Over the past few weeks, the pains in my lower leg were so bad, I thought I was going to quit. I took a day off, I rubbed them with muscle cream, looked up what the issue might be.
In reality, I knew what the issue was, but didn't want to admit it. It was bad shoes. I looked up Cool Running :: Lower Leg Pain, and started working through the suggestions. I started stretching. I
thought about icing (and I never ice).
My shoes I got for a good deal. I try to always get a good deal. I only had 300 miles on them, but they definitely felt worn out. I guess that is the price one pays for taking the discount.
I guess overall, Asics are probably out for me in the future, if for no other reason than they just did not hold up. And that I have now a conditioned
response to Brooks. My last pair of Brooks made it through 2 marathons (granted, the training in between the two was very limited.) I only broke away from them when I thought I needed to switch to Nike to use the Nike+. I found out later
that one can get
a little clip that holds the sensor. That means I will never have to leave my nice Brooks ever again!
I did buy the newest version of the GTS - and it has been worth it. The last 3 days of running have been incredible... 31 miles with little issue, just a little soreness. I may write a nice note to the Brooks people.
Another week down, and I am still on plan. Actually, a bit over this week with some walks over the weekend, and topped out at 36.88 miles this week. That is something like 5,532 calories; 1.58 pounds. I am averaging 1,500 incoming calories a day, and calculate a BMR of 2,000. All told, I should have lost 2.5 pounds this week. I am waiting though, for the 5 week mark, when my "contract" with Jill is done. Would be nice to be 12.5 pounds down by then, but I don't know it will happen. Pretty aggressive.
I am second thinking my decision to not to participate in the Seismic Challenge. I was thinking it would be too much, and that I would miss the training plan overview. Luckily, there is another one planned for this Wednesday! If the training plan looks achievable, and I can get that bike, I think I might be back on. Only problem is the crew is filled... so what will my supporters do?
Next week's schedule calls for 31 miles total. Hopefully, I can pad that with some extra walking. As for now, it's off to bed!
The 5 and 10 milers over the weekend, then the 3/5/3 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, adding on a new training plan, and switching my eating all built up. By Thursday afternoon, my thighs were absolutely killing me, to the point I barely made it through my run on Thursday.
I took my rest day yesterday, and I think I felt my body change up where it was getting energy. I've been very good with my eating - at least 6 mini-meals (not McDonald's) a day, about 200 - 250 calories each. I've been averaging 1600 calories a day or so. Check my twitter page, or the feed somewhere on the right sidebar.
So today, I took a walk to get my haircut and then stopped by the Pleasant Hill Farmer's Market. Got some great strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. MMMM.. so good. And the walk seemed to loosen up my thighs.
Fueled up with some mulitgrain Cheerios with 1% milk, and some of them blueberries when I got home, and 3 hours later I was off on my way for a 5 miler.
It went very well. For the first time in a long time, I did not get any significant cramping in my left calf, which was a very welcome change. Was just cruising at the end, right up to the Chevron station where I used the gift card my client gave me for doing a good job to buy a chocolate milk. Was probably too many calories, but it was such a welcome refreshment.
This article emphasizes all the same things as my eating plan. Flat abs, here I come... hahahahha!
"New research shows that stress triggers the hormone cortisol, which increases your appetite and promotes fat deposits around your abs." - Understatement
Ok, I am mostly over my not-swine flu, so can actually get though a run without coughing up too much of my lung. Kicked out 4.5 miles yesterday, and a quick 2 today, which is a good start, but I will need to completely transform my
Allyson and Heather are attempting to kill me, and I think I am going to let them. I told them I was going to do the Peak Performance Maine Marathon. Allyson had this great idea - let's do the New Hampshire Marathon the day before! Five months to train; I hope I can do it!
I do think I need to get some weight off to help me out. I haven't locked in my Personal Trainer at the gym at the office yet, but am going to commit to getting that in place this week. I told her I wanted to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks. Too agressive? :)
I am really loving the new Asics. I wasn't sure - I always had the impression they were a bit lower end, and was really worried that they were at Marshall's (although I did get my last Brooks GTS' there, too, and at half price, so that probably should not be a factor)
I went to Runner's World's Shoe Finder and found that the model was well reviewed. So I grabbed them! Also got some nice new socks and some Vanilla Bean Gu at Sports Basement, so I am ready to get going!
