I ran 55.5 miles in the month of May.
I ran 60.6 in December 2007.
I hurt myself Dec 28th (although I did continue to stupidly run for a few weeks before admitting something was really wrong.)
Basically, even if the speed isn't there, I think I can honestly say that I feel like I am 'back.' If all goes as planned, my long run this weekened will be 8 miles, and that is the length of the run I was doing when I hurt my hip.
These are the notes in my running log from the run I hurt myself:
First 4- 36:11 (9:03).
Second 4- 36:18 (9:04).
One gel/water at mile 4.
Had a cramp below left lung last couple miles.
Right hip pain nagging at start, then worse last couple miles.
I am debating if I will wear a watch for the run (would involve buying one, as my Timex died in South Africa and I have had no reason to replace it), so I can have a real comparison as to the two runs, almost exactly 5 months apart. I think I'm in a good place, and feeling positive as I move forward.
I am even more excited as I move forward from this point. I think I am in better physical shape that I was in December and have been doing all the right things to move forward and continue upping the miles while staying injury free (hip, knee, shins). I have never run as much as I probably 'should' for the amount of racing I do, so I am excited to put in the effort this summer. And to do it the right way- 10% a week, icing, ART-ing, and strength training.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Only in NYC
On the M79 bus. I love this city.
(Yes...I actaully took this, on the bus, with my camera phone, undercover over my shoulder...couldn't resist)
(Yes...I actaully took this, on the bus, with my camera phone, undercover over my shoulder...couldn't resist)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Recipe Bust
I came across an interesting and tasty sounding recipe today, and since I had planned to hit Whole Foods after my swim anyway, I picked up the necessary ingredients for Simple Sole Over Dandelion Greens
Sounded easy enough. Whole Foods did not have sole, but I got cod, which I figured was another simple, flaky white fish that would broil well. A bit more 'fishy' than sole, but I don't mind that. I also decided to just saute dandelion and spinach, and omit the dill.
Well, I'm not sure if it was me trying to cook a bit less than the recipe called for, my lack of attention to the garlic, or the addition of shallots (which I love), but this recipe was NOT a keeper. I think I was doomed from the start and overheated the pan- overcooked (burned) the garlic a bit, and then used WAY too much lemon juice, and the 'simple leafy greens' where quite simple, but also AWFUL. I totally take the blame for it, and at least I tried something new...I also still have half a bunch of dandelion greens to redeem myself with...
The cod turned out just fine, and I cooked up some whole wheat pasta with vodka sauce. No worries.
Salmon and roasted potatoes tomorrow...can't really screw that one up. And maybe I'll take a pretty picture to show my skills at not ruining a simple recipe.
Sounded easy enough. Whole Foods did not have sole, but I got cod, which I figured was another simple, flaky white fish that would broil well. A bit more 'fishy' than sole, but I don't mind that. I also decided to just saute dandelion and spinach, and omit the dill.
Well, I'm not sure if it was me trying to cook a bit less than the recipe called for, my lack of attention to the garlic, or the addition of shallots (which I love), but this recipe was NOT a keeper. I think I was doomed from the start and overheated the pan- overcooked (burned) the garlic a bit, and then used WAY too much lemon juice, and the 'simple leafy greens' where quite simple, but also AWFUL. I totally take the blame for it, and at least I tried something new...I also still have half a bunch of dandelion greens to redeem myself with...
The cod turned out just fine, and I cooked up some whole wheat pasta with vodka sauce. No worries.
Salmon and roasted potatoes tomorrow...can't really screw that one up. And maybe I'll take a pretty picture to show my skills at not ruining a simple recipe.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Memorial Day Weekend Rundown
Spent the weekend at home again, outside Washington, DC. Quick rundown of a really great weekend, spoiled by the stomach flu.
Friday afternoon- Train home and went with my dad to pick up my new TREK 7100 mountain bike . My father has recently gotten into biking and wanted me to have something at home so we could ride together! No complaints here. Rode 7 hilly miles with him. I pimped it out with some pink stickers, ASAP, of course.
Sat- 7 mile run, longest since injury. No watch. Walked more than I would have liked, but there were also more hills than I would have liked. Had to stop and give myself a little pep talk around mile 5, but finished strong. If my runs are longer than 6 miles/1 hour, I NEED to plan out nutrition and figure this out ASAP.
Saturday night attended the wedding of my mom's oldest friends's step-daughter.
Whole family was there, too much fun, WAY too much wine, too much dancing.
Sunday- woke up with a sore hip, from run and probably more from the dancing/wine/heels, but layed in the grass in the warm sun for three hours and felt much better.
