injury – Page 9 – The Celiathlete

March 14, 2016

Weekly Wonders

I usually post a little list of blessings, interests, loves, and other such nonsense in my blog on Sunday…but my weekend was SWAMPED. Race on Saturday, and then Sunday, I had to make the 23 hours that my roommate (Cathy) got to have to celebrate her birthday the best 23 hours ever. It sucks to lose an hour on your birthday.

It doesn’t suck , however, when you get to wake up and work out, finish up shopping, and then try out a new pub for dinner.

THAT’S how you birthday. I made sure she got nice and drunk and then I went grocery shopping. Because if she’s drunk and I go to the grocery store with her, I can buy ALL THE THINGS I want, but normally can’t justify putting in the budget.

No worries, she is very aware I do this. LOL!

So…this past week’s list includes:

1. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden. Are you familiar with Harry Dresden? If not…get familiar. The Dresden Files is a (currently) 16 book series written by Jim Butcher that chronicles the life of lead character, Harry Dresden, a private investigator and wizard as he recounts investigations into supernatural disturbances in…get this…modern-day Chicago. It strikes a bit of a blance between fantasty and detective fiction. And it’s awesome. I listened to the entire series on audiobook (it is read by James Marsters…and HOLY HELL…he does it well) while at work and…each book was amazing. They never really falter. And, you really do just all in love with the characters. And Harry’s dry humor is charming and downright hysterical. I cannot count the number of times I busted out laughing at the office. If you haven’t read these…start now. The first book is Storm Front.

Go.

2. Downton Abbey

With great sadness, I sat down last Sunday with a hot cup of tea and watched the very last episode of Downton Abbey. I have been an avid follower and viewer of this show. I’m not exactly sure what to do with myself on Sunday nights now. It feels like I lost a good group of friends. One thing I will say is that I was so happy that everyone got their happy ending. With all the crisis’ and craziness that this show went through in the 6 seasons it was on the air, this was the ending it needed and the one the fans deserved.

3. NUUN Natural Hydration Tangerine Ginger Vitamin & Electrolyte Drink Tabs

So, awhile back I was in Whole Foods, and I spotted a tube of a NUUN product I hadn’t seen before. It was up near the registers at the time, and I was intrigued enough to go ahead and just buy a tube. I now wish I had purchased more. The flavor is Tangerine Ginger (with my stomach issues, ginger is always a welcome ingredient)…and it was a part of their Natural Hydration line. This means, the formula of NUUN was created to hydrate the body naturally and “put back a little of what life takes out.” The tabs are light, low in calorie, and DELICIOUS! NUUN calls it “U.” And I have yet to find them on their Web site anymore. But…I can still find them (for now) at Whole Foods. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I poured a glass of water the other night and dropped a tablet in…but I was wowed!! Seriously. Just…a whole lot of healthy yum!! More, please! (I am a NUUN Ambassador as well, so this is a double YAY!) #nuunambassador2016 #nuunambassador #nuun #nuunlove #nuunlife #nuunhydration #makeyourwatercount

4. Birthday Fun

As I mentioned above, my roommate rang in another year this past Sunday. With having to turn clocks ahead, Cathy only had 23 hours to make the most out of her day. So, we started it off with a traditional visit to the gym. Hey…we’re a bit odd, LOL! We went

856962_987997090851_7173031538337037717_o — Allergen Free Candy Bar Cupcake from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe

shopping, where she bought Season 1 of The Monkees on DVD at Half Price Books. And then, I took her out to eat for dinner at the latest pub here in New Albany…the Floyd County Brewing Company, where she indulged in fish and chips and I ate a large and amazing salad that had berries and spinach and pecans…all the good things. Cathy even had a beer flight and discovered her favorite of the 4 she sampled was the Bavarian Rapture, which she then got a pint of. She was a little tipsy when we left, but it was a fun time and she got to try out a restaurant she’d been meaning to for awhile now. And we were both impressed. There was a delicious Allergen Free Candy Bar Cupcake from Annie May’s Sweet Cafe afterwards. We had no birthday candles…so I lit up candle Cathy got as a gift and she made a wish on that.

5. Racing…

As I mentioned in my previous blog, I ran a 10K race this past weekend. It has been awhile since I pinned a number on and went out to pound the pavement. I was pleasantly surprised with my performance, my speed is inconsistent, but it’s coming back. My hip is still weak so I am continuing to work on that. But it was SO nice to get back out there and race again. I had missed it. Thanks, Rodes City Run 10K, for the amazing morning!

And there it is…hopefully I’ll have some new things to share next week!!

I hope you guys all had a good week and some fun, new adventures!

March 14, 2016

Rodes City Run 10K – Louisville, KY (March 12, 2016)

096 — Me at the start of the Rodes City Run 10K

Race: Rodes City Run 10K

Place: Louisville, Kentucky

Date: March 12, 2016

Time: 47:55

Three years ago, I ran this very same race with bronchitis…and did it 15 seconds faster. No joke. A part of me says, “Hey…you’re so close to where you were when you started marathon training for the first time!” (although even this finishing time is 2:24 minutes slower than my 10K PR (45:31), which I set in 2013 as well…when I was really in my best shape and racing form). The other part of me says, “You ran this better when you couldn’t even breathe!”

