Running is very hard...

To compare this with last week click here

...and that's exactly why I chose that form of exercise over others. I realize that I could bike, or run inside, or swim, or take spinning classes or a myriad of other things, but I choose to run because it is such a challenge. The last time I ran a mile straight (outside) was in 1996. It was for a fitness test that was administered by our football coach. I ended up running the mile in 6m 14s but vividly remember collapsing on a mat that was set over a long jump pit. I was always good (and fast) at running short distances but would avoid running long distances like the plague.

Over the years, I have literally NEVER ran outside; I would always run on a treadmill. Running on a treadmill is so much easier for me and although I never ran consistently, I was able to do between 2 and 3 miles when I would commit to running for distance. But I didn't like it, it hurt not only my lungs, but my feet, ankles, knees, hips; if it was below my waist, it was in pain. Here's the deal though: It hurts for everybody. I think that many of us in the CF community (myself included) always think we can't run long distances because of Cystic Fibrosis. But I learned something very quickly when I started talking to other runners: I wasn't alone in my pain.

When I recommitted myself to this new fitness routine I wanted to challenge myself like never before. To do that, I knew that I would have to run. There was some problems though; I didn't like running. I found it boring. I found it painful. I struggled to run 30 seconds. I don't like doing stuff I'm not good at. I figured it was to late to become "a runner". I had joint problems already. It's hot in Arizona. My mouth get dry when I run. It's hard to breathe when I run. The list goes on and on and on. Now look back at that list- see anything there that is caused by CF? Neither do I. See when you run, CF or not, it's supposed to hurt. It's going to be hard to breathe. It may be boring. I have yet to talk to a runner that doesn't have breathing problems when they run. Sure, it may come easier to them, they may be able to catch their breath faster than I can, but I'm not trying to be them. I'm not trying to break any distance records. I'm not trying to be the best runner in the world. I'm just trying to be the best runner in MY world. When I run with Mandi, I'm never trying to be better than her, I'm only trying to be better than me. Unless you can find a carbon copy of yourself, there's no point in trying to compare times or the ease at which you run. All that matters is how YOU feel and what running (or exercise) can do for YOU.

Just remember, it's going to hurt. It may not be fun. It WILL be hard to breathe. But it will help with your lung function and your overall health. Isn't that what we all want???

Last weeks results:

Thursday: Walk 5 minutes, Run 2 minutes (4 cycles)

Saturday: Walk 5 minutes, Run 2 minutes (4 cycles)

Tuesday: Walk 3 minutes, Run 4 minutes (4 cycles)

Note: Tuesday's run was way easier than I thought it would be...on the first half of the run...which was downhill. I made it though and coughed up a TON of mucus along the way. I still don't see how I'm going to make it through this new running program, but I know I'll die trying...wait, maybe not die, but Mandi will have to pick me up off the ground :)

Another note: I was so happy after making the run that Mandi and I decided to celebrate....

...maybe it wasn't the best decision, but man did it ever taste so good!

Getting Tougher to Clear the Crap

6:00am: So I wasn't as eager to capture the morning like I was yesterday, but I did get a MUCH better night of sleep. I only woke up a couple of times during the night to adjust my oxygen, but other than that I slept like a rock. It did take me a little longer to fall asleep, but by that, I'm talking no more than 15 minutes. Sometimes I have trouble turning off my brain from whatever was consuming me right before I head to bed. Last night, that was my problem. Luckily, it didn't keep me up for too long.

When I woke up, my legs still felt like they weighed 500 lbs. I think I worked them out harder yesterday than I even realized. They felt completely useless last night during my walk and I was afraid that they would be the same during this morning's walk as well. Fortunately, they didn't feel quite as dead and surprisingly I made REALLY good time all things considered. My lungs felt better than yesterday and I was moving a lot up this morning. The first have of my walk I was constantly coughing, but bringing up crap every single time. As usual, it started out pretty dark but lightened up quickly. By the time I was half way through my walk, it was clear. It is getting slightly harder to clear, so I really need to concentrate when inhaling my Pulmozyme. I also need to get my butt in gear and get some HTS. I usually only do it in the hospital cause my insurance won't cover it and it took so long to do at home. With this new compressor though, I really have no excuse.

Total Distance: 2.1 miles Time: 34'03"

3:00pm: At the gym today I lifted my chest and back. It was a very good day as I was able to increase the weight on every lift that I did. I've definitely been able to get stronger much faster than I thought I would, but, with that said, I am still very weak. I'm trying to obtain some mass for backup in case one day I need it to fight off an infection. I've always figured that it's good to have something in the reserves. At least that's always been my excuse for my buddha belly. I was planning on running a little bit at the gym today, but my foot was still sore and I didn't want to push it. I think I'll let it fully recover before I try to run on it again. Current Weight: 188 lbs.

I wasn't able to get another walk in today due to having to leave my house early to get to my Bible study in time. It will mostly be like this on all Tuesday's, which could turn out to be a good rest day for my foot in the upcoming weeks.

Total Distance Walked for Day: 2.1 miles