Ahhh...Winter

Ok, not really ahhh. More like Blaaahhh. Winter has definitely set in here in Michigan, which means that I am officially not working out outside. I suppose I can't speak for the rest of my Sole Sisters, but this weather definitely puts a damper on my workout motivation. Maybe since I've posted before about my struggles to maintain a workout routine, it's becoming obvious that any excuse will do, and it just so happens that the weather is convenient right now. We've also discontinued our membership to the gym since the struggle to get my almost 3-year-old into the childcare proved too overwhelming (ergo, I wasn't going at all), so I have no place to run. That's ok though, because I think after a while I may miss running and by next Spring, when the training begins for the 5k season, I'll be ready. Or not. But ready or not, I will hop on the running wagon once again, even if it's only for the Spring/early Summer season that I seem to do every year. Something about the weather warming up to 60 degrees and the sun shining that makes me want to run, so I'm guessing I'll be out on those paths again for my "running season."

It's that time again!

Time to make a list of every bit of running gear I might need for the next year. If my husband buys it for Christmas gifts, it's ok to go through 4 pair of shoes..... Just buying a pair of Brooks any other time of the year is "excessive". :) Clearly, he is not a runner! Just wait until he learns that my Yak Trax need to be replaced and the zipper on my winter tights broke last Spring.

Lucky for him, I have reduced my mileage lately and am focusing on strength training until January. Then I will have to make the decision between the 25K race in May or maybe a Spring marathon. Both will require a lot of miles and a couple pair of those Brooks. Hmmmm....maybe I should make sure the wear testing program hasn't lost my email address. I could use another free pair to road test!!

The Slow Season

It seems we've all slowed down here. I'm back in PT after surgery to lengthen a muscle in September. My arch feels so much better, but there is still a lot of strengthening to do in the foot and ankle. I can't even go up on my tiptoes, much less attempt a jog. Running up the stairs is amusing, to say the least. Good thing I've got quick reflexes to break the fall.

My teammates have been doing a great job--two ran races in October, but I'll let them post about those. I am so looking forward to running again--January seems so far away, but I know it will come quickly, and I'll feel like I'm a newbie all over again. Thank goodness I love to run in the cold weather, or I wouldn't even be looking forward to that. I'm hoping when I go back once again in January for the final post-op check-up, I get the go-ahead to hit the trails.

How is everyone else doing? Do other people feel the slow down this time of year? I know many states are still warm enough for race season to be going strong--Michigan has one or two left here in our area and then we get a little hiatus.

Still not there yet...

Well, I've made a few strides (or, more accurately, baby steps) toward working out again. I'm actually thinking about it now! lol! It's hard in this weather (in Michigan it's begun to turn very cold, if not almost wintery), so it's not an easy thought to have, to go outside and exercise. My husband and I have begun discussion on purchasing a piece of workout equipment and now we're just trying to decide which would be the best thing to get. I'm fairly certain that with a new elliptical or treadmill in my basement, I would be pretty excited to hop "back on the wagon." Or, at least, baby step onto the wagon.

Just can't get back into it

I'm having trouble lately getting back into a workout routine. After I ran my last 5k (where I set my personal best), I just haven't been feeling like running. Right afterwards, I put it down to being tired from the race, and after that it just seemed that it wasn't part of my routine anymore. It's so hard to get started again. Hopefully soon.

Running Alongside Everyone

Two and one half weeks post surgery. Not feeling too confident about ever running again. Pain in calf getting better, but I'm noticing the pain in my heel is pretty prevalent. The arch feels better, at least, but I'll rescind my adjective choice in the last post saying "amazing." ; ) Super, I'm sure, but if this has really done not-much-of-anything, I'll have to figure out what was worth it.

My friends are still running. Two Sole Sisters are gearing up for the Grand Rapids Marathon and Half Marathon--I'm sure they will post on their training soon. One Sole Sister is back into training for a 5K, and one just ran a 5K and set a PR for a run benefitting our local schools -- (great job, Chris!!!). Some other friends are figuring out their Garmins, running for local causes, triumphing over illness and still out there. I feel lost, lagging behind, too far removed from the trails.

Some silver lining--The Boot is off, so perhaps in a few weeks I'll be back at it. They gave me a 6-12 week timeframe (that seems pretty vague, doesn't it??), so we shall see. I hope the rest of you are keeping up the great work and training strong.

The Amazing Dr. A

Surgery this week seems to have been the right choice. Though I'm in the healing process now, and I'm back in this stupid Storm Trooper Boot, the pain in my foot is miraculously gone. I'm still curious as to how exactly one lenghtens a muscle, but so far so good. I'm hoping January 1st will be my Running Renewal. 'Til then, I'm going through the recovery process with patience, though insanely bored with having to sit at long intervals with my foot up. Trying to get the kids to help out without complaining is wearing on me, but hopefully at the end of two weeks they'll get it--or they'll be drowning in dust and clutter.

