Day 11: Post Travel Blahs...

There is something that I have learned about myself in recent years: while I enjoy the experience of traveling, it takes a toll on me mentally and physically. I've always preferred home to any other place (wherever home might be.) The trip is always worth it, but the aftermath is inescapable. I end up feeling exhausted even if I had plenty of sleep, and I have a sense of mild depression/ general crankiness. It's an unpleasant side effect to be sure, and there is no better feeling than returning home to my own bed.

I viewed this long weekend as an experiment of sorts. After a couple weeks of very healthy, nutritious eating and avoiding known inflammatory foods, I said goodbye to all the dietary rules for a few days. I fell all too easily into the fast food/ high fat/ overly processed junk trap, along with heaping helpings of red wine. This is where I go when I remove all discipline, and I was expecting and allowing it. Not surprisingly I felt a lack of energy and intestinal discomfort, but in addition I noticed an immediate increase in my lower back pain and a resurgence of that darn cold virus that's still hanging around in the background. This is no groundbreaking news flash, but I have proven to my satisfaction that diet effects my osteoarthritis, and I can control the pain to an extent through healthy living. I look forward to getting back into my healthy routine tomorrow, and planning ahead better the next time I travel!

Aside from those issues, it was lovely to have a good visit with my family and enjoy a bit of the great outdoors. My daughter and I went snowshoeing with my brother and sister-in-law and had a nice break from the constant low-hanging clouds of winter, breaking through into bright sunlight that reflected beautifully off the snow crystals decorating every surface. We managed to get a good hike in despite my little slowpoke investigating every tree and stump. Her uncle showed her how to shake a tree to get a snow-shower, so of course every tree had to be shaken. I am a slow learner though- when her auntie decided to play the same trick on me I stood there and looked up as the clumps of wet snow dropped on my head. Great aim- she got it right in my eye, wedged between my face and sunglasses! It was.....invigorating to say the least. But I always love sharing the outdoors with them, snow-shower or not!

Day 5: Non-Traditional Treadmill Use

My back was quite cranky all day yesterday thanks to a slippery deck prior to snowshoeing Wednesday night. I didn't fall, but my foot slipped and I caught myself, instinctively tensing up those lower back muscles. I gave myself a pass on yoga, but I wanted to do something for exercise since I've been doing well all week. I hate to break the streak! The treadmill in the corner of the family room caught my eye. I bought it used last summer and haven't properly broken it in yet. As an osteoarthritis sufferer, regular running is a big no-no. It's notorious for causing joint wear-and-tear, and the osteoarthritis tends to form in damaged joints. I bought the treadmill thinking I could use it to walk briskly on an incline when I didn't want to go outside. Then I read an article on effective cardio/ rear-end muscle toning exercises. It suggested that rather than turning the treadmill on, you simply move the belt yourself. Hmm. I didn't even realize that a person could do that, let alone use it as a workout. Well it actually does work, and quite well. It is a HARD workout that requires leaning forward, grabbing the handles and puuuushing down as hard as you can as you stride. Once you get it going it's a little easier, but I still felt my calves burning after only a couple minutes. Ten minutes was my limit- my leg muscles were done and I was panting (okay- I started panting after the first 30 seconds). Short but effective! And my back is feeling much better today.

I slept terribly last night and I can just feel that cold virus lurking, ready to pounce when it senses weakness. My honey-cinnamon tea helped a little, but I am fatigued. Hopefully the afternoon isn't too rough. The only "obligation" I have this evening is to make banana bread as per my boyfriend's request. I'm thinking that despite it being Friday, it will be an early night. TGIF everyone!!

Just for fun- here's a picture of my little monkey using the treadmill (in the traditional way.) Jazz hands!