Lessons learned from a habitual outdoor runner

Tag: exercise Page 1 of 3

The future of the long haul

Hey Folks, it’s been a long break from posting. I made it through the winter doing slow (10 min miles) and shorter (around 6 miles/day) morning runs. Unfortunately, the knee has not cooperated, and I have spent 90% of the mornings on the bike. The bike is not bad; it’s just not as fulfilling as running.

As I cannot seem to get the knee issue under control myself, I’ll be seeking some professional input. Meanwhile, it’s short runs (2-3 miles @ ~11 min pace) on the days I cannot bike.

I am a committed fitness junkie who loves the morning exercise routine, so what does that look like for the long haul if my “good” running days are limited? We adjust!

Much like natural aging and our bodies doing “new” things seemingly every day, we have to alter our approach, as doing nothing is the beginning of the end. Have you ever heard the phrase about announcing your retirement being a signal to the universe that your stint on earth is getting ready for recycling?

In this case, I’m not ready to start the recycling process!

Fortunately, we have options for lower-impact equipment and increasing the alternatives like yoga and strength training. I’ll wait for a professional evaluation on the knee before I get too deep into change, but it’s great to have options!

We’ll catch you next time to see what direction we go next.

Pursue health

An object at rest remains at rest, or if in motion, remains in motion at a constant velocity unless acted on by a net external force. – Newton’s first law (extrapolation)

Our mortal bodies left to themselves will self-destruct. We must pursue healthy nutrition and physical movement to counter balance. Our bodies don’t appear to be designed to lounge in comfort for extended periods, in fact, when in excess, comfort turns into discomfort. This becomes more obvious the longer we occupy this form.

I exercise everyday. Every-single-day. Why? In my mid 30’s the above became very apparent, yet I did what we humans usually do, ignored it and somehow believed the 18 year-old version of me was going to show up again. He didn’t.

In my mid 40’s the visits to the physicians and modern equipment and medications were being prescribed. If things were going to get better for this body someone had to do something. Oh, that was me, nobody else could do it. I wrote about this in more detail in some of my early posts on this blog.

So now each day I pursue my health.

If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.

Useful tools @ Original Strength

A friend told me to check out Tim Anderson over at Original Strength and I am glad I did. I am still checking out the videos over at YouTube as there are tons of useful resources available to introduce some very helpful tools.

The concept of a “reset” is an underlying theme and one key routine is rocking. At first I was thinking that is too simple, however, when I started I quickly realized how much work my knee still required. These resets are great physical therapy!

The knee is getting better. While it’s not ready for running, flexibility is improving and pain intensity lowering. Riding the bike is not a problem for it, for which I am very grateful. I have been able to walk two to three miles a day. I wish I could say the walks are pain free, but not yet.

2018 Running Summary Data

This post simply contains the running data for 2018 from Garmin Connect.

Screenshot from 2019-01-02 09-43-55


Screenshot from 2019-01-02 10-26-04


Screenshot from 2019-01-02 09-45-37

 

 

Run for life

We’ve heard this said numerous ways, as in:

  • I’m running for my life (being chased?)
  • I want to run for my entire life (accomplishment)
  • Running is my life (or focus)
  • Do these things, and you can run more/longer (competitive)

For me, running is one of the key elements that keeps me vital. Genetics, poor life choices, time, and circumstance are all influencing my physical presence and yours. Running has proven to be a significant asset in my journey to live out my purpose.

Several studies have pointed out the benefits of gut health and the impact on our longevity based on our personal diet (which is what works best for our body). Similarly, there have been studies showing that physical exercise like running can actually extend (rebuild) the age shrinking telomeres in our DNA structures.

I see running as my fountain of youth, regardless of what life brings, I’m doing what I can with the body I have to keep up with the changes and challenges being thrown at it.

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