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All Set to Sign Up for a Race
While perusing Facebook yesterday I ran across a friend’s post sharing a discount for the upcoming Fiesta 5K, a race I ran two years ago and loved, but had to miss last year because we were in NYC for the Bike NY Five Boro Bike Tour. Deciding that I need something to dangle as a carrot as I itch to get back into running, I was all set to sign up for the race with-or-without my physical therapist’s blessings.
Just before hitting submit, I double checked my calendar and realized that we’re already signed up for LoCo Ride, a 26, 50, or 70-mile bike ride in Loudoun County, VA that’s scheduled for the same morning. The great thing about this biking event is that you sign up, but don’t have to commit to the distance you plan to ride until the day of the event.
Anyway, plan B is to register for the Van Metre 5K on April 18th, a race I’ve never run, but have wanted to for years. Since it’s a couple of weeks earlier than the Fiesta 5K, I’m going to run it by my physical therapists before registering.
Physical Therapy Continues
This past week my physical therapist Ashley introduced small amounts of flexion and twisting back into my routine with bent-knee dead lifts, cat/camels, and a weird twisting movement in tabletop position. Everything felt great and I’ve added these into my at-home routine. My foot numbness/tingling continues to come and go, but happens much less frequently than before.
I’m continuing with PT twice a week, but so far Ashley has not volunteered when she thinks I can run again so as I mentioned earlier, that’s on my list of questions to ask on Tuesday. 😉
And Now on to a RunDown of this Past Week’s Workouts…
Running
Still no running…
Biking
I can ride my spin bike (affiliate link) whenever I choose as long as I sit upright and don’t lean forward in the racing position.
Walking
I’m continuing to walk on the treadmill (affiliate link) while gradually increasing the incline every minute. The goal is to increase my cardiovascular workload without going into a run and to increase my flexion as I adjust my body’s position while walking uphill.
I really should be doing this workout at least three times a week and need to make that start happening this week!
Strength Training
As I mentioned last week, I’ve started gradually adding back in some lower body exercises. This past week, I brought back leg curls on the Swiss ball and step-ups, exercises that I’d cut out when I started PT. I’m hoping that I can reintroduce lunges soon because I really miss them.
Yoga
Because of the twisting and bending necessary in many poses, I’ve suspended yoga until I get the all clear from my PT. Asking about which yoga poses I can add back in is another question on my long list for Ashley.
It’s on the Blog
In case you skipped checking in on my blog this past week, here’s what you missed…
- Sunday – Keeping Up with Physical Therapy
In addition to the workouts I mentioned above, here’s a complete rundown of my workouts from this past week (completed either outside or in our home gym)…
- Questions:
- • Do you have trouble motivating yourself to do cardio workouts that you don’t enjoy as much as your preferred ones?
- • What races do you have on your calendar for this spring?
- • Did you run in a race this weekend?
And that’s my rundown… Have a great week!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.
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I’m linking up with Deborah at Confessions of a Mother Runner and Kim from Running on the Fly for their Weekly Run Down. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
I am convinced all of the cycling I did while not able to run really kept my cardio up. My Peloton was a lifesaver! I’ve never done the LoCo bike event that looks really fun! Thanks for linking up and have a great week
I’m sure you’re exactly right about all of the cycling! Would you like to join me for the LoCo Ride?
Oh Deb 1000% yes there are cardio workouts that I will never be motivated to do. For example, I’d only use an elliptical if I couldn’t run and it was the last piece of cardio equipment on earth. Congrats on signing up for the 5k, it’s so exciting to have a race on the calendar.
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie recently posted…Weekly Sweats: Adding fuel to the fire
So you’re telling me that you don’t like the elliptical? LOL
Continue doing the good work with rehab. I am doing a few races this spring. My training is off to a slow start so I will be having a few plan b’s.
What spring races are you thinking of doing? I’d originally hoped to run a St.Paddy’s Day 4-miler in Arlington with my son and his girlfriend, but that’s off the table now…
Bummer. I’m doing that one for the first time…
Oh bummer, I love doing blogger meet-ups at races! Perhaps it will work out another time.
