Excuse me, are you a bad man??

After only about five hours of interrupted sleep, I went out for a trail run yesterday morning as soon as I woke up.  I hadn't put in many miles at all over the week and I knew if I waited, it wouldn't get done.  The hiker's parking lot was "packed"!  (It's a relative term...usually there are only one or two cars, yesterday morning there were like 10 or 12.)  Like I said before, I can let my mind get a little carried away with the "what if there's a bad man in the woods" scenarios, but it doesn't usually stop me from running solo...on the trail or off. 

That all changed this morning!


Even though I ended up doing 3.5 on the trail yesterday and my right shin/calf was not too happy with me this morning, not to mention it felt like it was already 102 degrees (at 5am), I went over to Turtle's house to run a mile or two.  We started out complaining to each other about the stifling heat/humidity and headed out, knowing that once we got started we'd be fine.

Our neighborhood has a little parking lot right at the front of the subdivision.  It was either intended for parking for the non-existent club house and/or pool, or was just built because we have a non-enforced "no cars parked on the street" rule.  If you have company staying with you for an extended period of time, theoretically they would park there.  It's not ever used for anything and we have tried to get it demolished, but you'd be surprised how much it costs to have a parking lot torn out.  Anyway...I told her we were going to go into that lot to do some dynamic stretches and drills.

As I was scoping the lot seeing where we needed to start...I noticed her stopping short.  And...then...I heard a male voice saying something from the car that I had not even seen that was parked about 20 feet from me!  (I found out later he asked if we live in the neighborhood.)  Turtle said, "yeah, what's going on?"  He proceeded to tell us that he had broken down on the mountain (it's a good mile from our neighborhood) and he had gotten the car that far but was now waiting on his wife to come get him.  We just kind of looked at each other and then at him and said "Okay" as we turned around and headed back to her house....

The story didn't add up for several reasons

• we are not the closest road from the mountain-he had to pass by two roads and two turn-around areas he could have pulled over at.
• his car was backed into the parking space-that's not something you would do if your car had broken down
• if his car broke down, how did he get it there?

We took off and sprinted back to her house and then she drove me to my house.  I felt we might be over-reacting just a little bit, but come on...it was FIVE O'CLOCK in the morning.  It was dark.  We were two women running alone-well, with each other, but alone as in not in a group and without a man, or a big scary dog, or mace, or even a phone!  No one is supposed to even be in that parking lot.

To make matters worse, I came home and read a story about this woman who started running after being raped (as recovery).  Note to self-always carry my phone, even in the neighborhood, even when running with Turtle.

I'm sure it was completely fine...what would you have done?  Kept running, chatted him up a bit asking, "So, where do you work? What do you do?  Have car trouble much?", said, "Excuse me for asking, but are you a bad man?  Because if you are, I need to scream to wake up my neighbors who may or may not come out here to investigate what's going on."?

Well, the run was scrapped, but I went to the Extreme Abs class...let me just say, I am getting stronger but I still can't do the whole class.  I don't feel bad about that because (other than the instructor) there are only two people in there who can (out of 15-20).

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Week 9 & 10 Recaps

WHAT I DID

WEEK 9--Monday-Body Pump.  Tuesday I ran with my group.  It was horribly painful.  Thankfully I had a coach who ran with me or I know I wouldn't have made it.  I ran a little bit faster, but ended up at the end having to walk some.  I was in pain the rest of the week so I "worked on" recovery.  Then, Saturday I ran the SteepleChase 8k.  

WEEK 10--Monday I had to get blood work done so I just "ran" on the elliptical for 30 minutes.  Tuesday I knew I wasn't going to be able to meet up with my running group so I went out that morning to run on the mountain we did the hill repeats the other week.  I felt a little sore, and VERY tired, but I decided running would be a good way to get past that.  WRONG.  I was supposed to do 4.5 miles, I made it (not on the hill, just on the more flat part of the road) just over 2 miles, including my warm up and cool down.  I ended up limping the whole time, and I felt like I was moving through molasses.  I decided to "listen to my body" and just rest for the day and tried to regroup the next day.  Wednesday I went back to Body Pump.  It was horrible.  I tried to push past feeling so weak and tired, but after it was over, I barely made it home without falling asleep at the wheel!!  I came home and collapsed on the bed.  Friday I pretty much stayed in bed or on the couch all day long.  Saturday was the only redeeming day of the whole week.  (Yes, I did do something Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday...and what I did would have "counted" in January.  In fact I would have been tickled to death in January with those days---but I'm not happy with my performance now.)  I got up early and went with my darling husband to run on a beautiful hiking trail.  I'm going to write up a whole post about it later on.  I'm not happy with how little I ran, or how much I "had to" walk, but it was a fantastic run if I shut off my internal critic!!  After the mountain run, I went out and cheered my buddies on in their second 10K--they did GREAT.

WHAT I LEARNED

I think now that the week is over, I might have gotten a little too hot at the race...and I might have overdone it just a little bit.  It didn't seem like it at the time, but that's the only thing I can think of that would have made me feel so incredibly bad all week.  (It wasn't hormonal, that should have been the week before....but who knows.)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE running with my husband.  He was a running beast back in the day.  He had a couple of injuries that set him back, and he's been out of running for many years so I can almost keep up with him for a few minutes!!  I would just love it if he would slow his pace down to my speed and train with me.  I'm doing my best to talk him into it because Saturday's run was probably the best one ever.  Like I said earlier, I'll devote a whole post to it later on.

