Despite trying to walk regularly, my efforts have been rather sporadic. It was starting to show promise a few weeks ago, when I managed a 20 mile week...easily!
However, my health has been quite iffy lately. Fact is, I believe I've finally reached the realm of new symptoms.
Years ago, I figured out that caffeine triggered my migraines. Quit drinking caffeinated soda and the headaches went from 4 to 5 times weekly to less than that number in a year.
The migraines have been back for about 2 months. But, the dilemma is that I am now waking up with them. So what on earth is triggering them this time?
Last weekend, just moving around became difficult. The best description I can give it is Tin Man syndrome. Remember how, in The Wizard of OZ, the Tin Man would get creaky and have difficult moving his joints? Well that is what it felt like...I needed someone to come along and oil my joints so I could move about easily.
Seriously, I felt less like 41 and more like 101.
This lasted from Sunday to Tuesday. I spent all 3 days sitting on the couch, watching television & entertaining myself with MahJong on-line.
Wednesday, I woke up just fine. Absolutely no sign of the Tin Man joints.
Today, I got out of bed feeling great. Because it was so cold this morning, Tammy and I decided to walk at 11 am. While waiting, I worked around the house. Did some laundry. Washed some dishes. Hauled laundry upstairs and put it away.
At 10:30, my feet started hurting. It hit as if a switch was flipped. The closest description is the burning you get after walking barefoot on sand too much.
Despite the pain, I laced up my shoes and went to the track to meet Tammy for our walk.
When I turned the corner at the water plant, the pain hit my hands. It was approximately 11 am.
We walked, 1 hour, 1 minute. (12 laps/3 miles)
Two additional, possible symptoms:
For as long as I can remember, I would occasionally choke on something I was eating, drinking or just saliva in general. It was as if I breathed wrong or the food was too crumby or loose. It was a nuisance. But, it happened infrequently enough that I never bothered about it.
However, about 6 months ago, the choking/strangling became much more frequent and severe.
Previously, I can remember one occasion when the choking scared me. I was quite pregnant with Jared and had more difficulty that usual catching my breath.
Now, it seems that this happens at least once a week. Honestly, I have not kept track. The idea that this could be a symptom only occured to me this morning, after recovering from yet another incident.
I've had 2 memorable instances where I was scared I was not going to recover my breath. But, I've learned that if I don't panic, I have a much better chance of recovering my breath easier.
These episodes are now so severe that they make me vomit.
Also...recently the two little toes on my left foot, plus a small portion of the side of the foot, went numb. I don't know when. I don't know how long. It didn't alarm me at the time. But, now I'm beginning to wonder.
For the time being, my entries may be less about exercise and more about my health and how I'm feeling.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Day 17 & 18
Wednesday
Walked 19 minutes, 4 laps (1 mile)
The fatigue has hit really hard. I'm sleeping a full night, only to be in desperate need of a nap two hours after I wake up. I sleep until noon or slightly after and by 10 pm, I'm beyond ready for bed. It's so frustrating.
Wednesday was the first day I had the opportunity to walk this week. Due to the fatigue & just plain not feeling well, I managed a whole mile. It's something! I have to hang on to that.
Thursday
Today, I plan to skip attempting to walk. My left heel is close to being healed. Since I haven't been able to do much this week, I think it's to my advantage to allow my poor foot the extra day to heal.
Walked 19 minutes, 4 laps (1 mile)
The fatigue has hit really hard. I'm sleeping a full night, only to be in desperate need of a nap two hours after I wake up. I sleep until noon or slightly after and by 10 pm, I'm beyond ready for bed. It's so frustrating.
Wednesday was the first day I had the opportunity to walk this week. Due to the fatigue & just plain not feeling well, I managed a whole mile. It's something! I have to hang on to that.
Thursday
Today, I plan to skip attempting to walk. My left heel is close to being healed. Since I haven't been able to do much this week, I think it's to my advantage to allow my poor foot the extra day to heal.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Day 13
Walked 40 minutes; 8 laps (2 miles)
Walked with Jay.
Had the opportunity, so I took it.
My energy levels seem to be much better. Yesterday evening, I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen. Cleaning & cutting up vegetables. Preparing salads.
Cleaned Dobby's cages. Made our bed. Though I hit a wall halfway through dressing the bed.
Slept at least 12 hours last night. After getting lunch, as I rolled out of bed at 11 am, I began cooking. Made Cauliflower Bake, Cloverleaf rolls, a cake. Sliced some mushrooms and cleaned & cut up cauliflower.
