April 15, 2015

I've continued my cardio workouts, planning to build on last week's 7 hours by accomplishing 10 this week.  I'm still not cleared to run, so I've been putting in the time on the treadmill, elevating it and adjusting the speed to keep my heart rate between 130 & 150 bpm while walking.  Two hours on a treadmill is tough, especially when it's sunny outside, but I've been sticking to it in the hopes that next week I can begin trail running again.

Yesterday I also tested my body to see if I could tolerate any of the strength training that I was doing pre-surgery.  Pull-ups and most of the upper body exercises are still on hold, but it did feel good to do squats with 85% of my pre-surgery weight and box step-ups with very light weight in my new weight vest.  I'm still adjusting its fit on my chest to be sure that it's not painful, but I think that it will do the trick until I'm able to hold weights or wear a weighted pack.

New weight vest - a good substitute until I can wear a weighted backpack
Photo:  Lisa White