Welcome to the mind of a runner. And as someone who has come back after mostly a year away from the sport, I am in NO way disappointed with my performance. Not one bit. I lost a lot of strength and fitness in the time I was forced to take off. AND…as I will get to…this race was not perfect nor pain-free for me either. I think the excitement got the best of me and I pushed harder than I noticed or even intended.

All that being said…I ran in a road race…and I did better than I even anticipated.

I, actually, have no real time or speed goals for any runs that I go on, training, racing or otherwise. Why? Because, right now, I have to build my endurance, my fitness, and my strength back up. So, going into the Rodes City Run 10K…I merely stated that, if possible, I’d like to beat 50 minutes. If it happened…great…if not…I’d get there. I wouldn’t be disappointed either way.

So, Friday afternoon, I took my lunch break and headed down to Slugger Field to pick up my race packet…something that I haven’t done in way too long. It was scary and exciting, but I gave them my bib number (963) and got my shirt and bib and a gift card for a free Chik-Fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich (my roomie got this), checked out the new course (it was a loop this year, not a point-to-point…and then went back to the office to close out my Friday. Traditionally, I eat gluten-free pizza before a big race…but I had my meal plans worked out ahead of time and opted for my third round of potatoes that day…a healthy take on Take-Out Fries (think…In-N-Out Burger Animal Style). It was a 10K race…so I wasn’t really too worried about breaking tradition. I sort of hold that in check for the half and full marathon distance. For a 10K…I can go either way.

I called it a night early because I knew I needed to get up in time to do my PT exercises, do my dynamic warmup, and just attempt not to freak myself out. Recall…the last time I raced was August…and…HELLO STRESS FRACTURE. Well…this distance was twice that and I was pretty sore after hill repeats on torn up asphalt on Tuesday. Needless to say…I was a bit of a mess the night before and the morning of…I just put on my brave face and focused on the task at hand.

Since it was my first race back in…FOREVER…I opted to wear my Wonder Woman running outfit. Because…it had to happen. The start temperature was around 53 degrees, so I figured I could get by with a tank top and be comfortable. BEST. DECISION. EVER. I wore a pair of pants and a hoodie over my running clothes until about 15 minutes to start time. My roommate didn’t have the sign due to the possibility of rain that morning.

We arrived and parked with plenty of time to spare. I went ahead and ate a protein bar while we stood around near the start/finish area. Cathy (that’s the roomie) spotted our friend, Laura, and we called her over and talked with her up until about 15 minutes to start time. I told her to have a great run and went to get into the corral, moving slightly toward the front because…I’m more comfortable when there are fewer people in front of me at the start of a race. The national anthem was sung (quite nicely too!)…and then…we were off!

I felt good crossing that start line, even giving a wave in Cathy’s direction as I started off. I fell into stride with people around me, the little voice in my head telling me to not push too hard, to lift that right leg, and to listen to my body.

Needless to say, I sprinted through that first mile in 7:17…which is WAY faster than I have been running or capable of running on any sort of training run. I usually hover around 8:20-8:40 these days. Of course, soon after hitting Mile 1, we are sent up a hill…so this was a good way for me to ease into a more comfortable pace. It was still really early in the race, and I wasn’t here to race it, but more put in a “long” run, just with a bit more effort. The hill did its job, but thanks to my attendance to most of the hill repeat Tuesdays…I didn’t feel winded when I crested the hill. I felt strong and good. And the hip was still behaving. No pain…win. Mile 2 eased me down to a more manageable pace of 7:54. Thank you Phoenix Hill.

Another very exciting moment was hearing Harry cheer for me as I ran past. He was just outside of Cave Hill Cemetery. And not very many people knew I was doing this run. I haven’t discussed my racing schedule much because I am doing each run on a “as I feel” sort of thing. If I hurt…I’m not running. I’m done with this whole injury train. Just…done. So, that lifted my spirits…and I let my form go for a moment to raise up my arms and wave at him. Awesome.

Mile 3 was next, and my legs were ready to move again. I was in familiar territory, having run the outer rim of Grinstead and Cave Hill Cemetery a couple years ago when I was not inured and Blue Mile still had a running group that met on Mondays. It was comfortable and I felt comfortable coming into the halfway point. I managed that third mile in 7:36…which isn’t too shabby. I kept that same pace heading into Mile 4. But it was around hitting Mile 5 that my hip suddenly decided it waned nothing more to do with the speed I was somehow managing for this run. I had to slow up…which was fine. I’d been running hard(er) and strong for that much of the race. I was feeling good, save for a little muscle twing. Mile 5…I dialed it back to a 7:45.

Me crossing the finish line of the Rodes City Run 10K

Here was where my form really began to fall apart. I actually started to struggle. The reason…I noticed myself falling into that “limp run” that I had been doing prior to physical therapy. Visions of stress fractures began flashing through my mind, so I let go of the speed and focused really hard on my form. I was in the last mile…I would walk there if need be. But I WAS NOT GETTING INJURED!

The crowds were picking up now, so I knew that I was getting closer and closer. I still don’t look at my watch when I run, because if I focus on my pace…I start to psyche myself out. With that being said, I hit 6 miles in the 7:54 pace range (like when I had gone uphill at Mile 2). And the finish line was in sight. I pushed a little more, without letting my form fall apart again, focusing on balance and strength in my right hip. I surged a little…and crossed through the finish gate, hands up in the air.

