It has been a long time since I could exercise without pain. About 8 months ago I
had a partial tear of my achiles tendon. I did what the doctor told me to do but every time I tried to start up running again, it hurt. The only thing that helped has been rest, and so I lost most of my conditioning and gained weight.
I got cranky, frustrated, and depressed not being able to run. Now I am starting the long road back and found out that size does matter. I am now much slower on my bike, and my running pace is now pitiful. Still it is great to be back out there. Exercise is my stress relief
and my wife knows it. She's looking forward to me running again.
Before my injury, 30 miles was the distance for a run, not a bike ride. But I wanted
to take it easy and not hurt myself. I've been riding a bit the last month and found out
this does not hurt my achilles like running. So this morning I rode the Katy Trail into Tulsa
to get on the River trail. I avoided the trail construction by jumping over to the west side. The constrution will be nice once completed but what a big pain right now.
Being out of shape and now much heavier, it slowed my average down to a snail's
pace of 15.6 mph. My heart rate monitor peaked at 170 bpm. In all the ride was
1 hour and 44 min. and I did 27.05 miles. Short and slow, but still, it was fun being out
this morning.
I've got a long way to go, and probably too early to get ready for the Tulsa Run, but hope to find a race in the spring to shoot for. Just want to get stronger and work on getting back into some sort of shape. I find I am happier and more productive when I run. If you are not
into exercise, I would recommend it. Check with your doctor and start walking. You
don't have to go far, just start out easy and slowly work your way a little farther.
That what I am doing. Each day working on getting a little stronger. I don't remember the author, but the quote goes something like this, "Do a little more each day than you think you can." Just don't push yourself too hard too soon. It may be running, or walking, or
riding, or swimming, roller blading, or aerobics, find something you enjoy doing and get
out there and do.
Have a good night.
Dan