Category: training

Not that I’ve really had the opportunity to miss a workout lately (or you could say I have missed every workout … whatever) Anyway, I do have a tendency to try to make up missed workouts by doubling up or working out on a day off. My coach has said, “Don’t make up missed workouts. Just do what is on your schedule today.” Gary has an eloquent post about this on the SoCalRunning blog.

One thing I learned a long time ago about working out…you can’t make up a missed run. It has come and gone. The opportunity the chance to put on the running shoes that day came and passed like a cloud that didn’t rain. I can sit there looking up at the sky and my dry garden and piss and pout on how the cloud didn’t rain on me. How much my plants need some more rain, and how much dryer this year is than last year. That vegetables won’t be as large. Yada. Yada. Yada.

It’s worth reading the whole post. A good reminder that there are no make-ups for training … or time for our family and friends … or anything else … only missed opportunities.

Can’t run. Can’t bike. No problem just do core matrices.

It is always motivational to listen to knowledgeable people discuss training, but this SoCalRunning.com interview with Ron Jones was especially good … and timely. Since biking was eliminated from my training options 5 weeks ago, I’ve been adding more core and static leg-strengthening exercises to juggling. (Some I do while juggling. Have to work on multi-tasking in preparation for joggling.) I also learned this morning that I have at least two more weeks without cycling. Running will even be longer.

Ron Jones mentioned EPOC/After-burn workouts. I need to find out more about that; specifically fat-burning without cardio. Cardio workouts can also be EPOC.

Maybe his matrices are EPOC. They remind me a little of crossfit, but more accessible. You don’t need to be able to do dips on rings or even a pull-up. Like yoga you can start where you are and challenge yourself at any level. If you’ve got a stability ball try the 30/30/30 Shoulder/Back Matrix. My shoulders and upper back were burning after 90 seconds. Buns of Steel and Push-up #1 are two others I’ve tried. I like that these are done for time instead of counting reps. I work harder and stay more focused.

If I significantly improve my core strength that might make having a stress fracture worthwhile. And here is an interesting thing I read or heard a few weeks ago. Exercising your healthy limb actually has some benefits for the injured side too. Sorry I cannot remember where I read/heard that. It has to do with the brain firing receptors in both sides when you use either.

I rewatched the OLN Fearless episode with Karen Smyers last night. The series, unfortunately, is no longer on, but I’d taped it last year. Hers was one of the few profiles I saved. Very inspirational. Getting side-swiped by a semi was one of several obstacles she had to overcome over a period of a few years. She talks about having to face her fear of being hit every time she gets on her bike. It’s good for me to hear her talk about having the fear and riding anyway. Many years ago, I collided with and flipped over an older American sedan, driven by an older American woman who never saw me. Luckily my injuries were relatively minor. I’ve forgotten the intensity of the impact, but I still feel fear every time I go for a road ride.

The 4th of July is here and the bears have arrived with the tourists … at least one bear. A small bear was here morning and afternoon. It was walking around the house one or two feet from the wall. The first time I saw it Bonnie was barking because it had its paws up on the kitchen window looking in. I am sure it seemed like a scary monster to little Bonnie when it suddenly appeared out of nowhere.