I had my first PT appt to try to get my ankle fixed. The good news is she says she can get me back to normal strength/flexibility and I can continue running or doing anything I want on it. The bad news is that a swollen ankle may be my new normal, but there are worse things than a cankle. (It's actually not that bad, but it is noticable.) She said those tissues are normally very tight and once there's a lot of swelling, they get stretched and never go back. Kind of like my abs since pregnancy.
I told her that ankle is much weaker than the other, and it is, but it's not muscle strength. That isn't the main problem. My range of motion is limited and that's where the weakness comes from. I have 70% flexbility in my good ankle, but only 50% on the bad.
I've got a list of exercises and she's going to do stretching on that ankle once/week. She said the level of stretching required isn't something I can do--it requires another person. It's extremely tight and she even had trouble getting it to go where she wanted. I won't say the stretching felt good, but I could see results immediately so I'm very pleased. Looking forward to my next appt to see how much progress I've made!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
El Paso 1/2 Marathon
I have been trying to sit down and post all week. Last Sunday, Pete and I ran the El Paso 1/2 Marathon. I was going to run it with my new Sunday running partner, but she got sick and couldn't run. So, I decided to race it and see how well I could do. Prior to the race, I had been doing my long runs, but no speedwork and limited miles during the week.
The course is difficult. The first 5 miles or so are all hills. I thought that would be the most difficult, but I guess running a mountain every Sunday paid off. They were fine. So, I was thinking, hmmm, not bad, all is good from here. The rest was highway, but flat except for 2 overpasses.
Then, I hit the turn around at mile 8 right into a wall of wind. It was so bad! Now, it is boring, I am running straight into a head wind, and we are spread out to a point that no one is going to pass me and I am not going to pass anybody. No chance to draft. I really wanted to blow a whistle and make a deal with everyone that we would stay in order and just walk this in.
I finished in 1:42 and it put me first in age group. Not my best time, but considering the circumstances, I think I did well. I got a nice trophy with the mountains of El Paso (very appropriate), a gift certificate for a pair of Spira running shoes, and a container of the supposed wonder salve. Ian said they gave it to the winners because if you ran hard enough to win, something must be hurt.
I am 2 weeks out from the Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach and my head is not in the game. I am burned out and dreading the runs. My miles are not good and my last over 18 miler was 2 weeks ago. I really needed to do a 22 today, but we did a Brigade offsite this weekend and got back this afternoon. My house was filty, laundry was critical, but not as desparate as food. So, I didn't run and instead, I shopped for food, swept and vaccumed, got laundry going, and made dinner. I think I will try again next weekend, before we fly. I'm not going to do as well as I did last year anyway. What's the worst that can happen? I walk some.
The course is difficult. The first 5 miles or so are all hills. I thought that would be the most difficult, but I guess running a mountain every Sunday paid off. They were fine. So, I was thinking, hmmm, not bad, all is good from here. The rest was highway, but flat except for 2 overpasses.
Then, I hit the turn around at mile 8 right into a wall of wind. It was so bad! Now, it is boring, I am running straight into a head wind, and we are spread out to a point that no one is going to pass me and I am not going to pass anybody. No chance to draft. I really wanted to blow a whistle and make a deal with everyone that we would stay in order and just walk this in.
I finished in 1:42 and it put me first in age group. Not my best time, but considering the circumstances, I think I did well. I got a nice trophy with the mountains of El Paso (very appropriate), a gift certificate for a pair of Spira running shoes, and a container of the supposed wonder salve. Ian said they gave it to the winners because if you ran hard enough to win, something must be hurt.
I am 2 weeks out from the Shamrock Marathon in VA Beach and my head is not in the game. I am burned out and dreading the runs. My miles are not good and my last over 18 miler was 2 weeks ago. I really needed to do a 22 today, but we did a Brigade offsite this weekend and got back this afternoon. My house was filty, laundry was critical, but not as desparate as food. So, I didn't run and instead, I shopped for food, swept and vaccumed, got laundry going, and made dinner. I think I will try again next weekend, before we fly. I'm not going to do as well as I did last year anyway. What's the worst that can happen? I walk some.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Should I?
I am thinking about doing a 10K on March 14th, just because it sounds like fun and my neighbor is doing it. Most of my running has been intervals on a treadmill and I have not been training to run six miles. Although, on my one adventure out into the cold, I did 3.5 miles with no problem. Is it too late to realistically do this "race"? The course is billed as being mostly downhill. Since it's sunny, I hope to take a run sometime today to get a feel for where I am at. I went skiing on Monday and I my right knee is a bit cranky with me because of it, so that will be a big factor in my decision. Registration doesn't close until the 13th, so I have some time to decide. What do you think? Should I do it or wait?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Run, Fat Boy, Run
Have you guys seen "Run, Fat Boy, Run"? I just watched it last night and got a kick out of it.
I'm not sure what line I liked best: when he gets his first blister and his friend says, "It's the size of a moon", when he's doing the marathon and his friend/coach says, "You're almost there!" "How far?" "Umm, 9 miles", or when a reporter asks him how he feels and he replies, "How the !#$%^ do you think I feel?"
