep Your Hands Off Her-Black Keys-3:03
Pop 1-Tomahawk-3:25
Who Loves You Girl?-H.R.-2:43
Gather 'Round The Stone-Ben Harper-3:06
Shampoo Suicide-Broken Social Scene-4:05
Big Hand, Little Hand-Dayglo Abortions-3:16
Punk Song-Dayglo Abortions-2:42
Paula's Warm-Up Mix-17:54
20 Times-Chixdiggit-2:47
Sunnyside of the Street-Pogues-2:44
Iron Swan-The Sword-5:46
Including cool down and all that, it was a good, mostly slow set, and I ran and didnt stop!
Fuck Yeah!
So stoked!
Three foot mini!
Made a shirt, and stickers for the crew.
Yeah! And I'm leaving right now!
I was on the treadmill, though, dont know why I went there, it was dry outside. I just had it in my head I was going to go there, then leave for the road trip from there, so I went on that tangent.
I remember all the info the machine told me: 399 cal, 5.5 pace, 31:40 min. Thats 10:33ish/km...unless it was in miles, but it didnt feel like it was, I was on the good machine today.
Good songs, nothing hurt. Turned it up to Paula's mix that came through on the shuffle, a little Santogold and Jay-Z, I likey! Thanks P, got me through the last minutes.
It wasnt hard. My mind was on today's trip. Stretched out to sunny side of the street.
Playlist:
Keep Your Hands Off Her-Black Keys-3:03
Pop 1-Tomahawk-3:25
Who Loves You Girl?-H.R.-2:43
Gather 'Round The Stone-Ben Harper-3:06
Shampoo Suicide-Broken Social Scene-4:05
Big Hand, Little Hand-Dayglo Abortions-3:16
Punk Song-Dayglo Abortions-2:42
Paula's Warm-Up Mix-17:54
20 Times-Chixdiggit-2:47
Sunnyside of the Street-Pogues-2:44
Iron Swan-The Sword-5:46
Including cool down and all that, it was a good, mostly slow set, and I ran and didnt stop!
Fuck Yeah!
So stoked!
Three foot mini!
Made a shirt, and stickers for the crew.
Yeah! And I'm leaving right now!
Friday, January 15, 2010
off day
Yesterday when it was pouring rain and dark at 1pm, the field across the street was covered in gulls. White birds. Today, the sun is out and warm, the sky is clear and bright, and the field is covered in crows. Black birds. Weird. Not just a few. Its an army of birds.
No run today. Wish there was.
No run today. Wish there was.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thurs.4K.wanted more!
I guess I should be more careful what I wish for.
Shiticane it is. River is expected to flood tonight. I really wanted to run outside today, but when I got out there after work, the wind ripped across the front of my Helly and belted me with big, hard raindrops.
I ended up back at the gym. I have to be honest: I kept rewinding the song I wanted to warm up to on my ipod. I plug it into my car when I drive, and all day back and forth to work, I was like, no, this song will be awesome to run to: rewind!
I decided that I shouldn't try to control the songs, I should let it flow, maybe another excellent song would come on after, and it would be the right song for the moment...but I think too much.
Somehow it ended up being my warmup song anyway. I got the good machine, and went to work.
Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt-The Mars Volta-8:42
Warm up- super fast walker! I was happy it was this song. I was thinking, this run has to go well, I can't bear another bad feeling run. Since Monday I have been trying to remember why the hell I am doing this.
Started the run partway through that song.
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'-The Reverend Horton Heat-3:20
M.E.-Underworld-7:08
I did the run 10, walk 1. The thing said I was going 5.4, really comfortable.
Cotton Fields-CCR-2:56
Cranked the speed one notch for this one. This song reminds me of my favorite mix tape ever.
Tuesday Heartbreak-Stevie Wonder-3:02
Slowed back down for this sweet one.
Mrs. Brown You've Got An Ugly Daughter-The Queers-2:48
Funny, haven't heard it for awhile.
Mercury-Clutch-3:00
Excellent, cranked it back up to 5.6!
Everyday-Jamiroquai-4:28
Back to 5.4, had a hard time NOT skipping this song-it is not runfire stoking.
Drop Dead Legs-Van Halen-4:15
Made me smile- I will have those soon! haha.
Enjoy-Descendants-2:11
Farts are always funny. If they aren't near me and I don't smell them.
Put It On Me-Ben Harper-3:30
Last few minutes! Cranked it up to 6.5 for the last minute and a half because I was enjoying myself. What? I know!
Ghost On The Highway-Trailer Bride-2:33
Then I didn't want to be finished, but I cooled down walked to this one.
Shove It Switch-Santigold-3:39
Made me want to run again!
Spent more time today doing some serious stretching. I am going to put more effort into my stretching. I am going to stay limber, and keep my physio work from rewinding due to tight muscles-that will ruin all of this good stuff.
Really good feeling. I needed that.
Shiticane it is. River is expected to flood tonight. I really wanted to run outside today, but when I got out there after work, the wind ripped across the front of my Helly and belted me with big, hard raindrops.
I ended up back at the gym. I have to be honest: I kept rewinding the song I wanted to warm up to on my ipod. I plug it into my car when I drive, and all day back and forth to work, I was like, no, this song will be awesome to run to: rewind!
I decided that I shouldn't try to control the songs, I should let it flow, maybe another excellent song would come on after, and it would be the right song for the moment...but I think too much.
Somehow it ended up being my warmup song anyway. I got the good machine, and went to work.
Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt-The Mars Volta-8:42
Warm up- super fast walker! I was happy it was this song. I was thinking, this run has to go well, I can't bear another bad feeling run. Since Monday I have been trying to remember why the hell I am doing this.
Started the run partway through that song.
Cruisin' For A Bruisin'-The Reverend Horton Heat-3:20
M.E.-Underworld-7:08
I did the run 10, walk 1. The thing said I was going 5.4, really comfortable.
Cotton Fields-CCR-2:56
Cranked the speed one notch for this one. This song reminds me of my favorite mix tape ever.
Tuesday Heartbreak-Stevie Wonder-3:02
Slowed back down for this sweet one.
Mrs. Brown You've Got An Ugly Daughter-The Queers-2:48
Funny, haven't heard it for awhile.
Mercury-Clutch-3:00
Excellent, cranked it back up to 5.6!
Everyday-Jamiroquai-4:28
Back to 5.4, had a hard time NOT skipping this song-it is not runfire stoking.
Drop Dead Legs-Van Halen-4:15
Made me smile- I will have those soon! haha.
Enjoy-Descendants-2:11
Farts are always funny. If they aren't near me and I don't smell them.
Put It On Me-Ben Harper-3:30
Last few minutes! Cranked it up to 6.5 for the last minute and a half because I was enjoying myself. What? I know!
Ghost On The Highway-Trailer Bride-2:33
Then I didn't want to be finished, but I cooled down walked to this one.
Shove It Switch-Santigold-3:39
Made me want to run again!
Spent more time today doing some serious stretching. I am going to put more effort into my stretching. I am going to stay limber, and keep my physio work from rewinding due to tight muscles-that will ruin all of this good stuff.
Really good feeling. I needed that.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Weds, 3km..or so
I managed to screw it up..
So the river is pushing its banks again. The indoor park has sandbags around the building its in. I am really missing that place lately. I want to go skate!!! I dont always want to run!
My regular path around the airpark that said it would be flooded yesterday (but wasn't), would definitely be flooded today. I decided at lunch to just go to the gym on my way home. It was pouring rain when I decided that.
After work I bought stamps, and got into the rec centre just when a class finished at 2:30. The gym emptied out, and promptly filled again. I warmed up on one of those bikes I never ride on...if I want to ride a bike, I'll go ride a bike! Silly!
And yes, running is different; I never want to run...
When I was all set for the running machine, the only one available was the clunky one. So loud! Turned up the headphones and ran for a km. Took around 11 minutes? I was dying! It wasn't raining anymore outside. I decided I would never run inside again unless it was a shiticane out there, so boring...and long. Walked for .1, then ran again until 1.9km, then faster cos a good song came on. Ran until 2.2, then crumbled and walked and tried to figure out why so hard!? Walked some more...and some more...and then realised the machine was in miles, and you couldnt change it to kms...so whats that? I don't know, but it's definitely three kilometres.
Its alright, so I ran a km and a half without stopping. Cool. Not easy, but new.
Nothing really hurt. Just my feet do now. They are sore. Not like the old pain, just like sore muscles are sore. My legs are feeling stiff all around, though, and I don't like that, I feel like I may be losing some flexibility, which I need in order to not get hurt skating....This training schedule is tough...and its only the 2nd week of what, 17 weeks!
SO glad I get to go skate this weekend and break up the routine. I miss the different kind of movement skateboarding is...its a lot more like dancing.
So the river is pushing its banks again. The indoor park has sandbags around the building its in. I am really missing that place lately. I want to go skate!!! I dont always want to run!
My regular path around the airpark that said it would be flooded yesterday (but wasn't), would definitely be flooded today. I decided at lunch to just go to the gym on my way home. It was pouring rain when I decided that.
After work I bought stamps, and got into the rec centre just when a class finished at 2:30. The gym emptied out, and promptly filled again. I warmed up on one of those bikes I never ride on...if I want to ride a bike, I'll go ride a bike! Silly!
And yes, running is different; I never want to run...
When I was all set for the running machine, the only one available was the clunky one. So loud! Turned up the headphones and ran for a km. Took around 11 minutes? I was dying! It wasn't raining anymore outside. I decided I would never run inside again unless it was a shiticane out there, so boring...and long. Walked for .1, then ran again until 1.9km, then faster cos a good song came on. Ran until 2.2, then crumbled and walked and tried to figure out why so hard!? Walked some more...and some more...and then realised the machine was in miles, and you couldnt change it to kms...so whats that? I don't know, but it's definitely three kilometres.
Its alright, so I ran a km and a half without stopping. Cool. Not easy, but new.
Nothing really hurt. Just my feet do now. They are sore. Not like the old pain, just like sore muscles are sore. My legs are feeling stiff all around, though, and I don't like that, I feel like I may be losing some flexibility, which I need in order to not get hurt skating....This training schedule is tough...and its only the 2nd week of what, 17 weeks!
SO glad I get to go skate this weekend and break up the routine. I miss the different kind of movement skateboarding is...its a lot more like dancing.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
worst run so far
OK, a note first about my epic 7km on Sunday.
My math was off, 1.8km x 5laps is 9kms.
NINE!!! which could explain some stuff.
The rest of Sunday, I was ruined. I had a ton of energy in my head, but it was all spazzed, ADD thoughts. I couldn't concentrate to read my chinese stories anthology, or write my homework essay, couldn't focus enough to cook my pot pies. I could barely watch brainless reality TV, forget trying a movie. And of course, my body felt like a lump of mercury. It sucked, because I had a nice list of things to do. Every time I got up to do one of the things, I'd end up standing by the couch in the living room, or in the middle of the kitchen, spacing out.
