Blarg

Ok screw that new medication, it was making me feel worse instead of better. Had a rough few days after stopping it, but starting to see the other side now.

Managed a 5k run this morning - with some walking in the middle! In part because I had accidentally turned off the sound on my phone. I like the little announcement every km telling me how far I've gone. 

I tend to set my alarm for 6:45 and then lie in bed until the news at 7, and sometimes sleep through it... today I told myself, "you can stretch while you're waiting for/listening to the news." Started stretching before I got out of bed! And that really helped to get me going. Finding ways to work with my existing habits really helps, I find.

I also tried something new today - my neighbourhood is hilly, and you can't get very far without encountering traffic lights etc. So today, I just kept going generally downhill, route largely determined by manageable crossings at busy streets, until I hit 5km. Then, I walked to the nearest bus stop, and took the bus home.

Boy, did I feel a lot colder when I got off the bus than when I got on! And a lot stiffer, yikes. Still need to stretch more. Live and learn...

First ride of the year!

First ride since it snowed! December 17 was my last ride - 10 weeks ago! Yikes. My legs are still sore from Wednesday's run (when will I learn to stretch?) so this was a good low-impact way to get things moving without over-stressing the same muscles. And nice to be out on the road! I miss that feeling!

(Lack of) Progress Pics

I went for a run this morning! First in many months. It felt good! Temperature was -1°, so a little bit icy in spots, but a great temperature for me. I swear this run - after months of winter inactivity - was easier than any run I went on last summer/fall. I chalk that up to a combination of climate (the heat and humidity kill me, running without sweating is bliss) and iron levels (last summer my ferritin was 3 or 4, now it's up to 13). Amazing the difference eating meat makes! Or eating more meat I should say; I was never vegetarian, but wasn't making the effort to eat meat every day. 

Anyway, I haven't been good about taking progress pics, but thought today would be a good day, to correspond with my first run of the year. 

Back on track

How many times have I said that?

Let's see, in February I had my covid booster (knocked out for a couple of days), went away for a weekend (arms sore for days), and started a new medication (just feeling... wrong). 

But, today is sunny, and I set my alarm clock to "buzzer" instead of "radio" to make it harder to sleep through. Did my morning mini workout for 15 minutes instead of 10. And walked my son to the bus stop. Got my blood pumping and my vitamin D, so there's that. 

I also signed up for another fundraiser - this one's virtual, so pretty low-key. But the point is to get my bike out and moving. I also taught my son to fix a flat, and signed up for a cycling club, got a new helmet, and ordered some bike shorts and a horn. Giving myself no excuses!

Pooped!

I am worn out!

I had a good run of doing my morning workout every day. Then, covid booster fatigue. Then, I started a new medication I am still adjusting to, Then, away for the weekend, where I got more exercise than I normally do (snowshoeing, ropes courses) but also ate poorly. I find "institutional food" makes me gassy and leaves me unsatisfied.  

made it to the top of this one!

So this week, my arms are achy from climbing (I do not have the upper body strength required!) and my guts are out of sorts and I am having insomnia at night and fatigue in the morning. Not a good combination!

went off trail, wound up covered in burrs

But now that I'm home, I'm back to eating well with no additives and more fibre, at least. Even if I'm not exercising.

grilled jumbo shrimp and broccoli slaw with peanut dressing

omelet with ham, mushrooms, gruyere

Speaking of, I need to get back to exercising. I have no big weekend plans, so hoping at least one of those days will allow for a bike ride or a run (even if I have to go to the dreaded gym and hit the treadmill). It's two just over two months to the Sporting Life 10k, so I need to hop to it!

Recovery mode

Wow, my booster shot knocked me out! I expected as much, because the shot I had back in July knocked me out, too. This one wasn't quite as bad; the effects hit sooner after the jab, but I started with Advil and Tylenol right away, so I only had heavy fatigue and arm pain rather than fever like last time.

Knowing what was coming, I had planned to do nothing over the weekend, and boy did I do nothing! Still pretty sleepy today. Tempted to make another pot of coffee but I suspect that way lies madness.

Finally! Something to reach for!

Two years ago, I signed up for my first offical 10k, to take place in May 2020.

2020. Sigh.

Well, it's happening live and in-person this year, and I signed up! So excited to have a goal to motivate me!

And, so far I've stuck to my short-term goal of doing a 10-minute mini-workout every morning this week, and I've been remembering my vitamins.

Interesting how activity and appetite intersect... even though I've been getting more exercise this week, I'm not hungrier. In fact, I've been eating less. Is it because I've consistently remembered my vitamins? Probably?

This weekend may be rough due to my booster - I've ordered a decadent panettone to help me get through it - so I'm going to pick up a nice steak for dinner Friday night. Meat has helped bring my ferritin up from the basement, but I'm hoping to boost it well up into the optimal range. Setting my sights on 50! Should make sure I have some smoked oysters and/or mussels on hand, too...