Breaking in the orthotics...

I have been on vacation for the past two days. No particular plans, just wanted to take some time off. I really need to get some things done at home but I always manage to put that off so we'll see if that happens this weekend. Yesterday I got up at 4:44 am. (Funny, that seems to be a popular time, I read a post on My Dog Party yesterday about getting up at 4:44). It is something I have done for a while now. Initially I had a masters swim session to get to in the morning, now I still get up and go work out but it has really become a habit. I much prefer working out in the morning to working out at night. Why 4:44 instead of say, 4;45? No idea... It may be part of my self diagnosed OCD that I like everything in even numbers. Who knows. I could use this time to share with you about I sort all the M&Ms I eat by color before I eat them but then you would think I was crazy. So pretend you didn't hear that... Anyhow...

Up at 4:44 to go to my second-ever Yoga class. This one was MUCH better. Less of an intro to Yoga, more of an actual class. There were other people there too which helps tremendously. I do not generally like to the focus of attention so it was good to have other people with me this time. After my second class, I will say there is something to this Yoga thing. I don't know that I am getting the "inner focus" that you hear about but you do keep your core muscles engaged most of the time so it is a good workout even though you don't sweat. (which actually is a plus). I am glad I gave it a try and might try to work at least one class into my schedule once a week going forward.


After Yoga, I had an appointment with Dr. Dude to pick up my orthotics. Basically, they look like Dr. Scholl's footpads with a thin layer of hard molded plastic attached. You can feel the extra support when you walk so it will take some adjustment. Not uncomfortable really; just different.

The idea is to break them in gradually. I am to wear them 1 to 2 hours the first day then gradually get up to 8 hours. Running-wise, wear them for a mile then gradually build up there as well. I also was given some advice by Dr. Dude on how I should slow done on the number of races I do or at least not do every other one as an attempt for a personal best but maybe just do some for fun. We also discussed taking in some gatorade within an hour of the race and other nutrition tips. He really is a helpful doctor.


This morning, I took the orthotics on their first run (why I chose to refer to them just now as if they were people, I am not sure...). Anyhow. I got a mile in today at Mountain Park. It really felt good. I was kind of scared that I would have lost any endurance that I had worked so hard to build up in the previous months. There were loads of people walking/running/biking this morning at the park. We have just started to get some nice fall-like weather so it was a great morning to be outside. Even the ducks were up when I got there. Last time, I was there so early I was surprised to hear them all snoring. (literally.). The orthotics felt fine, in fact I did not notice them once I started running. I have a 5K tomorrow and am really started to get excited. I just really want to run with a crowd, be around some running types and get my excitement back. I can't wait!

The second plan for today was to try and get my tennis form back in shape with one of my Tennis Pro friends. I volunteer more than is normal and help TPF with a few tennis tournaments throughout the year. In exchange, I get free lessons which works out well most of the time. The maddening part is that because I don't pay TPF cancels on me. A.LOT. Today was no different. I was all dressed, had just pressed the unlock button on my car keys and the phone rings to cancel. GRRRR! So... Plan B. That housework I mentioned. or might make some carrot cake cupcakes. or sit in front of the TV and veg out. I will work on the tennis form tomorrow after my 5k. Good enough :)