Monday, yesterday, was an off day. I went to the gym with Gavin, just to do my physio stuff. It wasn't easy. I left out anything that involved my thighs, because they hurt at the slightest pressure. If I wasn't trying to lift anything other than just my leg, I was fine. Dragged myself through the routine, and a walk on the treadmill. Gavin put me through some upper body weights like a champion trainer, "do one more set, I didnt say 3, I said 4!"
Bagged.
I was looking forward to my run today, to get back into it. I slept through some serious sunshine at sunrise there. I was regretting that when it got dark at 1 and I was in here drinking coffee, still no breakfast, writing my annual newsletter and "Thankyou" cards to all my customers. I got my shit on and went outside. I drove to the airpark and walked in the wrong direction on the path through
Skamania - 6:28 - the Skatalites, turned back when I was starting to feel warmth, and hit the beginning to the path marker right at the start of
I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Nigga - 4:23 - Public Enemy...I started at a sprint (note: what is a sprint for me is a slow pace for some), feeling fine and rocked along the first .7 then died when I hit the corner...I did not recover.
It was windy, the trail had a bar across it saying it was closed due to the risk of flooding. As I was listening to Public Enemy, albeit not their best effort, I said "fuck the man" and deeked around it. Slowed some more.
Drug Me - 1:57 - the Dead Kennedys, was next and I suffered through it, putting one foot in front of the other. My biceps hurt, holding up my arms, my lungs ached as though I smoke a lot more than I do, I was sweating like a pig, and it was too warm for my requisite toque and mittens, so I stuffed them in my pockets. I couldnt breathe, and was dragging myself along.
Woman Friend - 3:46 - Chromeo, came on, and I felt like I was going nowhere. My lungs hurt, this wasn't fun. Slowed down so much it took a long time to pass elderly walkers.
F'd Up Girl - 2:36 - the Vandals, came on and cheered me up. I could run in step with it. Although I had to walk a little and went to put my warm gear into my truck for the last part of it. Turned back for my last 2kms.
Nero's Fiddle - 3:33 - Clutch, came next. It was the Pitchfork and Lost Needles version, I like the later one better. Running into the wind, struggling, but at a better pace. I saw some blue and the sun was trying to come out from behind the monstrous clouds when
People of the Sun - 2:29 - Rage Against the Machine, came on. I stared up at the hills, the mist, the massive banks of clouds. Todays clouds were a various mix of light greys, very winter 2008...I was trying really hard to either zone all the way out on distraction, or focus on my run entirely, but I was stuck between the two, only feeling how shitty my body was being. Ow, my lungs! Got to the end of the km, and turned back to
You're So Gangsta - 4:01 - Chromeo, again! I like Chromeo live. I don't think I was into any of the music today. Nothing could have made me love this run...I tried to get excited about it...I failed.
Wake Up Alone - 3:42 - Amy Winehouse, ow, ow, ow...I was actually starting to grunt during the last song...I wasn't going to mention that...
Holy Shiite - 3:02 - Dayglo Abortions, this is where I gave up...walked the last little ways as it started, something behind my knee hurt like fuck when I slowed to a walk and I wanted to cry. I don't want to hurt myself doing this! If I'm going to get hurt, I want to get hurt doing awesome stuff! Like falling off my board while learning to fly!
Did my perfunctory -if I don't do these, my muscles will get f'd up- stretches and left.
Came home and did half of my physio stuff.
Fuck this run day. I'm getting back into my jammies and spending my last day off as I should: eating candy and watching movies.
My math was off, 1.8km x 5laps is 9kms.
NINE!!! which could explain some stuff.
The rest of Sunday, I was ruined. I had a ton of energy in my head, but it was all spazzed, ADD thoughts. I couldn't concentrate to read my chinese stories anthology, or write my homework essay, couldn't focus enough to cook my pot pies. I could barely watch brainless reality TV, forget trying a movie. And of course, my body felt like a lump of mercury. It sucked, because I had a nice list of things to do. Every time I got up to do one of the things, I'd end up standing by the couch in the living room, or in the middle of the kitchen, spacing out.
Monday, yesterday, was an off day. I went to the gym with Gavin, just to do my physio stuff. It wasn't easy. I left out anything that involved my thighs, because they hurt at the slightest pressure. If I wasn't trying to lift anything other than just my leg, I was fine. Dragged myself through the routine, and a walk on the treadmill. Gavin put me through some upper body weights like a champion trainer, "do one more set, I didnt say 3, I said 4!"
Bagged.
I was looking forward to my run today, to get back into it. I slept through some serious sunshine at sunrise there. I was regretting that when it got dark at 1 and I was in here drinking coffee, still no breakfast, writing my annual newsletter and "Thankyou" cards to all my customers. I got my shit on and went outside. I drove to the airpark and walked in the wrong direction on the path through
Skamania - 6:28 - the Skatalites, turned back when I was starting to feel warmth, and hit the beginning to the path marker right at the start of
I Don't Wanna Be Called Yo Nigga - 4:23 - Public Enemy...I started at a sprint (note: what is a sprint for me is a slow pace for some), feeling fine and rocked along the first .7 then died when I hit the corner...I did not recover.
It was windy, the trail had a bar across it saying it was closed due to the risk of flooding. As I was listening to Public Enemy, albeit not their best effort, I said "fuck the man" and deeked around it. Slowed some more.
