Thanks for all your support and advice about my Ultra goals. You're all right; I need to listen to my gut. Even today while I was plugging along during my 15 miler, I found myself thinking so much about Philly marathon. Whenever I think about it while I'm running, I start to run faster and I smile. Heh, today I had to try to think about something else because I kept speeding up and I need to save my legs for tomorrow. Anyway, I think it says a lot that I'm not even thinking about the ultra when I'm running...I definitely have a more important goal for the year. I didn't make up my mind completely yet, but I think running 50 miles then doing one more loop might satisfy me. It would be a new distance PR while playing it safe regarding recovery time.
As for ultra training...it's been a big week of mileage (70 miles after tomorrow). I ran 7 miles on Monday and then split my 10 miler on Tuesday into morning and afternoon runs. I want to get used to running at different times of the day since I'll be running throughout the entire day on race day. And it also helps to get used to running on tired legs. Well, my second run on Tuesday was about a minute per mile faster than my morning run and it was 85 degrees out. It felt good to push myself but my legs weren't too happy. Especially when I got up at 5am on Wednesday for another 7 miler. This was my 3rd run in less than 24 hours and my body was ready for a rest day after that. Thursday was a scheduled rest day so I cross trained/lifted and my legs were fresh and ready to run this morning. I knocked out a great 15 miler this morning and headed straight home for an ice bath. I normally wouldn't take an ice bath after a 15 miler but I have a big day tomorrow so I need to make sure I'm feeling good.
Oh, the big day tomorrow...just a little 31 mile training run. :-) I'm sporting my recovery socks right now and will try to stay off my feet for most of the day. You'd be amazed at the stuff I'm taking for this run tomorrow. Packing for a 50k run is like going away on a weekend vacation. I'm thinking it will take around 6 hours so I should be home and napping by noon. Then Memorial Day weekend can officially start!
Hope everyone has a great weekend. Stay tuned for a giveaway next week!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Ultra Goals
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know I like to one up myself. I won't lie; I want every race to be a PR. I'm very competitive with myself and love to push and see what I can do. So when I registered for this Ultra I thought, "I have to go further than last year." Last year I ran 51.2 miles in 10:04:00 so I set a goal of running 75 miles this year. That sounded good at the time but every day since then has been a constant battle in my crazy head of what I should do in July. Here's why...
I want to race Philly marathon in November and I have my sights set on a 3:35 finish. When I think about the Ultra goal and my Philly goal, the Philly goal is WAAAY more important. Honestly, the Ultra isn't a huge deal to me. It's something to keep me focused during the summer and gives me something to work towards. Problem is, it's sort of a big deal and it takes time to recover. Last year it took a lot out of me. Not so much physically, but mentally. I struggled to make it through the first mile of my runs and could not get refocused. I eventually snapped out of it but my running was pretty miserable for a few weeks.
I keep going through the pros and cons of each distance, but I can't make up my mind.
50 miles - PROS
Why don't you make up my mind for me. Thanks!!
I want to race Philly marathon in November and I have my sights set on a 3:35 finish. When I think about the Ultra goal and my Philly goal, the Philly goal is WAAAY more important. Honestly, the Ultra isn't a huge deal to me. It's something to keep me focused during the summer and gives me something to work towards. Problem is, it's sort of a big deal and it takes time to recover. Last year it took a lot out of me. Not so much physically, but mentally. I struggled to make it through the first mile of my runs and could not get refocused. I eventually snapped out of it but my running was pretty miserable for a few weeks.
I keep going through the pros and cons of each distance, but I can't make up my mind.
50 miles - PROS
- Easier recovery (with the potential to do run some additional marathons as training runs in the fall).
- Fewer pacers to line up.
- Home in my own bed sooner. :-) I love bed!!
- Less painful than 75 miles.
- Been there, done that.
- New distance PR!!
- More bad ass than 50 miles.
- Longer recovery.
- A lot more to figure out logistically with pacers, etc. Sounds silly but this is very stressful for me. I just want to run, I don't feel like dealing with any hassle.
- It will hurt a lot more than 50 miles.
- Same stupid plaque (you get the same plaque that says "50 mile finisher" regardless of how many miles you do over 50).
- Can hopefully still push to race Philly but I most likely won't get in those additional fun run marathons (which I was hoping to get my maniac status by doing).
Why don't you make up my mind for me. Thanks!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
First Back to Backs
Funny how not a single man commented on my nipple post. It's ok boys, we all got 'em!!