20 mile ride with my dad on the C&O Canal. The canal is pancake flat and runs 184 miles from downtown Washington, DC all the way to Cumberland (I think). We rode from White's Ferry (about 35 miles north of DC south for 10 miles and turned around. Rode around a 11-13 mph pace, enjoyed the scenery and was a nice spin to loosen my legs. Some photos:
The trail. This scene doesn't change much....
The Potomac River, about 30 miles north of Washington, DC
White's Ferry, a auto ferry the crosses the Potomac (from Maryland to Virginia) about 35 miles north of DC.
After a fabulous three days, I woke up Monday morning feeling VERY badly, went to breakfast with the family, barely made it home to get sick from breakfast and spend the rest of the day in bed moaning about my achy legs with a fever of 101. Didn't make my train back to NYC, felt better when I woke up this morning (after a day/night of Tylenol and Gatorade). Felt well enough today to do some Target damage with my mom and hop a train back to the city.
Feeling almost 100% better and hoping it was just a quick little tummy bug and I can get back to regular life tomorrow!
Friday afternoon- Train home and went with my dad to pick up my new TREK 7100 mountain bike . My father has recently gotten into biking and wanted me to have something at home so we could ride together! No complaints here. Rode 7 hilly miles with him. I pimped it out with some pink stickers, ASAP, of course.
Sat- 7 mile run, longest since injury. No watch. Walked more than I would have liked, but there were also more hills than I would have liked. Had to stop and give myself a little pep talk around mile 5, but finished strong. If my runs are longer than 6 miles/1 hour, I NEED to plan out nutrition and figure this out ASAP.
Saturday night attended the wedding of my mom's oldest friends's step-daughter.
Whole family was there, too much fun, WAY too much wine, too much dancing.
Sunday- woke up with a sore hip, from run and probably more from the dancing/wine/heels, but layed in the grass in the warm sun for three hours and felt much better.
20 mile ride with my dad on the C&O Canal. The canal is pancake flat and runs 184 miles from downtown Washington, DC all the way to Cumberland (I think). We rode from White's Ferry (about 35 miles north of DC south for 10 miles and turned around. Rode around a 11-13 mph pace, enjoyed the scenery and was a nice spin to loosen my legs. Some photos:
The trail. This scene doesn't change much....
The Potomac River, about 30 miles north of Washington, DC
White's Ferry, a auto ferry the crosses the Potomac (from Maryland to Virginia) about 35 miles north of DC.
After a fabulous three days, I woke up Monday morning feeling VERY badly, went to breakfast with the family, barely made it home to get sick from breakfast and spend the rest of the day in bed moaning about my achy legs with a fever of 101. Didn't make my train back to NYC, felt better when I woke up this morning (after a day/night of Tylenol and Gatorade). Felt well enough today to do some Target damage with my mom and hop a train back to the city.
Feeling almost 100% better and hoping it was just a quick little tummy bug and I can get back to regular life tomorrow!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Trip Pictures
I'm backing up my photos and music, and thought I would share some of my favorites from India and South Africa. Hard to believe I've been back almost 8 weeks.
The Winner of Two Oceans Marathon, 2008, Cape Town
Varansi
Jaipur
Jaipur
Look Close
The Winner of Two Oceans Marathon, 2008, Cape Town
Varansi
Jaipur
Jaipur
Look Close
Graston Therapy
Holy Shit.
Graston Therapy.
Not so much fun. At the time, or after.
These are the Graston tools. My doc used the one second from the top.
Sort of looks like medivel torture devices, no? Well, that is also how it felt...
My entire inner shin/calf is a redish-purple bruise, getting worse by the hour (and yes, it has been 12 hours), and it HURTS.
Didn't make for such a pretty first real brick this morning. 16 mile ride, 1.5 mile run. I forgot how much I hate bricks. But at least it's not like last year, when my first brick ever was also my first triathlon ever. THAT was almost as much fun as this Graston crap.
Graston Therapy.
Not so much fun. At the time, or after.
These are the Graston tools. My doc used the one second from the top.
Sort of looks like medivel torture devices, no? Well, that is also how it felt...
My entire inner shin/calf is a redish-purple bruise, getting worse by the hour (and yes, it has been 12 hours), and it HURTS.
Didn't make for such a pretty first real brick this morning. 16 mile ride, 1.5 mile run. I forgot how much I hate bricks. But at least it's not like last year, when my first brick ever was also my first triathlon ever. THAT was almost as much fun as this Graston crap.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Healthy Kidney 10k
I had mixed feelings going into my first 'race' back after my femoral neck stress fracture over the winter.
On one hand, I was SO SO excited just to be back at it- back in the park, back with the masses, confident in my ability to run 6.2 miles.
