I went on my last run before the 1/2 this morning. Was just a short little test run to see if my foot was any better after resting it and treating it all week. It isn't better. It hurt from the very first step.
But, you know what it's ok. Pain is proof of life, and I would rather have a pain in my foot, than lose the use of my foot. I'm still going to have an easier time running my race than some people who race do. It's all a matter of perspective right?!
I am pretty confident that a few miles in, once I'm settled into my pace and the race day jitters are settled down I will be able to block out the pain and just run.
I'm supper excited and feel ready. I did all the training, my conditioning is what it needs to be, I have new music on the MP3 player, my outfit is ready.
I saw the forecast for Sunday...62, clear and sunny...PERFECT running weather!! I am thankful for that at least!
P.S. - Mark called and suggested I see about a cortisone shot. At this point it's too late for treatment, so I'm opting for quick fix just to get through the race. I have an appointment in the morning to talk to my Dr. about the shot. After Sunday, "for real" treatment/rehab begins. I have a month until my next race to work it out.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Oh and...
http://www.bihhalf.com/
I will be doing this race someday! I love the idea of running through Amish country and staying at a B&B and supporting their hard working life style.
It's one of the first destination races that Mark even said would be pretty cool,and he is not a fan of mixing vacation and running.
It's gonna happen, don't know when, but I really want to do it!
I will be doing this race someday! I love the idea of running through Amish country and staying at a B&B and supporting their hard working life style.
It's one of the first destination races that Mark even said would be pretty cool,and he is not a fan of mixing vacation and running.
It's gonna happen, don't know when, but I really want to do it!
1 Week
It's the final countdown, and I'm excited! I'm ready to be done thinking about it, training for it, and missing fitness class because I'm too sore from running.
Plus, it's my first race expo and I saw a sneak peak of the race shirt and I LOVE it!
As for my foot I have a test run set for tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes. At this point my foot feels a little over treated. It's still sore, but feels different. Like it's sore from being messed with so much...all the massaging, ice baths and compression.
Mark and I walked Chambers today and it felt good. I even jogged a few steps to cross a street and it didn't hurt. So I'm feeling good about it. I will still do ice tonight, but will probably skip the compression and massage. I just feel like a break is in order.
Plus, it's my first race expo and I saw a sneak peak of the race shirt and I LOVE it!
As for my foot I have a test run set for tomorrow and I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes. At this point my foot feels a little over treated. It's still sore, but feels different. Like it's sore from being messed with so much...all the massaging, ice baths and compression.
Mark and I walked Chambers today and it felt good. I even jogged a few steps to cross a street and it didn't hurt. So I'm feeling good about it. I will still do ice tonight, but will probably skip the compression and massage. I just feel like a break is in order.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Our General Needs Us
I came across this post on FB yesterday (I have edited it down a bit):
It started with one man. And now that man needs us.
Our beloved founder and Relay Ambassador to the world, Dr. Gordy Klatt, has announced that he has begun his own personal battle with cancer.
In his own words:
"Throughout the years I have spoken and written about how cancer can personally affect everyone. It affects the rich, the poor, and all nationalities and cultures in the world. About 4 weeks ago I was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I have begun my battle with this disease using chemotherapy and then surgery this summer. I feel the tremendous camaraderie and support of my family, my friends and my colleagues. I am even more energized to defeat this disease worldwide. I will again be with all of you in spirit this Relay season - even more so this year. Celebrate the survivors; remember those who lost the battle and FIGHT BACK! We all need to CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS and by relaying we keep the HOPE alive through education, community involvement and fundraising for ongoing research. I love you all!" -- Gordy Klatt
I know that cancer does not discriminate, but it sure seems like if someone should have a free pass it should be Dr. Klatt.
In the Relay world Dr. Klatt is the man. The man that started it all. He has created a Relay nation that spans the globe. A nation of volunteers that raise millions and millions of dollars in the fight to eradicate cancer.
In my head I have always thought of him as the General leading the troops into battle fighting cancer day and night non-stop. He yells charge and the troops charge in raising money, offering support services to cancer patients and their families, and walking around tracks all over the world to honor those that have cancer and remember those that lost their life to cancer.
Now it's time rally the troops and let the General know that we still hear him, we still fight cancer, and we fight for him.
My thoughts are with Dr. Klatt and his family as he begins the most important battle of his life.
It started with one man. And now that man needs us.
Our beloved founder and Relay Ambassador to the world, Dr. Gordy Klatt, has announced that he has begun his own personal battle with cancer.
In his own words:
"Throughout the years I have spoken and written about how cancer can personally affect everyone. It affects the rich, the poor, and all nationalities and cultures in the world. About 4 weeks ago I was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I have begun my battle with this disease using chemotherapy and then surgery this summer. I feel the tremendous camaraderie and support of my family, my friends and my colleagues. I am even more energized to defeat this disease worldwide. I will again be with all of you in spirit this Relay season - even more so this year. Celebrate the survivors; remember those who lost the battle and FIGHT BACK! We all need to CELEBRATE MORE BIRTHDAYS and by relaying we keep the HOPE alive through education, community involvement and fundraising for ongoing research. I love you all!" -- Gordy Klatt
I know that cancer does not discriminate, but it sure seems like if someone should have a free pass it should be Dr. Klatt.