Ultra training has completely snuck up on me this year. I feel so under prepared. Back to back long runs started and I'm just starting to think about nutrition and fueling. I should have this figured out by now so I could start testing out what I'll use on race day. It was a big challenge for me last year to find what worked for my stomach. I could stick with what I know but I want to try some healthier alternatives. Don't get me wrong, frosted strawberry pop tarts are awesome, but I'd like to keep my nutrition as clean as possible.
Anyway, I made it through my first weekend of back to back long runs. Friday I woke up at 4am (the things we do for running on our days off from work!) and was planning to do 20 miles. From the get go my legs, and brain, were tired. I was definitely still feeling Delaware marathon and my stomach was questionable. Around mile 16 my stomach went from questionable to emergency and I almost asked a complete stranger if I could go in their house to use their bathroom. But instead I walked for a bit to calm it down and headed back to my car, which thankfully was under a mile away. After that I decided to call it quits around mile 17 and save the rest for Saturday.
I was an exhausted, cranky mess all day Friday. My legs were shot and my achilles was pretty sore. To make it worse, I noticed a small bump on the back of my heel which really freaked me out. I was suppose to run a very hilly 5 mile loop on Saturday with a friend but cancelled those plans at the last minute. Since the Ultra course is flat, there's no need to push it on hills unnecessarily. I'll save the hills for Boston training!! Instead I headed to flatter ground and knocked out 20 great miles. I felt SO much better than Friday and my pace was even quicker.
So, the first weekend of ultra training was a success. 37 miles in just over 24 hours and I'm feeling great. Sunday was supposed to be a rest day but I headed to the gym anyway. No running but I got some lifting and cross training in which is something I'm determined to fit in during this training cycle. I learned last year training for the ultra that I can't just run. I need to maintain my overall fitness.
I have a big week ahead of me with my first 31 mile training run. I love that I'll be running an Ultra as part of my training for an Ultra. Here's my schedule for the week:
Mon - 7 mi
Tues - 10 mi
Wed - 7 mi
Thurs - off (x train/lift)
Fri - 15 mi
Sat - 31 mi
Sun - off (walk/lift)
Ultra training has completely snuck up on me this year. I feel so under prepared. Back to back long runs started and I'm just starting to think about nutrition and fueling. I should have this figured out by now so I could start testing out what I'll use on race day. It was a big challenge for me last year to find what worked for my stomach. I could stick with what I know but I want to try some healthier alternatives. Don't get me wrong, frosted strawberry pop tarts are awesome, but I'd like to keep my nutrition as clean as possible.
Anyway, I made it through my first weekend of back to back long runs. Friday I woke up at 4am (the things we do for running on our days off from work!) and was planning to do 20 miles. From the get go my legs, and brain, were tired. I was definitely still feeling Delaware marathon and my stomach was questionable. Around mile 16 my stomach went from questionable to emergency and I almost asked a complete stranger if I could go in their house to use their bathroom. But instead I walked for a bit to calm it down and headed back to my car, which thankfully was under a mile away. After that I decided to call it quits around mile 17 and save the rest for Saturday.
I was an exhausted, cranky mess all day Friday. My legs were shot and my achilles was pretty sore. To make it worse, I noticed a small bump on the back of my heel which really freaked me out. I was suppose to run a very hilly 5 mile loop on Saturday with a friend but cancelled those plans at the last minute. Since the Ultra course is flat, there's no need to push it on hills unnecessarily. I'll save the hills for Boston training!! Instead I headed to flatter ground and knocked out 20 great miles. I felt SO much better than Friday and my pace was even quicker.
So, the first weekend of ultra training was a success. 37 miles in just over 24 hours and I'm feeling great. Sunday was supposed to be a rest day but I headed to the gym anyway. No running but I got some lifting and cross training in which is something I'm determined to fit in during this training cycle. I learned last year training for the ultra that I can't just run. I need to maintain my overall fitness.
I have a big week ahead of me with my first 31 mile training run. I love that I'll be running an Ultra as part of my training for an Ultra. Here's my schedule for the week:
Mon - 7 mi
Tues - 10 mi
Wed - 7 mi
Thurs - off (x train/lift)
Fri - 15 mi
Sat - 31 mi
Sun - off (walk/lift)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Nipples
Ok, what the heck is up with me and hard nips when I work out?!? I've noticed it happens when I lift, but apparently I was perky through the entire marathon on Sunday. Thank goodness they are teeny. Maybe next time I should wear some tassels.
