Tony Horton, Insanity and Pride

How does that saying go?  The one about ‘insanity’?

Something like, “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?”  I think that’s right.  The definition of insanity, right?

The same thing happened about a year ago.  Really, almost the identical situation involving myself, Tony Horton, a few DVDs, and Chad’s words of caution.  Apparently I didn’t learn.

Earlier this week, a running injury left me searching for an alternative means of saving my sanity that didn’t involve the excessive foot pounding that had landed me in my injured position.

Enter Tony Horton, his muscles, and his entertaining P90X DVDs. (Really, he’s kind of funny.)

Chad suggested that I work my way through Mr. Horton’s DVD’s while I let my injured leg heal.  I kind of rolled my eyes ( I’ve been a runner for 25 years–I’m pretty sure exercise videos are beneath me) but reluctantly agreed because, I suppose, something is better than nothing, right?

(For the record, I began running in my first year of life, so that makes me 25 years old.)

Day one was the “Accelerator”.  It’s a fast moving 30 minutes meant to get your heart rate up and work every part of your body.  I did the workout with a fair amount of ease.  The trainers in the video often suggest “modifiers” for beginners as your body acclimates to the movements.

Psh, I say to my prideful self–modifiers are for the birds.

About 15 minutes into our first day, Chad, who was doing the workout with me, issued his warning, you might want to take it easy, you’re going to be hurting later.
Once again I roll my eyes and give my most attitudinal, Psh.  I run every morning, this is not a big deal at all.  I’m not going to be sore. Yes, I actually said that.

(What’s that other saying?  Pride cometh before the fall?)

Chad, having been married to me for 13 years, knew not to argue, but I’m certain he was laughing on the inside and likely starting the countdown for the moment when he could think (he’s far too smart of say it) I told you so. 

I think it probably took about three hours for the pain to begin to set it.  I was in bed and I turned from one side to the other and suddenly felt all of these parts that I didn’t know I had.  Muscles, tendons, bones, aches, pains, soreness.  The feeling was shooting through every part of my body.  I was barely able to sleep that night because, well, my body was screaming so loud in pain.

I sent Chad an email at work the next morning:

Smart man that he is only responded. . .  ” :-)”

I’ve continued with Mr. Horton’s workouts this week and day by day I’m feeling every fiber in my body just a little less.  It has, however, been quite comical to watch me attempt to bend to pick something off the floor.  And when Meadow says “I’ll race you to the kitchen”?  Now, she’s beating me fair and square, I’m not just letting her win.

It got me thinking this week about muscles and atrophy and non-use.  It got me thinking about all the muscles I don’t use.  All the brain cells I don’t use. (Spare the “obviously” jokes, please.) It got me thinking about the importance of doing things out of the ordinary because, in the end, those are the things that make us better.

I’ll admit, I look like a fool doing some of Tony’s yoga moves, but I trust that stretching those muscles are making me stronger.  Sometimes, looking like a fool is worth it.

Next year around this time, if I write a third similar post, it will be time for an intervention.

Moving on. . .

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It’s been a chilly week in our parts.  From snow to cold and from cold to snow.  We are so over winter.  Meadow, especially. . .

So. over. winter. . .

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There was so much wind it was white out conditions. . .

Despite our aversion to the snow, it does get our creative juices flowing. . .

We’ve painted. . .

Crafted. . .

Play-doh-ed. . .

Hair-styled. . .

Ear-styled. . .

Head-styled. . .

Puppy trained. . .

Puppy chased. . .

We did sister portraits. . .

Puppy portraits. . .

Different Portraits. . .

Fairy Danced. . .

And raced on tracks. . .

And the one day the temperatures inched above zero, we took advantage. . .

In an effort to practice what I preach and “stretch unused muscles”. . .

Pictures without people.

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Secret #1: Every single moment say Yes to Life (& don’t be afraid to say no in order to do that.) –Story People

Wishing you a wonderful (and warm) weekend. . .