Here I am, back again after another long hiatus, which included a trip to England to present at a conference related to my Ph.D. program and then a short visit with family. It was fantastic and I'm thrilled I got the chance to go.
But between travel and weddings, I must confess that I'm happy to return to a bit of a routine. Running has been nothing short of magnificent. I've been focussing on the heart rate training, as recommended by my chiropractor. It entails doing lots of miles, while keeping your heart rate in a particular zone. It has required a lot of patience and much more discipline than I ever imagined because it means going slowly. At times, it means slowing down to walk. And then perhaps walking even slower if there's a big hill involved.
The result? A complete absence of injury. A gut that has almost forgotten what it is like to be grumpy. And feet that are happy and for the most part, blister free. And my knees... well, they've become my new best friends. Even with the Accutane, my body seems to be able to handle what it does to my muscles and joints much better when I follow the heart rate training program. Did I mention that my mileage has sky rocketed? I can go longer both in time and distance and recovery seems easy - or at least, easier.
I rarely go out the door wondering if I'm going to puke when I come home. Imagine that! I just go run... and enjoy it. So, in case you think I haven't been running, think again! I'm putting in more miles and more training time than ever before - and loving every step of it. I have always loved running. Now to go along with that is a deep joy and relaxation that is free from anxiety.
I've decided to take some time off racing and build my base so that when I do my next race I'm really good and ready for it. But there is a race that is occupying my thoughts as of late. Next week my brother and I will head north, to Grande Cache, Alberta, to volunteer at the Canadian Death Race.
According to Google Maps, Grande Cache is a 7.5 hour drive from Calgary. We have managed to secure accommodations (yaay!) and we're pumped.
