Catholic Runner - Praying for the Finish

No truer words

2011-06-25T19:29:00.000-04:00

Doctor, Doctor

2011-06-14T20:18:00.003-04:00

I finally broke down and went to the doctor to check on my back of the knee pain area. I had put it off worried that I'd be sent back to physical therapy. I am happy to report that after a few x-rays and orders not to run for another week or two I was given some anti inflammatories and sent on my way.

I went for a short run on Sunday. Some ice and a pill and I am back in business.

I am a Warrior

2011-05-16T21:10:00.005-04:00

anybody else hear Patty Smyth and Scandal running through there heads after reading that title? I am showing my age.

Going into the Warrior Dash I had a few apprehensions - any obstacle involving water and any tall walls. The site said the water would be 3-4 ft deep. Liars! My friend Val is almost 5'10 and couldn't touch the bottom. One thing you should know about me is that I have a thing about water that I can't see through and I can't swim. (don't judge)

I wasn't concerned about the running or the fire obstacle. I was actually pretty pumped about jumping over fire.

I was concerned when I overheard a very fit looking runner chick say she did the dash last year and it was the hardest thing she ever did...

Well here's the low down. This was far from the hardest thing I've ever done. It wasn't easy but it was a challenge and it was a blast!

We were late to register and the only time slots available were at 8:00 am, the first run. This actually was an advantage. I image the course and obstacles get tougher as the day goes on just due the amount of people running through them. Our goal was not worry about time just to get through each obstacle. I suggested we start at the back of the pack taking some of the pressure off getting through the obstacles while knowing you are holding other people up.

First we ran till we hit the first obstacle - the slithering swamp. It was swampy, cold, and deep. It was a small lake and the had the area for you to "run" through roped off. I used the rope to pull myself along when I could no longer touch the bottom.

Next up was Road Rage - running through tires and over old cars. Probably the easiest of all the obstacles. The we hit the Barricade Breakdown which you had to climb over a about 4ft wall and then under barbed wire. The hard part was getting your footing in the mud. Then we ran a little more till we hit the Great Warrior Wall. This was an oh shit moment. This wall was easily 12ft tall and you had to pull yourself up using a rope. This really was the scariest part. I could see myself losing my grip and falling to my death. After wall everything else seemed easy.

The tire tread, muddy mayhem, cargo climb, chaotic crossover and arachnophobia went by quick. We then hit the blackout and everyone thought they had to crawl through it since you had to stay low but I there was no way I was going to crawl through unseen dirt so I just squatted down and walked through it - being short has it's advantages.

We did some more hiking/running and came upon the Petrifying Plunge which we were told by the person manning the obstacle to go do head first even though I swear we read on the waiver not to go head first but all four us did. It was fun because you hauling butt down the hill until you realize to stop you are either going to slam into bales of hay or another person. I managed to run into both my daughter and hay - the best of both worlds. At that point we could see the end of course. We just had to make through the menacing minefield which consisted of going under barbed wire (once again I squatted) and rolling over some wooden logs and then a barrel. I actually had the hardest time getting over that barrel than any other thing on the course. I finally made over that barrel to come out to the long awaited Warrior Roast. The thing I was most looking forward to...and that's when it happened. I took my leap over he first line of fire and somehow landed wrong and immediately felt a shooting pain at the back of my knee. I jumped over the second line of fire and hobbled across the finish line.

The girls want to make it an annual event. Val and I are trying to decide if it's a one and done or if we really want to make it an annual event. Truthfully, the accomodations were our first obstacle. I am now the proud owner of a set of "travel sheets" to be used when we have to stay at some place sketchy. However, it was a lot of fun and the best run event I've been to. They had a bag check. You turned in your timing chip to recieve your free beer. There were lots of porta potties. And there was even a coupon on your bib for $5 off a $20 purchase of warrior gear. In addition, if you didn't want a helmet you could get an additional t-shirt instead which is nice for those who already have a helmet from last year because really how many helmets does one person need unless you plan to outfit an army of warriors.

The official photos are suppose to be available on the 18th. I hope to post some but be warned, it's going to be ugly.

The Beginning and The End

2011-05-14T20:00:00.004-04:00

It started like this

and ended like this

more to come....

