Pull ups

Got 10 wide grip pull ups the other day; 12 today. Gaining strength! A year ago I couldn't do a single one.

Of course my energy or drive or something feels a little low lately. Not sure what that is all about??

Got a bike!

Here's my new bike that I got yesterday! It's a gently used 2008 Jamis Ventura, that I had to name "Ace" (as in Ace Ventura Pet Detective with Jim Carey). I was unexpectedly completely sprung from the boot yesterday so was able to take the bike on a 30 minute spin through the Tom's Creek basin area. It was a good test because it was pretty hilly. I'm only very slightly sore in the quads today.

With all systems seemingly a-go, I signed up for that Lake Norman triathlon August 23. I do think it will be a fun summer goal and should keep me out of trouble (somewhat).

The weather has kept me from the pool for a few days and I'm anxious to get back in and try what I learned in a swim consultation with Jim McGehee, a triathlon and endurance coach.

Things at the gym are going pretty well and I'm so glad I was able to continue training there throughout this recovery. I made some definitely gains over the last two months that I hope will enhance my running and other activities.

In two weeks I'll be clear to start running again. The leg still feels "off" so I hope by then not to even notice it anymore.

Back in the blogosphere!

Haven't blogged in ages - just keeping my head above water while the leg has been incarcerated. Tomorrow I have my biweekly orthoped appointment and the plan is SUPPOSED to be a weaning from the boot which means I have begun allowing myself to start planning, dreaming, and plotting.

I'd like to take all the credit for the latest crazy idea, but once again, I have Jake to blame in large part. TRIATHLON. The reason being I have to take it easy on running and work up over time and I had already planned on swimming, so add in a little bike ride, and there ya go.

I am looking at a sprint triathlon at Lake Norman in Charlotte -750m swim, 17 mile bike, 5k run. I'm excited about the prospect of an open water swim. Cycling and multisport races are really big in this area. The only holdup (well, besides the leg) is a lack of a bike. I've been looking locally and found one on Craig's list I'll be seeing tomorrow. I had a bit of sticker shock, even with the used bikes. One local store's road bikes START at $1300 and the guy could not understand why I would absolutely, flat-out REFUSE to pay that! Needless to say, I am looking to go used. Who knows, I may try this out this summer and then decide it's not for me.

I see the triathlon training as a summer focus, but after August, I'm all over marathon training again, probably for the Richmond Marathon on November 14. That is major unfinished business for me.

I do realize this is just a little bit crazy, but what the heck. Could be fun :-) Stay tuned!!

Navigating uncharted waters

I am focusing now on gaining as much information as possible about healing my injury while safely maintaining as much function as I can in terms of flexibility, range of motion, etc.

I found this website, Runner's Remedy (http://www.ualberta.ca/~alester/conditions/home2.html) which seems to offer up a very methodical approach to a variety of injuries that often plague runners. It's written by runners for injured runners who want to return to the sport in a safe and efficient manner.

I've not been using my online Workout Log (see toolbar on right) because there's been so little to write, but I realize this too is part of my journey. I can't only record the good parts, but the less interesting ones too, so I'm back on that.

More lyrics...coincidence?

Here's another example of a song that caught my ear and when I searched for the lyrics, here's what I found. WOW.

While I'm Waiting - John Waller

I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait