Small Hinges Swing Big Doors...

As usual, it's been a while since I've updated this. A lot has been going on, so here's a semi-quick recap:

Aug. 28 was a great 8-miler at the lake. I found myself leading the pack along with two other guys from my group, and running about a minute faster than training pace. It was wonderful and exhilarating. Not wonderful and exhilarating, however, was the following Saturday, Labor Day weekend, when during the 3-mile warmup before the 5-mile race, I realized something was definitely wrong. Everything felt off and the sides of my calves felt very strained and tight, which hadn't happened since the Independence Day 5k two months before. I opted not to run the race that day and see if new shoes would fix the problem; mine had started to look quite beat up and, upon review of my running log, had quite a few miles on them. Unfortunately the new shoes didn't quite do the trick (although they are quite awesome and I love the pink!), so I went to see a sports massage therapist one of my running friends recommended. She got me about 80% better but I knew she/massage was not going to be the solution I was looking for.

Luckily I ran with the Couch to Half group that week and the leader of that group referred me to Ambrose Coleman of Modern Fitness here in Dallas. Ambrose is a kinesiologist--exactly what I was looking for considering that I had come to the realization that the tendinitis I'd been battling was not the true problem but rather a symptom of a larger problem. From the outset, Ambrose told me that 'small hinges swing big doors,' and after working with him for just a few weeks, I'm finding truth in that statement. If you are a runner or tri-athlete in the area experiencing problems/pain, I would definitely recommend checking out Ambrose and Modern Fitness.

Anyhoo, last week I just couldn't find my stride; everything was off and nothing felt right. Even my shoes didn't feel right. I got to thinking (scary, I know), that if Ambrose and I have been working on correcting my running form and getting me to run efficiently (which is what my custom orthotics are designed to do), perhaps the orthotics were starting to work against me rather than aid me. After being in too much pain to run the Loop 15k last Saturday, I decided to conduct an experiment before my appointment with Ambrose on Monday. I ran without my orthotics for the first time since I got them and it felt wonderful!!! I did a few more short runs this week without them and think it's helping.

So that brings us up to today. I ran my first-ever 12-miler this morning! Yes, I have done a half marathon before (more than 12 miles), but I was injured at the time and unable to run the entire way with a bum leg, so I am really excited about this milestone. Most importantly, I felt strong and healthy the entire time, but I was also happy with my time. I hope to have the same type of performance for the upcoming half marathons--and I hope the weather is the same: cloudy and cool (low 50s)!

Well, college football calls. Time to recover, relax, watch football and enjoy the fall weather! :) GO FROGS!!!!!!

A Hilly 7-Miler & Several Lessons Learned

This past Saturday our training group had our first long hill run. A week ago we had our first hill work, where we did a shorter run (about 3.5) that included 4 hill repeats. The 7-miler on Saturday was our first long run with lots of hills though. My two girl friends in my group weren't there for various reasons, so I was already pretty nervous about doing 7 for the first time this season and for the first real hill run of the season. Combine that with the fact that I was housesitting, so not sleeping in my own bed and not used to hearing a dog moving around the house at all hours of the night (scared me to death!!!)... and don't forget that I had a bar dinner with my dad and stepmom to celebrate my birthday, first interview since the layoff and my dad's first paycheck at his new job. Translation: cocktails, beer and greasy pizza. Not fun the next morning at 4:30, trust me on this one. Also not fun? Coffee. But hey, that's what training is for--to figure out what NOT to do on race day. It ended up being ok in the end, and perhaps it was just nerves all along, but my tummy wasn't happy with me when I showed up at the run.

One thing that is nice and that I've been noticing the past few runs is how I've been starting to feel better, pick up speed and really collect myself as the run progresses. At the beginning I find myself thinking "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know..." and feeling very unsure, but later I feel much stronger. It's much better than the reverse! The 7 miles of hills was kind of a beating, but in a great way. I felt fantastic after we finished.

A word on the runner's high: it doesn't necessarily mean it feels fabulous. It's a lot like being half drunk, minus the mental buzz and quick wit. It's more of a physical feeling rather than a mental one. You feel off, semi-disoriented, almost out of body b/c usually your legs are shaking or you feel a bit numb from all the jarring and pounding you've been doing for the past hour and a half or so. Then you get the laughs--just thinking about what you just did is like, "Wow. That's nuts." It's surreal. Love the run!

A Great Morning!