On the other hand, I was worried, and about more than 1 thing. My main worries/fears:
1. I was worried that I may be very disappointed in whatever pace I finished with. I have not been running with a watch so I have no clue as to what paces I have been holding. And I was very afraid that I would finish at a pace that I was very unhappy with for the amount of effort it took.
2. I was worried I would run way TOO fast. I would let my competitive nature rear it's ugly head and not let people pass me who 'shouldn't' be running faster than me, whatever THAT means. I was worried my ego would prove too much, and I wouldn't want a 9:-- pace in my NYRR results history (so lame, I know...).
So I decided still to not wear a watch for the race (they have clocks at every mile marker) and try to keep myself at 9:30 miles. If it felt too fast, I could slow down, but if it felt too slow, I would NOT let myself push faster.
NYRR has started a 'corral system' for the start of their overcrowded races, based on your best pace in a past race. Needless to say I wasn't about to hit my 7:46 pace from my last 10k, and I was running with a friend anyway, so I was more than happy to head to the middle/back of the pack. It took 6 minutes to cross the start line, but the race is chip timed so it didn't matter. I even jumped out of the crowd to hit the porta potty right before we officially crossed the line.
The 10k course is 1 loop of the park (plus a little to equal 10k), clockwise. This makes the first half of the course mostly uphill, including two pretty good uphills in the north end of the park. In the first mile/mile and a half, I was feeling bad. Not only physically, but emotionally. I was feeling sorry for myself and angry that I was running so much slower than my last 10k in December. I started to doubt that I was fully healed (not because I was in pain, just because), and doubt that I would ever be back to my 'old' running self.
In the midst of my self-pity, we hit Harlem Hill. I had planned to walk this, but I focused on high knees, and keeping my breathing under control, and actually started to pass people. As we crested the hill, I was amazed that my heart rate actually hadn't climbed THAT much and I was starting to feel better. Maybe I wasn't as out of shape as I thought....
Got through the 5k, with the two big hills behind me, in 30:17, a 9:45 pace. I realized that I felt GREAT, was having a BLAST, just running and being chatty with my friend, rather than focusing on 'racing'. It was also a PERFECT spring day, which has been rare in NYC thus far. Through five miles, I was still right around a 9:40/9:50 pace, based on my calculations. Right at mile 5, you run down Cat Hill and the rest of the route is pretty flat (small ups and downs, nothing major).
At this point my friend and I, holding the same pace, are passing people and feeling great. She looks strong and I know is holding back to stick with my pace, so I keep telling her to 'GO!' and finish strong. Being the great friend that she is, she of course says no, she wants to finish with me, etc. At the same time, I start pushing the pace somewhat. It really wasn't a conscience decision, but once I start to up the tempo, and it felt good, I just went with it. Maybe it was to make my friend run faster, who knows. She was yelling at me to slow down, but I felt too great. In the last 1.2 miles, I don't think a single person passed us, and it felt SO SO good to finish strong. Between miles 5 and the finish, we dropped our pace from 9:50ish to a final finishing pace of 9:24. This results in running the last 1.2 miles in probably less than 8 minute miles. Whoopsssie.
So we crossed the line, had our chips clipped off, grabbed our bags and headed to lovely Upper West Side spring time brunch. I was SO SO happy with the run, and had NO pain at all afterwards. And as I have posted, I also have had no pain at all in the days that followed, at least in my legs...
The whole experience makes me excited and confident as I move forward with my limited race plans over the next few months. I have a sprint triathlon planned in about three weeks, with a 3 mile run. I was considering just doing the swim and bike, but I think I can confidently go into the race not only running, but maybe even with thoughts of racing.
On one hand, I was SO SO excited just to be back at it- back in the park, back with the masses, confident in my ability to run 6.2 miles.
On the other hand, I was worried, and about more than 1 thing. My main worries/fears:
1. I was worried that I may be very disappointed in whatever pace I finished with. I have not been running with a watch so I have no clue as to what paces I have been holding. And I was very afraid that I would finish at a pace that I was very unhappy with for the amount of effort it took.
2. I was worried I would run way TOO fast. I would let my competitive nature rear it's ugly head and not let people pass me who 'shouldn't' be running faster than me, whatever THAT means. I was worried my ego would prove too much, and I wouldn't want a 9:-- pace in my NYRR results history (so lame, I know...).
So I decided still to not wear a watch for the race (they have clocks at every mile marker) and try to keep myself at 9:30 miles. If it felt too fast, I could slow down, but if it felt too slow, I would NOT let myself push faster.
NYRR has started a 'corral system' for the start of their overcrowded races, based on your best pace in a past race. Needless to say I wasn't about to hit my 7:46 pace from my last 10k, and I was running with a friend anyway, so I was more than happy to head to the middle/back of the pack. It took 6 minutes to cross the start line, but the race is chip timed so it didn't matter. I even jumped out of the crowd to hit the porta potty right before we officially crossed the line.