Drug Me - 1:57 - the Dead Kennedys, was next and I suffered through it, putting one foot in front of the other. My biceps hurt, holding up my arms, my lungs ached as though I smoke a lot more than I do, I was sweating like a pig, and it was too warm for my requisite toque and mittens, so I stuffed them in my pockets. I couldnt breathe, and was dragging myself along.
Woman Friend - 3:46 - Chromeo, came on, and I felt like I was going nowhere. My lungs hurt, this wasn't fun. Slowed down so much it took a long time to pass elderly walkers.
F'd Up Girl - 2:36 - the Vandals, came on and cheered me up. I could run in step with it. Although I had to walk a little and went to put my warm gear into my truck for the last part of it. Turned back for my last 2kms.
Nero's Fiddle - 3:33 - Clutch, came next. It was the Pitchfork and Lost Needles version, I like the later one better. Running into the wind, struggling, but at a better pace. I saw some blue and the sun was trying to come out from behind the monstrous clouds when
People of the Sun - 2:29 - Rage Against the Machine, came on. I stared up at the hills, the mist, the massive banks of clouds. Todays clouds were a various mix of light greys, very winter 2008...I was trying really hard to either zone all the way out on distraction, or focus on my run entirely, but I was stuck between the two, only feeling how shitty my body was being. Ow, my lungs! Got to the end of the km, and turned back to
You're So Gangsta - 4:01 - Chromeo, again! I like Chromeo live. I don't think I was into any of the music today. Nothing could have made me love this run...I tried to get excited about it...I failed.
Wake Up Alone - 3:42 - Amy Winehouse, ow, ow, ow...I was actually starting to grunt during the last song...I wasn't going to mention that...
Holy Shiite - 3:02 - Dayglo Abortions, this is where I gave up...walked the last little ways as it started, something behind my knee hurt like fuck when I slowed to a walk and I wanted to cry. I don't want to hurt myself doing this! If I'm going to get hurt, I want to get hurt doing awesome stuff! Like falling off my board while learning to fly!
Did my perfunctory -if I don't do these, my muscles will get f'd up- stretches and left.
Came home and did half of my physio stuff.
Fuck this run day. I'm getting back into my jammies and spending my last day off as I should: eating candy and watching movies.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Holy Shit! 1st long run, 7K
I feel like I just beat up the whole world!
And Im standing on the top of a heap of bodies in an animal fur bikini with a giant sword in one hand and a banner in the other that reads: I fucking did it!
It rained on me. And I was so sure it wouldn't. And I told a few people what a weather wimp I am, and if it rains, Im going on the treadmill. I was so full of excuses why not to run today that I nearly didn't do it. Thank goodness I zoned out to PBS the other night.
Wayne Dyer was on telling me all about No Excuses. It was a lot of stuff I already know, underneath all the bullshit that rolls around up there. To hear him lay it out, though, made it easy to process. There is no reason you can't do anything you decide to do. So when I heard me and my excuses this morning I decided that if I can do this marathon thing, then I can do anything.
Anything.
And there are a lot of really awesome things I want to do.
So this is my first long run story. I don't think I've ever run 7 kms. I'm following the Running Room's training schedule. I don't know whether I mentioned that, but all week I've been doing 3km runs. It looks like every Sunday I'll be doing a long run. They make it a little easier by breaking it into ten minutes of running and one minute of walking.
I know that that sounds ridiculous if you don't run.
Last year running one minute and walking for five was my starting point. Each week I increased the running minute, and decreased the walking one, until I ran for five minutes straight, then walked one, and went from there. It's been a year of treadmill warm ups here and there(I wish I could say I was consistent with those, but I'm a normal person who does not enjoy the gym, so...) and I am still really stoked if I run for more than 8 minutes. Really. I come home and tell people about it.
It is a big deal to me, all of this. Keep in mind, I run very slowly. I can take pretty deep and even breaths. I can talk. I try to sing along to songs sometimes. That is hard. I dont keep track of my time yet. I dont care about that. I am doing this. Wow.
I thought alot during my run. Why the F!@# am I doing this. My urge to consume, to buy gadgets and fancy gear.The place I live, where I want to be, what I want to do...
I went to the airpark again to keep it from being boring at the track. It feels like a shorter distance when there are distractions and attractions.
I split up my tens by listening to about three songs with my Ipod on shuffle.
So, first ten minutes:
Clutch-Release the Dub-3:45
Social Distortion-Don't Drag Me Down-4:55
Johnny Cash-Man In Black-2:53
I was really happy that I got my ass out the door. I was feeling lucky that it wasn't raining, like I beat it again. The clouds were high and broken and alot of different greys and strange and spooky shapes. The tide was way in, and I've never seen so many mallards and drakes in one place ever. Lots of all kinds of people. Friendly elderly folks walking, dogwalkers and family strollers, even a motorized chair lady out for a cruise. I started to walk during Man In Black.
Next ten minutes:
Descendants-Cameage-3:03
Robert Johnson-Come In My Kitchen-2:51
Alkaline Trio-Nose Over Tail-2:37
Pogues-Love You 'Till The End-4:35
Started walking partway through the Pogues song, that was a satisfying set of tunes, but I struggled through this ten. I checked my distance right at the start of Cameage, and my pedometer fell off and rolled all 88888888's. I fiddled with it as I ran and got all kerfuffled, pulling out an earphone and losing my hood. Oh, and this is when it started to spit down rain on my cocky head. You thought you beat me! It told me. I lost my breathing rhythm, and lost my breath. It felt long. I made it to just before where I stopped the last time, the airpark is a 1.8km loop, if I didnt mention it, and the Pogues song saved me from thinking about myself. An elderly gentleman cheered me on my 2nd lap. It was sweet. It was on this lap I decided I'd start to record what music stoked me; time to refresh my ipod library.
Next ten:
...still the Pogues- about 2:00
Public Enemy-911 Is A Joke-3:17
Underworld-Cowgirl-8:29
I started getting wet. Each time I walked, it cooled me down. Now that the rain was on, it made me grumpy. I don't want to do this. I was getting into a rhythm.When I ran again, I could feel the cold on my thighs, the water getting into my shoes. I thought about buying raingear, and realised I was pretty warm. I thought about all the pretty clothes Id seen, the bright shoes that look so fast. I thought about the watches that monitor your heart rate, and steps and distance. The Nike Plus nano thing where you can log your times and distance online and virtually run with your friends. The urge to consume terrorizes me! Its true! It follows me everywhere! The truth is. That's not me. Those gadgets are absolutely super cool, but who would I be if I was all polished in shiny gear suddenly? My knobbed up fleece pants, my summer white tank top, worn off white by becoming a work shirt last summer, my discount totally not waterproof or winter appropriate Adidas hoody, my discount Asics, always under $50, and my thrift store toque with two holes in it. Now, these things do not define me, and I know that just because something has always been a certain way, doesn't mean it should always be that way. This whole running exercise is about making changes for myself. However. I have a few things I tell myself that have helped me cope with scraping by over the years.
In an interview with John Cardiel in a Thrasher Magazine in the 90's, he said that the equipment you used didn't matter. That if you were dedicated, and wanted something, you would make do with whatever you had. A piece of crap deck, grip tape worn down smooth and torn off, nose and tail flattened out, flatspot riddled wheels. It didnt matter. You could still have a great time with it, and learn.
Another is that fitting in doesnt matter. I can't think of a particular example of this, so maybe its just some mantra Ive been repeating because I am always feeling like the weird antisocial outcast that I can be sometimes. Runners have running gear. I see them in the same sort of clothes, like I see this kind of people and that kind of people, defining themselves by a uniform at all kinds of points in their lives. I don't have to wear the stuff made for running to be a runner, just like I've never felt like I had to wear the clothing brands that belong to the skateboarding culture to be a skateboarder.
Anyway, I started this ten feeling shitey, and ended it quite happy to be me.
Next ten:
Black Keys-Everywhere I Go-5:41
Neil Young-A Man Needs A Maid-4:05
Ween-Ice Castles-2:05
Well I must have been up in my head still because I barely remember this ten. I remember grooving to the Black Keys and thinking of Langley when Neil Young was saying that a man should have someone to cook and clean and then leave and wasnt sure how I felt about all that. I walked through most of Ice Castles thinking about Langley and Courtenay. It occurred to me as I slowed to my walk pace that I really missed being around familiar people. Not that I took the time to know many of them when I did live among them. But the comfort of community is an embrace I haven't felt since I was there and part of it, thinking the whole time that I wasn't part of it. Then realising that that safety and comfort is nice, but that I still want to be all over the world and so needed to work on building community where I am now. I might end up spending ten years here in Courtenay before I can get moving on to what is next for me. My feet are on the ground, now. I know where I want to go, but I'm just gettting started. Why wait until tomorrow to feel that warmth?
Sabbath came on and I was excited for my last lap.
Last ten:
Black Sabbath-The Wizard-4:23
Big Business-Hands Up-2:59
Mos Def-Umi Said-5:10
When I say I was tired here, I mean it. By now I was soaked. I spent the last lap running into strong wind that was throwing rain into my eyes with stingers. I was running into the wind again and wondering...why am I doing this? when Umi Said came on. Now, this song makes me very happy. His Umi becomes my adopted Umi. Shine your light on the world. I think of my little wall plaque that tells me about the birds, "Use what talents you possess. The woods would be a quiet place if the only birds that sang were the ones who sang the best." Shine your light for the world to see.
Why am I doing this? Because if I can pull this off. If I can run 13 kilometres, then there really isn't anything I cannot do. Fuck all of those people who told me I would have to "just live with the pain", or stop being active. Fuck those people who "don't get it", "could never do that", or "wouldnt want to".
Maybe you dont have to.
But this might just be what it will take for me to see my way through to living in the light of creation and doing what I was put here to do instead of the crappy nothing I was doing before now.
And Im standing on the top of a heap of bodies in an animal fur bikini with a giant sword in one hand and a banner in the other that reads: I fucking did it!
It rained on me. And I was so sure it wouldn't. And I told a few people what a weather wimp I am, and if it rains, Im going on the treadmill. I was so full of excuses why not to run today that I nearly didn't do it. Thank goodness I zoned out to PBS the other night.
Wayne Dyer was on telling me all about No Excuses. It was a lot of stuff I already know, underneath all the bullshit that rolls around up there. To hear him lay it out, though, made it easy to process. There is no reason you can't do anything you decide to do. So when I heard me and my excuses this morning I decided that if I can do this marathon thing, then I can do anything.
Anything.
And there are a lot of really awesome things I want to do.
So this is my first long run story. I don't think I've ever run 7 kms. I'm following the Running Room's training schedule. I don't know whether I mentioned that, but all week I've been doing 3km runs. It looks like every Sunday I'll be doing a long run. They make it a little easier by breaking it into ten minutes of running and one minute of walking.
I know that that sounds ridiculous if you don't run.
