Friday, April 3, 2009

Trial and Errors...what's working, what isn't

Nothing major to update, but just wanted to say that i've been trying different patterns of training (e.g. 2x a day, 3 days straight with break, 2 days straight with break, alternate days, etc.) and I came to one important conclusion - be flexible and listen to my body. In a perfect situation I'd be working out twice a day (morning and after work in the evening) for 6 days of the the week and then have a rest day on Monday. It turns out in reality, that such a plan is a pipe dream. Or is that one word.

Usually, days after a swim training or bike training session I can still muster another training session the very next day. However, after a run training session, my body needs a full day of recovery. Running hits hard on my joints, my back and hip issues of course and just adds to the overall fatigue. Of course after a long day of riding either yoga or a full rest is quite necessary, although for some reason I've managed to either do weights or swim the day after.

Last weekend I caught the 24-hour flu, got struck hard on a Saturday morning (missed my first group ride, wah!), but woke up Sunday feeling just fine.

This coming week is the last week of the base building phase. I'm becoming more and more flexible with my training plans based on my condition - but trying to keep the swim/bike/run order. Keeping a separate training log as well recording accruate mileage and time.

I'm feeling ok, with occasional pain in the mid-calf areas, ankles, right shoulder (past injury), left and right hip (usually alternating) and my right SI joint on my lower back. Amazing how they overlap with tender points. But in general I am feeling more stable when it comes to energy levels on a daily basis. I was quite foggy for a while, that seems to have subsided lately.

Nothing is perfect and my training schedule has been far less than that. But i'm doing the best I can. I am grateful and ecstatic for those days that I can train, and I am still grateful in those days that i cant, in anticipation for the days I will be able to again.

I feel truly blessed. And even in the days that I don't feel it, I know that i am. That helps me just - suck it up.

2 comments:

JennWren said...

Thanks for sharing your experiences here. I'm just now starting a fitness program after a few years of sitting around hurting and feeling sorry for myself. I've started reading your blog as inspiration and admire your commitment and accomplishments.

Anonymous said...

Hi there. I saw the article in Fibromyalgia AWARE and I came to find out more about you. I have been pretty depressed lately because I am just coming off of a month out of work on disability and trying to pick up the pieces after a very lengthy flare (I was in flare for over 8 months). I am starting to feel pretty yucky again after only 1 week back to work. I am hoping that I can find some hope here and get the athletic, fit, happy Kelly back soon. Thanks for your efforts on all of our behalves! God bless you!!