Well.....We rolled into this weekend with the goal of walking the Walter Payton 5K Fitness Walk. I walked it last year with my exercise class and wanted to try it again. Last year, I was coming off an extended period of treatment for a plantar fasciia problem in my left foot, so my goal was to simply get through the 5K. I did, but it took me more than an hour and ten minutes as I recall. A week after the walk, I received a postcard telling me that I was 1157 out of 1160 women in the race. (pout) Still.....I made it without having to be brought in on a gurney!
We started a walking program last fall, which was going very well. Unfortunately, DH fell off the roof and landed on his feet, and that put an end to our walking together for a bit. Then.....he tried to bring down a thief and ripped his hamstring muscle on the same leg. So, that wiped out our walking in the early spring. Neither of us was well prepared for this walk, and it's my own fault that I wasn't ready.
The day broke cloudy, gray, gusty and threatening rain. I put my driver's license,some money, and a bandana in my pockets, and a visor on my head, and we were off to the race site. We registered, got in line and set off at the shot. Despite wearing New Balance shoes and my orthotics, I was in trouble in the second mile. And because I favored the foot that hurt, I developed a good-sized blister in the other foot. This is the first time I've gotten a blister on the narrow part of my foot parallel to the arch.
It would be an understatement to say I'm limping. I had to borrow a cane from my mother to be able to get around. I hope DH can do some grocery shopping because I'm dreading the idea of having to walk the grocery store.
Still....I made it. I know that I don't want to experience that type of walk again, but I made it, and I was faster than last year! We shaved eight minutes off last year's time. If we do it next year, I plan to have walked all Spring to get ready for it. Come walk with me! It's time to get in shape!
Comments (6)
1157th out of 1160. Well congrats, you finished and were not last! The only 5K I can see myself doing is in my dreams. That blister sounds pretty painful. Look after it.
Posted by Dr. D. | June 8, 2003 6:01 PM
Posted on June 8, 2003 18:01
ouch, that does indeed sound painful. I saw some runners out yesterday - <a href="http://www.fmrc.ab.ca/FMRC/2003/2003Events/Oilsands/relay.htm">they were doing a marathon open relay (which is a distance of 42.2km divided amongst 3 to 7 runners.)</a> Now, had I been watching the scheduled runs I'd have been able to participate in this, Damn, missed it. I am by no means currently able to run a marathon, but a piece of one would be terrific.
Congrats on the 5k, and heal well and take care, you can do the distance again, and as for PF... that is something you and I share. Urgh! no... make that Arrrgh!!!
Posted by Desiree | June 9, 2003 1:15 AM
Posted on June 9, 2003 01:15
Hiya, Dr. D! That score was for last year. We should get our standings in a week or so, and I'll be able to tell you if I improved this year. I know the time was faster, which satisfies me. The blister is surprisingly not painful. It just feels rather odd.
Des...I should make it clear that we entered the 5k WALK. I've never been a runner, and I don't know if I will ever become one, but walking for fitness really appeals to me. I hope you have the chance to do a relay marathon; my niece wants to do one, too.
It's usually fun to find what we have in common, but in terms of PF....you're right: ARRRRGH! says it all.
Posted by Buffy | June 9, 2003 9:59 AM
Posted on June 9, 2003 09:59
I think walking is THE best exercise, just from experience and I think it's the only cardio that humans were obviously intended to do. Love it. Me, the Petite Filet and Cutlet (in his stroller) take a walk each evening about 8. It's a lot better than watching TV. We go just shy of 2 miles.
I jog and we bicycle, too.
Posted by Texas T-Bone | June 9, 2003 12:42 PM
Posted on June 9, 2003 12:42
Im so glad you finished the race. I'm sorry that your feet hurt so much. I'm quite sure that if you get into a walking habit you'll be more than ready to roll for next years walk. Gotta break in those shoes!
Posted by Drowning Fish | June 9, 2003 2:15 PM
Posted on June 9, 2003 14:15
ok, won't be making you run, but it can be so enjoyable! btw Texas T-Bone, the running I do may well be classified as 'jogging' but I like to call it running. My speed was 8 min per km when I was doing good.
Posted by Desiree | June 10, 2003 12:19 AM
Posted on June 10, 2003 00:19