Woof pretty much sums up the past few weeks getting back into running shape. I flirted with shin splints for the first time in a long time and shockingly they're still the same nagging pain I remember. Outside of that though it's felt so, so great to be able to go out on runs as the seasons begin to change here in the DMV.
While we still haven't had any leaves really changing my evening runs have smelled like fall and it's just cool enough to bring a jacket with me. It usually only lasts five minutes or so and then I'm mid-run stripping layers (this might be one of those secret talents I'm most proud of, right up there with having the dexterity in my toes to open up doors). My go-to jacket's been this baby blue number. It's a zip-up which makes it easier to strip out of mid-run and lightweight. Better still it's on sale right now.
Being able to run every other day now finally feels like I've gained back some sense of normalcy. The runs still aren't far, twenty minutes max with the goal of building up more next week, but they've added more structure to my weeks which I definitely appreciate.
Outside of running, it's been hard to get back into a routine since 2020 is sadly still in full swing. In a normal training week, I'd be going to the gym with my teammates directly after practice then rest up until my high schoolers practice, get in a little shakeout with them, and some supplementary core work, prehab, etc. At least once a week I'd head over to our team's massage therapist to wring out my feet, knead my hamstrings, and dig into my low back to keep everything moving happily for the next training week.
Surprise, surprise none of that is happening. So I've often found myself still fumbling around a little without the structure I normally thrive on when I'm back running. Like everything else, though in this wild year we're all living through I'm trying to find ways to stay on top on my rehab, recovery, and modified lifting.
Writing it down + checking it off
Never underestimate the power of a good planner. The hardcover variety with checklists for every day of the week and a monthly overview. In the past six months, I didn't feel the need to use a planner other than my google calendar for the occasional zoom meeting.
Now I'm back organizing my week in this planner I picked up from Target this past month because writing down my goals of things I need to do for the day not only helps me stay on top of things, but feel productive.
Blocking off time
Speaking of productivity anyone else found themselves down the internet or Netflix rabbit hole more lately? It's amazing how much time I can waste procrastinating going to the gym or doing my physical therapy when I have the whole day to do it.
That's the problem for me though; I can do my physical therapy in my apartment because I have all the equipment I need. To allow for social distancing my apartment gym only allows you to go if you schedule time something I haven't loved becuase when I first came back I was not great about scheduling ahead. It's not an ideal situation, but now that I'm set on not doing my physical therapy in my apartment it forces me to block out time to go every day and adds another small layer of structure to my day (and yes I'm writing it down in my planner).
Slowly, but surely I'm building back a routine and so far the #legsarefeelinggood !
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