I ran today! I didn't go very far, but I was able to run for 30 minutes nonstop (minus one quick walking break). My leg isn't cured, but it's a lot better. I still have a dull ache when I run, but at least it doesn't hurt afterwards. I think that's a very big improvement. It looks like the physio and the resting- and possibly the accpuncture- helped a bunch. It looks like the Little Jogger is back!
I changed into my exercise clothes at the gym, and I ran along the river. You'll never guess who I ran into! I found my signficant other running towards me on the path. It was planned, though. We both knew that we'd be running along the river, but we weren't sure where we would meet up. It was cute.
Since my muscles still aren't back to normal, I have to keep up my hip flexor stretches (a bit like a runner's lunge) 3 times a day, and I'm supposed to roll on a tennis ball twice a week. It's very awkward, as you can imagine! Barb the Marathon Runner told me a few weeks ago about a foam roller from Trigger Point. She also pulled or strained her IT band while training for the marathon, and she swears that this product fixed her hip. She ran 26 miles without any pain! When I got home from my run today, I ordered one for myself.
I changed into my exercise clothes at the gym, and I ran along the river. You'll never guess who I ran into! I found my signficant other running towards me on the path. It was planned, though. We both knew that we'd be running along the river, but we weren't sure where we would meet up. It was cute.
Since my muscles still aren't back to normal, I have to keep up my hip flexor stretches (a bit like a runner's lunge) 3 times a day, and I'm supposed to roll on a tennis ball twice a week. It's very awkward, as you can imagine! Barb the Marathon Runner told me a few weeks ago about a foam roller from Trigger Point. She also pulled or strained her IT band while training for the marathon, and she swears that this product fixed her hip. She ran 26 miles without any pain! When I got home from my run today, I ordered one for myself.
If you can make out the price, you can see that it costs about $70 (plus $10 shipping). It's only about $35 in the US! The Australian and the US dollars are also very similar right now, so it doesn't even make a difference that they're listed in different currencies.
Here's a fact about Australia: many things are more expensive compared to the US. Of course, there are other factors. For one thing, sales tax (GST) is automatically factored into the price. If you see a shirt that says $45.50 on the tag, that's exactly how much it's going to cost. So, prices can appear higher than than they really are. Australians also don't tip, so consumers have one less thing to pay.
Regardless of those factors, however, I still notice that certain things are pricier here. For instance, my new running shoes cost me twice as much as they would have cost at home. But the US has a stronger currency (or at least used to be stronger), and it wouldn't cost Americans as much to import them from China (the birthplace of my shoes). Also, Australians are paid well. Many people can afford the higher price of living. The minimum wage is $21/hour once you turn 21. Everything is relative!
For those of you who don't live in Australia, don't you dare let the higher prices scare you away from visiting this wonderful country. Just think about the fact that you don't have to tip. Ever. There are also plenty of places where you can eat and buy clothes cheaply. If you ever need advice, just ask me. I live with an accountant now, so I have no choice but to be frugal. Really.
I'll talk to you guys on Saturday! I probably can't write anything tomorrow, because we're going out after Al's last day of work. The last time I said that, though, I turned out two posts. I guess we'll just see....
Here's a fact about Australia: many things are more expensive compared to the US. Of course, there are other factors. For one thing, sales tax (GST) is automatically factored into the price. If you see a shirt that says $45.50 on the tag, that's exactly how much it's going to cost. So, prices can appear higher than than they really are. Australians also don't tip, so consumers have one less thing to pay.
Regardless of those factors, however, I still notice that certain things are pricier here. For instance, my new running shoes cost me twice as much as they would have cost at home. But the US has a stronger currency (or at least used to be stronger), and it wouldn't cost Americans as much to import them from China (the birthplace of my shoes). Also, Australians are paid well. Many people can afford the higher price of living. The minimum wage is $21/hour once you turn 21. Everything is relative!
For those of you who don't live in Australia, don't you dare let the higher prices scare you away from visiting this wonderful country. Just think about the fact that you don't have to tip. Ever. There are also plenty of places where you can eat and buy clothes cheaply. If you ever need advice, just ask me. I live with an accountant now, so I have no choice but to be frugal. Really.
I'll talk to you guys on Saturday! I probably can't write anything tomorrow, because we're going out after Al's last day of work. The last time I said that, though, I turned out two posts. I guess we'll just see....
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