Am I a Warrior?

2011-05-04T14:34:00.005-04:00

Next Saturday I'll find out as my daughter, a dear friend and her daughter all head to North Georgia to tackle the Warrior Dash.

I am more concerned about having to run through neck deep water than I am about fire. Please, please, don't let there be water...

End of a 32 day streak

2011-04-03T18:38:00.000-04:00

My feet on the pavement. Its a good end.

--------------------------
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Lent

2011-03-21T20:44:00.003-04:00

I have yet to run a race for March. Poor planning on my part. I really wanted to do some sort of Shamrock run or something around St. Patricks day but truth be told I was so busy eating my self into a sugar coma for Fat Tuesday that I couldn't stomach the idea of running that weekend or the week after and even now it doesn't sound like such a great idea. It looks as if I may have given up running for Lent...

well maybe not Lent, maybe just the month of March.

Mardi Gras 5K

2011-03-02T20:02:00.004-05:00

February's race was the Mardi Gras 5K. It was the 2nd annual. I didn't run the 1st so I can't make a comparison.

Low points:

the line for number pick up was long and slow (at least for my part of the alphabet)

I received the largestsize Med shirt I've ever laid eyes on. Seriously my husband could wear it and he wears an XL

It was 30 stinkin degrees out, but that's really not the races fault

My finish time 32:30

High points:

I ran the whole race and never once thought "I've got to stop" or "is it almost over" or "this sucks"

I seriously had a religious experience and gave in to running at an even pace and wasn't concerned about my time ( that changed slighty as I got closer to the finish line)

I beat the hills

My finish time 32:30

My finish time is both a high and a low. I really don't like to take longer than 30 mins but for 32 minutes isn't so bad for hills and being so stinkin cold that I couldn't tell if my labored breathing was from running fatigue or not being able to catch my breath because it was so cold.

February Race

2011-02-02T20:31:00.003-05:00

I really don't like this course. Its the same or close to the same course for Christmas in July and the Jobble Jog. At this point I am just gonna keep running races on this course until it no longer sucks to me.

New Gear

2011-01-20T19:47:00.003-05:00

Being snowed/iced in Georgia last week lead to zero running. Catching up at work from the week out of the office has lead to minimal running this week. To inspire me, I order these from Zappos yesterday. Holy crap these compression pants are fantastic. Worth every single dollar. I was so inpsired I put on my new shoes and pants and no I didn't run. It was dark out and I am a scaredy-cat. I did the 30 Day Shred. Yeah, I was that inspired.

After the Shred, I packed my gym bag to make sure I made it to the treadmill tomorrow before work. I am telling you the pants are that great!

2011 Running Goals

2011-01-04T20:16:00.003-05:00

Nothing complicated. 12 races in 12 months. I am going to try not to get too tied up on time and distance. I just want to focus on the joy of running. Oh and maybe a smaller butt.

New Year

2011-01-01T20:38:00.004-05:00

I started this year with 3.1 miles in the cold Georgia rain.

33:32 soaking wet

2010

2010-12-31T19:57:00.000-05:00

The year of non-running comes to an end!

Getting Back into the Routine

2010-11-29T19:13:00.001-05:00

3 happy miles this morning.

Thankful

2010-11-25T20:25:00.001-05:00

I finally got up off my butt and ran today. It felt great!

Time Flies When Your Being Lazy

2010-11-03T20:55:00.002-04:00

Holy crap, I missed the whole month of October. You didn't miss much. Just some walking with no running at all.

I off to read about you real runners, you guys that actually get out there and run. I am living through you and ultimately I'll be inspired and motivated by you. Thanks!!!

Observations

2010-09-26T07:44:00.000-04:00

It's hard to write a running blog when you are not running.

Yesterday while stopped at a stoplight 3 fit women I know ran by and I thought to myself...bitches. Yes, I maybe Catholic but I am far from a saint.

I am going to make an attempt to get back to consistently running.It will give me something to write about, make me a nicer person, and hopefully a little bit thinner. (can it be called getting thinner when you are on the chubby side. should it be less chubby?)

