Category: injury

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The Machine that Just Changed My Life: The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

M320_AlterGOH. MY. GOD.

Seriously…

OH. MY. GOD!!

My running life…as I know it…was changed today.  Changed in such a good way.  In a confidence boosting…pain-free…really freakin’ cool way today.

Over a year ago, just before heading out to my first (and currently only) Boston Marathon, I was diagnosed with a small tear in my right hip labrum.  For over a year, I have been working hard with physical therapists and at home to alleviate the pain and rework my body mechanics to get me back out on the road…safely…without other problems popping up like the stress fracture in my leg that I got last year three days before I was to leave for Hawaii to run a marathon.  I had one hell of a bad year last year.

If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’ll know my orthopedic doctor opted not to consider me for surgery as my labrum tear is small and in, naturally, a strange spot.  This meant physical therapy, which, for the longest time, I didn’t think was doing one single damn thing.  Following the stress fracture, I told my doctor that I was DONE!  D-O-N-E.  Something had to be done because I was a long distance runner.  I must run.  And I currently was still not able to without pain.  Lots and lots of pain.

This was when he sent me back to physical therapy…initially for dry needling.  The therapist at Kort Physical Therapy, Steven, who does the dry needling talked to me about the issues I was having and ran me through some basic strength tests.  I had none.  I had been forced into a year off…of course I was weak.  Since dry needling didn’t give me any relief prior to Boston, he said he was opting not to do it on me again…and instead introduced me to the amazing Katie, the new running specialist they hired.  My life in physical therapy truly started there…and every week…every time I saw her, I was getting stronger and reworking my body mechanics to make it possible for me to run.  I ran on the treadmill…I changed my form…I did exercises for balance and strength at home…I went out in the snow, rain, and cold weather to do the warm-ups and the plyometric exercises she assigned me.  I still do them to this very day, even though I never want to because they do take up to 30 minutes to complete.  I know they are important…so I take the time to do them…even on the rainy days…and the days I just want to go out my door and run.  And soon, I was back out and running.  Slowly.  And not always pain-free.  But I was out there, being cautious, but working on endurance, building up mileage, getting stronger by running hills…even if I hurt for three days afterwards…I did it.  And the reward has been being able to run and even race again…virtually (not always completely) pain free.

But something happened very recently at Kort Physical Therapy…

You see, my physical therapist office just acquired an AlterG Treadmill!!  I have been ogling and wanting to try an AlterG for AGES!  I follow a lot of professional runners, and they utilize the AlterG for recovery and while they are injured.  And, trust me, when I was down and out of the count last year…how I longed to see if something like this would help me out.

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Me running in the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

Today, I was given the opportunity to try it out.  I had spotted this amazing machine at the expo for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon.  I also spotted  my physical therapist in it. HA!  So, she contacted me about coming in and testing it out.  Today was an ideal day to do so…so at 9 am…I left work in my running clothes and turned up at my my physical therapist office for the first time in months…and…was greeted by Katie, where we discussed races and plans…and then…she got me ready to try out the AlterG.

My training plan had me at 3 miles today, so instead of running them in the cold drizzle this morning, I was able to do them on the AlterG.  So, the first thing we had to do was pick out the size of shorts I would have to wear.  The shorts have a lip on them (like a tutu), that has a zipper all around it.  These shorts are similar to compression shorts that athletes wear and are actually specially designed to help create an airtight environment around the lower body.  Then, you step up onto the machine platform and then into the “cockpit.”  From there, the little cockpit is raised up to about waist level and you get zipped in.  The machine then ready to be used.  Stand on the surface of the treadmill belt and allow the system to weigh you prior to exercise.  Your FULL body weight is necessary here.  Once the calibration is complete, the pressure in the bag around your lower body will begin to pressurize.  The weight control starts at 100%…Katie took me down to 70% and got me started.  I went right up to a 8:34 minute mile (7.0 mph) and let that go for about 5 minutes…just getting used to the equipment.  Then I bumped it to an 8:00 mile (7.5 mph)…and soon I was up to a 7:30 minute mile (8.0 mph)…and then it was a 7:19 minute mile (8.2 mph)…and then a 7:03 minute mile (8.5 mph)…and for the last 5 minutes…I rocked out a 6:53 minute mile (aka: the fastest I have run a mile…or 8.7 mph) and it felt amazing.  No pain.  No twinges.  Nothing.  It felt easy…but I was totally working up a sweat at the same time.  This was, honestly, life changing to me.  Here I was, running along at a super-fast clip for these little legs and I felt unstoppable.  I felt like Meb at the Boston Marathon in 2014.  I could have run all day at that speed and felt amazing at the end of it.  My hip, my leg, my knee…nothing twinged at any point, even when I was really pushing the pace.  As my session came to an end, I slowed down the speed…got down to a walk…and then slowly boosted the pressure back up to 100% body weight.  My physical therapist said this was important because if you go from the anti-gravity bubble to land without readjusting the pressure…you basically get sea legs.  Good to know.

20160505_094002
8.7 mph feeling easy and amazing!

So, how does it work?  The AlterG’s technology was originally conceived as part of an effort to help NASA’s astronauts maintain fitness during prolonged space flight.  The machine basically uses an advanced pressure regulation system with a treadmill to provide the most effective and comfortable body weight support system available today.  This means all the work and reduced impact to your body and joints.  WINNING.  All that I had heard about the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill lived up to the reputation.  I am all set to invest into the packages that they are offering to spend time on this treadmill.  Oh yeah…its happening.  Because this just made it more possible for me to train without putting all the pressure that niggles at my hip injury (which isn’t going to heal…ever) and/or causing other injuries in the process.  Especially, for me, speed work.  Speed work is always where I get hurt thanks to my tilted pelvis and tight hamstrings.  YAY body mechanics.

Anyway, I was so happy to be able to run 3 miles in this machine today.  With some upcoming races in the works, it was nice to push myself without all the pounding on my joints and body.  Kort is doing amazing things with this new technology.  This is going to help so many people and athletes…and it’s here…in New Albany, Indiana.

Have any of you ever tried out or run in an AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill??  I encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try.  I swear…it will change your running life forever.  Especially you injury prone (um…me!)…because this machine will change the way you tackle some training forever.

I’m already looking forward to scheduling another session on the AlterG.

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Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon – Louisville, KY (April 30, 2016)

Me running toward the finish line of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon (in the rain, but still smiling) - Louisville, KY
Me running toward the finish line of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon (in the rain, but still smiling) – Louisville, KY

Race: Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: April 30, 2016

Time: 1:41:18

You know…the week and morning I had leading into the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon was one that pointed to not running it at all.  On Monday morning, I had an unexpected Great Cat Chase with my neighbors cat, which I was catsitting while they were at the beach.  I love this cat, but that morning I was running late to my spin class and she slipped outside and just took off.  I ended up having to wake my roommate up to find her while I went to spin.  Since she is not my cat, I felt horrible not having her back inside while I wasn’t home.  She behaved the rest of the week though and we had good purr sessions.  Tuesday…my coffeemaker died.  MY COFFEEMAKER DIED!!  Do you know what that means??!!  It meant that I had NO caffeine fix that morning.  And after hitting up the gym, I begged my roommate for some Starbucks.  She came through, with a tall sugar free cafe misto with coconut milk for me.  She saved the day.  Then…on Thursday…my Garmin died. I woke up to it having a blank screen and not turning on.  I went on my 4 mile run sans-Garmin running watch.  I was feeling pretty hated by technology at that point.  One of the race ambassadors, and a friend of mine, Melissa, said that she had purchased an extra Garmin watch and that I could have it if I wanted it.  OMG…that was the sweetest thing anyone has done for me.

Anyway…that was leading up to race day.  I went to the race expo on Thursday night, and one of the first people I see is sweet Melissa.  I gave her a hug and we lamented about the weather. I joked about carrying shampoo and body wash with me so as I head into the finish, I could just lather up, wash down, and look and smell immaculate at the finish.  After chatting and wishing each other luck, I went over to the table to pick up my race packet.

The infamous receiving the race bib shot at the expo. We were going to pose, but Cathy took the picture already!
Picking up my race bib from the nice volunteers at the expo!  This was supposed to be posed, but Cathy snapped it candid.

