Another week with no running. Another week in the boot. The good news is that (I think?) my toe is starting to hurt a little less, so I’ve been doing more and more walking with the boot on each day. I am hoping that this is okay for my recovery, but I’ve been told that as long as it’s not hurting while I do it (or shortly thereafter), I’m okay to keep on moving. This meant still no running of course (boohoo!) but some walking, indoor cycling and continued weightlifting this week.
I am so new to weights. I have had gym memberships in the past where I would do circuits or use the machines, but this is the first time that I can remember where I had a plan fo reach week and used my workout time in the morning to stick to the plan, focusing on the weightlifting, and cardio as a second priority.
Here’s what another week of the broken toe and the dreaded boot/shoe looked like:
Sunday: indoor cycling, rowing machine, 2 miles walking, planking, push ups – FW had an early soccer game, so I had a limited amount of time to get in a workout before a busy day (we had soccer game, then competing family reunion/golf outing, and birthday party). I got in a short cycling workout (Broken into two workouts because GM woke up and I had to get him out of bed/ready and then start my workout again) and short time on the bike.
Monday: Chest and tricep workout, 3.2 miles walking, push ups and planks, 27 minutes indoor cycling, – I woke up, got in my chest and tricep workout, and then had just under 30 minutes for the bike before I had to get ready for my day. It took me about 30 minutes to get in my weights, but I wonder if as I start to do it more and know what I’m doing, it will be faster. I do have to pause to look up videos or how-tos just to make sure I’m doing the exercises correctly, especially since I have been modifying them for the kettlebell vs. free weights (I own kettlebells but not free weights). I got in a 2 mile walk before work started, and then a 1.2 mile walk at lunch break around the office (see below for my “boot fashion” in the office).
Tuesday: Shoulder and leg day, plus 3.25 miles walking, 6 minutes on the indoor rower, planks and pushups and 30 minutes on the bike – I managed to get out of bed a little earlier than Monday, so I had a little extra time for cardio. After the 30+ minutes of weights, I got in some cycling and rowing machine before starting my day. I also got in a pre-work walk and lunchbreak walk again. The morning’s walk included a walk to get some treats with GM – cinnamon bagel from Nubeigel (they have the best bagels in Cleveland!) and a croissant (as usual).
Wednesday: Bicep and back day, plus 2 miles walking, 30 minutes on the bike, planks, pushups and core workout. I have learned that my arms are not so strong, which I already new but doing bicep and arm workouts this week were rough and confirmed it.
Thursday: Leg workout, some abs, planks and push ups, 20 minutes indoor cycling, 2 mile walk. Another day, another day of not running. I especially missed not running when I took my daughter to her x-country practice. Last year, I ran with her each time. This practice, I just sat with the other parents who didn’t run and watched.
Friday: 20 minute workout for broken foot, 33 minutes indoor cycling, 3+ miles walking – Friday workouts in my plan don’t have any weight training, so I found another workout online that’s for broken/injured feet and focused on that before getting on the bike. The day also included lots of walking and standing, and my toe was sore by the end of the day. That night to celebrate B’s birthday, we had an outdoor movie night with some family and friends – we started with the Sandlot!
Saturday: 50ish minutes on the indoor bike, 10 minutes on the rower, 15 minute workout for broken foot – Wow, I was TIRED this morning! We celebrated B’s birthday on Friday and I spent most of the night standing, and my toe was hurting Friday morning. After the workout, we had LM’s soccer game, FW’s flag football and then a Guardians game with the family to continue B’s birthday celebrations.
Total: Still no running this week. Lots of walking (probably a little too much for the toe – I may need to take it easier next week so it’s not so sore), weight training, and indoor biking.
Questions for you:
- If I’m starting out with weight training, what size (how heavy) weights would you invest in if you wanted to get two sets? I’m thinking of 15 and 20 lb….
- Have you seen the Sandlot?
I am linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
I Crashed The Web 
I’m glad to see that you’re pivoting to strength training! I guess your purchase would depend on your goals. Have you considered working with a strength coach to get you started?
I hope your toe is feeling better soon!
I haven’t thought about that! I’m just following someone else’s weight training plan, since we have similar goals. But different bodies, strength, etc. so I know it’s not ideal!
been there. Done that. Now it’s the opposite. All those machines hurt my ribs. hope your toe heals quickly and you can run. still you had a very physically active week.
Great work on the strength training! Without knowing your actual workouts, I might go a little more conservative on the weights for now. Maybe 8 (or10) and 15. If they seem “light,” you can always add more reps or do the moves slower than usual. You’d be amazed how heavy a low weight can feel if you’re doing the move in slow-mo, LOL).
I’m beginning to realize that I do need to be more conservative with the weights. I’ve been doing them for a few weeks now and feeling a little stronger though, which is rewarding!
I am also glad to see you incorporating weight training it is so important as we age. Hopefully you will learn to enjoy it. I would probably start with 10, 15 and 20 that should hold you for a while
What a cute birthday night! The Sandlot is a classic!
I would start with a 10 and a 15 and go from there.
I am glad you keep moving closer to recovery!
Great week of workouts in spite of the toe!!! I know, it feels weird to us to focus so much on weights, whereas some people do this all the time (and cardio is secondary or non-existent for them.) I’ve found getting the right weights to be tricky. Like if I have 10 and 15 pound weights, then it turns out to be not heavy enough for lower body, but maybe even too heavy for some areas like triceps. That’s why I also go to the gym. But if you start with 10 and 15 it would probably be good. I hope your toe heals up soon!!!
You’re right – 15 will probably be too heavy! I’m beginning to realize that I do need a wider variety and 10-15 may be good.
SOLID week. Love the boot fashion. Glad to hear you’re feeling a little better.
Of course, it’s impossible to know how strong you are without an assessment, but I agree with what Kim suggested about going with even lighter weights. And as she said, you can do more reps and/or go slower if they’re too light. I suspect that 15’s and 20’s would be too heavy for a lot of upper body exercises (triceps, biceps, and some shoulder). You can always add a set of 20’s as you get stronger. Good luck!
I’m beginning to realize that 20 would definitely be heavy for me! You’re right.
I agree with the others that 10 and 15 would be handy. I use my 10 all of the time! Good job staying active despite that boot. You’ll be out of it soon!
Thank you — I think you’re right that 10 would be good. I have a 9 lb kettlebell but only one!