Here's an update of life over the past few months. We've been drilled on how important it is to breathe deeply during a run so plenty of oxygen gets to the muscles. This running journey has turned out to be quite the highway. But I'm learning ALOT. Like with the breathing...one of the trainers was doing trigger point therapy on my leg and suddenly he was right in my face saying rather loudly "Breathe!" "Just breathe". Okay, well I didn't realize I was holding my breath. But doing so was hindering the therapy. Thus, my first experience, and somewhat embarrassing lesson in Breathing. I still haven't figured out how to do it like a normal human should when they're running.
We finally covered a subject that seemed like a good alternative...Rest. After spending a couple of weeks fussing over injured ankles, man was I frustrated. It must have been hard to live with me. My family is awesome, btw. And they put up with alot of moaning and groaning, and LOTS of pouting. Yeah, another embarrassing lesson. Finally one of the trainers told me to take 4 days rest and do nothing but R.I.C.E. treatment. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Oh I pouted some more. Lo and behold, it worked. We were then drilled on the importance of Rest days. They told us those days are just as important as Running days because that's when your muscles have a chance to recover and build themselves up in preparation for the next run. So it finally started to make sense to me. Breathe deeply = Good. Run = Hard but Fun. Rest = Very Good. Posture = Heaven help me, I can slump with the best of them. Oh I almost forgot, Nutrition = I don't have a clue. But I know almonds are a good thing to have around. And water is a commandment. Non-negotiable.
Its not as scary anymore, well except for a few hills here and there. And some dogs. And looney tune drivers that aren't watching for pedestrians. Other than that, its going great and without further injury. But even more importantly is the spiritual connection being made. God enjoys running and He talks alot when I'm listening. The same concepts that apply to my physical being also apply to my spiritual being. When I'm frustrated,a good deep breath helps me relax. When I rest, the burdens don't seem so heavy and bothersome. When I'm hydrated with God's word, I feel stronger, more like the light I'm suppose to be.
I really want to do this thing called Healthy. Spiritually, physically, and mentally. So I've eaten a few hills for breakfast. And I like it.