Rest Day

2010-09-20T19:34:00.000-04:00

I've taken the concept of a rest day to new heights (or lows). I've hit rest weeks. Rest is an eaiser concept to deal with than the truth - I've hit a big patch of LAZY...

Walk the Walk

2010-08-26T17:48:00.000-04:00

Not a lot of running happening. But I've started walking with my daughter after work. It's all part of my evil plan - first we walk, then we'll move to walk/run intervals, and then we run and before I know it we are like this

but keep it on the down low cause my plan might scare her off, she not real big into sweating, yet.

It's Not You, It's Me

2010-08-13T19:37:00.000-04:00

You know all this time I've been blaming race photographers for making me look so bad in race/running photos. Well a friends husband may have just proven at the Flaminog 5K that it's me and not the person taking the picture. I don't know what it is about running shoes, shorts, tshirt and bib that makes it impossible for me not to look old, haggard, and chunky...

TGIF

2010-07-16T11:14:00.000-04:00

Because it's Friday and I only like to pretend I am working on Friday. I found this website and created this

Go Keep Calm about something, just don't let the boss catch ya...

I Need More Bibs

2010-07-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Next up, the 5K Flamingo Run . The preppy in me couldn't resist the pink and green. Damned be the heat at the end of July.

Good lord, I hope this isn't the same course as the Turkey Trot that starts and ends at the Marietta Square...

The Peachtree in Pictures

2010-07-06T19:19:00.000-04:00

7:50 start, Group E.Looking at group F. Favorite sight I ran on the right hand side because I ran slow and so I was sure to get a blessing. This guys a Lutheran, but hey there's no bad blessing if you ask me.Yum -beer.

Running on an empty stomach I had to fore go or Catholic Runner would have been Buzzed up Runner. No Tolerance.This is a picture of the finish line photographers, see them up there by the stoplight. You know them, the ones who can't get a good photo of you if you paid them.The End.

P.S. Let's just say I beat my husband by 6.2 miles and I'll leave it at that...

Third Times A Charm or Three Strikes Your Out

2010-07-02T09:49:00.000-04:00

I am planning on running the Peachtree Road Race on the 4th. My shins are telling me something different.
Probably not a good choice for my first post-injury race experience since the Nike Women's Half.

For the 3rd year in a row, I will stand in starting area and think "what the hell was I thinking?"...

Faded Memories

2010-06-22T11:29:00.001-04:00

Time has a way of helping us forget things. You look back on things and only remember the good.
I am not sure what “good” I was remembering about this when I popped it in the dvd palyer.

But, it didn’t take long for me to remember what a hellish 30 minutes this tiny trainer can inflict. Now I only remember the pain. 30 days of pain, no real visible difference. What was I thinking last night?

Sloooooow and Steady

2010-06-15T18:37:00.000-04:00

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3 Straight

2010-06-08T19:37:00.000-04:00

3 straight miles. It took me a little over 36 minutes. Slow and steady may not win the race but it will get me to the finish line

photo credit

Cause for Celebration

2010-06-03T06:57:00.000-04:00

When you finish a mile in 12:12 and you want to throw your hands up in the air and yell "That's right mother trucker" You

are have just started running and ran your first full mile or
are trying to get back into running after an injury, serious lapse, or both

good thing I can sensor myself since and stay quite since I was on the treadmill at the gym when that urge overcame me.

Run Today

2010-06-02T07:44:00.000-04:00

I am not doing anything special for National Running Day.

Today's a long day and I haven't planned well. But, I will do my best to try to get in at least a very short run.

If that happens it will be special, since my running shoes have done nothing but collect dust lately.

M.I.A.

2010-05-21T13:13:00.000-04:00

I am still here. Just busy frantically looking for my running mojo...

One at a Time

2010-05-13T14:44:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted much because honestly I haven't run much lately. Part taking it slow so not to get injured and part lazy.

I tend to have an all or nothing problem. I am all about running or I am all about sitting on the couch. Getting back to where I was before getting injured is so overwhelming. How am I ever going to be able to run 10 miles again when I haven't even been able to run one straight mile without walking is what I think.

Yesterday on the way to the gym I told myself just run one mile, that's all you have to do. Just run, no walking, don't worry how long it takes just go the distance.