Just got back from a nice 6 miler with the group and breakfast with Ashley. It was a pretty good run and a great way to start the day. Next week will be 7 miles! More than half way (mileage wise)! Had a little bit of pain in my left calf but after I stretched it at the first water stop it eased up. This week I plan on doing more cross training (yoga, pilates, spin and body pump) and less walking. Definitely going to stretch and ice a few times today. I might go to body pump today depending on how I'm feeling this afternoon. I wasn't nearly as sore from it this week, so I'm thinking I'd like to start doing it twice a week.

Yesterday I was invited to out to PK for the weekend (and we all know how much I love the lake!) but the thought of doing a 6 miler on my own in this heat was just unbearable, so I figured I should stay here. I also remembered back when I was unable to run and would have given anything to be able to, so I tried to stay positive and know that I was making the best decision. Now that the run is over (and I just had a delicious bagel and cream cheese!), I am sure it was a wise choice. It is, however, difficult to make yourself get in bed on Friday nights when you can hear all your neighbors out and about and keep getting late-night text messages from friends at the bars. More frustrating than anything is that people don't seem to get it. Yah, I know I'm not going to win the races that I train for, but that's not why I do it. I do it because I want to and it's important to me, and it's about bettering myself--and I happen to love doing it. I don't see why certain people consider those reasons to be unimportant. I suppose you either get it or you don't, and if you don't there's probably no explaining it to you. Anyway, I really wish I could get better at going to sleep earlier on Fridays, but without the work week to tire me out, it's hard to wind down that early and I end up lying awake in bed for hours, which totally sucks. Had lots of energy this morning though so I was pleased.

I'm off to stretch a bit and then hit the pool for some relaxation before it really heats up out there... :)

An Unusual Question... and a Surprising Phone Call

Earlier today, as I lay about on the couch watching Live with Regis & Kelly and sipping Diet Coke in an attempt to escape from my four-bar, very-late-second-dinner/very-early-morning-breakfast and very-little-sleep-induced stupor (the joys of funemployment!), I was asked a strange question about running. Well, I guess technically I was asked two questions, the latter of which I consider strange just because no one has ever asked me it before. The first question was how long tomorrow's run is. Six miles, I said. The second question made me laugh. Typical follow-up questions include: "How long does that take you?", "Why?? Why???", "Where do you run?" and "Don't you get bored?" I love THIS question though!! This conversation was had on Facebook, so I literally quote: "How does that... feel?" Not wanting to scare this poor soul (for, unbeknownst to probably anyone except the girls from the RunOn social runs--and my loyal readers--ha!, I feel quite passionately about how it feels to have a great run--and there are many versions of a great run, but I digress... that's another post altogether...), I merely said that while it depends, it usually feels great. The truth is, whether it's a good or bad run, pain-free or excruciating, one thing is certain. You feel alive. It's the constant breathing that fills your lungs with air--the in and out, in and out, in and out--all the while moving in your stride and hearing the sic, sic, sic, sic of your feet hitting the ground. It's amazing. It's truly living. Don't get me wrong, it's not always enjoyable. There's nothing fun about being dogged by pain in the middle of a run, but feeling that pain definitely lets you know you're alive.

On to the surprising phone call. Not gonna lie, I typically screen my calls. Not because I feel I'm super important, but because I generally like to be the one to decide who I want to speak with and when. I also tend to sound a lot smarter (or just a lot less stupid?) in print as opposed to audio... hence the fact that I am a writer. Anyhoo, if I don't know a number, I don't answer it unless I'm feeling particularly adventurous. Thank goodness I wasn't feeling so this morning! I still haven't even ventured to put in my contacts or brush my teeth yet (shut up, single (and unemployed) people can do this--it's one of the perks--kind of like eating garlic and onions, sitting around in your underwear, drinking straight from the milk carton and eating directly out of the ice cream container), so I was in no capacity to field this call. When I checked the voicemail, it was a recruiter calling about a marketing job. I froze. No. Not yet. I'm not ready. I've just now regressed back to my college lifestyle (and weight and tanness!). I can't go back now! I hate the phone anyway. I prefer to collect necessary information, take it in, go back and forth on it and then respond when I feel comfortable. Phone calls do not allow for this. I don't know what I'll do. Probably wait til Monday to call back. I need to buy some time anyway. I don't even have my portfolio ready... or possess a suit appropriate for an interview. In fact, at this point, I have only two suits in my possession--birthday and swim. Neither would be acceptable for any interview I'd consider... although my swim suit is a very cute Michael Kors number :)

Back to training... Given last night's shenanigans, the spin and yoga class I'd planned on taking this morning did not happen. I believe once I drag myself off the couch, brush my teeth, put in my contacts and check the mail for my severance check (please dear Lord let it arrive!), I'll go do the trail. I had a nice 3 miler yesterday. Did 7 total, walked 4 of them. Feeling a bit rickety today so I'll probably just take it easy out there, do some laundry, go to bed early and be ready for the 6 miler at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Unemployment So Far: Lots of Working Out... and Cooking!