In the Relay world Dr. Klatt is the man. The man that started it all. He has created a Relay nation that spans the globe. A nation of volunteers that raise millions and millions of dollars in the fight to eradicate cancer.
In my head I have always thought of him as the General leading the troops into battle fighting cancer day and night non-stop. He yells charge and the troops charge in raising money, offering support services to cancer patients and their families, and walking around tracks all over the world to honor those that have cancer and remember those that lost their life to cancer.
Now it's time rally the troops and let the General know that we still hear him, we still fight cancer, and we fight for him.
My thoughts are with Dr. Klatt and his family as he begins the most important battle of his life.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful that I can count the number of times I have set my alarm in the last year on one hand.
Sky talking to herself is a much better way to wake up than a blaring alarm is!
BTW - official 5K time from Saturday 29:13...feels good to be under 30 even with being in pain. :)
Sky talking to herself is a much better way to wake up than a blaring alarm is!
BTW - official 5K time from Saturday 29:13...feels good to be under 30 even with being in pain. :)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A Little Bit of Hope
I walked about 2 miles this morning and my foot felt pretty good. Yesterday I iced with a water bottle so I could massage at the same time, took ibuprofen all day, used a tennis ball and golf ball to trigger point, and sucked it up and took a full on ice bath. (How hard core of me!) I figured if my leg muscles are pinching a nerve that an ice bath wouldn't hurt. Well, it actually hurt a lot, but only until my legs and feet went numb, and then it felt pretty good. But, it made getting out of the bathtub interesting.
Anyway, I'm doing more of the same today, skipping the ice bath though. I will settle for just an ice foot soak.
For some reason I decided to put my "old" running shoes on, the ones I prefer and love. As soon as I put them on my foot felt better. Not pain free, but less pain. My old shoes support the part of the tendon/arch that hurts the most.
In an attempt to manage the blisters I was getting I switched from the "old" running shoes to my "back-up" pair, which never have been all that comfortable. But, I didn't get blisters with them. Well, I started thinking back to when my foot started bothering me and guess what, it's when I started wearing the "back-up" shoes.
While I feel like there are probably multiple contributing factors to the foot issue I'm having I am relieved to find that my "old" for real running shoes take a lot of pressure off the sore spot.
I had sort of decided I was going to have to wear the "back-up" shoes for the race, but nope, not now. While I haven't done more than 8 miles in my "old" running shoes, I still feel like going with them may be the best option at this point. (When I say old running shoes...not old as in need replacing - they are close to that point but I can still get a few more runs out of them, I mean old as in the back-up shoes are newer but mush less comfortable. Learned my lesson about discounted prices and no returns!)
I have a test run scheduled for Monday, and am running with a friend, so if it gets bad she can drive me back to my car. It would have to be pretty bad though...I only plan on running 2 ish miles and it's very flat, so if it gets so bad I can't walk back to my car then I probably won't be racing anyway.
I HOPE that with the daily care, rest, and massage therapy that I will have the least amount of pain possible for the race. I'm not hoping to be pain free I think I need more than two weeks of rest/treatment to get to that point, but I am hoping for a bearable amount of pain that will allow me to finish.
First goal is to finish, second goal is to stay on pace.
Anyway, I'm doing more of the same today, skipping the ice bath though. I will settle for just an ice foot soak.
For some reason I decided to put my "old" running shoes on, the ones I prefer and love. As soon as I put them on my foot felt better. Not pain free, but less pain. My old shoes support the part of the tendon/arch that hurts the most.
In an attempt to manage the blisters I was getting I switched from the "old" running shoes to my "back-up" pair, which never have been all that comfortable. But, I didn't get blisters with them. Well, I started thinking back to when my foot started bothering me and guess what, it's when I started wearing the "back-up" shoes.
While I feel like there are probably multiple contributing factors to the foot issue I'm having I am relieved to find that my "old" for real running shoes take a lot of pressure off the sore spot.
I had sort of decided I was going to have to wear the "back-up" shoes for the race, but nope, not now. While I haven't done more than 8 miles in my "old" running shoes, I still feel like going with them may be the best option at this point. (When I say old running shoes...not old as in need replacing - they are close to that point but I can still get a few more runs out of them, I mean old as in the back-up shoes are newer but mush less comfortable. Learned my lesson about discounted prices and no returns!)
I have a test run scheduled for Monday, and am running with a friend, so if it gets bad she can drive me back to my car. It would have to be pretty bad though...I only plan on running 2 ish miles and it's very flat, so if it gets so bad I can't walk back to my car then I probably won't be racing anyway.
I HOPE that with the daily care, rest, and massage therapy that I will have the least amount of pain possible for the race. I'm not hoping to be pain free I think I need more than two weeks of rest/treatment to get to that point, but I am hoping for a bearable amount of pain that will allow me to finish.
First goal is to finish, second goal is to stay on pace.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Sky Pics
I really can't believe Sky is 11 months old already! I have been so good about stopping to enjoy every little second and still it goes way too fast. This little girl continues to crack me up and amaze me every day!
That's her I'm gonna knock you over look. She loves pushing the roller over.
This is how Sky helps daddy work in his office. She LOVES paper. She will empty the recycle bin and then play with all the wonderful paper and spread it around the office. This day though she decided to get in the bin and then pull it over on top of herself. If you look close you can see her face is smashed against the side of the bin.