I LOVE running trails.  My husband has told me since before I started that he knew I would, and I do.  I loved everything about it.  It was unbelievably peaceful.  I was worried I would trip, or twist an ankle, but surprisingly, I didn't!

I love running with my husband!!

This running thing will not be something that will continually move forward every single week.  I feel like I had a major set back this week, but the truth is I'm still running and I want to keep on running, so it wasn't a bad week after all.  I'm going back to the doctor after the Cotton Row 10K (which might be a mistake to wait, but that's the plan I'm sticking with right now)...and then after that I'm going to have to re-evaluate my plan to train for the marathon in December.  It's frustrating, but I'm learning that I might just have to slow down the plan.  I am NOT happy about it.

Did I mention ... I LOVE running with my husband???

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

I'm going back to the doctor after Memorial Day (after the 10K).  In the mean time I'm just going to take it easy and realize this 10K might just SUCK.

I'm going to keep trying to beg my husband to run with me.

I'm going to incorporate more trail running into my plan.

I'm going to keep using the TriggerPoint massage thingy.

I'm going to rest when I think I need to rest.

I'm going to keep strength training.

FOOD

I'm going back to a 30-40-30 plan (zone) because I really do think I had more energy with that ratio of food.  I'm going to stick to less processed food, more fresh fruits and veggies and more fish.  

I'm considering going to a DO to have allergy and hormone tests done.  I've read so much lately about gluten intolerance and what it does to hormone levels, I think it's worth checking into anyway.

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!

:D

Fatigue

Ever since the Steeplechase 8K I ran on Saturday, I've been exhausted.  Tuesday I went out to run my scheduled 4.5 miles and felt like I was trying to run through molasses.  Every muscle in my body felt heavy and tired.  Yesterday, after Body Pump, I barely made it home without falling asleep behind the wheel.  I walked in, fell over on the bed and took about a 2 hour "nap" (is it still called a "nap" if it's before noon?).  Usually I'm pretty energized after a work out, but not this week.  I woke up this morning yawning.  I think I've been eating and hydrating about the same as I always have.  I think I've been getting a decent amount of sleep (especially yesterday's nap!)...I just can't seem to get moving.

I decided the "listen to your body" advice sounded good, so I opted not to run this morning, but to come come after taking my daughter to school for another morning nap.  I'll run tonight.  I will.  I promise.

(Before anyone asks...yes, I had blood work done earlier this week-if there's a medical issue, it should turn up.  Until I get results, I'm going to assume everything's okay and keep plugging along.)

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon.
:D

SteepleChase 8K

Excuses I could have used for not running the full 4.97 miles:

• It was humid and as a greenhouse yesterday morning.
• I had to get up at 4:45 to get to the race on time.
• I didn't get enough sleep.
• I didn't hydrate well yesterday.
• I haven't run since doing hill repeats on Tuesday because I could barely walk pain-free.
• My leg hurt.
• My knee hurt.
• The course was a little hilly in places.
• Everyone around me was walk/running and talking about how hard it was.
• Last, but not least, my monthly "intruder" announced her arrival yesterday...

...but, I didn't use any of them at all!!  I ran the whole thing (except for 10 seconds that I'm not going to count)!!  I ran slow-my average pace was about 11:43-but I ran the whole way.  My (official) time was  58:50.

I spent a little time yesterday beating myself up for all the things I did wrong...but today, I'm going to let that go and be proud that I did it....especially since I could hardly walk last night.  I seriously have to find out what's going on inside my left leg.  It's about to drive me crazy.  Anyway...here are the things I did right:

• I set out all my clothes and stuff the night before because I had to leave the house no later than 5am.
• I warmed up before the race.  I used to feel really silly warming up since I run so slow, but the last two times I've put that thought out of my head and warmed up anyway-and I'm convinced it makes a huge difference.  When I first start to run, I sort of hobble/limp the first quarter or half mile.  Not to mention it's very painful.  Getting that out of the way first helps the race start off more smoothly.
• I remembered my water bottle.  It was so incredibly humid, I would have died without water.  At the aid stations, I didn't stop, I just grabbed a cup as I ran by and then poured it into my bottle...running the whole time.
• I focused on staying positive.  It was interesting to hear all the women talking where I was running-the front of the back of the pack-or the back of the middle of the pack depending on how you look at it.  Most all of them were in pairs.  There seemed to be one friend who was talking about all the things that were wrong-it's hot, I can't breathe, I can't do this, I ate too close to start time-I'm feeling sick.  The other friend was the cheerleader.  That's what it's like in my head most of the time!  Except the complainer is usually MUCH louder and the cheerleader is lazy!  Yesterday my cheerleader did a pretty good beat down on my complainer!
• I ran up the hills.  My goal was to run the whole way.  I decided a slower time was worth the psychological pay off for running the whole 5 miles without having to walk.   After doing 4.5 miles of repeats Tuesday, those "hills" were NOTHING.  And, because I ran the hills every time the other night, I already knew I was completely capable of doing it.  ((BTW, the reason I could do it was a direct result of the training I received from my coaches.))
• I tried very hard not to compare myself with anyone else there.  There were several walk/runners who kept passing and falling behind me.  I considered trying to set a goal to "beat" some of them...but I decided to run my own race and not worry about them.  (BTW, only 2 of them passed me in the end-and I cheered them on the whole way.)
• Most importantly-to me-I had a lot of fun.  I really enjoyed myself.  I talked to some of the other racers, I talked to the spectators (cheering on the sidelines is an amazing motivator!!), I met some new people...I smiled.  I had a really good time.  That's not to say I didn't have a good time before, but I just realized I was having a good time DURING the race rather than after the fact this time!  Without all the worrying and self condemnation going on I was free to have fun in the process.

