Hi Again

• date: 06/08/05
• time: night
• weather: 72º F, mostly clear, wind SW at 6 mph
• mileage: today-3, week-3, year-197.4
• resting (bpm): 64
• after workout (bpm): 119
• weight: +20

comments:

Sorry for the unannounced hiatus. I was hurt, adjusting to a new schedule, and lacking motivation. Sitemeter tells me a loyal handful continued to check even though it may have seemed I abandoned this project. As always, thanks for the interest.

I got home early today and decided that I’ve given myself ample time to heal from my leg-cramping situation. To recap, I was getting severe calf cramps almost every run. The pain would last for 2-4 days. I'd try to run again and they'd cramp. Looking back on my log, I also noticed that I was starting to drop weight. For the first month of my training, I didn't lose any weight. The next month I lost 5 lbs. I gained it back and until three weeks ago, I held steady. Then I began to drop about a pound a day for ten consecutive days. So, in my unprofessional and unverified opinion, the cramps were probably due in part to my inconsistent running (too much one day, nothing for a day or two, repeat) and some sort of potassium or sodium deficiency (ions necessary for proper muscle function). I’ve adjusted my diet and tried to maintain some fitness by walking 4-7 miles a day. I'm shooting for a 5 pound per month weight loss through November. Anything more, and I might consider seeing a doc and/or a nutritionist.

Did a short run last night. Legs felt so good, I needed to remind myself that pushing too hard played a great part in sidelining me for the last three weeks. Okay, we don't need to do all of this tonight.