My first mile took 12 mins 30 seconds. I walked 5 minutes to regroup. Ran mile 2 in 10 minutes. I am just going to focus on one mile at a time. Hopefully building a quarter mile at a time with the goal of getting to a straight 3 mile mark by the middle of June. First distance, then speed.

You're Never Too Old to Learn Something New

2010-05-05T12:11:00.001-04:00

2 hours is not enough time to digest chicken nuggets before a run

20 minutes is the most time you before running in public after eating chicken nuggets gets too risky

photo credit

Shut Up and Let Me Go

2010-04-29T20:21:00.000-04:00

I thought I was only going to be able to walk yesterday but then my mp3 played this

I ended up walking/running in 5 minute intevals for an hour and it felt fantastic. Thank The Ting Tings

You have to start somewhere

2010-04-28T18:39:00.000-04:00

I am on the treadmill. My pace may not move beyond a walk but at least my butt's off the couch
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Rest Days

2010-04-22T08:54:00.000-04:00

Rest days are good. Unless of course you are on your 8th consecutive rest day.

Stiffness

2010-04-14T19:41:00.001-04:00

Either yesterday's run proved I am way out of condition or I was hit by a bus.

photo credit

Secret Motivation

2010-04-13T12:45:00.001-04:00

The pain of commuting into Atlanta with all the other commuters may have finally put an end to my inner lazy girl. Up at 4:30am, out the door at 5:00am, on the treadmill at 5:30am.

People think I am dedicated to get up and workout in the morning. But now you know my secret, it's the only option if I want to collect a paycheck and not have an hour commute to work in the morning. The hour plus home is really all this girl can stand...

photo credit

Mark Your Calendars

2010-03-17T18:16:00.000-04:00

National Run a Mile Day is set for May 6-8.

What 4 and a half months off of running has taught me

2010-03-16T12:10:00.000-04:00

That there is actually a lazy girl trapped inside me just dying to get out and do nothing.
That the 30 minutes between 4:30am and 5:00am make a world of difference to my beauty sleep.
It may take me 6 plus months to get back up to running spead

I am Back Baby!

2010-03-08T18:20:00.002-05:00

My first run, well run/walk, in 4 1/2 months. 3.10 miles in 40 minutes and it felt great!

Wake Me When Its Time To Go

2010-02-25T14:39:00.000-05:00

I am doing everything I can to stay awake at work. I am trying to cut caffeine out my diet to help with the digestive problems. Sweet Jesus, I must have been living powered by caffeine. Where's my jammies, I need a nap.

Or it could be a combination of no caffeine and a food combining mixup.

Day 30

2010-02-23T09:18:00.001-05:00

That's right today's my last Shred workout. 30 stinkin days straight.

By the way, the scale said 130.4 this morning.

On a completely unrelated note - I am looking into food combining a la Suzanne Somers because I am experiencing some digestive problems lately...I'll let you know how it goes.

132.9

2010-02-19T08:56:00.002-05:00

Are you kidding me? If you listen closely, you can still hear me screaming!

Day 24

2010-02-17T19:22:00.000-05:00

I started level 3 on day 20. In some ways I think it's easier than level 1 and 2 but it puts more stress on my injury.

I am not sure what I'll do after day 30, probably finally take Penny's advice and try some pilates.

Only 6 more days (smile)

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler

2010-02-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Mardi Gras! Indulge!

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-14T07:40:00.002-05:00

129.2

2010-02-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

I think it has less to do with the 30 Day Shred and more to do with a little bit of personal drama that's taken away my appetite. Either way, I hope it sticks. 2 days ago the scale said 134.5

Half Way

2010-02-08T20:28:00.001-05:00

Day 15. Half way. See that "Lose Up To 20 Pounds in 30 Days" Well I am not even half way, I am not even a quarter of the way or an 1/8 of the way for that matter. I am wondering if you can actually do 30 days and just maintain. What a sad thought...

30 Day Shred - Level 2

2010-02-04T15:41:00.001-05:00

(Silence)

I am following my mom's advice - If you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all...

Sugar Solution

2010-02-02T16:03:00.000-05:00

If there was a drug for sugar addicts as there is a drug for alcohol dependecy I think I'd be slim.

I in no way mean to make light of alcohol problems. I 've known too many people with them. But I have to think there's something similar to the desire to want a drink and my urge and desire I have to get home and have a no bake cookie that's waiting for me in the pantry.

On a lighter tone, I completed Day 8 of the 30 Day Shred yesterday.

132.2

2010-01-31T19:03:00.000-05:00

I week of Shred done! It's still painful and I am still doing girl push-ups but I may try to tackle level 2 at about day 10.

Pretend

2010-01-29T12:39:00.001-05:00

I had to resort to the cafeteria today because I didn't plan ahead.The fish looked "ify" and there's nothing worse than ify fish so I went with the vegetable plate. I am pretending it's the hamburger and french fries that I really wanted...

No Safe Place

2010-01-28T11:26:00.000-05:00

This is what greeted me when I sat down at my hair appointment yesterday. I enjoyed the article, but she's still not my friend.

Day 3 and Day 4 done.

Day 2

2010-01-26T15:23:00.002-05:00

My chance for success may be more realistic if I do the 30 Day Shred in the morning. The realization that I have to go home and do it just makes me want to cry. I am pretty sure I know how Anne Boylen felt waiting for the executioner.

This I Know For Sure

2010-01-26T14:20:00.001-05:00

If I don't see some major changes for inflicting this kind of pain on myself for 30 days, I am going looking for Jillian Michaels.

It Says Extreme Weight Loss

2010-01-25T19:20:00.000-05:00

I"ll be the judge of that. I am getting ready to bust the 30 Day Shred out of the wrapping. Can't promise I'll actually get into the dvd player.
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My Name Is

2010-01-24T08:34:00.001-05:00

Ann and I am a sugaraholic. Acknowledgement is the first step isn't it?

I went all day without any sugar or diet pop yesterday. It was a good day, if you overlook the crying spell and mood swingings...

Public Service Announcement

2010-01-22T14:31:00.001-05:00

If you are trying to slim down it's best not to bring kit kats and rolos in to the house. And under no circumstance should you bake a chocolate cake.

The Truth Hurts

2010-01-20T08:11:00.002-05:00

I got a does of reality today when I put on my "fat" suit and found the skirt to be a little tight.

I thought I was holding steady. Not losing but not gaining. The number on the scale hasn't moved up but when your go to suit is getting tight, it's like a splash of cold water.

I need to stick the plan. My 25yr High School Class Reunion is this summer, that should be motivating enough but I am slow to get serious about getting into shape.

What I know doesn't work is eating a kit kat while watching the Biggest Loser...

image http://www.cafepress.com/+sticker_oval,382158360

Constant Reminder

2010-01-09T07:55:00.002-05:00

I am trying to have a nice quite morning. First one up, reading some blogs, and keep being harassed by this damn ad

seeing it once or twice - coincidence, three or more times - someone's following me. Thank goodness she's blonde (I am a brunette) or I'd have to punch my computer.

Bright Side

2010-01-06T21:09:00.000-05:00

One good thing about not be able to use the gym at this time is that I am not having to fight the crowds for a machine. Resolutions will be falling by the wayside just as I get the ok to hit the treadmill again.
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Lunch for Losers

2010-01-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Very healthy. But I have to confess that I tried to EAT my weight in gumballs earlier today. I think I have sugar issues. The gumball machine has since been removed from my desk.
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The Holiday Aftermath

2010-01-04T11:29:00.002-05:00

131.4. What an ugly number to someone who has to wear heels to officially make the 5' mark. No point crying about it now. Time to get tough and learn to tell myself no...no cookie...no pizza. Who am I kidding, I need to say not so much rather than no...

Injury update: 2-4 months before I can run again. Seems like a lifetime away especially since I am noticing a limp after I set for an extended period. Starting to wonder if I will have to consider a future without running....

It's All In The Planning

2010-01-03T20:20:00.002-05:00

As much as I hate to admit it, I learned this weekend that if I don’t plan ahead what I am going to eat, I’ll eat whenever I want and all I want.

Thank goodness there's so many creative and generous bloggers out there. I found this handy free printable food journal from Jen Allyson at TheProjectGirl.com. If you haven’t checked her out, you should. You can also find a Workout Worksheet.

