Return to running

Well, I finished my first run since 11/22. It felt really good to be out moving again. The elliptical is fine and I may use it as a way to phase the running back into my routine. I ran 30 laps on the indoor track at the Meyer Center. 9 laps make a mile, so I ran about 3.3 miles. I ran a respectable time too. Not too bad for being out of it for so long. I guess I was getting more good out of the cardio I was allowed to do since my last follow-up.

Swim class is going really well. I hope I'm building some good habits. I know it's terribly easy to revert to the old ways. I found that out tonight during a swim workout that didn't include drills. I may miss class this Sunday. I should be able to get in a technical swim regardless. The drills are hard, but helpful. I don't know if I'm getting any faster, but I think I'm becoming more efficient. I also know that I'm way ahead of where I was this time last year.

PT is going well. I decided that PT is going to have to be my strength training for the time being. Doing some of the things I was doing was causing me some shoulder pain, so I decided to lay off of it until I'm stronger. My therapist challenges me more each time I go, so I'm making progress. Sometimes it doesn't seem like it though. It's little things that help me to tell that I'm getting better though. Things like palming the wheel when I drive, putting away dishes or laundry, and drying my butt with a towel. I couldn't do any of this stuff a month ago without shrugging my shoulder.

Follow-up & Therapy II

I go for another follow up today. I've been going to therapy three times a week and making progress. It feels good to get stronger, but it's happening at a pretty slow rate. I've managed a few workouts lately, abbreviated as they are. Doing the trainer and walking gets pretty boring. My wife and I joined a health club through her employer that I plan to take advantage of this year. They have a nice six lane lap pool and I've been there to swim a few times. I start a swim class there this coming Sunday. I'm really looking forward to that. My friend Zach said it helped him get faster. I'm hoping to do the same. I'm ahead of the swim game based on where I was last year at this time. My season my be salvaged after all. Even if I don't get to do all the sprints I did last year again, I may get an Olympic distance event under my belt after all. Joining the Meyer center will allow me more opportunities to swim without having to be concerned with conserving gym visits. Hopefully after my follow up appointment, I'll be released to run and do some more aggressive strength training. All this sedentary living coupled with the holidays has caused me to pack on a few unwanted pounds. I'm ready to get back after some real training.