Rhovaniel finds the Dúnedain... and herself

[Rhovaniel]

I'm so excited for a 6 week challenge! And I have so many ideas for my narrative that I'm pretty excited to write, so I'm actually coming into this challenge super energised and ready to get going. Technically, I'm starting my weeks on Sunday, so I have to back-log from Sunday 25th, but still! And since this time around Rhovaniel is going to be searching for her (and my) role models and inspiration, I have no remorse in posting this:

 

 

 

Anyway, goals for the six weeks:

 

Lifting: 3 workouts a week

 I will probably continue a little longer with my sort-of Stronglifts workouts, until I reach a point with OHP where I can do Juggernauts properly and not need to use dumbbells. Hopefully, the transition will occur at some point during the challenge.

 

Running: 3 runs a week in the format of 2 sprints and one longer one.

In addition, I want to try and push the longer one just that little further each week. Just slightly, so my ‘I don’t wanna brain’ doesn’t throw a tantrum. Maybe a half kilometre each week further. Starting at 5km.

 

Macros: Track macros (TDEE -10%) 5 days a week

I’m not good at pre-planning. The night before tends to be the norm right now, but so long as it gets done I’m not pushing this point too much. The goal is simply to eat to my macros – and post them on here daily for accountability – 5 days out of the 7. I say only 5 because this is still a pretty new habit for me and I want to go slow. I’ll do my best to make at least one of the non macro days still track-able, but eating to my TDEE, or maintenance macros, rather than -10%. I have no real idea if -10% will help me lose weight, but it’s what my body accepts (I get too hungry and eat ALL the things when I try to restrict calories too much) so I’m going with that.

 

 

 

Mental Strength: Meditate or work on some form of mental resilience once per day. 7 days a week.

This is the new habit I want to build, because I think taking the time out of my day to mentally decompress will help me maintain my mental strength when I need it to. I feel pretty good right now. But sooner or later, things are going to happen that’s going to test me. I want to be ready for that day, and be better able to weather it.

 

 

 

Rewards are not going to be tied to narrative this time around. I liked the format, and for the most part it worked so I will probably go back to it at some point. But it also took a lot of time, thinking of different outcomes and how they might relate to each week, etc. And it doesn’t really work so well when I’m keeping the goals so simple. So, narrative will hopefully just be a minimum of once a week, and instead I’m implementing some loot goals (not arbitrary, I’ve been wanting some for a while):

 

LOOT

  

 

Perfect Week: New ¾ length (or ½ length) workout bottoms or top. I currently have two bottoms and maybe three tops that are in constant rotation through wearing them and laundry so it would be nice to have a few extras!

 

Perfect Challenge: New trainers

 

I really do need a new pair of trainers since I discovered that the ones I use for the gym are way more comfortable than the converses I used to live and die in. So, that’s the motivation for getting it all right this time around.

 But I also accept that I have not previously completed a perfect challenge, and, whether I like it or not, I do get de-motivated if I realise early on I can’t achieve anything and that becomes a slippery slop, so:

 

Non-perfect week but with 3 or less missed goals: Half-point towards the loot. It means I can’t get the workout clothes of choice that week, but I’m halfway there, so if I have another non-perfect (but still 3 or less missed goals) then I do earn it, as if it were one perfect week.

 

Non-perfect Challenge but with 15 or less missed goals: Not sure on this one, since I don’t intend on having loot goals next time around. I’ll think on it. 

[Charlie_Quinn]

Following! I like your reward system.

[jonfirestar]

Running to keep up with your awesome! 

 

 

 

When is Break Point happening? 

[Rhovaniel]

25 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

Running to keep up with your awesome! 

 

 

 

When is Break Point happening? 

Aha, that'll be me on my longer runs  

 

BreakPoint happens in 10 days and 11 hours time and I am slowly reaching a fever pitch of excitement and nervousness and just a hit of fear! It's the weekend of July 8th/9th so it's when the others (apparently mostly non-Rangers ) start their challenges . It's also a huge motivation to hit my running goals. I'm also trying very hard not to talk too much about it. I have a tendency to go on too much about stuff that I really get excited about, and it annoys others (especially the other half). I really need to think of something more appropriate and less winded to call him on here...