Hope all of your races and running is going great--I'll still be at the races cheering you all on!

No More Races for Me This Year

It appears my running days are done--for 2008, at least. I'm scheduled for surgery next week to lengthen the tendon in my left leg. I'm told I have the best doc around and that I should notice less pain in my foot almost immediately...we'll hope so! Physical therapy has helped with regaining strength (that I hadn't even realized I'd lost!), but it hasn't done anything for the pain I go through every day.

Thankfully, I got in three fun races for the year, but I am bummed to miss out on the great fall running weather and fun races ahead. The cooler weather is my favorite--autumn in Michigan cannot be beat in my book! In fact today is rainy and cold...and I am wishing I could go outside and run! Is there such a thing as REVERSE seasonal affective disorder? ; )

So through January, I will be there at the races still, but cheering on my Sole Sisters and complete strangers, as well. I know how great a little sideline support can be toward the end of a long race. Some runs are better than others, so when someone shouts out "You're doing an awesome job!" when I'm ready to throw out a curse word or two, I know it makes a difference in my mojo!

Triathlons and Marathon training don't really go hand in hand.

Let's see, since June I have done a duathlon, 2 triathlons, and have been maintining my mileage for the GR Marathon. It was tough and confusing at times. But I think I am in pretty good shape right now to do just about anything. . .even wear my bikini! However, I will have to say that cross-training is only good to a point. Substituting a triathlon race is NOT a replacement for long runs 10 miles and up. At some point, the body just needs those long runs and a two hour workout of swim, bike, run doesn't cut it for a 13 mile run! I ran 13 miles last weekend after alternating tris and long runs for about a month. It wasn't the best long run I ever had except that it was flat and gorgeous scenery. I felt like my body hadn't done that in a while and it was like, hello---what are you doing??!! So, what I am learning is cross training is good to a point and running is still by far the best overall fitness one can get. It is good to use the others in recovery from an injury or to maintain fitness during off seasons, but it is NOT a replacement in times of tough training, i.e. a marathon. So, although I really, really, really want to do the last triathlon for this season in our area next month, I think I will just need to stick to the plan of an 18 miler that day.

PT, DXA, and MRI, Oh, my!

Well, I'm still on the mend...kinda starting to get me into a funk. My orthopaedic doctor doesn't think I have a "normal" case of plantar fasciitis. Fan-stinkin-tastic. So I got to have an MRI done of my foot to rule out the possibility of stress fractures still, got to have a bone density scan (I AM WAY TOO YOUNG FOR THAT!) to rule out early osteoporosis (and should all that milk guzzling and ice cream eating I have done for all my years keep my bones strong?), and now am in physical therapy to help strengthen the entire foot.

My therapist, Pam, is a hoot--thank goodness. Otherwise I think I would be giving her some stink-eye upon entering the office building twice a week. I end up leaving in more pain than what I had 24 hours prior, which I suppose means I am working the tendons and muscles that have so weakened over these past few months. I miss running so much, but I cannot imagine being able to get back out there. Hopefully I'm wrong!

In the meantime, I get to attempt biking for 5-10 minutes at a time, three times a day, on top of my other therapy. We will see. If anyone else is in the Injury Boat--know you are not alone, and that feeling in a funk about it is normal!

Just practicing my swing

In reference to my last post about the golf analogy, I am just practicing my swing at the driving range these days. Every run I am concentrating solely on moving in just the right way (i.e. heels doing this, core doing that, knees going like this, etc.) in order to reduce the possiblity of knee pain post-run. So far it has been working. However, I do miss just being able to go out and get lost in my thoughts during a run. I notice that if I let my mind wander that I start to jog instead of run, and that's when I get knee pain, so for now, I have to fully concentrate on the run until that style becomes routine enough that I can begin to enjoy running again. Ergo, I'm just at the driving range, but maybe I should call it the running range. : )

Getting It

I'm STILL not running, but this week I'm feeling almost hopeful with slightly less pain. My teammates are all keeping up on their running though--two just did a 10K race a couple of weeks ago, but I'll let them give the race report. One is training for her first marathon, and the other is getting back into the swing of things after having her second baby--surely they will all tell you about their past few weeks soon. :) Water running and swimming are still my only options right now. I'm bummed to be letting all my cute summer running gear be going to waste! I'm a running skirt addict, I think. Yes, I know I can wear them around the house, but I WANT TO RUN.