I need some coaches like he has. Although I could do without the spatula whacks as motivation!
I'm not sure what line I liked best: when he gets his first blister and his friend says, "It's the size of a moon", when he's doing the marathon and his friend/coach says, "You're almost there!" "How far?" "Umm, 9 miles", or when a reporter asks him how he feels and he replies, "How the !#$%^ do you think I feel?"
I need some coaches like he has. Although I could do without the spatula whacks as motivation!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Good Resources
Does anyone have any good resources...i.e. books/websites, to use for training plan guidance? I am trying to figure out how to go about getting back into it all. I am finally pain free! It has taken a year to get to this point but I am just happy to finally be able to run and workout!
I have been working out on a semi-regular basis for over a month now and like , E, I don't know if I should really follow a beginner running plan or something a bit more strenuous. I want to be able to push myself; but I have to figure out what is enough to push me and what is too much. I really don't want to injure myself again, like I did at the Army 10 miler in the Fall (I was pain free from my childbirth issues at that point but I killed my knee).
I am also having a difficult time forming my schedule to include my strength training. It was so much easier in the Army when I didn't really plan much...just did whatever we did for PT with some random weight lifting sessions thrown in :-). I totally agree with, E: it would be so awesome to land a spot on the Biggest Loser. It just takes A LOT of time and effort to plan out your workouts; at least it seems like it for me. Having someone plan out everything would be the bomb! Running isn't so difficult (once I figure out which distances I should be training at that is) to plan, but the weight training is what gets me...so many different exercises for each muscle group. And I don't really know when to include them into the whole plan.
And by the way....moms....want to really hate someone?? Check this woman Tri-Athlete out. She freakin' amazes me. Mama Simmons Blogsite
I have been working out on a semi-regular basis for over a month now and like , E, I don't know if I should really follow a beginner running plan or something a bit more strenuous. I want to be able to push myself; but I have to figure out what is enough to push me and what is too much. I really don't want to injure myself again, like I did at the Army 10 miler in the Fall (I was pain free from my childbirth issues at that point but I killed my knee).
I am also having a difficult time forming my schedule to include my strength training. It was so much easier in the Army when I didn't really plan much...just did whatever we did for PT with some random weight lifting sessions thrown in :-). I totally agree with, E: it would be so awesome to land a spot on the Biggest Loser. It just takes A LOT of time and effort to plan out your workouts; at least it seems like it for me. Having someone plan out everything would be the bomb! Running isn't so difficult (once I figure out which distances I should be training at that is) to plan, but the weight training is what gets me...so many different exercises for each muscle group. And I don't really know when to include them into the whole plan.
And by the way....moms....want to really hate someone?? Check this woman Tri-Athlete out. She freakin' amazes me. Mama Simmons Blogsite
Friday, February 13, 2009
Army 10 Miler
Just heard today...the registration for the 25th Army 10 Miler opens April 1 for an October 4th race. Wanna go?
A Happy Balance & The Path Back to Fitness
It has taken a while, but I think that I have found a happy balance for working out. I used to think that I had to work out every day and if I missed a day, well, for some reason, motivation was lost and I would become lazy...really lazy. I am not sure why my mind worked in that way, but it did. Since I now have to reserve childcare, I am finding that scheduling time at and keeping my "dates" with the gym is much easier. I am giving myself more days off yet I am seeing better results than I have in several years. My Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and at least one weekend day schedule seems to be perfect for me.
Over the past couple of months, by doing regular workouts, I also found the motivation that I didn't have for a long time. Losing the baby weight and fitting back into my pants was a top priority and those goals have been met. Now, I have a renewed fitness spirit and look forward to dropping a few more pounds and more toning of all of my still jiggly parts. Running is still a work in progress, however I did run outside for 40 minutes on a gloriously chilly Sunday two weeks ago. I simply can not bring myself to do anything but intervals on the treadmill and snowy sidewalks and streets are often a deterrent from outdoor running.
I am working with a personal trainer. I have found that I need someone other than myself and you guys to hold me accountable for working out. I would love to have someone available every workout to push me, however I just can't budget in $200+ a week. (Why are trainers so darn expensive?!) My compromise is to spend the $50 for one session every six to eight weeks to assess my progress and change up my routine. And, it seems to be working! My current lifting plan is comprised of five super sets which leave my legs all jello-e due to lots of lunges, squats, and step-ups; my heart rate is elevated the whole time, so the fat furnace keeps burning without "real" cardio. My trainer is also very encouraging and has shown me that the reason some exercises were so difficult for me was because my form was wrong. Oops! He has also given me routines on pieces of equipment that I didn't have the courage to try out on my own. And, as I see the numbers on the scale continue to go down by about one pound a week while noticing my strength increasing, I get all giddy and excited.
The struggle that I am having is one with my sciatic nerve. It is once again giving me problems on my left side from my glutes to mid hamstring. I am making a greater effort to stretch out the mussels on my left leg, but I still have a lot of pain some days. If anyone has any advice, I would love to hear it.
