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Thursday, May 7, 2009

See JavaChick not running...

So now that we've established that many of us equate fitness with ability to run, here's my next question: When will I learn to not be stupid?

I seem to have two modes for exercise: slow and hyperdrive. Once I hit hyperdrive, I have a hard time slowing down. Even when I should.

Last Friday night I did a 90 minute walk on the treadmill. Not the first time I've done this and it felt fine at the time. I don't know if it's the fact that I was wearing different sneakers or if I went a little overboard with the speed and incline changes, but I woke up Saturday morning with some very tender tootsies.

A smart person might have decided to take a rest day. I decided to "take it easy" by trying out Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Hey! It's only 20 minutes.

Right. Then Sunday I hopped back on the treadmill. I tried running, but after a couple of short intervals I realized that was a bad idea.

A smart person might then have gotten off the treadmill. Not this chick. I kept walking.

I did sorta take Monday off. I did some yard work instead of a formal workout. Tuesday I did the Shred thing again, followed by a short yoga routine.

Finally yesterday I gave in. It's not that I'm in pain, but my left foot just feels wrong. It feels sorta like all the bones in the front of my foot have been mashed down out of place; that's the best way I can describe it. It's uncomfortable and it kinda freaks me out.

I did completely take yesterday off from exercise. Today I did a Pilates mat workout because I figured that should not put any further stress on my foot. I hope my foot gets back to normal soon; I like Pilates but if I'm doing it every single day I'll probably get tired of it before too long.

I can't be the only one who does stuff like this. Anyone else not know when to quit?

14 comments:

The Merry said...

I always find quitting to be the easy part. I wish there were some way of being halfway between my approach and yours.
Do you have a stationary bike that you could ride? You could take the weight off the foot but still get a workout.

the Bag Lady said...

Ummmm - when it comes to sweating and working out in the manner that you mean, I don't have any trouble quitting. As soon as I get out of breath, I can easily say screw it.

When it comes to chasing cows, cleaning the barn, gardening, stacking hay bales, or any kind of "work", I don't quit until it's done. Not that I don't WANT to quit.... (I'll bitch and moan and bellyache) but I have to get it done. 'Cause I know it won't do itself.

~Laura said...

Hey! My sweet basil and tomato seeds have sprouted and growing like crazy:) This week I planed a beautiful Jasmine, sweet potato vine, Hollyhock, Petunias, and Salvia. Oh and Rosemary!

Miz said...

Im like merry and tend to STOP TOO SOON in the name of caution.
not necessarily a good thing as Ive never pushed myself to my max.

I chime in for the bike too.

have one avail?

JavaChick said...

Sadly, no stationary bike available. :(

Emily said...

Wow! You really do a good job at pushing yourself (and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way.) Seriously, I would have given up at the first twinge of pain. But I know you can hurt yourself worse if you push too hard. If the lower leg hurts, take Jillian's advice & just 'punch it out' because 'boxing is a great way to get the heart rate elevated if you have any sort of lower body injury.'

(Yes, you will be quoting her after listening to the same dialog over and over and over and over again- right buddy!)

JavaChick said...

Emily - thanks for the suggestion, I'll give it a go. I've been thinking maybe the hula hoop would be doable as well.

kristisummer said...

you need to find a happy medium. everything in life is about moderation including exercise. hope your foot feels better. Try and take the approach that it shouldn't be all or nothing instead just do and be. Also if you over do it when your body is not used to it you can greatly increase chances of injury. Rest that foot.

Crabby McSlacker said...

Oh dear, I so have this tendency, but have learned (finally!) that I lose more days to overuse injuries than I gain by pushing it.

Hope you heal up soon!

Crissy Rae said...

Oh, I totally exercise like this. Full blast or not at all. It sounds crazy but sometimes we really do need a break from it all. Get reenergized and you'll be ready for some more good workouts!

Dr. J said...

If that ever happens again, ice that foot! Fill a small bucket with enough water and ice to cover your foot and "enjoy" :-) 5 minutes or so.

JavaChick said...

kristi - thanks for your concern. I wouldn't say it's "all or nothing"; I never really stop completely, just sometimes I take it easier then other times I get going full tilt and have a hard time stopping. I honestly didn't do anything out of the ordinary for me, so I'm not sure what caused the problem, but I definitely have a problem sometimes realizing that I need to take a break.

Crabby & Crystal - you are both so right! I hope I have finally learned that lesson.

Dr. J - Thanks. I will definitely keep that in mind for next time.

Missicat said...

I would definitely take it easy - you should never keep going if you are in pain - as my trainers tell me, "listen to your body!"

JavaChick said...

Thanks Missicat! I am definitely taking it easy.