Not Taking A Break Yet

I've been really achy for the last week, and I didn't end up exercising as much as I had planned. I've been feeling really run down, and my feet have been bothering me. That combined with a super busy weekend and nothing gets accomplished.

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous and warm, so I took the Moon Dog for a walk. I also went out into the backyard and practiced my bo staff pattern. It was fun to practice outside in the sunshine. I went to TKD class last night. It was a great class, but I was definitely not feeling 100%.

There's a tournament this weekend. I was planning on taking a break and not competing in this one, but my weapons instructor wants me to do my bo staff pattern. So, I'm trying something new this weekend. Never done a weapons pattern before. It should be interesting. I may also try to do my new pattern. I just learned the rest of it last night, so it will be what it will be. Might as well try it, though. Why not?

I'm planning on doing my break. My goal for it is to get it first try. I've got two more tournaments to get it. So far, I got it first try in practice, it took two tries in the tournament, and three tries at testing. My nerves make everything so much more difficult.

If I'm feeling the way I have been for the last few days, I will probably skip sparring this time. My ankles are bothering me, and I can't imagine sparring right now.

So, this week the focus is on TKD completely. Today I worked on my patterns and my break. I'm feeling really sore and run down from last night's class, so I didn't do a ton of practicing. I'm hoping I'll feel better and can do more in the next couple days.

I followed my workout up with some yoga and gentle stretching. I've got a couple tight muscles that will hopefully loosen up a little bit before Saturday.

I'm excited for the tournament. The people are great, and it's a really fun day. Both kiddos are competing, too. They're excited, and I know we'll have a good time.

Determined To Run Again

Tonight was a perfect night for a run. Sunny, 40s - my ideal running conditions. I've been wanting to start running again, but I've been nervous to get started. Until now, I've been running intervals on my road while the Bean scootered beside me. It was a nice way to ease back into running, but it wasn't the same.

I needed some me time. Lately, I've been feeling a little overwhelmed. It seems that everywhere I turn, someone needs something from me, and they need it ASAP. It's exhausting and has been messing with my head. Today, I felt good physically, and the weather was ideal. I knew I had to go.

It went pretty well. I walked less than I expected I would. I tried to only walk when the pain in my feet and shins got unbearable. I only had to walk three times in almost 3 miles. I'm pretty happy with that. My pace was the best it has been in almost a year. The first thing I struggled with when I started feeling sick was running. I went from being able to comfortably run 6 miles to not being able to run at all. Three miles feels like a major accomplishment. It gives me hope that things are getting better.

I was convinced for a while that I was done running. I tried to tell myself that I was okay with that, but I really wasn't. There is nothing quite like running. I love the way I feel (minus the pain). I love how I feel after. I love the energy boost I get from running. I missed it. As the weather began getting nicer, I missed it even more.

One run down. I am so happy about that. For now, I am going to take things slow. I want to continue my almost daily intervals runs with the Bean, and I would like to add in one run on the weekends. That's enough for now. I'll take it.