This was funny…kinda.  I listed off my bib number (937A) to the lady at the table.  She asked for my ID…which I had to fish out.  Cathy was poised with her camera to take a picture, which the nice volunteer noticed.  So she had a plan to pose and everything, but before we could carry out the plan, Ninja Cathy already snapped the photo.  The lady asked if she was ready to take the shot and Cathy said, “I already did.” We all laughed a little.  I happily took my bib and the big plastic bag of stuff (including a full box of Cold-Eez) and went to retrieve the garishly bright yellow race shirt.  I love bright shirts.  What I don’t love on this shirt is the actual design.  I loved the map route on the medal this year, but it didn’t transfer well over to the screen print on the shirt.  Ah well.  It’s another race/running shirt to add to my already full closet.  I’ll take it.  After that, we walked through the various booths at the expo.  I was on the hunt for a Garmin at this point…but no one had any.  I did purchase some new Bondi Bands (YAY!) and got to see my friend Daniel working at one of the booths.  He was handing out free magnet things and I went to get one and he said, “Except for you…you have to pay for yours.”  I love my friends.  I also ran into my physical therapist, Katie, who was working an Alter-G treadmill.  AH.  I want to get on one of these SO bad.  Needless to say, she messaged me after the race on Saturday morning and said I should come into the office and try it out.  I’m SO taking her up on that.  We wrapped up the expo and headed home for a late dinner and to settle in before the craziness of Friday at the office.

My Gluten Free & Vegan Veggie Pizza from Annie May's Sweet Cafe! Yes...it was as delicious as it looks.
My delicious Gluten Free & Vegan Veggie Pizza from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe

Friday night is the night before the race…so I pulled a Gluten Free & Vegan Veggie Pizza from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe out of my freezer.  I don’t risk anything the night before a race.  I knew I’d be fine eating this.  And it was delicious and amazing.  I rested that night, foam rolled, and went to bed around 9:30 p.m.  I set an early alarm to get up and do all my PT exercises, my dynamic warm-up and to get an early start on my mileage.

I was scheduled for 16 miles this weekend.  Which was one reason I signed up for the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon.  Why not run 13 miles with people and get a medal at the end of it, right?  That being said, I went out that morning before the race and ran a slow, steady 3 miles.  I came back home, ate my breakfast and got dressed into some (unflattering) running shorts, a light singlet, and my compression sleeves and running socks (I went with the Injinji toe socks to help prevent any blistering should rain kick in as scheduled).  I had debated wearing my favorite running shoes (my Newton Distance III) and opted to wear my Nike Free RN Distance shoes, which I have never worn over a 10K mileage, but I’d rather let rain destroy those than my Newtons.  So…I figured this would be interesting regardless.  That being said and done, I brushed my teeth gathered up my change of clothes for afterwards, got all the running gear out and ready to go…and headed out the door.

This is me, trying not to stress as I hook on my hydration belt and get ready to book it to the start line since I was running VERY late to this race.
This is what a runner who is running late to a race looks like. I’m trying to walk and snap on my hydration belt.

No joke, my roommate and I were down the road at a stoplight and I went…”I forgot to put on my wings anklet my mom gave me.”  So…this is a thing now.  Ever since I’ve returned to running, when I race, this anklet has been around my ankle.  My mom got it for me because she said, “You don’t run, baby, you fly.”  So, when I was finally able to get back out there to run and race…this anklet has been kept on my ankle.  I feel like it’s carrying my mom’s words with me on each run.  So, yeah…we turned around and I dashed back inside and grabbed the anklet.  Back off we went…and I clasped the anklet on and felt better about life.  We got back down the road to the stop light and Cathy started cussing and went to turn around.  I was like, “WHAT??!”  And she said, “We forgot the most important thing for today…”  I was so confused.  “What?”  She said…”YOUR RACE BIB.”  Oh…my…God.  I felt like such a newbie, LOL!!  We turned around and went back to the apartment.  I was now a mess because we were running way late, still had to cross the bridge, still had to park, and had to get to the corrals for the start.  I was supposed to meet up with my dear friend, Deana, to run with her, so I was texting her and telling her I had to go back to my apartment a few times and was just NOW getting underway.  UGH.  I was planning on napping on the way to the race, but it was now 7 a.m., 30 minutes before the start, and I now had to eat my banana.  I was a mess now…feeling very stressed and rushed.  I do NOT like getting to a race in this state.  The parking garage Cathy wanted to park in was not accessible as they had closed the road getting to it.  So, now we’re driving in circles looking for a place to park.  She finally found a place…and paid only $5 to park there.  We were shocked the price was so cheap!  We got parked…and she grabbed the poncho I loaned her (it’s my super nice lined one from the NYC Marathon) and we headed down the stairs to the start.  I tossed my banana peel and started to walk swiftly toward the start line.  I got there with only moments to spare.  No joke.  We took a quick picture in front of the start line, I shed the poncho (it wasn’t raining yet) and ducked into my corral.  I was so stressed and upset that I wasn’t going to be able to find Deana…and just as I found a place to stand…the gun went off…and we were off and running.

The morning was humid, but I felt good as I crossed the start line.  I saw Cathy and gave a wave as I headed out for the first mile.  I was determined to just keep it comfortable because I wasn’t here to race this half marathon.  I was here just to run it.  I fell into pace and headed down the long stretch of Main Street.  It was crowded but I didn’t have to do too much bobbing and weaving, which is always appreciated.  I felt good and blasted through the first 2 miles, making an easy turn onto 20th street.  The pace remained relaxed for me, and I felt like I was pushing a little, but not hard, which I figured was fine for a girl who already ran 3 miles before the race.  The course was a little less populated by spectators due to the impending weather.  It was nice to have the scattered people out clapping and cheering though.  At least this is a beautiful city to run, right?

Me heading out for the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon - Louisville, KY
Me heading out for the start of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon – Louisville, KY

I ran the full  marathon back in 2014, pacing a friend of mine, and somehow forgot about much of this course.  For some reason, I thought we ran through Churchill Downs around mile 6, so I was really looking forward to that.  At Mile 6, I was heading down Magnolia Avenue and turning back onto 4th street. Churchill Downs was nowhere in sight.  I was so confused!!  But, I just kept going.  I knew my running buddy, Tammy, said she was going to be out near Churchill Downs, so I kept an eye out for her…because I was certain it was coming up.  Two miles later, I saw Tammy and made the turn to run into Churchill Downs.  8 miles down and now was one of my favorite parts of the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini Marathon…the lap through Churchill Downs.  Down the tunnel and back up…and then it was time to run around the infield.  Normally horses are out, but the weather was gearing up to start raining and none of the horses were out running or training.  So, that was a bit of a bummer.  Ah well…then…back out through a different tunnel…up…and out of Churchill Downs.  Just up the way is the infamous split.  Mini Marathon runners go left…and Marathon runners go right (and start making their way to the hills of Iroquois Park).  I turned left this time…heading into the last 5 miles of the Mini Marathon.  9 miles down…and soon…came the rain.

I had been silently cussing the fact that I wore a hat (I hate wearing hats when I race) and my Nikes instead of my Newtons…until this point.  The rain, at first, was a light drizzle.  It actually felt good.  It was around Mile 10 when my friend Dan came up beside me and said “Hi” to me.  I asked how he was doing, and he said he was starting to hurt (he ran Boston), and I wished him luck as he pulled up ahead.  With the new front of weather, the hip started to get tight and I was feeling it now.  The rain picked up a little more as I made it to the 11th mile marker.  Two more to go.  That was my mantra.  Just two more to go.  The stretch of 3rd Street was lined with few spectators…up until we hit the downtown area.  Around Mile 12…the crowds picked up.  People were shouting encouragement.  And I made the turn onto Market Street.  I could hear the announcer at the finish line, so I knew I was getting close.  But that small stretch before making the turn toward the finish line felt like it went on forever.  But I finally made the turn and pushed it as much as my tired legs could manage to hit that finish line.  I saw Cathy just before crossing and she was just screaming.  I heard my name get announced and I threw up my arms in victory and was all smiles at the end.  My friend Daniel, who headed up the training program I went out with every Saturday, was there and he came over to high five me.  That was the best part of the finish, right there.  That high five meant the world to me.

I kept moving through the chute, got my Mylar wrap and my medal.  And then I continued on for some water. I got an official finish picture taken and then continued on toward the Family Reunion Area…where I spotted Cathy on the edge of the fence-line…just waiting for me.  I came up to her and she gave me my official time.  I took 2 minutes (somehow) off my NYC Half Marathon Time and actually turned in my 4th fastest half marathon.  I was shocked.  I passed off the snacks I snagged on the way to the meeting point and did a few leg swings to help loosen up the hip some.  After that, I was ready to get out of my wet clothes, get some coffee, and grab some actual food.  So we left and did just that.

16.17 miles done that day!!  And 13.1 of them were done in racing conditions.  I never really felt like I was racing though, which speaks highly of my fitness levels.  Given that I had to take a forced year off, this makes me feel really good as I come back from this hip thing.

Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon...DONE! I was soaked...but so happy with the way things turned out.
Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon…DONE! – Louisville, KY

So, the official results of the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon are that I finished in 1:41:18.  I was 468/10,422 finishers overall.  I was 95/6,209 female finishers.  And I was 20/972 finishers in my division.  I started this race under stress and a feeling more than a little flustered.  I didn’t get to meet up with Deana as planned, but she and I texted pretty much most of the afternoon after she finished.  We’re already making plans to train together for something bigger and better…and I couldn’t be more excited about this.  My pace slowed at the end of this run, I think due to the weather and the fact that I ran ahead of the race.  Next time, I’ll just count the race as my run.  Regardless, this was my 17th half marathon I’ve run and my 4th fastest.  Which…is super exciting given the challenges I have faced the past year.  I am starting to not only regain confidence, but an easy, fast pace while racing too!  I sort of needed this finish.  I only wish I had felt stronger at the end of it.

I want to thank everyone who I met through the Norton Training Group (those who were race ambassadors, helping to run the group, and the runners themselves)!!  I have some new running and, hopefully, lifelong friends who went through a rigorous training regimen and ran hills and did speed work and gave up their Saturday mornings just to train hard for this day.  To everyone who finished…and to those who couldn’t…I am proud of all of you and am so happy to have met you.

I can’t wait to run with you more.

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The Good, The Bad, and the Hard Decisions

grandmasmarathonJust a quick little catch-up on what’s been going on in my world…

The Good:

I raced really well on Friday at the Pro.Active For Life 5K in Frankfort, Kentucky.  For the first time in a long time, I ran without any pain.  None.  And I pushed my fastest mile yet (it’s always the first.  Negative splits!?  HA!  I bring the best Positive splits!).  That following morning, I woke to do my PT exercises and dynamic warm-up before heading out around my area for a solo 20 miler.  This went…surprisingly well.  Like…another run (and much longer) without any pain.  This is progress.

I had said that the result of my 20 mile run (which I had to do alone as everyone I run with is (1) Recovering from the Boston Marathon; (2) Tapering for the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and/or Mini Marathon; or (3) Tapering for the Flying Pig Marathon) would determine whether or not I go ahead with my plan to run Grandma’s Marathon up in Duluth, MN.  This is my grandpa’s favorite marathon and he speaks highly of it.  That’s why I wanted to do it.  And I signed up for it…not really knowing how I would be doing at that point, but figured I’d be in good shape.

And…for the most part I am.  But the window for bib transfer ends on May 1, and I would not have time to attempt another long 20+ mile run before then. While I came out of this one in good form and shape, there was no guarantee that the next one would tell the same story.

The Bad:

Stress.  Pressure.  Not all related to running.  It sort of just wears you down.  And by the time Monday morning rolled around, I was feeling more than a little stressed.  The window of opportunity for any sort of bib transfer for Grandma’s Marathon closed in just over a week, so time was short.  And it was at that point, on a rest/cross-training day, that I made my final decision…

The Hard Decisions:

I opted to transfer my race bib and not run Grandma’s Marathon this year.  It was not at all an easy decision to come to.  I felt good.  No pain.  I have been having some great running moments as of late.  I’ve become physically and mentally tough.  But…I’m not mentally prepared for the chance that on the morning of the marathon, I may not feel 90-100%.  I could hurt like hell.  And I both physically and mentally can NOT handle another marathon turning into the death march that was my Boston Marathon.  I made the decision early…while eating breakfast…before even heading out to what turned into a high stress day at the office.  I can’t handle further setbacks like the year I had last year.  If anything, the hip labrum injury has made me a more cautious and smarter runner.  Maybe too cautious.  Because, it was pointed out I could run 20 miles and walk 6 of this marathon…but I couldn’t fathom doing that.  I know not every run will be good, but without the opportunity to throw down another 20+ mile run before the window for bib transfer closed…I decided to err on the side of caution and go back another year.  Hopefully next year.

When I’ll be a bit more prepared.

When I’ll mentally be in a better place with my running.

I cried over it…a few times that day.  That being said, while it wasn’t an easy decision…it was the right decision.

I don’t know how many marathons I have left in this body…so when I choose to run one, I want to give it my all.  And it was just too soon to demand that of my body in mid-June.  But, this means I can put all my focus and training on my September race instead.  And I’m okay with that.

Mostly.

No…I am.

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Working Hard for a Weekend of Hard Work

Ah, it’s Sunday.  A day to rest and relax right?  RIGHT?!

HA…never!!  Today, I’ve done countless loads of laundry, prepped and cooked all the meals for the coming week, took recycle to the store, took care of a cat, did some necessary shopping, mailed off a package, finished up (much-needed) grocery shopping, organized the pantry, and polished off a book.  I’ve blogged on my race on Friday night, made up lunches/snacks for tomorrow, and have even changed sheets on the bed.  And showered.  Important.

This has been a chaotic and crazy week.  I got back into town from a relaxing (ie: NON-RACE) weekend in Orlando, Florida.  Sure, the Star Wars Half Marathon was running at Disney World that very weekend…but I was not quick enough on making a decision to run, and by the time I was certain I was going to be able to do it, registration had closed.  Instead, the day before I headed out to get to Florida, I did my long run.  On a Tuesday night.  On tired legs.  But it was done and I didn’t have to do it alone…or in Orlando, where I had no idea where I could safely and effectively go running.  As it was, I found a park where I managed 5 miles, and I did 5 miles back and forth on this 0.20 mile boardwalk on Cocoa Beach while I was away.  But that was it for the running.  The rest of the time I was exploring…but we’ll get to that momentarily.

With a couple of days away from the office, I was overloaded with work, so I ended up doing something I hate doing.  I brought work home and put in some time away from the office.  It had to be done…or I’d still be buried.  This made my week even more stressful because I was trying to fit in all my normal stuff while having to do some work at home.  It meant…the normalcy took a lot longer to get around to.  And grocery shopping never happened.  So, my roommate and I were living out of the pantry/freezer/fridge for this week.

So…with all that being said…some good stuff has been going down these past two weeks…so let’s take a look at some of the highlights!

1.  Universal Studios Florida


It’s Marvel Superheroes, it’s Harry Potter, it’s rides, rides, rides.  And I had an absolute blast.  I met Captain America (he told me I had beautiful green eyes!), which had to happen as he is the favorite superhero of my nephew, Chace.  I flirted with the driver of the Knight Bus at Diagon Alley in Universal as well.  SO MUCH FUN.  That being said, I vastly prefer Disney to Universal, but it was actually nice to step away from the Disney monster and do something I’ve been wanting to do, but couldn’t pull myself away from Disney.  HA!  And thank goodness for my friend, Jenn, who was willing to go on the thrill rides with me.  Cathy refuses.  She’s a big baby.  OH…and I bought a wand.  I have my own Harry Potter type of wand.  It’s Ivy…with a Unicorn Hair core.  And I loved it because I was able to cast magical spells at both of the Harry Potter lands at each Universal Studios theme park in Florida.  It takes so little to make me happy.

2.  Toasted
12967518_999787697381_4212866128158657404_o
Eating out with me can be…difficult at times.  Thank you Celiac disease and lactose intolerance.  That being said, while I was in Orlando, thanks to my Find Me Gluten Free app, I found the most perfect place to dine.  In fact, we (Jenn, Cathy & myself) ended up having dinner there three times.  The place is called Toasted, and it specializes in Crafted Grilled Cheese & Burgers.  And…they have gluten-free buns, bread, and veggie burgers.  They also have vegan cheese.  This…was my happy place.  To top all of that off…they had gluten-free fries.  And, let me tell you, the Truffle Oil & Rosemary fries were to die for.  We learned, after our first visit, that one order of fries would do for the three of us.  Amazing sandwiches.  I had a different one each night…never got sick.  Let’s hear it for gluten-free dining done right.  If you find yourself in the Winter Park area of Orlando…go and check them out.

3. Gluten Free Snack Cakes
schnacks
Okay…I admit it.  I love my desserts.  I have tried, for ages, to give them up.  But the sweet tooth reigns supreme.  For sure.  And, after getting my roommate a little tipsy on her birthday, I took her grocery shopping.  And bought a bunch of stuff I didn’t need but wanted to try.  And, despite trying to be a little better about my choices…I discovered a new product from Schär‘s Sch’nacks!  These delightful little treats are simply a gluten-free, unrolled version of a Swiss Roll.  They are little single serve cakes that are filled with cream and dipped in German chocolate.  And they are light, and amazing.  I have to resist buying them too often…but a treat every now and again is always fine.  There are 10 cakes per package…and I only have one after dinner each night.  Seriously…a worthy investment for an every-now-and-again treat.  Back to some fruits and vegan yogurts after this.  And I’m back to cooking real food…and not just living out of the fridge/freezer/pantry…which is also a plus.