There has to be a balance between being positive and realizing there's always room for improvement.  So, here are the things I need to work on/remember for the future:

• Don't take off so many days before a race.  I had a very hard time walking after the hill repeats Tuesday (yes, my left calf).  So I opted to skip out on my runs and my strength training all week long, "saving myself" for the race on Saturday.  I'm not convinced that hurt more than it helped.  I think it would have been better to get out and run EASY on it.  Who knows, it might have made things worse, but not taking off is what I'll try next time.
• Get a good night's sleep the night before.  I only got about 5 1/2 hours sleep (I'm used to getting at least 7).
• Two words--BODY GLIDE.  It does in fact make a difference, I'm sure of it.  Now, at my speed and distance, the difference doesn't really matter as far as time goes...but I forgot it so I could feel my shorts on my legs whereas I usually can't.
• After Cotton Row--go to the doctor and get an MRI.  I need to find out what's going on in my leg for sure...and get it FIXED.  I have no idea if it slows me down or not.  It doesn't seem to really hurt while I'm running...but at the same time I don't really know.  If I knew without a doubt that I wasn't going to cause something to be worse I wouldn't worry SO much about being able to walk pain free afterwards...but as it is, I'm not sure if pushing myself is going to cause additional "damage".  After Cotton Row.  
• Hydrate really well the day before. 
• Continue to train.  I'm not fooling myself into thinking I could ever really WIN races, but my goal is going to be to finish in the top 1/2 of all finishers.  I think that's a good goal.  For this race that would have required a time of 51:02 or better.  Looking back at the last several races, that would mean I would need to run at about a 9:30 pace.  I think that's a realistic long-term goal.  I mean I can't do that now, but long term-maybe.

Next race:  Cotton Row 10K!!   The good thing about going a new distance-it's an automatic PR!

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Week 7 & 8 Recaps

WARNING:  This is a long and boring update that I'm really writing for my own personal benefit!  I'd love for you to read it, but it certainly won't hurt my feelings if you skip it!!  I've just found keeping updates is very helpful for me to be able to look back at how far I've come objectively.... :D

WHAT I DID

((WEEK 7))  I ended up not running on Monday the 12th...but because I didn't write it up then, I have no idea why now!  My guess is that I was in pain from the five mile run the Saturday before!  Tuesday was "Diva Night" at Fleet Feet. I was the lucky door prize winner of a six month membership to Riviera Fitness!!  I had considered joining, but the locations aren't super convenient so I had decided not to.  But, since the membership is free, the gas to get there and back is a small price to pay.  So I got up bright and early the very next day and did Body Pump.  I turned around that same night and ran 3.5 miles with my running group (at a pace of 11:52!).  Since I was running the Cookie Dash 5K that weekend, I opted to not run again until the race.  (You can click the link to read about the race...if I get started talking about it again I might not be able to stop--it was a great experience!) 

((WEEK 8))  Monday, I went to do Body Pump at a different location-at 5:30 in the morning!!  I think I would prefer to go that early if that location were closer...but as it is, it's kind of a hassle to get over there and back in time to get my daughter to school by 8.  I added weights to my bar...but by looking at my heart rate, I still wasn't working that hard.  (And, shockingly enough, the next day I wasn't very sore at all.)  I ran with my group Tuesday night.  I'm not 100% sure how far we went because I forgot to stop my Garmin.  I can say I was DYING almost the whole time.  I started out the run limping along, and by the end all I wanted to do was lay down!  NOT a good run at all.  Wednesday-back to Body Pump.  Thursday was my day at the cross country park.  I will definitely go back there-as soon as I can forget the complete AGONY of the ridiculously steep hill on that loop.  I'm not kidding you--the website says, "There are rolling hills except for one exceptionally steep section that is hard - both uphill and downhill."  You know a hill is steep if the downhill is hard!!  I probably did three miles there (not quite sure because I stopped my Garmin when I stopped to die on that hill and forgot to start it back until much later).  The first part wasn't bad, but that hill really took it out of me!  Saturday it was supposed to be storming so I slept until 7...only to wake to find sunshine!  It turned out to be a good thing that I didn't join the group because I was extremely sore.  I joined up with two gals from my group as well as my neighbor for 5 miles.  I'm going to blame the heat and unbelievable humidity for my poor performance that day...but at least I did finish it.  I think that's what counts.

I also bought a trigger point massage thing that is supposed to be a self-help therapy tool for what is believed to be scar tissue in my leg.   I've been using it every day since I got it and I think I can tell a difference.  It's not completely better, but I think it's helping.

WHAT I LEARNED

I like running in the woods--just like my husband said I would.  When I get in better running shape, I can certainly see myself trail running.  

I really am worth my salt!

I believe strength training is helping.  The first time I went I barely had weight on the bar.  It was HARD and I was very sore the next day.  The next time I increased my weights and I wasn't very sore at all the next day.  I talked to the instructor of the class the third time I went and she said I had obviously worked out before (true) because muscles have memory and they "remember" pretty quickly.  She encouraged me to keep raising my weights, which I have done.  I do think it's making a difference in strength, which will no doubt help my runs (even if it's not causing any weight loss-yet).

I do NOT like running in humidity.  I'm telling you, maybe it's and excuse, but I felt like I couldn't breathe on that 5 mile with the girls!

I can run faster than I give myself credit for and can still sprint at the end of a race!!!  (See the race recap for the full story on that!)

