Category Archives: Don’t overdo it

Start & Stop Got Me Like ….

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Yesterday I jogged my way through 3.2 miles without stopping.  It seems funny to say that because to me, 3 miles is such a short distance and I’ve been running since 2011 so I SHOULD be able to run that without stopping.  I haven’t done it in a while.  I went to bed around 2:40 am this morning because I was awake when hubster got home then we watched a movie until 2:40 but then the restless rolling around started. I tossed and turned.  I moved locations then went back to my bed for about an hour of sleep or so.  I don’t stay up late, I don’t usually lose sleep and I haven’t run a straight 3 miles in a long time.  It’s funny how something that was a no brainer not long ago when I was in training can now be something I’m giving myself kudos for.  LOL.  In the last few weeks of struggling to hit 4 days of workouts in a week, 3 miles is a big deal.  I was doing so well going 6 days a week and lately, it’s been one thing after another getting in the way of putting up a six week.  4 is something that many don’t even get so I’m not complaining, just saying that it’s weird being grateful for something I used to take for granted as a given.  The up and down, back and forth between where I was and where I am making progress then a minor regression to get back on track like Groundhog Day. Story of my life and I’m ok with that cycle because it’s not the cycle of a quitter!

I’m Just…

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You may have read in a past post I wrote about a weird problem that I’ve been having with some chest pain stemming from my diaphragm. Turns out we think it’s musculoskeletal which means there’s nothing I can do about it except take muscle relaxers but by the time they kick in, the episode is over and then I’d be drowsy.  No thank you, won’t work.  So I have to deal with this.  As I thought about it, the episodes have increased in frequency and intensity only in the last year or two.  I have figured out that I started lifting weights regularly about a year and a half to two years ago which would explain the exacerbation of this problem.  I’m positive that’s why it’s happening which means, I need to scale my workouts with weights back down from 5 weight days a week to maybe 2 and keep it lighter like 5 & 10 pounds.

 

It’s disappointing because A) I just bought an ebook for a 30-45 day workout plan that would take my fitness to the next level.  now that is not quite a waste of money because I can scale it back on the weight and still do the workout.  It’s disappointing more because I feel like it’s a setback …but to what?  I always feel like I’m competing to get to my goal like I’m on a timeline but I’m not.  I lose sight sometimes of what I’m actually doing and I go too hard.

 

 

It’s also disappointing because B) I feel like I’m going to lose all that I worked for.  Now more calories may need to be reevaluated.  Big breath and move on.  Always keeping in mind the bright side of things because it could be worse as in I might not be able to work out at all and then I would have something to complain about right.  RIGHT!

Easy Does It

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I find that it is so easy to lose yourself and your focus in on the preconceived BS of what you think other people think you should be doing.  Worrying that you’re not working hard enough or lifting enough or doing an exercise the right way.  This is a recipe for injury plain and simple.  As a person who is older than many people at the gym, even I have found myself on one or two occasions stepping up my workout not because it’s in my plan but because I feel like I’m being judged.  Sometimes the stupid young girls who are at the gym to show off their abdomen instead of actually covering up and working out cause me anger.  I know I go to the “judgement free” gym but seriously, could you just put a shirt on and do what you pay a monthly fee for.  It’s getting worse too.  More skin & hanging out in groups chatting just irritates me and makes me pick up a higher weight or do some exercise that isn’t up my alley like incline sit-ups. Those actually hurt my back and the tendons and my hip flexors.  If you’re not focused it’s easy to get off track and take on the “go big or go home” attitude which more likely than not could put you out of commission for a while.  Easy Does it.

Don’t get me wrong, I like progressively stepping up my routine but in a planned, controlled manner and on my terms.  I’m on a mission with a very specific plan that I”m always tweaking to get closer to my goals.  One day at a time.  I try not to let the young girl who I take classes with get in my head.  We take these classes and use the exact same weight but she’s dripping sweat and I’m mildly slick.  Working hard for sure and not wimping out or pretending to work hard.  I’m actually working hard at each station because it’s only 30-second rounds and I can do anything for 30 seconds.  It’s hard not to wonder why she looks like she’s working so much harder than me but I can’t ponder that too much.  All I can do is focus on my workout and work as hard as I can for me.

and done within reason so I can walk tomorrow and also come back for another day at the gym.  I want to look good or as acceptable as I can for as long as I can.  I know someday I won’t be able to do this and I will have to accept a modified fitness routine.  Someday maybe I’ll be relegated to walking only or perhaps riding my bike but right now I’m strong and motivated and focused. That’s all that matters, my workout being the best I can do