David's Journal

5k #4 – Hot Chocolate

| David

Hot Chocolate Registration

I have three 5k races under my belt, and while I’m extremely proud of completing the race three times, it’s time for redemption. The Hot Chocolate 5k in October: I CAN do better, and this time, I WILL.

Usually I’m uncomfortable putting out bold statements like that, because I understand that this journey to become healthy is a marathon not a sprint. I also know that my mental game still needs much work; I’m prone to “psyching myself out,” pushing myself too hard, and beating myself up.

However, this race takes plazce over a year since my first race. I know how to control my emotions race day and what to expect. Now it’s time to see some real improvement in my 5k performance. Continue reading “5k #4 – Hot Chocolate” →

David's Journal

Finishing Physical Therapy & My Next Steps

| David

After about a month, I have officially been discharged from physical therapy!

The pain isn’t gone completely yet, but something that’s nagged for this long obviously will take a longer time to heal. However, I am now armed with stretches, exercises and a full game plan of how to move forward with training.

Not only will I heal the damage done but prevent this from happening again. Continue reading “Finishing Physical Therapy & My Next Steps” →

David's Journal

My Introduction to Yoga

| David

I’ve never had good flexibility. The “President test” days back in elementary PE were the worst. I have always been curious about Yoga, you always hear about the benefits of doing it. So, when my friend suggested I join a yoga class with her, I jumped on the chance.

It helped that the class meets catty corner from my apartment and it’s with the Chicago Park District, so it’s a pretty good price!

Despite signing up a few months ago, the class began at the perfect time. As I wrote in my the last blog post, in physical therapy, they determined some of my weaknesses were flexibility and core. So at this recovery stage of my fitness, yoga and physical therapy seem to go hand in hand with each other.

You can call the pairing “Yogi and Boo Boo!” (I just thought of that while writing this and I’m much more proud of it than I should be.) Continue reading “My Introduction to Yoga” →

David's Journal

Beginning Physical Therapy

| David

This has been a long time coming, physical therapy was inevitable. I first wrote about my Plantar Fascitis in my left foot leading to pain in my right Achilles over a year ago. I finally went to the doctor and as one of the trainers at Orange Theory Fitness said, “it’s about damn time!”

I want to say a quick thank you to everyone following the blog and interacting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A reader who’s a physical therapist (and long time family friend) messaged me recommending I see someone.

That outside voice prompted me to seek getting the help I need. Thank you for the support and caring! Continue reading “Beginning Physical Therapy” →

David's Journal

Chicago Bears 5k 2016: 5k #3 in the Books!

| David

First it was Bucktown, then was Night Nation Run, now my 3rd 5k race is under my belt at the Chicago Bears 5k. By far, this was my favorite 5k so far! They aimed to make this as much of a “game time atmosphere” as possible, so that meant the Bears drumline showed up to play songs, Staley – the mascot bear guy cheered us on, the flag guys led each corral at the start of the race (see the video below) complete with fireworks, and best of all; you finish the race by running through the tunnel and ON TO THE FIELD at Soldier Field!

Continue reading “Chicago Bears 5k 2016: 5k #3 in the Books!” →

David's Journal

I Like My Scale (For Once)

| David

I feel like I’ve been very serious lately on this blog, so I thought I’d share something funny that happened recently. I stepped onto my scale to see it just said, “lo.” I know this means that the battery is low and needs to be replaced, but I couldn’t help but think, “Thanks scale! Next time, though, showing the actual number would be much more helpful!”

Just the confidence boost I needed for the day, right? Continue reading “I Like My Scale (For Once)” →

David's Journal

5k #3 – PNC Chicago Bears 5k

| David

I wasn’t planning on running another 5k so soon, however, my teammates of “Dat High Hat Doe” have convinced me to keep the running going. What was the convincing factor? Check out this banner from the official Chicago Bears 5k website:

Swag from Chicago Bears 5k

To quote their website: “Finish on the field – legendary Soldier Field. BEAR DOWN for the PNC Chicago Bears 5K (3.10 mile) race and you’ll finish where the action happens. Plus, every participant gets their own Nike Dri-FIT shirt and a custom-designed championship finisher medal. Once inside the stadium, runners will be broadcast on the videoboard as they cross the finish line, a perfect reason to get fierce, show some teeth, and finish strong.” Continue reading “5k #3 – PNC Chicago Bears 5k” →

David's Journal

Back To It

| David

For once, a post where I discuss getting back into the groove of things without needing to find a gif of a wagon on fire or a shame nun! If anything, that’s progress in itself, haha.

It’s been a week since running the Night Nation Run and I did do some stretching and light walking, but for all intensive purposes I took a week off. Upon making my return to the gym, I initially planned on taking it easy and toning it back just to get everything back into working order. Continue reading “Back To It” →

David's Journal

Night Nation Run 5k Wrapup: Competitive vs Fun Runs

| David

5k #2 is in the books! Night Nation Run was a blast, Team “Dat High Hat Doe” had a good representation and we did our thing. This was a much different experience than my experience at the Bucktown 5k last September, that’s for sure.

While Bucktown was more of a competitive/traditional race, Night Nation Run was more of a fun run environment, both of which has its pros and cons. But before I get into that, let’s do a breakdown of how the night went. Continue reading “Night Nation Run 5k Wrapup: Competitive vs Fun Runs” →