So let me explain what’s been going on. I took two weeks off from ANY and ALL training. Or was it three? No P90X, no weight training, no spinning, no running. I forgot why.
No, really, the reason is because I finished another round of P90X and after I ran my 6K, I decided it would be a good idea to rest my shins and calves. The shin splints were pretty bad and my calves hurt so much I really couldn’t run. So I rested. I didn’t want to do any more P90X, so I didn’t do that either. I really haven’t gotten the results I’ve wanted from that program. I want to drop some weight, and it’s not doing it. I know that muscle is supposed to help burn fat, so why does it not work for me? The only answer can be diet. I’ll give this to P90X - it makes you STRONG! I might start back up just for that benefit alone. More on diet in a moment.
So what else? I continued with yoga sporadically. Why? I keep asking myself that. I always feel sooo much better when I practice yoga daily. So I’ve recommitted to that. Besides, I’ve begun yoga teacher training so I have definitely made that commitment to myself.
Back to diet. I’ve also recommitted to eating foods that only fuel my body. I have to admit I went a bit wayward for a while there. This blog started out as a raw/high raw blog because that’s where I was at the time. I still am high raw, but I have always been aware that it’s as much about the things you DON’T eat as the things you do. So I’m back to banishing those foods that don’t do any good. Besides, I’m back in training! I’m totally inspired by people like Tim VanOrden and Brendan Brazier. I realize I’ll very likely not be in their league, but their accomplishments motivate me.
So here’s what happened during my running this week:
Tuesday - I had half a Lara Bar before I ran two miles. Easy. My calves and shins had plenty of rest (I think) so I started the first mile really easy, stretched a bit and then picked up the pace on mile two. I added a sprint toward the end just because I felt so good. I really wanted to go another mile but decided not to push. I didn’t want to hurt my calves and shins, although I was feeling a bit of lingering pain in my shins. Maybe they’ll be okay.
Wednesday - Spinning - 1 hour. I am SO IN LOVE with Spinning. I seriously think I might look into certification to teach. I really love it. Did I mention how much I love Spinning? I was pretty tired, as in sleepy, the entire day. I think it was from taking that two week break.
Thursday - Yoga first thing upon waking (after walking the dog!), then drove to the park to run. I have a nice course near my house that I don’t have to drive to, but it has a slight hill, and I’m thinking I’ll avoid the hill for a while till I build my calves. Or whatever I’m supposed to do with compartment syndrome. Really, I’m just going slow and easy. And avoiding the hill. So the park I drive to isn’t far at all, but too far to walk/run to. And I have a wide choice of running trails once I get to it. The trail I’ve been running is really flat, is a 1.12 mile loop and has beautiful views of water and some lovely foot bridges. There is a picture of my view on the left.
Had a half a Lara Bar before running and this time had a bit of a harder time in my run. I took the first mile very easy again, then stopped and stretched for a bit of a longer period than Tuesday. Then I was off for the second mile, but had to stop at about 1/4 mile. My calves started hurting a bit and I was just TIRED. So I turned around to head back to my car, but decided to run some steps instead. Did a few rounds of those and was very disappointed in myself as I headed back to my car. I didn’t want to only run one mile! I knew I shouldn’t push myself, but geez! So I turned around and off I went on that second mile. I felt pretty good and probably could have run another mile, but again, I’m being very, very patient. I’m hoping to slowly build my calves to see if it makes any difference on whether or not the compartment syndrome flares up. Just a little at a time.
So that’s where I’m at as of today. I’ve only eaten live foods today, except for one cup of coffee.
More on that coffee later.