4.  Road Bike Shoes
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Today, I meandered over to Schwinn in Clarksville, Indiana, and purchased a pair of road bike shoes.  Now that I have a road bike, I figured I needed to get the clip-in shoes so I could ride it.  They are very nice at Schwinn and even discounted the price of the shoes and put the cleats in for me.  YAY!!  I hope to get fitted to my bike next weekend, time permitting!  Crossing my fingers.  Then, I get to practice clipping in and out…and probably taking a few spills during said process.  It’s actually…kind of exciting.  Not the falling part, but getting the necessary gear and stuff done to get out onto my bike.

5.  Running my fastest mile at my favorite 5K

 

Tim, Ruth, Amber, Becca, Me, and Linda after the Pro.Active For Life 5K…all sporting our bling!
My Garmin says this is the fastest mile I have ever run!!


Friday was not only Earth Day, it was the running of the Pro.Active For Life 5K in Frankfort, Kentucky.  I go to Frankfort quite often for the races, and while 5K races are one of my least favorite distances, this just happens to be my favorite 5K race.  It’s not just the race itself, but the people.  Frankfort, honestly, some of the best people in that running community.  I can’t say it enough.  Not only did I win my age division this year, but I pulled off a 6:53 mile.  Shocking myself.  Even more shocking…the entire run was pain-free.  And…I was only 6 seconds off my PR (also set at this race).  Stronger every day.  Trying to be really smart when it comes to my training.

6.  A long, solo, pain-free Saturday morning run

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So, Friday night I churn out a speedy 5K (even if my finishing picture looks like I’m just cruising, LOL!), knowing that Saturday, I was on my own for my longest run since…forever.  I am signed up for (although still not 100% sure I’ll be running) a marathon in June.  Bib transfer can only happen through May 1, leaving this Saturday the only chance I had for attempting a long marathon-training type run.  And, I had to do it solo, as everyone I know is either recovering from Boston, running Big Sur, running London, running Derby or running Flying Pig.  So, they are either recovering, out of town, or tapering.  So, Saturday morning, I laced up, still feeling good, and went out for 20 miles in my area.  No crossing the river (it was Thunder Over Louisville day anyway…so this was probably better in the long run…ha…I made a punny).  So, I just sort of went.  I never pushed my pace…I ran comfortably and just sort of made the route up.  The last 5 miles, however, I decided to make the toughest.  I don’t know why.  I’m sadistic like that.  So I hit up the Fast Freddie route…which is HILLS FOR DAYS!…and came out of it better than I even expected.  Once again…no pain.  And 20 miles done.  Alone.  And way better than I dreamed.  WITHOUT ANY PAIN!  I spent the rest of the day out and about, doing some grocery shopping and regular shopping and eating good food for recovery and fuel.  This…was the type of run I mentally needed.  And while it does make me feel better, I still don’t know if I’ll run in June.  I’m pondering for one more day before making that call.

7.  Game Of Thrones
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The new season of GoT starts tonight, and unlike last year, I’m set.  HBO Now was downloaded this morning and I’m set to watch this season as it airs, instead of getting spoiled.  I know I read the books, but the show has gone away from how the books actually worked out, so it’s nice that I won’t have to attempt (and fail) to avoid spoilers this time around.  It’s the little things in life.  SO…YAY!!  It’s the little things in life…like Season 6 of Game of Thrones.

8.  Caramelized Honey Latte at Starbucks

 


They keep selling out of it, but when I went to Florida this past week, I was introduced to Starbucks latest (and greatest) drink.  It’s the Caramelized Honey Latte and it is AMAZING.  It reminds me a lot of The Bee Sting, one of Ha Coffee’s signature drinks in Kauai (I miss Hawaii!).  I get mine with coconut milk and it is…OMG…to die for.  I had it hot and iced while in Florida. The Starbucks at Universal Studios City Walk sold out of them…and the one here in our local Target sold out too.  I think this drink is quite popular.  And it should be.  It is made of super YUM!!  If you haven’t tried it…RUN, do NOT WALK, to Starbucks and give it a try.  You’ll thank me for it.

So, there are some of the highlights these past couple of weeks.  Here’s to hoping for a bit more relaxed and easier week ahead.  And I hope everyone had a great week and enjoyed a beautiful weekend.  And for anyone racing this coming weekend…good luck!!

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Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, KY (April 22, 2016)

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Me crossing the finish line of the Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, Kentucky (I admit, it looks like I’m just casually coming through, LOL!)

Race: Pro.Active For Life 5K

Place: Frankfort, Kentucky

Date: April 22, 2016

Time: 22:07

It’s that time of year.  Normally, this would be the 2nd race of the Frankfort Trifecta Run/Walk series…but there is no longer a Frankfort Trifecta.  But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to do some of my favorite races in one of my favorite cities to run.

Why is it my favorite?  THE PEOPLE!!

The runners in the Frankfort, Kentucky community are awesome.  Seriously, some of the most welcoming, nicest people I have ever met in my life.  I have met and made so many great friends there…ongoing friendships…since a few years ago when I started making the trek from Louisville to Frankfort for the race series.

That being said…we all know how I feel about 5K races.  Well, this is a 5K race I never, ever, would dream of missing (I had to last year…it ran while I was in Boston).  While 5K races are one of my least favorite distances (I am NOT a sprinter), they are valuable to being a well-rounded runner.  Speedwork…my enemy.  HA!

I was a bit more prepared to make the trek to Frankfort this Friday evening rather than how I was for the Run For The Gold 3K on St. Patrick’s Day.  I bought my dinner the night before (vegetarian sushi) and had a drink ready.  No stopping.  Clock out at work (already changed for the race) and head that way.  We actually made decent time. We parked in the same place we always do for Frankfort races and made the walk to McClure Building, where packet pickup is always held.  At least this race has everything in their normal spot and routine.  I wasn’t as confused (or as rushed) as I was for Run For The Gold when it came to packet pickup…so that was less stress.  I had my little bag with my race shirt and bib in a matter of moments.  I got pinned up and then put my name in for some door prizes.  I don’t think I won any of them…I had to leave before that even happened.  But, it was fun.  After that, I stepped outside and walked over to the Earth Day festivities happening on the lawn of the Old State Capitol.  And I did a lot of people watching.  I met up with Linda and we chatted and she showed me pictures from the Blue Ridge Half Marathon that she did in Roanoke, VA.  LOVED it.  She said it was one of the toughest half marathons she has run.  And she does Run The Bluegrass.  HA.  The incline and hill they climb at the start…INSANE!  She went to go and roll out her calf muscles prior to race start and I wandered around for a few more minutes.  And then…people started to line up.  It was almost go-time!

I wandered up to stand between the 6 minute mile and the 8 minute mile groups.  I figured that was as good a spot for me as any.  Linda and Becca came over to stand with me, which was nice.  Linda was still hurting from her race the weekend before and Becca wasn’t feeling good and hadn’t eaten anything all day…so she was running on empty.  And me…I was mentally prepping for a long run the following morning…which I wasn’t sure how that would go after a 5K race.  We were all quite the team.  They rope across the front was moved out of the way and we all moved up.  And then…the gun was fired and we were off!

Now, the first mile of this race is a good one.  But there is 1-1/2 hills to climb and one of them is short, but quite steep.  I was behind both Becca and Linda here up until around Mile 1.  The three of us all ran in tandom for a moment, which was quite fun.  Linda was struggling, I could tell.  She looked at me and said that there were only 4 women ahead of me.  I broke the pack and moved ahead.

My Garmin says this is the fastest mile I have ever run!!
My Garmin says this is the fastest mile I have ever run!!

This…just happened to be the fastest mile I ever ran.  I just wasn’t aware of it at that point.

Mile 2 takes you up Capital Avenue, around the Capital building and…finally…back down a hill.  My legs were feeling that first mile but I pressed on.  To my surprise…I wasn’t hurting.  Not yet.  That was nice.  Sort of lifted my spirits more than a little.  After coming back down…there is a slight incline as you cross a bridge…where there is always a cluster of people cheering and the walkers coming the other way…all cheering you on.  It’s one of my favorite points of any Frankfort race involving this corner.  Back down the steep hill and down a long road to start making the final turns toward the finish line.

On the last turn, a woman was handing out popsicles of something.  I never grab anything from race corners, but it was nice on a 65 degree evening.  Some people did snag them, only to toss them aside in the final stretch.  It was just a short climb up the ramp and straight on to the finish line.  I had no idea where I was in the standings…I just knew my legs were ready to be done.  I heard Cathy screaming at me and I just pushed and ran as hard as I could manage and crossed the line.