My husband recently purchased a used sailboat. We went out for our maiden voyage this past Sunday, unaware of just how big a 26' boat is when it's in the water and with a lot of wind (it looked SO much smaller in the storage lot!). Dear heavens-to-betsy--what an experience! Sailing is a passion of his, apparently discovered when he owned a little 14' Sunfish as a teenager. Well, running is a passion of mine--so after we got the mast down and were ready to head back home, I smiled and said to him, "I can't wait 'til my foot is better so you can come running with me." His response? "Huh? Running would kill me." So I retorted, "Yeah, I thought the purpose here today was for us to learn to share our passions with each other--did you not see my face as we nearly capsized on our return sail? That coulda killed me, too. My poor heart..." I walked toward the car, clutching my heart, but all the while laughing.

I think he gets it now.

Anyone Know of a Water Running Race?

I am still officially on the DL with my foot injury. Grrr. I almost think it's worse now than it was 2 weeks ago. Storm Trooper Boot is off, but I've developed peroneal tendonitis (on the outside of the foot and up the outside of the ankle) and the heel still hurts, even after a cortisone injection. Biking is starting to bother it. I walk with a limp. I have several experts "guessing" as to why I have recurring problems on the left side...one says it is due to a former car accident injury (neck damage)...one says there is possibly a leg length discrepancy...then there are the naysayers who say it's my body's way of saying I shouldn't run. Huh? It hurt like hell to have my first baby come out, too--that didn't mean I was quitting and never having more. People say some really dumb things sometimes. No one seems to have any solutions thus far. Anyone ever try accupuncture? That's about where I am right now--willing to go non-traditional.

In the meantime I am able to do some deep water running. I can swim laps, too, but can only do that when I don't have to also watch the kiddos--not really smart to swim while making sure they stay safe. It only hurts when I have to get back out of the pool and actually walk again.

I still miss running.

My First Triathlon!

I did it. I just signed up for my first triathlon. . .Grand Haven Triathlon on July 13th. . . . only after having done a rehearsal of one this past weekend. I went to the gym and did a 1/2 mile swim, hour bike and 3.1 mile run. The run on the tm was my fastest yet on the tm! I seem to run faster after a bike. Those legs just want to keep on truckin'! It all felt really good and I had no soreness at all. It was kind of easy. I know it won't be so easy in Lake Michigan, on a road and running in the heat, but I was pleasantly surprised that distance running has kept me in pretty good shape! Now all I need is a wet suit and a road bike. . .minor details! I am prepared to brave the cold waters in just a swim suit and use my mountain bike, but hope I can find equipment that won't make my look too much like a novice!!!

Don't ya just go out and run?

When I was on my way to the Riverbank Run (the 25k run for my SoleSisters and 5k for me) in May, I was driving two of my friends from another city that were also running the 5k. I started talking about my Running Sisters and how much more into running they are than I. One of my friends said astonished from the backseat, "Wait a minute. Don't ya just go out and run?" I said, "Well, I do. But they actually READ magazines about running, and books, and stuff. To try to run better." She was baffled about how someone could run better, and frankly, I really couldn't explain it to her. But during my run yesterday, I came up with an excellent analogy for her. Running is like golfing. Some people do go out and "just do it" with no consideration to form or performance. But like golfing, running has it's share of participants that want to learn to improve and feel strongly that everyone else doing the sport should be trying to improve also. Since she is a golfer (although I think casual golfer would best describe her) I thought this analogy would perfectly explain it to her. And then it hit me that it really explains it to me also, and that I am a casual runner. So now I can't wait to tell her the analogy so I can see the dawning of understanding on her face as she comprehends why some people do more than "just go out and run."

Ok, I Take It Back

I need to officially apologize to all the cyclists in the world out there whom I may have offended in my previous post. I ventured onto a new trail yesterday morning, knowing it would be further from traffic and a bit more peaceful. And flat. My heel likes flat right now.

Yesterday's cyclists were downright great. I was actually supposed to meet up with some runners from a local running group--many of them had done the Bayshore Marathon or Half last week up in Traverse City, so they were using this week to recover and had opted for a long bike ride. I missed the group due to some early storms but caught up with them eventually. But in the meantime, I rode for awhile with a very nice retired gentleman -- a runner-turned cyclist named Tony who moved up here from St. Louis at some point in his life. Turned out we knew several people in common, so that was kind of fun to chat and realize just how small this world is.

He went a bit further than I did, so I had to eventually say goodbye. On my way back to my staging point, I came upon a woman whose bike chain had dislodged from the crank, so I stopped to help her. Wasn't much help, as I foolishly didn't have any tools with me, but I did have some Wet Ones so she could wipe grease off her hands. Within about 7 or 8 minutes, another cyclist stopped to help--he had more experience with these problems and was able to fix it for her (and I was able to learn what to do sans tools!). So I had about a 15 minute delay in there, but I found friendliness, so it was worth it.

