Jumping on a bench

Today marked eight days since I last ran or even really exercised. I can't exactly count doing some sort of tricep dips in our little blow-up pool; and walking around the zoo this weekend, although a bit of a distance, was not really strenuous.

So while I was at the park with my kid, I decided to take advantage of the benches there by stepping up on that wooden thing many times. For each set, I stepped up/on the bench 40 times (20 times per each leg getting a turn to "lead"). My ballpark estimate is that I did this at least a dozen times and as many as 20. I would take a break in between each set, for as little as two minutes and as much as 10 or more (there was an minor accident which I was mildly interested in). But I did do this over an hour to an hour and a half period.

I was disappointed that my legs did not shake the way they did when I ran the 65 steps at my kid's school, and I could not go as fast as I did then either, but the bench was quite a bit higher than regular steps and my heart rate was definitely up each time I did a set.

When I was done, I wanted to run around the park, but I really was not dressed for it. Plus, it was odd enough to do what I was doing in front of several families. At least I was setting a good example by exercising, and I was able to keep an eye on my kid the entire time.

But I miss running...

Running around the track

Today, I finally took advantage of the school taxes I have been paying all these years and ran around the high school track. I had forgotten just how boring running around (and around) an oval can be. Better than the track at the gym (something like 12 or 14 laps for one mile), for sure, but completing 12 revolutions to run three miles is a lot more challenging than I had remembered.

Who would have thought I would miss the hills on my normal run? But I did, because they not only make the run interesting, but they also provide the ebb and flow; just when it gets really tough, you have a downhill to help you out. Despite the high humidity (a recurring theme), because of the absence of hills, I felt as if I was cheating. Or, at the very least, not doing a regular run.

When I had completed my three miles, which also included two 110 yard (or is it meters) sprints, I considered running the bleachers. I was tired, but my thighs were not begging for mercy, a sure sign of a good run (with hills).

In the end, I think it was good to try the track. I am sure my body appreciated the softer surface, and it did provide a change of venue. I am not eager to do it again soon, but I do plan to come back. Who knows? Maybe I will try a barefoot run next time.

Finally back out there

Just as I suspected would happen, the first week my kid is out of school meant no running for me. I had hopes of running with my brother while visiting him in NC late this week and through the weekend, but time and the ridiculously hot (96 degrees!) weather conspired against us.

Fortunately, I managed to get a run in yesterday. Even better for me, a creature of habit, it was the same running route I normally take, thanks to sending my kid to vacation Bible school at her school. I ran just over two miles, which was less than I would have liked, but I did end the session by running up the 65 steps between lots five times, so I am pretty satisfied. Since it was before noon, it was not as hot as it was when I ran eight days earlier, but the humidity was still up. Up so much that it rained ever so slightly near the end of my run. I would have been happy for something a little stronger/harder.

Glad I was able to get that run in. Not sure when I will run next. I hope soon. I really miss it!

End of the season run

Today was my kid's last day of school for the year, which also makes it my last day of running my regular route.   :-(

But I am happy to report I ended the "season" on a high note. I am guessing I ran a little over four miles; since my run took about 40 minutes and I tend to average about a nine-minute mile, that seems about right.

I felt pretty good throughout the run. I don't remember my knee hurting at all, and perhaps my running backwards down a couple of the steeper hills helped. Of course, I was hot and very sweaty with the high humidity again, but I did not feel awful as I did when I ran earlier this week. Could it be that I am getting used to it?!

The timing of my run probably was a factor. I typically run around 2 p.m., or just before, but because today was a half-day for the kids and I was already at school, I began my run at just after 10 a.m., with about two bites of a pop-tart and a generous-sized mocha in my belly. Not ideal, but it is what it is.

I am glad that I had a pretty productive week of exercise, definitely one of my best this entire school. I really think running steps in between regular runs gave me an edge. And as crazy as it sounds (at least to me), my thighs seem toner today than they did earlier this week.

I am such a creature of habit, and now I won't have my running route/routine. I really should have run a 5k race by now. But, alas, I did not, so I just have to hope I can get a run in around my very hilly neighborhood when I can. Maybe I will try the local track. We'll see.

Fingers crossed.

Maybe it takes weeks.

After yesterday's lackluster run, thanks to the weather, I decided to run up (and jog down) the 65 steps between the upper and lower parking lots near the school. And just like yesterday, it was tough from the get-go.

I decided to run up 10 times before stopping for about 10 or 15 seconds to suck down some water. I made 5 more trips before another brief water break, and then watered myself again after 4 more runs. I managed to run my last set of steps at a pretty good speed, though I was hurting, so incredibly hot. I was partly buoyed by the older gentleman I passed on trip number 19 who said, "That is great for your leg muscles." To which I replied, "Not so much if I have a heart attack."

Afterwards, I walked around for about four or five minutes, as I typically do to cool down after a run. But for the first time in a long time, my legs were actually shaking. Not sure if it was because I really pushed myself, because the heat and humidity were high again, or a combination. I just know it was not a good feeling, and over an hour later, while at the park, I felt kind of crappy.

As I said yesterday, I have no idea how people who live in high humidity/temp areas run outside. I just know my body is pretty far from adjusting.

Worst. Run. Ever.

Okay, I have certainly had a lot less successful runs, but today's run, in 80-degree temps and high humidity, was surely the most challenging and unpleasant one I had since I started running again this past fall. I considered walking after a mile, but forced myself to get in just over two miles, as much as it pained me. I started panting about 10 seconds into the run (up the hill, of course) and did not stop my labored breathing until the bitter end.

I ran only one day last week, on Monday, so I am sure the eight-day hiatus from strenuous exercise did not help. But regardless, I just could not help wondering how people in the South, particularly in areas with high humidity, run outside. I felt ill for most of the run, almost as if I were going to be sick.

Because I am disappointed with my results today, I am going to try again tomorrow, breaking my rule of not running on consecutive days. But considering tomorrow is going to be a little hotter than today, I might just end up struggling through running the steps a bunch of times. I really don't want to feel that awful feeling two days in a row.

Is it too much to have July weather in July only?!