Last year running one minute and walking for five was my starting point. Each week I increased the running minute, and decreased the walking one, until I ran for five minutes straight, then walked one, and went from there. It's been a year of treadmill warm ups here and there(I wish I could say I was consistent with those, but I'm a normal person who does not enjoy the gym, so...) and I am still really stoked if I run for more than 8 minutes. Really. I come home and tell people about it.
It is a big deal to me, all of this. Keep in mind, I run very slowly. I can take pretty deep and even breaths. I can talk. I try to sing along to songs sometimes. That is hard. I dont keep track of my time yet. I dont care about that. I am doing this. Wow.
I thought alot during my run. Why the F!@# am I doing this. My urge to consume, to buy gadgets and fancy gear.The place I live, where I want to be, what I want to do...
I went to the airpark again to keep it from being boring at the track. It feels like a shorter distance when there are distractions and attractions.
I split up my tens by listening to about three songs with my Ipod on shuffle.
So, first ten minutes:
Clutch-Release the Dub-3:45
Social Distortion-Don't Drag Me Down-4:55
Johnny Cash-Man In Black-2:53
I was really happy that I got my ass out the door. I was feeling lucky that it wasn't raining, like I beat it again. The clouds were high and broken and alot of different greys and strange and spooky shapes. The tide was way in, and I've never seen so many mallards and drakes in one place ever. Lots of all kinds of people. Friendly elderly folks walking, dogwalkers and family strollers, even a motorized chair lady out for a cruise. I started to walk during Man In Black.
Next ten minutes:
Descendants-Cameage-3:03
Robert Johnson-Come In My Kitchen-2:51
Alkaline Trio-Nose Over Tail-2:37
Pogues-Love You 'Till The End-4:35
Started walking partway through the Pogues song, that was a satisfying set of tunes, but I struggled through this ten. I checked my distance right at the start of Cameage, and my pedometer fell off and rolled all 88888888's. I fiddled with it as I ran and got all kerfuffled, pulling out an earphone and losing my hood. Oh, and this is when it started to spit down rain on my cocky head. You thought you beat me! It told me. I lost my breathing rhythm, and lost my breath. It felt long. I made it to just before where I stopped the last time, the airpark is a 1.8km loop, if I didnt mention it, and the Pogues song saved me from thinking about myself. An elderly gentleman cheered me on my 2nd lap. It was sweet. It was on this lap I decided I'd start to record what music stoked me; time to refresh my ipod library.
Next ten:
...still the Pogues- about 2:00
Public Enemy-911 Is A Joke-3:17
Underworld-Cowgirl-8:29
I started getting wet. Each time I walked, it cooled me down. Now that the rain was on, it made me grumpy. I don't want to do this. I was getting into a rhythm.When I ran again, I could feel the cold on my thighs, the water getting into my shoes. I thought about buying raingear, and realised I was pretty warm. I thought about all the pretty clothes Id seen, the bright shoes that look so fast. I thought about the watches that monitor your heart rate, and steps and distance. The Nike Plus nano thing where you can log your times and distance online and virtually run with your friends. The urge to consume terrorizes me! Its true! It follows me everywhere! The truth is. That's not me. Those gadgets are absolutely super cool, but who would I be if I was all polished in shiny gear suddenly? My knobbed up fleece pants, my summer white tank top, worn off white by becoming a work shirt last summer, my discount totally not waterproof or winter appropriate Adidas hoody, my discount Asics, always under $50, and my thrift store toque with two holes in it. Now, these things do not define me, and I know that just because something has always been a certain way, doesn't mean it should always be that way. This whole running exercise is about making changes for myself. However. I have a few things I tell myself that have helped me cope with scraping by over the years.
In an interview with John Cardiel in a Thrasher Magazine in the 90's, he said that the equipment you used didn't matter. That if you were dedicated, and wanted something, you would make do with whatever you had. A piece of crap deck, grip tape worn down smooth and torn off, nose and tail flattened out, flatspot riddled wheels. It didnt matter. You could still have a great time with it, and learn.
Another is that fitting in doesnt matter. I can't think of a particular example of this, so maybe its just some mantra Ive been repeating because I am always feeling like the weird antisocial outcast that I can be sometimes. Runners have running gear. I see them in the same sort of clothes, like I see this kind of people and that kind of people, defining themselves by a uniform at all kinds of points in their lives. I don't have to wear the stuff made for running to be a runner, just like I've never felt like I had to wear the clothing brands that belong to the skateboarding culture to be a skateboarder.
Anyway, I started this ten feeling shitey, and ended it quite happy to be me.
Next ten:
Black Keys-Everywhere I Go-5:41
Neil Young-A Man Needs A Maid-4:05
Ween-Ice Castles-2:05
Well I must have been up in my head still because I barely remember this ten. I remember grooving to the Black Keys and thinking of Langley when Neil Young was saying that a man should have someone to cook and clean and then leave and wasnt sure how I felt about all that. I walked through most of Ice Castles thinking about Langley and Courtenay. It occurred to me as I slowed to my walk pace that I really missed being around familiar people. Not that I took the time to know many of them when I did live among them. But the comfort of community is an embrace I haven't felt since I was there and part of it, thinking the whole time that I wasn't part of it. Then realising that that safety and comfort is nice, but that I still want to be all over the world and so needed to work on building community where I am now. I might end up spending ten years here in Courtenay before I can get moving on to what is next for me. My feet are on the ground, now. I know where I want to go, but I'm just gettting started. Why wait until tomorrow to feel that warmth?
Sabbath came on and I was excited for my last lap.
