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.
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