She really does love her books this much.
Her fave thing...shoes. She would rather play with shoes (or paper) than any toy she has.
On tap for today...playing in the yard and getting Sky used to the grass while I continue ice, meds, and tennis ball rolling my foot. It feels better today, but still hurts. So it's more of the TLC to hopefully get it back to normal by 5/6.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Ruston Way 5K
Well it wasn't a PR, not even close. I think I finished around 31 minutes, but to be honest I wasn't paying attention. I was kind of mad at myself for even still being in the race.
My first two miles were around 9:22 which was my goal, but they hurt bad. My foot flared up about .5 in and it just got worse and worse. This is the first race that I thought maybe I should just step off the course and be done.
If not for the 1/2 I would have been fine pushing harder, but every run I do now is judged by how it will potentially impact my 1/2. I just don't want to hurt for 13.1 miles. But, I'm starting to feel like that is how it's going to be. The good news is my 12 mile run last week hurt all the way, so I know I can push through, just not at a sub 10 pace.
The feedback from massage therapy is I have tight leg muscles that are pulling the tendon in my foot tight, creating some tendonitis in the ball of my foot/big toe joint. I will spend the next 15 days on ibuprofen, ice baths for the sore foot, and stretching (I'm practically Gumby already, but will stretch even more) and not running much. I will probably try to get a few short easy trail runs in between now and then. I feel like I kind of have to run a little, but will limit the impact by sticking to trails.
Was a rough day of running in the family. My sisters race didn't go as planned either. For more info you can check them out here: http://lathamsontherun.blogspot.com/
Off to elevate and ice.
My first two miles were around 9:22 which was my goal, but they hurt bad. My foot flared up about .5 in and it just got worse and worse. This is the first race that I thought maybe I should just step off the course and be done.
If not for the 1/2 I would have been fine pushing harder, but every run I do now is judged by how it will potentially impact my 1/2. I just don't want to hurt for 13.1 miles. But, I'm starting to feel like that is how it's going to be. The good news is my 12 mile run last week hurt all the way, so I know I can push through, just not at a sub 10 pace.
The feedback from massage therapy is I have tight leg muscles that are pulling the tendon in my foot tight, creating some tendonitis in the ball of my foot/big toe joint. I will spend the next 15 days on ibuprofen, ice baths for the sore foot, and stretching (I'm practically Gumby already, but will stretch even more) and not running much. I will probably try to get a few short easy trail runs in between now and then. I feel like I kind of have to run a little, but will limit the impact by sticking to trails.
Was a rough day of running in the family. My sisters race didn't go as planned either. For more info you can check them out here: http://lathamsontherun.blogspot.com/
Off to elevate and ice.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Baby Stuff Up For Grabs
Sky has gone through a growth spurt and seems she is done with a lot of her stuff all at once. Let me know if you, or someone you know want's any of the following items. If it's not gone by the end of next week it's going to Good Will, so speak up!! Oh, not asking for any money, just want to pass it on to those that need it, since it was all given to us when we needed it. :)
Baby Bathtub.
Bumbo Seat with Tray
Baby Trend Car Seat and Base
Excersaucer - Sky didn't use this much, so it's practically brand new!
Baby Jumper...Sky spent a LOT of time in this, but it's still in great shape!!!
Shout Out...
...To my running hero and inspiration (my sister) and her husband who are running this race tomorrow: http://www.brazenracing.com/diablo.html
Did I mention it's their first 50K? Oh, and it's only 7,000 plus feet of elevation gain. No Big Deal.
As if that's not enough it's also going to be a bazillion degrees for them tomorrow. Ok, it's really only going to be in the 80's, but still that is too darn hot. (I'm not happy about the 67 in the forecast for my race tomorrow...65 or under please and thank you!!!)
All I know is I'm glad it's them and not me. Give me my flat, easy 5K (and a new PR) tomorrow over 50K any day!!!
I will be thinking of them still out on the hot trail after I'm finished, home with a beer, enjoying the sun with my feet up (because I have time to be lazy like that). Just kidding, the reality is I check her blog every 5 minutes, check my email every 4, and keep my phone in my pocket until I hear that they have finished and are uninjured.
So, while I have my own little race to run I will be thinking of my sister and BIL and wishing them speedy feet, boiled/salted potato slices (I heard a rumor you may have to settle for french fries instead), lot's of water, strong legs for the up hill, and shock absorbing knees for the downhill. Oh, and sun block, I wish them lot's and lot's of sun block.
I will be waiting on pins and needles to hear that you finished!
Did I mention it's their first 50K? Oh, and it's only 7,000 plus feet of elevation gain. No Big Deal.
As if that's not enough it's also going to be a bazillion degrees for them tomorrow. Ok, it's really only going to be in the 80's, but still that is too darn hot. (I'm not happy about the 67 in the forecast for my race tomorrow...65 or under please and thank you!!!)
All I know is I'm glad it's them and not me. Give me my flat, easy 5K (and a new PR) tomorrow over 50K any day!!!
I will be thinking of them still out on the hot trail after I'm finished, home with a beer, enjoying the sun with my feet up (because I have time to be lazy like that). Just kidding, the reality is I check her blog every 5 minutes, check my email every 4, and keep my phone in my pocket until I hear that they have finished and are uninjured.
