This really made me think: Why do I move? Is it because I enjoy it? Is it because it's healthy? Is it because I have met so many friends that also run? Why do I move?
Originally I started moving because I was challenged by a personal trainer to start running, and to run a 5k by the end of a summer. I think I talked about this in an earlier post, so not going to revisit that. Why did I start working with a trainer in the first place? First, I have always been somewhat active. As a young child I was always playing outside, and into my adult life I am the same. I like to hike, ride my horse, rollerblade, walk, yardwork, etc. My job as a Veterinary Technician always required me to be on my feet, and I have never been interested in a "desk job". I think that would be tough for me. When I started running, like I said, I was challenged by a personal trainer to run a 5k. I started working with a trainer because my BMI was high. When I started running, I found out that it helped me through some challenging emotional and mental issues that were going on in my life. I am pasted those challenges, but I find that it lowers stress and anxiety that can occur. Moving not only helps you physically, but helps you mentally as well. And if you can't run, then walk. Walk a lot.
With my recent back fusion surgery, I was told I needed to walk as much as possible. It was so hard at first, but I was determined. I started slowly, and increased as I got better. I wasn't allowed to go outside much because I was a "fall hazard", so I had to do a lot of my walking inside. I was told to do as much walking as I could, and I "would know if I did too much". When I got to 2 miles, I called my doctor to make sure that I wasn't doing to much, and they said "great! keep going". So, I did. Why did I keep moving? To physically heal, and to help me mentally as well. I was stuck inside, and under strict restrictions: no bending, no twisting, no lifting. Basically, I wasn't allowed to do anything, but I could walk. I walked to heal. I walked to keep me mentally busy. I walked because I couldn't run. I walked to stay as fit as a person could when they weren't allowed to do anything else. I walked and I walked. At my 3 month post-surgery appointment, they were pleased with my progress. I was then allowed to start working with my Physical Therapist, Craig. In a week I was moving so much better! My PT was excited about my improvement, so I walked more. I move because I always want to be moving forward.
I am now almost 4 months post-surgery, and I have an appointment with my surgeon's PA next week. I am hoping I can still go to the PT, as I am making good progress, and I want to continue getting better. I have started running now, about 10 days ago. I run every other day. My instructions were to walk 1 mile, then run 1 minute/walk 1 minute X 10 repetitions. I increase the repetitions by 2 each time. I am up to 18 repetitions. Unfortunately I now have a sore IT band again, ugh. We think it is from some of the Strength exercises I am doing, so we are pulling back on those for several days. This is now the most frustrating thing, except that I am still limited with what I can do. Each day is about healing, that's all I do. Sometimes that can be tiring, well, basically healing is hard. I am tired of healing, but I keep moving because that's how I can heal.
In summary, I think that I move for different reasons at different times. I started moving for a different reason then I move now. What started me moving is different then what keeps me moving. I think that's good, things change, so reasons so change.
That's why I move.