Last ten:
Black Sabbath-The Wizard-4:23
Big Business-Hands Up-2:59
Mos Def-Umi Said-5:10
When I say I was tired here, I mean it. By now I was soaked. I spent the last lap running into strong wind that was throwing rain into my eyes with stingers. I was running into the wind again and wondering...why am I doing this? when Umi Said came on. Now, this song makes me very happy. His Umi becomes my adopted Umi. Shine your light on the world. I think of my little wall plaque that tells me about the birds, "Use what talents you possess. The woods would be a quiet place if the only birds that sang were the ones who sang the best." Shine your light for the world to see.
Why am I doing this? Because if I can pull this off. If I can run 13 kilometres, then there really isn't anything I cannot do. Fuck all of those people who told me I would have to "just live with the pain", or stop being active. Fuck those people who "don't get it", "could never do that", or "wouldnt want to".
Maybe you dont have to.
But this might just be what it will take for me to see my way through to living in the light of creation and doing what I was put here to do instead of the crappy nothing I was doing before now.
saturday night
Is it really 11 already! And why do I feel like such shit, when I was the designated driver last night? Ew! I am supposed to be running with Kathie right now. I feel dehydrated, and achy, and like I could sleep for another hour or two, as the rest of the house is...
Not that I didnt have a good time. I definitely smoked too many cigarettes.
Does laughing a lot cause hangovers?
Not that I didnt have a good time. I definitely smoked too many cigarettes.
Does laughing a lot cause hangovers?
Saturday, January 9, 2010
it stopped raining again!
It poured rain all day at work today. I got cramps at lunchtime, and sat and sulked on my break and thought. No way. No way am I gonna run tonight. I was already going to go to the gym to run on the treadmill, out of the rain. But the cramps...
I got off work and the gym was closed. I came home and just got changed into my gear and went. It wasn't raining. I wasn't hurting. I drank a litre of water since lunch to get rid of the crampage. It was gone. I just can't believe I ran far enough. I had to guess the distance. I went as far as the trail markers told me was 2km, then back. Only I wasn't on the path, I was five blocks up...it went really quickly, and I ran pretty quickly. My sweetie was cooking steak, so I wanted to get home. I came home and did all my physio, it felt good!
I'm in a rush. Its my Friday and I'm actually doing something with my night for the first time in months! Yeah!!
I got off work and the gym was closed. I came home and just got changed into my gear and went. It wasn't raining. I wasn't hurting. I drank a litre of water since lunch to get rid of the crampage. It was gone. I just can't believe I ran far enough. I had to guess the distance. I went as far as the trail markers told me was 2km, then back. Only I wasn't on the path, I was five blocks up...it went really quickly, and I ran pretty quickly. My sweetie was cooking steak, so I wanted to get home. I came home and did all my physio, it felt good!
I'm in a rush. Its my Friday and I'm actually doing something with my night for the first time in months! Yeah!!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Friday, off day.
So glad to day is an off day, the rains have come for reals.
I did my daily phsyio core stuff just now...it's been harder to get through than todays was. My mind is running off with my next weeks adventure to the Dry Spot Skatepark with the kids from the youth centre I work at! Im so excited about it!
So I'll do a little recap of my first committed training week.
I started last Sunday at the track with 10 laps. Jog 4, walk 1...or most of 1 (I got bored). I was glad to be running there again. It was a beautiful afternoon, sun and blue sky, and it felt good to run. I run really slowly by the way.
Monday I went near dark, and was all set for 12 laps but as it got dark, a shady big burly guy showed up in work boots and was walking. It was just us two, and I wasn't into it anymore, so I quit at 10.
On Tuesday I went to try the airpark, it's a loop around the Courtenay light craft airport. It runs along the river and the estuary and there's always a lot of cool birds and friendly strollers, runners, and cute dog walkers. It is a 1.8k loop. To make it the right distance, I double back at the km markers and stay on the water side the whole run. It was nice, but the straight path along the inside was boring, hence the decision to double back starting on my next run. I can't remember how I was feeling...distracted by the herons and eagles, and confused trying to figure the distances at the trailhead markers that are .7 and . this and . that...none of them just told me the whole story! I zoned out to my music and put one foot in front of the other for 4k...it wasnt the easiest, I walked some. All my running to date has been warming up on a treadmill at the gym for my physio, or at the track. Concrete is new...with new consequences, apparently.
Went and bought a pedometer so I don't have to puzzle over points and miles into km from laps...
Wednesday my heels and my shins were killing me! Not to mention my quads...crouching down made me groan all day, and I have to do it alot at work. I dragged myself back to the airpark, and did 3.45, struggling along. The tide was way out, there were no lovely birds...but there were some nice doggies!
Thursday I went back to the airpark, refreshed. My stuff still ached a little, but not bad. I was a little worried that I was pushing too hard, or my shoes weren't right, or, or , or, whatever other excuse came into my mind to try to defeat me. I decided to take it easy and just listen, and if my body said ow, then Id walk. I felt good. I went for 4km, but I did have a bit of a walk every ten minutes...three walks. But the weird part is, I wasn't sore at all today. My right foot is a little crunchy, cracky...not new.
So glad for an off day, though. Heal the aches. Paula sent me a running manual, its got lots of rad info! I know now why my shoulders got sore and stiff when I ran on the treadmill, pulling back too much with my elbows! I know I do it, I didn't know I shouldn't. Thanks Paula!
OK. done for the day.
I did my daily phsyio core stuff just now...it's been harder to get through than todays was. My mind is running off with my next weeks adventure to the Dry Spot Skatepark with the kids from the youth centre I work at! Im so excited about it!