So, while I have my own little race to run I will be thinking of my sister and BIL and wishing them speedy feet, boiled/salted potato slices (I heard a rumor you may have to settle for french fries instead), lot's of water, strong legs for the up hill, and shock absorbing knees for the downhill. Oh, and sun block, I wish them lot's and lot's of sun block.
I will be waiting on pins and needles to hear that you finished!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Good News and Thankful Thursday
All kinds of good news this week.
Our friends Jon and Winona found out the offer they put on a house was accepted! There have been some complications with the house, so they have been very patient waiting, and waiting to hear if it was a go. I'm so very happy for them.
My BIL was offered the perfect job for him yesterday! So relieved and excited for my sister and the family. Now they can relax and focus on their Ultra Marathon (by marathon I mean mountain climbing run) this Saturday.
My good news is also what I'm thankful for...Sky has been working on two top teeth, and while I can tell she is a little more persnickety than usual, she has been a complete dream considering how bad it could be. Yea for drama free teething!
My other good news...I have been stressed and very reluctant to move her up to the next car seat. Yes, I'm a bad mom...I was sticking with the original car seat that attaches to the stroller for as long as possible. She has actually been over the weight limit (only by a pound or maybe 2) for some time. But, given how small my backseat is in my car and how crammed things were I assumed that the next car seat would be even worse. Well surprise, surprise it actually fits better!!! Now my car is back to being a little more comfortable for the front seat passenger.
Do you have any idea how happy I am that my knees will no longer be jammed into the dash board. I mean literally jammed into the dash board.
On tap for the weekend I have this race lined up: http://www.rustonway5k.com/
Even though I have not run since last Friday's 12 miles I am going to go for a new PR. My current 5K PR is 27 and some change. I'm going to go for 25. This is a flat, flat, flat course and since I'm supposed to run 9 miles Saturday and am only doing 3.1 I'm going to push, push, push and go all out. I have been so focused on distance not speed, and have not been going to class regularly so my sprinting speed may not be what I need it to be in order to hit 25. I'm pretty stubborn though.
Please knee don't fail me...it hurt bad just from the walk I did Tuesday. But, I went to the Chiro yesterday, and am going again tomorrow and have my pre-race massage set for tomorrow. So I'm determined that I'm going to be ready to run and feel good...and set a new PR.
Our friends Jon and Winona found out the offer they put on a house was accepted! There have been some complications with the house, so they have been very patient waiting, and waiting to hear if it was a go. I'm so very happy for them.
My BIL was offered the perfect job for him yesterday! So relieved and excited for my sister and the family. Now they can relax and focus on their Ultra Marathon (by marathon I mean mountain climbing run) this Saturday.
My good news is also what I'm thankful for...Sky has been working on two top teeth, and while I can tell she is a little more persnickety than usual, she has been a complete dream considering how bad it could be. Yea for drama free teething!
My other good news...I have been stressed and very reluctant to move her up to the next car seat. Yes, I'm a bad mom...I was sticking with the original car seat that attaches to the stroller for as long as possible. She has actually been over the weight limit (only by a pound or maybe 2) for some time. But, given how small my backseat is in my car and how crammed things were I assumed that the next car seat would be even worse. Well surprise, surprise it actually fits better!!! Now my car is back to being a little more comfortable for the front seat passenger.
Do you have any idea how happy I am that my knees will no longer be jammed into the dash board. I mean literally jammed into the dash board.
On tap for the weekend I have this race lined up: http://www.rustonway5k.com/
Even though I have not run since last Friday's 12 miles I am going to go for a new PR. My current 5K PR is 27 and some change. I'm going to go for 25. This is a flat, flat, flat course and since I'm supposed to run 9 miles Saturday and am only doing 3.1 I'm going to push, push, push and go all out. I have been so focused on distance not speed, and have not been going to class regularly so my sprinting speed may not be what I need it to be in order to hit 25. I'm pretty stubborn though.
Please knee don't fail me...it hurt bad just from the walk I did Tuesday. But, I went to the Chiro yesterday, and am going again tomorrow and have my pre-race massage set for tomorrow. So I'm determined that I'm going to be ready to run and feel good...and set a new PR.
Monday, April 16, 2012
More Pics
Since Mark didn't publish the pics here are a few more. He said he will publish the tonight...so to be safe check the photo site in a few days. :)
Books, books, books!
Mark flying his kite.
My man and my baby! :)
Me and Sky
I'm gonna get you!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Weekend at the Beach
Mark planned a lovely surprise birthday weekend at Seabrook. http://www.seabrookcottagerentals.com/
The weather was wonderful. It was so nice not to cook a single meal, make a single drink, and just relax. Seabrook is adorable with a few little shops, indoor pool, playground, and various lawn games. The beach is close, within walking or you can drive up the road and drive on the beach.
This is purely a relaxing getaway destination. Seabrook is not close to anything really, so when you go there you pretty much go to enjoy the cute little community and the beach. Also, visit a grocery store on the way so you have everything you need as there isn't a big store close. There is a small store in Seabrook...small.
I loved it. I am happy to chill in the house, read a book, nap, have a drink, play a board game, read, visit the beach and play for a bit, and chill some more. You get the idea. Low key with little activity is pretty perfect to me. Especially since I was pretty sore from my run.
