Classic Overreach

A couple days ago I went for a run during the hottest part of the day. Not generally the smartest way to do things but I had to workout, had to get out of the house and clear my head, and had to continue my acclimatization for the forthcoming and inevitable summer heat.

As I left for the run, the air temp was 108. I was including push ups and burpees every mile so I also took a ground temp (using a Thermapen) and got a reading of 135 degrees. At those temps, using gloves becomes a requirement.

My run, an out and back had a turnaround at a park that I discovered had a dozen exercise stations. So I ran there doing burpees and ab exercises every mile then completed the stations and ran back doing the same. I'll also chip in that my return route completed an errand to pick up medication for my son at the pharmacy, so I saved gas too.

Its a couple days later and my legs are still fairly zapped. I know its the result of heat acclimatizing and it being my farthest run in a few months by 3 miles. Classic over train. I'll overcome this today by working on my flexibility, some treadmill work and consistent, smooth exercises that keep my HR up and steady rather than ballistic or anaerobic.

building steam

Good gravy this year has tested my patience. Its May and since New Years all I have done is take care of sick and injured family members or be sick myself. Today is the first time in a few weeks where no one is home sick or me in bed sick. So I am going to keep this short and sweet so I can go out for a run and build my base back up. Unlike some people I do not lose weight when I stop working out or when I am sick so I am about 10 pounds over my fighting weight. 

The last event I completed was GORUCK back in February. Which I did with the Flu and a virus infection. Even with no real base, last weekend I signed up last minute for a local 5k charity run for the troops, so I could pace a friend of mine rehabbing his knee. In true goruck style I carried a GR1 with a case of beer in it. The course was not marked well and we ended up doing an extra loop around a pond and our 5k became 6.5k. We still had a respectable time of under 40 minutes (<10 min mile pace). It was nice to feel that kind of sensation again; me, outside surrounded by like minded motivated people, sweating.   

Here are photos of my ruck and race contents plus a photo of a 8' tall American Flag made out of Lego's that was at the finish line. I just thought the colors where vivid and amazing and surprised this iPhone photo did it some justice.

In any regard, the flywheel of my fitness is no longer sitting still, it is slowly rotating again. It will take time to build steam enough to move on its own and build unlimited energy and abundance. Exercise is only the momentum, nutrition is the lubricant that keeps the wheel moving smoothly. Both are required for a healthy motor. Keep that in mind as you go about your day.