Pumping iron - sounds impressive - 1

I guess "pumping iron" is part and parcel of training for the MdS, but I thought I'd place it in a separate category.

I had my second day of workouts since my decision to stop running until the Iliopsoas Tendinitis clears up. The ailment is now most definitely affecting both legs. I can't say which is worse at the moment, but I just wish they'd get their collective act together, stop being inflamed, and allow me to run!!!!!!!

I sent my orthopaedic specialist a fax this morning, informing him of my decision to temporarily stop running, and that my left leg was now suffering from the malady. I aslo asked for a repeat prescription of Ecofénac, although I did point out, that the effect of said medication is lessening. I now have an appointment tomorrow evening at 17:30 to see Dr. Hasler.

I miss my running so much, and am sore at heart, that I have to forego my places on the Paris and Zürich marathons in spring - even if the tendinitis clears by then, I would not have had the training, so I'd probably injure myself again, were I to run anyway. I cannot see me participating in any marathons until summer at least. I have been scanning the websites to see which would be suitable, and will list these at a later date.

My workout this evening comprised back, shoulders and abs, and felt good. It's amazing how quickly the body actually does practise muscular dystrophy when it's not working out. I know I am deliberately reducing my weights compared to former days, but take, exempli gratia, one exercise called upright rows. A year ago, I was pushing 35 to 40 kg in this exercise (I know, not Arnold Schwarzenegger standards, but, for me, not bad!!!). Today, I was straining with 15 kg!!!!! OK, straining is exaggerating - I felt it!!!! I probably could have lifted about 22,5 kg, but resisted the temptation due to fear of injury!!!!! I have become very injury conscious. Nonetheless, it was a good workout, gievn the current circumstances.

I can still feel the effects of Sunday's chest/biceps session, but it's a great feeling. The thing is, how to pick up muscle, but reduce fat so that my overall body mass can reduce another three kilograms to my desired weight of 70 kg (I know, weight is not quite the same as mass, but I use the terms loosely). The question is: now that I am pushing weights again, should I take protein drinks/bars to feed the muscles, or not? Protein does result in an increase in body weight. Not too sure what to do. Is there not a simple pill for all this????????????

I recently ordered six books on ultramarathons and/or the MdS, plus the DVD of the 2007 version of the race. They should all arrive this week, and I can hardly wait. I have several books demanding my attention, but I have no desire to delve into them, as I am eagerly in anticipation of the ordered works.

Tomorrow, after the medical appointment, I'm off to Bener Park again for an evening of wellness and, perhaps, swimming. I am tempted to go to gym first and do some tricep workouts, and more abs stuff. Since my renewed interest in weightlifting, I have started doing a lot more abs workouts than ever before. I'll get that six-pack yet, even at my generous age!!!!!!

Stretching is going well, too. I'm slowly getting into a daily routine of it, and it feels good. I had physiotherapy again this morning with Josef, my torture master (in German: Foltermeister), and he is very happy with my decision to desist from running for the time-being. I'm glad someone is happy!!!!!! He keeps encouraging me to take up chess, but then reminds himself, that the more sport I undertake, the longer I will be coming to him, and the sooner it will be, that he can retire. We have a love/hate relationship.

Why did I not discover running when I was about 18 years of age?????????????????????

I had resolved for 2008 not to drink wine during the week. Today was an emotionally tenebrous day, and I am allowing my spirits to be lifted a little with the juice of the grape - fermented lightly, and aged well.