Even though I'm wearing my mean face, I was really having so much fun!
Approaching the finish line.
At the finish, look at that smile!
Giving my girl a nice little ass slap for a job well done!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Form Police
I take lifting pretty seriously. In fact, when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I notice I'm wearing my "mean running race." Just like running, I get into a zone. I maintain my focus for every single rep and concentrate to ensure I'm using the muscle intended to be worked. I understand the importance of good form and know that if you sacrifice form, you're not only risking injury, but you're not going to see the results.
I belong to the Y and this place gets an interesting group of people coming in to work out. Some of my favorites are the guy who will NOT put down his basketball while he's lifting. No matter what equipment he's on, that stupid basketball is in his hands. Then there's the guy who wears his sport goggles while he lifts. Cause you never know when a flying object is going to head right towards you. There's also the annoying guy who likes to read a chapter of his book in between sets and isn't really open to letting you work in for a set.
On top of the characters, there are some people who really need a tutorial in lifting. Like today, there was a young girl, clearly new to the gym. She walked around the room for a bit eyeing up the equipment before settling on the back extension machine. Based on how she fiddled with a few pieces of equipment and then passed them up, I'm guessing this one seemed like the easiest to use. Well, she proceeded to do OVER 20 sets of back extensions (I counted 20 after she had already done a bunch). And to make it worse, she was using weight that was waaaay too heavy. She had no control returning the weights to the start position and they flew up so fast they literally lifted her off the seat.
As I study for my personal training certification, this really bothers me. I wanted to go tell her that she had done enough and help her with the form, but it wasn't my place. There were trainers in the gym, milling around, and not one of them said anything to her. I was about to get off the treadmill and quietly mention something to the trainer, but thankfully she finally finished.
Andy and I joke that I'm the "form police." But honestly, it's going to be an aspect of my personal training that I take very seriously. I think trainers are here to demonstrate exercises and ensure people are clear on how to use equipment. It can be intimidating to go to a gym, let alone approach a trainer to ask for assistance. Trainers, in my opinion, should be more proactive even if it might be uncomfortable for the person working out. I know when I am a certified trainer; it will be my job to make sure even those people who aren't my clients are safe.
I belong to the Y and this place gets an interesting group of people coming in to work out. Some of my favorites are the guy who will NOT put down his basketball while he's lifting. No matter what equipment he's on, that stupid basketball is in his hands. Then there's the guy who wears his sport goggles while he lifts. Cause you never know when a flying object is going to head right towards you. There's also the annoying guy who likes to read a chapter of his book in between sets and isn't really open to letting you work in for a set.
On top of the characters, there are some people who really need a tutorial in lifting. Like today, there was a young girl, clearly new to the gym. She walked around the room for a bit eyeing up the equipment before settling on the back extension machine. Based on how she fiddled with a few pieces of equipment and then passed them up, I'm guessing this one seemed like the easiest to use. Well, she proceeded to do OVER 20 sets of back extensions (I counted 20 after she had already done a bunch). And to make it worse, she was using weight that was waaaay too heavy. She had no control returning the weights to the start position and they flew up so fast they literally lifted her off the seat.
As I study for my personal training certification, this really bothers me. I wanted to go tell her that she had done enough and help her with the form, but it wasn't my place. There were trainers in the gym, milling around, and not one of them said anything to her. I was about to get off the treadmill and quietly mention something to the trainer, but thankfully she finally finished.
Andy and I joke that I'm the "form police." But honestly, it's going to be an aspect of my personal training that I take very seriously. I think trainers are here to demonstrate exercises and ensure people are clear on how to use equipment. It can be intimidating to go to a gym, let alone approach a trainer to ask for assistance. Trainers, in my opinion, should be more proactive even if it might be uncomfortable for the person working out. I know when I am a certified trainer; it will be my job to make sure even those people who aren't my clients are safe.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Delaware Marathon Race Report
I went into this run with one goal and one goal only....to have fun. And that's exactly what I did!! We were up bright and early around 3:45am and hit the road around 4:30. We got to the start in plenty of time and it was actually really relaxing waiting around for the race to start. So different than having those pre race jitters!! Things were very organized at the start and they were well stocked with port o' potties. In fact, they were the cleanest port o' pots I've ever seen. Literally a few minutes before the gun went off, I had to make an emergency bathroom trip and that sort of set the tone for how my stomach would feel for the remainder of the day. Par for the course with me...