Damn, that felt good to do again. I’m not going to lie. Cathy was screaming at me from the sidelines. And I paused my Garmin and took a glance. I was at 47 minutes and change. SO close to 48 minutes. Cathy walked over to where she could slip in and take my picture. I did my power stance, biceps flexed, and smiled. Then, one of the professional photographers came over and said that he had to get a picture of Wonder Woman. It made me laugh, but I obliged. I wanted to get some water, so we made our way over there. I downed two cups and then did my leg swings to help loosen the hip.

I felt good. Sore…but good. And I wasn’t limping. So, really it was just more of a muscle ache. That hip adductor still fights me at times.

Anyway…the official results of the Rodes City Run 10K are that I finished in 47:55. No PR…not even close…and still slower than the year I ran when I couldn’t breathe, but…for being out of the racing game for so long…THIS is such an accomplishment. To go from hardly any running for the past year to a 10K where none of my mile splits dropped below a 8 minute mile…WINNING! I was 424/5027 finishers overall, 82/2849 female finishers, and I was 14/430 in my age division. Seriously…I’m proud of what I accomplished here. And I did it without breaking myself!

I still am on the road to recovery and every day I go out to run is different. I’m so very thankful that my body game me a mostly perfect race at a time when I needed just that. Now…to fine-tune my fitness and get stronger.

Time to live up to my nickname of "Wonder Woman" and get this body fit and strong! This was only a test... — Time to live up to my nickname of “Wonder Woman” and get this body fit and strong! This was only a test…

March 8, 2016

Motivation Monday

THIS…commercial. Every. Time.

Gets me.

I hope it motivates you too!

Rise and shine…

March 7, 2016

The Little Things…

It’s Sunday night, and I’m finally settling in…even though my drier has now stopped for the 4th time and my clothes still are sitting in there begging for me to fold them. This is the busy, crazy, and rather hectic weekend I have had. How I haven’t screamed into a pillow just for the sake of my sanity is beyond me.

Do not get me wrong…this really isn’t a bad thing. But there were a few extra things going on this weekend…and it meant some things had to be put off and other things just, honestly, didn’t get done. BUT…these things are minor in the grand scheme of things. It’s just more of a stressor for me.

That being said…deep breaths…laundry can wait…a bit more…

Here are some highlights from this past week…

1. Zootopia
OMG…THE CUTENESS!! This movie was adorable. And yes…I am so Officer Judy Hopps. No doubt about it. Except, minus the cute ears and twitchy nose. I might have the fluff butt though. HAHA!! Anyway…went to the movie theater this morning and caught the first showing of Zootopia and LOVED it. Totally loved it. Disney does it again. The sloth scene that is so famous…still funny…even though the trailer pretty much gave the entire scene to you. LOVE IT. I am so costuming as Officer Hopps for a Disney race in the future. THIS. IS. HAPPENING.

All that being said…when the hell did matinee movie prices skyrocket up to $9.00 for an adult??!! Not loving that.

2. THIS AMAZING BIRTHDAY CAKE!!

Okay…regular followers of my blog and Instagram know how much I love, respect, adore, and hype my local gluten-free (allergen-free) bakery, Annie May’s Sweet Café. Well…there is a reason. This place and I have had a relationship for the past 4 years of my life. It all started in 2012, when my roommate and I found it in a big search for anywhere local that could make me a birthday cake (because I was told the birthday girl shouldn’t have to make her own cake). Since then, you could say that we are regulars. In fact…I might be in there twice a week (SOFT PRETZEL WEDNESDAY!) and for breakfast/brunch/lunch (depending on when we get there, HAHA) every Saturday that I’m in town. I love the staff…I really love the food. It’s amazing.

Well, my roommate (Cathy), her mom, her sister, and her niece all have birthdays within 5 days of each other…for real. So, as we were having the big get-together celebration yesterday, it was cake time. And cake I can eat is always appreciated. Well, I just so happened to have stumbled across a BB-8 cake on Facebook one night and I tagged Annie May’s in it. They said they could make it…so we ordered one. But we did it differently. Instead of shaping the cake into a standing BB-8…we did a cake topper and set it on top of a delicious, amazing lemon cake. OMG…it was awesome. Ashley, the cake decorator there, did a fantastic job with the cake topper and icing. And the lemon cake…OMG…so good!! Moist…delicious…and it had the BEST DROID EVER on it.

Hey…foodie geeks are the best. To the amazing bakers at Annie May’s…THANK YOU!!

3. Fuller House
fullerhouse
Okay…yes…I have decided to take the leap and watch the spin-off of the Late-80s-Mid-90s television show, Full House. Why? Because I grew up watching Full House and I really, really, really wanted to revisit the old stomping grounds.

You know what? It’s cheesy…it’s overacted…but it is just as charming (if not more so) as the original. And I love every moment of it. I am about 5 episodes in and already wanting to watch more and more and just not stop. Marathon time (of the non-running sort!) and I am one very happy girl! Netflix and Chill!

