Monday, November 23, 2015

Shut Down, Again

Since my last blog post, I've had some setbacks with my running. What's new, right? The week after my first 10-mile run in 3 years, I ran yet another one. This came the day after a particularly hard PT session, including some exercises I hadn't done before. Consequently, I struggled during the run, had more pain than usual, and was too hardheaded to cut the run short. Ergo, I came out of it a bit scathed, rather than the unscathed I was hoping for.

Fast-forward a few more days and I went out for a moderately paced 4-miler, which I had to cut a mile short due to a strained right calf. It was a cold day, so I thought the calf was just tight. As the run went on, it hurt more and more. That was about a week and a half ago, and I haven't run since.

Of course it's frustrating, but I'm used to that feeling. It's how my body rolls these days. Two steps forward, two steps back. I'm hoping to add at least a half step to the two forward eventually. I don't expect to ever be 100% injury-free or pain-free again when it comes to running. But I hope to get to where it's at least manageable and only a little uncomfortable.

In the meantime, I've dusted off my trusty fluid trainer and have done a few indoor rides, taking advantage of my Netflix subscription. It's not as fun as running (or even riding) outdoors, but I get a really good workout and sweat like crazy, so it's not all bad.

I also started hitting the weights and bodyweight exercises again. I think I may have gotten a tad ahead of myself, however. This morning, my left forearm is throbbing and a little sore right around the break area. I think the pull ups may be the primary culprit. I may not be ready to hang and pull my entire bodyweight up with my arms — left arm, in particular. So, I shall back off again and let it rest.

This has been a bit of a tough year for me, physically. I'm getting weary of complaining like an old man, but I really feel like one lately. I had two relatively serious bike crashes, arm surgery, a bad knee (even before any crashing), a root canal on a dying tooth, a strained calf, some shoulder problems, and get the h*ll offa my lawn, you blasted kids!

But, here in the U.S., it's Thanksgiving week. I'm alive and otherwise healthy. Got a great wife, two awesome daughters, a spoiled dog, roof over my head and food in my belly. Get to draw things for a living. Any complaining I do is pretty ridiculous when put into perspective, I guess.

I'm very, very thankful. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.