The 10k course is 1 loop of the park (plus a little to equal 10k), clockwise. This makes the first half of the course mostly uphill, including two pretty good uphills in the north end of the park. In the first mile/mile and a half, I was feeling bad. Not only physically, but emotionally. I was feeling sorry for myself and angry that I was running so much slower than my last 10k in December. I started to doubt that I was fully healed (not because I was in pain, just because), and doubt that I would ever be back to my 'old' running self.
In the midst of my self-pity, we hit Harlem Hill. I had planned to walk this, but I focused on high knees, and keeping my breathing under control, and actually started to pass people. As we crested the hill, I was amazed that my heart rate actually hadn't climbed THAT much and I was starting to feel better. Maybe I wasn't as out of shape as I thought....
Got through the 5k, with the two big hills behind me, in 30:17, a 9:45 pace. I realized that I felt GREAT, was having a BLAST, just running and being chatty with my friend, rather than focusing on 'racing'. It was also a PERFECT spring day, which has been rare in NYC thus far. Through five miles, I was still right around a 9:40/9:50 pace, based on my calculations. Right at mile 5, you run down Cat Hill and the rest of the route is pretty flat (small ups and downs, nothing major).
At this point my friend and I, holding the same pace, are passing people and feeling great. She looks strong and I know is holding back to stick with my pace, so I keep telling her to 'GO!' and finish strong. Being the great friend that she is, she of course says no, she wants to finish with me, etc. At the same time, I start pushing the pace somewhat. It really wasn't a conscience decision, but once I start to up the tempo, and it felt good, I just went with it. Maybe it was to make my friend run faster, who knows. She was yelling at me to slow down, but I felt too great. In the last 1.2 miles, I don't think a single person passed us, and it felt SO SO good to finish strong. Between miles 5 and the finish, we dropped our pace from 9:50ish to a final finishing pace of 9:24. This results in running the last 1.2 miles in probably less than 8 minute miles. Whoopsssie.
So we crossed the line, had our chips clipped off, grabbed our bags and headed to lovely Upper West Side spring time brunch. I was SO SO happy with the run, and had NO pain at all afterwards. And as I have posted, I also have had no pain at all in the days that followed, at least in my legs...
The whole experience makes me excited and confident as I move forward with my limited race plans over the next few months. I have a sprint triathlon planned in about three weeks, with a 3 mile run. I was considering just doing the swim and bike, but I think I can confidently go into the race not only running, but maybe even with thoughts of racing.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
I'm sore...
After my longest (and probably fastest) run since my injury...I'm sore.
Where? Well, my shoulder of course. My shins feel fine, no pain in my hip area at all. But my right shoulder and lat are KILLING me.
Must be that Wii Tennis and Bowling tournament I was in on Friday night. Whoops :) But I did bowl a 175. Not too shabby for my first try!
Ended up getting tickets to go watch the Subway Series yesterday on a perfect spring afternoon. The tickets were really good, however I would have readily traded them for cheap bleacher seats so I could have sat in the sun.
Where? Well, my shoulder of course. My shins feel fine, no pain in my hip area at all. But my right shoulder and lat are KILLING me.
Must be that Wii Tennis and Bowling tournament I was in on Friday night. Whoops :) But I did bowl a 175. Not too shabby for my first try!
Ended up getting tickets to go watch the Subway Series yesterday on a perfect spring afternoon. The tickets were really good, however I would have readily traded them for cheap bleacher seats so I could have sat in the sun.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
DONE!
58:20
9:24 pace per mile
5k split- 30.17
Almost a two minute negative split
I held fast to my plan for the first 5 miles. Was running about 9.40s through five miles, but my competitive streak got the best of me and I was feeling great.
More later.
9:24 pace per mile
5k split- 30.17
Almost a two minute negative split
I held fast to my plan for the first 5 miles. Was running about 9.40s through five miles, but my competitive streak got the best of me and I was feeling great.
More later.
Friday, May 16, 2008
2008 'racing' debut (focusing on the form in my race pictures, of course)
I have decided to run the Healthy Kidney 10k tomorrow. Notice, I did NOT say 'race' the 10k this weekend. I will be enjoying this run in Central Park with 5,000 of my closest friends. I just needed something to get excited for, and I figured since I was planning on doing 6 miles/an hour run this weekend, why not get a nice new tech shirt and see some friends at the same time?
So I have an unusual goal of this race: To keep my pace SLOWER than 9:30 miles. AND to take some really cute race photos where I don't look like I want to die.
