Muster Up the Courage

It has been a while since I've blogged, but then, it's been a while since I've ran. I've talked myself out of seeking additional professional help regarding the IT Band many times, so I'm intent on healing the hard way...it looks like. My regimen? Not consistent, buuuut it consists of yoga, occasional weight lifting, walking, and little snippits of light jogging. Yoga has been the most beneficial in relieving stress, strengthening my back, and burning calories. Plus, the hot yoga room I've become accustomed to has a detoxifying effect on my body. It's a good hobby, healthy, but I occasionally get bored to the point where I've dropped down to one class a week. I'm no Yogi. I don't have the hamstrings for it. I fold like a wilting flower with any hamstring stretch. I blame running for that, and not at all on my lack of stretching...Nameste.

I say occasional weight lifting because I'm not good about remembering that I need to do that. I'd say it's just as important as running. Plus, I've read that if you're working to lose weight, lifting the right weights help your body target where the weight should be lost. For instance, muscle mass can be lost just as easy as fat (if not easier) and lifting keeps those muscle active and intact. Plus, it helps tone. I would NOT say that I'm tone, but I've felt a little (itty bitty) benefit from lifting...aaaaaand that was awesome.

Walking is great. Give me an IPod full of music and good shoes, and there I go. The understanding I have, however, is that if you want to get some of the same benefits with walking as you do with running, you have to go twice as far! Who has time for that? Speed walking is fun, too. I've been dabbling in that, but I got a little over zealous the other day and my hip started to hurt. Sorry hip.

My first light jog since the TIR was at my favorite jogging trail in Austin, which helped, but it proved to be a test of my leg's patience. Five minutes in, the ache began. From there it was mostly walking, with the occasional quick foot.

I know what the right thing to do is, and per usual, it is not so easy. Time devoted to the healing process is time well spent, even if it takes a while; even if it hurts.
This is a tough hobby.