Training Session #32-July 10: What Advice Would I Give Myself?
In 2013 I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder that chewed a hole in my cerebellum, atrophied various muscles, impaired my vision, balance, coordination and consequently stole my ability to run. I have dedicated the summer of 2018 to regaining my strength, coordination, balance, and relearning how to run. I am participating in a 5k run on September 23rd in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This is my training journal. This is my attempt to grow physically strong again.
Write on. Fight on.
The previous training sessions can be found here, under “Fight on- Summer Training Log”
Time:
6:35 am to 7:40 am
Conditions:
Indoor
Training Maxim:
No hurry. No pause.
Training Performed:
1 hour and 5 minutes of gym training. Including:
- Chest press 3 reps x 10 ea.- 90 lbs
- Shoulder press 3 reps x 10 ea.-70 lbs
- Inverted row 3 reps x 10- 70 lbs
- Leg extensions 3 reps x 10 ea. leg- 30 lbs. right leg, 20 lbs. left leg
- Hamstring curl 3 reps x 10 ea. leg- 40 lbs. right leg, 30 lbs. left leg
- Leg press 3 reps x 10 ea leg- 60 lbs. right leg, 50 lbs. left leg
- 80 sit-ups
- 5 minutes on the Stairmaster
Accomplishment:
Trying out a new exercise–the Stairmaster.
Quote I’m Thinking About Today:
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” ~ Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
Reflection:
What advice would I give myself?
As a 12th grade teacher, I’m often asked by students, who are about to graduate high school and embark on adulthood, for advice. Advice on facing fears, following passions, sustaining long-distance relationships, repairing relationships, and overcoming physical limitations.
But what if I were my own student? What advice would I give myself?
Keep going.
I know some days the struggle is real. Some days it’s hard and frustrating.
Some days you feel sorry for yourself. Some days you doubt you’ll ever heal. Some days you want to quit.
Keep going.
Keep going because no one is going to save you. Because you’ve spent 5 years expecting doctors and pills to cure you. Because your children are watching. And the way you deal with your own tribulations is quietly teaching them how to deal with their own tribulations.
Keep going.
Because all the perspective, happiness, and love you seek is nestled deep inside the struggle.
Just keep going.
From The Previous Training Session-July 9: I Want You to Feel What I Feel
With one leg, step over the white line while the other leg remains planted on the ground. Once over the white line, return the leg back across the white line so that both legs are parallel with each other, toeing the white line.
Understand–this video was not easy for me to share.
