Standing still for 2.5 hours is hard on the body.

There may not be any great calorie burn, but it’s sure a strain on the muscles. It’s easier to walk or even run.

Saturday began with a 5K that went very well. I followed that with the town’s Christmas parade. DH & I got there early with chairs that we positioned just behind the curb where kids traditionally sit to catch the candy thrown from the floats.

I was all set for a relaxing time watching for our grandchildren in the parade when people standing behind us started smoking, lighting up one after another. I know it’s their right to do that, but it sure impacted my plans. So I discreetly as possible picked up my chair, put it back in the car and found a smoke-free place to stand. DH followed soon after. That’s not the 2.5 hours. At least there I could walk around as I tried for the best view I could get.

That evening was our choral society’s Christmas concert. First 1 hour of rehearsal standing on steps in concert position, ½ hour rest and then 1.5 hours of the concert with only a 15 minute intermission to sit down. Oh, my aching back and shoulders. Even the music folder was getting heavy, but I kept singing. This is a great group and we sounded terrific!

I was still sore on Sunday morning but Sunday afternoon was another concert performance. At least there was no rehearsal, just another 1.5 hours of standing still holding my music folder.

Maybe my back was strained already from Thursday night’s fall? Or maybe it was a sign that I need some back strengthening exercises? In either case my first priority this morning is to make an appointment for a massage.