Personal Trainer

The gym that I work out at hired a new personal trainer a few weeks ago. And he's a runner. One who has run marathons. So I bought a few sessions from him and had my first one today. I told him that I was running a 5K this December, and that I would like to run a marathon in one year. He said my goals were very achievable. He setup a workout plan for me that includes time in the gym and time on the road, and showed me some appropriate stretches for both before and after a run. He really seems like he's willing to work with me and wants me to succeed.

My physical ailments are making themselves known. I am fighting either plantar fasciitis or a heel spur in my right foot; soreness in my right side IT band; and something going in my right knee. Yup, all in my right side - my left side feels fine. For now. I've been icing my foot for a few days now, and that is helping. Stretching the IT band is working wonders. Today I started icing my knee. Is this the life of a runner? Should I invest in an ice machine?

On the good side, my breathing is becoming slower, deeper, and more deliberate. My flexibility is actually increasing, even though I am doing no specific stretches in that area (I can ALMOST touch my toes now!) And I have a lot more energy, so I'm not taking naps during lunch at work.

I went to Target to get a bottle of liquid fabric softener, and ended up spending over $160 by the time I left. They had a nice sale on whole grain cereals, so I picked up 8 boxes. Then I wandered through the men's clothes department, and found some good prices on exercise pants that actually fit! I bought three pair! And a nice workout jacket, the moisture wicking kind. So I'm almost ready for colder weather. My wife was a bit upset that some of the pants did not exactly match the jacket, but I told her that I am taking this seriously. I am NOT going to be a fair weather runner. (Those people are known as JOGGERS... not RUNNERS). I will be running in the rain, snow, cold, heat... JOGGERS don't do that. RUNNERS do. It is hard enough finding exercise clothes that fit, so I'm buying what I can find and going with that. I tried planting a money tree in the yard this year, but it just didn't seem to take root... maybe I'll try again next year. Then I'll be able to buy color-coordinated running outfits.

Today I spent 45 minutes on the elliptical, along with learning some good information from the trainer. And I have some pretty well defined, and achievable, goals.

Happy running.