In an ideal world, I would ignore the clock at every mile, but I know myself and don't want to get caught up in running the pace of everyone around me and finish too fast. This will be the first run since my injury (minus treadmill runs) where I will be aware of what pace I am running. No matter if it feels super slow, I will NOT run faster than 9:30s. And if I am closer to 10:30's, it won't matter. After all, a 9:30 pace for a 10k still puts you under an hour, but the point is, the time is NOT the point. I just want to enjoy being out there.
Starting with the NYRR race, I have plans for a classic NYC day: brunch with friends following the race, watching the Yankees while continuing to drink (preferably outdoors somewhere), then a much needed and overdue night out downtown.
I had 3 ART sessions this week, focusing all on my right ITB and shin. I am a sore little thing, but I can already feel a major difference in my shin. I have had some soreness in my hip flexor from doing some stretches that I have never done, but I'm trying hard not to confuse this with lingering pain/ache from my injury. Next week we will begin with some Graston therapies, which sound quite scary, and I'm afraid carry about 97.6% chance of my walking out of the office looking like an abused woman.
So I have an unusual goal of this race: To keep my pace SLOWER than 9:30 miles. AND to take some really cute race photos where I don't look like I want to die.
In an ideal world, I would ignore the clock at every mile, but I know myself and don't want to get caught up in running the pace of everyone around me and finish too fast. This will be the first run since my injury (minus treadmill runs) where I will be aware of what pace I am running. No matter if it feels super slow, I will NOT run faster than 9:30s. And if I am closer to 10:30's, it won't matter. After all, a 9:30 pace for a 10k still puts you under an hour, but the point is, the time is NOT the point. I just want to enjoy being out there.
Starting with the NYRR race, I have plans for a classic NYC day: brunch with friends following the race, watching the Yankees while continuing to drink (preferably outdoors somewhere), then a much needed and overdue night out downtown.
I had 3 ART sessions this week, focusing all on my right ITB and shin. I am a sore little thing, but I can already feel a major difference in my shin. I have had some soreness in my hip flexor from doing some stretches that I have never done, but I'm trying hard not to confuse this with lingering pain/ache from my injury. Next week we will begin with some Graston therapies, which sound quite scary, and I'm afraid carry about 97.6% chance of my walking out of the office looking like an abused woman.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Drills, Strides and TEMPO!
Tonight I joined my Tuesday night running group for the first time since my injury. I did high knees, butt kickers, and 4x4s with no pain. And then the most exciting part: I did 3 strides that felt AMAZING. I felt light on my feet, strong and it just felt amazing to be running fast again.
The group work-out was a 5 mile tempo run, and there is obvsiouly no way I was doing that, but I decided I wanted to try to do 1 miles (from 72nd street transverse up to Engineers Gate) with a bit of intensity. I did a few intervals on the treadmill last week that felt fine, so I was confident my leg would hold up. My coach did not agree, but I had my mind set on it.
It felt GREAT. It felt so good to push the pace, to make my lungs burn a bit, and the best part was that my legs felt STRONG. I held myself to 1 mile, and ran easy the rest of the 4 mile loop and did my normal 1/2 mile cool down walk home from the park.
The minute I got home, I emailed Dr. M, the ortho, to make sure it is OK to start adding in a bit of tempo. I don't want to add in speed work, per say, but I am hoping to add in a short tempo run or fartlek every week. I do have plans to do some racing this summer, and I think the only way to prepare my legs and hip for race pace is to do some strong running.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive response from the Doc, and optimistically I can share this with my coaches so they are on board with me adding in some intensity (notice I am not saying SPEED, as this is not what I mean...I just want to feel a bit of a burn in the lungs, and get my cheeks pink!!)
The group work-out was a 5 mile tempo run, and there is obvsiouly no way I was doing that, but I decided I wanted to try to do 1 miles (from 72nd street transverse up to Engineers Gate) with a bit of intensity. I did a few intervals on the treadmill last week that felt fine, so I was confident my leg would hold up. My coach did not agree, but I had my mind set on it.
It felt GREAT. It felt so good to push the pace, to make my lungs burn a bit, and the best part was that my legs felt STRONG. I held myself to 1 mile, and ran easy the rest of the 4 mile loop and did my normal 1/2 mile cool down walk home from the park.
The minute I got home, I emailed Dr. M, the ortho, to make sure it is OK to start adding in a bit of tempo. I don't want to add in speed work, per say, but I am hoping to add in a short tempo run or fartlek every week. I do have plans to do some racing this summer, and I think the only way to prepare my legs and hip for race pace is to do some strong running.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed for a positive response from the Doc, and optimistically I can share this with my coaches so they are on board with me adding in some intensity (notice I am not saying SPEED, as this is not what I mean...I just want to feel a bit of a burn in the lungs, and get my cheeks pink!!)
