2 Weeks Off

Consistency is key in training and maintaining. On account of all my knee problems, I have had to take it relatively easy for the last two weeks. This meant I literally did no form of running or aerobic exercise for nearly two whole weeks. This was the longest I have gone without such activity in about a year and half. Needless to say it was both strange and unpleasant.

First, I actually noticed that I was more restless at night. Perhaps due to the lack of exertion, I really could not keep myself focused during the evenings. I was also a little depressed for some reason.  I’m not sure if this is sound science or not, but I’m totally attributing this to my lack of aerobic exercise throughout the week that my body had become accustomed to.

Secondly, when I finally was able to return to running yesterday I noticed a significant decrease in my endurance. I played a game of ultimate yesterday at lunch and was huffing and puffing way worse than any time in recent memory. If I had to measure it numerically, I’d say at least 30% of my endurance was totally gone. Plus, I experienced the painful burning of the lungs that had long been forgotten.

However, on the brighter side, my knee is feeling alot better. Still not 100% but good enough to ease into running again. Also, I received some expert advice today from someone I would call an elite runner who encouraged me to “run as pain allows”. Yea for no more weeks off! Plus, he gave me some great strengthening exercises that I look forward to performing tonight.

Bottom line: if you want to keep your fitness level up, it is important to establish a routine that is part of your weekly life and maintain it unless instructed to do otherwise. If you don’t, you may find yourself starting over from square one.

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