Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Here's Where We are with the Whole Running Thing

So here's the deal with my workouts. I've always been a believer in switching my lifting routine up about every 6 to 8 weeks so that my body doesn't get used to certain lifts. Many muscle-heads and personal trainers recommend this also, so I figure I'll listen to the experts on this one. Another person that I trust with my health and workout routine is Mandi and she suggested that we switch things up again completely. A big reason for this is to concentrate even more on my lungs and less on my amazing (I'm currently making a fart noise with my mouth) physique. So this change was going to call for more consistent and farther runs as well as other forms of cardio. Before I went into the hospital I was lifting 6 days a week, walking Jezzabel everyday, and running every other day (when my foot had no pain). But I was having some well documented problems.

If you've been following the blog for a while, you know that the only problem that I encountered with lifting was on shoulder day, but running increasingly became more and more of a problem. After (or during) runs, I wouldn't be able to put any weight on my foot with out excruciating pain. I had to completely stop running for about the last 6 weeks before my hospital stay. Right before checking into the hospital, I was able to get specially made orthotics for my feet that hopefully will solve that problem. You can check out my days at the foot doctor and diagnosis here and here. I've used them for the runs while in the hospital and the few runs I've gone on while out. So far so good! What follows is my new schedule that I will follow to hopefully be running that first mile in no time:

Monday: Chest and Tricep, Dog Walk
Tuesday: New Running Routine (click here for details)
Wednesday: Legs and Shoulders, Dog Walk
Thursday: New Running Routine
Friday: Back and Bicep, Dog Walk
Saturday: New Running Routine plus possible additional cardio (ie Hiking)
Sunday: REST

I already did week one the the new running plan and handled it very well. Besides throwing up my lunch one day after the run, there was no other "hiccups". I'm looking forward to really increasing my mileage and one day maybe, just maybe, being able to call myself a runner. This is Run, Sickboy, Run after all!

My total mileage will be a little harder to calculate since the new plans calls for running for a certain amount of time and not a certain distance. As soon as it gets to a point where it makes sense to keep track of distance I will do so. And of course, when I run that first whole mile, you'll know about it.

Here is a picture of me my first day out of the hospital. I'm up to 192lbs (from 184lbs) and you can certainly notice a difference. The problem with gaining muscle rather quickly is that I lose it rather quickly as well. You can compare this picture to how I looked before I went into the hospital by clicking here.


That's all I got for this first edition of Workout Wednesday. As always, please don't hesitate to ask any questions or leave comments. I'm going to be busting my butt everyday to try and improve my lung health and PFT numbers (if you want to see a PFT on film, click here). I really appreciate you guys coming along for the ride!

10 people had something to say...:

Mandi said...

I think you still look AWESOME :)

Denise said...

You still look great! And you ARE a runner!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mandi!!! Mandi you are so sweet!!! I think you are an ispiration to people as well as Ronnie!! In my opinion you are an inspiration on how to look at people and life!! Your positiveness(if thats a word lol)is so catchy!!! You two are great!!! Keep up the good attitudes!!!
Looking forward to more!!!
Amanda

Deb said...

you are adorable and i applaud your whole scene here. glad i found your blog and want to offer my encouragement and support! now to email you with my question about the vest...

Anonymous said...

I'm tired just reading that schedule!
I think your doing great!

Michelle said...

Ok, I need a nap after reading that schedule. You rock!!

I have a question - have you or anyone that you know with CF tried Pilates? I take a class 2x per week and there is so much emphasis on breathing I was just curious if this form of exercise would be beneficial. I'm new to the CF community so I have no idea, but thought I'd ask.

You and Mandi are awesome!

Jen said...

Sorry I haven't stopped by in a while. Have to say I really like the haircut. Dude...my little CFer just turned one! All good reports at his last clinic! Keep up the good work man!

Bryan

Unknown said...

I haven't tried Pilates myself and don't know any CFers personally that have tried it, but I do know some CFers who swear by Yoga. I'm sure there is some cross-over in those two forms of exercise. IMO ANYTHING that you can do that makes you concentrate on your breathing is a GOOD thing! Keep up the good work!

Ronnie

OceanDesert said...

You run... therefore you are a runner. Period. :)

Had lotsa fun with your girl today!

Keep up the great work, Ronnie!!! You will be running a whole mile with Mandi by your side in no time!!

-ps.. Mandi mentioned you guys run outside right now.. in the evenings (wow, kudos to you two.. still too hot for me!.. just wondering, do you notice a difference on fatigue, foot soreness, etc. when you run outside vs. treadmill?

Unknown said...

Sara- Glad you and my baby doll had a great lunch today! And to answer your question, yes, I do feel more fatigued running outside as opposed to a treadmill but I haven't found much difference with my foot. I like to run outside because it is more of a challenge...but you're right, IT'S HOT!!!!

Ronnie