Friday, October 13, 2006
Academics are supposed to be sedentary, right?
It's reasonable to say that I read and write for a living. Sometimes I read more than I write, and sometimes I end up doing a lot of photocopying, talking with profs, lecturing or defending -- but still, my job is basically desk or library rooted. So you'd THINK that any REASONABLE person whose job is so non-physical would be fine with a little forced rest. But I'm so not that reasonable person. I've been told not to run, hike or speed walk for several weeks. I can swim, I can do weights, I can do the recumbent bike if I'm careful. I can still exercise, and I still do, but what I really want to do is run.
I mean really really REALLY want to run. I am jealous when I see people running on the street. I half want to be them and half want to punch them in the head because they probably don't realize how bloody lucky they are.
I never ran until about 6 months ago. Growing up, a had a myriad of annoying health problems related to bone and soft tissue development, plus really flat feet, so I basically sucked at all things running-related. Gym teachers suck ass, even more so that kids in my experience, and did nothing but make me feel like a freak and a failure. It wasn't until I was in my early 20s that I began to realize that I actually could do athletic things, but I might have to do them slower, or differently, because of my body. So I swam and biked and started weight-lifting -- another thing I now love and kick ass at -- and after the debacle of the MA weight gain I committed myself to losing weight. When I'd lost about 30 pounds, I started walking -- fast -- outside, because Victoria is pretty and I wanted to exercise in the fresh air. And one day I started running, and it was as simple as that. I can run -- in fact, I'm a better runner than walker. I never hurt after a run. My posture is better. My hips stay in place. And it feels so fucking good.
But when you break your ankle you gotta let the ankel heal after the cast comes off. Apparently I suck at letting things heal, because about a week after I got the cast off I tried some fast walking with a couple sprints built in. And then some more. And then I was pretty much running half the time and walking half the time. And then I did the treadmill and actually ran more than I walked. And then my ankle went poufy again and I went to my physiotherapist and he looked at me like I was a crazy person (and he's blind, so when he looks at you like a crazy person you know you must be crazy) and told me to stay the heck off my foot -- for at least a few more weeks.
It sucks. Gar.
My name is Doctor t, and I'm a running addict. Detox is really boring.
I mean really really REALLY want to run. I am jealous when I see people running on the street. I half want to be them and half want to punch them in the head because they probably don't realize how bloody lucky they are.
I never ran until about 6 months ago. Growing up, a had a myriad of annoying health problems related to bone and soft tissue development, plus really flat feet, so I basically sucked at all things running-related. Gym teachers suck ass, even more so that kids in my experience, and did nothing but make me feel like a freak and a failure. It wasn't until I was in my early 20s that I began to realize that I actually could do athletic things, but I might have to do them slower, or differently, because of my body. So I swam and biked and started weight-lifting -- another thing I now love and kick ass at -- and after the debacle of the MA weight gain I committed myself to losing weight. When I'd lost about 30 pounds, I started walking -- fast -- outside, because Victoria is pretty and I wanted to exercise in the fresh air. And one day I started running, and it was as simple as that. I can run -- in fact, I'm a better runner than walker. I never hurt after a run. My posture is better. My hips stay in place. And it feels so fucking good.
But when you break your ankle you gotta let the ankel heal after the cast comes off. Apparently I suck at letting things heal, because about a week after I got the cast off I tried some fast walking with a couple sprints built in. And then some more. And then I was pretty much running half the time and walking half the time. And then I did the treadmill and actually ran more than I walked. And then my ankle went poufy again and I went to my physiotherapist and he looked at me like I was a crazy person (and he's blind, so when he looks at you like a crazy person you know you must be crazy) and told me to stay the heck off my foot -- for at least a few more weeks.
It sucks. Gar.
My name is Doctor t, and I'm a running addict. Detox is really boring.
doctor T 3:44 p.m.
4 Comments:
My best friend broke her ankle almost 3 years ago. She just had some pieces of metal (???) taken out this spring. Instead of running, she started swimming/aqua-fitness. Is that something that you might be interested in?
I know how frustrating it can be when your body is just not cooperating. I hope you can run soon!
I know how frustrating it can be when your body is just not cooperating. I hope you can run soon!
T! Sorry to hear about the ankle! "Red Right Ankle" by the Decemberists is maybe the most beautiful song ever, and certainly apropos. :D I totally feel your pain about the running. I never ran until college, and now I love it: relaxing, time to spend in the park, listening to music, etc. I got tendinitis in both my ankles simultaneously this summer and could barely walk...it was torture. So look forward to the return!
And anxiety, I think, must be part and parcel of grad school. Maybe they should have a specific branch of anxiety, just for the grad students?
Take care and feel better!
And anxiety, I think, must be part and parcel of grad school. Maybe they should have a specific branch of anxiety, just for the grad students?
Take care and feel better!
That's hard. I injured my hip pretty badly, to the point that I had trouble walking for much distances, and I had to give up running. And then I got lazy and, even though my hip's all better and my chiro's on my case to get more active, I haven't started again. Maybe you can transfer some of your addictedness over to me.
Chillax already.
K.
K.