Self-help trigger point massage therapy hurts as much as a massage therapist!  But at home no one has to hear the funny noises I make!!

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

Keep on running.  The physical therapist told me I had to choose between running and coming to therapy because, in her opinion, therapy wasn't going to help me as long as I kept running....so, I canceled (well, postponed) my orthopaedic doctor's appointment until after the 10K I've been training for.  I believe I've slowed down enough and am paying attention to what I think my body is saying enough that I'm not going to "injure" myself.  I really think it's just a matter of strengthening the muscles in my leg, conditioning (my body as well as my mind) and working to break up the scar tissue...

Keep on using the trigger point massage thing every single day.  I might even get the DVD that shows specific things to do with it to work on different areas of the body.
 

One very important thing I'm going to work very hard on--staying positive.  I want to rewire my thoughts to not focus on the pain.  Knowing how much I love quotes...please indulge me:

The truth is that we can learn to condition our minds, bodies, and emotions to link pain or pleasure to whatever we choose. By changing what we link pain and pleasure to, we will instantly change our behavior.

Tony Robbins, American self-help author and motivational speaker

ZONE UPDATE  

Nothing to update here...I'm not living the Zone lifestyle anymore.  I will say this--I believe I had more energy with that way of eating.  But, the careful measurement of everything was getting very difficult.  And, I'm somewhat of a legalist so if I was going to do it, then I was going to do it right and that was actually pretty stressful.  Not to mention, my darling husband didn't like it at all after the novelty wore off.

 

I'm currently reading Mastering Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels.  So far, it has the resounding ring of truth to my ears.  She basically says if it doesn't have a mother or didn't come from the ground, don't eat it.  It's all about bringing your hormones into line--which is what I think I need.  So...this section will likely be changed to "Metabolism Update" soon???

Thanks for reading, come again soon!

:D

Yes, I AM a Runner...(but today I'm a whining runner!!)

I had a follow up visit to the orthopaedic doctor scheduled for the second week in May.  I called to postpone it because I'm signed up to run a 10k on Memorial Day (Cotton Row) and I'm worried the doctor is going to tell me not to run for a while!  My husband said that decision most certainly "earned" me the label "runner".  Then I read this:

"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." --John Bingham

Okay...I AM a runner....At the same time, I'm currently debating whether or not to run a 10k all my running buddies have signed up for in a couple of weeks.

I signed up for an 8k that will be held this weekend just a few days before my calf pain ramped up to an all-time high (when I was worried I might have a stress fracture).  (That was the same day I signed up for the recent 5k I ran as well as the Cotton Row 10k--I was on a roll with registration that day!)

I had decided then I wouldn't do the 10k in question, because I didn't think I'd be ready for it...but as it turns out, my running group's plan calls for 6.5 miles that day anyway....not only that, the course is almost COMPLETELY flat.  And, "everyone" says they are going to take it slow and easy.  To make it even harder to resist...the race route will be loaded with bands playing live music!!  (It's called Music Moves Me.)  The down side--it's $25 (which I hear isn't much for a 10k in most cities, but it seems to be more than most races in this area)....AND, I'm just not sure my leg is up for it.

I ran 5 miles the other day with a couple of the girls from my group, and my neighbor (who, by the way, just donated one of her kidneys, to a non-relative, less than 5 months ago!!) and I could barely walk the next day.  (Well, I guess I could walk since I went and did Body Pump and upped my weights...)  We're set to do hills tonight and I'm scared to death!


Okay, okay....enough whining.  Yes, "reachdown", I can hear you saying, "Suck it up, Buttercup!!"  (Thanks for putting that in my head!!  You should totally be a coach, your words seems to stick with me for some reason!)  For you long time readers, he's also the one who said, "It's all in your head, until you pass out..then it's in your body!"

Interestingly enough, my kidney-donating neighbor told me she had read about a study where they had people read words like "slow" and "sick" or "fast" and "speedy".....then they did timed walks.  The ones who read the "slow" words walked slower.  So maybe the idea that I can't hack it really is all (or mostly) all in my head.  I hope that's the case because I'm certainly trying to convince my body that's the truth!!

Look out HILLS, here I come!!!


((By the way, if the good doctor's wife happens to read this...I'd appreciate it if you'd just keep my secret safe until after Cotton Row is over.  I'll confess at my appointment...IF it's even still needed by then-how's that for positive thinking??!!))

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Choices....

I've been going to physical therapy for my left calf.  It's been hurting pretty much since I started running.  I got new shoes, I've been to the chiropractor (something I thought I'd never do), I've been to massage therapy.  It got so bad at one point I thought it had progressed to a stress fracture.  (That wasn't just a random thought, the massage therapist was the one who told me to get an x-ray before I tried to run on it again.)  I went to an orthopaedic doctor who sent me to physical therapy. 

It's not really getting better.

Last Tuesday the physical therapist told me last week I had to make a choice.  She said I could either stop running (for at least a month) and continue therapy OR stop coming to therapy.  She said that I am basically wasting my time and money coming to therapy as long as I am going to keep running.  She believes I am re-injuring the leg every time I go out on it.

The "old me" would have been a little happy because that would have given me an excuse not to exercise.  But, I'm not who I was.  I would rather be told anything else than I (might) have to choose not to run.  I told her it doesn't really hurt (too bad) when I'm actually out running on it.  She said that's because it gets warmed up and because of the endorphins running gives me.  

I told her if she didn't see me before June (after the Cotton Row 10K I'm registered for and have been training for the last 2 months)...she'd know what my decision was.   I decided I would run with the group that night and then run the 5K Saturday...and then I would see how I felt.