After returning from our walk, made dinner with the help of Tim & Jay. We had steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, salads and rolls.
After cleaning up the dishes, I made the icing & frosted the cake.
I'm tired. But, it's a good tired.
Walked with Jay.
Had the opportunity, so I took it.
My energy levels seem to be much better. Yesterday evening, I spent a couple of hours in the kitchen. Cleaning & cutting up vegetables. Preparing salads.
Cleaned Dobby's cages. Made our bed. Though I hit a wall halfway through dressing the bed.
Slept at least 12 hours last night. After getting lunch, as I rolled out of bed at 11 am, I began cooking. Made Cauliflower Bake, Cloverleaf rolls, a cake. Sliced some mushrooms and cleaned & cut up cauliflower.
After returning from our walk, made dinner with the help of Tim & Jay. We had steaks with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, salads and rolls.
After cleaning up the dishes, I made the icing & frosted the cake.
I'm tired. But, it's a good tired.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Day 12
Walked 56 minutes; 11 laps (2.75 miles)
Thank goodness for the late start this morning, as I was completely incapable of function when I got up to see Jay off to school. Went from bed to couch, saw him off, and back to bed. Completely exhausted after a full night's sleep.
Both Tammy & I were running behind for our 11 am meet up. Then, her mom's hair appointment went quicker than usual. So, we had a shorter walk than normal. But, that's OK.
With the way I am feeling, I am just happy that I was able to show up.
Plus, I am happy to report that the transitional soreness has stopped. That is a huge help.
Thank goodness for the late start this morning, as I was completely incapable of function when I got up to see Jay off to school. Went from bed to couch, saw him off, and back to bed. Completely exhausted after a full night's sleep.
Both Tammy & I were running behind for our 11 am meet up. Then, her mom's hair appointment went quicker than usual. So, we had a shorter walk than normal. But, that's OK.
With the way I am feeling, I am just happy that I was able to show up.
Plus, I am happy to report that the transitional soreness has stopped. That is a huge help.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
5 Days
Prevailing knowledge indicates that exercise gives a person energy. Previously, I have found this to be true.
However, I have not experienced a surge in energy levels this time. Where is it?
Evidence from the last 5 days:
Saturday & Sunday
Following a very good week of walking, I was totally useless on the weekend. I woke earlier than usual, between 10 am & 10:30 am, which is a nice change. However, I could manage no more than to sit on the couch and work Sudoku & crossword puzzles. while watching the television.
Yes, that was my weekend. My husband took care of everything else--the dogs, feeding us, dishes. All while I sat on my backside, unable to do anything beyond push a pen or buttons on a remote.
There was some improvement, I was able to stay upright and didn't need to take any naps.
Monday
Walked 1 hour, 22 minutes; 16 laps (4.25 miles)
Walk turned out decent. We had to move it back twice due to cold temperatures. Plus, the wind made it a little difficult. But, we got our walk in.
Afterward, I was done for the day. By the time we picked up Jay from school, I asked my husband if we could just eat out. We've been making an effort to eat at home. But, I did not have the energy to cook or clean up afterward.
If I could have went to bed at 8 pm, I would. But, we needed some laundry washed. Had it not been a necessity, I would have put it off.
Tuesday
Walked 1 hour, 38 minutes; 19 laps (5 miles)
Again, another good walk. No wind to speak of, so it was easy.
Afterward, I was done. I had used up my allotment of energy for the day. Thankfully, Jay had a good report card. So, we had an excuse to eat out in celebration.
The evening ended with a 10 pm bedtime. I tried to read for awhile, as Jay was still doing homework. I don't like going to sleep while he is still doing his homework. But, I couldn't make it. I had to give in. No idea when he finally finished his work and went to bed. I heard nothing!
Wednesday
That brings us to today. It rained. The rainfall was so much that the ponds have developed in our yard.
After Jay left for school, I happily went back to bed. I gave in to the exhaustion and allowed myself to sleep.
I finally awoke at 11:45 am. I've been up for 45 minutes and I am dragging.
So, where is that energy I'm supposed to be feeling?
However, I have not experienced a surge in energy levels this time. Where is it?
Evidence from the last 5 days:
Saturday & Sunday
Following a very good week of walking, I was totally useless on the weekend. I woke earlier than usual, between 10 am & 10:30 am, which is a nice change. However, I could manage no more than to sit on the couch and work Sudoku & crossword puzzles. while watching the television.
Yes, that was my weekend. My husband took care of everything else--the dogs, feeding us, dishes. All while I sat on my backside, unable to do anything beyond push a pen or buttons on a remote.