Goal Setting

2010-01-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

My goal for 2010 is to lose at least15lbs so I can wear my SPI Belt (should I ever run again) without it ending up sitting under my breast. I actually would like to accomplish more than just that in 2010 but I am pacing myself.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T18:07:00.002-05:00

Hope your new year is off to a great start!

I've officially put a stop to the holiday eating frenzy. It's not pretty.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T05:18:00.001-05:00

May your troubles be few and your blessings be many today.

Mobile Testing

2009-12-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

I have dreaded coming to physical therapy all day. All because of the 10 minutes spent on this bike. Weak.
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128.2

2009-12-15T07:49:00.000-05:00

I weighed yesterday but am a day late posting because I was busy eating cookies, obviously

126.3

2009-12-07T08:14:00.000-05:00

I think it's a fluke but I am too sick to care right now.

Phyiscal therapy update - getting better, the knots in my muscles are almost gone. Still walk with a limp. Seriously, who would have thought running 6 miles injured would have caused this much damage. All for that stinkin necklace.

but it is pretty....

127.9lb

2009-11-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

I blame it on a lot of sodium and a few of these

Back to tracking calories. UGH!

Thanksgiving Day

2009-11-26T07:27:00.001-05:00

Also known in some parts as taking one for the team.

Hope your day is filled with family, friends, and blessings.

Keeping It Real

2009-11-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

I went to bed hungry. Don't feel bad for me. Remember the muffin, hamburger, french fries, mikes and ikes. I added some peppermint bark, grilled cheese and spinach sandwich, spoonful of mac and cheese, and a spoonful of cornbread dressing, and a fun size pack of m & ms
I was hungry by 8:00pm.

Luckily for me, I made the mistake of stopping at the mall on the way home yesterday to pick something up. I decided to try some clothes on. Nothing like standing in a dressing room in a sweaty state of frustration to give you a dose of reality.

126.6lbs on a 5ft frame is not a good look, no matter how that 126.6 is distributed

Back in the Saddle

2009-11-23T15:13:00.000-05:00

Or more likely butt in seat. Today was my first workout since the Nike Half. One of my fellow runners actually clapped when he saw me approaching the gym.

All in all 45 minutes went pretty quickly.

Since my running shoes are put up for the rest of 2009, I am going to focus on weight management. Which I hope translate to weight loss, but I had a muffin for breakfast, hamburger and fries, and a co-worker bought me a 10lb bag of mikes and ikes so I am not off to a good start.

Wish me luck. The scale read 126.6 this morning. If I am brave enough I'll post my weight every Monday.

Getting Better All The Time

2009-11-19T06:56:00.004-05:00

Making progress. Only a small limp left. Can almost put all my body weight on my left leg. Still having hip fatigue/pain from walking too far or too fast.

I have another therapy session tonight. The insurance statements have started to come in. We're going to discuss these crazy bills tonight. I may need to shop around.

Big Pun

2009-11-17T12:54:00.003-05:00

Reminising today. Say or think what you will but I think this will be the newest addition to my mp3. Watch Big Pun, how can you not want to groove or at least wave your hands in the air? Ah memories. Go ahead and judge.

You Say It's Your Birthday.

2009-11-13T10:59:00.005-05:00

Yah,it's my birthday too.

To celebrate I am going to physical therapy where I will once again continue to discuss that there's got to be a quicker way to get me back into exercise and running.

Later, I will be doing this, minus the fancy dress and tiara, to both celebrate my birthday and drink away my running blues.

Here's to another year of me! In lieu of presents, I request you run a mile for me today!

359.80

2009-11-09T13:32:00.008-05:00

That's the number of miles I am going to miss my 800 mile goal by this year. After my last physical therapy session I was told I would run again but it wouldn't happen this year.

To be fair, even if I could run I'd still more than likely miss that goal. I plan to set a more realistic goal for next year and take into consideration my shin splint prone shins into the equation.

So for now it looks like it's just me and the exercise bike (which I dislike more than the elliptical) as long as it doesn't cause pain. I am using the term pain loosely, because I find everything about the exercise bike painful. You'd think with the amount of junk I have in the trunk I'd be able to ride for hours comfortably. I guess my backside has reached the point of diminishing returns. Hence the need for some form of exercise until I can run again...