4. Getting Myself Back on Track

So, I am taking a few steps in the next couple of weeks to really get myself back on track. Now that the pain has (for the most part…as there are always good days and bad days) subsided enough to allow me to get back out on the roads and run…I’m taking everything my physical therapist told me to heart. I’m working on setting up a meeting with my sports nutritionist to get this diet (and my roomie’s too) back on track and in check. I am going to attempt to either take Body Pump or find someone who can show me how to properly strength train so I am truly building muscle and not just lifting weights or using weight machines completely wrong. I am finding joy in running again…and even dressing the part. No…not like Joy in Pixar’s Inside Out, although that’s in the queue too…but I am no longer struggling through every run. No…I’m not as fast as I was…but I figure once I get stronger, that will come. That being said, I am running strong and I have been joining different groups of people for their runs. This past Saturday, I did my 8-miler with my friend Dennis…and we did negative splits…which is AWESOME. And today, I did an easy 4-miler with the Breakfast Club group. Also, meeting all the new people out there that I have now that I’m back on the road…it has been uplifting and awesome…and I enjoy seeing and hearing all about their progress too. We all have different goals, dreams, and reasons…and that’s what makes running special.

That and the Minion leggings I wore to the Breakfast Club run this morning! HA!! Told you I was back!

So, yeah…I’ve had a week of good things and good stuff. And I’ve put 12 miles on these legs the past 2 days and heave come out of it feeling confident with myself. Every run just helps me get past that mental thing.

And having my friends not only tell me they are happy to have me back…but telling me I am totally capable of doing all the things I have discussed with them. It helps…having that sort of a support system. I love all of them for it. Runner friends, baristas, bakers, family, and just friends. Everyone. All of you.

Thank you!

Do anything fun this weekend? Eat anything amazing? See a good movie? Get inspired?

March 1, 2016

The End of Physical Therapy…

12795160_984521021921_2703688938418183503_o A part of me almost tacked on the words “…for now” to my subject line, but I’m not going to look at this like that.

Today was my final session with my physical therapist, Katie, unless I need her in the future. We’re now on an “as needed” basis, which is huge. I’ve been tossed around to various physical therapy places…therapists…and types of therapy…all in the time span of a year. And today…FINALLY…I have been officially…RELEASED!

My therapist put me on the treadmill again today (which is what she did during my first session with her) and filmed me running. The differences are STAGGERING. Angles, foot strike, the way I carry myself…it’s all normal now. I no longer am babying the right leg/hip…I’m not treating it like my “Bambi” leg. It’s strong…it’s getting powerful…and I’m finally running normally again.

THUS…eliminating (hopefully) the likelihood of another stress fracture or other issues brought on by imbalances. I am…running well again. I’m not where I was…I may not get back to there, but I’ve had a series of good runs lately. No pain (which is HUGE)…and a little speedier than I thought was even possible. I’m running hill repeats…regularly…and finally coming out of those okay. I have two very different pairs of running shoes…to keep my feet strong. And, for the first time in a very, very long time…I’m loving the way running feels.

This has been a very long road…and I’m going to do everything I can to keep this body strong, healthy, and happy. This means I need to definitely give more attention to the things that my physical therapist insisted I focus on (and things that the book I am reading, Fit Not Healthy by Vanessa Alford have also touched on when it comes to pursuing running and running goals in a healthy way)…NUTRITION, STRENGTH TRAINING, CONFIDENCE, and SMART MILEAGE INCREASES!

All of which I intend to continue to strive to improve on. I am not one to cut back on my calorie intake and my nutrition is pretty much on point, but there is always room for some improvement. So, I am going to meet with my sports nutritionist in the near future and go over some goals and plans. My friend, Deana, has agreed to help teach me some strength training. I’m a complete dolt when it comes to weights…I don’t think I challenge myself enough with them. My mileage has been approved by Katie…so I know that I have that where I need it to be for now. And, let’s face it, the confidence will come with every run that I can get through without pain.

So, I’m in a good place. And for the first time in a very long time, really anxious to get back out on the road and spend some time with all my runner friends, who I have missed SO MUCH this past year.

As for my goals…no time expectations or pace expectations. I’m just happy to be back. No pressure. Just out there to enjoy each and every run. I know they all won’t be good…and they don’t have to be. But as long as there are more good than bad…then I’ll be right on track.

So…my journey begins again…

February 29, 2016

Things happen in threes…

Don’t worry, this isn’t a post about something else going wrong with me. Quite the opposite. This is a post about how I am finally feeling like myself again. I am regaining confidence. I’m working hard to regain any lost momentum and strength and fitness that I have lost over the past year of being unable to run.

This week started off with me still dealing with the aches and pains in my left quad (aka: the leg that doesn’t have the torn hip labrum) which just got me all worked up all over again. I contacted Katie (my physical therapist) on Tuesday prior to running some hill repeats to get her thoughts on it. I didn’t hear back from her before I went running, but she managed to work me in on Thursday afternoon to take a look at the quad. We discussed cutting back on my mileage…just in case.

That being said, as I mentioned in a previous blog…it seems to just be a muscle strain, and it doesn’t bother me while I’m running. Sometimes when I am warming up…and cooling down…but not during the actual act of running. I purchased a (pink) lacrosse ball this weekend to help give some trigger point therapy to the spot and so far so good.