The course is two loops, each loop having an out and back portion to it. Since it starts in Wilmington I expected a lot of city street running but thankfully this was not the case at all. We were in shade for the majority of the run, running along a river, park, zoo and a beautiful residential neighborhood. There was little to none spectator support but since I was running with Snowflake I didn't really care. Thankfully there were plenty of volunteers because without them, I would have ended up in another state. The course was so winding and there were a ton of turns. It was especially confusing when we dropped the half marathoners off at the finish because you couldn't pick the volunteers out from the crowds at the finish area.
I felt a little sluggish the first half of the race and questioned if I was going to be able to finish. My last long run was 18 miles which was over 3 weeks ago and I doubted if I had 26 miles in me. My achilles bothered me a little but my sciatica was really acting up. I had a lot of shooting pain that made me wince and at around mile 8 I thought I might just stop at the half. But the half came and went and when I knew I was half way done, I decided I was going to stick it out. Good thing I did because the back half of the race was great!
A little past the half way mark I had to make an emergency stop at the port o' pot and pretty much cut in front of a huge line of half marathoners who were done running and waiting to use the bathroom. Sorry, but I think a marathoner still running gets to do that. I sort of asked permission but the guy in line next didn't really have a choice. Unfortunately, that pit stop didn't really help my stomach and I suffered on and off through the rest of the race with bouts of feeling like I was going to crap myself.
I really found my groove the back half of the race. I was definitely tired and my legs were super heavy, but I was really enjoying myself. Around mile 20 my legs got a second wind and the rest of the race I felt incredible. Even though I was having so much fun running easy, I did think several times that I wished I was pushing myself and racing hard. I just can't suppress these racing feelings!!
I can honestly say, I've never smiled so much during a race. For once I wasn't wearing my "mean running" face as Andy calls it. I had so much fun out there and really enjoyed every second of it. With walking the water stops and taking a pit stop, we finished with a 4:11:50. About 20 minutes faster than we set out to do. It was my slowest marathon to date, but I'm completely fine with that. I set a goal and completely surpassed it.
Here are Snowflake and I around mile 17.5. When Andy saw this picture he said, "you need to run more races like this, look how happy you are!"
Post race I'm feeling great. I had some pretty bad twinges in my achilles but they have subsided. I had my last PT session this morning and am ready to kick Ultra training into high gear starting tomorrow!
And because I haven't posted my schedules in a while, here's my schedule for this week:
Mon - off (walk)
Tues - 7 mi / lift
Wed - 10 mi
Thurs - 7 mi
Fri - 20 mi
Sat - 18 mi
Sun - off / lift
The course is two loops, each loop having an out and back portion to it. Since it starts in Wilmington I expected a lot of city street running but thankfully this was not the case at all. We were in shade for the majority of the run, running along a river, park, zoo and a beautiful residential neighborhood. There was little to none spectator support but since I was running with Snowflake I didn't really care. Thankfully there were plenty of volunteers because without them, I would have ended up in another state. The course was so winding and there were a ton of turns. It was especially confusing when we dropped the half marathoners off at the finish because you couldn't pick the volunteers out from the crowds at the finish area.
I felt a little sluggish the first half of the race and questioned if I was going to be able to finish. My last long run was 18 miles which was over 3 weeks ago and I doubted if I had 26 miles in me. My achilles bothered me a little but my sciatica was really acting up. I had a lot of shooting pain that made me wince and at around mile 8 I thought I might just stop at the half. But the half came and went and when I knew I was half way done, I decided I was going to stick it out. Good thing I did because the back half of the race was great!
A little past the half way mark I had to make an emergency stop at the port o' pot and pretty much cut in front of a huge line of half marathoners who were done running and waiting to use the bathroom. Sorry, but I think a marathoner still running gets to do that. I sort of asked permission but the guy in line next didn't really have a choice. Unfortunately, that pit stop didn't really help my stomach and I suffered on and off through the rest of the race with bouts of feeling like I was going to crap myself.
I really found my groove the back half of the race. I was definitely tired and my legs were super heavy, but I was really enjoying myself. Around mile 20 my legs got a second wind and the rest of the race I felt incredible. Even though I was having so much fun running easy, I did think several times that I wished I was pushing myself and racing hard. I just can't suppress these racing feelings!!