Saturday, I was talking to a woman (an amazing master's runner) at the Cookie Dash who told me she had trouble with Planter Fasciitis.  She said she had the same experience.  Her feet didn't bother her when she was running-it was only the next day that she couldn't walk!  Her ortho pretty much told her the same thing-quit running.  (She went to Spine Care --chiro-- who did/does ART --active release therapy-- and she's almost completely pain free now.)

ART basically breaks up scar tissue...which is exactly what I've been thinking is the problem all along.  I can't remember if I've talked about it on here before or not, but I was in a bad car wreck about 16 years ago.  I had my leg sort of propped up between the driver's seat and the door (I was driving).  I hydroplaned and almost went under an 18-wheeler.  He was paying attention and moved over as far as he could so I slammed into his back wheels-crushing the front driver's side of my car-and my leg.  I didn't break it, but it's never been the same since then.

So, tonight I bought a massage thingy (on eBay, not from the linked on-line store) that SHOULD help if that's the problem.  I'm going to cancel my PT appointments and move my ortho follow up to the first week in June (instead of two weeks before the race as it is currently scheduled). 

Decision made.

Body Pump

Man, am I sore!!

I won a six month membership to Riviera Fitness Tuesday night.  So, yesterday after checking the schedules for all three local clubs, I drove about 25 minutes to the one that had a class I wanted to try out--BODY PUMP.  Wow.  Those ladies are tough. 

The location I went to was all female.  The class was basically lifting weights to music.  I used the baby weights, and on the lunges I didn't use any weights at all.  Wow.  I didn't realize just how weak I am.  No wonder I haven't been losing weight-I have NO MUSCLE in my body! 

I stayed after that torture class to take a look at the Zumba class.  It's like Latin dance aerobics. I more-or-less stood in the back of the room and watched.  After Body Pump, and knowing I was going to run 3.5 that night, I didn't want to push my calf any more than I had already....(maybe it sounds like an excuse, but it's true nonetheless).

One of the ways I evaluate a potential exercise class is by looking at the instructor.  One time my daughter and I checked out a local Jazzercise.  The instructor looked like she had stepped freshly out of 1982, from her BIG hair all the way to her leg warmers....and she was overweight.  Now, I'm sure she was fit.  She could do those moves like they were nothing--moves that were killing me at the time.  But she said she'd been teaching Jazzercise for like over 20 years (and was probably wearing the same outfit!).  I knew right then that was NOT the class for me (for more than one reason).

The instructor for Body Pump and Zumba (the same woman usually teaches both classes at that location) was out this week, so I didn't get to take a look at her.  The owner of all three local clubs taught the Body Pump class.  THAT'S what I look like in my dreams!!  She's probably about my age (maybe a few years younger).  She doesn't have that "I live at the gym" look about her, she just looks completely toned--every body part I could see was firm.  She's very healthy looking.  Not skinny, not ripped, not buff, not cut....I wouldn't even describe her as "thin" (although she is).  I would say normal...but after seeing the weight she was lifting, I can say she's NOT normal.  WOW.  Im-pres-sive.

The other way I evaluate a potential exercise class is by looking at the participants.  It was very interesting to compare these two classes.  The gals in the strength class were almost all very fit looking.  The Zumba class was FULL of overweight women (obviously not all of them...but an overwhelming majority).  They were clearly pros at this class because it's a tough dance based workout as far as choreography goes and these women had the moves down pat.  The Zumba class was also a lot more full than the Body Pump class.  ((I'm taking that as a sign that it's an easier class, but it could also have something to do with the fact that it's an hour later than the other one....))

Now, I know you can't judge a workout class solely by it's participants...but at the same time, don't you look at the people coming out of a hair salon and the stylist's hair for an indication of what kind of place it is??  And, when you're trying to decide if a restaurant is a good place to eat....SOMETIMES getting right in is not a good sign....and don't you look at the people going into the restaurant to see what kind of place it is??  I remember this buffet place we liked to go to in northwest Arkansas.  We called it "the hog trough" because we ALWAYS over ate when we went there and were sick afterwards.  The place was also ALWAYS filled with obese people.  Not just overweight, I'm talking clinically, morbidly, obese.  I'd venture to say that a minimum of 75% of the tables had at least one person in the group who was quite a bit heavier than 300 pounds (many most likely were over 500 pounds!!).  The food was good....too good. 

Just like I stopped going to "The Hog Trough", I won't be going back to Zumba.  Not because of the class make up...it's just not my cup of tea.  I want to get my cardio from running not dancing.

Speaking of running...last night I went with my group-3.5 miles.  I forgot my Garmin.  I felt completely NAKED without it so I "had to" run with someone who could keep up with stats.  I started out with a girl from my group and one of my coaches.  We started out a little fast (about 10:30 or 11) compared to what we usually start at.  At our walk break I was worried that I might not be able to get started up again so I kept going....until a little after a mile.  Long story short, we finished with a pace of 11:52!!!!  I was hurting (only my left calf)...but man that felt really good!!  I'm ready for the 5K this weekend.

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Week 6 Recap

WHAT I DID

Monday was the first day running for me in a week.  My calf had finally stopped hurting so I was more than a little nervous to get back on it....but at the same time, I was ready to roll.  I didn't get far (just 1.35 miles), but my average pace was 11:48.  After I quit I felt like I should have kept going, but it really did hurt and I did NOT want to push it too hard knowing I would be running HILLS with my running group the next night.  (I ran about 12 minutes and walked 4, with the longest running interval being the first at 6 minutes.)