In all, my ride was a bit over 24 miles. I made sure to keep my gears harder so I had to pedal the whole time--great calorie burn! It was nice to have the endurance workout I am so used to receiving from my long runs. It was nice, too, to prove myself wrong on those cyclists.

I still miss running though.

Biker Babes and Running Divas

I would like to say up front that I don't want to offend anyone here with my judgements...But yesterday I realized I will never truly be a cyclist. Runners are friendlier--at least while out on the road. Simply put. For a somewhat (ok, very) social girl like myself, that's important.

I am relegated to the bike right now while my foot heels up -- it's a great way to keep up my cardio and aerobic capacities so I won't be starting back from scratch when I get the go-ahead to run again later in June. Yesterday I felt my heel was doing well enough that I could take the bike off the trainer I have set up in my sunroom. I'm fortunate enough to live very close to miles and miles of bike/run paths. So I unhooked the bike and headed outside.

My neighborhood is filled with hills, but I no longer fear those--even on a bike. I got going on an uphill climb within my first half mile and passed a group of walkers--probably out on their lunch break. I smiled and said hello--and they kindly returned my greeting.

Kept going. And going. Eventually passed another cyclist. Again, I smiled and said hello. Nothing. Oh, well, I thought, maybe he was in his "zone." A mile later, I passed another cyclist. Again with the hellos. Again--NOTHING. What the heck???

In total, I passed probably 8 to 10 other cyclists and 6 or 7 more runners after that initial group. I nearly got run over by one group of cyclists not adhering to the single-file-stay-to-the-right rule, but he did at least smile and say, "Oh, sorry 'bout that!" as he ran me off the path and thankfully onto a flat grassy area.

At the end of my ride, nice as it was to be outside, I really missed being a runner. Why is it runners seem more friendly to me? Is it because we're going slower than a bike so we have the time to say hello? Is it because we're not constantly looking for curbs, holes, and more at higher speeds? (Ok, as a runner, I DO look for those things as I don't like twisted ankles...) Is it just because I'm really missing being a runner so I'm looking for something negative in everything else?

I do enjoy cycling now--I never thought I would enjoy it this much when I really started incorporating it into my running training 6 months ago. I love the run more. But I wonder what I'd be like as a triathlete? : ) How are those swimmers?

Excuse Me, Does This Boot Come in Black?

Well, my big race for the year has come and gone--longest distance for the year, that is. We had our 25K Riverbank Run here in Grand Rapids on May 10. If ever you've wanted to travel for a race--this one is worth it. It's reportedly the largest 25K race in the U.S.--drawing elite athletes from all over the world. This year 2008 Olympian and fellow Michigander Brian Sell ran the race and took 1st place. Pretty cool. www.53riverbankrun.com

The day was beautiful--no winds, blue skies, great crowds. Temperature-wise, it was about 10 degrees warmer at the start than they'd predicted (it was 46 degrees), but we were still dressed fine. Jeanine, Annie, and I all ran the 25K, Chris ran the 5K, Andrea cheered us all on (she's 9 months pregnant--she deserves a break!). They added a 10K race on, as well, so we did have a few friends who were running that.

My left heel had been bothering me since our March 5K--the Irish Jig. I taped it up as always, laced up my shoes, and tried to tell myself it was fine. The tape didn't feel as supportive as usual, but I thought I was just second-guessing myself with race day nerves.

The race started--I couldn't find Jeanine or Annie, so I ran with two Riverbank Road Warriors (a program I trained with this year). We made sure to pace ourselves early so we didn't go out too fast--a problem I used to have on race day. Our first mile--9:53. Beautiful. I was hoping to average 10:30 minute miles overall. We brought it down a notch, but not too much, keeping up our conversation and just enjoying the run. It worked well for the first 7 miles. My 7 mile average -- 10:20 per mile. I have been able to negative split on longer runs, so I was pretty excited at that point. I told the gal I was running with to go on and I'd catch up--I wanted to slow a bit at that point to prepare for the hilly portion of the race and ease up on my foot.

Big mistake. When I slowed down, my arch seized up. My heel felt like someone shot a bullet through it. My achilles started pulling. I could barely put weight on it. I kept going, knowing I had no desire to be walking through the split mat at mile 7.87. But it was hard. I could see on my Garmin that my 1 mile lap time was starting to wane. Significantly. I kept trying to hobble between running and walking.