ART Appointment #1
Last night I had the first of what looks like will be many Active Release (ART) appointments. I am seeing a Chiropractor that was recommended by my new primary care physician, as well as a few others. After talking for a good 20 minutes about my history regarding ITB issues, shin splits, and my recent stress fracture, we spent another 10-20 minutes with him just looking at me standing, walking, squatting, lunging, etc. He was very thorough and I felt in good hands (literally!) before we started the therapy.
He noticed that my right leg (same leg with old ITB issues, re-occurring shin pain and my stress fracture) rotates inward, and that when my arch is better supported, this is corrected. He recommended either orthotics or motion control running shoes. I have tried orthotics in the past and have never taken to them (always seem to inflame something in my legs), however he suggested to ease into wearing them, first wearing them just around the house for an hour-ish, then a few miles at a time until my feet/legs were used to them. Makes sense. I am due for new running shoes soon, so I may try out the motion control shoe option first.
Then we got down to business. I warned him that I am a huge wimp when it comes to pain, but overall, the session was not too bad. My ITB is a bit sore to the touch today, but hopefully this is normal, and I will be sure to ask him about that at my next appointment Wednesday. H
After more examination, he said that a few very clear muscle imbalances (lower back, glutes) are probably the culprit of many of my issues in the right leg, and that there are a variety of specific exercises he can show me over the coming weeks to help remedy this. He said that ART works well to fix the problem, but if we don't address the underlying reasons as to WHY the problems are there, I will be back in his office when I up my miles to train for the fall marathon.
So I am hopeful that this is going to be a positive experience, and also really proud of myself for doing what I need to get my legs healthy (and keep them healthy) as I move forward from this injury.
He noticed that my right leg (same leg with old ITB issues, re-occurring shin pain and my stress fracture) rotates inward, and that when my arch is better supported, this is corrected. He recommended either orthotics or motion control running shoes. I have tried orthotics in the past and have never taken to them (always seem to inflame something in my legs), however he suggested to ease into wearing them, first wearing them just around the house for an hour-ish, then a few miles at a time until my feet/legs were used to them. Makes sense. I am due for new running shoes soon, so I may try out the motion control shoe option first.
Then we got down to business. I warned him that I am a huge wimp when it comes to pain, but overall, the session was not too bad. My ITB is a bit sore to the touch today, but hopefully this is normal, and I will be sure to ask him about that at my next appointment Wednesday. H
After more examination, he said that a few very clear muscle imbalances (lower back, glutes) are probably the culprit of many of my issues in the right leg, and that there are a variety of specific exercises he can show me over the coming weeks to help remedy this. He said that ART works well to fix the problem, but if we don't address the underlying reasons as to WHY the problems are there, I will be back in his office when I up my miles to train for the fall marathon.
So I am hopeful that this is going to be a positive experience, and also really proud of myself for doing what I need to get my legs healthy (and keep them healthy) as I move forward from this injury.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Blood Tests, Pancakes, ART and 5.8 miles!
The title of the post pretty much sums up the craziness of my life the past few days.
On Friday, after a pain free 3 mile treadmill run with a few quick pick ups, and 30 minutes of strength on the BOSU ball, I had my appointment with my new GP. It was great. I wrote about the place in a previous post, but I am now happy to report that I am very satisfied and happy with the change. The doctor was understanding, and spent close to an hour talking about my medical history, my femur injury, osteopenia and how it relates to everyday life, triathlon training, among other things. And in this era of HMO-influenced medicine, an hour is like an eternity! He also ordered a complete blood work up, including checking my Vit. D (as it relates to low bone density and wants to rule anything funny out) as well as a general check of my thyroid, which my old doctor had basically refused to do b/c there was no 'indication' of something wrong.
To top off the great experience, the doc wrote me a referral for 12 chiropractor visits over the next 3 months, at a Chiro that specializing in Active Release Techniques. I am so excited to 'get straight' over all, and deal with some lingering shin and knee issues, as well as figuring out if anything about the 'alignment' issues I have dealt with in the past may have influenced my stress fracture.
After the doctor's appointment, I hopped on a train south to spend with weekend with my family. I am SO SO happy to say that my sister is home, doing well, and is almost like a whole different person. It is scary, b/c I don't always agree with what I see as the 'over' medication of our population, but Xanax has transformed a once withdrawn, sullen 90lb teenage into a talkative, loving, happy girl who is eating and sleeping on a regular schedule. And she is being treated by a wonderful group of doctors who have a long term plan and see the medication regimen as a short term fix, not a long term thing, which makes me happy. I will be home again on Memorial Day for a family wedding, so I can only hope she makes as much progress in the next two weeks as she has made this past week.