[jonfirestar]

2 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

Aha, that'll be me on my longer runs  

That was me on my run this morning. At least until I was allowed to slow down. Stoopid running plan  

 

4 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

BreakPoint happens in 10 days and 11 hours time and I am slowly reaching a fever pitch of excitement and nervousness and just a hit of fear! It's the weekend of July 8th/9th so it's when the others (apparently mostly non-Rangers ) start their challenges . It's also a huge motivation to hit my running goals. I'm also trying very hard not to talk too much about it. I have a tendency to go on too much about stuff that I really get excited about, and it annoys others (especially the other half). I really need to think of something more appropriate and less winded to call him on here...

 

You can just vent about it here, problem solved! That's the same weekend I'm having a massive party and am actually being social. I think you've got a better idea than me. As for TOH, you could use the classic BF, or just an initial. 

[Rhovaniel]

9 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

You can just vent about it here, problem solved! That's the same weekend I'm having a massive party and am actually being social. I think you've got a better idea than me. As for TOH, you could use the classic BF, or just an initial. 

Why didn't I think about that? Thanks! From now on, he'll be M.  

 

I think that weekend should just be renamed the Ranger Weekend. You're having a party, I'll be at BreakPoint and Tank's getting married! So much excitement!

[jonfirestar]

6 minutes ago, Rhovaniel said:

I think that weekend should just be renamed the Ranger Weekend. You're having a party, I'll be at BreakPoint and Tank's getting married! So much excitement!

 

@Charlie_Quinn is running an OCR and @Jarric and @DarK_RaideR are in Ireland doing Tough Mudder. All sorts of awesome going around that weekend! 

[Rhovaniel]

18 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

 

@Charlie_Quinn is running an OCR and @Jarric and @DarK_RaideR are in Ireland doing Tough Mudder. All sorts of awesome going around that weekend! 

I'd forgotten about those. Definitely a Ranger Weekend!

[Rhovaniel]

So, Sunday and Monday's updates:

Lifting: Nothing Sunday, but my legs are still feeling the effort from Monday's 'lets do all 4 lifts in one workout' session. It was fun, though!

Running: Did my sprint session on sunday, which I logged about in my last challenge thread, nothing Monday. 

Macros:  

Sunday's was: 

Food	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
Breakfast smoothie (without oats)	464	20.3	6.3	83.7
Spinach, Chicken and Avocado Salad	366	35.1	17.8	16.9
Fresh Pasta (100g)	145	5.2	0.9	27.9
Chicken mini fillets (125g)	130	29	1.4	0
Grenade Bar - White Chocolate Mocha	213	22.6	7.8	15.3
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6
Galaxy Cake Bar	147	1.5	8.1	17.2
Gorgonzola and Mushroom sauce, 1/2 pack	181	3.9	14.9	8.4
2 tbsp of pb fit in 500ml oat milk	225	10	3.5	34.5
Galaxy Cake Bar	147	1.5	8.1	17.2
I tbsp pb fit	25	2.5	1	2
Fruit Corner - Strawberry	158	6.4	5.7	18.9
I tbsp pb fit	25	2.5	1	2
Totals	2382	152.5	86.5	245.2
Remaining	14	7.5	-11.5	25.8

 

Sorry, I can't figure out how to make it smaller. Copied and pasted from my Excel spreadsheet tracker. Too much fat is a common theme, really. And I snacked too much (damn you, Galaxy cake bars!) but I'm working on it. 

 

Monday I did not track. I had unhealthy stuff to use up so made it a variance day. 

 

Mental Strength: This was not yet a goal, but I'm saying both days are a win since on both, I spent a fair amount of time figuring out how to get my headspace right. 

 

Now for Tuesday:

 

Lifting/Running: I did mean to run and didn't, but I refuse to let this goal get the better of me! Come hell or high water, I'll get three runs in this week. Tomorrow, I have box fit, lifting AND yoga, so maybe not then. But I should be able to run before work on Thursday, IF I get my butt out of bed on time. I got up at 8am today. But in part that was because the cat woke me up by biting and licking my nose a good four times during the night. It is hard to get back to sleep when your nose feels like someone's just rubbed sandpaper over it! The other run will be the weekend, probably saturday, and not at the gym because of time restraints. I get to close shop at 8:00pm that day though, so if all else fails I'll do it after work. I am DETERMINED not to fail this goal. Lifting was a rest day. A DOMSy rest day  

 

Macros: So, the thing with my macros is that I factor in a lot of snacks because I know if I don't, I feel restricted and then I feel phantom hungry and it starts to feel like a diet. This is what I had planned:

