The Journey – Week 3

Overview: This week was tough because January just feels really long. I’m feeling more flexible but I had days with a lot of pain. Listening to my body is still a work in progress but I do think I’m improving an awful lot. It really is trial and error and I have to stop assuming I should be at a certain point. I’m getting where I need to be, it’s slow but it’s still progress. A good quote from the articles that go with the workouts this week was:

“Two steps forward and one step back is still one step forward.”

8fit Team

I feel I forget this sometimes. Like, I’m now able to do some of the Yoga movements much more fluidly which was something I honestly didn’t think I’d ever be able to do when I was doing that first Yoga workout in week one. That week I called myself all sorts of names and now I’m adding Yoga workouts to days where I feel I need a little more challenge.

I struggled with the side planks this week but hopefully, with practice, in a few weeks I’ll have that in the bag as well and if I don’t, I know there will be something else I’ve made progress in.

Monday (18th January) – I’ve been skipping the Monday morning pre work walks (gladly) as Monday is cardio day in the 8fit New Year’s Program and I don’t want to push myself to an injury.

This Monday’s Cardio (Day 15) was called ‘Grounding cardio’ and I hurt myself! 🙈

So some of the moves required the side plank and I just can’t do this move correctly and probably should have left it off and instead, worked on trying to do it correctly, but I just ploughed on. This is one of those moves that looks easy but I know my hips aren’t in the right place and doing what they are supposed to. I just ended up hurting my left hip and lower back.

Actually that side plank doesn’t look easy. I was nowhere near that kind of form. The movement in the workout required me to have my arm resting on the floor for support. It was all a bit of a disaster. My actual plank is really very good, I just can’t hold it for very long, I think I need to just dedicate some time to practicing the side and maybe stay away from adding any other moves to it for a little while.

I knew I’d hurt myself but decided I needed to do my 10,000 steps (there was also a new episode of My Favorite Murder I’d been saving) so I went out for a 5 km walk on my lunch. This may also have been a mistake.

I had a rough night. A lot of pain and a few painkillers. I should have tried some yoga and maybe had a bath but both seemed too difficult so I went for rest.

Tuesday (19th January) – The rest may have done the trick.

Skipped the morning walk and did the 8fit Day 16 New Year’s Program. Yoga for the shoulders and neck. This was a nice easy class and not at all strenuous.

Decided to try the 5 km walk again and when I came back went right into the Yoga for hips from last week. It was more difficult this time, in terms of getting to the next movements, but I’m seeing a marked improvement in my flexibility and flow so that’s progress. Hips are feeling really good now, as is my lower back, so it’s good to have this one in the bag. Not sure trying it when I’m in the middle of a flair up would be a good idea but after adequate rest I think I’ll be using it again and again.

Wednesday (20th January) – Bit of a washout. Weather and my desire to do anything!

To be fair it was the Inauguration and it was hard to focus given the excitement about seeing Bernie’s mittens. 😀

I did my 8fit Day 17 workout which was a Full-body HIIT with core. It was really bloody hard and I took a break in the middle to watch the trash get taken out of the White House.

I needed the break to be honest.

There were dreaded side planks in this workout but with clear modifications so tried them. Didn’t do a great job and kind of gave up. There were also burpee tuck jumps! Oh how I laughed!! 😀 I did manage to do the actual burpees so I’m only about 3 weeks behind!

Not sure how I felt after today. Sore but able to move?! Let’s see how I fair tomorrow.

Thursday (21st January) – Hmmm…

Today was not so good. Went for a 5 km at lunch even though I was a little sore and ended up a lot of sore. Probably the worst I’ve been in since I started back working out. It’s not helping that it’s cold and therefore I’m cold and can’t warm up so I’ve been holding myself funny all day.

Had no desire to meditate but made myself do it and it absolutely helped relax my back and I wasn’t in as much pain. I know I say this a lot, I don’t much like meditation, but it is useful. I have to keep it up.

Friday (22nd January) – Friday’s seem to be my busiest days. I try to finish up with work and all the things I need to do around the house and exercise by 4.30pm at the latest. That means an early start and a very strict schedule. The beauty of it is the day flies by and the weekend arrives very quickly.

Today’s 8fit Day 19 workout was HIIT Pilates – Full-body. It was challenging but I also loved it. Pilates is becoming a favourite. The fact that such small movements can have such in impact amazes me. I also think I’m becoming a bit more flexible. I wouldn’t say a lot more flexible but enough that I feel like I’m making some progress.

Today was new nail day and that is always exciting for me. Before COVID I used to get my nails done every 3 to 4 weeks. It was self indulgent I guess but getting them done was always an instant mood booster for me. The first few months of COVID lockdowns kind of had me not caring about anything and when we were able to do some things again nails (and eyebrows) just seemed like too big a risk. So nail wraps became a thing. Used Maniko for the first time this round and I’m not convinced. I usually use Miss Sophie which I’ve found to be very good. I got lots of Maniko on sales though so I’ll be using them for a while. The big hassle is all the prep work before but it’s always worth it when they are done. I’m usually on a high for a good few hours after. With Miss Sophie I get about 3 weeks out of them. Maniko, as I said, aren’t filling me with confidence but it could be because I’ve got two layers on (red as base and gold foil on top) so it’s a waiting game.

Saturday (23rd January) – The big Saturday walk. Back to The Phoenix Park. It was a fabulous walk. SUPER cold again with clear blue skies. I may have a few too many glasses of wine while having a 4 hour chat with my mother last night so 13 km in the cold really cleared the head.

Saturday’s I get to nap and let me tell you, one was needed! 🙂

Sunday (24th January) – Meal prep day followed by an oatmeal, avocado and vitamin E oil facemask. There was also the use of lots of lotions and potions and it was a great way to end the week. I spent the entire evening in a fleece blanket nest, reading and watching Modern Family reruns. I’d not appreciate it if I did this every day right? 🙂