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April 26, 2005
Tangible Proof
So I knew that all my lifting was paying off, because I've been consistently increasing the amount I lift, and I can see the results in the mirror. But real-life proof is way more fun. My office has a water cooler with those huge blue bottles that sit on top. We go through almost one day (we're mostly young, healthy, athletic people and we all get our 8 glasses) and inevitably sometimes I drain the cooler which means I should switch the bottle. A few months ago I could pick up a new one and get it lifted up high enough to flip it over and get it in the stand, but it was a serious struggle and I spilled a LOT of water. This morning I had to switch the bottle and was expecting to make a mess--but lo and behold, I picked it up and swung it around and didn't spill a drop! It wasn't until I was finished that I realized how easy it had seemed, and thus how much stronger I am. Kind of a dopey thing to be excited about, but I am.
All the core work is paying off, too. I notice it much more when I'm tired, when I feel myself start to tighten up my shoulders and hips. Since I got consistent about abs and core work, I'm much better able to relax and fix my posture, and smooth my stride back out. Which I was very much in need of this morning--I didn't have any trouble keeping it easy today! My calves were feeling much better, thank goodness, and I decided to run a very flat, soft (and boring) out-and-back to not stress them any further. I was running barely under 8-min pace, and I was only running 6, but I was tired on the way home (probably in large part because I cross trained and did lower-body lifting last night). But once I consciously relaxed and fixed my posture I felt a lot stronger, and made it home feeling okay.
After work I skipped the elliptical and only x-trained on the bike to be a little easier on my legs. I'm still kind of sore, but much better than yesterday so I think I'll be fine by tomorrow. I did some abs and back stuff too, but I was really hungry so I cut it a little short and headed home.
Posted by jessie at April 26, 2005 09:20 PM
Comments
Wow that's impressive! We have some of those water things too, I've never tried to lift them but they look reaaaally heavy!
Posted by: Nanda at April 27, 2005 09:59 AM