Tuesday
Food	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
Breakfast smoothie (without oats)	464	20.3	6.3	83.7	y
Lean (5%) mince	476	56.3	18.7	20	y
Fresh Pasta (100g)	145	5.2	0.9	27.9	y
Fruit Corner - Peach and Apricot	167	6.5	5.7	21.5
Grenade Bar - Mint	214	22.1	8.5	13.6
Chicken breast and avocado salad, light mayo	329	27.1	17	17.4	y
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6	y
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6
Apple (Pink Lady, medium)	72	0.4	0.2	19.1
Galaxy Cake Bar	147	1.5	8.1	17.2	y
2 tbsp of pb fit in 500ml oat milk	225	10	3.5	34.5	y
Totals	2395	161.4	78.9	256.1
Remaining	1	-1.4	-3.9	14.9

 

The y is my very rudimentary method of tracking what I've eaten throughout the day and what's left because I absolutely will forget . That's a lot of uneaten snacks, considering it's half past nine at night and I'm going to bed soon! Not too sure what I'll do about them either. Meh. Going under for one day shouldn't hurt. I may have the grenade bar though. Got to keep up the protein!

 

Mental Strength: I had a very productive chat with a friend (met through BreakPoint last time, as it happens!) who also struggles, especially with anxiety, and have a few books to try that were recommended to me. But for tonight, I'm in the mood for a calming meditation before bed. There's one I really like but I never finish, because it's too relaxing and I fall asleep with my headphones still plugged in! So, I'll go with a shorter one tonight. Either way, this goal will get done. 

 

 

 

[Charlie_Quinn]

1 hour ago, Rhovaniel said:

I'm also trying very hard not to talk too much about it. I have a tendency to go on too much about stuff that I really get excited about, and it annoys others

 

I do that too. I want to hear all about BreakPoint so don't hold back!

[SkyGirl]

3 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

I have a tendency to go on too much about stuff that I really get excited about, and it annoys others (especially the other half).

 

For me, it tends to be that I'm supposed to be talking about something else, but whatever I'm excited about will slip its way into the conversation ... like "Yes, I read up on that new piece of literature and will finish the writeup on it tomorrow and prep the spreadsheet for our meeting and also I'm doing a Warrior Dash in September". And the other person is like "Uh ... okay?"   As others have said, feel free to talk about it all you like here! We're almost as excited as you!!

 

I'm loving your goals and energy! Eagerly following along to meet the Dúnedain!!

 

[WhiteGhost]

Following your missiquesthing!

 

 

 

[Salinger]

Following along  

[Jarric]

Following along! As other have said feel free to talk lots about BreakPoint, we're all excited to hear about it. Also, the hype for Ranger Weekend is strong!

[Rhovaniel]

15 hours ago, Charlie_Quinn said:

 

I do that too. I want to hear all about BreakPoint so don't hold back!

 

13 hours ago, SkyGirl said:

 

For me, it tends to be that I'm supposed to be talking about something else, but whatever I'm excited about will slip its way into the conversation ... like "Yes, I read up on that new piece of literature and will finish the writeup on it tomorrow and prep the spreadsheet for our meeting and also I'm doing a Warrior Dash in September". And the other person is like "Uh ... okay?"   As others have said, feel free to talk about it all you like here! We're almost as excited as you!!

 

I'm loving your goals and energy! Eagerly following along to meet the Dúnedain!!

 

 

55 minutes ago, Jarric said:

Following along! As other have said feel free to talk lots about BreakPoint, we're all excited to hear about it. Also, the hype for Ranger Weekend is strong!

 

16 hours ago, jonfirestar said:

That was me on my run this morning. At least until I was allowed to slow down. Stoopid running plan  

 

 

You can just vent about it here, problem solved! That's the same weekend I'm having a massive party and am actually being social. I think you've got a better idea than me. As for TOH, you could use the classic BF, or just an initial. 

 

Thanks guys! Well, in that case.. I'M SO EXCITED I CAN HARDLY THINK STRAIGHT! It is also somehow, a benchmark for me. I am making this a turning point, more so than the other one. 

