March 22, 2013
26.2 miles. The distance of a marathon. The race, other than ultramarathons, that requires the most time from my daily life. Unless you are a certified Marathon Maniac or one in spirit who is marathoning at least once a month, there really is this thing called "training."
Oh, so back to the 26.2. My first week of running unearthed the newbie runner legs. It was weird, this pain I felt, deep in my muscles, a bruising, hot sensation, the sledgehammer effect of landing on my feet over and over. Day four, my first run on pavement, was excruciating. I had done 3, 5 and then 6 miles on the indoor YMCA track the previous days and think the new mileage took its toll on my body. It was only 3.5 miles outdoors and I had been contemplating "running" the St. Patty's Day half marathon the next day. The cutoff was 3 hours and a walk/jog might work but this run sealed the deal. All bets were off. The Leprechaun had left the building. The pot o' gold was stolen.
To finish my first week of running, I did another 5 and 3.72 miles. Here's the awesome thing. My weekly total mileage totaled 26.2 miles. I didn't plan it but there it is. Just a coincidence. Sure. Could be. Personally I believe there is something greater going on in this world, the unseen forces that many can't or don't want to recognize. It's such a small thing, 26.2 miles. I look at it as a little gesture of faith and reassurance, something I can hold onto while I'm struggling to run faster than 10 minute miles. It's a reminder that even in the small things, I am loved and remembered.
As I am finishing off week two, my legs have recovered from the initial broken concrete feeling to almost no soreness. My foot doesn't feel 100% yet but my times have improved. My easy run started at 11 minute miles and this week I have a couple of runs that averaged in the low 9s!
My next race on the schedule is the Yakima Marathon set for April 6th. Yes, really. I signed up last year and shouldn't do it. Probably. But I might. It starts just minutes away from my daughter's campus and it has a 7 hour cutoff. That's a 16 minute per mile average. That's TWO TIMES my normal marathon pace. I say, GAME ON! My family says, "What?!? WHAT?!??" I don't know what my doctor says because I'm not telling him. Hopefully I won't have to tell him on April 7th.
Run Happy!
Running blog about marathons, ultras, 5ks and everything in between. Race recaps, running stories, things runners don't tell you when you start your running journey.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Can't stop smiling!
Yesterday, a little more than ten weeks following my fractured metatarsal, I had a third follow-up visit with Dr. Vaughan.
Anticipation was high as I thought about how it would all go down. I've been working out at the YMCA almost every day and when I'm not there, I'm pushing play on P90X2, RevAbs or another amazing Beachbody workout. AWESOME BEACHBODY SITE HERE! Yeah, that's a plug for Beachbody and you better believe I will only promote what I truly believe to be the best at what they do.
My workouts have extended to three hours of sweating bullets on Jacob's Ladder, StairMaster, Expresso bikes, rowing machines, rope pulling, elliptical running...basically anything that will get my legs moving with some arm work thrown in for good measure. My foot has been feeling good but occasionally gives me a burst of pain, especially when flexing (toes up).
As I sat in the waiting room, I found the latest copy of Runner's World and read this article "Last Man Up" which was so inspiring. I haven't done any races like the one in the story, but I felt a kinship with him and the craving to keep testing personal boundaries. The nurse called me back and I told her I would sometimes have pain so she proceeded with an x-ray. Finally the doctor arrived and shared the x-ray. He pointed out the cartilage buildup around the break but went on to show me that the break was basically healed and I had clearance to start running again! I have to admit that on Saturday, I slowly shuffled through a jog/walk on the YMCA indoor track with my partner in crime, Sharon. It didn't hurt but my feet barely left the ground. That was 3 days ago.
I asked Dr. Vaughan what he thought would be an acceptable rate of progression and he mentioned the 10% rule...increase mileage 10% per week. So...um, that won't work for me. I won't jump in with a 50 mile week but running one mile this week and jumping like a crazy person to two miles (50% jump) next week is a bit too slow for me. I asked him if participating in a half marathon this weekend would be okay...could there have been rolling eyes? Perhaps. He offered to write a note for the race director who could possibly defer my entry...yes, I super glued my eyes in place at that. I mentioned I knew the race director, Tony Phillipi, and that I wouldn't need a note!
