Climbing

First post in a few days. After I swam last week, I did a long ride on Friday (30K) which was probably too hard on my back. My lower back, right leg, left achilles and right shoulder were all sore for the next few days. I had to take the next few days off.

Today I tried climbing (well technically bouldering) for the first time in over a year. I only had a bit of experience when I started last time, so this time my technically ability was slightly better, but my forearm grip was weak. My Rt shoulder actually wasn't much of a limiting factor as it was only weak when my technique was poor.

I know my upper back and forearms will be sore tomorrow.

Will hold off on the pool for a few days to let my back heal from the tattoo and maybe try swimming early next week.

ATB: 165 days
Barrelman: 340 days

Injury tally:
Rt shoulder: 6/10
Lt Achilles: 7/10
Rt glute 6.5/10
Lower back 6/10

In the pool

First swim since April. Only did 500 m. It honestly didn't feel great, but I was at least able to swim 25m straight, which I wasn't expecting. Overall my shoulder is feeling better, but I am a long way from swimming pain-free. Will likely wait at least another week before I try again, maybe 2.

Otherwise, had a decent run this week, almost made it to 6K. We will see what the next one is like.

Around the Bay Relay

So I am officially signed up for my first race in more than 2 years. My mom, sister and I are doing 10K each for the Around the Bay relay at the end of March. It's the first time we've ever done a family relay - a few years ago we all raced the Mother's Day 10K at the same time (which I actually won in 39 and change but there were no prizes). I'm running the last 10K, which also happens to be the hilly part of the course. I'm excited and nervous - going to try hard to stay healthly for the next 5 months and build up to 10K.

Otherwise, things are going okay from a training perspective. Did the Wilson St Hill on Friday (around 4K and 115 m of climbing) which is the biggest in the area to train on. I'm almost fit enough to try doing it twice, but not quite yet. I'm also building up my run - did 12 min straight as part of my 5.7K run. Gonna work on building up to 30 min straight by the end of the year. Achilles is still maybe a 6.5-7/10. Back/leg is a 7.5/10, and my right shoulder is probably a 6/10. I hope to start swimming soon, maybe in a week or two. I have my tattoo on Friday so I will likely wait until after I have recovered from that.

I also want to start other activities: rock climbing, cardio kick boxing, maybe crossfit?

We'll see how the week goes.

October

It's October 1st. Onto a new month. Started fresh with a run this morning. Almost 5.2 K in 27 min, longest run since my injury (Sept 13). Everything is starting to feel better slowly. I also rode 27K on Sunday, my longest ride this year. Last year I rode 30K, so I'm hoping to get to that before the end of October when the weather cools off.
Shoulder is still so-so, but getting better. It hurts the most at night. I still think I'm several weeks from swimming, but I will continue to work on the strength and ROM.

My goals for October:
Build up to 30K/1hr on the bike before I have to shift indoors.
Slowly build up running to 20 min continuous, total of 6-7K.
May consider some faster work once my Achilles is feeling better.
Shoulder - build up overhead strength, consider pool towards the end of the month, but November more likely.
Continue to strength and improve flexibility of my lower back and glutes.