Over the past couple of months, by doing regular workouts, I also found the motivation that I didn't have for a long time. Losing the baby weight and fitting back into my pants was a top priority and those goals have been met. Now, I have a renewed fitness spirit and look forward to dropping a few more pounds and more toning of all of my still jiggly parts. Running is still a work in progress, however I did run outside for 40 minutes on a gloriously chilly Sunday two weeks ago. I simply can not bring myself to do anything but intervals on the treadmill and snowy sidewalks and streets are often a deterrent from outdoor running.
I am working with a personal trainer. I have found that I need someone other than myself and you guys to hold me accountable for working out. I would love to have someone available every workout to push me, however I just can't budget in $200+ a week. (Why are trainers so darn expensive?!) My compromise is to spend the $50 for one session every six to eight weeks to assess my progress and change up my routine. And, it seems to be working! My current lifting plan is comprised of five super sets which leave my legs all jello-e due to lots of lunges, squats, and step-ups; my heart rate is elevated the whole time, so the fat furnace keeps burning without "real" cardio. My trainer is also very encouraging and has shown me that the reason some exercises were so difficult for me was because my form was wrong. Oops! He has also given me routines on pieces of equipment that I didn't have the courage to try out on my own. And, as I see the numbers on the scale continue to go down by about one pound a week while noticing my strength increasing, I get all giddy and excited.
The struggle that I am having is one with my sciatic nerve. It is once again giving me problems on my left side from my glutes to mid hamstring. I am making a greater effort to stretch out the mussels on my left leg, but I still have a lot of pain some days. If anyone has any advice, I would love to hear it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Healthy Food Site
I happened to come across this site today and thought I'd post it since healthy food is talked about quite often! I haven't looked at it too much just yet but it seems to be great site!!
www.sparkpeople.com
www.sparkpeople.com
Max Heart Rate
V....
About a year ago (I think it was) you gave Cathy some info on how to more accurately set your max HR. I can't find the info...only Cathy's results. I'm assuming I'd do the same thing...could you help me out?
I normally just do the old 220-age...which I am sure I am at. But I know as you get in shape it changes...so that's why I'd like to see your instructions again! :-)
Thanks!
About a year ago (I think it was) you gave Cathy some info on how to more accurately set your max HR. I can't find the info...only Cathy's results. I'm assuming I'd do the same thing...could you help me out?
I normally just do the old 220-age...which I am sure I am at. But I know as you get in shape it changes...so that's why I'd like to see your instructions again! :-)
Thanks!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Great run!
I had a really good run this morning and I'm so happy about it because I haven't felt that way in a while. I got a lot (for me) of miles in last week and had to take off the last 2 days due to my kids' or my own illnesses. I got back on the treadmill this morning and just wasn't feeling it the first mile and half. But after a stretch break I was back at it and felt like I could go forever! I did a total of 5 miles and even did the last mile at a full minute faster than my regular pace!
Ankle is a little sore now, but it was worth it for the endorphins! I'm using my heartrate monitor to train and it's driving me nuts. Mostly because I want to go faster, but my heartrate says I'm not ready. Ugh! So do I go as fast as I want (which isn't fast at all) or keep it reined in?
I would love to be on The Biggest Loser. I realize that would require me to become morbidly obese and that's certainly not in my plans, but I would love to have a personal trainer tell me what to do for every workout, have someone cook for me, and throw in some way of competing with it. That sounds like a fun vacation to me. That probably makes about as much sense as V saying she'd rather run a marathon than go on a cruise!
I wrote on my blog about my snowshoe run (walk) a couple weeks ago. Funny thing was, I got my Runner's World soon after and there was an article saying almost exactly the same thing I said: it was tough, it was awkward, it was slow, I said I wouldn't do it again, then decided the challenge was worth the effort. That wimp did it in 10 degrees, but he did it on a real mountain so I'll call it a wash! My next one is on Feb 21. Wish me luck!
Ankle is a little sore now, but it was worth it for the endorphins! I'm using my heartrate monitor to train and it's driving me nuts. Mostly because I want to go faster, but my heartrate says I'm not ready. Ugh! So do I go as fast as I want (which isn't fast at all) or keep it reined in?
I would love to be on The Biggest Loser. I realize that would require me to become morbidly obese and that's certainly not in my plans, but I would love to have a personal trainer tell me what to do for every workout, have someone cook for me, and throw in some way of competing with it. That sounds like a fun vacation to me. That probably makes about as much sense as V saying she'd rather run a marathon than go on a cruise!
I wrote on my blog about my snowshoe run (walk) a couple weeks ago. Funny thing was, I got my Runner's World soon after and there was an article saying almost exactly the same thing I said: it was tough, it was awkward, it was slow, I said I wouldn't do it again, then decided the challenge was worth the effort. That wimp did it in 10 degrees, but he did it on a real mountain so I'll call it a wash! My next one is on Feb 21. Wish me luck!
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