life – Page 16 – The Celiathlete

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 3, 2016

5 Years Ago Today…I HAD To Go Gluten Free

thenandnow — What a difference! Before my diagnosis (visiting Ireland) in 2011 compared to today. Healthy sure feels good!

Five years! Five whole years. In some ways, I feel that the Celiac diagnosis happened a long time ago. In other ways, it feels like it was yesterday. The journey go discover what was making me sick was a long, stressful, and tear-filled journey. I have never felt so completely empty and so completely scared in my entire life.

And it all started a couple months after returning from my New Year’s trip to Ireland.

I’m about to get very real with you for a short moment…so please hang with me.

There is something very, very scary about stepping on a scale, in your clothes, and seeing only 2 digits reflecting back at you. In my jeans, tennis shoes, and shirt (with sweater), I went to my doctor for a check-up…and weighed in at 92 pounds…in clothes. I hadn’t been feeling well since before going to Ireland. I was fatigued all the time, often falling asleep on the couch while watching television or a movie. I had no energy. My body ached. I was angry and cranky and just a really mean person at times. My brain felt like it was in a fog. And it was just…bad.

While in Ireland, I discovered that when I ate sometimes, I would feel really sick. Or I would get a pain in my side that would just make me want to curl up and not move for awhile. It continued upon my return, so I went to the doctor…

The doctor immediately started running some tests on me for things like diabetes, gallbladder issues, cancer, and the like. I was told to take in more food, so I started to really up my protein, carbs and calories, any way I could think possible. I was probably taking in 5000 calories a day…and still losing weight. It was scary. My doctor ordered ultrasounds and a HIDA scan just in case it was the gallbladder or liver. Those results came back normal. As did all my blood work…save for a B-12 deficiency (and being vegetarian, that wasn’t unusual). I was tested for anemia, diabetes, and an overactive thyroid…but nothing was unusual. Everything was “normal.” But it wasn’t. I wasn’t feeling well.

And during this time, my friend, Heather, contacted me and asked me a few simple questions about my symptoms. And she said I needed to get tested for Celiac Disease. She sent me a link with the symptoms, and asked me what my current in-take of wheat, wheat gluten, and other food products that might react to someone with Celiac was. She had a friend diagnosed with it and thought the symptoms were familiar.

Guess what…she nailed it. Despite my calorie and food intake, I was still eating foods that my body couldn’t handle. The gluten was making me sick and malnourished. It was causing my body serious harm and doing great damage. A change had to be made. And it wasn’t easy. For weeks, I would go into the grocery store and just cry…stand in the aisle and burst into tears. It was not an easy transition…and for awhile…I still cheated. And then, I realized that the cheats weren’t helping me any…just making me sick.

So…the stopped.

And…three years after that, my malnourished body finally began to show some signs of recovery. The weight loss I was dealing with was because my body couldn’t absorb the nutrients from the food I was eating. So…once I fixed that…and gave my body a fair shake at healing…everything started to fall back into place.

Five years later, and I feel healthy. I no longer live in a brain fog, or drop off to sleep on the couch for no reason. I don’t yell and get angry over stupid things. But, most importantly, I feel good. I have become a strong runner. My muscles and my body are still on the rebound, at times, but I look healthy. And I don’t get the mean and hurtful comments about “being all skin and bones” like I used to. I didn’t ask for that to happen to me…but it did happen. And the comments that people would make about me cut deep. They still hurt at times.

So…there it is. Five years ago, I had to make a change in my life…or put my life at serious risk. Without hesitation…my eating habits changed and soon, so did my health. I am living life again…and, trust me, this gluten-free, dairy-intolerant, vegetarian still gets her foodie freak on. You would be amazed at the foods I can eat!! Oh, and it has made me become quite the chef too. My kitchen experiments don’t always work out…but when they do…bliss.

There are times, when the office does pitch-ins or has lunches where I feel a little left out because there is rarely something I can eat…but you will never hear me complain or “hate” the fact that I am a Celiac. I don’t want people to say to me, “That’s horrible, I could never do that!” Guess what…it’s not horrible, and yes…anyone could go gluten free when it is the only option to feel happy and healthy again.