Went to see the doctor today. She says I am healed! Ok, not fully, but closer than I was. I still am not able to fully rotate my arm - turn from palm down to palm up - but she said that might be because of cartilage that has formed around the break, around #1 in the diagram.
I am more worried about the feeling in my wrist. I have been able to "pop" the bones there, and there is a dull aching feeling. When I mentioned that to the doc, she stated that the bone that was broken wasn't connected to the part of the wrist that was sore. She obviously forgot that I fell fell force on the palm of my hand...
All in all, it looks like I have an all clear, and should progressively increase the weight I am lifting.
I am suppose to go for a run tonight, but I think I will hang on until tomorrow.
Today, I went on a 20 mile run / walk, and I have to say that I am not overly pleased with where I am on my training.
I started off down the Iron Horse Trail, as I usually go, but today, I decided to take a few miles out onto the Contra Costa Canal trail, which starts one mile down the Iron Horse. I went 3 miles out and 3 miles back, at a 4:1 run / walk split. Pretty good for this segment, hitting the target 11 mil per mile pretty consistantly. I had planned to continue back on the Canal trail, and up through my regular route, but I started to remember why I don't wear loose fitting shirts - nipple rub! Anyway, from there, I actually took a detour back to my apartment, and changed my shirt, and started back on my route. I decided to continue just walking, since my arm was feeling a little sore.
As I was coming up the Canal trail, I saw this raft of ducks, just meandering though the trail, with no real concern for me. Anyway, I took their pic.
As I said, I was disappointed with my performance; I had hoped I could hit at least half in a run. In addition, I have started to get these huge blisters on the insides of my heels, which are not overly painful, but cause a bunch of discomfort.
Just for the record, my diet has been awful. I have not been cooking at home, nor having my lunches, and not ELMO. The Green Mountain Marathon is going to be a disaster. I will have to start thinking about a race plan that I might be able to live up to.
I went to see my othopedic Kristina K. Mcnaught, PA on Tuesday, and after a third set of x-rays in the last week, she said that I did have a fractured radial head, but that immobilization won't help it heal any better or faster. I guess that's pretty good - at least it makes typing way easier. I go back on October 14 for a follow up. I can tell you that it is a bit sore over the forearm, and I still can't turn my hand over. It's better than it was, though.
I walked my 4 miles today, per the schedule. It went well, and averaged 16:11 per mile. That is a bit slower than I would like, so I am hoping that I get the OK to run on the 14th, and I'll do some sort of split to target a 6 or 6 and a half hour marathon on the 18th. This one will be tough. I need to start working toward Disney as soon as I get the go. I will be ready-er then!
So I haven't been to the orthepedic yet, just the ER doc, then an HMO doc via phone looking at a second set of x-rays. She said she could not see anything wrong with my elbow, but I can tell you it hurts something fierce.
The ER doc - and my extensive study in the area consisting of at least 13 minutes of googling, says it's a radial head fracture - kinda like in the pic. I got the x-rays from the ER hospital to bring to the HMO orthopedic on Tuesday, and I can see a sharp point where there shouldn't be one. That seems bad to me, but we'll see.
To try to keep up some of my training, I walked 17 miles today. My pace was slow - 16:19, but i did walk through the grocery to get some dinner on the way home. I am hopeful that I will get a lighter weight cast on Tuesday and can pick up with my training. I am way behind my training plan so far.
In retrospect, I could have done the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, but was sidetracked with this huge splint.
I did get a HUGE blister on my foot - just poked a little hole in it!
Saturday was the "Celebration Run" with the AIDS Marathon Training Program. Unfortunately, it wasn't at the regular meeting place, but in the city. I went over at 7 am, when we were supposed to meet, and I could not find the team anywhere. I guess it is my own damn fault for not getting back on a distribution list for the e-mails.
So I decided to try it on my own. I know when I am training between San Francisco and the Green Mountain marathon, I will need to do it alone anyway, so I tried it out. Unfortunately, I didn't get far... actually, it was quite far, just not far enough.
I started off quite determined and confident; ready to do the "big loop" three times. First loop went fine, but the second wasn't as rewarding. Somewhere around mile 12, I started with an incredible pain in my left hip. It kinda felt like it was inside, like (i found out later) bursitis. I actually had to sit for a bit.