There was some improvement, I was able to stay upright and didn't need to take any naps.
Monday
Walked 1 hour, 22 minutes; 16 laps (4.25 miles)
Walk turned out decent. We had to move it back twice due to cold temperatures. Plus, the wind made it a little difficult. But, we got our walk in.
Afterward, I was done for the day. By the time we picked up Jay from school, I asked my husband if we could just eat out. We've been making an effort to eat at home. But, I did not have the energy to cook or clean up afterward.
If I could have went to bed at 8 pm, I would. But, we needed some laundry washed. Had it not been a necessity, I would have put it off.
Tuesday
Walked 1 hour, 38 minutes; 19 laps (5 miles)
Again, another good walk. No wind to speak of, so it was easy.
Afterward, I was done. I had used up my allotment of energy for the day. Thankfully, Jay had a good report card. So, we had an excuse to eat out in celebration.
The evening ended with a 10 pm bedtime. I tried to read for awhile, as Jay was still doing homework. I don't like going to sleep while he is still doing his homework. But, I couldn't make it. I had to give in. No idea when he finally finished his work and went to bed. I heard nothing!
Wednesday
That brings us to today. It rained. The rainfall was so much that the ponds have developed in our yard.
After Jay left for school, I happily went back to bed. I gave in to the exhaustion and allowed myself to sleep.
I finally awoke at 11:45 am. I've been up for 45 minutes and I am dragging.
So, where is that energy I'm supposed to be feeling?
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 5
Walked 1 hour, 1 minute; 3 miles (12 laps)
Wore new pair of shoes today. Not sure if they are the right fit, as the toes on my left foot went numb early in the walk. They did not remain numb, though.
I've worn Asics for years with no problem. However, they were out of the Kayano that I normally wear. I couldn't face wearing the old shoes another day, so I opted for the Nimbus that were in stock.
The shoe strings are oddly super short. Like 5 inches to tie them short. So, I'm not sure if the problem is the shoe or I've tied them too tightly.
My legs are super sore. Can't remember how long it took until I didn't have to deal with the soreness.
Wore new pair of shoes today. Not sure if they are the right fit, as the toes on my left foot went numb early in the walk. They did not remain numb, though.
I've worn Asics for years with no problem. However, they were out of the Kayano that I normally wear. I couldn't face wearing the old shoes another day, so I opted for the Nimbus that were in stock.
The shoe strings are oddly super short. Like 5 inches to tie them short. So, I'm not sure if the problem is the shoe or I've tied them too tightly.
My legs are super sore. Can't remember how long it took until I didn't have to deal with the soreness.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Day 3
Walked 1 hour, 27 minutes; 4 1/2 miles
Fortunately, I could move this morning. Plus, the temperatures were much better suited to a morning walk. So, Tammy and I hit the track at 9 am.
It's so easy to log the miles when there is someone to talk to.
Tomorrow I have to work, so I'm taking the day off. My legs will thank me. They are so sore!
Fortunately, I could move this morning. Plus, the temperatures were much better suited to a morning walk. So, Tammy and I hit the track at 9 am.
It's so easy to log the miles when there is someone to talk to.
Tomorrow I have to work, so I'm taking the day off. My legs will thank me. They are so sore!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Day 2
Walked 2 hours, 7 minutes; 25 laps
Yep, you read that right.
Tammy & I were too busy running our mouths to realize how far we walked. Crazy!
Hopefully, I will be able to move tomorrow. We are supposed to walk in the AM.
Yep, you read that right.
Tammy & I were too busy running our mouths to realize how far we walked. Crazy!
Hopefully, I will be able to move tomorrow. We are supposed to walk in the AM.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Today
Today, I am starting over.
Today, I weigh 187.0 pounds.
Today, I realized that I have less than a month until our trip. A trip that includes a great deal of walking.
Today, I began my new walking routine so as to enjoy our trip.
Today, I walked 8 laps/2 miles with Jay.
Today, I spent the evening cleaning & cutting up fresh vegetables.
Today is a new day for a new me.
Today my mantra has become:
Sleep well. Eat well. Exercise. Stay hydrated.
Today, I weigh 187.0 pounds.
Today, I realized that I have less than a month until our trip. A trip that includes a great deal of walking.
Today, I began my new walking routine so as to enjoy our trip.
Today, I walked 8 laps/2 miles with Jay.
Today, I spent the evening cleaning & cutting up fresh vegetables.
Today is a new day for a new me.
Today my mantra has become:
Sleep well. Eat well. Exercise. Stay hydrated.
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