I can honestly say, I've never smiled so much during a race. For once I wasn't wearing my "mean running" face as Andy calls it. I had so much fun out there and really enjoyed every second of it. With walking the water stops and taking a pit stop, we finished with a 4:11:50. About 20 minutes faster than we set out to do. It was my slowest marathon to date, but I'm completely fine with that. I set a goal and completely surpassed it.
Here are Snowflake and I around mile 17.5. When Andy saw this picture he said, "you need to run more races like this, look how happy you are!"
Post race I'm feeling great. I had some pretty bad twinges in my achilles but they have subsided. I had my last PT session this morning and am ready to kick Ultra training into high gear starting tomorrow!
And because I haven't posted my schedules in a while, here's my schedule for this week:
Mon - off (walk)
Tues - 7 mi / lift
Wed - 10 mi
Thurs - 7 mi
Fri - 20 mi
Sat - 18 mi
Sun - off / lift
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Three Things Thursday
My first Three Things Thursday...
- Achilles is feeling pretty good. The iontophoresis PT is a little odd but it definitely seems to be helping. They basically put a steroid onto a pad and place the pad on my Achilles. Then they put another pad on my thigh and hook me up to little baby jumper cables. It burns and leaves a little sun burn like mark on both spots but it's worth it. I've been running easy this week and while my mileage isn't where I'd like it to be, I'm just so happy to be back out there.
- I have a little date with the Delaware marathon this Sunday. This will be my 4th marathon and I'm so freaking excited for it. (would have been #5 if the stupid Achilles didn't keep me from NJ a few weeks back...grrr) I'm running with one of my favorite running buddies, Snowflake, and we have one goal and one goal only for this race...HAVE FUN!!! I'll be carrying my camera and foresee a lot of shenanigans during the race. I'm treating this as a training run for the Ultra and we're thinking of a 4:00-4:30 finish. Weather is looking beautiful, sunny and 70's, so it should be a perfect day for a nice run!
Me and Snowflake after running 50 miles!!
- The discount with the Brooks ID program is deadly. I ordered my racing uniform the other day but unfortunately it won't be here in time for Sunday. I also ordered a lot (A LOT) of other stuff from their pro site. And since I wanted new stuff for this weekend, I also ran out and bought stuff from my local running store. Good thing I don't like malls and shopping because I cause enough damage with the running gear.
Monday, May 10, 2010
A Mother's Day To Remember
I'm not a mom and I'm not sure I ever will be. Truth is I have zero desire to bear children. I can't say I've written off the idea of ever having them, but one decision I did make several years ago is that I would never give birth to a child. I always said that if I were to have kids, I'd adopt. I've just always felt that adoption is such an incredible thing to do and there are so many children who need a chance and a loving home. I shared this with Andy soon after we met and thankfully, he had no issues with it. In fact, he is (and always has been) on the exact same page as me when it comes to kids. The bottom line is that we love our life the way it is and at least right now, we recognize that we are too selfish to have children. I'm fine admitting that, too and think there's nothing wrong with it. Until I can devote my life to taking care of, and raising another person, I'm perfectly content being the best Aunt I can be.
Well, yesterday I became an Aunt to the most beautiful baby girl!! Meet Grace Katya!
Yes, it finally happened! My sister and husband got home from Russia yesterday with Grace in their arms. After a 3+ year long journey, their family is finally complete. My family spent the day up at their house celebrating Mother's Day and anxiously awaiting their arrival. Neighbors stopped by all day dropping off posters they made to decorate the house and to share in the excitement. My sister has an incredible group of neighbors and they have all provided so much love and support to her over the years.
When we knew they were a few minutes away, my family and a ton of their neighbors gathered on the front lawn to surprise them when they arrived. When they pulled up the street, there was no holding back Nate and Aidan (my nephews). They were so excited they ran into the street carrying the signs they made to welcome home their new baby sister. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. As my sister pulled into the driveway, exhausted and overcome with emotion, I could see the relief in her face. She was home, on Mother's Day, with ALL of her children.
Watching my sister go through this adoption taught me so much. I not only learned that my sister is stronger than I ever knew, but I learned that there's nothing like sisterhood. While I can't relate to my sisters desire to have children, I'd be lying if I said I didn't carry a portion of her pain, stress and struggles over the past few months when things got crazy. I am so proud of her for staying strong and not giving up when things became unbearable. Grace has no idea how wonderful her mom is and some day she'll realize just how lucky she is.
