roadblocks – Page 13 – The Celiathlete

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 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.
11039017_10208862677592081_3085277684913073473_n

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…

January 28, 2016January 28, 2016

Three Things on Thursday

My life is a roller coaster these days. Good days. Bad days. Highs and lows. There are days I feel unstoppable and days that stop me cold. There are days where I feel on top of the world, and days where the tears just won’t stop.

There are pain-free days…and days where it hurts just getting out of bed.

This is my life…and has been since February 16, 2015.

Almost a year.

Still not better. Still fighting. Still not where I imagined I’d be.

I’m going to be honest, I came out of the weekend, despite the slip and fall on ice, feeling good. My pain levels were down. I was moving without problems. And then…Tuesday hill repeats. UGH! JUST UGH!! I did fine, but when I stop that’s when the problems start. And despite a round of stretches my physical therapist assigned me, I was still feeling it yesterday and this morning when I worked in my training runs.

All that being said, I’ve powered through a lot, and despite my demanding work/training/recovery schedule…I’ve done some pretty amazing things so far this week. I thought I’d share!

1. THEMED SPIN CLASSES

blog01 — I think I have the perfect (always colorful) tights for a Disco-themed spin class, yes?

Rocking perfect tights for a disco-themed spin class, yes?

My amazing and inspiring friend, Deana, is a very fun spin instructor. It’s always a mixed bag with her. And when you attend one of her classes, you are going to walk out of there a sweaty mess. She’s in training for her first Half Ironman, and we’re in training with her, in a way. At least on the stationary bike in the safety of the walls of the YMCA. HA!

Anyway, this week, Deana has had themed spin classes. And I am loving it. Monday morning, my 5:30 a.m. class was treated to Spinning to the ’90s. All the music was songs straight out of the 1990s…and I knew and even sang along with every single one of them. Not loudly, because, I wouldn’t put anyone through the torture of hearing me sing, but it really takes your mind off of that hill climb and definitely brought a lot of hoots and hollers from the class. And Friday morning, we’re getting a disco ball and having our own Disco Inferno all up in the spin room. And I am already working on what I intend to wear for said Disco day. There might even be a lava lamp. Regardless, I’ll be ready to work hard to the tune of the best disco songs.

Themed spin classes…who knew?!

2. HILL REPEATS

Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I'm DONE with hill repeats. — Bright colors, bright lights, and loving that I’m DONE with hill repeats.

Love them or hate them…hill repeats are real. In fact, hill repeats are what my physical therapist currently wants me doing. So, every Tuesday, I’m out at either Cherokee Park or Iroquois Park here in Louisville…running me some major hill repeats. The past two weeks, I’ve knocked out 4 miles of hill repeats each Tuesday night. 4 freakin’ miles. To this point, that is the furthest I have run since…the stress fracture in my leg back in August.

I won’t lie…a little part of me panics every time I go out there for these. Hills do make you a stronger runner…but they hurt. In my case, they really hurt. But, I feel strong while doing them, and after some plyometric exercises and stretches…and a little TLC from my foam roller…I’m usually back in the game the next day. So yeah…hills. YAY!

I don’t worry about my time or how long I’m out there or even my speed. What’s important to me is that I am actually out and running again. Not completely pain-free…but being out there is SO much better than where I have been. I’ll take every chance I can get to attempt to get stronger again.

3. CHILI COOK OFF

Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoonbread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers) — Hawaiian Chili (with a bit of Gluten Free Corn Spoon Bread and Gluten Free Breton Original with Flax Crackers)

So, yesterday was the annual chili cook off at my office. Now, I have never actually submitted a chili to this cook off because, prior to this year, the co-owner (who has since retired) used to always tell me not to bother with bringing in a vegetarian chili, since his wife was making one. I just never argued the fact. With this year being wide open, I got a little carried away and ended up making 2 chilies and 1 batch of my gluten free corn spoon bread recipe that I’ve killed every time I’ve made it. Meaning, it’s extremely awesome. When it comes to cooking, especially in a quasi-competitive manner, I can be pretty indecisive on what chili to make. So, I did what any chef would do…

…I made both.

Pizza Chili (which I figured would be my star) and Hawaiian Chili.

I realized I was splitting my odds at winning, but…I love both of these chilies and they were both very different. VERY different. Even from the other chilies (there were 7 entries…2 of which were mine) that were entered into the annual cook off.

