The theme of this week? Heat — lots of it. We’ve been hit with a nasty heat wave rolling through the state. I think it’s been scorching the whole country, but we don’t exactly get the Weather Channel in here.
It all kicked off Monday when I made the genius decision to run in the afternoon. I had my RDAP meeting in the morning, so I figured, Hey, why not? Big mistake. I was sweating buckets and only managed about two and a half miles before I felt like I might pass out. And of course, I still had to get through my ab workout with my group and teach a yoga class right after. I was seeing stars the entire time. I’m honestly lucky I didn’t hit the ground — if someone passes out from the heat, they shut down all the rec yards, and people would’ve been pissed. Nobody wants their workout time cut short because one guy went lights out.
By Tuesday, they officially called it: red flag days. That means it’s too hot to do any real exercise outside. For reasons known only to the prison powers-that-be, we’re still allowed to work out inside — never mind that the gym doesn’t have AC. (Correction: it does, they just don’t turn it on.) On red flag days, you’re technically allowed to walk on the track but not run. LOL. I might’ve broken that rule once or twice this week — don’t tell anyone.
So my running goals basically evaporated in the heat. Instead, I focused on rebuilding the muscle I lost while my shoulder was messed up. I rejoined my old workout group, the one that loves punishing routines with push-ups, burpees, and a good 20-minute ab session to top it off. It felt good to be back, even though I’ve definitely lost some strength.
During our burpee workout, I had to use what they call a “girly board” — just a small board that raises your hands a few inches off the ground to make push-ups a little easier. Wednesday was push-up day, and I was pumped. I really want to get my push-ups back to where they were before I got hurt. But just as we were about to get started, one of the guys walked in and announced we were under a black flag. That’s even worse than red flag — no working out inside or outside. He cleared the gym, so I had to do my push-up routine solo in my dorm wing. Looking back, that was probably for the best — after about 300 push-ups, I had to switch to “girl push-ups.” Gotta do what you gotta do.
By Saturday, the black flags were finally lifted. I jumped back in with my group for our cardio/push-up death march. Here’s how it goes: run half-court, do 12 push-ups, run back, do 12 more. Repeat that 10 times for 120 push-ups per set. Take a two-minute break, then do it again. The goal is 10 sets — 1,200 push-ups total, with a little jogging sprinkled in. It’s brutal. Spoiler alert: I didn’t even get close. By the end, I couldn’t bang out more than three at a time and finished with some shaky “girl push-ups” just to make my final five. Humbling.
So that’s been my week: heat, flags, and trying to build my strength back up. I’m honestly just grateful I can do push-ups again — my shoulder wouldn’t allow it for a long time. I’m excited to get back to running next week, but I’ll have to figure out how to juggle half-marathon training and these group workouts. Might’ve bitten off a bit more than I can chew, but I’ll make it work. One thing’s for sure — I’ll be in incredible shape when I get out.
Stay safe — and stay legal — out there.
0 Comments