As for my workouts, I think it’s safe to say that they’re progressing nicely. Last week was rough – especially the running. There were a lot of things going on at the same time, and it bothered me, but I didn't let it happen this week. I went back to my comfy sneakers, after trying 3 different pairs from “world class running stores” and 2 newer kinds of Reeboks, I went back to the ones that have been good for me, and you know what? It made a HUGE difference!!! I was able to run or 25 minutes straight at 4.6 or 4.8 (I can’t remember) without stopping, slowing down, panicking or feeling like I was going to pass out. Stacy and I also figured out part of the problem – I would run TO the mile or the TO the time … and once I got to that point, my body would think it’s done, so it would get tired when I wasn't done … it’s a mental and physical thing. So, on Monday, Stacy said I was running for distance – we were going to see how long I could go before I needed a break. I was doing okay – I was starting to get tired, but I was going to stay strong till the 2nd mile (I was at 1.95 or 1.96 I think), then walk for a minute … or at least ask Stacy if I could walk for a minute. But, that didn't matter, because Stacy slowed me down at the 25 minute mark. I asked her what made her decide to stop me then, and she said I proved to her that I could run for distance … and then the words I always want to hear … “you made me proud today”!!!!!! I love hearing that!!!! Later on, she told me it was also one of my best runs … it was a happy day for me!!!
Last night, in the bitter cold, I joined my team up at Van Cortland Park in the Bronx for a 9:30pm game of ice broomball!!! The cold didn't scare me, I had multiple layers on ... I was prepared. I looked like the Michelin man, but safety was more important than looks! I discovered before leaving for the game that my helmet fit OVER my hood!! That was fantastic, because it meant my neck and cheeks would be covered. Surprisingly, I wasn't as cold as I thought I'd be. When I first got out there, I felt the chill, but as you move around (and try not to fall) you warm up and stay warm. Once again, I managed not to fall, and as cliche as this sounds, that ice was SUPER SLIPPERY last night. We don't play on skates, and there are no spikes on my shoes, so it's up to the foam bottoms of my broomball shoes to keep me from sliding ... it worked, but not as well as I'd hoped. I could actually feel the muscles in my legs every time I tensed up to try and keep my balance. It was weird and cool at the same time!! And I even got an assist in the game - that was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!! To be able to play AFTER going to aqua aerobics is a testament to how far I've come. I admit that I don't play as hard or as many minutes as my teammates, but when I'm out there, I'm giving it my all, and that is more than I could have given a year ago.
Oh, and a side not to me being healthier ... I was able to come off my blood pressure meds all together, AND one of my thyroid meds was lowered as well!!! All because I've lost weight and girth ... I'll take it!!! Two less pills to swallow every day is fine by me!!!!