Gettin back into the groove.

It's been quite a few weeks since I wrote last. I have been pretty busy with work ... moving up to 'shift lead' has been taking a lot of my time and energy. But, not to worry, I have still been getting my workout on!

The week after I got back from Ireland was just an awful workout week ... Every time I tried to run I got no further than 10 minutes when 'runner's itch' just got too intense to continue. I have broken skin and bruised my legs in the past with the intense itch, so once it became to much I would start walking. But I managed to get past it! I am back to working out 5-6 days a week and back to running a 30 minute 5k. I did run it faster in the past, but getting to this point has brought my confidence back and is motivating me to continue.

Today I decided to back to the elliptical mashine. My legs were still pretty sore from yesterday's 5k and I wanted to give them a chance to recover. Though the elliptical machine is no walk in the park! It still gets my muscles working without that impact from running.

My eating habits are just about back to 'normal' now too. It took me a while to get away from the processed foods and sugary products. Now I am back to fruits, veggies, salads, whole grains and non-colesteral containing proteins. I have also weened myself off of flavored drinks, and am once again comfortable with water. Not to mention that I havent touched a drop of alcohol since I left the homeland. My body is happy :)  Though having said all of that, all the junk food I ate on my trip was completely by choice and totally worth it!

I have also started swimming. The weather has been so warm and sunny that it's not only a relief to jump in the pool, it's also an incredible workout thats low impact and works every muscle in my body. I never really last too long, but I hope to keep it up and use it as part of my training more and more often.

Anyway, long story short, I am enjoying getting my ass back in shape! It was frustrating to start out, but feels great now that I can see progress! Onwards and Upwards my fellow runners and swimmers, whatever shape you are in!

Solid Workout!

Today was another solid workout! Josh and I went to the gym just before 1:00pm because we knew it would be considerably quieter than in the evening. While we went together, we did separate workouts.
I hit the treadmill for a little bit of speed work. I ran 6mph (thats a 10 minute mile) for 20 minutes. I remember the days when I couldn't run 6mph for one mile, never mind two! Boy did it feel good :)  There were moments when I didn't think I would finish, but I guess that was just psychological because my body did just fine!

I've been reading the book 'Born to Run' by Christopher McDougall and towards the beginning of the book we come across an ultra-runner named Ann Trason. There is one thing she said that has really stuck with me, even though I am close to finishing the book. She says that you have to relax into your run like it's a hot bath until your body no longer resists the shock and just enjoys the run. She says that if you can relax enough your body will become familiar with the cradle rocking rhythm so much so that you will almost forget that you are moving.

On days when I am feeling tense in my run or feeling like I am just not going to be able to finish my run I think about what Ann said. I think about all the muscles that are tensed up and slowing me down ... and I knock the little guy off my shoulder who is telling me I can't do it. I imagine myself slipping into a steaming hot bath and just relax into my run. It is pretty amazing how well it works. I guess it really is all in the mind.

After my 20 minutes on the treadmill I did strength training for my abs and upper legs. Needless to say I was pretty tired once I was finished. But I was feeling awesome! Looking forward to tomorrow!