The course was about 0.06 miles short.  It was close.  But it seems like everyone was coming up just slightly short at the end.  Ah well.  Another (almost) 5K…DONE!  My watch told me I had done it in 22:06…which was a nice surprise as I went to save it to my watch.  Wow.  That was actually very close to my PR time, which is from this race.  No joke.

Soon after I finished in came Linda and Becca.  Linda was limping.  NO GOOD!  She said her calf muscle cramped up so she had to slow and then she had to walk some.  She still managed first in her age division though.  So…badass.  Becca won her age division as well.  Let’s here it for a repeat from the Run For The Gold!  YAY!!  Linda went to get ice and I had to go and do my plyometrics that my physical therapist assigned me for after I ran.  I told Cathy that I wasn’t hurting at all and I did all the jumping exercises and the leg swings.  The forward leg swing with the right leg usually is an issue.  It wasn’t this time.  I felt incredibly blessed.

Me with my first place age division award at the Pro.Active For Life 5K - Frankfort, Kentucky
Me with my first place age division award at the Pro.Active For Life 5K – Frankfort, Kentucky

To keep me feeling good, we started walking around the area while we waited on the awards ceremony.  I placed first in my age division, so I was one of the lucky recipients of one of the custom made medals for the different age division winners and the first timer awards.  This made me incredibly happy because I had been saying I wanted one, but had been having some bad runs lately and this was a race.  That being said…I was handed one at the award ceremony.

I stuck around to cheer for Becca and for Linda…and then Tim as well.  Tim is another one of Linda’s runners (she’s an amazing coach) who hit a new PR at this race.  YAY!!  We took a big group photo at the end before I headed out to get home.  It was getting late and I had a long, long run to do the following morning.

So, the official results of the Pro.Active For Life 5K are that I finished in 22:07, just shy of the PR I set there in 2013 (when I was in my best running shape and form).  I was 22/630 finishers overall.  I was 4/422 female finishers.  And, I was 1/45 in my age division.  For the record, my first mile was done in 6:53.  After that, I was back to the mid-7 minute mile times.  It would be so nice to one day be able to hold a sub-7 minute mile, but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon.  And that’s fine.  The whole thing that made this race my happy place was that at no point did I hurt.  Not once.  So, it might have been a fly-and-die (although, my 3rd mile was faster than my 2nd mile), I consider it a total win when I come out of any run pain free.

SO HAPPY!

It’s weird not having the Frankfort Trifecta to train for, but being able to take part in the races that made that series so great has been very rewarding for me this year.  I had to skip last year, but coming back to it this year, I have taken nothing for granted.  Not the hills, not the courses, and definitely…not the people who have seen me through it all.

Frankfort…thank you…for always being so wonderful and welcoming…and fun!  I can’t wait to come back for the next one!

Tim, Ruth, Amber, Becca, Me, and Linda after the Pro.Active For Life 5K...all sporting our bling!
Tim, Ruth, Amber, Becca, Me, and Linda after the Pro.Active For Life 5K…all sporting our bling!
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Reflections of a Recovering Runner

comeback01Slow.  Weak.  Broken.  Scared.

These are the words that describe me when it comes to prepping for and going out for any sort of run.  Whether it’s a race or a training run…or just an easy fun run to shake off a bad day or a extended period sitting…or even just an excuse to stretch the legs.  I feel like my mind has to work overtime anymore for fear of, frankly, damaging myself again.

Where once I would have used words like…Confident.  Strong.  Fast.  Free…to describe myself as a runner, I can’t seem to see that anymore in my running, my reflection, my ability.

Every run…is a mental and physical struggle for me.  I have to think about everything and still attempt to run…well.

Note the phrasing…attempt to run well.

Because every step I take on a run, I have to listen to the signals my body is sending me.  Does my hip hurt?  If so, is it because of speed…or incline…or form?  If so, am I overcompensating with the other leg?  Does anything else hurt.  Are my feet falling quickly and softly.  Is my cadence even?  Am I leaning back?  Am I heel striking?

It sort of takes the joy out of lacing up those shoes and going out.  PLUS…before I even get started, I have about 30 minutes of necessary PT exercises and warm-ups, and those are usually a good gauge as to how any sort of run is going to feel.  If my leg lifts hurt…you better believe my run is going to hurt.  And then the brain starts working overtime, doubting myself, thinking I’m just going to end up sidelined again.  Wondering…is it all really worth it?  What happens when the activity that you used to do so easily, freely, and with so much joy…mentally and physically drains you?

You press on!   Or at least, that’s what I do.

When it was bitterly cold, when there was snow, when it rains…I’m out on that sidewalk in front of my apartment doing all the plyometrics and warm-up exercises that my physical therapist assigned me.  Why?  Because taking another year off to recover from injury doesn’t sound appealing at all.  In fact, it scares me.  I have gone through a year of hardships, trials, and a lot of pain…and my journey is not over yet.  That being said, I’m not one to give up either.

What brings this up?  Well…tomorrow is one of my favorite races to participate in.  I had to miss it last year as I was…running the Boston Marathon.  Injured.  So, I would have had to miss it regardless…but…I have a history with this little 5K.

The Pro.Active For Life 5K is in its 10th year running.  And I have run it in 2012, 2013, and 2014.  In each one…I have placed in my age division and/or as one of the top 3 female finishers.  And…it is my PR 5K race.

And tomorrow, for the first time, I’m actually nervous about going to Frankfort after work to run in this race.  And it’s simply because…every run is day-to-day.  I feel good some days; I hurt some days.  There is no rhyme or reason to it.  And there are a lot of amazing, skilled, fast, and mad talented runners in Frankfort and at this race.  My legs are still weak from a year off…the hill repeats sometimes making me feel strong, and sometimes making my legs scream at me and my hip hate me for the next 3 days.  My speed…is not consistent.  My legs tire easily…or just refuse to power me through some runs.  Yes…even short ones.  And especially sprints…and I’ve never been a sprinter.

And all of this has been rolling around in my head this entire week since getting back from Florida.  I am not afraid of not placing or setting a new PR.  I don’t care about that.  I’m afraid of letting myself down.  I hold myself up to a certain level and expect a lot of myself…especially at races I’ve always performed well in.  But…it just seems daunting and impossible these days.  Because. my mind races through that checklist EVERY. SINGLE. RUN.

I have to work harder than before to run.  I have to work harder than most to be able to run.  My body, literally, is not made for it.  But I’m not letting it stop me.  I am a work in progress, for sure.  And it’s hard…and I know it’s possible that I may not get stronger, or better, or even faster…but I’m not going to stop trying.

I’m also scared going into tomorrow evening because I have a rather long run planned for Saturday morning…and I’m doing it solo…because people are recovering from Boston, or tapering for Derby or Flying Pig.  And that scares me too.  I worry about pushing too hard in the 5K and not being able to do my run on Saturday.  And, sadly, the run on Saturday is the more important of the two.  And this has been my struggle, my concerns, and my fears/worries since…well…I started running again.  But, it’s been weighing heavy on me for this entire week leading into tomorrow night.

I have lost a lot of confidence in myself.  I know that.  And I have lost strength, fitness, and speed.  But I have not lost my drive.  Running may feel harder…because, these days running is harder.

But I can’t stop.  And I won’t stop.

It’s okay to be scared…but I can’t let it take control.

This is my comeback.  It’s slow.  But it’s progress.  And for now, progress is all I can ask for.  The rest will…hopefully…fall into place.

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Winding Up A Windy Week

Whew.

Anyone else out there have to contend with stupid strong winds this week?  I swear, it was strong winds all week.  You know…those types of winds that, when you head out for a run, you are running into the wind…and when you turn around to come back…you are still running into the wind.

That being said, the cold temperatures have really wreaked havoc on my body.  At least, I hope it’s the cold weather…hard to say when spring weather has all but disappeared…despite being mid-April-ish!  UGH!

But that being said, there has been some amazing stuff going on this week for me too.  Sometimes it might seem mundane, but, you know…simple things make me happy, and there is nothing wrong with that.

1. My new favorite piece of kitchen gear
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This…is a cutting board.  This is a cutting board made by my super speedy, awesome, super-talented friend and running buddy, Dennis!!  How amazing is this?!  I love it.  I tried it out all this week, and it seriously makes me happy just to chop up my vegetables and fruits and tofu…and whatever else needed a happy bit of chopping.

Dennis, you’re super talented and I thank you so much for this gift.  Seriously, my favorite thing in the kitchen.

2. Game of Thrones
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Okay, so, I don’t have cable.  Nor do I have anything Apple that I could get HBO Go or whatever it was so I could watch Game of Thrones Season 5 while it was airing.  This meant, I was dodging spoilers (and still am whenever an actor from the show starts trending).  But, I purchased the Blu-Rays the other day, and have dived headlong into the season.  I’ve gotten through half of the season so far and am eager to wrap it up.  And then I need to figure out how to watch Season 6 as it airs…if possible.  Shhh…no spoilers!