To celebrate Mother's Day, I got my mom all new Calphalon pans, and used them to make the MOST DELICIOUS pancakes I have ever made/tasted/eaten (props to the chef!).
I got the recipe for the Ricotta Pancakes with Candied Lemon Zest from the Wall Street Journal, of all places, but they were amazing and delicious. Made with ricotta, egg whites and a hint of lemon zest in the batter, they were light and fluffy, and the candied lemon zest just put them over the top. I would highly recommend the recipe, it was actually super easy.
(I also made the Apple-Corn Muffins in that link for the WSJ, and they were quite yummy as well)
To top the weekend off, I did my longest run to date since my injury, 5.8 miles. A bit of soreness in the hip at the end of the run, and some lingering shin pain through out the day, but overall, was a great run. Was tempted to wear a watch, but forced myself not to, so I have no idea of the pace. Am thinking of signing up for a 10k in Central Park next week, NOT to race (of course!), just to get out there with the masses on a great weekend. I really do think I will be able to hold back and set a pace limit and STICK TO IT.
On Friday, after a pain free 3 mile treadmill run with a few quick pick ups, and 30 minutes of strength on the BOSU ball, I had my appointment with my new GP. It was great. I wrote about the place in a previous post, but I am now happy to report that I am very satisfied and happy with the change. The doctor was understanding, and spent close to an hour talking about my medical history, my femur injury, osteopenia and how it relates to everyday life, triathlon training, among other things. And in this era of HMO-influenced medicine, an hour is like an eternity! He also ordered a complete blood work up, including checking my Vit. D (as it relates to low bone density and wants to rule anything funny out) as well as a general check of my thyroid, which my old doctor had basically refused to do b/c there was no 'indication' of something wrong.
To top off the great experience, the doc wrote me a referral for 12 chiropractor visits over the next 3 months, at a Chiro that specializing in Active Release Techniques. I am so excited to 'get straight' over all, and deal with some lingering shin and knee issues, as well as figuring out if anything about the 'alignment' issues I have dealt with in the past may have influenced my stress fracture.
After the doctor's appointment, I hopped on a train south to spend with weekend with my family. I am SO SO happy to say that my sister is home, doing well, and is almost like a whole different person. It is scary, b/c I don't always agree with what I see as the 'over' medication of our population, but Xanax has transformed a once withdrawn, sullen 90lb teenage into a talkative, loving, happy girl who is eating and sleeping on a regular schedule. And she is being treated by a wonderful group of doctors who have a long term plan and see the medication regimen as a short term fix, not a long term thing, which makes me happy. I will be home again on Memorial Day for a family wedding, so I can only hope she makes as much progress in the next two weeks as she has made this past week.
To celebrate Mother's Day, I got my mom all new Calphalon pans, and used them to make the MOST DELICIOUS pancakes I have ever made/tasted/eaten (props to the chef!).
I got the recipe for the Ricotta Pancakes with Candied Lemon Zest from the Wall Street Journal, of all places, but they were amazing and delicious. Made with ricotta, egg whites and a hint of lemon zest in the batter, they were light and fluffy, and the candied lemon zest just put them over the top. I would highly recommend the recipe, it was actually super easy.
(I also made the Apple-Corn Muffins in that link for the WSJ, and they were quite yummy as well)
To top the weekend off, I did my longest run to date since my injury, 5.8 miles. A bit of soreness in the hip at the end of the run, and some lingering shin pain through out the day, but overall, was a great run. Was tempted to wear a watch, but forced myself not to, so I have no idea of the pace. Am thinking of signing up for a 10k in Central Park next week, NOT to race (of course!), just to get out there with the masses on a great weekend. I really do think I will be able to hold back and set a pace limit and STICK TO IT.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Updates....life happens.
I had to rush home last week to be with my family. My younger sister is going through her second fight with a serious eating disorder and was admitted to the hospital last week. I went home to spend time with her, and to give support to my parents. It is so hard to be away from family at times like these, but I also consider myself lucky that I am just a few hours away and have the means to get home when necessary. It was a rough week emotionally for everyone, but things are looking up.
While in the hospital, my sister was 're-diagnosed'. What they originally had thought was anorexia, and had treated as such in her first battle two years ago, they now believe is a phobia. The doctors believe she has a phobia of throwing up, which manifests itself as a fear or eating/food. Needless to say, the treatment for this is VERY different for the treatment of a serious eating disorder, and my family is in the midst of trying to figure out the best course of treatment. Luckily, my sister was allowed to go home last night after a week in the hospital.
