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Whoa Nelly!

Last week I took my 7 year old rock climbing at the YMCA, and I did a little bouldering. I climbed for less than 30 minutes, fairly casually on and off. The next day my calves were screaming. Wow. I was sore. This made me wonder- WTH? Here I am doing regular workouts with 600+ reps and my calves are screaming after a modest climbing session? I recognize that just because a person is fit does not make them able to jump into any sport easily- I understand the concepts of sport specific training- but this somehow screams to me "Plateau!" and I am thrown into re-evaluation.

Serendipitously, (say that 10 times quickly lol) it was Seth's 1st birthday on Saturday and I was thrown into a life busy ergo exercise rest 3 day stint, so I had time to think. How can I shake up my routine, to push myself harder and make more progress? Here are some strategies I am implementing this week:
  • On Sunday I did an exercise challenge.
  • On Monday I went to the 24 hour gym for a drop in session of heavy weights and machines. I haven't worked on a machine since before I was pregnant- so 18+ months! It was amazing.
  • On Tuesday I went swimming. I completed 20 lanes = 500 m in 22:05 and my R shoulder could take no more. It was amazing and inspiring and I can't wait to go back and start building my strength and endurance with my front crawl. I have my sights on a Try-a-Tri!
  • On Tuesday I also ran 6K on a c-c-cold Dec day with my baby in the stroller AND my dog. That was a mental as well as a physical challenge for me.
  • On Wednesday I took my kids to the Y for a casual romp/swim and some rock climbing. This was a family fitness exercise.
Tonight I think I will hit the gym again for weights and a treadmill run. 
I am shaking it up, listening to my body and making adjustments based on its feedback. This is my third progressive overload this year, so every 4 months it averaged in 2010? It sets a momentous tone for 2011 anyway!
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