3.  Cupcake of the Week

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Annie May’s Sweet Café Cupcake of the Week – Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake (vanilla cupcake filled with strawberry jam and topped with vanilla frosting and a fresh strawberry)

I have never been a cupcake person, but lately, Annie May’s Sweet Cafe, has been putting out a new weekly special…CUPCAKE OF THE WEEK!  And they always just sound so amazing.  I think I’ve only missed out on 2 of the weeks (once because I got a cookie, and the other because they were sold out).  But it has been my favorite thing to check out when I go in for Soft Pretzel Wednesday. It’s usually the dessert I split with my roomie that night.  A nice mid-week treat for sure.  Anyway, some of the standouts have been the “Unicorn Cupcake,” the “Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake” and the “Hot Fudge Sunday Cupcake.”  I missed the Cookie Dough one so maybe they’ll bring that one back sometime.  All allergen-free…and all have been totally yummy!!

4.  Star Wars: The Force Awakens


Are you aware that the new Star Wars came out on Blu-Ray and DVD this week?  I got the special edition at Walmart…because it had BB-8 on the cover.  Dammit, I’m such a BB-8 fangirl.  Regardless, I LOVED this movie.  And I love the new characters.  And I really love BB-8.  So, yeah, I braved Walmart and bought the Blu-Ray this past week.  I hear my Sphero BB-8 droid will react to the movie if I have him turned on and watching it when I am.  So, yeah…that’s happening.

5.  PB&J Breakfast Bowls
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Want to know what my latest obsession is?  Parfait bowls.  Now, I’m not new to breakfast parfaits, but this is a brand new, and SUPER good way to eat them.  And I have the Chobani Cafe in SoHo, NYC, to thank for it.  I eat this every morning after the gym.  And this coming week, with me heading out of town, this is breakfast all week.  Super easy to make:

  • 1 cup yogurt (vegan, Greek, etc.)
  • 1/4 cup grapes, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons natural grape jelly
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter (I use NuttZo!!) #NuttZoAmbassador #NuttZoFanatic #NuttZoLove #NuttZo
  • 1 tablespoon peanuts

Place yogurt in a bowl.  Scatter grapes over yogurt.  Place the grape jelly in the center.  Place the peanut butter around the edge of the bowl.  Top off with nuts.  Enjoy!

I have done variations on this, using orange marmalade and either Smudge, Nutella, or the NuttZo chocolate versions.  Also strawberry with the chocolate Smudge, Nutella, or NuttZo is also delicious.  Want a healthy but delicious breakfast?  Make this.  You’ll thank me for it!

6.  I HAVE A ROAD BIKE!!
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It finally happened.  After years of talking about it.  And over a year of trying to get one for myself, but always having medical bills (hello, MRIs) to cover instead…the perfect bike finally came into my life.  Someone was selling their road bike that they hardly rode for a really good price.  Way less than what the bike was originally purchased for.  It had been sitting in her storage room.  It came with all the gadgets and gizmos.  And it is BB-8 colors, so it was truly meant to be.  I’m taking it to get fitted properly for me so I don’t do any hip damage or get injured…and then…I’m road ready.  FINALLY!!  I love this bike.  And, yes, I did name it BB-8.

How was your week?  Has the wind in your area been crazy-strong and gusty too?  What fun and exciting things do you have coming up?  Buy anything fun this week?

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Papa John’s 10 Miler – Louisville, KY (March 26, 2016)

Me at the start of the 2016 Papa John's 10 Miler - Louisville, Kentucky
Me at the start of the 2016 Papa John’s 10 Miler – Louisville, Kentucky

Race: Papa John’s 10 Miler

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: March 26, 2016

Time: 1:16:41

Three years after I last ran my favorite race held in Louisville…I finally returned.  I absolutely LOVE the Papa John’s 10 Miler.  Seriously.  I don’t call a race my favorite in the area if it really isn’t my favorite.  I just love this race, despite the hills of Iroquois Park and all of that.

It has been a crazy couple of weeks for racing (heh…I guess when I get back into something, I totally jump right back into it, eh?).  Two 2 mile sprints, a half marathon in NYC, and now a 10 miler.  Whew.

Let me tell you, the travel time and early mornings to fit in some makeup time at the office have really caught up to me too.  I was TIRED.  T-I-R-E-D.  In fact, I had logged online after doing my dynamic stretches Saturday morning before leaving for the race, and ended up almost falling asleep.  Instead, though, I ate my breakfast (Chocolate Chex…yum!), brushed my teeth, and got my race bib pinned on and put on the clothes I could discard before the start…because the 32 degree air (with it feeling like 29 degrees) meant layers were necessary.  And then…the trek over the river to Louisville.

Normally, the parking situation for the Papa John’s 10 Miler is easy.  Park at the stadium.  Good to go.  Not so much this year.  They weren’t letting anyone park at the stadium this time around.  So…that was unexpected and different.  Cathy and I ended up turning around and pulling into the parking lot of some little business and parking there, hoping against all odds that we didn’t get ticketed or towed.  Seems a lot of people followed suit with that as well.  Because we parked and soon the entire lot was parked up and so was the lawn.  Go figure.  We then had over a mile to hike from the car to start line due to this…so that was my warm up.  Because I wasn’t going to have time to do my stretches prior to the start at this rate.  I ate my banana as we walked and made the climb up the stairs to the overpass and crossed, where other runners were also making their way that way.  Got there with 10 minutes to spare.  Stretches weren’t happening.  I shed my outer layer and went to go get into the massive group of people crowding the start gate.  The wheelchair and pushers were set to go off first…so that was the beginning of the race.  My friend, Daniel, was one of the pushers.  These runners are amazing.  And the wheelchair racers…inspiring.  Especially on those hills in Iroquois.

Soon after the wheelchair and pushers were off…the start of the race was next.  And with a “Runners on your mark…GO!”  A horn sounded and we were off.  It took me less than a minute to get to the start gate, and as I ran through, I saw Cathy waiving the sign and gave her a goofy “raise the roof” move and ran past.  I was off.

Just coming off a half marathon in NYC, I had no plans to do anything but comfortably run this race.  I had no idea what my previous times (I have run it 2 times before) were for this race.  I didn’t look them up.  Something I sort of lamented around Mile 2, haha!  I think it was better that way.  It meant I really would just run this as I felt.

Me making the final turn toward the finish line of the Papa John's 10 Miler - Louisville, Kentucky
Me making the final turn toward the finish line of the Papa John’s 10 Miler – Louisville, Kentucky

Unfortunately, the cold air plays havoc with my hip these days.  I am not saying it’s perfect in warmer temperatures, but it’s 70% harder in cold weather.  The hip adductor locks up, gets tight…hurts.  So, once again, I had to really make sure I focused on my form, on lifting that right leg up, on not doing any damage to myself.  Stress fractures are not welcome here.  Ever.  Again.  Between Mile 1 and 2…I heard someone call my name and turned around, and there was Geri.  So that was really great.  She was the first person to really take note of how my running form and style has changed since seeing my running specialist.  She’s training for Boston…and London…and Grandma’s…and I’m sure another amazing adventure too.  Beast mode is always on with Geri.

So, after all of that, I ran the rest of Southern Parkway and made the turn onto New Cut Road, running toward the entrance of Iroquois Park.  Mile 3 is just before the turn into the park.  I hit it and began to make the turn into the park.  As I started on the hilly route, I came across Daniel and the athlete he was pushing for the race. I tapped him on the shoulder and told him that he was awesome.  He said, “And you’re in neon…as always.”  I might have a reputation, LOL!  And just around Mile 4, I was running past the amphitheater and I heard Tammy and Dan start shouting at me.  I gave them a wave and a smile…and it really just lifted me.  The hills started soon after that…the first one is the one the training group does hill repeats on, and I took it easy on that.  First hill.  Done.  The downhill was awesome, but I knew there were more hills to come.  I let momentum carry me down, and did that throughout the rest of the park.  Just after Mile 6, we come back out onto Southern Parkway for the straightaway back toward Papa John’s Stadium.

With the cold weather, there weren’t as many spectators that were out, but there were some…and I was happy to have them there.  I ran comfortably, trading back and forths with a few runners.  It amazes me how fast and hard people can push at later miles.  Currently, I’m not ready to push…but I love hearing people discuss their paces and goals.  My favorite was this mother running with her young son…around Mile 7 she said, “We only have one more hill at the overpass.”  And they ran past me.  I loved seeing that.  They stuck together the entire time.

