Fast forward to high school. I decided that I wanted to join the cross country team during my sophomore year. Actually, I didn't really want to join. I only did so because a guy I had a major crush on was on the team! (By the way, that never worked out!) I found that I was a decent runner. It didn't require a lot of skill... you just run until you feel like you're doing to drop!
After high school, I didn't run much anymore. In fact, I didn't really have any sort of exercise regimen. A couple years ago, I decided to get back into running. I whipped myself into shape and completed a 5K run, which made me feel like a million bucks! I kept doing 5Ks and running 3-4 times per week. But then I had an injury last summer. It wasn't caused from running, though. I fell on some wet tile at my parents' house, and although I didn't know it at the time, I later found out that I had a torn ligament in my foot and a bruised bone. The doctor told me I couldn't run or really be on my foot much at all for the next few months!
This was right after I completed my first 5K since high school (November 2011). I was especially excited that I was randomly assigned the number 84, which is my birth year! |
It was difficult to get used to not exercising or running anymore after I'd become so accustomed to it again. Just recently, I started walking. My foot still isn't completely healed, so I have to take it easy. I do go for long walks (several miles) and walk as quickly as possible to get my heart rate up. I have sneaked in a couple short jogs, but then I pay for it later and have to ice my foot! I hope to eventually be able to run again, but for now, walking is the next best thing.
I will say that it's super hard to get back into a routine after you've gotten out of it. I've found that the best solution is to just put on your workout clothes! If I come home from work and change into them, I'll always go work out. But if I'm not already in my clothes, it's so easy to relax and settle in for the night without exercising.
For those days when I don't have time to dedicate to a long walk or other activity, I simply do some housework! You can get a pretty good workout mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing your shower, or whatever else you might need to do! And I look at it this way: any physical activity is better than none!
It really stinks to have a nagging injury like that. I had a bad high ankle sprain three years ago and it still bothers me. I've found that varying my workouts works best - yoga, running (only one day per week) and low impact DVD's. You are right about housework though! Just vacuuming is a great workout!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alison to keep it low impact right now. The elliptical might be a safer choice for you--it was my machine of choice when my leg acted up (still is!).
ReplyDeleteThe workout clothes tip is So. True.
When will you be allowed to run again? I would love to run with you when you are better. Also, you are welcome to come with me to yoga, walk, or zumba any time!! :D
ReplyDeleteDo you have a bike?