Heaven, I'm in heaven...

"Hello. My name is Jan and I'm a gadget-aholic"

I love gadgets. I love the idea of gadgets. I have spent a lot of money on gadgets in the past, and have to control myself when a new one comes out. You see, I tend to not use the gadgets I so fall in love with. The Wii I was certain would change my exercise routine? Dusty, with a list of excuses about how it takes too long between yoga poses, and how it just doesn't provide an intense enough workout. Loved that tennis for a while though.

I have a gadget with glasses and headphones, called a "Mind Machine." You plug yourself in and it's supposed to take you to a relaxed alpha or beta state, with flashing lights and white noise. No idea where it is right now, but I know I have it somewhere.

I have a gadget you lay on your back and put your ankles into, called a "Chi Machine." It swings your legs gently side to side. This is supposed to loosen your hips, which certainly sounds like a good idea right about now. Unused.

 

I'm embarrassed to plug myself into these, even though no one would be watching. Even though they may (and this is part of the embarrassment, because I'm not entirely convinced they will) help. (I just found the Chi Machine on LiveStrong.com, so maybe it really does work!)
 
I have another gadget I've seen at the chiropractor, so I do believe it works. It's a Body Builder Force 10, or a TENS unit. You plug yourself in using these little paddles with gel on them, and it shoots mild electrical pulses into your muscles. I bought under the impression it would help me build muscle while sitting in front of the tv. This was about 15 years ago, and I did better doing sit-ups and push-ups during the commercials. There is an interesting article about EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) and training/recovery here.

Remembering that my chiropractor used one on my back to help loosen tense muscles, I pulled this gadget out and dusted it off. Over a month ago. I've been using the case as a foot rest under my desk since then. Again, embarrassed to plug myself in.

Until today that is. Today Baby Weight My Fat Ass announced she's putting on a Suck it Up Buttercup virtual race, and I want to participate. One only has to run a 5K. Just 3.1 measly miles. I told her I may end up walking those miles, but I really would like to run them. To do that, my knee has to heal, and the cause of my knee's problems needs to be fixed. That would be ITB and hamstrings so tight stretching doesn't seem to touch them. Well, stretching and pool work have helped, but you know I have a hard time with patience and moderation.

I'm plugged in as I write this. I've been kind of moving and stretching a little, and things feel like they are popping into place. It feels good. I know this isn't magic, and while I really want to try running the slowest mile ever today, I am perfectly willing to turn that into a longer walk at the slightest twinge. I am tired of wondering if I will ever run again, though. I will do whatever works to get better, even if it means plugging myself in like I am, or pulling out the hip relaxer do-hickey. What I have been doing so far (swimming, stretching) has helped. I am ready to take it to the next level.

I'll let you know how it goes. So far, stairs seem a little easier...

Update:
I ran a mile. I walked twice, more in fear of damage than because I was actually damaged. I wore my Vibrams, and stopped when I started feeling my heel drop too much. I focused on form. I did overlean once, which my knee did not like. It is slightly swollen now, but not any worse than it has been, so I'm not concerned. I will not run tomorrow though. Maybe Thursday.

Wheeeeeeeeeeee! I ran! I can run! Thanks BWMFA for providing the nudge I needed to suck it up. Now to not overdo...