I had fun hanging out with Bob, Michelle and the girls and Alex, Tina and Abi, and Amy. Perfect relaxing weekend at the perfect time!
The weather was wonderful. It was so nice not to cook a single meal, make a single drink, and just relax. Seabrook is adorable with a few little shops, indoor pool, playground, and various lawn games. The beach is close, within walking or you can drive up the road and drive on the beach.
This is purely a relaxing getaway destination. Seabrook is not close to anything really, so when you go there you pretty much go to enjoy the cute little community and the beach. Also, visit a grocery store on the way so you have everything you need as there isn't a big store close. There is a small store in Seabrook...small.
I loved it. I am happy to chill in the house, read a book, nap, have a drink, play a board game, read, visit the beach and play for a bit, and chill some more. You get the idea. Low key with little activity is pretty perfect to me. Especially since I was pretty sore from my run.
I had fun hanging out with Bob, Michelle and the girls and Alex, Tina and Abi, and Amy. Perfect relaxing weekend at the perfect time!
This is the house we stayed in.
Sky in her sunglasses.
Hanging out on the beach.
There are more pics on the photo site.
Friday, April 13, 2012
I Did It!
Yeah, you know 12 miles no big deal. Finished 12.1 miles in 2:10. Foot hurt here and there, but I pushed through it. Knee hurt really bad the last mile, but again pushed through.
Best part is I ran in my back-up shoes, used glide on my feet, put my socks on in a special new way, and used glide on my socks and no blisters. Not even a hint of heat in my feet at all!
Now it's time to go to the chiro, get in to massage therapy and get the foot and knee back in shape. I have a few short runs the next few weeks, one race and then it's go time for the 1/2.
Hard to believe that not that long ago I posted on this very blog "I'll never be a runner."
Now time to get out the door and find out where Mark is taking me for the weekend!
Best part is I ran in my back-up shoes, used glide on my feet, put my socks on in a special new way, and used glide on my socks and no blisters. Not even a hint of heat in my feet at all!
Now it's time to go to the chiro, get in to massage therapy and get the foot and knee back in shape. I have a few short runs the next few weeks, one race and then it's go time for the 1/2.
Hard to believe that not that long ago I posted on this very blog "I'll never be a runner."
Now time to get out the door and find out where Mark is taking me for the weekend!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tomorrow
On tap I have 12 miles in the morning. My longest run leading up to the 1/2. I have not run this week at all, although I have walked a few times. My foot doesn't hurt at all, so as far as I'm concerned I'm running 12 miles, and doing it in really good time!
After that it's off for my birthday weekend. I don't know where we are going, but I know who is going. Looking forward to chilling with friends for the weekend!
After that it's off for my birthday weekend. I don't know where we are going, but I know who is going. Looking forward to chilling with friends for the weekend!
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful for the sunny morning today. Looks like Jodi, Reagan, Sky and I will have a nice walk to Starbucks and the library!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Morning Walk
Since my foot doesn't hurt at all when just walking Jodi and I met two other ladies and walked Chambers Bay. We skipped the hard hills, stuck to flat and easy. After walking 2 ish we took the kiddos to the park to play for a bit.
Jodi now has a double Bob for when Reagan's little brother or sister arrives. In the meantime Sky and Reagan are breaking it in.
Reagan loving the swing.
Sky loving it as well.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Ouch
Went out for a 4 mile training run, made it .74 miles and turned around and came home.
Turns out the nagging pain in my foot that started during my 11 miler the other day is a little worse than a nagging pain.
It doesn't hurt at all just walking, but each step while running brought tears to my eyes and it feels like something may be really wrong.
So my plan this week is to not run for as long as possible. I plan on giving my 12 miler a go Friday morning as planned, but between now and then lots of ice and lots of rest.
And, since Runners World had an article a few months ago about drinking an injury away, I will do some of that as well. ;-)
At this point I know I can run 13.1...even at the end of 11 when I felt like crap I knew I could get a few more miles out of myself if I had to. So, if I start out Friday and feel like I'm doing damage I'm going to cut it short and call it good.
I feel like staying as healthy and injury free as possible is more important than pushing more than I should just to get a few more training runs in. I totally got the 1/2. I feel good about my running, my ability to push for a faster pace when I want to, my ability to run for 2 plus hours without taking a walking break.
I still need to work out the blister issue, but I feel like I'm headed in the right direction for that. I put on a tone of Glide today, also put glide on the outside of my sock and my shoes felt really squishy. Even though it was only a little over mile of running I felt a difference, so will give that a go again on Friday. (Thanks for the advice!)
Turns out the nagging pain in my foot that started during my 11 miler the other day is a little worse than a nagging pain.
It doesn't hurt at all just walking, but each step while running brought tears to my eyes and it feels like something may be really wrong.
So my plan this week is to not run for as long as possible. I plan on giving my 12 miler a go Friday morning as planned, but between now and then lots of ice and lots of rest.
And, since Runners World had an article a few months ago about drinking an injury away, I will do some of that as well. ;-)
At this point I know I can run 13.1...even at the end of 11 when I felt like crap I knew I could get a few more miles out of myself if I had to. So, if I start out Friday and feel like I'm doing damage I'm going to cut it short and call it good.
