I got the clearance to swim last Thursday afternoon and I was in the pool Friday night for date night (as predicted) and then again on Saturday during a spa day where they also have many pools including a lap pool. (Hurrah!) So I brought two bathing suits, one that I could do some laps in and a foofy one that I could wear at the party pool where there’s calypso music and barbecue happening.
Swimming.was.amazing.
(Lo and behold I was back in the water on Sunday too but just in a leisurely cool myself off type of way but that’s what happens when I get a go ahead on something I’ve been missing for months).
I’ve decided that for the time being, swimming makes me feel much better than running does. It doesn’t jostle as much and surprisingly, it doesn’t hurt my midsection like I thought it would as I tried to swim with things tightened up instead of flapping in the breeze.
During my swims I got some cardio in, some upper body, some core, and it felt amazing to finally be submerged again.
No, I couldn’t swim as many laps as I could when I left off back in April, and that always discourages me a little, and when it started to as I swam my laps, I heard some words talking in my head as if someone were writing me a letter.
Reminding me that it’s not just as simple as just returning.
It said.
Dear Christie,
You have a new “normal” now. Normal isn’t what it was. Sometimes what you think the test is, isn’t the test at all. Right now the test isn’t how fast or how long. The test is doing the best with what you’ve got. Doing the best with your “new normal.” Can you do that?
The truth is, it’s hard to start over. It’s hard to watch my group training, full well knowing I couldn’t keep up right now.
In fact my new normal is:
- fewer swim laps at one time
- Mostly walking with some running in there. Somewhere.
- And when I do run, running sloooooooooow.
After 10 weeks, my muscles? Soft.
Endurance? *sigh* I don’t wanna talk about it.
And it’s taking some getting used to. Some re-evaluating. A lot of thinking. A lot of adjective changing.
So I can’t run fast. But as I ran/walked the causeway yesterday, I decided to do the best with what I’ve been given. Run up the bridge. Walk. Then run the sand on the way back. Make something about it challenging. Anything.
Last week I interviewed Austin Andrews from the Biggest Loser Season 11 (remember, he was on Team Brown with his dad? He’s awesome. And I have much more to share with you in the coming days.)
But of the many things he said, this resonated with me.
THIS? This.
“If all you can do is crawl, START CRAWLING.”
My new normal won’t always be this normal.
But it’s what I got right now. And I’ve got to be ok with that.
Have you ever had to deal with a “new normal?”
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Wow–that statement about crawling was really poignant. Love it.
I am not EVEN going to compare coming back from a long injury to what you’ve been through, but I do understand the whole starting over thing. I was out for most of last year and it was really hard at first. And humbling. But the good news is that you’ll feel stronger every week and before you know it (truthfully!) you’ll be back where you once were. Enjoy the progress!
misszippy recently posted..The legs are ready to lounge
Humbling is right — no matter what the reason was!! Glad you’re back at it too!!
Christie O. recently posted..The Monday Manifesto: The New Normal
I am pretty glad to see your progress. Carry on!
Roni recently posted..שרתים וירטואליים
((hugs)) I hear you loud & clear, girlie. I’m not thrilled with my new normal either, but I’m learning to listen to my body & appreciate the slow miles it can do.
Bari recently posted..Menu Plan Monday: On Vacation
Yep. No matter how slow, they are still miles. xo
Christie O. recently posted..The Monday Manifesto: The New Normal
Dealing with a much less difficult “new normal” right now, coming back to exercise after a loooong break. So I semi-know what you are going through – props for getting out there and doing something about it!!
Thanks, mad props to you too!! It’s hard starting over no matter what!! Love your screen name by the way!!
Christie O. recently posted..The Monday Manifesto: The New Normal
Yes, and it’s a struggle to remember I need to do what I can now and not what I was able to do a few months ago.
Starting over, but knowing that I’ll get there.
Thea @ It’s Me Vs. Me recently posted..Who Would I Be?
EXACTLY. just think of the now. xo We’re getting there!
Christie O. recently posted..The Monday Manifesto: The New Normal
I’ve been there too. The new normal will change. 9 months after my hysto, I ran a PR in a half marathon. A month after that, I ran my first full marathon. Last weekend? I did my first 70.3 triathlon.
Your fitness comes back. Just keep moving.
Love that quote, BTW. Incredibly inspiring.
Kris recently posted..Racine Ironman 70.3 Race Recap – July 15, 2012
The whole premise of my blog is that the state of “normal” is ever-changing. Normal changes based on circumstances and situations, it could be on a daily basis. It’s definitely hard! My RA/fibro diagnosis turned normal upside down for my family but we’ve adapted to what it is now. I’m so glad you’re getting to swim and back to some of your training, I know it’s not the same but you’ll get there. I love the quote from the interview. Very proud of you! Gentle hugs…
Simply Gabriela – Living La Vida Normal recently posted..A Year of Projects