Easy Does It!

Over the weekend, I went out for what has become my new normal – a 2-mile walk. This time, I added an additional 10 minutes of walking. I also decided to try adding a bit of jogging 3 different times during my walk. Not much jogging, just 50 or so steps. Adding in the jogging didn’t seem to hurt my hip, so I made the decision right there and then – I am going to slowly add in jogging to these walks.

Today, I set out on my usual course…but, this time I strapped my Garmin on my wrist and had it set for 5/1 intervals. And no, I’m not talking about running 5 minutes, walking 1 minute. I’m talking about walking 5 minutes and running 1 minute.

I told you I was going to take this really, really slow! 

So, I did the run/walk for 30 minutes. The hip felt fine, and it felt awesome to run! Hooray for getting my heart rate up, even if it was for just one minute! Each time my watch beeped and my 1 minute of running was over, I really wanted to keep running. Really. But, all I have to do is think back to that excruciating pain, the limping and all those doctors appointments to keep myself in check. I do not want to go through any of that again if I can avoid it. I will be good, I will take teensy little baby steps.

My goal is to do this a few times this week and see how the hip feels. If all is well, I will either add 5 minutes more or I might switch the intervals to 4/1. I haven’t decided yet.

I also rode my bike over the weekend. Only 40 minutes and I didn’t push the pace (about 14 mph). The hip felt pretty good…until we took the kids to the neighborhood pool and I decided to give each one a ride on my back. I caught myself doing breast stroke, complete with the kicking. Dumb idea. The hip was achy that evening. Needless to say, I won’t be doing that again!

All in due time.