Despite all of that, I had a horrible treadmill run on Wednesday…rain. LOTS of rain. So, after that, I made it a point to get outside on Thursday for my 4 miles that morning. It wasn’t easy…but it was SO much better than the treadmill. And I don’t hurt like I do after running on a treadmill…so there is some helpful insight.

And so…with a bit of stress at work…a couple of good and bad running days…and lots of good food (that I cooked)…it was a pretty good week. And with that being said…here are three things I’m loving this week:

1. Running With the Gang

IMG_20160223_191025[1] — Me and Matthew after Tuesday Hill Repeats at Iroquois Park

So, there is this amazing group of fantastic runners that I used to go out and pound out some miles with…every Saturday. They were my training group. They pushed me, they made me better, they accepted me. I trained with them through cold winters and hot summers. They helped me through injuries and helped me with each comeback. Well, with a year of being mostly unable to run, I wasn’t up to running with them. My speed is lacking and I just don’t feel fit enough to keep up. BUT…that being said, on Tuesday, I ran 6 miles of hill repeats with Matthew (who trained hard with me the summer I was working toward my first marathon)…and on Saturday, I ran 10 amazing miles with most of the group. It felt awesome to be out there again, clicking off the miles. At one point, we even joined up with the Anthem 5K, relatively close to the leaders of the race. And as we ran through Mile 2 with them, we all commented on how this is what it felt like to be up front. We left the course shortly after that to round off the mileage. I can’t even begin to describe how good it felt to be out there with all of them again. I had really missed it and them. And Matthew has told me a few times that he and everyone else are so happy that I am back. Over 10 very strong miles later…I feel like my comeback is officially a comeback. Add on the 2 fantastic miles I added in this afternoon (it was SO windy, but it was too pretty not to go out and run…so I kept it short and easy)…and my confidence might slowly be building too. I owe a lot of that to all the people who have continued to tell me to be careful, to do what is best for me, to not rush anything…and who have been waiting for me to come back to them. Arms open. I’m back!

2. THIS BOOK!

I am a bookworm. And I love it when I’m walking through a bookstore or a library and a title or subject catches my eye. That actually happened on Friday. The book is Fit Not Healthy by Vanessa Alford, a true and personal account of the author’s downward spiral in an attempt to improve her performance in running, pushing her body harder and further, determined to be the best runner she can be. Even though she was a physiotherapist, she soon becomes trapped in a spiral of extreme dieting and exercise in order to improve her performance and maintain her ‘fit and healthy’ look. She ignored the growing concerns of friends and family, denying that there was anything unhealthy about her fitness training, until her body begins to rebel against her. She was offered a commercial sponsorship and attracted the attentions of elite coaches, but striving to become faster and fitter, she fell into the trap of overexercising and calorie deprivation. I have known and still know so many runners (and athletes) who do not fuel their body right…who take stupid risks with their helps because they are trying to fit into their idea of the “perfect” body, the “perfect” weight, the “perfect” athlete. Denial is a demon that is hard to defeat. This book has had me turning page after page. The disordered thinking, eating, and exercising that Alford did is not only scary…but an eye opener. My dearest friends…we are all beautiful works in progress. DO NOT try to better yourself by taking risks with your body. It will and does catch up to you! Take care of your body…it’s the only place you have to live.

3. SHOPPING!!

There really is something so therapeutic about shopping. Retail therapy is real and it is life-changing. This weekend, along with getting some upcoming birthday shopping done, my roommate and I both invested a little bit…in ourselves. I purchased some reflective gear (capris and a matching top) for running, as well as a pair of Adidas Grete Shorts. I usually am a running skirt girl, but I LOVE these shorts. And I got them for $10 at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. I picked up shampoo bar and body wash from LUSH (LOVE LUSH!), and I picked up good eats at Annie May’s Sweet Café, Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Rice, Cellar Door Chocolates, and of course, the food of my own making…including getting some batch cooking done for this week. All my meals are prepped and ready. And it didn’t take long at all. NICE! AND…I also have indulged in some delicious berries and peaches this weekend too. LOVE my fruit for a snack. And some of my favorites are close to being back in season!!

All-in-all…what a fantastic weekend. And now…I’m working on some upcoming goals and plans…and feeling good. I haven’t been able to say that in a long time.

How did you spend your weekend? Do anything fun? Eat anything delicious? Read anything amazing? Tell me all about it!

February 25, 2016

Emergency PT & the Incident of the Unhappy Quad

IMG_20160219_202216[1] I am not going to lie. Every time something that shouldn’t be twinging at me makes any sort of unhappy pain or unusual pain…or just pain…I get a little freaked out. Hard to imagine, I know! *sarcasm*

Hey, after the past year of pain that wouldn’t go away and injury after injury after injury…I am more than a little anxious when my body is doing something that it shouldn’t. Two weeks ago, after my physical therapy session and just before my sister came into town (and right before my first double-digit run since August 2015), my left quad (yes…the quad on the leg that doesn’t have a torn hip labrum) had a knot of pain near the top. Not at the hip…but at the front of the leg. I freaked out (a little) and e-mailed my physical therapist. She told me that it sounded like a muscle strain and to just roll it and stretch. And to keep runs on ground as flat as possible.

