Hey all. I don't know how many people read my updates on a regular basis, but it's been far too long. I try to write and post about specific and valuable topics and use this less as a journal of my life. Unfortunately I haven't made the time to write lately, but have some good topics I want to post on. But in the short term let me give you a brief update:
RUNNING
July 14th ran and completed Dances with Dirt Devil's Lake 50k (report to come)
July 15th signed up for Dances with Dirt Hell 50k on Sept. 22nd
July 17th raced in my tuesday night trail 10k series for the third overall podium spot
July 18th first time noticeable IT pain in my left leg
July 22nd attempted easy 8 mile run and forced to stop at 1.5 with a tightening knee
July 30th attempted 5 mile run, ran 3 miles before knee locked up and became painful
August 3rd experiencing the joys of 3x a day IT band foam rolling for the first time
SOBRIETY
August 10th will be 8 months clean, happy, and free from booze. Can't believe it's been that long. The farther I come, the easier it gets. Still have some dark days. The July 4th holiday was tough. Sometimes I find myself questioning am I really an alcoholic, or did I just have other problems causing me to drink to much. The answer is I have a drinking problem, if I drink, regardless of other issues. The solution is don't drink. I don't want any of that uninvited unnecessary pain and complication drinking used to bring into my life any longer. Life isn't all peachy and perfect now that I don't, but the out of control unwelcome sorrows that drinking caused are gone, aside from some of the remnants it already caused, but even those are clearing out one at a time.
LIFE
Switched to a vegetarian diet June 10th with the intent of figuring out how it affects my athletic performance.
I'm contemplating a vegan diet, not ready for the everyday commitment yet, but I have many vegan days and meals.
Have had the extreme pleasure of having my two kids with me full time for the second half of their summer vacation. Unfortunately they have to go back to school and resume normal parenting schedules next week. This will mean I have more time to write.
That's it, but expect some better quality and focused posts from me coming up.
(insert catchy sign off here)
josh
YAY YOU! I love watching your progress. I love your commitment! Glad to know you sir!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen! Your support helps more than you know. Every bit makes me smile and helps keep me going.
DeleteThe foam roller is a grand invention. Been running across the state of Iowa, and have enjoyed carrying along my foam roller. I've been experiencing some bad achiles pain, suggestions?
ReplyDeleteHave you read Eat & Run ?
I did read Eat and Run! It was one of the many reasons I finally experimented with a plant based diet. Unfortunately I don't know what to do for achiles aches and pains. This is my first go round with any overuse injury so I'm learning. I checked out your blog and your putting up some inspiring miles on your journey.
DeleteHi Josh!
ReplyDeleteI spotted your blog via Jim Ellis at Awake My Sole and the title of this post caught my eye. I'm 11 years sober via the 12 Steps. Just started running 3 years ago and given my propensity for compulsion, I have to watch how far to the left or right I lean i.e. am I doing too much, too little, just right?! It's a fine line that I'm sure I'll be working on for the rest of my earthly days. If you ever feel like talking "shop," I'm available!
Take care and good luck with the foam roller! I was just on an ultra team for the Ragnar Great River Relay from Winona to Minneapolis, MN, and made sure to have the roller with me. That and the Rip Stick, are such godsends to sore, tired muscles.
All the best!