Sometimes, even us disciplined and regular runners fall off our diehard pedestals. I am that girl that will say, “…let’s just run up the hill and then go back…” However, for the better part of 2019, I was trying to overcome a few running injuries. Knee pain, hamstring pain and achilles pain kept me from my regular runs. The decreased activity contributed to my 5 lb weight gain. I had a Thyroid Lobectomy in my 20’s and still take a small dose of Synthroid 0.1 mg. So keeping my weight in check has been a life long pain in the behind.
But as I gets older, so does my metabolism. I was struggling with losing just a few pounds. In the past, it would have taken me only a few weeks to lose this weight. Also, my motivation was shot from the pain I felt from running and biking. My activity level was very low along with my mood and energy.
In February, I was gifted an Apple Watch. This watch helped me lose the weight. I never needed motivation to run or bike in the past but my various injuries really ruined my regular exercise routine. The watch has the “Move”, “Exercise” and “Stand” features that show Activity level. It was eye opening to see how little I was moving on the days I didn’t run or bike. I have my “Move” goal set to 510 calories. Working in front of a computer all day, driving to and from carpool and doing housework contributes very little to this goal!
Just seeing that my “Move” goal was not being met on those days motivated me to move! It was like my conscience reminding me that I had work to do. Walking on off days helped me reach my Move goal and lose the weight. I really like the watch’s cellular features. I won’t go into all the features that are cool about the watch. But being able to stream music through wireless headphones and leaving my iPhone at home on my trail runs is great when it is 90+ degrees outside. I feel guilty when my “Move” goal is not met. The Apple Watch is keeping me in check.
On the day we came back to North Carolina, I woke up with the worst sinus infection. It lasted all of July and even with a z-pak. In addition to my troubles, I had to have a toenail removed from a subungal hematoma (runner’s toenail). And, my ankle with the metal plate and six pins was swelling and painful in one area. Oy vey! After a visit to the Ortho and three X-rays later, I was put on a “back to running” protocol. The hardware looked solid and it is a soft tissue issue. Rhyme intended. I am really bad at following this sort of thing. Because in my mind, I am still 18 and invincible. However, I am taking it easy. I haven’t run ten miles since Chicago and I have built up to around 4. Boy, it takes patience to rehab. I know this all too well having a shattered ankle 9 years go, but it is still hard. I just want to go run! I am being good and doing my stretches and exercises. I keep reminding myself that if my mom can work up to 15,000 steps a day, I too can be patient, have self-control and take it slow. I will be back.