I kept up until mile 15 and on my way back by the house, I stopped by the Safeway, picked up a Powerade (Mountain Blast, yey!) and downed a GU. The vanilla bean flavor was incredible! After sitting for a minute, I could barely move without pain. I walked the rest of the way home.
I tried a quick soak in the tub, thinking that might help, and then got all my work out clothes back on and started out again, about an hour later. It was still painful to run, and even walking was difficult. I gave it up for the day.
As I was trying to figure out what was going on more, I realized that there was a spot - about where the IT band connects to the hip - where it was painful just to touch. Almost felt like I had hit it somehow. I seem to remember that maybe I did, but I can't remember when or how.
Even later that evening, at the Kathy Griffin show, it was still difficult to walk up the stairs. She was pretty funny, but was worried that she'd over run the curfew, and have to pay $5,000 a minute, so I think she cut off early.
After the show I went and picked up some ibuprofin, and some Ben-gay. Both seemed to help - this morning I felt no pains, and would walk and run without issue. That makes me think it was something inflamed that the ibuprofin took care of. The Ben-gay, even though it smells, was great on my shoulders, too.
So, long story short, even with all the running I HAVE done, I have only hit one 20+ miler. I think that is going to be a problem, but it is the best I can do. I am too close in I think to try to get another one in - especially since I have the Napa to Sonoma half marathon next weekend. I am pretty excited about that, actually. Will probably take it pretty slow, maybe marathon pace, doing a 4:1 split, and targeting an 11 minute mile, since I am only slated for 8 miles next weekend. a 2:23:53 half would predict me at a 5:00 full, accoring to Runner's World's race prediction.
I'll do 4 or 5 on Tuesday and Thursday, although the 9 mile loop is getting pretty easy to do. Don't want to over do it, and end up injured for the big day. Hopefully there will be no issues this week.
Since I taking my vacation, I have had a really hard time getting back in the swing of my program. And the heat hasn't helped at all. And feeling a little sick since Orlando. And taking all that time to think up excuses.
I am trying to figure out why I seem to get to a point where I am making progress, losing weight, feeling good, and then I start to wind down, give up in a sense. I don't like to think I am lazy or undisciplined, but I really think I am. More often than not I end up trailing off and not really finishing. I am starting to feel it now. Right back to where I was when I started this whole journey back in September.
Earlier this week, I was feeling really run down. I think I picked up a cold in Orlando; maybe on the plane. Stuffy nose, just tired. Even today, I felt really tired.
At this point, I have 1,875 days to complete an Ironman. I need to keep that goal in mind. There is so much to do to make that happen. I really can't let up now.
26 mile run this weekend. I think that will get me going.
Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon the next weekend.
Now that I am thinking about it, it may be because I am not yet at the goal I wanted for my birthday, and I can't really see a way to get to it. I was targeting 35 by 35. I only hit 15. Kinda depressing, really.
I don't know how that makes me feel - to acknowledge that I failed. Miserably.
After the nine and nine last week, I was able to do up the full 18 miles and barely broke a sweat. Well, that's not entirely true, it was quite warm and sunny, and since I wore my sunglasses, I ended up with a racoon-style sunburn on my face. Return of the lobster boy. It's my annual required burning, so things should be better from here on out. I have been exfoliating like crazy, and the color has come down a little. Unfortunately, I'll never be tan; just don't have any tan-juice in me.
I also got my first blister of this training - on my right big toe. I didn't even notice it until I went to run last night, then I decided to pop it but then it hurt like the dickens. Oh, well, price you have to pay to build your strength, right?
And last nights run was pretty special: 10:36 per mile over 4.6 miles. Was feeling pretty good, then went to see Ironman immediately after.
A bit of good news: this morning, I dropped into the next weight bracket at 179 - that's minus 13 from the high point. I was very excited. ELMO has been working hard for me. I eat a pretty constant stream of food throughout my day and I have been not eating as much in the evening. After 9 pm, I am done eating for the day. Huge difference. I finally started to understand that "carbo load" does not mean 1,000 calories, but more like 200. Replenish doesn't have to be a huge mass of food, but can be something more simple.
I called my friend Erin about meeting up to do a 20 mile "tour of places I lived in my college years" but he hasn't returned my call. Heather and Allyson, on the other hand, might do the Green Mountain Marathon.