I got to The Hill and forced myself to run up it--I was trained to run the hills--no way was I walking it. So I pushed up it trying to focus my mind on the music I could hear from the crowd and not on the pain in my foot. I got to the top and started whispering a mantra of less-than-ladylike words. Another Road Warrior came up behind me and asked if I was ok. "Fine," I said, "keep going--you're doing great!" He walked with me for a bit--he was having a tough run himself. I'm sure he was surprised by my quiet cursing, as usually I'm the enthusiastic rah-rah runner of the bunch.

I started seeking out any grass or gravel I could find. One word of wisdom--do not run on bigger pepples and rocks if the bottom of your foot is in agony. Makes it worse.

Long story somewhat shortened--I ended up walking the majority of the last 6 miles of the race. I still ended up crossing the finish line with time to spare for a medal, which considering the 6 mile walk, was impressive, I suppose, but I was pretty depressed for the rest of the weekend. I had trained so well and so hard for this race. My time sucked-- 3:05:07 for 15.5 miles. EGADS! It was not the finish line experience I needed back (I raced this one in 2003 and got injured the past two years trying again for it). But I did get my finish medal (which, oddly, is much lighter weight than my 2003 medal, even though the design is still the same!)

I saw my orthopaedic doctor four days later--that actually made me feel somewhat better about my lousy time. When the P.A. showed me the x-ray--I saw a very nasty heel spur and a bone chip--yes, somewhere along the line bone had chipped off from a tug-of-war match with a tight tendon. Plantar fasciitis is bad enough, but add those other two to the mix, along with bursitis to give the spur something to dig into...OUCH. The P.A. had also run the race--she was surprised I made it to the finish line considering the foot. There is still a chance there is a stress fracture, so for the next month I am in a giant steel-gray aircast--aka The Storm Trooper Boot. Why can't they make these in black or brown? Or lighter weight? This thing weighs in at 3 pounds!

One positive thing? I have a good shot at getting that "most improved" award, presuming this heals up ok for me to do a half-marathon in the fall.

Am I a runner?

No, I am not. I am a jogger. And I'm ok with that. Today was the "big" run for my Sole Sisters and I, they running a 25k and I running a 5k. I use the term "running" loosely, because my pace is no match to theirs. I really don't even keep track of my pace, other than to be able to converse with them about it. Today, I had planned to at least try to beat my time from last year. But I was running with a friend who struggles with running, and I opted to stick with her instead. And ya know what? I really enjoyed myself today. When she walked, I jogged slowly next to her. Instead of looking at the ground, and searching out the openings to be able to move ahead, I looked around and enjoyed the crowd cheering us on, the beautifully georgeous weather, the U.S. Marine corp group running in formation, chanting their songs as they passed. I really had a fun time! I ran with my friend through mile 2. That was where the "big" hill is that her and I have discussed the past year that we needed to get through (this year it didn't really seem nearly so big!), and I really felt I wanted to be with her as we ran up it, and cheer with her at the end of it. It was a great feeling. After that, she wanted to walk again, and said I could go on, so I opened up and just ran. While that felt good too, I wasn't attentive to my time. Truth be told, I still haven't checked my time. So I think I'm really just a jogger. But, man, I sure did enjoy the jog today a lot more than I would have a run. And I'm ok with that.

Why I eat

At a recent gathering of the Sole Sisters, the topic of eating came up. One of the girls was lamenting how she was unable to meet her daily caloric needs with her running, not able to eat enough. My jaw just dropped. I asked her how that was possible. How could she not eat enough? She said she just wasn’t hungry. Huh?? Since when does being hungry have to be the motivator to eat? (Yes, I know this is an issue I need to work on. :)) She didn’t appear to understand where I was coming from, so I’m writing this to offer some insight to her.

Why do I eat?