Tuesday HILLS were actually fun!  Yes, I think I'm sick-with runneritis!  We did a little warm up and then tackled this big boy...

View Larger Map

Yes, I'm aware it doesn't look like much there....exactly what I was thinking....and then they said, "well, that's not really it..."  So, we ran up the part of the map they don't have on street view...and then got to THIS:

View Larger Map

Just keep clicking up Corlett until you get to Baylor...then we took a left on Baylor, went down to Jones Valley...took a left back to Corlett--and did it AGAIN!

I thought my calf would be screaming at me, but surprisingly enough, it felt better than my heart that was about to beat out of my chest.  To be completely honest, I "ran" up the first little part, and mostly walked the rest of the way up both times.  But, when I got to the top, I ran like the wind down.  In fact, I had my longest running interval ever (except the "race"), 9:15.  Over all we did about 3.5 miles and my average pace over the whole thing was about 12:30!  I've got to say I'm REALLY PSYCHED about that pace given the elevation change and the bum calf. 

Thursday I met up with one of my group coaches and did an "easy" two miles.  It was supposed to be 3.5, but I decided to cut it short and have a reserve for Saturday's 5 miler.

Yes, Saturday I did 5 miles with the group.  My usual partner wasn't there.  I was really nervous about how my calf would feel....and I DID IT!!  The walk/run group was supposed to do 8 minutes running and 1 minute walking.  There was even a good sized hill thrown in there for good measure.  ...And, guess what??  I walked only SIX minutes out of 61!!  Even with the hill, I ran a 12:24 pace for five miles!!  I might have to devote a whole post that that run because it felt truly awesome!!

WHAT I LEARNED

I keep being reminded I CAN DO IT.  My mind wants to say I can't sometimes.  And, my left calf is making a good argument for my limitations as well...but once it gets warmed up it seems to join the party the rest of my body is having.

I learned that tendons take a very long time to strengthen and to heal.  The PT said USUALLY the heart gets with the program first, then the muscles, then the tendons and ligaments.  She said that's probably why my legs feel pretty good when they get warmed up-the muscles are ready to go.  She said it's very important to take it slow and not over do it so as not to hurt the tendons/ligaments.

Hills are actually very fun!!

I CAN RUN!!!  Saturday, my longest running interval was...are you ready??...THIRTY MINUTES!!!

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

Cross train/stretch/strengthen.

Incorporate more hills into my training.

Stick with the plan!!!

ZONE UPDATE

I'm sad to report.... I've been watching what I eat with a magnifying glass, writing down every single bite of food.  I've mostly followed the plan.  ...Still no weight loss!  Yes, I'm serious.  I was getting very discouraged until I found a book that I've ordered but haven't gotten yet...It's very appropriately called "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal?" by Datis Kharrazian.  I'm really hoping there will be some answers there.  I've never had this much trouble losing weight.  


Well, thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Week 3 Recap

WHAT I DID

Tuesday--My week should have started yesterday but I was (**cough** EXCUSE **cough**) sick.  I really did feel bad, but I found out today I can feel bad running or I can feel worse sitting at home in my jammies.  I behaved in accordance with a decision already made and joined my running group for a three miler.  The pace started out PAINFULLY SLOW.  If you recall, one of my coaches told me Saturday to slow it down in the beginning so that I can actually run longer...so that's what I did.  This was the first Tuesday run I've done the correct intervals the WHOLE TIME!!  (YEA ME!!)  The sacrifice was a slower pace overall.  I ran a total of 31 minutes and walked 6 so my average pace was 12:20.

Wednesday was a scheduled rest day, so I did just that-in my jammies with a box of Kleenex next to me all day.

Thursday I loaded up on meds and went out to do a solo 2.5 mile run.  After reading Lisa's fantastic post about living with integrity I decided to do what ever it took to finish my correct intervals.  I slowed my pace down a bit...and with only 2 very minor hiccups, I DID IT AGAIN (ran the whole time with the correct intervals-5/1)!!  That makes the first solo run I've finished with correct intervals....and remember I was sick to boot.  (I think I deserve a cookie!!??)  My average pace was 12:36.  I ran a total of 26 minutes and walked 5.5.  When I got home I did some calf and ankle exercises--much needed since I'm still having a very hard time with my left calf.

Friday should have been cross training, but unless cleaning house counts, I dropped the ball on that one.  (It could have been a rest day, so I don't feel like I'm "cheating", but I do want to do some cross training, so maybe I cheated myself??)  

Saturday I intentionally missed my (optional) group run.  In my "defense", I picked hubby up from the airport at 12:30 this morning, we got home and in bed about 1:30!!  I had to choose between going with the group at 7 on very little sleep or going solo for today's four miler.  I opted for the latter....and I DID IT AGAIN (finished the four mile run having done all the correct intervals)!!!  My average pace was 12:26.  I really have to thank Lisa again for her post on Integrity....

WHAT I LEARNED

I'm learning that doing whatever it takes to behave in accordance with a decision previously made sometimes means it won't look exactly like I want it to.  When I started running with the slower group on Tuesday I thought I'd made a huge mistake because going that slow was almost painful.  I'm still not 100% convinced that going slow is the absolute best option, but I can say that going slower has lowered my heart rate, which I believe really has helped me be able to run longer.  (Based on my heart rate research...) AND, the whole idea of "running" full steam only to fizzle out before reaching my goal has been my MO for most of my life.  Maybe slow and steady really can work??

