Take it Easy

Tomorrow marks my first full week of what I've named "Operation Hot Bikini." Thanks, Bestie. Even though I've been working out only every other day, I feel good about making it a whole week on a routine. In the last seven days, I've exercised 50 minutes or more continuously for four. Even on some of those off days, I charted light walking, housework, dancing, and stretching. I feel good.

I've been stretching every day, as well as icing my shins for the pain, per the advice of a friend.

This morning, I wrapped my left shin in an ACE bandage to help with the shin pain, as I read on many websites. It felt good, but my legs still hurt.

I downloaded a stretching app called Stretch Guru that runs you through a stretching routine for about 15 minutes. It was $0.99, but I think it was worth it. It helped me extend my stretches, and I felt good going into my light workout.

I put a brace on my right knee, donned my workout clothes, and began walking. I walked a very short distance before my left leg (despite the ACE bandage) felt like it was exploding. It was burning so badly. I turned around and walked back. I only walked a half a mile. It was very discouraging, but I just could not handle it tonight. I don't know what I'm going to do. I can't, I won't, let this stop me. I can't let my momentum to exercise go away. This time feels different. I feel like I can stick it out, but HOW do I recover from this leg pain and still exercise effectively.

On my way back to my apartment, I decided to stop by the fitness room (that I've basically never used, sadly). It's incredibly small, but has all the necessary things, I guess: two treadmills, an elliptical, a bike, an ab machine, a 3-part weight-training circuit, and a variety of hand weights, as well as a TV, and a water cooler. Not bad. I figured I'm paying for it anyway, might as well use it.

There were two women on the treadmills talking up a storm, and I didn't think I could handle any more walking anyway, so I chose the low-impact workout of the elliptical. Since I walked a half mile earlier, I decided to go a half mile on the elliptical to even it out. That took about 10 minutes.

I downloaded a free app called Daily Workouts. There's a full version too for $3.99, but I'm on the basically free plan, so I didn't get that one. There are several categories to choose from (arm, abs, butt legs, and cardio), each with video guidance and a countdown timer. I picked up the smallest hand weights, I think they were 2.5 lbs, and selected arms. I used the hand weights for about 10 minutes, and did the circuit another 10 minutes. I felt better and especially so since I didn't just quit tonight. It felt good to push on, even if it was light.

I don't know what I'm going to do about this pain, or if it even gets better. I hope it does. I really want to succeed. Working out feels good (even if it is light). I felt the stresses of the day soften. I may just try to do some light work every day for a while until my shin pain goes away. Even though it was awkward and a little painful, I miss the burn and soreness I had last weekend. It felt good. It was a burn I knew meant something. I don't feel anything right now. My arms a little, tiny bit sore, but other than I don't feel anything but leg pain. I need to feel something again. It helps keep me motivated.

I have to remember those hot bikinis I'll be wearing come May! Right, Bestie?

87 days until the Color Run!