Miles 7-9 are all down Eastern Parkway, and then, right at the corner with the Starbucks, is Mile 9.  Then, yes…the hill up over the overpass.  My friend, Melissa, said that I really pushed her those last few miles.  What a compliment.  She was strong the entire time.  Hills didn’t slow her down.  Nothing seemed to.  I hope to get back to that level some day.  After climbing the hill, it was down and around to make the turn to take us into the stadium.  Down the ramp, onto the AstroTurf, and I started to book it as much as I could toward that finish line.  I could hear Cathy screaming at me from across the stadium, for real.  I really pressed on the speed as much as I could (and that’s still not much right now) and ran across that finish line.

I felt great.  I was smiling.  I had a photographer come over to take my picture and then tell me that “he almost missed me.”  Neon and all, yeah…I didn’t stand out much.  LOL!!  As I just got my medal, I heard someone say, “Karen?”  It was Greg from Frankfort.  We hugged and stood around talking for awhile about running and racing and things we have coming up, officially and unofficially.  He took a picture of Melissa and I, because Greg is awesome like that.  It was nice to see him again.  He said at one point in Iroquois, we were running side by side, just like the 10K in Frankfort a couple years ago.  I didn’t even notice…but he knew it was me.  Guess I was in my zone.

I made my way out of the finish area and caught up with Cathy.  She said the lines for the massages weren’t long so I went and stood in line.  My friend, Renee, who I know from the YMCA and spin class came over and she had a new PR by 6 minutes.  That’s huge.  Cathy looked up my time on the official tracker…and I PR’d by 2 full minutes.  2 minutes, from the year I was running my best.  What.  The.  Hell.  I’m not complaining, but I wasn’t even trying.  That’s…amazing.  I was a little sore…I still blame most of that on the cold.  But I felt good.  And that was such a boost.  The massage, by the way, felt great.

Finisher of the 3016 Papa John's 10 Miler - Louisville, Kentucky
Finisher of the 3016 Papa John’s 10 Miler – Louisville, Kentucky

So…the official results of the 2016 Papa John’s 10 Miler were that I finished in 1:16:41, shaving about 2 minutes off my time from 2013.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was just running as I felt, and I felt I was running much easier and slower than I had run this race in the past.  Like I said, sometimes I surprise myself.  A lot of times that happens when I’m tired or not at my best (like with a tight and sore hip)!  I was 361/5188 overall, the 71/2915 female to cross the finish line, and I was 13/466 in my division.  I couldn’t be more proud of myself.  Or surprised.  Again.

I feel a little more confident these days when I hit the roads, but I’m still very careful and tentative.  Honestly.  But, it feels good to say that this run felt easy…and when I crossed that finish line, I felt that I could have given a bit more.  That’s a good feeling.  I hope I can continue to make easy and steady progress, and one day feel a little more confident and ready to push.  Because I am excited to see what I can make this body do.

Thanks for continuing to be my favorite Louisville race, Papa John’s 10 Miler.  This is what keeps me coming back for more.

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The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, KY (March 17, 2016)

Me at the start of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky
Me at the start of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky

Race: The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K

Place: Frankfort, Kentucky

Date: March 17, 2016

Time: 13:09

It took too damn long to get back to Frankfort, Kentucky for an actual race.  It took way too long.  But…yesterday…despite my own skepticism about being able to do this race and do it well enough to make myself not feel totally out of shape and defeated…I ventured out to Frankfort for what used to be the first race of the Frankfort Trifecta.

The Frankfort Trifecta is no longer a thing.  It seems that the Frankfort Striders stepped in and created a HUGE race series that has something like 17 or so races…and I love Frankfort, but there is no way I can do all of that.  So, I’m sticking to my Trifecta races (all three are still running…just not as an overall series…which is nice because it takes a lot of pressure off of me…having placed the 2 years I competed in all three races) and just hoping for the best at this point.

All that being said, the madness began last night.  I was scheduled for 4 miles that day, so I ran 2.25 of them that morning, saving the remaining 1.8 and change for the race.  I kept the miles easy so I would have some gas in the tank at the end of the day.  BUT…it was also a gym morning so off I went, keeping my usual routine much lighter and easier.  Same reasoning.  And then…work.  I stood for half of the day at my standing desk because, starting on Wednesday after work, my left hamstring had been sore and tight…and I figured that it had a lot to do with how much and long I sat on Wednesday.  Trying to counter that, I did more standing than I normally would have on a sprint effort run day.

Oh…that’s the other thing…I…AM…NOT…A…SPRINTER.  I never have been.  I never will be.  I have short legs that can move, but they need time to warm up and find their strides.  5Ks and shorter races are the bane of my racing existence, and yet, I know the importance of doing them…and so I do.

But, I digress.

Where was I?  Oh yes…leg stuff.  My hamstring was still a bit unhappy when I ducked into the bathroom at work to get dressed for the race.  Cathy and I ducked out early to hit the road.  Dinner had to be on-the-go…so it was vegetarian sushi.  Figured it wouldn’t be too heavy before a race, but it wouldn’t have me feeling hungry just before doing it either.  So…yay for that.  We actually hit a few pockets of slow-ass traffic, which hindered our progress to Frankfort, but we got there.  I had to make my mandatory stop at Kroger to use the facilities (if I can avoid port-o-potties, I do…because…PRINCESS!), and then continued into Frankfort to get to the race.  We parked…noticed that the start line wasn’t set up where it usually was…but it was, instead, on the other side of the square.  Interesting.  So, I hiked that way…and realized that packet pickup was not in the building it normally was held in.  Now…with only 10 minutes to race time…I was starting to stress out.  IT WAS ALL DIFFERENT!

And then I found…my dear friend Linda.  She just suddenly was there…a sea of people having parted ways…her back to me…standing on the corner.  I went up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.  She didn’t know I was coming and gave me the biggest smile and hug.  That helped.

A LOT.

I asked where packet pickup was now and she pointed to a table…then just went over there with me and got my race shirt, bag, and bib.  I handed everything off to Cathy, who began to pin me up while Linda and I talked for a moment.  But, you see, Linda knows EVERYONE!!  So, I got introduced to a bunch of people and got the very fair warning to not run over any kids during the race.  This is important, because this is THAT race where all the kids want to start up front and…well…some of them actually do belong up there, for sure.  Some…maybe not so much, but you gotta love the enthusiasm.  I promised her I would be very vigilant of the little humans.  I wasn’t familiar with the course being run this way, but Linda quickly gave me an overview before everyone started to line up.  There was a prayer and an Irish blessing (it DOES run on St. Patrick’s Day after all) and then we all moved forward and awaited the airhorn that would send us on our way.

It blew.

We took off.

Me after finishing The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky
Me after finishing The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky

My legs felt tired and heavy from the start.  The hamstring, much like in the morning, didn’t bother me while moving though, so that was good.  My hip wasn’t aching…but, I raced hard on Tuesday…did 4 miles on Wednesday, and was now racing hard(ish) again on Thursday.  Talk about giving these legs a bit of a workout this week.  And all of this ahead of another big adventure this weekend.  So…while I made a few surge attempts, the legs were sort of reluctant to get moving…even when I willed them to go a bit faster.

We turned a corner…turned again, stepping over a big hole, and took off up a hill…leading to the main drag that would take us up another (steeper) hill and then across a bridge and toward the state Capitol building.  Close to the turn around point, we hit Mile 1.  I didn’t look at my watch, I just kept going.  I rounded the turn to now run on the other side of the road and headed back the way we came…down the long stretch…up to the bridge…then D-O-W-N to the main drag.  At this point, you know you’re getting there.  You’re almost done.  It was basically straight on to the finish line.

I was slowing down, but I wasn’t having it.  Linda was just slightly ahead of me…and then another woman…and me.  I did all I could, minding my form, my hip, and my leg…to try to catch up, but it wasn’t having it.  Once again, I lack that finisher’s kick that other people have.  I even had people just up and sprint by me…as always.  Frustrating when your mind is willing, but your body just isn’t capable.  Between that and the strong wind that was blowing right into our faces…well…yeah.  It was one of those finishes.

But…I crossed…and it was awesome.  I felt good.  I felt…incredible.

Cathy came over, waving the race sign, and said, “Shit, Twin…you placed!”

All that being said…I grabbed some water and ducked into an alley to do my plyometric exercises and stretches that I’m supposed to do after a run.  See, I can behave.  Well, I did half of them and got bored, to be honest, so I can semi-behave.  We ducked back into the melee and I put my Boston Marathon windbreaker back on…because with the sun going down it was getting chilly.

