Not being able to run for a couple of weeks has had some interesting results, both good and bad. I’m looking forward to getting back to running, but I definitely have some things to figure out.
1. Before I hurt my calf, I was waking up every morning extremely stiff. Seriously stiff. I felt like I was 80 years old. My entire lower body ALWAYS hurt a bit and I walked down the stairs each morning like I’d run a hard race the day before. I wasn’t sore like after a marathon, just tight. I realized this morning that I don’t feel that way anymore. I can walk normally right out of bed. I’ve still got a few aches and pains (ah, the joy of aging), but nothing like what was going on. While I love the concept of barefoot running, I’m beginning to wonder if the fact that I run ALL of my miles on pavement is too much for a completely uncushioned shoe. I may look for a shoe that has a very small heel to toe drop, but does offer some cushion. I do know that I ran my one mile the other day in my Mizuno Wave Riders, mostly because I had them on to bike. Not sure where to go with this, but I must admit it’s nice to wake up and feel good in the morning.
2. As part of my cross training/attempt to stay fit, I’ve added some weightlifting and toning exercises to my day. I’m feeling a lot stronger, even with the very limited amount I’m doing. Right now I’m not worrying about doing a lot or a specific program. I’m just trying to get back in the habit. I’m hoping that once the kids start school in the fall, I can add a real strength plan to my fitness repertoire.
3. The one negative of not running that I’m seeing is that I’m having wicked insomnia. My life isn’t any more stressful or busy than it’s been, but it seems to be affecting me more. I lie awake every night worrying about my kids, money, my job, etc… This has resulted in me being tired and crabby most days. I’m exhausted by mid-day, yet as soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m wide awake. I’m hoping that adding running back in will help with this.
All in all, I’m surviving the lack of running, but I will be happy to add it back in soon. Now if I can just keep up the other activities once I start back up…
When I can't run due to my knee (which is a chronic condition and something that will continue to happen over and over) I ALSO have insomnia. That's probably the worst part!
I hear you on waking up stiff! I always have to shake out the kinks. Maybe my new found cross-training will help??
Summer is a funny beast. You always think it will be great to not have such a busy schedule and yet, there is something comforting about routine. I think the cross-training is JUST as valuable as running. I'm trying to do that this summer….it is HARD to force myself to do it. Can you sneak in a 15 minute nap during the day or just a quiet time? (I know that sounds funny with 2 kids!) It might help you relax and be less tired.
I alway sleep better when I'm running too. I don't necesarily think it's the exercise; I think it's the release that runnign provides me: I get all that thinking done on the run, so when it's time for sleep, I'm relaxed!