Easier said than done in this area. And, wouldn’t you know it, the group run that Saturday (for 10 miles), was straight up to the top of Iroquois Park. I actually got through the run without problems, and failed to stretch or roll any of that weekend because I was hanging out with my sister and nephew, which was WAY more important. But…I was doing good. I just had that little knot of pain that would flair up when I’d stand up or…go upstairs.

I rolled, I skipped hill repeats and opted for the mileage on the very flat treadmill (in the sweltering hot gym). And I even skipped out on The Hard 10 run, which I love doing with my favorite peeps from my running group, but it would have been another stint all the way to the top of Iroquois Park, and I figured I best obey my therapist and not run that hill again. It’s a steep one. A big one. So, instead I went out and rocked 13.15 miles around Seneca Park. The quad did fine during the run, and even handled the few hills that I had to get over without even a flare-up.

But I still had that little knot there. On Tuesday, I went out to Iroquois Park to do hill repeats with group…and came out of that better than I thought. For one thing, my hip flexor on the right leg wasn’t hurting as much or as tight after the 8 hill repeats I did. The quad handled it just fine. And I was doing this all in new shoes (which gave me a blister (GRRR!)…

But when the pain was still there…now 2 weeks later, I decided to get in touch with my physical therapist. She decided that I needed to come in for a quick assessment, asked me a few questions, and arranged for me to come in this afternoon at 1 p.m.

After doing a little stretching with my left leg, she determined I have a strained Rectus Femoris…probably brought on by all the hills that I am running these days. No big deal. Lots of rolling, sticking, and trigger point and it should work out. And…once again…I am to keep runs as flat as possible.

So, at least there was good news. I was getting all worked up, because I had visions of this past year and all the trouble and pain and frustration the hip flexor and hip labrum in the right leg. I just knew the same thing was happening now with the left leg. But…thankfully, that’s not the case. She added a new stretch for me and sent me on my way. Easy fix.

YAY!

So…that’s the latest. I did attempt a few sprint intervals on my 4 mile run this morning, but my legs just aren’t firing fast right now. It’s frustrating, but I’m sure it will come in time. For now, I’ll just keep focusing on my form. The rest will fall into place from there.

…at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.

Guess I’m off to do some foam rolling.

February 22, 2016

Never give up!

If there is one thing this journey has taught me, is that being afraid of doing the thing you love is not okay…yet it is a constant struggle with me these days. So…I will just leave this little reminder here…

…for me…

…for you…

…for anyone who is still chasing their dream, despite setbacks…

…NEVER GIVE UP!

Whatever it takes, keep going.
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February 22, 2016

A Half Dozen after a Half Distance

My physical therapist has been telling me that getting past my fear and my anxiety about running and adding mileage was all mental. I knew she was right, but somehow, every time I would lace up to go running, short or long, I would just get this feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was no longer comfortable with it. Especially the longer distances (which were always my favorite).

Last week, I managed 10 miles without any pain or issues. This week, it was to be 12…but at a bit of encouragement from my physical therapist and my roommate, I bumped it up to a 13.1 distance. Half marathon. No time goals or pace goals. Just go the distance.

And I did. I won’t say it was pretty and that I felt great at the end…but I felt better. I mentally and physically feel better for having done the distance. And, in the end, that’s all that really matters!

So, in honor of that…here is half a dozen things that made me smile this week…

1. Spreading a Little Sunshine

When bad things happen to good people, I like to find ways to lift spirits and at least spread a little happiness or, as I like to say, sunshine. And the best way I know how to do that is by baking or cooking. Well, my downstairs neighbors are going through a bit of a rough patch, and it’s hard to find reasons to smile sometimes. This past Saturday evening, I baked up a batch of Lemon Blossoms (gluten & dairy free) for them. I delivered them this morning. And soon afterwards, I got a text message from Michelle saying that her son insisted on having a picnic in bed of Lemon Blossoms with daddy. THAT…made my heart melt for sure. It’s the little things that make big things happen. Good things are coming for them. I feel it.

2. BB-8

IMG_20160220_193610[1] — Sphero BB-8 Toy

After months and months and months of coveting the thing, I finally broke down Saturday and purchased the Sphero BB-8 toy. Why? Because I wanted it. I didn’t need it…but I wanted it. We all know, I am probably one of the biggest BB-8 fangirls out there. And, let me tell you, this little guy is a blast to roll around. It is driven by an app on my phone, and it is adorable. It even reacts to voice commands. Seriously, one of the best, random, unnecessary purchase I have ever made. He’s coming to work with me tomorrow.

3. Reliving my Childhood with Rainbow Brite

IMG_20160220_194516[1] — Starlite, Rainbow Brite, and Twink Toys from Hallmark

Growing up, one of my favorite cartoons, toys, and things in life (hey…I was like 5) was Rainbow Brite. For those of you who may not be as familiar with Rainbow Brite, she was the main protagonist of an animated series, where she was sent to a bleak and gloomy world to bring color and beauty to it. Her mission was to make our world brighter and our hearts lighter by bringing color to all the corners of the universe. She is aided in her adventures in Rainbow Land by her faithful companions, Starlite and Twink. Her greatest

strengths are compassion and bravery. I had a favorite shirt as a kid that I called my “Rainbow Brite” shirt…and prior to this past Saturday, owned a Rainbow Brite snuggie (thanks Dad!), a Starlite pillow pet (thanks Cathy!), the movie Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealers (thanks Cathy!), have costumed as Rainbow Brite, and have just always tried to bring happiness to people (see #1 above…about sunshine and lemon blossoms). So this past Saturday, while going past a Hallmark Store, I spotted a Rainbow Brite doll in the window. Upon going inside…there was also Starlite (that’s the horse, BTW) and Twink dolls too. And I bought them. I couldn’t help it. That’s my childhood. That’s me. I aspire, still, to be Rainbow Brite. Sometimes, it is the little things in life.