I can't lie... It's been really nice having the last week off from work! I've been able to get lots of working out in, including taking some classes at the gym that I normally wouldn't be able to. I've also been able to spend a little more time on cooking since I haven't been in the work-commute-change clothes-workout-shower-cook-go to bed rush. I figured since I have the time, I'd start taking some photos and work on a.) presentation and b.) my extreme lack of photography skills while I'm cooking. I also figured that this blog could use some more pictures, so why not. Here you go... we have a homemade pizza and some dessert... I can't cook ALL the time b/c I'm watching my diet and my money--so far: success!












Before baking...














... and done!

Anyway, back to the real purpose of this blog--training. Last Monday I suppose I had kind of a freakout moment. I got up at the usual time I would for work and went to the trail. I did 7 miles and got caught in the rain so I missed a workout class at the gym. I went home, made some breakfast and then it dawned on me... it was 9:30 a.m. and I'd done everything I'd had on my agenda for that day. Commence freakout. So I went back to the trail and ended up doing a total of 10 miles. The rest of the week was better. I've rediscovered the beauty of sleeping in and my laundry is pretty much always done. I try to space out the cleaning if only to give me something to do should I get really antsy. I've also ventured out to the pool and done some reading. Last week I did the trail a lot as well as the Wednesday group run, pilates on Thursday and spin and yoga on Friday. Saturday we had a 5-mile training run at 6 a.m. and yesterday I actually took a rest day! That's kinda difficult to do when you have plenty of time during the day, but I hadn't taken one in more than a week and I knew I should. This morning I did a body pump (barbell) class at the gym, and I might do some yoga later.

Recently: Orthotics, Hail, Kickoff, Faceplant, Layoff

As the title of this post suggests, a lot has happened since I last updated the blog. Due to recent events, I will be able to update it much more frequently, but more on that later... Here's a quick rundown of what's been going on...

So remember that burning in my calves? Turned out to be peroneal tendonitis in both legs. Fast forward 7 weeks and I was slowly back to running after breaking in custom orthotics--just in time to start the DRC half marathon training program for the DRC Half Marathon and White Rock Half Marathon. We did the Independence Day 5k on July 4th as an unofficial start to the training program. Many thanks to Craig, Ashley's husband, for taking the photo of me finishing the race. If you can't tell, I'm in pain. It's a work in progress!

The night of the kickoff meeting, my friend Ashley and I decided to get a quick walk/run in on the Katy Trail. The sky looked a bit ominous to the east but there had been no mention of rain in days, so we didn't think much of it. Then it got pretty windy... then it started sprinkling... then raining... then pouring... then hailing. In July. In Texas. All while the sun is shining. It was crazy. We had intended on taking it easy and just walking, but given the hail and torrential downpour (and our white t-shirts), we ran the rest of the way.

The following Saturday was the first group training run, and I was thrilled to not have any pain at all during the run. I'd also bought a new pair of running shoes--the Asics Gel Nimbus 11s--the day before, so I was excited to try them out. We're divided by pace, so Ashley and I are in different groups but another girl I met during the RunOn social runs is in my pace group, so we ran together. Our group was going a bit slower than we'd have liked and it was really packed since it was the first run, so we broke off and went ahead. Thank goodness we did because right around the beginning of the last mile, the toe of my left shoe catches on a root/crack in the trail, and I faceplant. Hard. I felt my knees hit, then my quads, hips, stomach, and then I kinda arched/skidded and rolled onto my girls, then my chin and my face. All I heard was “uggggghmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmfffffffffffffffffff,” which was me falling/breaking my fall, and my first thought was “my teeth!” followed by “my shoes!”, “my ipod!” and “I hope my knees are ok!” I immediately popped up and yelled “Let’s go!” to my friend and we took off again. I couldn’t see my face, obviously, but I attemped to spit the dirt out of my mouth and survey the damage as best I could. My shirt, shorts, quads, knees and hands were covered in dirt. Hands and knees were a little bloody, but not too bad--nothing dripping or anything. So while we’re running back I noticed that people are looking at me kinda weird and my friend kept asking if I was sure I didn't need to stop or get help cleaning up or anything. I knew that I was going to my dad’s for breakfast right after the run anyway, so I just skipped the meeting-up thing afterward and ran straight to the car and left. Upon looking in the mirror, I realized why my friend kept asking if I needed a towel or water or anything. DIRT EVERYWHERE. Allll over my face. Road rash (trail rash?) on my hip/stomach and legs, bits of gravel shoved into the cuts on my palms, etc. I looked like I’d been through an obstacle course. My left knee was absolutely huge and green all Saturday and I had some pretty awesome bruises, but everything healed pretty quickly. It's one week later and pretty much all the scabs on my knees are gone but there's still cuts on my palms and dark bruises on my knees.

