It was like a switch turned on. Suddenly I feel alive and full of energy. Goodbye winter blues. It helps that Calgary’s weather has been amazing for running lately.
Last week I FINALLY had my ankle checked out. Just as I expected, the doctor told me it would take time – up to a year – for my ankle to fully heal. He gave me a list of rehab exercises to do, most of which I have been doing on my own. Honestly it’s been feeling super lately so I’m not grumbling about it as much anymore.
I got in about 50 kms of solid running for the second week in a row. I am slowly amping up my running while reducing the time I spend at the gym. Quite frankly it’s been so busy at the gym closest to me that I am spending more time than I would like to there.
I bough a new pack and pair of sneakers at a big sale at one of the local running stores. I wanted a smaller hydration pack that I can wear in the winter and on shorter runs. The Brooks PureGrit were an impulse buy (only $75). So far, so good. I’ve worn them all week and they haven’t disappointed.
From doorstep to trails
I’m getting a little bored with running at Nose Hill. It’s great for days where I want to run mindlessly up and down hills. I want to explore other places in Calgary because there are so many paved and non-paved trails.
I always find it’s best to get to know a new place on foot. Today I headed in the direction of the Bow River. I knew I would eventually make it to Bowmont Park. Thankfully I stopped the right couple who told me exactly how to get to the park. Their directions were spot on – and only 3.5K from where I started.
I was in luck. I am super excited to see more of the city on foot. Let’s cross our fingers that we’re done with winter.
Doubling up on Prairie Mountain
The big news this week is doing repeats on Prairie Mountain. Rachel and I managed to summit Prairie twice. It was a tough go at times but we stayed on course and got it done. It was nice to see Harold who had gone up for the sunrise and repeated another three times. Yup. Four times.
I feel pretty good because I was worried that I wouldn’t have the ankle strength or endurance since I have been slacking for a few months. I think it would be great to work up to four repeats this year and definitely in the spring or summer.
The snow and ice was almost non-existent. There were a few parts that tripped us up. I think we added more distance (and trouble) by going into the trees to avoid the ice. Thankfully I only fell twice and not hard. My right ankle was hurting the second time up and I was super careful not to put too much pressure on it.
I would love to get up Prairie to see the sunrise. BUT I have to tell you I am afraid of getting lost. However, I did see a lot of people coming down when we started at 9:15 a.m. so I am thinking if I were to go one day for the sunrise that I wouldn’t completely be alone.
So I finishing the second week of January feeling pretty good. I am getting excited about training for R2R2R and my races. I think 2019 is going to be a good year.
I am happy for you that your ankle is finally healed. I know how terrible such things can be.
I injured my shoulder once and it also took a whole year to heal. For the first 6 months, I couldn’t lift anything over my head.
Marcus@strengthery recently posted…TimTam vs Theragun – “Massage Gun-Down”