Training Day 7 - March 23, 2010

Shoot, I didn't get this post written before midnight, so it's got the wrong date on it. This is my training musings for Tuesday, not Wednesday.

The weather was cooperative today, so after lacing up my Asics I grabbed my sunglasses and water. Nice...a sunny day. Have you ever noticed that colors appear more vibrant after a rain? It's true; yesterday was dull and rainy; today the greens are greener...literally -- my route today took me through a golf course! Thank goodness I came away from it without a single knock on the noggin from an errant golf ball.

I didn't have any difficulty motivating myself to walk today. The sun is an incentive. Joint pain level = 6; shin splints = 2. The shin splints are much better today; my body is becoming accustomed to walking again. There was, however, a big ass hill I had to climb on the way home, so tonight my butt muscles are a little sore.

Hey, I lost 3 lbs last week. I've incorporated a couple of protein shakes a day to keep my muscles functioning at their best. Normally when I finish a practice walk, I refuel with a protein shake and half a banana. It's a good idea to feed your muscles after a workout. Adding a small serving of carbs such as fresh fruit helps replenish the energy used during exercise. Here's a tip: bananas help reduce leg cramping, thanks to their high level of potassium.

Did you know that soreness following exercise is due to swelling from micro tears in the muscles? It's true! That's one reason why it's important for me to remember not to overdo it. By nature I push myself; sometimes that characteristic is a good thing, at other times it isn't. Must have something to do with the stubborn streak, eh?

I made a boo-boo with today's training; I was supposed to walk 45 minutes; instead I walked an hour. I did that yesterday, too. D'oh! I hope I don't pay for that mistake tomorrow with more fatigue than usual. With respect to the AS, it's a toss up either way. I'm just hopeful it doesn't lead to a flare. I don't know what triggers a flare, so it's hard to prevent one from happening. Sometimes, just a simple change in routine or not getting enough rest can bring one on. Grrr...

Well, it's getting late and I need to get to bed. After all, tomorrow is another day of training! keep movin' - rest is rust!