Tag Archives: pain

Uncomfortable

When I think of the word “uncomfortable” my thoughts immediately turn to things that I dread, cause pain, or discomfort. I don’t enjoy things like speaking in front of crowds, being around a hostile person, cleaning up an eyesore in the basement, or going to the dentist. I’m sure you, like me, could come up with a lengthy list if given enough time. Conversely, things I really enjoy are the ones I take great comfort in. Spending time with a close friend, eating food I love, hugging my dogs, and sitting out in the fresh air reading a good book are great examples.

We spend the best years of our lives racing from one task or appointment to another, trying to finish a “to do” list that never ends. We turn off our emotions, chart a neutral course, and try to get as many things accomplished as we can in the short amount of time we are allotted. In the process we may push many uncomfortable tasks aside. Before we know it life becomes vanilla and we wonder why we’ve lost our zest for living.

One thing I have learned, being older but not necessarily wiser, is that once in a while I need to make time to tackle some of the uncomfortable tasks I’ve been putting off. Why? Because engaging in, and finishing, an uncomfortable task makes the things I enjoy taste a little sweeter, the hugs more memorable, and the colors of the world around me more vibrant.

Couch to 5k: when your body says no

walk-2635038_960_720I’m posting a long overdue update on my couch to 5k progress.  Last year (9/2018) I was successful in completing a 5k run after a thirty plus year hiatus from running.  This year proved to be a different story.  I did go out for a handful of runs this spring and summer but the aftereffects gave me pause to stop and reevaluate my long range goals.  Sporadic knee pain and hip twinges led me to a crossroads.

Since I’ve managed to keep most of the weight off I lost last year and I’m still walking a lot, I’ve decided to step away from running.  I didn’t plan to compete regularly in fun runs anyway.  In the meantime I’m counting on my dogs to give me sufficient motivation to keep walking.  I’ll be content to be counted among the walking crowd for now.  

Couch to 5k: Week 2 setback

I pressed too hard week 1 of my couch to 5k experience.  So much so that week 2 was a total washout (zilch).  A week and a half after later and I can barely walk.

I truly thought I messed up my back as I felt pain below my knees and tightness in my hamstrings.  The tightness and soreness came and went as I moved around but never went away.

My chiropractor would be able to tell me what was going on, so I paid him a visit.  I went in expecting him to discourage me from running because of my medical history.

“I’m confused,” I said. “My back never felt better.”

“It’s not your back,” he answered.  “If you ran cross country, your cardio and respiratory systems are likely in better shape than your muscles and tendons.  Remember you’re not 20 years old anymore.  Since they’re lagging behind, they’re complaining LOUDLY.”

We chatted more as he checked the alignment of my back and released various pressure points around my knees, back and hips.

“Why are you doing the couch to 5k anyway?”

Here it comes, I thought. Sorry Hasty this one’s on you.

“My pastor asked me to run a 5k with him this fall.  But it’s only a fun run.”

“You should have plenty of time to get ready then.  He’s my advice: focus strictly on walking.  Walk 2 miles around the track.  Work your pace up to 15 minutes per mile.  When you can walk 2 miles in 30 minutes you’ll be ready to try running.  Your muscles and joints should be caught up by then.”

“Thanks, doc!” I said, hearing the best news I could have imagined given my condition.

So walking it is!

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(Baby steps)