Monday, November 23, 2009
Getting back On Track... Slowly...
I am fed up with feeling as though I am coming down with some nasty bug or other, or developing headaches... really fed up with thinking 'I'm not feeling too great so I'll only do a gentle workout today' every time I haul my ass into the gym- I don't even know if it's physical or psychological!
I decided to call my own bluff and consult with my doctor, who's diagnosis is that it's probably a virus hanging around, and so there's nothing I can do- although he dd attempt to placate me with the offer of a full blood test (yes please- may as well get something out of the National Insurance that disappears from my wages before I even see it!)
Although it's not all been doom and gloom, as I did manage to get out for a 12 mile ramble Thursday. It was quite a pleasant day- for November- although rather blustery. I did my usual circuit around Stoke Bardoloph twice.
Looking Towards Stoke Bardolph
Walking along the river I saw a kingfisher, very briefly, before he flew off in a shiny turquoise blur. I saw him again on the way back- flying downstream but he was too fast for me to get a photo.
Last time I took the path by the River Trent it was closed for repairs (although it didn't stop me using it!) This time, the work had been finished, and instead of last winter's muddy track there is now a properly constructed pathway;
Walking round a second time I was struck by the patterns made by the stalks left in the fields...
... or maybe I was just bored of the view!
My knee wasn't too bad- I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot better when I walk than when I run. I did go to the gym Sunday too- but stuck to the rower and the elliptical trainer. Sometimes my knee is absolutely fine- then I will go for a short walk or gym session and it will start hurting again...
I have the Beacons Ultra in a fortnight, it looks as though I will only be doing one lap this year, but at least that leaves more time for the pub!
I decided to call my own bluff and consult with my doctor, who's diagnosis is that it's probably a virus hanging around, and so there's nothing I can do- although he dd attempt to placate me with the offer of a full blood test (yes please- may as well get something out of the National Insurance that disappears from my wages before I even see it!)
Although it's not all been doom and gloom, as I did manage to get out for a 12 mile ramble Thursday. It was quite a pleasant day- for November- although rather blustery. I did my usual circuit around Stoke Bardoloph twice.
Looking Towards Stoke Bardolph
Walking along the river I saw a kingfisher, very briefly, before he flew off in a shiny turquoise blur. I saw him again on the way back- flying downstream but he was too fast for me to get a photo.
Last time I took the path by the River Trent it was closed for repairs (although it didn't stop me using it!) This time, the work had been finished, and instead of last winter's muddy track there is now a properly constructed pathway;
Walking round a second time I was struck by the patterns made by the stalks left in the fields...
... or maybe I was just bored of the view!
My knee wasn't too bad- I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot better when I walk than when I run. I did go to the gym Sunday too- but stuck to the rower and the elliptical trainer. Sometimes my knee is absolutely fine- then I will go for a short walk or gym session and it will start hurting again...
I have the Beacons Ultra in a fortnight, it looks as though I will only be doing one lap this year, but at least that leaves more time for the pub!
Labels: Beacons Ultra, Stoke Bardolph
Monday, November 09, 2009
Oh Dear
I really haven't been very good lately. I've struggled to find motivation to force myself away from the computer and out into the fresh air or the rather muggy, sweaty recycled air of the gym...
My efforts have been a couple of walks during the week. Although one was around 5 miles, that's hardly the stuff or endurance legend!
I had to miss two days of work last week because of this bl**dy migraine/ virus thing, which of course meant a few days of missed exercise too. Hopefully now though I've kicked that into touch.
I ventured into the gym Sunday (surprised they still recognise me...) and used the weights, rowing machine and elliptical trainer. I decided to test the knee so went on the treadmill and tentatively selected a 10 minute pre-programmed workout which consisted of slow jogging and walking uphill. The knee seemed fine, so I added 5 minutes gentle running. It was still ok- then- I have had a few twinges today...
... I think that the plan for the week is to see how it goes with some gentle walking and slow running. If it's still bad I may try swimming or using the bikes at the gym- I've got to do something or I will end up wedged in this chair!!
Hope everyone else is having more luck with their training...
My efforts have been a couple of walks during the week. Although one was around 5 miles, that's hardly the stuff or endurance legend!
I had to miss two days of work last week because of this bl**dy migraine/ virus thing, which of course meant a few days of missed exercise too. Hopefully now though I've kicked that into touch.
I ventured into the gym Sunday (surprised they still recognise me...) and used the weights, rowing machine and elliptical trainer. I decided to test the knee so went on the treadmill and tentatively selected a 10 minute pre-programmed workout which consisted of slow jogging and walking uphill. The knee seemed fine, so I added 5 minutes gentle running. It was still ok- then- I have had a few twinges today...
... I think that the plan for the week is to see how it goes with some gentle walking and slow running. If it's still bad I may try swimming or using the bikes at the gym- I've got to do something or I will end up wedged in this chair!!
Hope everyone else is having more luck with their training...