4. Another Pair of Running Shoes

20160221_182846[1] — Nike Free RN Distance

So, as stoked as I was about the Nike Pegasus Air Zoom 32’s that I purchased last weekend. But after 3 runs in them, I discovered a couple of things. The first was that the toe box was too narrow. I now am the proud owner of a black toenail. Just after I got normal toes back after a year off from running. HA! Secondly, they felt heavy on my feet. My usual running shoes (the Newton Distance series) are abound 6.1 ounces. The Nike Pegasus shoes were 8 ounces. I didn’t think it would make a huge difference…but it did. So, I returned them to Fleet Feet, and opted to exchange them rather than shop for a cute running skirt or get a refund. I explained what the issues were, and the sales girl returned with 2 different Nike shoes. After testing them out at the store, I opted for the Nike Free RN Distance, which are 6.6 ounces, so closer to what I’m used to on my feet. They are also soft to run on thanks to Lunaron cushioning, which fuses soft foam and lightweight Phylon carrior to deliver an excellent blend of plush comfort and durable support. Great for distances. These felt happy on my feet. So I will test them out this week and either take them back or keep them. We’ll see.

5. Foam Rolling

IMG_20160219_202216[1] — Nightly companions – Foam Roller and The Stick

All runners have a love/hate relationship with their foam rollers. I love mine. It’s one of those “hurts so good” devices. I have started rolling again…every night. And it’s amazing. I mean…yeah…it doesn’t necessarily feel good, but it does. And I feel better after that. So, after my BOSU ball routine for my physical therapy stuff…out comes the foam roller. For 20-30 minutes, I work on those tired and sore muscles…and afterwards, I feel a little better. So, I’m actually happy to have this back in my routine!

6. Accidentally Twinning

20160220_100934[1] — Kelsie and Me – decked out in our purple & orange!

One great thing that has come from these runs I have been doing on weekends is the people I get to run with. And one of them happens to be my good friend, Kelsie. I met Kelsie via my blog and we’ve become very good friends. This past Saturday, we accidentally dressed in the same color scheme. So, that was awesome. She and I will be doing our long run this weekend together as neither of us are participating in the Anthem 5K. So, I am seriously looking forward to that. We’re going to keep a nice easy pace and rock out the mileage together. I’m excited. Been way too long since Kelsie and I got nice run in together. Wonder if we’ll accidentally color coordinate again. HA!

And there it is, my friends…half a dozen things in honor of the half distance. I’ve been recovering today…with shopping (yep…more…because I bought a pretty dress!), and baking and cooking…and now I’m watching Tangled, which is part of my Disney Animated Movies In Order viewing-fest.

What did you guys do this weekend?

February 15, 2016

Top 10

Another weekend has come and gone, and what a weekend it was. This week, I had a fantastic meeting with my physical therapist. She had me working so much more on strength and balance. Afterwards, she did a strength test on me and discovered that my legs and hips are FINALLY equal in strength. That took awhile. And, with 6 days that day to the day the injury began to really bother me…she was very excited about my first upcoming double-digit run on Saturday. 10 miles was the goal…and I was both terrified and excited about it.

And then…my other hip/quad started to act up. It felt like a muscle strain, but it was enough that got me worried about Saturday morning. So, on Friday, I contacted Katie (my amazing physical therapist) and we went back and forth as to where the pain was, how it felt, and what I should do. In the end, she told me to stretch, foam roll, and give the run a shot. If I didn’t hit 10…then to try again the following week.

On Saturday morning, in air temps that felt like 1°F…I struck out on my run…on a steep hilly course…and got through it. Pain free. No limping. No pain. Nothing. It made me feel confident and amazing and strong…all at the same time. And relieved. This is an ongoing battle, for sure…but I needed that run. More than I even knew until I was done.

Anyway…here is a list of 10 fantastic and wonderful things for this week…just because sometimes you find blessings…

1. A short, but amazing visit from my sister and nephew

12728779_10100114844982120_2660799171343200042_n — Me, Chace, and Karla

Side-by-side or miles apart, we are sisters connected by the heart. Seriously, my sister and I have always been close. We have seen and done so much together. We have been with each other through thick and thin. Our bond is amazingly strong. When we get together…watch out. Insanity ensues. She wanted to come and visit and chose Valentine’s Day weekend to do so. And we had an absolute blast. Added bonus…she brought one of her boys with her…Chace (age 6). And we had SO much fun. We braved the cold air and the snow…which Chace loved…we ate good food…we shopped…we played video games…we attempted to play Chinese jumprope, we laughed, snorted, and curled up together to watch a movie. Chace and I baked a special cake. Chace told me that he loved me. Do you know how much that made me want to cry (in the good, happy way)? These are the moments I live for…and miss out on…because I live away from the rest of the family. I hated it when they had to leave. I cried a little this afternoon. But, she’s already planning another trip…and bringing Landon (age 9) this time. I love my sister. And next time, the weather should be better so she and I can finally get that run in together.