He sent me on my merry way and I immediately went to the YMCA, put on my running clothes, and plodded through three miles! Tears of joy flowed, followed by a crazy person smile, all to the horror of other gym members who didn't quite know what to make of the insane person jogging, and occasionally tripping, on the track. Whatever. Isn't that what runners do? We keep moving. We trip, we get hurt, we get back up, brush the dust off ourselves and keep moving forward. And we don't care if anyone is watching.
It's not about trying to impress anyone. It's about proving something to ourselves, to delve deeper into our character, our drive, our will. Sometimes we find we're undisciplined, lack desire and determination. Other times, we amaze ourselves at what our heart, minds,bodies worked together to accomplish. In the end, it's really not about the "running" but about what running brings to the surface and somehow we are stronger for it.
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| In case you forgot where I started... |
Anticipation was high as I thought about how it would all go down. I've been working out at the YMCA almost every day and when I'm not there, I'm pushing play on P90X2, RevAbs or another amazing Beachbody workout. AWESOME BEACHBODY SITE HERE! Yeah, that's a plug for Beachbody and you better believe I will only promote what I truly believe to be the best at what they do.
My workouts have extended to three hours of sweating bullets on Jacob's Ladder, StairMaster, Expresso bikes, rowing machines, rope pulling, elliptical running...basically anything that will get my legs moving with some arm work thrown in for good measure. My foot has been feeling good but occasionally gives me a burst of pain, especially when flexing (toes up).
As I sat in the waiting room, I found the latest copy of Runner's World and read this article "Last Man Up" which was so inspiring. I haven't done any races like the one in the story, but I felt a kinship with him and the craving to keep testing personal boundaries. The nurse called me back and I told her I would sometimes have pain so she proceeded with an x-ray. Finally the doctor arrived and shared the x-ray. He pointed out the cartilage buildup around the break but went on to show me that the break was basically healed and I had clearance to start running again! I have to admit that on Saturday, I slowly shuffled through a jog/walk on the YMCA indoor track with my partner in crime, Sharon. It didn't hurt but my feet barely left the ground. That was 3 days ago.
I asked Dr. Vaughan what he thought would be an acceptable rate of progression and he mentioned the 10% rule...increase mileage 10% per week. So...um, that won't work for me. I won't jump in with a 50 mile week but running one mile this week and jumping like a crazy person to two miles (50% jump) next week is a bit too slow for me. I asked him if participating in a half marathon this weekend would be okay...could there have been rolling eyes? Perhaps. He offered to write a note for the race director who could possibly defer my entry...yes, I super glued my eyes in place at that. I mentioned I knew the race director, Tony Phillipi, and that I wouldn't need a note!
He sent me on my merry way and I immediately went to the YMCA, put on my running clothes, and plodded through three miles! Tears of joy flowed, followed by a crazy person smile, all to the horror of other gym members who didn't quite know what to make of the insane person jogging, and occasionally tripping, on the track. Whatever. Isn't that what runners do? We keep moving. We trip, we get hurt, we get back up, brush the dust off ourselves and keep moving forward. And we don't care if anyone is watching.
It's not about trying to impress anyone. It's about proving something to ourselves, to delve deeper into our character, our drive, our will. Sometimes we find we're undisciplined, lack desire and determination. Other times, we amaze ourselves at what our heart, minds,bodies worked together to accomplish. In the end, it's really not about the "running" but about what running brings to the surface and somehow we are stronger for it.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Hello legs!
February 13, 2013
I have a challenge for you. Try to exercise without putting pressure on one of your feet. Go! I'll be waiting in the elevator while you try to sweat. If you put pressure on anything but the heel of your "injured" foot, you're cheating.
Did you have to get creative? What did you do to work up a sweat? It's possible to work your body without using your foot, yes, but it's takes some thought and effort. I have found it difficult to really sweat since my injury. You know, drip off your nose and elbows sweat. I was given the a-okay to try the bike and other low impact equipment and as long as there is no pain, I can go for it!
My sit bones are a little sore but my psyche is extremely elated. As long as I don't stand up on the pedals, I can bike with the best of them. I tried the stair climber and no longer have to look with envy because now I am climbing, too! I've also discovered another couple of tools at the YMCA that get the sweat flying: the ROPE PULL and Jacob's Ladder.
What is Jacob's Ladder?
My life is feeling more normal now. That first drip of sweat was like a revelation: I am healing and I am love sweating. I know that may sound weird but if it doesn't, you are my friend. You know.
Who are these women who CHOOSE to not break a sweat intentionally? My guess is they have emotional problems. My theory is that more women would suffer less physical and emotional problems if they would force their bodies into uncomfortable effort. Now don't get down on me, ladies. I know what's what. Our bodies can do crazy things. But GENERALLY speaking, physical activity does wonders for our stability, both physical and emotional.
Did you sweat today?
I have a challenge for you. Try to exercise without putting pressure on one of your feet. Go! I'll be waiting in the elevator while you try to sweat. If you put pressure on anything but the heel of your "injured" foot, you're cheating.
Did you have to get creative? What did you do to work up a sweat? It's possible to work your body without using your foot, yes, but it's takes some thought and effort. I have found it difficult to really sweat since my injury. You know, drip off your nose and elbows sweat. I was given the a-okay to try the bike and other low impact equipment and as long as there is no pain, I can go for it!
My sit bones are a little sore but my psyche is extremely elated. As long as I don't stand up on the pedals, I can bike with the best of them. I tried the stair climber and no longer have to look with envy because now I am climbing, too! I've also discovered another couple of tools at the YMCA that get the sweat flying: the ROPE PULL and Jacob's Ladder.
What is Jacob's Ladder?
My life is feeling more normal now. That first drip of sweat was like a revelation: I am healing and I am love sweating. I know that may sound weird but if it doesn't, you are my friend. You know.
Who are these women who CHOOSE to not break a sweat intentionally? My guess is they have emotional problems. My theory is that more women would suffer less physical and emotional problems if they would force their bodies into uncomfortable effort. Now don't get down on me, ladies. I know what's what. Our bodies can do crazy things. But GENERALLY speaking, physical activity does wonders for our stability, both physical and emotional.
Did you sweat today?
Friday, February 8, 2013
Cue Marvin Gaye...
Click play first:
So I've crawled out of the pool and grown legs and have begun my journey to the weight and equipment part of the YMCA. I've looked with envy at the ellipticals and treadmills. I even have longed to get on the stair climber, that's how sick and twisted I have become without my daily dose of running.
The free weights part of the room is like a carnival display of testosterone-filled, sweaty, grunting men staring at their biceps and thick necks with admiration. I have postponed that area for another day. For now, I have been finding machines that don't cause pain in my foot. Hamstring curl, leg extension, bicep, tricep, shoulder press, captain's chair for my squishy abs, and the sex machines. It's been a good experience for me to...what's that? Back up? Sex? Machines?
Technically, they are the abductor and adductor machines. Here's how it goes:
I see them, side by side, waiting for a volunteer to sit and show their goods to the entire gym. I believe these two machines should be set aside in their own dimly-lit room, jasmine candles burning, and a little Marvin Gaye playing in the background.
The last time I used them, I realized in horror that the seam in my capris had a little tear in it...not THERE, thankfully, but it was a good reminder to choose my adductor apparel more carefully.
What's your favorite machine at the gym? Do you abduct? Adduct? Do you grunt in the front of the mirror in public?
Thought you'd enjoy this little groin-busting picture.
