To Run or Not to Run

I’m proud to report that since I started to include running in my workouts, my exercises have been more regular and I’ve also managed to consistently increase my performance. Ah yes, progress.

I’m now out of the country enjoying a break and living out a dream come true. I’m in Australia with Mayi and my in-laws to watch the Australian Open. As I mentioned, it’s been my dream to watch sports events/tournaments at this level. I get a boost of inspiration watching and admiring these top class athletes. And to get a chance to see them live, oh wow. Thanks Pappy!

Anyway, two days before my departure, I decided not to workout anymore. I had to rush and finish all my work before leaving and I didn’t want to risk any form of injury that would eventually spoil my dream trip. After all, I figured, I can catch up on my workout while I’m there. I already checked the hotel’s website and they do have a full gym and spa.

While here in Melbourne, I can’t begin to express how beautiful this city is. Our hotel, Hilton at the park, is walking distance from the Australian Open playing courts. It’s also surrounded with two huge parks with slopping bike and running trails. The moment Mayi and I saw them, we looked at each other and said, “oh my God, how perfect.” My dilemma though is, should I go against George’s instructions and run on the road or just stay within the confines of the gym and the boring treadmill?



After much debate in my mind, I did the more rational decision and ran in the gym. I didn’t want to risk it. Instead, I opted to run longer and faster and finish off with a bike routine. It was ok. I left the gym satisfied. And I know there will be other opportunities. Who knows, I just might give it a go before I fly back to manila. Hahahaha.

Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Two days ago, Jan 8, 2008, I decided to see George for a check-up. I figured, I’d see him before I started my workouts anew and also get an inclination of the measure of progress of my knee in his expert opinion. As he proceeded with examining my knee, I went about telling him how bad I was during the holidays. George just smirked and gave me the “Yup, I knew were going to do that” look. I figured better to be honest and tell him everything and face the consequences. Anyway I was resigned to the fact that my partying during the holidays probably cost me a delay of one month in my recovery. So by that count, I’ll be running on March instead of February. After his examination, George looked at me and gave me the big surprise. He said, “Ok, you can start running already.” I couldn’t believe it. I had to ask him at least three more times. Wow.

After clarifying what I can and can’t do as far as running is concerned, I announced to my therapists that Doc gave me the GO signal to run. They were as surprised as I was and they cheered me on as I walked out of the clinic door.

The following morning, I went to the gym excited as hell. I went through my strengthening workout religiously as George reminded me how important it was now that I was going to start running already. He also told me to do heavier weights to further build the strength in my legs and knees, so I did.

As I stepped on the treadmill, there were a million thoughts on my mind. I was telling myself, “You’re finally going to run again” but at the same time, I was also telling myself, “Take it easy”. For my first run, I ran for 15 minutes as George prescribed. The first 5 minutes was crazy but fun. I was constantly analyzing my strides, feeling my knee, and trying to catch a pattern for my breathing. I think I was still in disbelief that I was running. The next 5 minutes was tougher. I was catching my breath as if I was already on my 5th kilometer. However, by the time I reached my 12th minute, I got my step back and got both my rhythm in my breathing and my stride. It felt good that by the time I reached 15 minutes, I wanted to run more. But I was quick to tell myself, “Enough”. So I just settled for the stationary bike instead.

Today, Jan 10, 2008, I was back in the gym again for another round. I felt so high; I just had to go back. Anyway, I wasn’t going to try anything fancy. I just did exactly the same routine as yesterday. Today was even better. I ran with a consistent stride and did not feel the fatigue as yesterday. But I also kept a comfortable pace both in my run and my bike as didn’t want to risk overdoing it.

I’m so happy! This for me is big progress. I figured I just have to keep my mindset of being disciplined and patient and just focus on strengthening rather than endurance and I’ll be on my way. I feel great!!!

Controlling My Inner Demons

I’m sad to report that temptation coupled with laziness got the better of me over past two weeks and a half. I’m even ashamed to say the amount of partying (therefore drinking and pigging out) I indulged in over the holidays.

My brief shinning moment was my workout on Christmas Eve. I went to the gym, did my full routine including cardio work and an upper body workout. But that was it. I have not exercised aside from spurts of heel raises, squats or hamstring curls. Other than that, nothing!

The devil made me do it! Hahahaha

Although to my surprise, I still feel my knee getting stronger. I experience the shooting pains much less as well as the stiffness in my knee. My swelling has decreased considerably and I’m starting to see the “cuts” back on my legs. The only part that’s slow to improve though is my hamstring. It is still far from normal, using my right leg as my benchmark. I guess there are no shortcuts there and that I really have to seriously get back to working out.



My resolve hasn’t diminished though. I’m still aiming for the dates that George and I set. My goals remain and I know reaching them is all up to me.