Search This Blog

Sunday, March 15, 2009

My quest to get into shape


Last September I made a pact with myself: if it all turned out well with my surgery, I would do more to stay in shape. My tumor had nothing to do with being in or out of shape but it made me aware of the fact that staying in good shape will prevent --or at least reduce ---hospital visits that can be avoided by being healthy.

In November my hemovac drain was removed and since then I have been left with a loss of feeling in parts of my thigh. Now that some of that feeling is returning, it is time to make good on the promise I made to myself.

I saw at 10tv.com that Heather’s Team is being formed in honor of Heather Pick , who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2008, at this year’s Race for the Cure. Heather was Brian’s co-worker and friend. I decided that this would be a nice way to contribute to a good cause, honor a special person, and get myself into shape. Given that this 5K race is in May, it is time to start working.

My first step was to buy running shoes. I went to Front Runner and a sale’s person helped me tremendously. He looked at the tread of my old tennis shoes and watched me walk to figure out the best shoe for me. Not only have I been wearing the wrong size but I wasn’t even wearing the proper arch support.

The sales person brought a selection of four shoes. I walked and ran in the parking lot, no doubt looking like a nut with two different shoes on my feet! I decided on the Asics Fortitude. Just running in the parking lot, I could tell a difference. I had more stamina and less pain. Best of all, the discomfort I’ve been experiencing at my surgical site when I run was greatly reduced.

This week I will begin my running schedule. I’m excited to wear my new shoes! I hope some of you reading this will join me at Race for the Cure.

No comments: