Training Log Archive: RichB

After a long layoff due to my torn calf muscle (grade 2 strain, basically) and strained piriformis, it seemed like the perfect day to begin anew with a more logically thought out 'learning to jog' program. I had heard good things from folks who implemented 'Couch to 5K' going from sofa spuds to people capable of doing a 5K, so I thought I would give it a try and also test out the recovery of my calf. The calf had pretty much been pain free except for when I really stretch it (and then it just felt tight and benefiting the deep stretch) for a couple weeks and I had been increasing my normal "keep me from becoming a gastropod" workout back to pre-injury levels.

So, today was a test beyond casual walking and X bike and weights, oh my. Luckily, it was a beautiful day outside, and here was the walk/jog (in keeping with week 1 of the program):

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/420774505

It felt pretty good in there cardiowise, and the calf only felt tight when jogging lightly. Stretched the muscle a lot afterwards. I will probably ride my X bike later today, but I am encouraged by today. No back pain either.

Hopefully, Monday will not be too cold out for Day 2....

C • Nice! 2

Pump you up and some calf raises thrown in to begin building strength...

It was a little tough, but I was chatting with big Frankie (another regular) for most of the ride today and I must have sacrificed some O2 to the conversation.

I approached this with some caution, considering my twanged piriformis from the snow shoveling incident of last Sunday. It has felt much better since I started using the foam roller on it, so I went for it. Normal weights set, but slower and more cautiously. The fun part is the gym I work out at is owned by me employer and the morning time is retiree time. So, I got to chat with some of the retirees I know and compare and complain about aches and pains!

By this time the retirees cleared out and the normal lunch crowd was getting ready to burn off some testosterone.