Still at the YMCA, But.... (1).

After We Cross a Certain Line... Watch Out!

 Sign outside my favourite pub. Price of grog is reasonable!

I've got some thinking to do, some reshaping of goals at the YMCA for the next few weeks, and a stack of quarters. Certainly, thinking time, serious it is, Yoda would say.

My YMCA habit is solid. But I walk instead of run.

As my February records indicate (above), I have started each of the last two weeks with walking on my mind, and lower distance this week than last. (More cycling in place of running - then walking - on the treadmill). 

What's going on? Running miles were adding up and I felt good at a reasonable speed.

Well... my left hip started to let me know that there could be a problem in the future if I didn't rethink what I'm doing, at least for awhile. Pain was minimal after a run, but I felt it the next day. 

Was I going too far too fast? Do I need a different type of running shoe? Would I do better on a softer surface? Is there a softer surface? Am I getting too old to even pile up running miles at the slow pace I was going? I don't know. (My father needed a new hip  in his 70s, and I'm getting there in age. Could hip trouble be in my genes? I don't know).

My weekly miles (14 week's worth, above) are higher at the YMCA than when walking on city trails. My weekly average is at least 10 miles higher than the last three years. My ten-week average was at 41.375 miles last week. Would that be a contributing factor?

My total of running miles/week (above) was not extravagant or - in my opinion - over the top, and my ten week average was hovering around 15 miles. Too high? Too fast? I don't know.

But I do know I don't mind walking to the YMCA and reading a book while riding a bike and waiting a few weeks to figure out what the heck is going on.

My YMCA attendance and pursuit of svelteness is strong. Delays do not hurt. 

Pursuits don't always follow straight lines (like this Chicago rail line)

Patience is a virtue (so I am told) and I bet it doesn't grow stronger unless it's tested every once in a while. I will walk, read and ride for a few weeks, then start an easier walk/run ladder.

I know how it's done and I still have a fistful of quarters.

Stay tuned.

Please link to Definitely YMCA Related (3).

Photos GH