So, now that it's all over, I can focus on spoiling Grace rotten! I wonder if she'll be a runner...
Well, yesterday I became an Aunt to the most beautiful baby girl!! Meet Grace Katya!
Yes, it finally happened! My sister and husband got home from Russia yesterday with Grace in their arms. After a 3+ year long journey, their family is finally complete. My family spent the day up at their house celebrating Mother's Day and anxiously awaiting their arrival. Neighbors stopped by all day dropping off posters they made to decorate the house and to share in the excitement. My sister has an incredible group of neighbors and they have all provided so much love and support to her over the years.
Grace's birth name means strawberry
When we knew they were a few minutes away, my family and a ton of their neighbors gathered on the front lawn to surprise them when they arrived. When they pulled up the street, there was no holding back Nate and Aidan (my nephews). They were so excited they ran into the street carrying the signs they made to welcome home their new baby sister. It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. As my sister pulled into the driveway, exhausted and overcome with emotion, I could see the relief in her face. She was home, on Mother's Day, with ALL of her children.
The boys finally meeting their sister!
Jeanette with her 3 beautiful children
So, now that it's all over, I can focus on spoiling Grace rotten! I wonder if she'll be a runner...
I know, I look terrible...I couldn't stop crying long enough for the picture!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
First Miles for May!
FINALLY, I'm able to put down some mileage for May. It's been killing me that it's been a big fat zero and we're a week into the month! Good thing I have plenty of back to back long runs coming up to make up for it!
I was suppose to wait to run until after I had at least one treatment of iontophoresis* treatment at physical therapy, but I couldn't take the suspense any longer. After telling the doc how great I was feeling, I got the ok to run a few miles today. I couldn't wait to get up early to head out and see how the Achilles felt. Since I was only allowed to run 3 miles, I went to the gym first and did the elliptical and bike, then met up with the club to test it out. The first few steps it was tight and I was really nervous but in just a few minutes, the tightness was gone and I felt GREAT! I was toying with the idea of running more than 3 because it felt so good to be out there, but instead I made a pack with another injured runner that we would turn around at 1.5 miles and head back.
Worried that it would flare up when I got home, I immediately iced and did my stretching exercises. Hours later, I'm still feeling great! I'm so happy this run went well; I've been a nervous wreck all week wondering how it would hold up and what this meant for Delaware marathon next weekend. Earlier this week, I was thinking I'd bail at the half way mark and take a DNF but now I think I'm going to go for the full. But nothing crazy, just a fun run with a friend and we're going to take it nice and easy.
* iontophoresis is a technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin. Basically an injection without the needle. The technical description of this process is a non-invasive method of propelling high concentrations of a charged substance, normally medication or bioactive agents, transdermally by repulsive electromotive force using a small electrical charge applied to an iontophoretic chamber containing a similarly charged active agent and its vehicle.
I was suppose to wait to run until after I had at least one treatment of iontophoresis* treatment at physical therapy, but I couldn't take the suspense any longer. After telling the doc how great I was feeling, I got the ok to run a few miles today. I couldn't wait to get up early to head out and see how the Achilles felt. Since I was only allowed to run 3 miles, I went to the gym first and did the elliptical and bike, then met up with the club to test it out. The first few steps it was tight and I was really nervous but in just a few minutes, the tightness was gone and I felt GREAT! I was toying with the idea of running more than 3 because it felt so good to be out there, but instead I made a pack with another injured runner that we would turn around at 1.5 miles and head back.
Worried that it would flare up when I got home, I immediately iced and did my stretching exercises. Hours later, I'm still feeling great! I'm so happy this run went well; I've been a nervous wreck all week wondering how it would hold up and what this meant for Delaware marathon next weekend. Earlier this week, I was thinking I'd bail at the half way mark and take a DNF but now I think I'm going to go for the full. But nothing crazy, just a fun run with a friend and we're going to take it nice and easy.
* iontophoresis is a technique using a small electric charge to deliver a medicine or other chemical through the skin. Basically an injection without the needle. The technical description of this process is a non-invasive method of propelling high concentrations of a charged substance, normally medication or bioactive agents, transdermally by repulsive electromotive force using a small electrical charge applied to an iontophoretic chamber containing a similarly charged active agent and its vehicle.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Great News
So, as I was sitting here typing a post about how much I love running and am sick of being sidelined, I got the BEST email...but first, real quick...had the MRI today on my Achilles. According to the hospital, it's just some tendonitis. My doc hasn't reviewed the images completely yet but he said it looks like there isn't a tear, which is great news!! I went to PT yesterday, have another appointment tomorrow and will keep up with this to help get things back to normal quickly. I have an email into the doc to see when I can start running again...which better be soon because...