Rebecca, Linda, and Me...all 1st place finishers in our age divisions at The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky
Rebecca, Linda, and Me…all 1st place finishers in our age divisions at The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky

Cathy was right…I ended up taking first in my age division…and…get this…TYING MY TIME from 2014, when I ran this race last.  I wasn’t expecting that.  I was very, very happy with that performance, considering I was really struggling after that first mile.  My Garmin said my first mile was in 7:01…so…I haven’t run that fast in…a very long time.  VERY long.  And when I do, I can’t sustain it.  So, YES!!  Happy.  SO freakin’ happy because this injury has had me struggling to do this running thing for over a year.  I’ll take a time of 13:09 and celebrate it!!  Embrace it!!

The awards ceremony followed…the only hitch being that someone was being shown as winning female overall that wasn’t the actual female overall winner.  So, they had to pause for a moment and go get it figured out.  I had been chatting with Debbie Brown about my physical therapy and amazing physical therapist when this began and she went to go get it all straightened out.  Because she’s Debbie.  And she’s awesome.

So, once that was straightened out…the awards commenced.  Overall winner was awarded to the correct, and super-fast, Roberta Meyer.  For the overall male winner…it was Aaron Schaffner.  It usually is.  LOL!!  He’s STUPID-FAST!!  As in…blink and you might miss him.  He was also in a Boston Marathon jacket…but I bet he ran his better than I ran mine.  HA!

The rest of the awards for female runners was next…and I took first in the 35-39 age division with my time of 13:09.  My overall pace was 7:04 for the entire 3K distance…so…that’s sort of impressive…for me…at this point in my running.  It was pointed out by the announcer that I was also wearing a Boston Marathon jacket.  Then he said, “Or is that New York.” Cathy said, “She has one of those too.”  LOL!

True story.

Anyway…I stayed and cheered for the other winners, took a picture with Rebecca Atkins (1st female 40-44) and Linda [Word] (1st female 45-49).  And then gave hugs and made my departure.  I might have flailed happily as I was walking away, because this was such a huge boost to my confidence…even though my legs and brain aren’t quite working in tandem yet.  They’ll get there.

I’ll get there.

Me with my age division award at the The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky
Me with my age division award at the The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K – Frankfort, Kentucky

So, the official results of The Good Shepherd Run For The Gold 3K are that I finished in 13:09.  I was 35/701 finishers overall.  I was 9/466 female finishers.  And I was 1/62 finishers in my division.  I take nothing for granted anymore.  Every run I am able to accomplish without pain or with minimal pain is a blessing.  Getting through this week of harder runs, and really pushing and challenging myself has not only terrified me, but empowered me.  I said it 2 years ago…and I’m going to say it again…Running is a gift, and I’m thankful I can do it again…even if it means slowing down for a little while to allow myself ample time to heal.

I’m looking forward (or so I am telling myself) to including a bit of speed work in my upcoming training…as well as continuing to focus on my hill repeats (because Frankfort hills are just…relentless!)…and, maybe I can finally figure out how to get that finishing kick.  Until then…relentless forward motion…

“Don’t fear moving slowly forward…fear standing still.”     ~ Kathleen Harris

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The Leprechaun 2 Mile Run – Jeffersonville, IN (March 15, 2016)

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Me crossing the finish line of The Leprechaun 2 Mile Run – Jeffersonville, Indiana

Race: The Leprechaun 2 Mile Run

Place: Jeffersonville, Indiana

Date: March 15, 2016

Time: 14:36

Well…there it is.  Another race this week.  A short one.  A sprint.  But this is the most amazing part of this…

I have a new PR for a 2 mile race.

Granted, I think this is, really, the only 2 mile race I ever do…but still…a new course PR for me.  I’m loving it.  With this past year dealing with injury after injury and all the pain brought on by the torn hip labrum, I haven’t done a lot of running.  I’ve done a lot of sitting.  And I’ve done a lot of physical therapy.  I’ve attempted to keep my fitness up by swimming (although I have REALLY slacked off doing that because I’m just NOT good at it) and spinning.  And, to be honest, I hadn’t actually intended to run this race…but Matthew mentioned that he was running it when we were running hills last week at Iroquois together…and as my hill repeats were only 3 miles total at Cherokee Park this week (4 hills + 1 mile), I figured I could do a fast 2 miles instead.  Works out to be the same level of effort, I would think.

So, after work, I went home and ate a quick dinner (avocado toast, because I needed something quick), changed into my running clothes, slathered on some sunscreen…and then headed out.  I needed to be there before 6:15 since I wasn’t registered for the race.  I had to do race day registration since this was sort of a last moment decision (I really blame Matthew, LOL!!).  Getting there took a bit longer.  We took a back route because I-65 was NOT happening.  But, luckily there are various routes to Jeffersonville.  We parked, got out of the car, and headed toward the 300 Spring building.  I had to head over to race day registration and fill out the forms and my bib.  But, I did…paid my $25 fee (okay…so hill repeats would have been free…)…and had Cathy pin me up for the race.  Matthew, Laura, and Michael (from my running group) all found me at the table and we got ourselves pinned up.  Michael, Laura and Matthew went out to run a warm up mile prior to the race.  I did not.  In fact, I stood around and watched people do their stretches and warmups…and eventually did my own…but the struggle is real on race days to get me to do these.  I can’t help it.

The start of the race was getting close, and the DJ said that runners and walkers should head the couple of blocks up to the start.  I began meandering that way, and had a group of people follow me.  So…there was that.

As usual…there were a lot of collegiate athletes, top-of-the-ranks runners (both men and women) and kids who are track and cross-country stars.  The people who have run for schools are amazing.  I never did.  I took up running when I was 30, so seeing these students kick ass is always so inspiring to me.  I can never keep up with them, but they inspire!  Matthew sneaked in next to me.  I totally didn’t seem him arrive.  I have to say, one of my biggest joys being back to running is the runs I get to do with my friends, specifically Matthew, since he and I trained through a lot of hot, humid days in 2013 together.  He’s a strong and fast runner…and he helps me better myself every time we run together.

People who were running out and back to warm up came in and got in the cluster at the green tape that went across the road to mark the start of the race.  The race was to start promptly at 6:30 pm.  But they were ready to get started and at 6:27, Fred began making the instructions for the start.  It was here that Tim, my friend Amber’s hubby, needed to retie his shoe, and just after he finished and stood back up…the whistle was blown.

And we were off.

And Matthew was gone.  I don’t even know where he went.  I lost him…but he was somewhere way ahead of me.  Despite having done 2 miles earlier that morning and hitting the gym with my roommate, I felt strong from the start.

Short races are not my forte.  I am not a sprinter.  I am not good at running hard and fast from the start.  I’m more of an endurance athlete.  I like the build up.  Two miles is my warmup…so these shorter races (through a 5K) are always a challenge for me.  My muscles just don’t like to fire that fast for that long.  But, 2 miles…I could do that.

This is not a difficult race at all.  You simply run down the street until you reach this little island of shady trees, run around that and head back.  On the circle around the tree, you hit the halfway point.  The first mile of this race always seems to fly by.  It’s not like there is a crowd out there making it feel easier, but I think the first mile just goes so quickly because I am so zoned in on my running.  Especially these days…because I really need to pay attention to my form…and that sometimes means dialing back on the speed.  But my hip was behaving, and when I made the turn, I felt good.

Of course, the second half of the race never feels easy.  My legs were tired now…and I pressed on, really making sure to lift that right knee up and not rely on just my left side.  All that focus takes energy and I felt like I was losing my pace.  I reached the half mile remaining mark and pressed on…just hoping to get in before 16 minutes.  I could hear the announcements, so I knew I was coming up to the finish chute.  Women were to go in on the left side, men on the right.

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Post-race with my friends, Matthew, Michael & Laura!

Here is where a couple of women really just kicked it.  I don’t have a finishing kick.  I never have.  By the end of a race that I am truly racing, I just never have any steam left in my legs.  It was okay…it didn’t bother me…but people who can just put on those afterburners and pass up people right at the end…that’s a gift.  My friend Kelsey does that.  ALL. THE. TIME.  Once I know I can trust these legs, working on finding a finishing kick will be priority.

All that being said, I crossed the finish line at 14:36…a full 6 seconds faster than my 2013 time (which I ran when I was in the best shape of my life…although we also had 20 mph headwinds that year).  But a PR is still a PR, right?  Right!

I’ll take it!

So the official results of The Leprechaun 2 Mile Run is that I finished in 14:36.  I was the 19th overall woman.  And that’s all I got until official results are actually posted.  But this was a very fun run.  I’m glad I opted to do this rather than hills.

Afterwards, Matthew, Laura, Michael, Cathy and I took a little stroll to cool down and stretch out the legs.  A little bit of active recovery.  And then we parted ways.  It was a good night to race.  My confidence is slowly coming back.  Every little bit helps.  Every little bit.

It’s the small victories that really bring me joy these days.