Baby Steps
Ever had something you love to do taken away from you? Or at least your ability greatly diminished? That's what I felt like today.
I love running. I don't do it on an everyday basis - the weather in the NW doesn't help. I tend to be more purposeful when I schedule a run or race. I've always been able to run. I just lace up the ol' tenni-runners and head out the door. I may be a little out of shape, but it's just putting one foot in front of another. It's also served as a release for me. To run, sweat, and accomplish a goal is a high for me.
About six weeks ago I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Up until today I have only ridden a stationary bike for about 10-15 minutes trying to strengthen it and get it ready to run again.
Today, I tried running on it. I didn't make it two houses before I realized running today was not an option. Maybe it was the cold. Maybe I needed to warm up and stretch a little more. Maybe there's more in there that needs to be repaired, or maybe I'm just getting old. Or. . .it could be a combination of the above.
So, I walked. For twenty continuous minutes. . .I walked. Even with that I had moments of pain - the foot landed wrong or stepping off or on to a curb.
To be honest, I was a little disappointed. I had been looking forward to this day for a while. Cindy even bought me some new running shoes for my birthday. I was excited! But when I took those first few steps and felt the pain, I almost turned around and went back inside. I didn't and I'm glad I kept going. This is new territory for me. So what do I do?
I'll just walk some more. Keep doing some stretching. Maybe ride more than I usually do in the fall/winter. And keep on going. . .a little more, a little more, and a little more.
And in the immortal words of Bill Murray in What About Bob?, "Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps."
Mike
I love running. I don't do it on an everyday basis - the weather in the NW doesn't help. I tend to be more purposeful when I schedule a run or race. I've always been able to run. I just lace up the ol' tenni-runners and head out the door. I may be a little out of shape, but it's just putting one foot in front of another. It's also served as a release for me. To run, sweat, and accomplish a goal is a high for me.
About six weeks ago I had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Up until today I have only ridden a stationary bike for about 10-15 minutes trying to strengthen it and get it ready to run again.
Today, I tried running on it. I didn't make it two houses before I realized running today was not an option. Maybe it was the cold. Maybe I needed to warm up and stretch a little more. Maybe there's more in there that needs to be repaired, or maybe I'm just getting old. Or. . .it could be a combination of the above.
So, I walked. For twenty continuous minutes. . .I walked. Even with that I had moments of pain - the foot landed wrong or stepping off or on to a curb.
To be honest, I was a little disappointed. I had been looking forward to this day for a while. Cindy even bought me some new running shoes for my birthday. I was excited! But when I took those first few steps and felt the pain, I almost turned around and went back inside. I didn't and I'm glad I kept going. This is new territory for me. So what do I do?
I'll just walk some more. Keep doing some stretching. Maybe ride more than I usually do in the fall/winter. And keep on going. . .a little more, a little more, and a little more.
And in the immortal words of Bill Murray in What About Bob?, "Baby steps. Baby steps. Baby steps."
Mike
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