While home I had some long and intense conversations with my mother about the situation. I have a very interesting relationship with my sister, as i am 10 years older, and in some ways am more of a parental figure in her life. However, I 100% admit that I can in no way understand the range of emotions my parents are going through right now. The situation just leaves everyone feeling so powerless and wondering what went 'wrong' and how it can be 'fixed.' But when all is said and done, I just have to remember how incredibly lucky we all are to have a family that is so incredibly close, loving and caring. My sister could not be in better hands, even though it is painful to have to be away from her and my entire family during this time.
*****************************
While home, I was able to go on a great run and really clear my head. It confirmed how much I rely on exercise as a release and crutch to help me through difficult times, and made me realize how lucky I am to have bounced back from my injury so quickly. There are times when I am frustrated that my 'long' run is only 5 miles at this point in the season, but all things considered, I am blessed to be running at all and not still be injured, or have pins in my femur.
I was also able to push the pace on this run just a bit, and it felt AMAZING. It is a 1.4 mile out and back on a rolling, hilly hiker/bike trail, and I went out in about 15 minutes, and came back around 11 minutes. My legs felt strong, and my lungs were screaming but I was loving every second of it.
I also did a 5 mile run Saturday back in Central Park that felt great- no pain at all.
I will be incorporating strides 1/week from now until my sprint triathlon I have planned in June, just to get my legs ready for race day effort. I am sure multiple posts will follow over-analyzing if/how I should 'race' this tri, so no need to start worrying about it yet.
While in the hospital, my sister was 're-diagnosed'. What they originally had thought was anorexia, and had treated as such in her first battle two years ago, they now believe is a phobia. The doctors believe she has a phobia of throwing up, which manifests itself as a fear or eating/food. Needless to say, the treatment for this is VERY different for the treatment of a serious eating disorder, and my family is in the midst of trying to figure out the best course of treatment. Luckily, my sister was allowed to go home last night after a week in the hospital.
While home I had some long and intense conversations with my mother about the situation. I have a very interesting relationship with my sister, as i am 10 years older, and in some ways am more of a parental figure in her life. However, I 100% admit that I can in no way understand the range of emotions my parents are going through right now. The situation just leaves everyone feeling so powerless and wondering what went 'wrong' and how it can be 'fixed.' But when all is said and done, I just have to remember how incredibly lucky we all are to have a family that is so incredibly close, loving and caring. My sister could not be in better hands, even though it is painful to have to be away from her and my entire family during this time.
*****************************
While home, I was able to go on a great run and really clear my head. It confirmed how much I rely on exercise as a release and crutch to help me through difficult times, and made me realize how lucky I am to have bounced back from my injury so quickly. There are times when I am frustrated that my 'long' run is only 5 miles at this point in the season, but all things considered, I am blessed to be running at all and not still be injured, or have pins in my femur.
I was also able to push the pace on this run just a bit, and it felt AMAZING. It is a 1.4 mile out and back on a rolling, hilly hiker/bike trail, and I went out in about 15 minutes, and came back around 11 minutes. My legs felt strong, and my lungs were screaming but I was loving every second of it.
I also did a 5 mile run Saturday back in Central Park that felt great- no pain at all.
I will be incorporating strides 1/week from now until my sprint triathlon I have planned in June, just to get my legs ready for race day effort. I am sure multiple posts will follow over-analyzing if/how I should 'race' this tri, so no need to start worrying about it yet.
5 Boro Bike Tour
On Sunday, I rode in the 5 Boro Bike Tour, which is a 40ish mile traffic free ride through the streets of all 5 boros of New York City. This is the second time I have done this ride, and I was just as impressed this year.
My father was supposed to come up and ride with me, along with an uncle, and my father's oldest and dearest friend, but due to some medical issues my younger sister is having my dad was not able to come. I ended up riding with my dad's friend, who does some serious rode biking in Orange County, and had just a fabulous time. In the areas where it was open enough (the ride has over 30,000 people!), we pushed the pace and I felt like I got a good steady ride out of it. All totaled, I rode 50 miles. Longest ride since the injury, all pain free.
Had planned to bring my camera but there was a threat of rain so I didn't want to run the risk- of course it ended up being 70 and perfectly clear. Oh well, planning on bringing my camera on the long ride out to Nyack this weekend.
My father was supposed to come up and ride with me, along with an uncle, and my father's oldest and dearest friend, but due to some medical issues my younger sister is having my dad was not able to come. I ended up riding with my dad's friend, who does some serious rode biking in Orange County, and had just a fabulous time. In the areas where it was open enough (the ride has over 30,000 people!), we pushed the pace and I felt like I got a good steady ride out of it. All totaled, I rode 50 miles. Longest ride since the injury, all pain free.
Had planned to bring my camera but there was a threat of rain so I didn't want to run the risk- of course it ended up being 70 and perfectly clear. Oh well, planning on bringing my camera on the long ride out to Nyack this weekend.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)