Chuck’s World

Well, I have another couple of days of training down. I did 2 miles Wednesday night and then last night we did 5 miles of speed intervals, where we would run at maximum heart rate for a mile, then slow down to 75% and repeat. I don’t have a heart rate monitor, but I can tell you without a doubt I was up to my maximum heart rate!

For the first time since I started this, I triggered something that caused full body inflammation, like I was beginning to have another flare up with my Psoriatic Arthritis. Basically, every muscle and joint hurt. It hit about an hour after I got home. I am not sure if it was just the shock of last night or if it was just a coincidence of my body just not liking me again. This training program is not fully endorsed by my Rheumatologist. I have decided to do it anyway. I can either gradually let this stuff overcome me (I almost did) or I can fight back. I have 16 months of fighting back under my belt. I want to keep going and take it to the next level. I have learned that I am actually going to have to bring my fitness beyond where it was, before I got sick. to reach my goals. Fortunately, all of the inflammation was gone this morning. It was just normal muscle soreness.

Both of our children made it to the state soccer tournament, so we will be doing that all weekend. My legs could use a rest, so even though I will miss a long run, I think it will be good for them to recover a bit. I may try to run a couple of miles Saturday night, if possible and we haven’t all passed out from the day. I don’t need to take too many days off or I will be back to trying to catch up again.

I guess that’s all for this update. We had another good day. I am gradually starting to relax at our training sessions and just let it happen. The more I do that, the better. Our 8K run is on May 31. That’s only 4 weeks away!

p.s. Another thanks goes out to Debbie. She took care of getting both the kids to soccer practice. Fortunately, they were scheduled in the same place. They weren’t at the exact time though. She and Hunter both had to wait for Brittany to finish. I couldn’t do this without her and the kids help and support.

Yesterday was another good day. We had a 3 mile run (Someone I know calls this an easy day and it is not me!). It was back on the hilly course in Renunion, so I struggled a bit. However, I think I did better than my first run there, though my left knee and foot were sore from the hills and the previous day’s run. They were not sore as in I injured them, just sore from being used so much. I was, at least, able to finish with my running partners. They were much less winded than me, but at least I finished.

Today is a rest day, for which I am glad. I will be letting Brittany do all the running tonight when I take her to soccer practice! Have fun girl!

Well, the weekend was a washout with the weather. Our run got canceled Saturday and got moved to Sunday, only to be canceled again, due to the weather. When the rain finally stopped I was itching to see if I could get any run time in. Last Thursday’s run was tough, really tough, and I wanted to see if I had improved at all. I also know that the soccer tournament next weekend will probably keep me from doing my long run. That would be two weekends in a row with no run. That’s not good when long distances are what you are shooting for.

So, in the dark and misting rain last night I headed out to the park alone (I do mean alone, except for one other fool that showed up during my run). It turned out better than I expected. What was going to be a hopeful couple of miles turned into 4.5 miles with 4 of it a continuous jog. That is my longest continual run so far. I was excited! This time it wasn’t my cardiovascular fitness that held me back. What I had to push myself through were my legs getting tired. That was a big leap for me. I know my legs will continue to get stronger, but I have never been cardiovascular fit for long distances. It was a good feeling to know that is improving.

Now let’s see how last night affects tonight’s run. Hopefully, I didn’t push it too hard. Fortunately, it is one of our easier runs.

Well, yesterday I decided to train for a half marathon. I don’t know what came over me other than I have really been searching for a goal to spur me on physically. Why did I choose this? Two reasons really. I wanted to accomplish something that seemed almost impossible. I also had to find something that involved other people to keep me accountable. I just so happened to have a couple of friends who have the same goal and they asked if others wanted to join. So far, I am the only one foolish (I mean smart!) enough to accept their invitation.

The half marathon will be in Ridgeland on June 28th and my goal is to just finish. I am not sure that I will have enough time to train to be able to run the full distance. However, this race is one where they are encouraging people just to try and finish, whether you run, walk or a combination of the two. That’s just the kind of race I need. We will also be running an 8k at the end of May. Again, my only goal right now is to complete. Those goals will be reevaluated as we train.

So, pray that my body can withstand the pressure. Regardless of the race outcomes, I really think this training will build up my endurance and help me continue to meet my weight loss goals. I really want to get back to where I once was or maybe even better! Who knows, maybe a full marathon one day. Maybe…

Thanks so much to Kelly and Rachel for bringing me into their group and pushing me on. Their constant yelling (I mean encouragement!) got me through Tuesday (2.5 miles of interval training) and yesterday (5 miles of interval training). Thanks also to Debbie. She has been very supportive, both with the time I am out on the road and with her words of encouragement. I will definitely have to do an even better job of coordinating schedules.

See you at the finish line!