2. BOSU
I am now the proud owner of a BOSU. I have wanted one for a long time now, but when this became part of my physical therapy, not having to go to the gym to do it became a bit of a priority. The BOSU Balance Trainer is an exercise tool that targets multiple areas of fitness like endurance, strength, balance, and stability. The squishy dome side on top offers a bouncy surface for everything from cardio to strength training. Flip it over…and you work your on your core, lower body , and flexibility. Due to lots of amazing Dicks coupons and a gift card…I didn’t pay anything out of pocket for this. I love it. It’s pink…not blue like they normally are (because…princess). And now I can work on the strength and balance exercises that Katie (the PT) gave me to work on…in the comfort of my own home. SO happy!

3. Feeling like one of the group again

IMG_20160213_103112[1] As I mentioned, this Saturday I was set to run 10 miles. I had originally made plans to do this early to have a bit more time with my sister and nephew…but those plans didn’t pan out. Probably for the best, with how cold it was. All that being said, I got up and went out to run with the training group, and ended up striking out for the first 3.5 miles with people from my old running group. It felt so good to be back out with them. They ended up not tackling the heavy hill climb at Iroquois, but since I skipped hill day due to weather, I decided I needed to climb, even though my PT said to try to stick to flat roads. Seeing them, running with them, talking to them…it all just lifted my spirits. I hadn’t felt that good in a long time. I knew I missed it…but I really miss them.

4. New Running Shoes
Sometimes something as simple as a new pair of shoes can make the world feel better. Everyone knows that I love running in Newtons…but…I also love me some bright colors on my feet. And the new version of my Newton running shoes are…silver. Life’s too short to be stuck with boring running shoes. And, as I was in need of new shoes, I went out to fleet feet and went to see Jackson (it was his last day there)…and tried on the shoes I originally went in for…the Adidas Pure Boost X (the ones that were made by women for women). They were…not what I expected. Very different. And, while they felt good, I was a bit worried about lack of support on the arch of my foot. So, Jackson went to work. After I said no to the Adidas Energy Boosts (too much shoe)…he brought out a few more to try. After I gave the Asics Gel Cumulus a try (liked them), and then the Brooks Women’s Launch 3 (loved them), and then the Nike Pegasus Air Zoom 32 (really loved them)…I did something I didn’t expect. I went back to a Nike shoe. Of course, I still have to really road test them, but they felt really good in store. I have heard only good things about the Pegasus…so here’s hoping! THANKS, JACKSON!

5. My nephew’s reaction to the snow this morning

I’ll just let the video speak for itself…

He wanted to see snow…he got his wish. He was so excited. And so cold. Love this boy!

6. Being treated to a cake by Chace
Chace is like his Auntie KJ…he loves to cook and bake. And this weekend, he brought the chef hat and apron I got him for Christmas and go to work baking a cake for dessert and to take home to his dad, brother, and sister. It was a gluten-free funfetti cake (sprinkles rule!) with a strawberry frosting and decorated with some red sprinkles for the Valentines Day holiday. He’s an amazing little boy in the kitchen, and he’s got quite a future as the chef he talks about becoming. The cake…for the record…was super-moist…and super-yum! Afterwards, we all snuggled on the couch and watched Pixar’s Ratatouille.

7. Morning smiles on an early, cold, running day

12742614_533123900192145_892004465850865809_n I have met some of the best people through running. After taking an entire (basically) year off due to this nagging injury, it feels good to be out and running (even if it is slower than I would like) with people. Sometimes, I end up alone and on my own. But I always start with a group. And in these groups, there are people who just make you feel welcome. That’s how Melissa made me feel on Saturday, when I was standing around, arms crossed, just dreading going out in the cold. She pulls me into a picture…and everything just felt better that morning. Sometimes it is the smallest gesture that makes all the difference. Thanks, Melissa!!

8. Gluten-Free and Vegan Cookie Dough
My local allergen-free bakery…Annie May’s Sweet Cafe…sold out, but reserved a cup of their cookie dough for me…because Valentine’s Day isn’t much fun when you’re single…so a big cup of cookie dough is a good meal choice, yes? The hardest decision after getting it out of the fridge today was to have it with red or white. HA! I love my bakery!!

9. Funny Faces
Sometimes you just have to be goofy…in a nice restaurant…with your nephew who requested to sit by you. Because life only happens once. Just be goofy! I love him!

10. Chocolate!!
Forget Valentines Day. Just give me chocolate. Dark chocolate, especially. I’ll love you for life. And, trust me, I ate plenty of chocolate this weekend. Because I love enjoying the sweeter things in life with the sweetest people in my life. And we are a family of chocoholics. It’s a lifestyle.

~*~*~

Heading into a new week…here’s hoping this upward trend in my recovery continues. Here’s hoping that the winter weather goes away for good. Here’s hoping for many more good days over bad.

Have a great week, friends!