Stress – How do you Cope?

For my 43 today, I used a move from Ab Ripper X (one of the P90X programs).  I did the “scissor” move.  Lay on your back with your left leg extended a few inches off the floor and your right leg pointed straight up.

not a very flattering pose
hold

Hold this for a 5-count then smoothly switch leg positions and hold again.

hold
not a very flattering shot!

Like Tony HortonScreen shot 2013-03-06 at 10.32.20 AMsays, “Scissor – get it?”  (he’s a goof but I guess he provides some laughs while kicking your butt!!)

Anyway, I did the scissor move to work my abs (hip flexors, too) as my 43 today.

I just recently ordered (and received) my first pairs of compression socks.  I wore a pair the other day after my run to see if it helped my Achilles.  Today I decided to try them out while I ran.Compression Socks

BTW – if you look really closely at my shirt you can see it is from a race on March 27, 1993!!!  The Azalea Trail Run in Mobile, AL – during my grad school days.  Doesn’t everyone have shirts that are almost 20 years old???

Time to run!Treadmill

I’ve already mentioned (more than once) that I LOVE my treadmill!!!

I did a hard 10 miles  at a 1.5 % incline followed by a much easier 2 miles with steeper incline (maxing at 30%) for a total of 93:00 minutes.

So, I’m not sure how I feel about the compression socks.  I have had them on for about 2.5 hours (including the run) and they completely cut into the top part of my calf.  I don’t think I could go up a size because the heel fit is good and they are almost too long as it is. Anyone else have this problem with compression socks?

Screen shot 2013-02-25 at 3.07.08 PM

I’m a little lot stressed right now.  I have a huge test tomorrow (ACE Personal Trainer certification) and I don’t feel remotely prepared.  The sad part is, I used to know all of this stuff (and I’ve done this test before – I just let my certification completely lapse so I have to start over). My masters is in Sports Medicine – unfortunately that was almost 20 years ago and I’ve used very little of that information in the past 15+ years.  I spent hours  studying yesterday and will do the same again today but there is so much to learn and remember!!

I try not to get stressed about things but sometimes – WHEW!!!  Last night I didn’t think I would ever fall asleep – I kept thinking and thinking and thinking…  I figured a good hard run would help clear my head (so I can muddle it again in a few minutes!).

How do you cope with stress?

Happy Wednesday!  (I’m off to study!)

Kim