Training Day 5 - March 20, 2010

The JIM team training day. I hauled my backside out of bed at 6:00 am. Ugh, that's too early for me these days, but I did it anyway. Commitment and determination leads us to go places we might not otherwise attempt. You can quote me on that!

Taking water bottle in hand and attaching Lucie to her leash, we walked downstairs and outside to a chilly, damp morning. Looking forward to the forecasted sunny day, the grass is leaden with dew, but my spirits cannot be dampened. We climbed into the car and headed to REI in Redmond, our gathering spot for this morning's session. Once there, I met our fearless leader, Scott, along with the rest of the Seattle JIM team. It looks like a group of about 20 something, although there were a few teammates missing. Today's assignment: 60 minutes (for the walkers) on the Sammamish River trail. Because part of the team are runners, some are walk/joggers and the rest walkers, we head out together but don't stay in a pack for more than 60 seconds or so. The sun is beginning to cast long morning shadows as we begin the trek. Have you ever walked or biked on the Sammamish River trail? If not, you're missing a real treat! The trail runs parallel to the river and is completely paved, with some wide areas alongside so runners/walkers can change surfaces. Running or walking long distances on a single surface such as concrete or asphalt can be hard on the feet and legs, so it's good to have grass or compacted soil to switch onto to reduce bone stress.

Shortly after the beginning of the trail, we came upon a fork where the trail divided north and south. I and majority of the group chose the south trail which leads to Marymoor Park, a huge urban park that is arguably the best outdoor recreation destination spot in the Puget sound area. Lush landscaping, miles and miles of trails along with playing fields, a velodrome, performance area, picnic spots, off lease dog park, etc. etc. I tell you this is a BIG park, and I'm so lucky to be living in such close proximity to it. Needless to say, it's a popular weekend spot for area residents, so I'm glad we started out early this morning.

I have to tell you, my body is protesting a bit. Well, more than a bit. I've got shin splints that are going to require some icing when I get home. Blame that on the concrete walking and just beginning my training. I expect that to improve as I get further into the program.

One thing I'm concerned about is some fairly constant pain coming from my left knee. Today as I started the walk it was aching quite intensely. On a scale of 1-10, it was an 8. It is always difficult for me to get started in the mornings, as you know, because of stiffness and pain from inactivity during sleep time. Today there's additional pain in hips, low back and feet. My ankles felt somewhat rigid, so that throws my step off a little. That proved to ease a little as I kept walking.

Thank goodness for the sun and gorgeous view. That helped keep me motivated and made it easier to push through the discomfort. I passed a couple of other team walkers on the trail. They seemed to be having a good time, so that helped keep my spirits up too. Of course Lucie decided that she had to stop for a poop break about that time, so I ended up taking a short rest along the side of the trail until she finished. Once her duty was completed and I disposed of the waste, we got back on the trail. It was 40 minutes into the walk, I was doing OK, convinced I could make the full 60.

The last 10 minutes of the walk was a test of my will. The body was telling me to stop, but I kept on. Did I tell you I am stubborn? Stubborn, but not stupid...I sure hope my body is going to be able to take this training. It's important to me to help others with AS understand what is possible. Let's be honest, this is a painful disease; we have to learn to cope with it and try to live as normal a life as possible. If we give in, we lose the battle. I, for one, am not willing to give in. I've come close a time or two, when the constant pain, fatigue and continuing progression of the disease forced me to alter my career path. As I've said before, this isn't a disease for the weak. Sometimes I think God chose ASers for this particular life challenge because we are somehow inherently strong. That's the way I choose to think of it, at least.

With the end of the walk in sight, Lucie was starting to get excited by the prospect of a nice nap and a treat. She's still new to accompanying me during a training, so she's learning that she cannot stop and sniff every blade of grass or leisurely look around for birds and other small critters that might be hiding just out of her reach. Her tongue was lolling as we began our cool down. Once to got to the car, she was more than ready for a drink of water.

Speaking of water, it's very important to keep yourself well hydrated during exercise. I always carry a 1/2 liter (about 17 oz) of water during a training walk. The bottle is empty by the time I've finished the cool down.

That's all for today. Sunday is an off day, so no training notes. I'll be back at it on Monday. See you then! keep movin' - rest is rust!