The big news in my life is something that all of you are going to find so boring that you can begin yawning now. Here it is: I’m learning to walk! And I’m really excited about it!
I’ve told you repeatedly that I am a slow runner. This space is limited and I don’t like to be incredibly boring, so I haven’t gone into all of the particulars of my body issues. We all have our own limitations and talents and I don’t think mine are all that interesting. Lately I’ve had a real breakthrough that I want to share, so I guess I need to explain a little bit.
In a nutshell, I have very limited mobility in my hips that has gotten progressively worse. This causes me to walk kind of funny and to run pitifully. People often ask me if I’m hurt because it looks like I’m limping and even my husband says it’s painful to watch me run. I usually reply to inquiries into my gate with something about not being assembled very well and leave it at that. I’ve battled injury after injury because I’m not using some muscles and over using others. IT band, PF, hamstring tendinitis, runner’s knee… I’ve had them all.
I’ve been seeing a sports doc for the last 18 months and he has been a true gift. He has helped me put out each of the fires and has helped to prevent others. We agreed two months ago to an aggressive treatment to address the underlying cause of my hip issues. It involved some painful ART and what I can only term as muscle ripping in the office. It’s taken hours of stretching at home and hours of exercises at the gym. Finally, this week, I think I’m learning how to walk.
I’ve been driving Mike and the kids crazy because I make them watch me walk and I keep asking if I look normal. They tell me that I do and I reward them by asking five more times. I’m excited but at the same time I’m afraid that it will go away. After a lifetime of walking a certain way, I have to think about each step and make a conscious effort to try and walk “right”. Most of the time I feel like a toddler, unsure of my steps and unsteady. I’ve actually been practicing at the gym, watching myself in the mirror to make sure I’m moving right. Learning to swing my arms with my new walk has been a real challenge.
Doesn’t all of this sound dumb? How can a person run 3 marathons and then have to re-learn how to walk? I don’t know, but it’s really exciting!
{ 9 comments }
Makes sense to me. Almost sounds like it is all based on tight muscle groups. I was just starting yoga before surgery and felt better after a week. All of life is a balance just like walking and running. Enjoy the learning experience.
Actually, I say good for you for accepting the fact that you needed to start from scratch. Yay for less injuries!
I think it sounds kind of cool. You have to learn to walk before you can run.
I ask my kids how I look when I practice my moonwalking. They say I don’t have it.
boy, I wish I would have had someone teach me to walk “right” years ago. Now, I’m just happy to be able to walk at all. Keep trying, it’s worth it. LU MOM – FYEO
Hi Beth,
This post made me smile:) I can just see Mike and the kids giving you a hard time…my family would do the same thing. When I was a young girl I always walked super fast and would swing my arms. I remember my mom always telling me to walk normal…whatever that was:) I hope that you enjoy the learning to walk lessons.
I have to concentrate on how I walk too (my right leg has different mechanics); and also use the mirror at the gym. It is not easy, but do the best you can and sooner or later what you are trying to do will finally stick.
I have been doing the same thing. I never realized before going to a sports med doc and a PT that I haven’t stood or sat straight up in years!! It takes a while to make changes, but here is to less injuries!!
Wow, That’s great that the sports doctor has been able to help you so much! So glad this is helping you, and you will have less injuries!
I love the name of your blog – it is very similar to mine!. I have the same situation although, I’m trying to run barefoot to get a natural run. I have one hip slightly higher than another…So running barefoot helps me immensely!
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