I am (once again) re-attempting to shift my sleep schedule so I can get up a little earlier in the morning and stretch. Lately I have been not getting up until 6:45 and then rushing through the morning, but that causes forgotten items and driving when stiff and tired. I’ve been trying to go to bed closer to 9 and getting up at 6:30 (no, I don’t sleep that whole time- don’t I wish!), but I find myself just taking more time to do everything. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not quite my goal, either, lol. I did manage to do some shoulder stretches Thursday morning which really helped, so hopefully that will motivate me.
Thursday was pretty exciting overall. First off, it was the first day that I haven’t needed a cane since I pulled my hip (for lack of a more medically accurate description of the injury). There is still stiffness when I have to lift that leg, but it is lots lots better. Of course, my right knee started being cranky Wednesday, but that is getting better also, so *fingers crossed*.
At about 3:45 I changed into my walking clothes, collected one of my coworkers and then we went and picked up hubby from work for the 5k. We went over way early to get parking. Friends from work live about 1/4 mile from the starting line, so we parked there and waited for the rest of the crowd to trickle in. There were over 20 of us from work and we all walked over together. I was alomsot tempted to walk except for a mysterious something happened to my foot. No idea what (I was just standing there! I swear!) but very painful. I ended up fielding someone’s professional camera and had fun taking pictures. I also forgot to bring bring canned food for the donation, which is a little disappointing, but I donate food regularly so I’m not beating myself up over it.
The Corporate 5k is an ENORMOUS race. There were about 14,000 registrants this year. It’s in beautiful Lake Eola and I’m so glad that I was able to attend this year, even if I didn’t actually get to walk. (Actually, thanks to the crowd I’m really glad I didn’t try, better hip or no.) I was able to get into between the start areas for the runner and walkers and get some good (and some very funny!) pics. Once the runner passed (it took 10 minutes for them all just to cross the starting line!) then they released the walkers. Once my co-workers passed I turned around and limped the short way to the finish line… just in time for the first runner to cross! Their time was 15:02, so that gives you an idea of how dedicated some of these folks our. The best time from our team was right about 20 mins.
Sadly, once the sun started to go down I couldn’t get many good shots, and it was impossible to find everyone in the crowd. I managed to collect two or three people and was trickled back to our coworkers apartment where was ate potluck and recovered. About 9:30 I drove hubby back to his car and we waited for my coworker to be picked up. By the time I finally got home and showered it was 11 o’clock and I fell into bad. Sadly, I did not sleep well at all- I’m glad today was quiet at work. In all, a really good time and I REALLY hope that I get to walk in it next year!
Oh, and completely unrelated to anything: one unexpected perk of moving to my own office? The door has a handle instead of a doorknob- so much easier to use when my hands are stiff!
When I was taking Lamaze (37 years ago), I learned a very simple stretch routine. It has more to do with body awareness than exercise, but it helps me wake up in the morning, even when running late!
Lie flat in bed; while alternately fisting and stretching fingers on both hands, gently
1) stretch right arm and right leg; relax
2) stretch left arm and left leg; relax
3) stretch right arm and left leg; relax
4) stretch left arm and right leg; relax
5) stretch both arms and both legs; relax
Sit up on edge of bed
6) cross left hand behind you and right across in front of you, twisting your body right
7) cross right hand behind you are left across in front of you, twisting your body left