 

Seriously. I had so much fun last time, and until the negative thoughts started creeping into my brain a few weeks after the event, I was riding a high afterwards. Like, a literal high. I don't think I stopped smiling for a week. Those of you who followed my thread a few challenges back, when I booked this July course, know how much of an anxiety meltdown/near complete freak out I had over just signing up. Which boiled down to - They'll think I'm stupid or obsessed or both (I'd already booked the October one with a few others from the first course!) and I will be just as bad and what if I get sick again?? And I'm not going to lie, some of those feelings are still there. The nerves about the first point will definitely increase as it gets nearer. But you know what? This isn't about them, not really. It's about me taking action to push myself and overcome the mental demons. To find my 'Break Point' as they term it, and smash it down. I love their approach, and I want that feeling of accomplishment back. But not just for a fortnight this time. This time, I won't let my brain tell me, 'they went much easier on you than the others because you got sick' and 'you were one of the two weakest ones there, they took pity on you' and 'it's not that big of a deal'. It IS a big deal. They offered to take me out for the second morning of running round and walking and stuff and drop me back in later, and I said no. And yes I may have been one of the least physically able, but I finished the course. That's a big deal for someone who spent a lifetime believing themselves weak. Just this week it hit me that I still held some of those thoughts, in particular the one about thinking, deep down, that I am weak. That no matter how much I can lift, or how far I will be able to run, I'll still be fragile somehow. And then - forgive my language - I told myself that that was bullshit. I am only weak if I keep believing it. I choose to believe that I am strong. 

 

 The only thing that I am actually truly concerned about is what they call the 'escape and evasion' phase. I... did not do so well on that one last time. (and not just because I fell out of the van trying to climb into it. Thank god they couldn't see how red I went!)  But that just means that I have something definite I know I want to do better on. 

 

 

 

Oh, I'm sure they won't mind me sharing the link, but here's the Dropbox file of some of the many, many photos they took of the weekend back in April. There is A LOT, but skimming through might give anyone who's interested an idea of the challenge ahead of me. Would have posted them much sooner, but the same issues I have with posting stuff on instagram extends to photos other people took of events I just happen to be in. blurgh. One day, I'll get that particular demon. For now, he's me starting the battle:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/vdc0onsyv8q94c9/AAA9Y8Tc1rjflwuwhIV3On5Ta?dl=0

[jonfirestar]

1 hour ago, Rhovaniel said:

They offered to take me out for the second morning of running round and walking and stuff and drop me back in later, and I said no. And yes I may have been one of the least physically able, but I finished the course. That's a big deal for someone who spent a lifetime believing themselves weak. Just this week it hit me that I still held some of those thoughts, in particular the one about thinking, deep down, that I am weak. That no matter how much I can lift, or how far I will be able to run, I'll still be fragile somehow. And then - forgive my language - I told myself that that was bullshit. I am only weak if I keep believing it. I choose to believe that I am strong. 

 

There is so much awesome in how you describe BreakPoint. This stood out to me because changing one's self perception is not an easy thing to do. When you spend your whole life with a view of yourself it can take a hell of a lot to change it. Well, I am going to tell you straight. In the time I've been reading your challenges you've undergone a huge amount of growth. You are not the same person who wrote here a few months ago and panicked about whether or not she'd even survive one night at BreakPoint.

 

She did survive and she thrived! What's more, you are stronger than she was, and you do have more mental fortitude and self belief than she did. It is hard to see that fact from within the experience but that is how I see it. The thing about growth is that it doesn't come all at once. It comes slowly. So slowly you might miss it's even happening. So you are right. Your self doubt is bullshit. Embrace the changes and the strength you have forged into yourself and show them, and yourself, exactly how much you have grown!

[Rhovaniel]

11 minutes ago, jonfirestar said:

 

There is so much awesome in how you describe BreakPoint. This stood out to me because changing one's self perception is not an easy thing to do. When you spend your whole life with a view of yourself it can take a hell of a lot to change it. Well, I am going to tell you straight. In the time I've been reading your challenges you've undergone a huge amount of growth. You are not the same person who wrote here a few months ago and panicked about whether or not she'd even survive one night at BreakPoint.

 

She did survive and she thrived! What's more, you are stronger than she was, and you do have more mental fortitude and self belief than she did. It is hard to see that fact from within the experience but that is how I see it. The thing about growth is that it doesn't come all at once. It comes slowly. So slowly you might miss it's even happening. So you are right. Your self doubt is bullshit. Embrace the changes and the strength you have forged into yourself and show them, and yourself, exactly how much you have grown!

 

Thanks, Jon. It means a lot. You're absolutely right, sometimes we're too close to ourselves to notice the change. But I think I am stronger now than before, mentally and physically. I'm not naïve enough to think I'll be on par with the fittest, but I know that all I need to do is turn up, give it everything I have and never quit no matter what my body tries to tell me. The course will do the rest, and I'll emerge stronger than ever. 