After doing research on heart rates, I was able to determine my max heart rate and training levels.    I think this explains why slowing the pace down a bit in the beginning has helped me run for a longer time.  I haven't decided if I like the trade because the pace feels SO SLOW.  I think what this tells me is that after I build up endurance I'll be able to (gradually) build up speed so I'll have both. 

I learned I CAN run with a stopped up nose almost as well as I can with a clear nose!! 

HYDRATION and FUEL are key elements.  (I'll talk about more these topics in a later post.)

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

Hydrate, fuel (see the Zone update below), continue to train with my heart rate levels. 


CROSS TRAIN!!  (Realistically this won't happen this week since my son will be in town!! **YEA**!!)

Next week's plan:

Monday 2.5 miles

Tuesday 3 miles (group run)

Thursday 3 miles

Saturday 4 miles (group run)

ZONE UPDATE  

I think I had my first food hangover!  I ate popcorn at the movies and then the next day had STEAK and dessert (for hubby's birthday-dinner out).  I don't really know if it was the food or from being sick, but I had a marked decrease in energy the next day.  Even with being sick, going back to the ZoneFormula way of eating, I seemed to have much more energy, so I'm calling it a hangover.  This really does make me happy because I think it means I've been eating better. 

After hearing about fueling from Tammy Beasley, RD, CSSD, LD, I decided to increase my calories.  I'm not stressing as much about having an EXACT balance of 40-30-30, but I am trying to make sure I FUEL at the right times with a good balance.  Pretty much everything she said lined up with what I've been doing (except for the increase in calories and she suggested more carbs).

I also started using Daily Plate at Livestrong.com.  I really love this site and it's unbelievably easy to use.  I wish there was a way to link up the FormulaZone.com site to Daily Plate, or that the FormulaZone site had a better food diary....but, such is life-you can't always get what you want!  So for now, I'll be using the FormulaZone site for menu making and the Livestrong site for the diary.

Thanks for stopping in...come again soon!

:D

"Only (I) Can Be Responsible for (My) Own Training"

All day I've been "trying to decide" if I'll actually go to my group run tonight.  (So much for behaving in accordance with a decision previously made, huh?)  I have an excuse....I'm sick.  My nose is completely stopped up.  My head feels full of honey.  My mouth is full of cotton.  I can't quit coughing.  My ears can't hear.  (Please, someone offer some cheese to go with my whine!)

I "skipped" yesterday's run (well, I didn't "skip" it, I just conveniently rearranged my running plan for the week to allow for a rest day yesterday).  I did this because I felt worse than crap.  Today...I feel even worse.

I'm blaming this on a curse I've had on me since the first time I sent a child to school sick.  See, when my kids tell me how bad they feel on a school day, I tell them if there's no fever or throw up, they're going to school.  Unfortunately for me, there have been more times than not I end up catching whatever it is...to give me the "opportunity" to show them how to continue to honor responsibilities despite feelings.

I think it's really funny how this past week I've read about two different bloggers running while they're sick as dogs.  As I was reading I thought to myself how hard core they are and I wondered what I would do in the same situation.  Yesterday I found myself thinking how soft my own core is.

Ugh.

To top it off...I've started reading a Runner's World blog called "Marathon Virgin".  As "luck" would have it, today I went back to what I think is the beginning to find this little nugget waiting for me:

Only you can be responsible for your training, your body, and your performance....

((That wasn't the point of the post, but it's my take away.))

So, despite how rotten I'm feeling, in order to harden my core, and realizing I'm the one responsible for my own training....tonight I will behave in accordance with a decision previously made and join my running group for 3 miles.

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!
:D

Week 1/Day 1

WHAT I DID

First of all...I really DID NOT want to get out there today.  I had a very busy day, it was really cold out there, I had a lot to do/not enough time... ***cough...excuse...cough***... but I DID IT!!  

Five minute warm up (.3 miles)...then I "rulked" two miles.  I tried really hard to make it running four minutes/walking on minute...and I did...for the first interval.  From there on it was mostly one minute running and 30 seconds walking.  Then I stopped my time and walked home (probably another 5 minutes and .3 miles).

AND THEN....

I did something I thought I would NEVER, EVER do...I sat my fanny down in ice cold water for what felt like an eternity, but was most likely closer to ten minutes.  I felt really silly taking an ice cold bath  after only going just over 2.5 miles (not ice bath mind you, just ice-cold bath--I'm taking it one step at a time)....But, ice baths are supposed to be for recovering after "long runs", for fighting inflammation, and my calves are still giving me FITS.  They felt like they were on fire after my run today...so I thought I'd put those flames out.

WHAT I LEARNED

My husband was VERY disappointed...that he couldn't video the ice cold bath to post on FaceBook.  I'm surprised the neighbors didn't call the police as loud as I was ...not... screaming.  It took every ounce of strength I had not to scream at the top of my lungs.  It wasn't even covering all of my legs, (just about 3/4ths up).   And...I think ice cold baths work!  The proof will be in the pudding tomorrow, so I'll let you know.

I keep being amazed that I can do more than I think I can.  I don't know when that won't surprise me anymore...but it wasn't today.  It was completely up in the air whether I'd do my run, whether I'd run more than walk, whether I'd finish...whether I'd actually sit down in that ICE COLD BATH!

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

STICK TO THE PLAN.

Unless it's called off because of ice/snow, my first group run is tomorrow-two and a half miles!!

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!

:D

New Week-New Schedule!!

I went to my running group kick-off last Tuesday, and talked to one of my coaches afterwards.  She suggested (or agreed with my idea) that I rest until our kick off run.  That's technically tomorrow, but since there is a run on the schedule for today, I'm coming off my rest TODAY!!

