February 23, 2011- Growing “Old” Pains...

     I know, I know. I’m 36 years old. Am I really going to grip about the pains of getting older in this blog? Yes, I’m afraid I am because right now my body aches all over from doing things I used to do all the time without the slightest tinge of discomfort.  Not so long ago, I could “take off” six months from my regular exercise routine and run right back into it in just a couple of three miles loops around the island.  Last week, after my very decadent vacation, I knew I needed to start getting back into shape, so I began with a very light yoga and running regiment. I ran on Wednesday, feeling not up to my usual lighter jogging self, but it was okay. On Thursday, I did some yoga and then running again on Friday (this time not without some extra effort, which is typical for my second run back into the routine). On Saturday, I took a day off, then did yoga again on Sunday.  Monday was to start the week off right with another run, but it was horrible. Within the first 20 minutes, I was ready to go back home, but I pushed through, walking more than normal, and made it home for dinner before it was too late.  Because the run was so tough on Monday, I decided to take another break on Tuesday. Today was one full week, and I don’t think I over did it because I only exercised lightly to moderately 5 days out of seven, so it’s not like I threw myself into a marathon training mode cold turkey!
     I started week 2 this evening with another run, and I think I’ve got lead poisoning because my legs felt so heavy; in fact, my whole body felt heavy! I could barely jog for 5-10 minutes before I had to stop and take a walking break.  Man, this is embarrassing! I can only figure that I’ve hit that wall where my body does not bounce back as easily as it used to, and it’s more important now that I keep up a light to moderate routine all year long rather than in sputters and spurts because my older body cannot handle it anymore.  Hopefully, tomorrow or especially Friday, when I am scheduled to run again, will be better. Even if it’s not, I guess it’s a fact I’ll have to find a way to accept one way or another and possibly find a new, less painful way to stay in shape. After all, it’s all just part of the growing “older” pains, right?!