And, shocking me (and probably the rest of the office who doesn’t always want to venture into my plant-based, gluten-free goodies)…I won. With…Hawaiian Chili. So not the chili that I expected to win. I was seriously surprised. Of the two I brought in, I thought Pizza Chili would be the more popular one. And it was a very near thing with the runner-up, a Mexican Beer Chili. The winning chili is pictured above with the corn spoon bread.

I am so happy. This is the first time a vegan/vegetarian chili has won. And it’s the first time I have won anything at work. So…YAY!!

I’ve had many requests for this recipe, so I will leave it here. Do try it. It’s amazing.

Recipe: Hawaiian Chili
Makes 4 very large servings

Ingredients:

1 small onion, diced
2 garlic clove, minced
2 bell pepper, seeded & diced
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3 cups pineapple, diced
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
Crackers (optional…to serve on the side)

Directions:

Line a large pot with vegetable broth.

Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until onions are translucent and bell peppers are soft.

Add spices, stir to coat vegetables.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Serve with crackers

~*~*~

Seriously…make this stuff.

If you live in the area…come to tomorrow’s 5:30 a.m. spin class at the YMCA of Southern Indiana in New Albany and let Deana bring the funk and disco back…disco ball included.

And…run hills. Feel strong.

January 24, 2016

The Not-So-Fun Ice Capades at Home

icypavement_zpscieiceo4 First of all, yesterday’s post was my 1500th post on this blog. That’s pretty awesome, yes? YES!?

I think so!

I was still on a high this morning from my first pain-free day in almost a year…and when I did my core work and PT stretches, the trend continued. A twinge here or there…but no pain. I got through all of the stretches and exercises without wincing once. Not once.

Two days in a row. WOOT!

So, I happily made gluten-free funfetti Mickey Mouse waffles for breakfast this morning and prepped to head to the gym for a bit of cross-training. No swimming currently due to sinus issues…but at least do a little something today. I ate, did dishes, got stuff ready for the gym and headed out.

With freezing fog, 10 degree temps, and cold air that made me cough just inhaling it, it was no surprise that there was frost all over my car windows. My roommate started up the car and I grabbed the scraper and went to work. As I finished up the passenger side of the car, I crossed behind to hit up the drivers side…and my foot found black ice.

BLACK FREAKIN’ ICE!

So…I slipped. I immediately countered in an attempt to find balance again. The shift through my balance off as my foot just moved with it…and…

BOOM!

Down I went. Hard. I sat there for a moment, every bone in my body having been jarred by the fall…but I felt fine. My roommate got out and helped me up and I moved away from the black ice. I was now…hurting.

SUCK!

I finished scraping the windows and got into the car to go to the gym. Now, being more cautious due to the fall.

So, the day started off really well…but one little slip on black ice sort of brought that happy, healing feeling to a crashing halt. I know people love to run in snow, but this is one reason I don’t anymore. I sprained my ankle a little over a year ago on ice…and that made it clear I needed to stay in on these days. With that being said, I did get my workout in at the gym, then went and got coffee and finished up grocery shopping.

And…I’m sporting a bit of a bruise…but at least a bruise is all I ended up with.

Be safe out there. Black ice is hard to see…and you may not see it until you’re on the ground.

Stay safe!

January 1, 2016

A Happier, Healthier New Year

It’s almost 1 hour away from 2016. Usually around this time, I put up a blog listing off my goals for the new year.

Last year…I listed off 10 goals. Ten simple goals to work toward and achieve throughout 2015. They were:

Remain injury free
Run the hell out of the Boston Marathon
Try out a new distance
Travel far and run there
Eat better
Train harder, but smarter
Run with different people at different paces – challenge myself!
Remember that can’t run like anyone else but me…so stop comparing my speeds against my peers
Run a race on my birthday with some friends to celebrate going up an age division
Have more confidence

So, how many did I accomplish?

NONE OF THEM!! Not a single one. My year started off really well, with a great race at the Charleston Marathon. But then, the downward, and still ongoing spiral happened.

With the failures of last year weighing heavy on my heart and mind…I leave 2015 with one goal…one simple goal for 2016:

In 2016, I make only one promise to myself. I will leave the past in the past. All the heartbreak and disappointments I faced in 2015 will not define me this coming year. In 2016, I start over. Wipe the slate clean. A new year means a new start. I won’t dwell on anything except this one thing…

…to get better. To heal. To get stronger.

Yes…I am going to get better.

And that’s it. I will be healthier, happier, and stronger.

In 2015, the bad times outweighed the good. But…in less than an hour, everything changes. New year…new beginning…new outlook.

The journey begins…now.