I feel like staying as healthy and injury free as possible is more important than pushing more than I should just to get a few more training runs in. I totally got the 1/2. I feel good about my running, my ability to push for a faster pace when I want to, my ability to run for 2 plus hours without taking a walking break.
I still need to work out the blister issue, but I feel like I'm headed in the right direction for that. I put on a tone of Glide today, also put glide on the outside of my sock and my shoes felt really squishy. Even though it was only a little over mile of running I felt a difference, so will give that a go again on Friday. (Thanks for the advice!)
Sky's First Easter
Pretty low key every year for Easter. We sleep in or try to, Mark worked in the yard, I played with Sky and relaxed before going to the parents for lunch/dinner with whoever can make it.
All the pics are of Sky...that all anyone really wants to see anyway. :)
All the pics are of Sky...that all anyone really wants to see anyway. :)
Chasing the parents dog with her I'm gonna get you look.
Look I know how to go up stairs.
Oh man, how did daddy find me down here under the table?!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
11 Miles
Yep, that's what I ran this morning. Took 2 hours and 3 minutes, which means I have 27 minutes to run 2.1 miles to make my 2:30 1/2 marathon goal. Based on how I felt that last mile I may need 27 minutes.
Just kidding I will be really ticked if I don't stick with the 10:30 pace group for most of the race, which would have me finishing in under 2:30.
I'm not kidding about how I felt that last mile though. There is what I call normal pain when running, tired/sore legs, for me some pain in my bad knee, sometimes a side ache. Then there is pain that shouldn't be there, and I had some foot pain that was not ok, my knee hurt worse than it ever has (but this is the furthers I have ever run as well) and blisters on the arch of both feet.
But, my shins and legs felt great. No pain and while the muscles were tired they didn't hurt. What is making me crazy is the blister situation. Mile 7 I feel the hot sports and by the end of the run I have blisters. I have tried glide with several different brands of socks and the socks don't seem to matter, I have tried not using glide with all the different socks and still got blisters.
Maybe I need different shoes. My shoes still have a few hundred miles to go before they need replacing and I hate the idea of breaking in new ones at this point. I have two pairs, but I feel like the 2nd pair leave me with more knee and hip pain. So I guess I need to pick which pain I'm willing to run with.
What worked great, my outfit. The skirt, compression socks (for helping with shin/calf pain - not blisters), top, glide on every part of my body that moves all worked great. Just have to figure out the shoe/blister situation.
I also learned that eating grilled steak and baby bok choy the night before running was a really bad idea. All I will say is that I'm glad the school I run past has (had) a clean outhouse on the grounds.
Next week I hit 12 miles then the tapering starts. Really looking forward to that!
Any blister avoidance advice anyone has to share would be much appreciated!
Just kidding I will be really ticked if I don't stick with the 10:30 pace group for most of the race, which would have me finishing in under 2:30.
I'm not kidding about how I felt that last mile though. There is what I call normal pain when running, tired/sore legs, for me some pain in my bad knee, sometimes a side ache. Then there is pain that shouldn't be there, and I had some foot pain that was not ok, my knee hurt worse than it ever has (but this is the furthers I have ever run as well) and blisters on the arch of both feet.
But, my shins and legs felt great. No pain and while the muscles were tired they didn't hurt. What is making me crazy is the blister situation. Mile 7 I feel the hot sports and by the end of the run I have blisters. I have tried glide with several different brands of socks and the socks don't seem to matter, I have tried not using glide with all the different socks and still got blisters.
Maybe I need different shoes. My shoes still have a few hundred miles to go before they need replacing and I hate the idea of breaking in new ones at this point. I have two pairs, but I feel like the 2nd pair leave me with more knee and hip pain. So I guess I need to pick which pain I'm willing to run with.
What worked great, my outfit. The skirt, compression socks (for helping with shin/calf pain - not blisters), top, glide on every part of my body that moves all worked great. Just have to figure out the shoe/blister situation.
I also learned that eating grilled steak and baby bok choy the night before running was a really bad idea. All I will say is that I'm glad the school I run past has (had) a clean outhouse on the grounds.
Next week I hit 12 miles then the tapering starts. Really looking forward to that!
Any blister avoidance advice anyone has to share would be much appreciated!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Thankful Thursday
Today I'm thankful for this view from my kitchen...
I know it's hard to see but Mark is reading Sky a book.
I love being in the kitchen cooking dinner, doing dishes, making Sky a bottle and looking up from the sink to see Sky and Mark playing, reading, watching football/hunting/car shows. Mark is a GREAT Daddy and I love watching them spend time together.
I love being in the kitchen cooking dinner, doing dishes, making Sky a bottle and looking up from the sink to see Sky and Mark playing, reading, watching football/hunting/car shows. Mark is a GREAT Daddy and I love watching them spend time together.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Had to Share This
Check out the link to a pic of me from my trail run Sat. http://stevesandersphotography.com/p910073141/h38B0044#h38b0044
I think that is the very first race photo that I'm smiling!
I think that is the very first race photo that I'm smiling!
A Good Day
Yesterday was a good day! Mark worked from home so I got to spend most the day with my two favorite people. It started though with a very rainy and windy run at 5 Mile Dr. Some brave ladies from Stroller Fitness class decided to go hard core and run no matter the weather. I was thankful to have company for a training run.
