Week Nine

No more Mr. Nice Trainer.  Apparently, Personal Trainer Jason has been watching P90X and Insanity workout video infomercials all week because that is a lot what my workouts with him resembled this week.  Holy shit.  Yep.  This calls for cuss words.  There is no other way  for me to add the appropriate amount of emphasis.  Yeah, yeah, I know swearing is ignorant and all that, but those of you that know (and love) me, know that I have a potty mouth.  To say it was the hardest thing I have survived is an accurate statement.  Kind of pathetic, but accurate.  I would like to emphasize the word "survived".  By the end of it I laid down (ok so I fell down) on the turf and told Jason he was mean and that I hated him.  He replied with a chuckle and something like, "Good!  That means I did a good job!"  Sadist.

We had decided a couple weeks ago that we need to kick it up a notch and he did just that!  Simply making it through these new routines is truly a challenge.  We are "waking up" muscles that I don't think have been used in years.  There for a while, I was getting off pretty easy.  I was waking up nearly every day without that 'who beat the crap out of me in my sleep' feeling.  It's back!  I kind of don't mind it.  It feels like accomplishment.

I got back on the treadmill regularly for the first time in a couple weeks.  The antibiotic side effects aren't completely gone, but have dissipated enough to get me moving like I should be.  Hopefully, next week I can get after it a little more intensely. Running is still very difficult and I look like a hot mess when I do it.  I can't go for very long still, only a few minutes.  My recovery time continues to improve so at least I can get after it much more quickly each time.  My feet are still a nightmare.  The cramping just doesn't seem to be improving no matter how much stretching and massaging I do.  Plantar Fasciitis is also making me want to drop to the ground in pain each morning.  So frustrating!!!

So my gym has this program called Parisi Speed School.  I don't know all the details of the program, but essentially it's a training program to help build strength and endurance in runners.  They workout around the same time I do.  Remember a few weeks back when I referenced Dream Runner Hilaree?  Well, I think I have met the real life version.  This girl just seems to float when she runs and she probably thinks I am a total creeper because I look on with envy.  Did I mention this girl is only about 11 or 12 years old?  She is more athletic than I ever could imagine being and she makes it look so effortless.  I never would have thought I would aspire to be like an 11 or 12 year old!  I guess we can learn from all ages.

I still don't understand the whole hydration/nutrition while working out thing, I suppose because I am not working out as hard as a seasoned runner.   I know when I am thirsty, but I don't understand what people mean when they talk about using the gels during their runs.  How do you know when you need them?  Are you supposed to keep a granola bar or something with you?  I just don't get this part because I have been able to stand to exert myself this much.  Mike or Jared, maybe this would be a good topic for one of you to tackle?

I have a renewed sense of drive this week.  Last week was definitely a low point.  Month end is always a little bit of a nightmare with my stress level at work adding fuel to the fire. Take that and add not feeling well and it made for a real dud.

I keep waiting for that whole "runner's high" thing to happen, I guess in my case it would be just a general exercise high since the whole running thing isn't coming together so well.  I think my endorphins are broken.  Do those come in pill form?  If so, I need a script for that!  I bet Jared, PharmD could answer that one.  ;)

I'm really looking forward to my Chicago trip for St. Patty's Day.  I really need a get away and to see some friends.  My friend Kristen and I had thrown around the idea of doing a 5k on Saturday morning, but we decided to scratch it in favor of fun.  I know this is not great for my training, but I really need a sanity break.

Lessons Learned:

1.  Body Glide is the best product ever.  I wish they made a Body Glide shower.  I could just coat myself in that stuff.  It is now essential to every workout, no matter what I do.

2.  Several day-to-day things that I didn't even realize had become difficult are now easier as I get stronger.  Things like getting up off the floor and walking up and down the stairs quickly.  I have also noticed that my normal pace when walking around the office, in a parking lot, etc. has picked up a bit and carrying in several bags of groceries is a breeze.  Pathetic, yes, but this is supposed to be an honest account of this process and those are some everyday things that I can do with ease now.  I am choosing to celebrate the small things since the big things are going to take a while.

3.  I am no the proud owner of some dorky weight lifting gloves to try to keep calluses away from my hands.  I was getting my nails done the other day and was called out by my manicurist about my rough hands.  If she things that's bad, she's lucky I didn't ask for a pedicure because my feet are atrocious.

4.  My diet and cravings are still my biggest challenge.  I'm an emotional (over)eater and while I am getting better, it is still very much a struggle.  Thanks to all of you who have passed on great recipes.  I have tried some really great dishes thanks to your suggestions.

I have some really great people in my corner!  I am so incredibly shocked at the number of people who have reached out to comment on posts or on Facebook.  Never in a million years would I have thought more than the 4 immediate family members, wait make that 3 since Dad hates the internet, would care about what I was doing and show so much support.  I know that if I don't give this my all, even if that means not finishing, I will have some serious explaining to do!  Here is a link to another article that contains some wisdom.