I'm excited because today I go from timed running to distance running.  The mileage increases very slowly over the course of 12 weeks and will culminate with the Cotton Row 10K.

I think the thing that encouraged me the most was the fact that several coaches were sitting in my position a year or two ago!  Several have run half-marathons and a few have done a marathon...and a few have done several marathons!!  There was one very impressive young "girl" there who has run several ultra marathons.

It would be a gross understatement to say I'm excited!

I'll get on here later and post after my two mile run...but for now, here's the training schedule for this week:

Monday 2 miles
Tuesday 2.5 miles
Wednesday Cross Train or rest
Thursday 2 miles
Friday Rest
Saturday 3 miles
Sunday 60 minute walk or Cross Train

The walk to run program (which is probably the group I'm in since I am still walking during my runs) allows for an interval of 4 minutes running with 1 minute walking the first week.  I won't lie, I'm nervous.  I haven't run a solid four minute interval (except for the race, which ended up being 2.5K when I ran over 15 minutes).  But I have to do MORE than I've done in the past in order to IMPROVE!!

I'll let you know how it goes....

21--It's all a matter of perspective...

WHAT I DID

I finally did it!!  I went somewhere else to run!!  The picture might not look like much...but it was a really nice greenway near my house.  I ended up going 2.75 miles in about 33 minutes.  My calves are still giving me problems...but I also didn't use the stick today just before the run.  I used it early this morning, but not JUST before I went out like I did last time.  

((BTW, I'm NOT one of these people who can "connect the dots" between what I do and the results I get.  I tend to be one of those people who insanely continue to do the wrong thing hoping to get different results....hence the need for me to continually repeat the same things until I make changes...))

WHAT I LEARNED

I started out fairly strong, but after running a couple of minutes, my calves were really hurting (cough..excuse...cough)...and I started SCREAMING at myself-in my head, lest anyone within earshot realize my insanity...  And then I remembered Jaime's advice.  I shifted my focus from what a crappy runner I am...what a loser I am that I can't run more than TWO minutes without complaining...how I'm never going to make my marathon goal...how I'm a big fat whiney butt...   to Romans 5:3-5 (NAS)

³And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; ⁴and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; ⁵and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

I'll save all my in-depth thoughts on that passage for a post on my other blog (eventually).   But, the outcome of today's rulk was that discipline without grace and love is just harsh legalism.  Screaming all those negative thoughts at myself in my head won't help me go faster or farther....and doing that on a continual basis will only make me forget the whole reason I'm out there in the first place.  So, I stopped yelling at myself, and I started looking around at the beautiful scenery.  Instead of thinking I'm a big loser for not doing MORE, I started appreciating what I am doing....and what it's doing in me.



It turned out to be a good day...when viewed from the right perspective!

((By the way, that first picture was just an accident, but I thought it was a good illustration....Yes, I'm completely aware how corny it is...but hopefully someone gets it without me spelling it all out.......  Maybe??))

 

  

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

Again, USE THE STICK BEFORE I RUN!!  STICK with the plan.  STOP beating myself up with a STICK.  

Tomorrow I start with my running group!!  I'm so excited about this.  I was told I'd be with a group that is about my same ability level (thank goodness they recruited from the local nursing home!).  I'm hoping it will prove to be an encouragement and not just more fodder for my internal critic!

USE THE STICK.  USE THE STICK.  USE THE STICK.  ......

Thank you for stopping in, come again soon!!

:D 

19...Did I Say "Every Day"??

WHAT I DID

The good thing about blogging my runs...accountability.  The bad thing about blogging my runs...accountability.  I admit it, I skipped a day.  I spent the better part of yesterday reading blogs and writing not one but TWO posts on my other blog.  I guess I'll use the excuse that my calves were KILLING ME...and although that is actually the truth, it really is an excuse for not doing what I had already decided I would do (run every day).  And, I think I am going to stick with ever other day until next week when I'll get the new plan from the running group I joined.

So, today, with calves that were unwilling to get with the program, I went 2.8 miles in a walk/hobble/jog that took about 35 minutes.  (Yes, another of my "goals" that I backed down on--to go for 45 minutes total.)  Today was a "something is better than nothing" kind of training day.  This was the most painful day I've had.  I was THRILLED to make it through a somewhat decent, albeit babystep, "walun" (more walk than run).  (Yes, I'm a whiney baby--I own it--but at least I got out there; I did push myself much harder than I would have in the past.)

WHAT I LEARNED

1) Something IS better than nothing.  

2) Most importantly...I went to Fleet Feet and found out not only have I been running on just about "the worst shoe" (according to the guy who helped me), they are a size too small!!  I thought they were pretty good shoes, but after watching a video of my stride and then being fitted with a better shoe, I can see that I was wrong!!  So, I bought a new pair of Saucony Hurricanes...and some killer inserts.  I can't wait to try them out (day after tomorrow!!)

3)  My calves are hurting because I have shin splints.  I used to get them on the outside of my shins, so I didn't think that was the problem (since my pain is on the inside of my calves).  As it turns out, that's exactly what's going on.  My darling husband (who used to be a star cross country runner back in the day) gave me some exercises to try.  I also bought something called The Stick that is supposed to help with "trigger points" (much like the foam roller, but smaller).

WHAT I'M GOING TO DO

1)  USE MY NEW SHOES!!  

2)  Use the stick-several times a day, but especially before and after my runs.  

3)  Do the exercises my hubby suggested, along with some suggested by the trainer I worked with a while back.

Thanks for stopping in, come again soon!

:D