Since everyone that is key in her life knows (and stroller fitness class) I feel like I can disclose that Jodi is pregnant! Since she is nursing and pregnant her body is pretty busy keeping two little ones alive which means I have not been doing my training runs with her as of late.
That is why I haven't mentioned her much in regards to running. Been running alone a lot, which I'm actually not as apposed to as I used to be, but it's nice to change it up! And, I really miss running with Jodi...we don't get to catch up on life as much anymore. :(
BTW - Congrats Jodi! Can't wait for you to find out if it's a boy or girl! :) Oh, and she PR'd her 1/2 that she ran while I was on vacation! Sorry it's a little late, but way to go! Your newest addition already has a 1/2 under their belt. ;-)
I ran with my new GPS watch and it worked perfectly. Thank goodness Mark is smart and was able to understand the directions. He was able to do what I couldn't...set it up and make it work. Before I left for my run he showed me exactly what to do when I was ready to start running. LOVE it!
And now for some cute Sky pics. At least I think she is cute. :)
Since everyone that is key in her life knows (and stroller fitness class) I feel like I can disclose that Jodi is pregnant! Since she is nursing and pregnant her body is pretty busy keeping two little ones alive which means I have not been doing my training runs with her as of late.
That is why I haven't mentioned her much in regards to running. Been running alone a lot, which I'm actually not as apposed to as I used to be, but it's nice to change it up! And, I really miss running with Jodi...we don't get to catch up on life as much anymore. :(
BTW - Congrats Jodi! Can't wait for you to find out if it's a boy or girl! :) Oh, and she PR'd her 1/2 that she ran while I was on vacation! Sorry it's a little late, but way to go! Your newest addition already has a 1/2 under their belt. ;-)
I ran with my new GPS watch and it worked perfectly. Thank goodness Mark is smart and was able to understand the directions. He was able to do what I couldn't...set it up and make it work. Before I left for my run he showed me exactly what to do when I was ready to start running. LOVE it!
And now for some cute Sky pics. At least I think she is cute. :)
Sky in a basket.
"Come on Dad, can I get a little privacy please!"
Flying with Daddy.
She actually kind of hated the grass, but she was happy with her stick.
Playing at the park.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Post Race Report
I ran my first 10K Saturday morning and loved it! While the race itself was not perfect, I like the distance and felt really good the whole time. Some of my training runs every week are longer than 6 miles, so at the end I still had a lot left in my legs and felt like I could have kept going.
This was another Evergreen Trail run and took place at Dash Point St. Park. I really enjoyed the trails and how pretty it was.
Drawbacks, there were a few. One could not be helped and that was the rain that created all the mud. Deep, slippery, dangerous mud. It was a little unsettling to see how many people were injured along the course. I have never concentrated so hard during a race. Every step was slippery, lot's of mud puddles, several wooden boardwalks over water and gaps. Some of the boardwalks had broken boards, some were really slick and had no non-skid stuff on them, and there were wooden stairs with zero non-skid stuff on them. Usually I can look ahead during a trail run and note rocks, roots etc and avoid them without have to watch my feet. Not this race. I ran head down almost the whole way.
There was very little passing room,and side stepping to get out of the way was a slippery affair anyway. The longer distance runners (who had to do the loop multiple times) end up lapping you, passing you from behind and oncoming. I'm used to this with Evergreen courses, but this is the first race I have been pushed and tripped by other runners. Not cool.
I'm willing to chalk it up to me running with my head down (everyone actually was running head down) and not seeing them until the last minute and it being slippery and the tripping pushing was them trying to avoid falling.
I totally want to do this one again. Even if it is during the rainy season, but I hope they hit this spot again in the summer. I had a blast running with one of the ladies from Stroller Fitness. She filled in for Michelle, and she did a great job. It was her first trail run and she is not really a runner. She kept up and she made me laugh with the running commentary and squeals I kept hearing.
If I do it again I think I will do it alone. I feel like this would be a good one to get in my pace and just go. For as slippery as it was I felt like I could have gone faster in some parts and not walked as much, also would start closer to the front. It's so hard to pass on trail runs and I'm kind of over getting stuck behind slower runners for longer than my patients can tolerate.
All in all it was a fun time.
This was another Evergreen Trail run and took place at Dash Point St. Park. I really enjoyed the trails and how pretty it was.
Drawbacks, there were a few. One could not be helped and that was the rain that created all the mud. Deep, slippery, dangerous mud. It was a little unsettling to see how many people were injured along the course. I have never concentrated so hard during a race. Every step was slippery, lot's of mud puddles, several wooden boardwalks over water and gaps. Some of the boardwalks had broken boards, some were really slick and had no non-skid stuff on them, and there were wooden stairs with zero non-skid stuff on them. Usually I can look ahead during a trail run and note rocks, roots etc and avoid them without have to watch my feet. Not this race. I ran head down almost the whole way.
There was very little passing room,and side stepping to get out of the way was a slippery affair anyway. The longer distance runners (who had to do the loop multiple times) end up lapping you, passing you from behind and oncoming. I'm used to this with Evergreen courses, but this is the first race I have been pushed and tripped by other runners. Not cool.
