That epiphany I had a couple weeks ago has manifested into a downright obsession.
I think about it all the time.
I am obsessed with working out.
WHO AM I!?
I am that 202 pound tubby that’s waddling her fat ass down the road three times a week to the Couch to 5k program (just because I love you link).
I am that out of shape “obese” fatty that’s been busting her ass at the 30-day Shred (affiliate link) three times a week.
I am that lazy sloth who has forgone all the sordid snacks and desserts which riddle my home. I am eating breakfast, I am watching my calorie and fat intake and I am trying so hard to change these horrible habits I’ve developed over the last ten years.
Because in ten years I have managed to increase my weight by 30%. Thirty-percent people: that doesn’t even seem possible or logical, but it’s been done.
I’ve gone from a size 29 to a size 16. I’ve ruined myself and I trying desperately to get me back.
Over the past two weeks I’ve been alternating between the 30-day Shred and running the Couch to 5k program for 6 days a week. Which yes, is a lot considering I’ve gone from a sloth-like existence to a fanatic in less than 14 days. But I was feeling great, it was all going well…
Last Friday I was a little too ambitious with my run and went an additional kilometer (half a mile) running. This, apparently, is a no-no according to the Golden Rule of Running which stipulates a runner is not to increase their distance or speed by more than 10% in order to avoid injury.
I was tired and felt fine when I got home, but I decided to go Saturday again, and that’s when I got shin splints.
I’ve never, in all my years *cough* of sports have felt the pain of shin splints like I did on Saturday. The agony. The defeat. The PAIN!
I saw my chiropractor on Thursday and she recommended resting and relaxing to let them heal. Let the swelling subside, look into a gait analysis (see how my body moves when I walk or run) and orthodotics to prevent further damage. Also? No running for now.
Any normal person would have taken this Golden Ticket and cashed that bitch in for some chips and some precious television watching time.
But I am not normal.
Apparently.
Because for some reason, as I mentioned before – I have become obsessed. I can’t stop. I am loving it and I want to keep going.
And honestly? I’m scared.
I’m scared if I stop and rest I am going to lose this momentum and I am going to be right back there on the couch mindlessly eating myself into oblivion while cheering on the latest tragedy to enter Celebrity Rehab.
I’m scared it’s going to be another 30% weight increase before I get to this place again.
If I stop, I feel like I will risk everything.
:::
I am taking it a little easier. No impact shredding and no running. It’s frustrating and annoying, and I’m pissed at myself. I have an appointment for a gait analysis and to get custom orthotics next Thursday.
{ 16 comments }
It sucks. so. HARD. to *finally* get your ass off the couch, get into the swing of things, then have to stop/slow down. So frustrating.
Is walking okay for your shins? It’s low-impact enough that it shouldn’t hurt, yet might keep you in the daily workout mindset – it’s better than nothing, you know?
I hope you heal up fast. Take care of yourself, mama. <3
I’m with ya, but without the obsession to actually do anything about it.
Sucks balls.
First of all, I’d like to congratulate you for all of your efforts, you’re doing so well!
Secondly, I would highly recommened a gait analysis / biomechanical assessment to address the problem of your shin splints. A Podiatrist would be bale to offer treatment options which may include the use of orthotics in your running shoes to help relieve the pain.
Keep going and make that appointment for a Gait Analysis!
“And honestly? I’m scared.
I’m scared if I stop and rest I am going to lose this momentum and I am going to be right back there on the couch mindlessly eating myself into oblivion while cheering on the latest tragedy to enter Celebrity Rehab.”
OMG YES! I was TERRIFIED to really enjoy the sunday “free day” built in to my plan because I thought it would mean I wouldn’t be able to get back to it on Monday. (I did though, w00t!)
I think you’re doing awesome!
Hi Sam,
I tweeted at you last night regarding new shoes. I, like you, started running when I was over weight. (248 and 5’5′). My shins and knees ACHED something terrible in the beginning. I thought it was because of my size and the pounding on my joints. My trainer asked me how old my shoes and at they point they were about a year old but I had rarely used them. So she suggested I go to a shop that specializes in running and invest in a new pair. She said because even just sitting in your closet the support in your shoes will breakdown overtime with or without use. I did what she suggested and my shins quit hurting my knees quit aching and I have run 3 1/2 marathons since. Now when I get lower back aches or my knees ache I know it is time to get new shoes.