Until next time, I have a hot date at the YMCA.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Naked Yoga and Other Gym Adventures
February 2, 2012
The aqua saga continues.
It's been 5 weeks today since I broke a metatarsal. Dr. McCrum told me a typical time frame for healing would be 6-8 weeks. I can't imagine being able to run in one week. I have progressed to gimpy walking, some people not noticing that I avoid pressure on the top of my foot. I have tried to walk normally and it's not ready. The pain is immediate and I'm smart enough to not push it. I'm hopeful that 3 more weeks will do the trick but I also want to continue running without injury so I will let it heal no matter what the time frame.
While I wait for my bone to repair itself, I continue driving to the YMCA nearly every day for swimming and/or aquajogging. It's been about 3 weeks since I started this routine and I have discovered something about myself. I not only love competing in running, but I believe I just love competing, even against myself. My water running and swimming began quite innocently, me just a poor little fish trying to survive in a pool of flip-turn, drill masters. With my aqua belt strapped on tightly, my bingo-blue stamper head bobbing ever so slowly down the lane while underneath, I'd be stirring up a storm with my running. I began with 30 minutes of running and have progressed to 90 minutes. I read that I should be running in the water as long as a planned road run. Sigh. I have incorporated swimming and am up to 2 miles. Of course I had to look at the ironman swim distance, 2.4 miles, and have this incessant need to swim further than that.
Today I will attempt 2-2.5 hours of running while trying not to go bat-crazy or call anyone a monkey butt for splashing me with their wide splish splashy strokes. Don't get me wrong; I love the pool and most are quite polite and give me plenty of birth while I skim the rope line to stay out of their way. It's just the guys - usually - who take up an entire lane with their wide flinging arms. And can I say the breast stroke is not an invitation to touch the boobies as you go by me?
Outside of the pool, in the secret caves aka locker rooms, I have discovered oddities...things that make you go hmmm.
I had my first water running lane sharer this past week. A guy joined me and hey, I'm okay with sharing a lane. No big. It's just a little awkward, 2 heads bobbing slowly up and down the lane, and you're kind of forced to smile every time and, you know, converse. The swimmers are pretty much submerged so that's not a big deal. Found out he's planning on running a 24 hour race this year sometime. He's up to 16 miles. He doesn't have ultra experience but after hearing him talk, I think he thinks he has it all figured out.
While passing each other, oh yes, lots of time to talk as we approach and pass, he tells me he thinks that in a 24 hour race, it comes down to "what's up here" as he pointed to his brain, and yes, I agree, your thoughts and discipline, etc. are huge in ultras. But let's not forget the body. It's going through self-imposed fatigue and pain in ways you won't understand unless you've gone through mega distances. So how do I respond? I say, "It has a lot to do with what's down here," pointed under the water. Yeah. Idiot. What I meant (legs, feet!) and what he heard may have been different based on the look on his face. Insert blush. My friends said that I was right. It takes balls to attempt a 24 hour.
See you in the pool!
The aqua saga continues.
It's been 5 weeks today since I broke a metatarsal. Dr. McCrum told me a typical time frame for healing would be 6-8 weeks. I can't imagine being able to run in one week. I have progressed to gimpy walking, some people not noticing that I avoid pressure on the top of my foot. I have tried to walk normally and it's not ready. The pain is immediate and I'm smart enough to not push it. I'm hopeful that 3 more weeks will do the trick but I also want to continue running without injury so I will let it heal no matter what the time frame.
While I wait for my bone to repair itself, I continue driving to the YMCA nearly every day for swimming and/or aquajogging. It's been about 3 weeks since I started this routine and I have discovered something about myself. I not only love competing in running, but I believe I just love competing, even against myself. My water running and swimming began quite innocently, me just a poor little fish trying to survive in a pool of flip-turn, drill masters. With my aqua belt strapped on tightly, my bingo-blue stamper head bobbing ever so slowly down the lane while underneath, I'd be stirring up a storm with my running. I began with 30 minutes of running and have progressed to 90 minutes. I read that I should be running in the water as long as a planned road run. Sigh. I have incorporated swimming and am up to 2 miles. Of course I had to look at the ironman swim distance, 2.4 miles, and have this incessant need to swim further than that.