I'm willing to chalk it up to me running with my head down (everyone actually was running head down) and not seeing them until the last minute and it being slippery and the tripping pushing was them trying to avoid falling.
I totally want to do this one again. Even if it is during the rainy season, but I hope they hit this spot again in the summer. I had a blast running with one of the ladies from Stroller Fitness. She filled in for Michelle, and she did a great job. It was her first trail run and she is not really a runner. She kept up and she made me laugh with the running commentary and squeals I kept hearing.
If I do it again I think I will do it alone. I feel like this would be a good one to get in my pace and just go. For as slippery as it was I felt like I could have gone faster in some parts and not walked as much, also would start closer to the front. It's so hard to pass on trail runs and I'm kind of over getting stuck behind slower runners for longer than my patients can tolerate.
All in all it was a fun time.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
New Running Gear!
It's my Birthday a little early! Dad knows I have a long list of running gear I "need" and he was kind enough to send me money for my birthday so I could go shopping and pick out what I want!
The one store I have been wanting to visit is Lululemon and since it's in Seattle, and Sky and I are busy bees, I just haven't made it up there. Mark had a presentation to go to in Seattle today, so Sky and I tagged along and shopped while he got educated about Genghis Khan and Mongolia. (He should know soon if he is going to Mongolia the end of the year, so this was good prep for him).
It was really a wonderful day with Sky. She was adorable and charming, and most of all patient while I tried stuff on and shopped. Also, the sun was out! I really do love walking around downtown when it's sunny and nice out.
Anyway I said I would post pics of what I got so Dad can see what he got me. :)
1. Purely a girly purchase on my part. I have a few skirts that work well and are really good quality, but I LOVE the two tears of pleats this skirt has, and the shorts underneath are amazing! Most comfortable and well fitting of any of my other skirts.
No this is not a picture of me in the skirt...I couldn't take a pic and get the details to show up, so I got this from the website. The bonus features that I'm supper excited about are the zipper pocket in the back and two gel pockets in the waistband on each side. That means I will not have to run with my fuel belt. I still hate my fuel belt, so am thankful to have 3 pockets for my gel shots.
2. My first GPS running watch. I have gone back and forth on the "need" for a watch. I'm happy running with my phone and using the Runkeeper application. But, my phone started having issues playing MP3's, and while I can use Pandora or Amazon Cloud, if there are clouds or trees I lose my connection to the music. So, I now run with Runkeeper on the phone, muted, and listen to the MP3 player I got for music. Its been working for me for months, until I started hitting 6 plus miles in my training runs. One thing about smart phones, the batteries don't last when you are connected. Runkeeper uses GPS to track distance and pace and my phone can't handle much more than 6 to 7 miles.
And, I don't like the idea of running with my phone for safety, only to kill the battery and not be able to make an emergency call. But, I was still having a hard time spending the money on the Garmin GPS watch I had picked out. It has a lot of bells and whistles I don't care about and most likely wouldn't use, but what I would use it for it would do a great job.
So, after talking to the sales person at REI I ended up with this NB GPS Runner. It is pretty basic, distance, pace, and time and that's about it. That's all I really want though. She did make it clear this is new technology for NB and it may not work that great. I will give it a go this week and see what I think. If the GPS takes too long to connect, or loses connection in cloud cover, tall buildings or trees then I will take it back and most likely upgrade to the Garmin Forerunner 405 that I have had my eye on.
Thank you dad for the birthday money and in turn the running gear! Love you!
The one store I have been wanting to visit is Lululemon and since it's in Seattle, and Sky and I are busy bees, I just haven't made it up there. Mark had a presentation to go to in Seattle today, so Sky and I tagged along and shopped while he got educated about Genghis Khan and Mongolia. (He should know soon if he is going to Mongolia the end of the year, so this was good prep for him).
It was really a wonderful day with Sky. She was adorable and charming, and most of all patient while I tried stuff on and shopped. Also, the sun was out! I really do love walking around downtown when it's sunny and nice out.
Anyway I said I would post pics of what I got so Dad can see what he got me. :)
1. Purely a girly purchase on my part. I have a few skirts that work well and are really good quality, but I LOVE the two tears of pleats this skirt has, and the shorts underneath are amazing! Most comfortable and well fitting of any of my other skirts.
No this is not a picture of me in the skirt...I couldn't take a pic and get the details to show up, so I got this from the website. The bonus features that I'm supper excited about are the zipper pocket in the back and two gel pockets in the waistband on each side. That means I will not have to run with my fuel belt. I still hate my fuel belt, so am thankful to have 3 pockets for my gel shots.
And, I don't like the idea of running with my phone for safety, only to kill the battery and not be able to make an emergency call. But, I was still having a hard time spending the money on the Garmin GPS watch I had picked out. It has a lot of bells and whistles I don't care about and most likely wouldn't use, but what I would use it for it would do a great job.
So, after talking to the sales person at REI I ended up with this NB GPS Runner. It is pretty basic, distance, pace, and time and that's about it. That's all I really want though. She did make it clear this is new technology for NB and it may not work that great. I will give it a go this week and see what I think. If the GPS takes too long to connect, or loses connection in cloud cover, tall buildings or trees then I will take it back and most likely upgrade to the Garmin Forerunner 405 that I have had my eye on.
Thank you dad for the birthday money and in turn the running gear! Love you!
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