So Wednesday was supposed to be day to of my c25k training, but like I said… with the general exercise I’d been doing Week 1 was way too easy. So on day two (well, technically day 3 since you’re supposed to rest a day between sessions), I skipped ahead to week one.
So once again, I turned to the podcast by Robert Ullrey to basically do the timing for me. This session was the 5min warm up walk followed by six cycles of 90 seconds running, 2 minutes walking. This was a decent workout and fit in perfect in the time I had between work and my support group meeting… but again, I feel I’m sort of already past this level so will be skipping ahead to week 3 tomorrow.
One problem I did have, I need to find some good stretching exercises, especially for my quads. They’re the muscles that seem to give me the most issues at times… and I walked a bit over half-mile to lunch today and on the way back I tweeked something and my right leg was bugging me all afternoon. I was afraid it was going to be an issue when running, but it kind of loosened up after a few laps around the track.
I did wear my knee-brace on my left leg. I’ve had issues with my knees since high school. Partly due to my weight, but also there’s some general issues with my knees. There are times when I walk/bend my knees they sound like Rice Krispies crackling. My doctor once described it as likely being calcium deposits on the back of my knee caps rubbing on inflamed cartilage and prescribed me 800mg of ibuprofen, three times a day. I never did that full time, but would turn to it on days the pain would flare up beyond normal. Of course now I don’t use ibuprofen, but acetaminophen (Tylenol)… and it’s still only a once in awhile thing.
Even though overall my knees are probably better since losing the weight, there are times they almost seem worse. I figure it’s likely due to my increased activity, biking, walking, and yea, even jogging. Plus, it’s not like losing the weight “cures” the damage done to joints and such. The damage is done. Oh, and on top of that there’s the spurs on my kneecaps. See, little over a year ago I finally decided to get my knees actually checked out, and here’s the x-ray of my knees (I’m on my back, knees bent, the x-ray is taken from my feet looking up).
Those lil points on the outside edges of the knee caps… bone spurs. That’s not “normal”. So yea, and as a bonus, I got them on both knees! I typically don’t have issues with the right knee, for whatever reason it’s my left that give me problems, and wearing the brace helps.
So anyway, to make an already too long story longer, I thought I was going to have issues Wednesday, I didn’t, but I really need to learn to stretch better… especially some stuff for my quads. If you have suggestions, let me know in the comments.
Other than that… cause of stuff going on after work, I’ll be doing the next cycle tomorrow instead of tonight, and I’m debating on even doing so outside, because I really should start getting used to jogging on an outdoor surface. So maybe I’ll hit up Lake Phalen. We’ll see…
Also! Please consider taking part in my Dash From Obesity fund-raiser! It’s why I’m going through all this in the first place! (sort of)
photo credit: Mulad
Just happened upon your site and I think you’re inspiring. Keep it up! Couch to 5k is a great program- I recommend it to anyone who wants to start running. It’s a smart slow and steady approach to success. Which Warrior Dash are you doing?
I’m doing the local one here in MN on July 24th.. less than a month away now!