Getting pretty excited about my trip, and the thought of a few runs in Amsterdam and Rome. Running in Amsterdam will be interesting, and running by the collesum will be awesome. Since it will be a down week, I will not have to do do many miles - maybe 4 twice throughout the week - but it will still be challenging and fun!
Well, Sunday was a 14 mile day. The actual run went pretty well, but I wasn't aware of the degree of hills that we'd be doing - Berkeley is quite hilly! The elevation change was something like 600 feet over a few miles. It was quite aggressive, and our large group of 15 got split in half as we continued on down the hills. I joked that my body fat was getting jarred off by all the impacts coming down the hill.. I only wish it was true!
We finished with a 12:49 pace. I think I could have done better, but I really wanted to finish with my group all together. I am now in the 12:00 pace group, but with the hills this week, we finished a bit slower. Good news is that the actual marathon doesn't seem to have as many hills - even though it is San Francisco. It's going to be tough to get in under 5 hours, but I am going to still work it!
Monday was a planned rest day; spent it with my mom, grandmother, and aunt. Unfortunately, we drove a very long time - to Santa Cruz and back through the redwoods. Now my legs are suffering. Tightness in my calfs and a twinge in my hamstring. But still did a nice easy 3.5 mile run (ended up at 11:05 pace) and it's loosening up a little bit. Price I have to pay, I guess.
In order to jumpstart my metabolism, I am committing to the following for the 20 weeks between today and my birthday:
1) Eat breakfast each day 2) Eat at least 5 small meals 3) Drink at least 5 cups of water or green tea 4) Don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime 5) Work out for 15 minutes before breakfast
To keep myself accountable, I will document out any violations here in my blog.
It seems I may have been taking it a bit too aggressively over the past week. On a positive note, I may have got lucky with my ankle - it is no longer painful to touch in the N spot, which was my indicator toward a navicular stress fracture. I think that I just stretched, pulled, or
I went ahead and bought the orthortic insole. Superfeet Blue. $35.
Going to take tonight off, instead of the 4 miler I had planned. Will see if tomorrow or Saturday I think I am ready to go. Otherwise, I've got a 7 mile run with the team on Sunday.
It's possible I've done gone and gave myself a Navicular Stress Fracture in my right foot. I am going to keep monitoring it, and get the orthotic (went to the store today but it was closed.)
Will get it tomorrow, and I think I will give a few days rest. Get back on for Sunday. I am disappointed that I will not meet my goal for this week. :(
Well, one could easily tell that I have not ever used the weight equipment. I know, from the way I am feeling that I haven't been in the past. My arms are a bit sore, in the shoulders.
Four mile run went well tonight. For some reason the Nike+ graph shows a dip, and I think it was because of needed to wait at the crossings for the lights. Regardless, still hit 10:22. Was pleased with that.
I started a strength training program today at the gym at the Concord office. Got a membership there for only $25 a month, and it is a full gym with everything I need - at least for now until I get the weight off and can start the swim program. (I am quite embarressed to be seen in a swim suit looking as I do!)
I have been relatively good at eating for the last week or so. Actually think I might be cutting it a little too low, given the amount that I am exercising, but I am so anxious to get the weight off. I am hoping the program will help get the excess fat off these old bones!
Here's my circut:
Back Extension (12x1) Bridge (2x1) Oblique V-Up (10x1, each side) Bent Leg Knee Raise (15x1) Crunch (15x1)
Great run this morning in Berkeley with the AIDS Training Program team. 6 miles down Aquatic Park. Went very smoothly. I was concerned because I tried to push for a "fastest mile" from Tiger Woods on the iPod Nike+ last night at the gym. (Got it!) but then the ole hamstring was twitching a little bit.
Starting to see and feel changes in my lower leg.
Good news is the calf muscle isn't cramping anymore and the foot numbness has gone away. I didn't even get the orthotic yet, but I still think I will need to. Can't rememberthe stinkin brand name at fleet feet. Have to go check it out again.
Yeah.. looks like I need a heel and arch support. My calf is cramping quite a bit, and my foot is numbing up on occasion. Clears up as soon as I stop. Fleet Feet has a good one, but it's $35. Might just need to take the leap.