• I eat because… it’s 8 a.m. and I’m “supposed” to have breakfast.
• I eat because… it’s 9 a.m. and I’m cleaning up the kids breakfast dishes and there’s two bites of oatmeal from the 2-year-old, and one bite of peanut butter toast from the 4-year-old, and, ummm…yum! Can’t waste that!
• I eat because… it’s 10 a.m. and the kids are asking for something to eat, and some apple slices magically slip into my mouth.
• I eat because… it’s 11:30 a.m. and I’m making the kids lunches and peanut butter is my absolute biggest weakness, so how can I help having a teaspoon or two?
• I eat because… it’s 12 noon and it’s “time” for me to eat lunch now.
• I eat because… it’s 12:30 p.m. and I’m cleaning up the kids lunch plates, and there’s a couple bites of p.b.&j. sandwich left, and did you read about me and peanut butter?
• I eat because… it’s 1:30 p.m. and the kids are asking for a snack, and the pretzels/peanuts/teddy grahams sound nice and crunchy and just a little won’t hurt.
• I eat because… it’s 2 p.m. and I’m so tired I could fall asleep if I sit down so I need some energy food.
• I eat because it’s 2:30 p.m. and the 2-year-old just came in from the sandbox and put her sandy hand in the ½ full jar of peanut butter. Then when she realized she was going to get in trouble, she ran to hide behind the couch in the family room and stuck her peanut-buttery-sandy hands all over it. Oh I need some chocolate!!
• I eat because… it’s 4 p.m. and my 6-year-old just got home from school and it is yet another snack time, and now I AM actually hungry, and cheese and crackers and grapes sound yummy.
• I eat because… it’s 6 p.m. – dinnertime. Of course, dinner is always really tasty because it’s something that sounds good to me, or that I haven’t had in a while, and while I do make my dinners healthy, that doesn’t help when you overeat because it tastes so good.
• I eat because… it’s 9 p.m. and the kids are all in bed and I could actually eat something without having to share it with 3 others’ little hands.

With all these opportunities, I don’t understand, how does my Sole Sister NOT eat?!

Sitting on the bench

Running has been something that I wanted to do my whole life, but never did until January 2007.  I was recruited by SoleSisterJeanine and SoleSisterShelly for training for the 5/3 Riverbank race.  I found the training excoriating and thrilling.  By the summer of 2007, I had decided that I was runner.  What an amazing feeling! 

 This year, I have been ‘benched’ due to my pregnancy for my second child.  I am thrilled to be pregnant, although not running is a lot harder than running!  I have read many articles about running during pregnancy, although I did not feel my body was able to handle running and making a baby, and I chose to take a break.   My husband feels this pregnancy is ‘flying by’, I disagree 100%!  Walking on the treadmill next to a runner makes a pregnancy go slow!   I only have five weeks left in my pregnancy, and then a few weeks of rest, and I’ll be back on the running track. 

 Listening to my fellow teammates will give me the energy to balance two young children and running.  I look forward to all of their tips to start up my training this summer, and hopefully I’ll be able to join them in a few races in the fall.

I always want more!

I ran 15 miles today. I am very excited to be back there. It has been a year of resting, dealing with injuries, learning form, reading about nutrition and just puttin' in the miles, but I am back and feeling much better than the last time I was here! However, it was on this run this morning in the pouring rain that I realized--- I am really good at 13 miles. I could even get really good, but I want more. If I can do 13, I think to myself, why not 15 and if I can do 15 why not 26.2!!!! Well, I am sore this evening, but it is a good sore and I don't think even Astavita, which has been incredible on this training journey, will work for me this week. But that is okay, I know that by the time I need to run again I will (not sure sure the last time I was here at good ole' 15!) Because when it comes down to it. . .I will always want more miles and in time I'll get them!

Out Like a Lamb?

I've never really understood that whole "In like a lion, out like a lamb" thing. I don't think it holds true in Michigan. Cold is cold. It can still snow in April. We can still get an ice storm. This winter has been a trying one--record snowfall, ice, an occasional warm day just to wreak havoc on our sinuses.

We had our first race of the season on March 15. Chris, Jeanine, and I ran a local 5K. I have to say, the weather was quite perfect that day. Low 20s and sunny. Not like today--rain rain rain, but supposedly it will get up to 60 today. I've decided, however, I may not necessarily run the Irish Jig again. It seems to be a jinx for me. Four years in a row--2005--I ran with the flu, just because I couldn't get ahold of my running partner to tell her I had a fever of 102. 2006--that was the day I got a stress fx to the hip/foot. 2007--ran it w/ another stress fx to the foot--different spot. This year--developed heel pain. Am HOPING it is plantar fasciitis and not another $%&**@ stress fx. Am thankful for the bike to be able to cross-train.

Chris and Jeanine had great times for the 5K. Mine--30:06. I've defintely had better. It was hard to keep myself going slower--I'm "saving" myself for the 25K in May, and clearly fear injury -- with good reason.

I guess the only bright side is that it gives me a lot of space to improve, eh?

Post-Vacation...Pre-Race

What a week! This past weekend my husband and I went on a short cruise -- a reward to him from his company for the crazy hours and work he puts in (and results, of course). I made sure to get in all the runs pre-vacation as well as on the cruise. Trying to run on a ship during a storm with high swells made for an interesting time! I chose the treadmill in the gym instead of the track, as I had a 8-9 mile run on schedule for my long run--and the track is only 1/11th of a mile. I sure as heck didn't want to have to keep track of 99+ times around! My husband offered to count for me...but I'm not sure I could have trusted his count as he sat there lounging, drink in hand. The ship would shift, thus making me shift on the treadmill--trying to stay on was a core workout in itself. But I did it! I worked out every day we were gone, and I made sure to only use the stairs and no elevator the whole time, too. Not one pound gained on the trip!

