Glutes are Firing

I met with my WoW Walkers group yesterday morning, for a great workout. Coach Krista had a new drill for us (as developed by some of the other walking coaches) which involved aiming for 100 steps in 20 seconds. Crazy, but true. The idea is to focus on a shortened stride, and a faster turn over. We started with intervals of 10 seconds and built up to 30 seconds and then settled back to 20 seconds, each time counting the number of foot strikes with the goal to build to 100 strikes in 20 seconds. After this drill Krista had us doing lunges (up hill) and squats, and I have to tell you I can feel it is my backside this morning Yeah!!!! It is always great to work muscle groups that you think you are working but maybe not so much.

Things ARE improving

Let's not mince words, it has been freaking hot in southern Ontario this July. Temps in the mid 30s adding in humidity it feels like mid 40s. I have personally been finding it hard to breath outdoors. Also, in combination with humidity and hormones I have been one continual sweaty mess and not very happy. Depression has been something I have combated my entire life (many times it felt like the disease was winning) but it has been particularly hard these last few months. After a visit to the doctor, a change in meds and a very hard month of withdrawal from one and a new tolerance of the new I am starting to feel much much better. I managed to get out twice last week and did a solid 12km yesterday morning. Recovery is difficult (last summer 12km was a daily distance - didn't feel tired unless to passed the 25km mark) and my protein recovery shake didn't sit well (no doubt because of the meds) but I sense that I will be able to get me mileage up before I officially begin my event training in September. As a treat, I purchased a $25 iTunes card for new tunes on the iPod. Life is going to be good again.

He made it out the door

With six months until race day, this husband finally agreed to join me on me Saturday walk. I was pleased that we have now passed this hurdle and that his training has at least officially started. It has been my hope that this race would be something that we, as a couple, could do together. Let's hope this is the start of something important. To mark the occasion, I photographed him in his running shoes and one pair of running socks. While I know he will need more socks (and maybe even running clothes????) I know we can't rush these things. Now his shoes don't quite glow as do in this picture.