I have mentioned once or twice how much I hate the cold, and therefore running in the cold, which led me to set a goal for this winter of finding a way to deal with it while still remaining active and not turning into mush until Spring. I found a local “boot camp” for women, did some research, and decided to sign up. The first class was Monday, yesterday, which means I’m writing this posthumously. I am no longer alive.
I went in thinking, knowing it would be a challenge. As a runner, even if I can knock out twelve miles before breakfast brunch I am fully aware that I’m not really challenging and working my entire body. Translation: I expected to be weak. What I didn’t expect? Was that my muscles would hurt with such intensity that even touching my neck would make me shudder. Honestly? My neck? And I am supposed to go back for more of this noise on Wednesday. And Friday. For several weeks.
At this point, I am grateful to say that I wasn’t getting into this to lose weight. I am happy with where I am, and I like the way I look, albeit want it to be slightly more, um, controlled. (Alright, less floppy? Does that work?) My trainer, although not generally accustomed to someone not interested in a nutrition plan, does support me but also, I believe he took this as a challenge. A challenge to render my arms useless for 24-48 hours, and my legs only half so.
I am not complaining, though. Believe me. I’m just stating a fact that oh, ye recreational runner, do not get cocky. The majority of us do not cross train like we should, and therefore could stand to build some muscle to play a supporting role in our favorite pastime. Be ye not the dumb ass I have been. Don’t think 200 crunches after your run 4 times a week cuts it. Or, you know, just keep running and don’t register for a boot camp. That is wise advice, too.
Overall, the only really bad part is it hurts to laugh. I laugh a lot, often only at myself, and OMG it hurts, you guys. (Sidebar: Has anyone ever seen the personal ad of a friend or stranger containing the words “I love to laugh?” I hate that. Hate it. I swear on my grandma’s cooking I will never in my life say something so stupid. Who doesn’t love to laugh? And who looks for people who hate to laugh? Lordy.) Because it hurts so bad to laugh, the one time I decide to sit down and look at all the You Tube links everyone posts and sends to me, it nearly kills me. I am the girl who cannot laugh. Oh, crap, I hate to laugh.
And on the day I see this:
Signed,
Dying of the Death of Muscles I Wasn’t Aware I Had
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Along those same lines, i got on an elliptical machine to ‘prove’ to my mother that it was easy to use. It took her about 25 minutes to decide that she loved it and will buy it with her tax return.
It should take that long for me to recover…my hair hurts.
French fries really are the devil.
Oh man, what a day for you to discover that Josh Groban is way cooler than we gave him credit for!
I think it gets easier. I remember many moons ago when I started an actual workout program that involved weights and I could barely walk after the first time. It got better. The second time was far less painful. Your muscle memory will kick in and laughter will become painless once again!
I haven’t run in weeks. I’m going for the first time next Monday. I have a feeling I may be writing posthumously the next day, too.
ha, wow- that video just made my day!
good for you for switching it up a bit! not so good that you’re in pain, but i agree- it will get better. i need to run again. or go to the gym. or you know, step away from the peppermint hershey kisses.