This coming weekend is our first race of the season--the Irish Jig 5K, with proceeds going to colorectal cancer research/awareness for a local hospital. This is one of my favorite races--very laid back, always cold, and the kick-off for many area runners for the local race season. Three of us Sole Sisters are running in it--along with some other friends of ours from a Moms' Group we are in. I can't wait! My biggest dilemma right now is what to wear and whether or not to still fit in a long run this weekend. This marks the weekend I tend to attract stress fractures, so I'm still on the fence with that one.

We'll drop a line next week to let you all know how we do! :)

Michigan Winters!

Michigan Winters are not usually this bad, but alas I love it! SNOW, SNOW and more SNOW!!!! The snow is awesome for skiing which I do, but not for the running. Here is the problem: running in the snow is aggrivating my IT Band and right foot!!! I didn't have this problem last year because the deepest snow I ran in was 2 inches which was lovely for YakTrax. So, I have been relegated to the treadmill for the past month and while my feet and knees thank me my mind is about to explode! I have 9 miles this weekend and I just saw they plowed the bike path. Hopefully, my IT Band and foot will hold up on the pavement. Beacuse my mind really does need the break right now!

Thanks, Astavita!

Just wanted to shout out a quick thanks to the Astavita company and staff for sending out our new seeMOMMYrun team jerseys! They also sent out some additional goodies for us, as well. Can't wait to try out the antioxidant supplements -- they sent along a 90 day supply for us to get race-ready!

Here's a pic of the Astavita Team Jerseys--modeled kindly by my willing three year old! She also put on my running shoes and was ready to go--I think she thought she was a superhero--based on her pose! She proceeded after to run around the house "winning" races and politely requesting I hand over her trophy (And yes, she's still in her pj's--she told me today was a Pajama Day! Frankly, I didn't have the energy to argue about it!)!

How Many Snow Days Can a Mom Take?

It's already February--2008 seems to be whizzing by so far. The first race of our season (at least for part of the team) will be coming up here in a little over a month--seems hard to believe with all this snow! Yesterday I cross-trained by shoveling 8" of snow out of my driveway. It's funny how small the driveway can seem when kids are trying to rollerblade or bicycle around in circles in it, but how massive it seems when shoveling out 8" of wet, heavy snow.

Yesterday also marked the 4th "snow day" the kids had off of school in the past three weeks. This is by far the most days off for weather that I've seen since my kids started going to school--and my oldest is a 4th grader. I realized around 1pm yesterday that my limit sanity-wise is 3 snow days. ;) I love the kiddos, but hokey pete, these homebound days are driving me nuts!

Thankfully I have a treadmill so I can keep up on my training inside while the kids look for something to do. I can't imagine trying to drag all three of 'em out there with me. I love the snow--and I even consider running outside in 20 degree weather to be "perfect" running weather. Over the past few years I've learned a few tricks about how to dress bulk-free but to stay warm, and I can even say that I've run in sub-zero weather with only a chill on my cheekbones. So I admit this year I get a bit jealous of my friends w/ no treadmills at home but who have the ability to carve out some alone time outside. I've been making sure to get the outdoor runs in on the weekend--hopefully that will help shave a little time off of my annual March 5K time.

How is training going for the rest of you? Do you run to run, or run to train? We'd love feedback on these blogs to hear how it's going with other moms. I've been trying to keep up with the other Race Team Blogs--it's nice to read that other moms go through some of the same challenges that I do. Not that I wish "challenges" upon anyone else, but I think you all know what I mean.

Now hit the road, ladies!

To eat or not to eat....what the heck should I be eating?

Anyone else totally frustrated with trying to figure out how much of everything they should eat? I got a book on sports nutrition before Christmas and swear I read the thing, but I am still confused! No one seems to agree on how many carbs an "athlete" should consume and do I really fit into the "athlete" category anyway?? Sheesh. My pace isn't even listed in most running books--apparently I am a "jogger".

Well, someone did share a handy website with me recently: www.thedailyplate.com I've tried Fitday before to track what I eat, but Daily Plate actually has a ton of store brand and restaurant foods in their data banks that you can search for. Makes it much easier for me, being a calorie counting idiot.

I'm hungry and the brownies on my counter are calling my name.....

