As you may remember, I took the entire month of March off from running in hopes that I could help heal whatever knee/leg problems that have been bothering me during January and February. I have to say that even though I hadn't been running, I was feeling completely exhausted all month.At first I thought the exhaustion from the Goofy Challenge and the Glass Slipper Challenge (plus the 5K) was catching up with me. But then I realized a few other factors that may have contributed to my exhaustion.
Not running may have been one of them. Ya know how when you are less active, you are more tired? I think not being as active as I should have was one of my problems. Sure I did all my stretches that I should have, but I can't say they really got my heart rate up. Another Factor that has contributed to my exhaustion lately has been my husband's dog. He's getting older, has a hard time getting around, and doesn't sleep through the night. Every night like clockwork he wakes me up at 3 am (or there abouts). I've also noticed that I haven't exactly been eating that healthy. Scott travels during the week so I am usually left on my own for dinners. I hate to cook meals just for one person so I end up eating stuff like rice cakes, cheese and crackers, or nothing at all.
But now I'm trying to make a change for April. Even with taking the month of March off, I knew that I wanted to start running again in April. Since yesterday was April 1st, I kept my word and did a little run. I am certainly not healed. I have decided that I will make an appointment to go back to Physical Therapy. Yes, I should have thought about that a month ago, but I really did think that I could just do all the stretches that I previously learned at PT, at home, for free. The good news is that I am having less pain in my IT band but now more pain in the knee area. Almost like Runners Knee. As far as the nutrition factor, I bought multivitamins and even went out and bought myself a meal last night, instead of just snacking on things I had around the house. Now, about that dog. I'm starting to give him Melatonin. It's okay, I asked the vet. I'm hoping for some restful nights in my future and to really feel rejuvenated this month.
What will you be doing differently this month? -M