u/ViolentLoss

New missions drop Sept 2nd!!!!!

I think I have a strained Achilles or calf muscle (or both?), just on one side. Whatever it is, it hurts, always at the beginning of my workout and it gets better after a mile or two.

So, I'm taking some time off doing the thing that makes it hurt - running - and today is officially 7 days. I'm struggling. It's a little easier because it's hot as all hell outside, but even still I'm really, really missing it.

Walking does not seem to aggravate it, likewise with strength training, and I actually bought a cheap exercise bike to have at home. The bike will be useful anyway for cross training.

The rest has definitely helped, and I'm planning on giving it another week. If two weeks off of running doesn't fix it, I will go see my doctor.

Can my fellow runners provide some coping strategies that you've used when you've been unable to run?

So

Y'all, I knew I had gained weight - some clothes fitting more snugly than they should, looking less toned, feeling like I look fat in pictures ... but I honestly didn't realize how bad it had gotten. I finally got on the scale yesterday for the first time in almost a year and discovered that, to get to a weight that I am comfortable with, I will need to lose 24 pounds LOL! That is CRAZY to me. This is objectively a lot of weight and I am feeling disgusted with myself and ashamed. I know I shouldn't. I know that. But it is so hard. I am not unhealthy - I'm actually a runner, if you can believe it, and ran my first half marathon about a month ago, with a good time!

Getting on the scale was both scary and a relief at the same time, if that makes sense. I knew something needed to change, but I did not realize the magnitude - of course not, because weight creeps up. Knowing now what I need to do is empowering. I am not simply "bloated" (lol) and I will not be able to deal with this in a week. So at least now I have a clear path to where I want to be.

I just wanted to share here...hopefully in a few months I'll be able to post a success story : )