Saturday

I did a 5 mile race with my father and his running buddy. It was a spur of the moment thing but I did better than I expected. I wrote up a whole race report about it here – Findley Lake.

There were super walkers there.  One guy did it at an 8 mile an hour pace.  That’s way faster than I can run.  That’s faster than my father runs.  So of course I’ve been researching race walking technique to learn how to beat him.  I don’t have to get to 8 mph.  Over a long course 10 mph would do it.  Don’t judge me until you read the race report and see the kind of loving and supportive relationship we have.  We are just a bit competitive.  Actually, when I left his house on Saturday he all but ordered me to train for a race that is happening the next time I’m up to visit them.  Practicing would just be being obedient to my father, right?

Here’s a video of a woman’s one mile walking race. The winner did it in 6:39. I don’t know many people who could run it in that. I think a 10 minute mile might eventually be possible for me.

I’ve watched videos and read a book while lying in bed on Sunday.  Why while lying in bed, you ask?  Because after successfully and fairly quickly walking 5 miles on  Saturday morning, I went to a movie.  I fell off a step in the movie theater and sprained my ankle because I am the absolute embodiment of grace.  Last time I did this I was immediately set upon by muscular guys who took off my shoe and massaged my ankle.  This time my sister-in-law stood over me and yelled, “OhMyGodOhMyGodOhMyGod” while trying to help in such a way that impeded me getting up.  I guess that’s the difference between getting hurt in gym versus getting hurt out in public.

Sunday

We went swimming for a little bit.  I was pretty stiff after Saturday and wanted to see if I could limber up some.  I did some slow laps.  Breast stroke was easier on my leg than back stroke.

I did practice the race walking stride in the pool with my good foot.  You land on the heel with your knee straight and then roll from our heel to your toe.  I can’t wait to be able to walk again to really practice it.

Tuesday

I’m planning on going to the gym tonight and working upper body.  I’m thinking curls, presses, pull ups, and dips.  I can do those one foot.  After that we’ll try the swimming again.  My ankle is feeling pretty good so I think I may be able to do more tonight.