So I'll do a little recap of my first committed training week.
I started last Sunday at the track with 10 laps. Jog 4, walk 1...or most of 1 (I got bored). I was glad to be running there again. It was a beautiful afternoon, sun and blue sky, and it felt good to run. I run really slowly by the way.
Monday I went near dark, and was all set for 12 laps but as it got dark, a shady big burly guy showed up in work boots and was walking. It was just us two, and I wasn't into it anymore, so I quit at 10.
On Tuesday I went to try the airpark, it's a loop around the Courtenay light craft airport. It runs along the river and the estuary and there's always a lot of cool birds and friendly strollers, runners, and cute dog walkers. It is a 1.8k loop. To make it the right distance, I double back at the km markers and stay on the water side the whole run. It was nice, but the straight path along the inside was boring, hence the decision to double back starting on my next run. I can't remember how I was feeling...distracted by the herons and eagles, and confused trying to figure the distances at the trailhead markers that are .7 and . this and . that...none of them just told me the whole story! I zoned out to my music and put one foot in front of the other for 4k...it wasnt the easiest, I walked some. All my running to date has been warming up on a treadmill at the gym for my physio, or at the track. Concrete is new...with new consequences, apparently.
Went and bought a pedometer so I don't have to puzzle over points and miles into km from laps...
Wednesday my heels and my shins were killing me! Not to mention my quads...crouching down made me groan all day, and I have to do it alot at work. I dragged myself back to the airpark, and did 3.45, struggling along. The tide was way out, there were no lovely birds...but there were some nice doggies!
Thursday I went back to the airpark, refreshed. My stuff still ached a little, but not bad. I was a little worried that I was pushing too hard, or my shoes weren't right, or, or , or, whatever other excuse came into my mind to try to defeat me. I decided to take it easy and just listen, and if my body said ow, then Id walk. I felt good. I went for 4km, but I did have a bit of a walk every ten minutes...three walks. But the weird part is, I wasn't sore at all today. My right foot is a little crunchy, cracky...not new.
So glad for an off day, though. Heal the aches. Paula sent me a running manual, its got lots of rad info! I know now why my shoulders got sore and stiff when I ran on the treadmill, pulling back too much with my elbows! I know I do it, I didn't know I shouldn't. Thanks Paula!
OK. done for the day.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
a short, short history
OK, I am not a runner. Two years ago I could barely walk.
I have never been a runner. I hated running, always.
But I have always been somewhat athletic. Mountain biking, swimming, and skateboarding.
At 17 I broke my tailbone. Did not do any physio.
4 sprained ankles. No physio.
Various bodily pulls and strains sustained through skateboarding. No physio.
And at 23 I dislocated my hip. Still, no physio.
I developed a major limp that turned into a bent spine because I refused to use a cane, or go to physio. The result was heavy sedation and years of painfully trying to continue doing what I loved to do. Then a motorcycle accident where I pogoed off my head, flat to my back. They told me I was lucky for not breaking my neck, and sent me on my way, glad to be walking...sort of. More pain...
Three years ago I decided to ditch the drugs that were keeping me foggy, but in less pain, and get it together to do what I could for myself while my body was still young enough.
Within three months I could barely walk. I spent several days a week in bed for months. Both from the adjustment to no opiate, and the onset of the reality of the pain in my back.
It took some time. I tried to just start stretching and exercising on my own and fixing myself, and eventually made it worse. Then, 2 years ago I found a magical physiotherapist who did not tell me just to stop being active, like all the others had. He told me, " I can fix you, but you have to do exactly what I tell you to do." So I did.
It happened last December. I realised, as I was going about my business one day, that I was not in any pain. At all. Not even a little ache. For the first time in 10 years, I felt nothing.
I started running on a track with a gym friend who was training for a 5k that I didnt think I would be able to do. It started to ache, so I laid off. I kept on with physio for another 10 months, and this time I have his permission to go for it, so here we go again.
This time I think I can do it.
I have never been a runner. I hated running, always.
But I have always been somewhat athletic. Mountain biking, swimming, and skateboarding.
At 17 I broke my tailbone. Did not do any physio.
4 sprained ankles. No physio.
Various bodily pulls and strains sustained through skateboarding. No physio.
And at 23 I dislocated my hip. Still, no physio.
I developed a major limp that turned into a bent spine because I refused to use a cane, or go to physio. The result was heavy sedation and years of painfully trying to continue doing what I loved to do. Then a motorcycle accident where I pogoed off my head, flat to my back. They told me I was lucky for not breaking my neck, and sent me on my way, glad to be walking...sort of. More pain...
Three years ago I decided to ditch the drugs that were keeping me foggy, but in less pain, and get it together to do what I could for myself while my body was still young enough.
Within three months I could barely walk. I spent several days a week in bed for months. Both from the adjustment to no opiate, and the onset of the reality of the pain in my back.
It took some time. I tried to just start stretching and exercising on my own and fixing myself, and eventually made it worse. Then, 2 years ago I found a magical physiotherapist who did not tell me just to stop being active, like all the others had. He told me, " I can fix you, but you have to do exactly what I tell you to do." So I did.
It happened last December. I realised, as I was going about my business one day, that I was not in any pain. At all. Not even a little ache. For the first time in 10 years, I felt nothing.
I started running on a track with a gym friend who was training for a 5k that I didnt think I would be able to do. It started to ache, so I laid off. I kept on with physio for another 10 months, and this time I have his permission to go for it, so here we go again.
This time I think I can do it.
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