For those of you who haven't heard of this, Brooks ID stands for "Inspire Daily" and their mission is for the members to inspire people to run and be active while "enthusiastically" evangelizing the Brooks brand. Their members are runners who are winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same.
I'm freaking ecstatic right now!!! It's crazy to think that a little no body like me is inspiring enough that Brooks would select me. This might be the coolest thing ever! I can't wait to get hooked up with this community of runners and soak it all in! I will not let them down!
Run Happy!
I got selected for the Brooks ID Program!!!
For those of you who haven't heard of this, Brooks ID stands for "Inspire Daily" and their mission is for the members to inspire people to run and be active while "enthusiastically" evangelizing the Brooks brand. Their members are runners who are winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same.
I'm freaking ecstatic right now!!! It's crazy to think that a little no body like me is inspiring enough that Brooks would select me. This might be the coolest thing ever! I can't wait to get hooked up with this community of runners and soak it all in! I will not let them down!
Run Happy!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Poopie
I'd be lying if I said I didn't spend the better part of the weekend feeling sorry for myself and if I'm still not a little poopie. Not being able to run NJ was so upsetting. After I cried to Andy, my sister, my mom and two close running friends on Friday night, I curled up on the couch with pretzels and a glass of wine and carb loaded anyway! I had been looking forward to pacing NJ marathon for OVER AYEAR and I was seriously crushed that I missed the opportunity.
Well, for those of you who aren't on the east coast, we got hit with some crazy weather this weekend. Temperatures were in the low 90's and it was so humid as hell. Typical summer weather for us, but very unseasonable for this time of year. Needless to say, if you run around here, you weren't acclimated to run in conditions like that yesterday. Everyone is saying how it's probably a good thing that I didn't run the marathon yesterday, that everything happens for a reason, yadda yadda. And after talking to my friends who did run, it was a really rough day out there...even for the most experienced. Coach Jack even said it was arguably the hardest of his 47 marathons. Sounds great, doesn't it? So why does this make me even more mad that I wasn't able to run? It's killing me that it was a tough day out there and I didn't get the chance to test myself to see how I would do. I know it wouldn't have been fun and it would have hurt, but I don't care. I still would have liked to be out there yesterday giving it all I had.
As for the Achilles, I'm not really sure. Just when I think it's doing better, I have some pain. Walking is pretty much pain free now (good sign!!) but the stairs are still a problem. I've been biking and doing the elliptical which is fine for the short term but I will lose my mind if this is all I can do for an extended period of time. I'm continuing with physical therapy and am scheduling an MRI today. Hopefully they can get me in soon. If this puppy doesn't have a tear afterall, I'm hitting the roads before I go bat ass crazy.
Bethany - can you shoot me an email? For some reason I can't leave you comments.
Well, for those of you who aren't on the east coast, we got hit with some crazy weather this weekend. Temperatures were in the low 90's and it was so humid as hell. Typical summer weather for us, but very unseasonable for this time of year. Needless to say, if you run around here, you weren't acclimated to run in conditions like that yesterday. Everyone is saying how it's probably a good thing that I didn't run the marathon yesterday, that everything happens for a reason, yadda yadda. And after talking to my friends who did run, it was a really rough day out there...even for the most experienced. Coach Jack even said it was arguably the hardest of his 47 marathons. Sounds great, doesn't it? So why does this make me even more mad that I wasn't able to run? It's killing me that it was a tough day out there and I didn't get the chance to test myself to see how I would do. I know it wouldn't have been fun and it would have hurt, but I don't care. I still would have liked to be out there yesterday giving it all I had.
As for the Achilles, I'm not really sure. Just when I think it's doing better, I have some pain. Walking is pretty much pain free now (good sign!!) but the stairs are still a problem. I've been biking and doing the elliptical which is fine for the short term but I will lose my mind if this is all I can do for an extended period of time. I'm continuing with physical therapy and am scheduling an MRI today. Hopefully they can get me in soon. If this puppy doesn't have a tear afterall, I'm hitting the roads before I go bat ass crazy.
Bethany - can you shoot me an email? For some reason I can't leave you comments.
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