YES…I do get miffy at the people who treat it like a fad diet. I know there are people who go gluten-free to enhance their athleticism, or because it’s the “hot diet” at the moment. But, it does make it really hard for people like me, who medically have to eat that way, to be taken seriously. No, I can’t have just the filling of a pie…if it touched the pie crust. I WILL get sick. No, I can’t use your peanut butter if you have spread it on regular bread and then put the knife back in. I WILL get sick. No, I can’t eat that meal you put down in front of me because the pita bread was put on the plate. I WILL get sick. And YES…you need to remake the entire dish. Yes…that cookie WILL hurt me if I eat it. This is not an easy lifestyle…but it DOES get easier.

My health is the most important thing. And I never want to go through the months of worry and stress and pain I had to go through to get these answers. I am fortunate enough to have restaurants around me that handle my dietary needs without making me nervous about going in there. I have a gluten free (allergen-free) bakery that I visit at least twice a week. My life wasn’t made more complicated by this disease, it was just made more interesting.

I am fortunate enough to be a healthy weight, running strong, and being the best Celiac I can be! Nothing slows me down for too long…

So…five years later…feeling fantastic. Still a work in progress. I want to build up my muscle mass again, so strength training will commence. My body is strong…it can handle it. Because it will just make it stronger in the end.

This disease didn’t drag me down…quite the opposite. This disease opened my eyes and made me really examine my health and my choices. I’m healthier now for it.

My journey wasn’t easy…but a journey worth taking rarely is. I have learned a lot about my body, my food, and myself. And I’m not done yet.

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!

February 12, 2016

I am not afraid to be afraid…

determined Injuries suck! I don’t have to tell anyone that. Not only do they keep you from doing what you love to do, but sometimes…they just refuse to go away.

Five days from now will mark an entire year since the initial problem I was having with my hip. I know this, because I log what I do every day, and I went back through last year’s runner’s journal and discovered my last run was on February 17…I complained that it hurt to get back into my boots (I was at the gym on the treadmill due to weather)…and on the way home, it hurt like a mother just moving my foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal.

I guess I never mentioned that, because last year was rough…and there wasn’t much that I felt like blogging about. Now I wish I had…because I’ve kept a lot of anger, sadness and pain to myself, whereas this could have been a journey.

All that being said…here I sit…almost an entire year later and my hip still flairs up. I can’t do my hill repeat nights without being in pain the next day. Running on the treadmill at the gym sucks. It is painful (more than running outside, believe it or not) and boring. I don’t know how people log miles on a treadmill. I can’t focus on anything but those numbers…and how slow each freakin’ second is ticking away.

All that being said…there are days I wish I had one…because being outside sucks…and being at the gym sucks. At least at home I could put in a movie or watch a show and maybe it wouldn’t suck as hard.

I’ve been back in physical therapy for a couple of months now. For awhile, it was twice a week. Then once a week. I had an initial running analysis done by my therapist, Katie (who is awesome…and a running specialist and runner herself), by having her film me at different angles on the treadmill and going through each frame…showing me exactly why my leg ended up fractured last year when I first came back. You see…my hip hurts, sometimes to the point that it makes me limp…sometimes to the point that standing up is a problem. It changes from day to day. Sometimes, I am pain-free. There is no rhyme or reason to how these days pan out or what kind of a day it will be (except for post-hill repeats…that night and the next day will always suck). In the initial analysis, she showed me how I was not trusting my right leg because of the hip. It is my “Bambi leg.” While it took about 3 seconds to push off with my left foot, when my right foot came down…a second, if that. I was limping while running, and didn’t even realize it. Strength in my right leg…next to nothing. My body was so imbalanced…it was crazy. So, the primary focus was strengthening…and then…very slowly…ease back into putting some mileage in on these legs.