Runner wanna-be

Hello! I started running about 12 years ago to lose weight. For about 7 years I would run until my knees wouldn't let me - usually about 3 or 4 months at a stretch - and running in a race never occurred to me. Once I had kids, I really didn't ever get back into running until SoleSister Jeanine last January recruited for other moms from our mom's group to join her and Shelly to train for the Riverbank (offers a 25K and a 5K) in May. Since I again needed to lose weight, I thought joining this group of ladies would be a good way to get back into running with some companionship. So I signed up for the 5K and ran my first race. It was fun. However, my knees still didn't let me train regularly. I have since learned so much from all these ladies about running, and training avoiding injury. I would love to run regularly, but since my body doesn't want me to do that, I've accepted that cross-training will have to do. As long as I can still run events with my Sole Sisters, I am happy!

Training Plans!

Hello!

I am currently training for the 25k with my fellow River City Sole Sisters. I have been looking at the supplied training program by the run directors and feel it doesn't fit me. I have spent the last 7 months after last years race ( my first of its kind) trying to recover from an IT Band injury that I can't see following the same schedule as last year which has us running 6-7 days a week. So, I am breaking from the schedule and actually throwing it away!!! Whenever I look at it I feel nothing but chaos where running has been for me in the past 20 months (the length of my running career thus far) nothing but calmness and joy. I will be running less and hopefully running farther and injury free. Biking is my XTing and I vow this year to not sacrifice the strength training for the run!

And yes, I will be doing the Marathon in October and that really is my focus right now. . .staying healthy, fit and strong to go 26.2 miles!!!!!!

Keep strong to run long!!!!!!!

2 year "runiversary"

It is hard to believe that 2 years ago (and 1700 miles) this month is when I first started running. Gosh it doesn't seem like that long ago! I have Shelly to thank for talking me into training for a 25K with her that year. Boy was I stupid to just jump in like that, but I am so glad now that I didn't know any better!

I have come a long way from where I was 2 years ago. I didn't even know how to turn on the treadmill at the gym back then (seriously!) and barely made it through the first half mile on my first run. Could have had something to do with me setting the pace at 9mm 'cause that's what the gal next to me was running at...... Yeah, I learned a lot about pace and injury right away. I took a full month to recover after that race and then began to build a nice base before getting crazy with the mileage again.

I now run 25-30mpw regularly. One mile is barely a warm up, whereas running one mile without stopping was a huge accomplishment 2 years ago. I can even push a 3yr old in the jog stroller without complaining too much about it!

I like to think that I am now running smarter than I was when I started. Thanks to some handy gadgets (Garmin 305) and technical fabric clothing, I even look more like a runner! Sheesh have I spent some cash on running stuff!! I have at least 7 pairs of running shoes in my closet that have too many miles on them to be good for anything besides gardening! Well, at least my older boys are getting big enough to wear them for play shoes now!

This year is a big one for me. I am hoping to talk my hubby into letting me train for a full marathon..... We'll see....he's not quite on board with the running thing yet. I am hoping that with the kiddos (10, 9, 7, 5, and almost 4) getting older, he will feel less burdened during my long runs. Not exactly holding my breath, but I feel like my body is ready for the challenge and wish my family could be as well.

Not really sure where I am going with this post....I guess just reflecting on where I am, how I got here and where I plan to go... And where is that?? Hmmm....out to dinner would be nice......

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Moms!

I'm not one to make resolutions so much anymore--but I do think about what I can do to improve my life and my attitude more around this time of year. I think it's inevitable--people talk about giving things up, losing weight, saving money, etc. So it's on the top of the brain a bit more.

I have decided to at least make sure I can incorporate some sort of fitness activity into my day every day--but not to make it a standard "go for a run" or "hit the gym" mentality. Here in the midwest we have a lot of options--especially in western Michigan. In the winter I can take the kids sledding--call it a hill workout every time I have to climb back up. I can go snowshoeing or ice skating (in my head I can spin around like Dorothy Hamill--the reality isn't QUITE so graceful, but I can hold my own even if I can't do a double axle). In the summer we can swim at the beach (we're only a bit over 1/2 hour away from the great sandy beaches of Lake Michigan!), or we can play baseball or soccer. Sometimes we'll take walks under the guise of being a "sprinkler hunt." The reward is going thru those sprinklers touching into the streets a bit so we can cool off.

Of course I love my running days, too. My team and I have already been trying to figure out which races we want to run this year--all the while I am saying a little prayer in my head to stay healthy and with my bones all solid and intact. It's hard to take the sport for granted when it can be put on hiatus so quickly with a stress fracture! We are excited to get in our first race of the season in March. Before March we don't have a lot of options here in this area!

Hope you enjoy following along in our blog -- it's fun to receive encouragement from you all, and we hope we are providing some sort of motivation and enthusiasm in return!