Good Luck on your new routine. I will be routing for you from St Louis!
Fuck the 30 Day Shred and the horse Jillian Michaels rode in on. And I suppose all that vitriol comes from the fact the video kicked mah ass. Not that I’m bitter.
I’m cutting calories but I’m not losing like I was so I think I’m going to dust off that video and my spanky “running” shoes and sports bra Tucker bought me – which I’ve used once – and show that video who’s boss.
You and me? We’z gonna be some hawt bitches…hotter. Yeah. Hotter bitches.
I’m right there with you and honestly cheering along with you and a few others’ tweets about shred and C25k. I was at the obsession point at well last week. It keeps me eating well and when I had to do 2 8hr shift of clinicals, my feet were burning. I was burnt out and I had to take a couple days off of exercise. Its sucks. I’m so glad you wrote this.
You need to take care of you. We’re all here cheering you on. You are doing great and you don’t want to cause anymore pain. HEAL FAST MAMA
I wish you a speedy recovery. I went obsessed over TaeBo and pulled a couple muscles. I kept my motivation by doing very light activities, but it still sucked. Best wishes!
Can I just tell you how much I absolutely fucking loathe shin splints? Them there things hurt like a mother.
PS: Are you going to BH this summer?
Also? I downloaded the C25k app on my iPhone because of your one last post that you linked to, and I uh, just got done eating a frosted brownie. Better get at that. This packing/moving/living in 52 different places/stressed out stuff is for the birds.
Good luck in your endeavors…I hope you recuperate quickly. I just started the c25K workouts last week. I’m liking it already.
First of all, congrat-u-fucking-lations! Getting to that point is a huge battle. I think someone mentioned continuing to walk and maybe some upper body stuff (like Jillian says: punches are great for anybody with a lower body injury). So get this…it happened to me too. I started the C25k several months ago and being the major overpronator that I am (and not wearing proper shoes to accomdate that) I got shin splints early on.
I stopped and haven’t gone back to it. The goal to run a 5k is still in the back of my mind but after I purchase the proper shoes! The nice thing is shin splints do go away. But you’re right you’ll have to rest for a while Don’t overdo it though because I’m sure you’ve heard shin splints can actually lead to stress fractures if not cared for and then you’re looking at a 6 – 8 week recovery time.
Whew, that was a lot.
You’re inspiring me, Sam. Keep on keeping on!
First off good work, I’m trying to get back on the wagon (stupid cold this week is killing me.) I am trying to get from a 16 back to a 10.
Shoes are a good point, I usually get leg and foot pain when my shoes need replacing. (And get fitted Running Room trains their staff well.)
The rule is 10 per cent per week but are you taking a rest day? The rest day is when your body recovers and heals from the workouts. (And allows you to get faster.) As an alternative, you could try pool running.
Good for you for getting in shape. I need to find the motivation to do the same. And shin splints? Suck a thousand hairy balls.
I am filled with admiration for you: I am STILL trying to get motivated/organised/financially stable enough to get to the pool three times a week. Sigh.
Go break a sweat for me, OK??
The hardest part is taking that first step out the door, and you’ve already done that! I completed the C25K program in December, and it was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I did run a 5K after 9 weeks, and I smiled the entire time. I was not a runner before the program, but now I look forward to running days like I never thought I would
It’s ok to be scared, but it’s more important to recognize how far you’ve come. Four months ago you wouldn’t have cared if you missed a day, and now you do. You have to allow for your body to heal, otherwise injuries will prevent you from running even when you want to.
If you haven’t already done so, go to a store like Road Runner where they will make sure you are wearing the proper shoe for your feet. Also, here’s an article on 2 quick exercises you can do to help prevent shin splints in the future: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Try_these_exercises_to_prevent_shin_splints.htm
One thing that helped keep me motivated was signing up for the 5K, to make sure I went out an ran even when I didn’t want to.
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