 

I'd actually forgotten how much I'd stressed over my ability before the first course. (of course, that would be too much like my brain giving me a balanced view of things ) I remember not sleeping that well because I was so scared. And then in the car park there were all these super fit, muscular guys and super lean, strong looking girls (the blonde woman in the photos was incredibly strong, and super nice, too.) And then there was me. Thank god Jodie took me under her wing, because otherwise my social anxiety would have beaten me. As for my fear that I won't bond as well with this group... well, that may happen and it may not. The point is that what I get out of it is up to me. We're all together for two whole days, doing things in teams, primarily. We'll get along, I'm sure.

[WhiteGhost]

Wow, Break-Point looks like a really great skills / confidence booster.  Ranger skills all the way!

[starpuck]

Hello there!   Was browsing threads to get me some inspiration and was greeted with a delightfully delicious Aragorn gif.      Then I read your goals and went, Oh snap!   I remember back when I hit my "Greatest Stride Ever" (pun intended) and it was because I was lifting 3 days, running 3 days.   Heck yeah I am sticking around!   So, I kept reading... and saw these awesome macros!   Of eating good foods and getting all that protein!    I apparently have a thing or two I can learn from this Ranger.

 

[Moros]

Late following, but following!

 

[Jarric]

5 hours ago, Rhovaniel said:

Just this week it hit me that I still held some of those thoughts, in particular the one about thinking, deep down, that I am weak. That no matter how much I can lift, or how far I will be able to run, I'll still be fragile somehow. And then - forgive my language - I told myself that that was bullshit. I am only weak if I keep believing it. I choose to believe that I am strong. 

 

That's a great epiphany to have. And you're right, that was bullshit!

 

We are what we believe we are - keep telling yourself how strong you are and you will do strong things and become even stronger.

[Rhovaniel]

7 hours ago, WhiteGhost said:

Wow, Break-Point looks like a really great skills / confidence booster.  Ranger skills all the way!

It is all that and more. It pushes you all the way and somehow, at the end, you realise you're not the same person who began it 

 

6 hours ago, Starpuck said:

Hello there!   Was browsing threads to get me some inspiration and was greeted with a delightfully delicious Aragorn gif.      Then I read your goals and went, Oh snap!   I remember back when I hit my "Greatest Stride Ever" (pun intended) and it was because I was lifting 3 days, running 3 days.   Heck yeah I am sticking around!   So, I kept reading... and saw these awesome macros!   Of eating good foods and getting all that protein!    I apparently have a thing or two I can learn from this Ranger.

 

Hi! Glad to have you! A fellow Aragorn-Apreciator is always welcome

3 hours ago, Moros said:

Late following, but following!

 

It says something about the Rangers when half way through the first of what is technically a two week break is considered late to the party! I can't see the image you posted (it comes up as a ? for me, but I'm sure it's awesome!

3 hours ago, Jarric said:

 

That's a great epiphany to have. And you're right, that was bullshit!

 

We are what we believe we are - keep telling yourself how strong you are and you will do strong things and become even stronger.

Thanks! Though I did need to remind myself of this during BoxFit, when everyone was just going and going and my arms were trembling and burning. That was intense!

 

So, a quick update today because holy heck am I tired. The cat only woke me up once at half three, so I got an okay night's sleep, managed to drag myself out of bed at 5:40 (10 mins after my alarm, set early for this very reason) and into the gym. Squats, OHP, deadlifts. Got to 50kg on squats (before my holiday I was at 55kg, so not too far off), and did 2 sets of 5 OHP at 22.5kg, and one set of 2 reps. That doesn't seem like a lot, but I've been stuck at 20kg (just the bar) for ever, and every time on strong lifts I'd go up, I'd fail them and go back down. I still had to knock off the extra weights for the last set, but that's okay. Patience. Deadlifts 50kg. That's okay. I keep thinking it's low, until I remind myself that I weigh about 72.5kg... 

 

Then puttered round the house after gym. Did laundry, cleaned the kitchen, went shopping. A little too much TV. Then BoxFit... I would say it kicked my ass, but it's fairer to say it ruined my arms and shoulders lol. There was a lot of sprinting to and fro then punches, and back... very red faced and sweaty for the hour of yoga that came next. Couldn't even manage 20 seconds of plank during it, but I'm NOT letting it affect me. It was because I'd already pushed myself the previous hour, not to mention the morning's lifting, and I already did a full minute plank earlier. Not because of any weakness. 

