No need to read this. Just typing out my random thoughts and frustrations.
This morning I went on a wog. AKA walk/jog and I had to wear a sweatshirt, mittens and my hood. About mile 2 I was warm enough to remove the mittens and hood. Too bad I only did 2.5 miles.....
But that 2.5 miles led to so many thoughts. 8 years ago I regularly ran 4-5 miles several times a week averaging a 9 1/2 - 10 minute mile and then walked everywhere too. 6 years ago I was really into kick boxing. Loved it! Then I moved to Az, have had a hard time finding my thing. It didn't help that I developed allergy related asthma that I have yet to find a way to control, or messed up my knee, or foot... etc. etc. I did start running again this last Spring. Did the Whiskey Row 10k and didn't do too bad. I think we averaged a 10 1/2 minute mile and considering the hills, I was okay with that! So after that I kind of skimped on the running. Did shorter distances, more occasionally. So much company and being out of town.... Then I started doing Zumba again. I do really like that. It's fun, but who has time to go to an 8:30 class several days a week. Gotta get it done earlier sometimes. Then I started mixing it all up. Zumba one day, a walk with a friend another day, tennis class and a quick mile on the treadmill another day, a hike, a Billy Blanks home DVD. Still exercising about 4 days a week, give or take a day.
This is where the frustration comes in! Today I was wogging, and I swear I spent more time walking than jogging! I have stayed active, but don't feel like I can run the same! A treadmill is so much easier than the hills around my house! And the fact of the matter is... I don't REALLY like running! I feel good about being able to run. I feel like I SHOULD be able to run. I feel guilty for walking and not running. But walking is so much more fun! You can look at things and carry on a conversation. But it seems so wimpy to walk. And why is it that my husband can exercise occasionally, like racquetball or mountain biking once a week and then go SPRINT the hills (granted he did a mile and a half and was dying when he got home), while I can spend 2 months jogging 4 miles 3 days a week to be able to make it up those hills without stopping to walk?? And why is it so easy to lose the ability??!
This lady from tennis that is in great shape says running is horrible for your body. She thinks it's the worst thing a person can do. So she does tennis and yoga. I wish I could say that. Truth be told, I think yoga is too quiet. The music too serene.
Another totally random thought. And when can you call yourself "a" something. When do you cross the point when you say, I'm a runner. I'm a tennis player. I'm a hiker. I'm a yogi. I'm a zumbaer. (: I'm a walker sounds lame, doesn't it?
6 comments:
You know I'd have to chime in, right? First of all, I will never buy into the idea that in order to be fit you've got to be a runner. I've gone years without running due to my knees and been in just as good shape as when I do run. Yes, I did start running in order to do triathlons, but I will admit it IS NOT my favorite. I just do it. And I had to learn to run VERY differently in order to protect my knees -- I now run using a midsole strike, not a heel strike. Look it up, Chi running or read "Born To Run". It changed EVERYTHING for me. That said, I've NO desire to do a marathon or anything past a 10K. About your running -- I would be WAY careful about your knees with your history. About the walking--it rocks. The hard part is getting your heart rate up and blasting calories. That's where hills and inclines come into play. THAT will really increase your fitness level and be very effective. So, sign up for the races, tris and 10Ks -- JUST WALK THEM! Another thought -- who says we have to "be" an anything? I've always proclaimed to be a trier of everything and master of nothing. CHANGE is what our bodies crave and what prevents injury. Do your Zumba! Spin! Walk! Swim! Weights! Change it up, sister, and don't look back. Once we do the same thing over and over, our bodies get very efficient at it and it stops being as effective. Plus, if you enjoy it, you'll be much more likely to actually do it! I've always felt our husbands are made out of different cloth. Jared can go out and run a 10K with no training today and it takes me months to get ready for that. At some point, the tables will turn. We're the consistent ones and that will pay off in the long run. Sorry to lecture -- You know I can't turn this off once I start! :)
Hey, at least you are doing something. I got on this kick to exercise. It lasted 1 day. But, that one day felt great. I keep saying I'll get back to it, but just don't feel like it. One day...maybe. I want to try Zumba someday. I refuse to feel guilty about it though. Right now, I'm a stay at home Mom. That's the only thing I'm sure of. :o)
You already know what my answer is :) You are welcome to join me at 5am on MWF or 6am T/Th...something new and challenging every day in short intervals! And exercise NEVER gets easier...no matter how many times I hike up Thumb BUTT it is still hard. And I love the "wog" :) And I'm with Mandi - I hate running.
You Yuma girls!! I knew both of your answers before you even wrote on here!
That is some good advice there Ms. Trainer Momma. Krista, I totally understand what you're going through. I am a person who just loved running. And I had started up about a year ago with walking, then wogging, up to running 2.5 to 3 miles. Then it all came to a screeching halt. I had a ligament or muscle tighten up and my knee started really hurting. A friend at work suggested I do elliptical and bike until I recover. She is a tri athelete and trains by doing crossfit exercises. She also said that running isn't the only way to stay in shape. I needed to hear that I guess. Hopefully, I will get back on track soon. And you too. It is just hard seeing all those people that ARE able to run, doing it so effortlessly. lol. So, now I will be heading to the elliptical. Take care Krista. Say hi to Ryan and the family.
I totally need to run....or something. I havent visited with a dr about it but I'm nearly positive I've got a running allergy...also any kind of work out in public allergy....! Keep up the walking sounds like its good for your body and your mind!
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