Physical Therapy

2009-11-05T17:17:00.000-05:00

If a 15 min ice pack costed me $65 I wonder how much this baby is going to set me back?
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Planning Ahead

2009-10-30T14:39:00.004-04:00

In an attempt to imagine myself running again and to stay motivated, I've set my sights on these two races for 2010.

This one in October

And this one in December

Plenty of time to get healed, start slow, and build back up some distance.

Reason to Keep Up On Distance

2009-10-27T09:48:00.003-04:00

I discovered these at the Nike Half and bought home a pack. They've been on my mind ever since. Anytime, you can eat a gummy candy for energy, count me in. Since I normally run shorter distances, I haven't tried gels and the like. But once I am healed, I want to build back up to a 10 mile base just so I can have a semi excuse to use these for "energy".

Doctor, Doctor

2009-10-25T08:22:00.003-04:00

Still limping and in pain and starting to feel feverish I went to the doctor Friday. She said if you want to run again you need physical therapy. So off I went to physical therapy where I tell my tale and I am happy to say nobody has treated me like a crazy person for finishing a race injured.

Seems my thigh strain has caused IT band issues, which then lead to a piriformis issue, which in turn lead to another issue. I didn't catch that last issue because the physical therapist had started working the knots out of my muscles and I was contrating too hard on not crying out for my momma it hurt so bad. As he was explaining what probably happened, he stated a time or two "I am not yelling at you, I know you runners are a stubborn bunch."

Bottom line: No running for probably 4-6 weeks, no excercise at all for now, 3 home stretches to do twice a day and icing 3 times a day. He'd like to see me 3 times a week but I'll probably only make it once a week due to my work schedule and location vs their schedule and location. Alright, I am off to take some pain relievers.

Amendment to the Race Recap

2009-10-22T10:27:00.006-04:00

Did I mention that the 2:58 time included 2 bathroom breaks where I continued to demonstrate my skill for picking the slowest line possible, as well as a stop at all but one water table, the orange slice stop, the Luna bar stop, and the chocolate stop.

Isn't it funny how after the dust settles, your mind works over time rehashing the details. The ego is a cruel friend.

Race Recap - I Ran Like An Injured Girl

2009-10-21T10:37:00.008-04:00

I forget why I don't like big races until we start and then remember, crap the crowd. I think it was something like mile 4 before the masses started to thin out and you weren't running into people. It's so hard for me to get a good pace going.

Pre-race, my 13 mile runs came in at just under 2:15. Not fast but with walk breaks I was happy with that. For the race I was hoping to beat 2:30 with the crowd and the hills. At mile 7, when I pulled a thigh muscle I was just praying to finish. Pain for 6.1 miles. I was disappointed because I wasn't tired and I was handling the hills well but the pain, ugh. I finished in 2:58:39. Under 3 hours, injured, well I can't be disappointed in that. Pain and all I enjoyed every single minute.

I think Nike did a great job with the race. I was disappointed with most of the race merchandise. Note to Nike - Not everyone has a long, thin torso and wide shoulders. Some of us are a little shorter and thicker, just saying.

I was told I would be hooked on the race and want to run it again. But I wasn't, could be the pain talking. It would be nice to have a pain free do-over. If I ran it again, I would want to be part of the Team in Training because that was where the excitement was on race day.

Probably wasn't wise to keep running but I came for the necklace and I wasn't leaving without it. I am still hobbling today but it's a small price to pay to say I finished.

Oh and Note to Self - if you run it again don't spend 6 hours walking around sight seeing the day before, just saying, might not have been a good idea.

Ready Set Go

2009-10-18T08:49:00.000-04:00

Heading to the starting line. Going to enjoy every mile.
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Checked in at Expo . Plan to go back to expo sans husband =)

2009-10-16T22:13:00.000-04:00

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All Set

2009-10-15T23:21:00.000-04:00

Packed and ready to go. Hope to leave the pre-race jitters at home.
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Ice Ice Baby

2009-10-14T13:32:00.002-04:00

The ice seems to be working. Just a little soreness left.

