Pushin’ thru the “OW!” to “WoW!”

Okay. so it should go without saying that when you take a sabbatical from working out (or running specifically in this case), you are to expect above normal muscle soreness. Knowing this lovely fact however doesn’t make getting up the stairs (or walking in general) easier in the least bit. Ow!! My calves feel like balls of pain. My ass is mocking me. Stretching, which I normally look forward to, is agony. And it’s all worth it.

The Ow I am experiencing results from inactivity, and so is deserved;  the awesome WoW feeling that accompanies pushing through the pain and running anyway, is likewise deserved. It helps a lot to have a running partner, I must add. When one of you feels like bailing, the other person often acts as a catalyst to follow through. Setting up a meeting place and time works as equally effective accountability. Especially when you’re new to an activity (or getting back into it). One of the things specific to running is that you (should) see progress every run. Whether its increase in distance or decrease in time, or simply just feeling stronger than the run before, running is a sport which gives instant gratification.

Follow the Asphalt Running Trail...

My friend and I hit another 5 mile walk/run this afternoon. We only walked about two miles (to a friend’s house and back) yesterday, but I’m certain that the soreness would have been much worse today had we not done even that. The first mile sucked, after that however, it felt GREAT. We made better time, and stopped half way through for a good stretch, while our muscles were warm. No yoga when we got home (way to beat), but we did indulge in another one of G’s smoothies. She found the recipe on Oh She Glows… and it is so yummy!! A wonderful & healthy post-workout  treat. If you try it, let me know what you think!

spinach & almond butter protein smoothie

Goodnight my fellow vagabonds… Don’t forget to add *FITNESS into your travels. 😉

Peace, L

*common sense note: always check with your personal physician before embarking on any new Fitness Adventure.