I don’t know what’s wrong with my right foot so I am tweaking my training plan for the week.
Usually I run a combination of three days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – during the work week depending on my schedule, and both Saturday and Sunday.
Mondays are usually “run” rest days after the weekend. Sometimes I rest on Thursday. But I generally like to have two days a week off from running. I hit the gym two to three days a week. If it works, I try to go at lunch. That frees up my evenings so I can get non-running things done.
I ran/hiked/hobbled in the rain/hail at Edworthy Park. I could feel the pain in my foot immediately so I knew I would be in some trouble. My right leg, ankle, foot etc have always given me grief in one way or another. I am not surprised that all my issues pop up on this side of the body.
I took it way too easy and stopped to stretch out my right hip, which seemed to help a little bit. I think all the asphalt pounding (over two weekends) has caught up with my body so it’s time to tone that down a bit.
Also I need to get myself to a chiropractor. I have the name of several good ones. I just need to make an appointment. I really liked Dr. Foord, my chiropractor in Red Deer so hopefully I can find some one who is equally great.
So I am going to run every other day as opposed to consecutively to give my foot a rest. I considered running on the treadmill tonight but I think it would make my foot pain even worse.
Making those vegan gains
Meanwhile I am still hitting up the gym. I am starting to see some muscle definition in my arms and shoulders, which is incredibly encouraging and motivating.
I still have a long way to go until I am happy with my gains. I am feeling more confident with my lifting at the gym too. I had paid $200 for a six or seven session with a trainer through GoodLife Fitness. I skipped on the final session because I felt I got all that I needed by the third session.
It was great to have someone check my form and ensure I was doing the exercises properly. We mostly focused on my back because my posture is so bad and I have a weak right (of course) shoulder.
I am continuing to focus on my upper body – back, shoulders/chest – and core. I am trying to avoid the machines and use the free weights as much as possible. (You engage more muscles this way.) I have a pretty good arsenal of exercises now that I can do when the gym is busy.
Today at lunch it seemed like everyone was working on their back. Fortunately I was able to squeeze in and get a bench when I needed it. I don’t mind that it’s so busy anymore. I often get ideas from other gym goers on exercises.
Other than stretching and a few lunges here and there I am not doing a lot for my legs. Time is an issue at lunch so I try to focus on upper body. I figure all those freaking hill repeats that I have been doing over the last few months are enough.