Today I will attempt 2-2.5 hours of running while trying not to go bat-crazy or call anyone a monkey butt for splashing me with their wide splish splashy strokes. Don't get me wrong; I love the pool and most are quite polite and give me plenty of birth while I skim the rope line to stay out of their way. It's just the guys - usually - who take up an entire lane with their wide flinging arms. And can I say the breast stroke is not an invitation to touch the boobies as you go by me?
- Naked hot yoga. Why pay for hot yoga when you can just strip down to nothing and do it in the sauna? Hey! No criss-cross applesauce!
- Massages in the steam room. Naked. Okay, ladies, knock it off!
- Getting ready to leave the locker room and staying naked until the last possible second.
- Discovering I am an anatomy lesson for little children after 3:30 pm.
I had my first water running lane sharer this past week. A guy joined me and hey, I'm okay with sharing a lane. No big. It's just a little awkward, 2 heads bobbing slowly up and down the lane, and you're kind of forced to smile every time and, you know, converse. The swimmers are pretty much submerged so that's not a big deal. Found out he's planning on running a 24 hour race this year sometime. He's up to 16 miles. He doesn't have ultra experience but after hearing him talk, I think he thinks he has it all figured out.
While passing each other, oh yes, lots of time to talk as we approach and pass, he tells me he thinks that in a 24 hour race, it comes down to "what's up here" as he pointed to his brain, and yes, I agree, your thoughts and discipline, etc. are huge in ultras. But let's not forget the body. It's going through self-imposed fatigue and pain in ways you won't understand unless you've gone through mega distances. So how do I respond? I say, "It has a lot to do with what's down here," pointed under the water. Yeah. Idiot. What I meant (legs, feet!) and what he heard may have been different based on the look on his face. Insert blush. My friends said that I was right. It takes balls to attempt a 24 hour.
See you in the pool!
Monday, January 21, 2013
I'm running again!
So maybe it's not on land and perhaps I don't need shoes to do it but at least my body is going through the running motions. In water. Have you aqua-jogged? Was it during an injury or part of cross training or were you looking for a way to test your boredom coping capabilities?
I have been strapping on the aquabelt about 4 times so far. I have worked my way up to near an hour and a half of aqua running and have also started freestyle swimming without kicking. I initially added that because I needed to break up the monotony of running in water. The equivalent expression, "A watched pot never boils," with aquajogging is, "A watched string of flags never gets closer."
The most exciting sessions I have are when the water aerobics class gets their groove on so I have been trying to plan my running around that schedule. I taught water aerobics at the Y and loved it and loved the mostly-seniors who participated. What an entertaining group of people!
I had my follow up doctor's appointment last week and discovered that I really do have a fractured metatarsal even though the written report by the radiologist stated I didn't. It was very odd. The xray clearly shows the break. The doctor will see me again in 3 weeks to see how it's progressing. I still cannot do any impact exercises and will continue pursuing my water exercises. I am going to add in weight machines this week since I can do those without using impact on my foot.
Here is an interesting article on aqua jogging. The latest research on the effectiveness of aqua jogging and 3 scientifically supported tips to help you get the most out of your deep water running
A friend mentioned an alter-g treadmill as another option during my rehab. I will look into it, however, I don't know if it will be acceptable as there may be some impact. Have you used one of these rare machines? http://www.alterg.com/
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| Not-me aquajogging |
Here is an interesting article on aqua jogging. The latest research on the effectiveness of aqua jogging and 3 scientifically supported tips to help you get the most out of your deep water running
A friend mentioned an alter-g treadmill as another option during my rehab. I will look into it, however, I don't know if it will be acceptable as there may be some impact. Have you used one of these rare machines? http://www.alterg.com/
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I know your secret!