This morning's run pretty good. Had a few tinges of pain at various points, but nothing that really lasted, so that's good. Going to keep up the icing, ibuprofen-ing, stretching, etc. I'm looking forward to doing more strength training, pilates, etc. during my new-found free time. As of this morning, I've lost 10 lbs. so I'm excited to see what I can do now that I have more time to concentrate on working out. What gave me all this new free time, you ask? I got a little surprise on Thursday in the form of a layoff. Not so bad really--at least I don't have to commute any more or get dressed up in the morning! I've been so busy the past few days, I haven't really had time to let it sink in, but for now I am pretty excited to have some time off and to decide what I want to do next. So many possibilities!!!

Anyhoo, that's about all the big things going on as of late. Oh, and I saw the new Harry Potter last night--it was awesome!

The Good, The Bad & The Burning

I guess I'll start with the (semi) good. The White Rock 'n Roll 5-miler was pretty good, all things considered. It was horribly humid (think 80%+), but thankfully overcast and only in the 70s. But still, it felt like running in a rain forest. I would have preferred it just start raining, as the girls and I had a glorious run in the pouring rain the Wednesday prior. Anyhoo, I was downright grumpy before I even hit the halfway point--I was on pace but feeling like I was working much harder than I should be just to be on (and not ahead) of pace, the outsides of my calves were positively burning and I was having to wipe sweat out of my eyes pretty much every chance I got. All in all, I had to stop 3 (!!!!!!!!) times to stretch my calves, so I knew something was definitely wrong. The past few weeks I'd had to stop no more than twice during a run to stretch them (and even that wasn't every time), and this time the stretching provided no relief. Whether the pain stopped or I just ignored it I'm not sure, but I was happy to see the finish line. My dad was there, which really gave me the energy to sprint it in. I finished in 51:40, about 2 minutes slower than my 5-mile PR, but considering the news I learned a few days after the race (read on), I'd say that's pretty good!

Long story short, my calves hurt all day Saturday after the race, all day Sunday, all day Monday and finally started to loosen up after I worked out Tuesday morning. I attempted my standard recovery run that Sunday after the race, but it was quite clear early on that something was not right... I made an appointment with a podiatrist who is also a runner/marathoner and went to see her on Wednesday. The verdict? Peroneal tendonitis in both legs... which is why finishing just 2 minutes slower than my PR is pretty good in my book. Basically after about 3/4 of a mile to a mile, the outsides of my calves--where the peroneal tendons are--start burning. I mean like 'holy shit my legs are on f-ing fire!' burning. I took from last Sunday until this morning off (doing only elliptical and weights at the gym) and bought new running shoes per the doctor's advice. (For anyone wondering, I got the Saucony Triumph 6--so far, so comfy!) I tried to run this morning, but was only about a mile and a quarter in before the burning set in. Following the doc's advice, I stopped immediately, but still, it's incredibly frustrating.

So the good--a decent race overall considering I ran it (and have been running for more than a month) with tendonitis in both legs. And the doc didn't put me in two soft casts/short leg boots!

The bad--peroneal tendonitis sucks. I miss running. :(

The burning--my calves. It's a good thing it's (mainly) only when I run, but on the other hand since it typically only hurts while running, I have no way of gauging how it's healing unless I go for a run, which could end up aggravating it (like today).

I doubt anyone's reading this, but I'll provide updates no less. Trying to stay optimistic yet realistic. For now I'm icing and relaxing because there's not much else to do. Until 5 a.m. tomorrow--and then it's back to the elliptical. Bah!

DRC Best of Times 5 Miler -- Success!

