Return of the Routine
The dark sky and its twinkling stars, a quiet road and the taste of coffee. My morning was back to usual today!
I went to sleep hopeful for my back to allow me the grace to go to the pool today. My plan was to ride with my Nan and let her drop me off at the door so I wouldn’t have to walk the lot. I woke up at 4 and felt pretty solid. No pain on waking. Great sign. I sat up without much effort. Ok, good, good. But the true test would be upon standing. I stood and paused, holding my breath and eye darting side to side. Ok, only the slightest annoyance. I began walking and the only real discomfort was my knee, which is just a sign I’ve been leaning on it more heavily because of poor gait, and nothing I can’t handle. After getting ready and still feeling good, I felt confident to go out on my own for my usual Dunkin visit.
It felt great to be back to my routine. Routines are so comfortable. And they keep us accountable. One day off plan isn’t going to ruin things. But when that one day inspires a second day, and you think “well, I’m still on track the majority of the time,” it’s inevitably going to become more days off track than on and you’ll think “what’s the point if I’m already doing badly most of the time anyway?” While a day off in the long run doesn’t seem like a big deal, it interrupts the very core of succeeding, consistency—the routine. So, it felt rewarding to find I still found comfort in my routine rather than a struggle to recommit.
I called my Nan and told her I felt fine to go to the gym alone and walk from the lot to the pool. I hesitated getting out of the car, wondering if I had made the right choice, since 48 hours earlier I couldn’t even get out of bed. But I had faith in my understanding of my body, so I pushed on out anyway. I didn’t even have to make a stop on my way. I got through the lot, through the lobby, and into the locker rooms at the back of building all in one go. I only stopped there because I had to put my pool shoes and ankle weights on. I made the switch to ankle weights instead of using pool noodles because I can control my movements more carefully which will lessen my chances of accidentally hurting my back.
I did twice the amount of cardio I usually do, and half as much strength training on my lower body. By the end, I could feel my back wanting to complain so I called it quits and just floated with my weights for a little while before showering and heading home. I did have to make a stop on the way out, but that was more to drink some water because I was parched from running my mouth to Amanda for an hour straight because I had missed her.
My back has felt really tight tonight, but not the same pain it was. I’m only going to do the workouts every other day for now to make sure it is improved, and I don’t aggravate it again right now, but hopefully I’ll at least be able to go swim for my cardio every day! It’s so difficult for me not to do strength training. I’ve fallen in love with my new muscles, and I want to keep growing them, but not at the expense of me being unable to do -anything- for several days like this past ones. I don’t want to burn out so if I have to turn my flame down a bit for a while to keep it lit, that’s what I will do.
I have included a collage I’m titling “The Discovery of a Jawbone.” The shape of my face has changed so much. Have a great salad week, everyone! Get ready for some exciting results!
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