If you are reading this, I know your nasty, little secret. You hide it, lie about it, cover it up, try to keep yourself from succumbing to its powers, and blame others. Admit it! You. Are. A. Farter!
Now, now, it's okay. I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me. Can I tell you something, though? As much as you break wind accidentally, cut the cheese in enclosed spaces, produce silent but deadly clouds of gas, you are not fooling anyone.
Even Google is shy about it. I searched facts about gas and facts about farts. Every suggested search item produced something completely irrelevant to what I want to know. Every person on this planet lets loose and yet no one wants to discuss the inevitable moments when our bodies betray us in the most awkward places and times. Shocking, right? Apparently this phenomenon only happens to certain people, like, I don't know, EVERYONE! Look around today and remember that they have or will have flatulence today. And it's normal. Okay? Totally normal. My best guess is that we are ashamed to admit we have an ANUS. Okay, there, I wrote it. Get over it.
As a runner, I feel it is my duty to inform all the non-runners that we are crude and rude on the run. Topics surrounding bodily functions on the run are often accompanied by a show and tell session. Our modesty is wiped away with each step (and wipe in public...truth). Have you ever seen the line to the porta potties at a race? We are not ashamed to hold a roll of toilet paper in public or squat down in the middle of the trail with our lookout runner-friend 2 feet away. Warming up before a race is just another way to test our stomachs and jar all of the gas out before we immerse ourselves into the race crowd out of courtesy for other runners. It doesn't always work, though, and many a "horn" is heard at the sound of the gun.
For whatever reason, farting (you are cringing because I wrote that, right?) in a race isn't nearly as embarrassing as, say, in the elevator.
My most embarrassing gas escape happened during an overnight party at the high school for my volleyball team. It was in the middle of the night, lack of sleep, hopped up on caffeine and pizza and we were goofing in the gym. I jumped up to spike the ball and when I came down, well, it was not my finest moment. It's how I shut the game down.
What is your most embarrassing fart moment?
Did you know there are products available to filter your farts? Seriously! Fart filtering cushion!
Now, now, it's okay. I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe with me. Can I tell you something, though? As much as you break wind accidentally, cut the cheese in enclosed spaces, produce silent but deadly clouds of gas, you are not fooling anyone.
Even Google is shy about it. I searched facts about gas and facts about farts. Every suggested search item produced something completely irrelevant to what I want to know. Every person on this planet lets loose and yet no one wants to discuss the inevitable moments when our bodies betray us in the most awkward places and times. Shocking, right? Apparently this phenomenon only happens to certain people, like, I don't know, EVERYONE! Look around today and remember that they have or will have flatulence today. And it's normal. Okay? Totally normal. My best guess is that we are ashamed to admit we have an ANUS. Okay, there, I wrote it. Get over it.
As a runner, I feel it is my duty to inform all the non-runners that we are crude and rude on the run. Topics surrounding bodily functions on the run are often accompanied by a show and tell session. Our modesty is wiped away with each step (and wipe in public...truth). Have you ever seen the line to the porta potties at a race? We are not ashamed to hold a roll of toilet paper in public or squat down in the middle of the trail with our lookout runner-friend 2 feet away. Warming up before a race is just another way to test our stomachs and jar all of the gas out before we immerse ourselves into the race crowd out of courtesy for other runners. It doesn't always work, though, and many a "horn" is heard at the sound of the gun.
For whatever reason, farting (you are cringing because I wrote that, right?) in a race isn't nearly as embarrassing as, say, in the elevator.
My most embarrassing gas escape happened during an overnight party at the high school for my volleyball team. It was in the middle of the night, lack of sleep, hopped up on caffeine and pizza and we were goofing in the gym. I jumped up to spike the ball and when I came down, well, it was not my finest moment. It's how I shut the game down.
What is your most embarrassing fart moment?
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| Flatulence pads - reusable! In case you ever need a "muffler"... |
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