Brian’s fitness journal after a brain stroke
I am finding progress beyond the stopwatch in running endurance improvements.
This morning greeted me with something that has become surprisingly rare lately.
No rain.
Better yet, the air was noticeably cooler than it had been for several days. It was chilly enough that I briefly wondered whether long sleeves might have been the wiser choice. After the recent stretch of hot, humid mornings, however, I was happy to accept a little cool weather without complaint.
As soon as I woke up, I headed out for my usual run.
Within a few minutes, my body warmed up, and so did the weather. Nashville apparently believes seasons can change during a single run. What began as “perhaps I need a jacket” quickly became “short sleeves would have been perfect.”
Unfortunately, ideal running weather did not magically produce an ideal running pace.
I missed my target.
Looking back, I probably should have seen it coming. Around this time of year, morning temperatures can climb ten degrees within a surprisingly short period. Since I usually finish my runs before 8:00 a.m., it is remarkable how quickly the weather transforms.
Apparently, summer in Nashville believes in making dramatic entrances.
Next time, I may pay closer attention to the hourly forecast instead of simply checking the temperature when I wake up. Waiting a little longer before heading out might actually make clothing choices and pacing a bit easier.
Fortunately, today’s run was only five kilometers. Had it been my usual Saturday 10K, the changing conditions would have become much more noticeable by the later kilometers. Also, I have more energy than before after running. I must have gained my running endurance.
After returning home, I moved on to my resistance training.
There was better news waiting there.
This morning, I increased my pull-up total to twenty-five.
I was particularly pleased because many of my strength exercises have received less attention lately. Summer has a habit of replacing gym sessions with lawn mowing, and anyone who has pushed a mower across a steep backyard knows that yard work has a remarkable way of volunteering as leg day.
Still, progress is progress.
Perhaps the biggest change I have noticed this year is the effect of my anemia treatment. For years, I simply assumed that feeling tired was normal. Since beginning treatment, I have noticeably more endurance and energy throughout my workouts.
I admit I have complained more than once about having to visit the hematologist. Medical appointments are rarely anyone’s favorite hobby.
But credit belongs where it is due.
The treatment is making a real difference.
No, I did not meet my target running pace today.
On the other hand, I completed twenty-five pull-ups, something I could not have imagined not very long ago.
That is one of the lessons fitness keeps teaching me.
If you judge every workout by only one number, you’ll miss many of your victories.
Some days, the stopwatch wins.
Other days, the pull-up bar quietly reminds you just how far you’ve already come.