It sounds like PT is really progressing nicely, Deb! I know it must be super frustrating. I haven’t raced since November, but I’m thinking about a short race maybe at the end of March. Especially since it seems Spring is at least trying to come!
It is frustrating, but knowing that things could be so much worse helps keep it in perspective.
I love that spring races are just around the corner. Have fun at yours!
Glad PT is helping; being injured is so frustrating…but you’re doing all the right things. Good luck!
Thanks, Jessie!
Glad to hear that you are dreaming about spring races! That must mean you’re getting better. My spring race calendar has already changed. That’s why I rarely sign up for things in advance.
Now that I’m older and seem to be frequently injured, I don’t sign up for races until the last possible second unless they’re bigger races that fill up quickly or have a huge jump in the entrance fee.
I have a stationary bike (also gifted to us from the SIL) that has a heavy layer of dust on it. I just cannot bring myself to give it a try…it took me so long to get into outdoor biking, I fear the indoor option will be just as (un)thrilling as the treadmill. I’m glad I have the elliptical for indoor cardio, though LOL IT’s nice to have a few spring race options to consider…hopefully one of them will work with you schedule and your PT’s blessing.
I watch TV while on my spin bike and treadmill so the time goes by a little faster than a turtle running in peanut butter, but not much! LOL
Glad to read that you are thinking about signing up for a 5k this spring, Deb. I hope one (or more) of them works out for you. Curtailing workouts is just the worst. You have had a rough year. Hoping you get back to “normal” soon!
Thanks, Laurie!
I am pretty much restricted to the bike and the elliptical as my cardio for the moment. The amount of internal grumbling, eye rolling and mental flailing I do before I get on the elliptical is practically toddler-ish in nature. I. Hate. It. I know I need it, but it’s so boring and awful. Blah.
I have that one 5K in mind. I haven’t allowed myself to really dream beyond that.
You description of your mental attitude toward the elliptical sounds very much like mine toward the treadmill. I must admit that I haven’t “hated” walking on it as much as I do running. Of course, I’m doing two miles walking (30 minutes) versus over an hour running so there’s that…
I do not exercise but forcing myself to bike instead of running has been a plus.
I hope PT gets you back to running sooner.
I have a half in March, April and May…OY!!
Biking is a great cross training cardio exercise for runners – keep it up!
Good for you for scheduling three halves this spring! It sounds like your ankle must be feeling much better.
I’m doing the three pacers runs for St. Patrick’s Day and then of course that pesky little marathon. After being injured mid way last training cycle, I’m over cautious about trying to avoid injuries though! Good luck with your recovery.
Laetitia recently posted…2020 Paris Marathon Training: Less than 50 days to go!
Thank you, Laetitia!
I know how that feels… getting better… not going exactly what you want but doing things anyway… and not yet knowing when you can run again. Hopefully you get the go-ahead for the Fiesta 5K!
I do sometimes have trouble motivating myself to do workouts that aren’t my favorite. And I’m really terrible about doing PT prescribed exercises. I want to go back to BodyPump but I don’t dare yet… I’m just nervous about it. But I’m not self-motivated to do all the strength training.
I have a 10KM race on 22/3 (“Rondje van Nederland” – basically it’s a Round of the Netherlands, set in our open air museum here in town – there are little mock villages of places in NL and of course the cheese shop, the clog shop, etc. I think it will be super cute. ) . I’m also signed up for Rotterdam 1/4 marathon (so 10.5KM) on the 5th of April. After that I’m only signed up for Chicago. I’d like to do a few more races. But nothing major.
Rondje van Nederland will be my first race of the year.
I am getting pretty tired of doing my PT exercises. They add another 30 minutes to the other exercises that I can still do. If doing them will get me back to running quicker, than I’m not going to complain (well, I may complain, but I’ll do them – LOL). I learned yesterday that the press-ups that Ron calls McKenzies are something that I will do prophylactically for the rest of my life and I’m okay with that!
Your 10K race sounds like it’s on a fun course! Good luck and have fun!
Hello Deb
I’m glad to visit your blog.
My Father has bought an exercise bike after got diagnosed with the acute coronary syndrome. He used to ride his bike outside. Now he uses his exercise bike that same with your article, at home.
Best wishes to your dad and tell him to keep up the great work!
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