The race this morning was awesome!!! My friend Ashley had given me a goal time of under 56 minutes, so I was really excited to see myself on pace to finish below that, but I had no idea how far below that I'd actually be! I finished in 49:39 according to my watch, but I forgot to hit stop right when I crossed the finished line (I was too focused on passing up two girls ahead of me--don't worry, I got 'em!). Here's how it went:
mile 1: 10:06:01
mile 2: 9:48:03 (negative split)
mile 3: 9:47:58 (negative split)
mile 4: 10:08:31
mile 5: 9:49:99 (negative split; forgot to hit stop until about 5 sec. after, so I think it was actually more like 9:45, which would have made the overall time 49:34 or 35) -- UPDATE: Official time was 49:32!

I don't have any pictures because my dad didn't bring his camera, but it's all good. It was very cold and windy this morning before we started, but then it got really humid and misty during the race. I'm glad it stayed overcast because the sun would have made it even warmer and gross. I was really excited to have 3 sub-10 min. miles all with negative splits! To my knowledge I'd never run a sub-10 mile in my life until yesterday when I ran with my new watch for the first time (also did a negative split on that one). I hadn't ever really timed myself though, so it's possible (and probable) that I did it before and never knew it.

I think now I might have to treat myself to that new nano I said I wanted... I was really hoping for a good song to come on my shuffle around 4.5... I got lucky, but it would have been nice to be able to instantly play one of my favorites to finish the race! Might have to pick that up today :)

As for the Zoo run in a few weeks... do I want to do the 5k and aim for under 30 or the 10k and aim for under 60?? Decisions, decisions...

So pumped--ready to celebrate!! Many thanks to my dad for cooking up a delicious post-race breakfast! :)

Updates: Dash Down Greenville, PRs, Upcoming Races & New Gear!

Once again, it's been a while. However, good news to report... On March 14th my sister Lauren and I ran the St. Paddy's Day Dash Down Greenville and PR-ed with out even trying to! What a nice surprise. The weather was cold and had been pretty rainy, but it was actually great during the race. The race was packed though!! It was really crowded even to the end. We finished in 31:19, which has kind of spurred me to track my times and set some more goals for upcoming races. It was also a great excuse to pick up a cool running watch, which I did :) I got a new pair of running shoes this week since my old ones had pretty much had it. My good friend Ashley also introduced me a few months ago to the best shorts ever... the Nike Tempo Track shorts--they are so comfortable!

This weekend I have the Dallas Running Club Best of Times Handicapped 5-Miler. It'll be my first race in the new shoes, but I had a pretty good run in them on Wednesday during the social run even though the dr. had taken quite a bit of my blood right before I ran. I write this post with a rumbling tummy and much thirst... I've been ordered to fast (including water!!) since last night in preparation for an abdominal sonogram to (hopefully) figure out why I've been having stomach pains for the past 2.5 weeks. Luckily they haven't interfered with my running, so that's goood!

Later this month I'll be doing the Fort Worth Zoo run--either the 10k or the 5k, kind of depending on how tomorrow's race goes. I have some other races on the calendar, as well as a list of gear I'd like to pick up in the near future:

1. new iPod nano & armband. Possibly the Nike+ footpod too, but we'll start with the nano--I love that you can have your 'inspiration' song programmed to play at the push of a button, haha! Plus it comes in an awesome purple color--go Frogs! I really like my shuffle (thanks Charles!), but I think as I get into longer races, it will be nice to be able to plan out my playlist based on the race course. I've noticed if it's a song a like, I can tune it out if I'm really focused (I have no idea what I was listening to as I finished the Dash Down Greenville!), but it's really annoying to have it go to a slow song or something and you have to focus on hitting 'next' over and over til you get a good song. You can't tune out a bad song!
2. more Nike Tempo Track shorts. They're more expensive than other shorts (about $30 a pair), so I gotta pick them up here and there.
3. more running sports bras... I don't like having to do so much laundry every week! Again, the ones I get are more expensive than your standard sports bras (between $30-50), but hey, gotta look out for the girls!
4. more running socks. I get the Asics running socks and they are so comfortable, they've practically replaced my other socks altogether. Again, too much laundry since I wear them so often!

The new shoes and watch are off the list, so that's some progress! I've also made another cool discovery (again, thanks to Ashley!). I've always been a huge Runner's World fan, but I'd never used their training log before. It's really cool and a great way to track your runs, mileage, cross training, strength training, other activities, etc. You can even save your routes, list the type of run you did (tempo, long, fartlek, easy, etc.) and keep track of mileage on your shoes.

I will try to add a post about this weekend's race, hopefully with pics too. My dad is coming out to cheer me on (what a nice surprise!), so I asked him to bring his camera in hopes that he can get a few pictures.