April 2022: Finishing on a High Note

 The LCM and RA are Evident But Not a Hindrance

The Month of May Will Tell the September Story

Winter tried to have the last laugh in April. I think it succeeded!

Introduction:

The walking habit has been strong in the month of April; 140-plus miles so far - with another full week (on track for 40-plus more miles) to add to that in just a few days. The running habit could not catch hold in early April because an LCM (lower calf muscle) was still revealing it needed more rest. 

On April 3rd and 5th I tried walk/runs but arrived home with a bad feeling, recorded in my notes. "Watch out!! LCM may be trouble in the future," I said. And I was right. Two days later I cut my running in half and still said, "Oh oh! LCM! Google 'calf injuries.' NOT GOOD." And the red star means something serious as well... I'd better be careful.

And I was careful for another two weeks, walked a bit slower, dusted off my exercise bike on one occasion, cut a couple of long walks into 2 shorter distances. On April 22 I completed a 5.5-mile walk/run on a positive note. 

"LCM, no pain. R.A. (right ankle) @ 90%." (Stiffness was evident but not a hindrance).

And the next two walk/runs received good comments and high scores : )

Some minor stiffness was evident but definitely not a hindrance.

This morning's walk (April 28th) was into a cold headwind but the LCM was not sore, not even a bit. So I am looking forward to another 'good and steady' WR on Thursday, possibly Friday. If all goes well then I look forward to a good month of May, walk/running every other day in the 6 - 8 mile range, with hopes of making the transition to running at a slow and steady pace for the whole nine yards, or the entire distance at least once per week. 

More details to follow, including thoughts about a September and/or October half-marathon race.

Photos From Along the Way:

Please click here for more information about The GREAT Canadian Comeback.

Photos GH

April 2022: Photos and Thots From Along the Way

The Photographs Keep Piling Up

The Miles Keep Adding Up Too

Walking south, under Oxford Street, beside the River Thames

Introduction:

Recently, the plan was to slowly and steadily turn some of my walking miles (approx. 45 miles per week) into running miles with an eye on participating in a "slow and Steady Eddie-style" half marathon in September of this year.

But I think I may have not just one, but two over-use injuries at the moment (April 6th); a sore right ankle keeps my mind focussed on stretching and strengthening that area; a recent (first week in March) calf muscle strain or pull has interrupted my three-times per week slow walk/run outings. The strain is a real pain! What's with this getting older?? 

Still, I walk six times per week - most often with a camera - 'cause it's a habit, you know. 

Photos From Along the Way:

Port Bruce. I did not walk or run to this fav destination : )

TVP North, a lovely walk for hundreds and hundreds per day.

Just not right now!

Green and Gators on St. Patrick's Day

Winter kicked up a fuss during March

Out walkn in the 'hood

That looks like a nice place to sit out on St. Patrick's Day

TVP North was a wee bit greener on St. Patrick's Day

Occasionally I take out a package of magic markers: Brain Power!

For certain, spring is on the way

Many thoughts about my walking and running are shared below in a series entitled Steady Eddie: A Walking and Running Habit (Parts 1 - 4).

Scroll down to Part 1, or use Blog Archive for the month of March in the right hand margin to easily view the four entries in order.

More miles to walk, more thots to share... will soon follow.

Please link to Steady Eddie: A Walking and Running Habit (Part 1)

Photos by GH