The sitting on my butt at home after work and skipping workouts has also probably helped the injury but not the size of said butt.

One thing at a time...

Going Going Groin

2009-10-12T09:52:00.002-04:00

I believe I finished my 7 mile run yestrday with a minor pulled groin muscle. Not sure how I did it. Currently working on stretching. No problem. I have at least 5 days to stretch it out.

It was all a dream

2009-10-11T07:50:00.005-04:00

I dreamt that I was late to the half marathon, I was running with a friend who isn't a runner, and we kept getting delayed visiting people's houses. We were only three miles in and it was getting dark because it was getting late and I kept thinking I am not going to get my necklace. Either it was too much beer before bed or I am experiencing a little anxiety about my upcoming trip to San Fransisco.

Race Ready

2009-10-05T08:51:00.002-04:00

13.1 miles yesterday. I am now mentally ready for the race.

12 Plus Concrete

2009-09-27T09:59:00.008-04:00

Equals a little over 6 miles. My plan was 12 miles but I thought I would venture from the neighborhood for a little less hill and different scenery. I didn't take into account having to run on concrete and at about mile 5 my left shin really started to hurt. So I called it a 6 mile run and a lesson learned.

Stay in the neighborhood

I have trouble pacing my walk/run ratio if it's not caused by a hill

Stay off concrete

Right now I am resisting the urge to panic. It's about 3 weeks till the Nike Half and I was hoping for a somewhat easy 12 miles. It just run, tomorrow could be a how different game right?

New Shoes

2009-09-22T15:47:00.005-04:00

These are my new shoes. We're having a little problem with rain here in the Atlanta area so I haven't tested them outside yet. I did test them on 4 mile treadmill run and they passed. Thank goodness, last thing I need is shoe issue so close to a half that I may only be semi ready for.

I am having some pain issues with the bottom of my foot which I think has less to do with the shoe and more to do with standing at a career fair in flats for 6 hrs last week.

I thought the shoes were kind of cool but if you see them attached to my pasty white leg they're anything but cool.

Rain, Rain Go Away

2009-09-20T13:50:00.002-04:00

Non-stop, thunder included.

One Month

2009-09-18T08:30:00.004-04:00

One month till the Nike Women's Half Marathon. I am hoping to get in 12 miles this weekend, if I can find a block of rain-free time.

It's also probably time to replace my running shoes soon. Any helpful tips or hints for anyone who's run this race....

Penny for your Thoughts

2009-09-09T11:45:00.004-04:00

I finally made the time committement and did an 11 mile neighborhood run Monday. I'd like to take credit but the credit really goes to Penny who was in head through out my run. Thanks Penny!

Fear of Commitment

2009-09-04T09:12:00.004-04:00

Why I'll never really be a long distance runner - time commitment. It's not that I am too busy, although I am busy. It's the anxiety of knowing that I will need to spend the next hour or two running rather than cleaning, doing laundry, getting to work, sitting on my butt watching tv, or just being accessible to the world at large who may need something at any given minute. An hour, that's all I have to give. That's my time threshold. I'd love to change it and I hope to chip away at it because everyone should be able to dedicate time for themselves to do the thing they love.

With the Women's Nike Half quickly approaching next month I am not feeling so great about this time issue I am having. I hope to do better with this weekend's long run, because the last two weekends there were no long runs. Wish me luck...

Knowledge is Power

2009-08-28T14:04:00.002-04:00

Something for everyone....
100 Essential Health and Nutrition Tips for Avid Runners

Running Banana

2009-08-25T14:22:00.007-04:00

Back at the end of June I placed an order with Running Banana and I've been meaning to post about it for awhile. I was impressed because the turn around time was like a week. It was a last minute idea to order a special shirt for the Peachtree Road Race but I wasn't sure it would get here in time and it did. But what I love most about the shirt, unlike the few other running shirts I have, it isn't tapered or too small around the waist/hip area. I guess I am little more boxy shaped and I appreciate the roominess. You can create your own or use one of their designs and they have several styles of shirts to choose from. One of these days I am going to get off my behind and order another shirt or two.

Today's One More Mile Song

2009-08-21T08:45:00.000-04:00

Old school happiness...