And that’s what I’ve been doing these last couple months. Physical therapy, strengthening, then…running. I’m not focused on speed or time right now. It’s all about getting that mileage in…rebuilding that endurance. It’s hard to tame the speed demon though. Muscle memory and all…I put on those running shoes and I just want to fly.

I just can’t. Usually around Mile 4-6 on a long-ish run, the hip will seize up or begin to hurt. And then I’ll hurt for the rest of the day…if not too bad, I do the plyometric exercises that Katie assigned me. If it’s bad…I skip them and opt for some rest. This journey has been long, tedious, tiresome, and I’m still on it. And I think that’s the most difficult thing for me.

When this all happened, I figured I’d be better…because everyone I know who has had a torn hip labrum has gotten a shot, had surgery, and just…gone back to what they were doing. But my Cortisone shot didn’t work…and surgery…not an option…and the whole thing is just this really rocky road that I keep stumbling around on, catching my footing, and then stumbling again. I am a big ball of emotions…anger, frustration, hope, sadness, pain, fear, redemption, courage…it’s all there.

I’m not better…but I am on the road to being better. I don’t know if I will ever not have some sort of pain. I admit, I panic anytime something else flairs up…and with this cold weather, you better believe I’ve had some moments.

The long of the short of it is…I’m not where I used to be, I may not ever be where I used to be. But I am doing the best I can with what I’ve got.

On Wednesday, I saw Katie again and she reassessed my strength, finding that my right and left legs have equaled out. Got that strength imbalance fixed. In fact, the hip flexors and adductors are actually stronger than the outer muscles now. Go figure. With all that being said, and with my mileage continuing a slow climb…Katie will see me one more time at the end of the month. After that…it will be on an “as needed” schedule.

It freaks me out…because a part of me likes having these sessions because I feel better coming out of them. I feel more confident. But I also know…I can’t always have someone there holding my hand. I have to do this on my own. I have to once again find that strength, that courage, and that will…and I have to let go…of doubt, fear, and negativity.

It won’t be easy. It never is. But I know me…I’m determined. Very few of my runs may ever be fast. Very few may ever be pain-free. I’ll take the good runs…and I’ll use the bad runs to focus on getting stronger…

But, yes…it is time to let go…it’s time to hit that pavement again…perhaps a little scared…perhaps a little doubtful…but stronger…and better.

…just not faster. At least…not yet.

Face your fears…and you won’t fear them anymore. You’ll learn from them.

Every run…every day…is a learning experience for me.

February 9, 2016

5 Years Together

5th-candle According to my WordPress account, today marks the 5 Year Anniversary of when I set up my WordPress account. And wow…how things have changed, yes?

When I originally began my blog, it was under the name “veggiefoodlover” and I was reviewing restaurants and vegetarian food items. While I still do reviews on restaurants and vegetarian food items…I do so much more now.

About 4 years ago, I started to take up running. Well, technically on April 4, 2016, it will be 5 years since I began running…officially…as that was the date of my first ever race…a little 5K in Louisville, Kentucky. I have only stopped on occasion for pesky little (and some not so little) injuries.

In addition to the running, I also have started formulating my own gluten-free/vegan/vegetarian/allergen-free recipes. I am contemplating my own cookbook, in fact. Which, is really damn exciting. I just need to make some time to actually piece one together.

And…the big one…I was diagnosed as a Celiac. First came the lactose intolerance…followed by the weeks and weeks and months of doctors appointments and exams and tests…trying to figure out why, despite maintaining a good diet, my body was dropping weight. It was a very scary time, and thanks to my friend, Heather, we finally got it all figured out and a proper diagnosis was given.

So, the blog became a little bit of everything going on in my life. Gluten-free products (good and bad…and there have been quite a few bad), gluten-free recipes, lamenting the loss of ice cream and cheese, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes, local and far-away restaurants and how they work with my food allergies…and how good (or bad) their food is, running, races, injuries, vacations…we’ve been through a lot together these past 5 years.

I even re-branded my blog under the name “The Celiathlete”…and that is where I stand now…

I appreciate each and every person who takes a moment just to read the thoughts I put down on a page.

Here’s to many more years and blogs ahead…