 

And that brings me to macros. I'm not sure if I should count this as a fail or not. It's the second day in a row I'm under. Taking out the scheduled food that I didn't eat, today's macros were:

 

Wednesday
Food	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)
Breakfast smoothie (without oats)	464	20.3	6.3	83.7
Lean 5% mince	476	56.3	18.7	20
Wholegrain rice	214	4.9	3.3	39.9
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6
Hard boiled egg (large)	78	6	5	0.6
1 chicken breast	107	22.1	2	0.1
Easy peeler clementine (2, whole)	33	0.7	0	7
Clif Bar (Peanut Butter)	274	11	6.4	41
Grenade Bar - Mint	214	22.1	8.5	13.6
Hartley's no added sugar jelly	5	0.1	0	1.3
Totals	1943	149.5	55.2	207.8
Remaining	453	10.5	19.8	63.2

 

450 calories under is quite a lot for an active day. I just didn't have time to eat the salad I had planned before the later gym classes because of shopping and came in at 9pm utterly unable to muster any willpower further than to eat the eggs, chicken breast and jelly. Not all at once, one after another. Technically, I have enough macros left to eat a chocolate bar if I wanted. But I'm not hungry... ugh. 

 

 I want to get these right. But going under isn't going to help that much, because I won't be giving my body what it needs and sets me up for an unhealthy relationship with lower numbers, particularly of calories. I already have a hard time with any meal that goes over 500... 

 

(Decision taken just now whilst writing this: I'm going to have a protein shake and head to bed. It's about 250 calories and lets me hit my target for protein. Halves the carb deficit too.)

 

Mental Strength: Done yesterday, will do my best to stay awake long enough to do tonights. 

 

Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I tend to ramble when I'm tired...

[SkyGirl]

I have so much I want to say, but I'll boil it down to YES. You have grown so much in the last few months, and all of that stems from your realization that you are not weak. That you choose not to be weak. And you choose to know and believe that you are strong, you are capable, and you are a victor. I am so, so terribly proud of you!!

 

 

[Rhovaniel]

okay, so the spanner in the works.

 

I did actually mean to get up early and go do some sprints this morning. And then I hopped out of bed and the top of my foot went, 'ow!'. I think it happened in Yoga when I was balancing on one leg and it didn't feel right so I had to come out of it, but whilst I shook it off and had no problems last night, this morning it hurt bad enough for me to ditch the run and get super scared. I made the mistake of googling it and if its a sprain or strain (I'm praying not, because its already less painful than when I woke up), apparently you're supposed to rest it for weeks. Break Point is next week Saturday! I don't have weeks! 

 

Since it seems pretty minor to me, and I can walk, though it does sort of hurt when I do, my plan for today (I'll review tonight maybe) is:

- Get M to drive me to work so I don't have to walk to the station. 

- There is currently a bag of frozen sweetcorn on my foot that I'll trade for a compression bandage soon

- Wear my slip on ballet shoes instead of lace ups

- Use foot as little as possible all day. This is made easier by the fact I have a job involving me being sat at a counter for a good portion of the day. 

- Pray that this is minor (I'm thinking since I wasn't balancing that long on it when it felt weird it could just be bruised or something) and I will still be able to do BreakPoint. Although, in fairness, and I know it goes against all sensible advice, even if it persisted, I'm stubborn enough that I will go to BreakPoint anyway. 

 

Any other time, I would be far more calm and patient. But I am so desperate not to be carrying an injury into BreakPoint weekend that it's all I can do not to stress out about it. 

 

I am, however, giving myself a pass for running goals this week. I won't fail the week based on this because I am doing it to protect my foot (unless of course it feels totally fine and I'm confident it is just a bruise or something). A small concession . 

[starpuck]

Oh man, sorry to hear about the foot!   Those weird ambush pains are the worst! (I woke up two nights ago with a finger that felt like it had been broken/jammed/something... WHILE I SLEPT!  [Best guess is that it was strained from carrying my Target bags home on a 1.5 mile walk...])

 

You've got a good plan in affect!    I have absolutely no medical basis for this, but I bet it's just a tendon/ligament being cranky!    If you have access to Arnica gel or T-Relief (usually at a chiro or Holistic type place) try rubbing that in every couple hours too!

 

And of course, try not to stress!  Leave all that energy you're using on stress, for the body to use for healing.   Easier said than done, I know!     Just keep your protocols in place, they're rock solid.