When I took a pause from blogging in July, I thought I might not return to it. The last four months have been focused on rehabing my knee, raising a new puppy, and juggling three jobs. However, I knew if I did not return to this space that holds me personally accountable, I might lose focus for too long. In Mid-October, I was cleared to do more exercises and activities with my knee--so I signed up for the local gym in our town and met with my crossfit coach to plan my return to crossfit in November. I start Monday and can't wait to get back to those high intensity workouts!
Somehow, throughout this hectic summer and fall, I managed to fit in the remaining perfect brick days--whew! A perfect brick (for me) is cutting carbs by 2PM, waking up the next day to a fasted cardio workout, drinking a gallon of water in the day, and completing my frequency pushups. These are all good things, but leave a bit of grey in terms of good food during the time after morning cardio and before 2PM. For 2015, I intend to make the parameters for the brick a bit more rigid for improved results. Nonetheless, my 150th brick happened yesterday on the last day of October! Back in April, when my knee flared up, I was not optimistic about hitting this goal. But I perservered and made it happen. The fall mornings were cool and unmotivating, so I bought a daylight lamp and pushed forward.
Knowing I'd be returning to crossfit eventually, I decided I better face the Burpee movement again. The Lorna Jane October Instagram Burpee Challenge met that need perfectly! As you can see from the graphic above, it started small and ended with 70 burpees on Halloween. In order to complete some of the higher numbers, I broke them into sets of 10. I dislike Burpees, but I think they get a bad reputation sometimes for being too difficult. Certainly, they are not easy; however, breaking them up into manageable sets helps. I'm glad I finished, so we'll see if it helped me with my transition back to crossfit movements.
Next, my running is progressing. It is slow, but that is the point. I was just cleared in October to begin a return to running training program prescribed by my physical therapist. It has 17 levels that build on the previous level--I'm now at 11! To assist with some arch issues (that could factor into the tendonitis), I was fitted for orthodics. At first I was apprehensive because I thought it seemed like something only old people would do. However, my very fit physical therapist (who is in her 20s) uses them as well, so I gave them a chance. I am glad I did as they prevent a lot of forceful pounding during the run. Also, I have spent a lot more time foam rolling, doing core work, stretching, and icing. Running is now a lengthier process than it once was, but if I want to continue, these steps are necessary. Very few things compare to a runner's high and the energy you have after a great run! I have one small running goal for this season and that is to complete one road race before the year ends. It looks like a Turkey Trot will be happening this month. I'm still deciding which one, but will probably go with the Bishop Brady run that I have done in the past. It will not be a run for time, but a run for completion.
Finally, I just want to write that I am thrilled to be blogging once again here at I Tri Training. I decided to start my resolutions early to pave the way for 2015. I'm aiming for some snowshoe races, spinning, and crossfit this winter. When the spring approaches, I'll consider options for summer/fall races. The few that stand out as goal races are the Covered Bridge 1/2 marathon, Mini Musselman in Geneva, NY, Sprint Timberman, and Sprint Pumpkinman. Oh, and did you notice my awesome new logo? This gem was designed by Ashley over at AE Designs. Take a look at her amazing work on her website: www.ae-invitations.com. Thank you Ashley for designing the perfect logo for my blog!
~Laura
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