Back in NYC.
Back to working out.
Back to reality.
Back to winter :(
I arrived back in NYC on Sat afternoon. I'm just going to jump right back in here, not going to in any way put into words the past 7 weeks, suffice to say that words can't describe the experience. Professionally, personally, emotionally, it was incredible.
I did not do ANY physical activity for 5 weeks. I did walk quite a bit in India, but nothing beyond that. There were days when I did too much, and my leg let it known, LOUDLY a few times, that it was not happy with me, but I tried to listen my best.
By the time I arrived in Africa (March 9), I was itching to get to they gym. Not only because I felt soft and tubby, but because emotionally, I rely on the gym. I rely on the release that comes during a hellish spin class, or the high that comes after a really great run. Being in India was a very emotional and grueling 4 weeks, and to not have the release of the gym had really started to weigh on me. As I posted, I was excited and afraid to start working out. But oh so glad the desire was back. I swam twice in a wonderful pool in Jo'burg and did the elliptical for 25 minutes- and was EXHAUSTED after 25 minutes. It made me laugh, but not worried, as I know I was in great shape before I got injured and it is just going to take some time to get back there.
I started back on the treadmill while in Cape Town. I got an email from Dr. M giving me the OK to start back SLOWLY and carefully. I did a few walk/run workouts on the treadmill, and also participated in the International 5k Friendship Run for the Two Oceans Marathon in downtown Cape Town. I know this was NOT the best decision for my leg, running for 30 minutes after not doing anything for 5 weeks, but it was a WONDERFUL experience. I paid for it dearly the next day, my legs felt like I had run a half marathon, not just a 5k, but I am so happy I did it. I even got to carry the American Flag for the run! The day of Two Oceans itself was an amazing experience. I had considered avoiding the whole scene, going for a long bike ride or to the beach, because I was afraid I would get really emotional and sad, but I am so glad I went. The hotel was about a 2km walk from the finish, and I was able to catch my coworker and her friend in their last 1k (a nasty uphill) of the half marathon, then headed to the finish festival to watch the end of the Two Ocean Marathon (which is actaully an ULTRA marathon at 56k). The race really treats international participants well and there was an international hospitality tent right at the end of the finish chute, and I could have reached out and touched the winners if I wanted. It was SUCH a cool experience. Pics to follow, I have some good ones.
I eased back into it for the rest of the vacation, slowly upping the minutes and intensity, but really wanted to wait to run until I got back and saw the doc.
Saw the doc on Monday, got the OK to run 2-3 miles a few times a week, but I cannot start upping milage until I have put in a good month of solid strength training. That means 3-4 times a week for 45 minutes, focusing on lower body and core strength. Although I am NOT a fan of strength training (I think it was the 3 times a week of weights at 6am in college for swimming), I know this was something I neglected in the past few years and may have contributed to my injury. I am also motivated to do this b/c I think it will be the best way to get rid of the few pounds of PURE WINE that I put on in South Africa :)
So I am just trying to adjust back to 'real' life. I had an amazing trip, I was working really long, hard, taxing hours, but I also I played hard and got two extra months of summer for this year, so being back in the office fro 8 hours a day is going to take some getting used to. As is the rainy, 40 degree weather in NYC.
As for the running, I have a great 2/3 mile run route right outside my apartment down the Hudson, but have not been wearing my watch as to not care AT ALL about pace right now. I am going to stick to this route, as it is flat and easy, until I start upping miles.
So far this week for working out:
Sunday- 2 miles AM, 30 minutes swim PM
Monday- 2 miles
Tuesday- off
Wednesday- 2 miles AM, 45 minutes strength PM
Thursday- SPIN
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