Until next year....

Here are my times for todays Seattle Rock n Roll half marathon. Now that I am home I am TIRED. Yawn. With all my leg/foot issues I am happy to report that the issues I had were totally okay. BUT now I have two blisters on each big toe. Whaaaaat? How'd that happen? I've been running for how long and no blisters. Whhhhaaat? Weird. So, my feet hurt. A LOT!

Half Marathon Start: Gun 7:00:07 Chip 7:28:34

Splits: 5 Km 10 Km 9 Mile Finish O'All Sex Div

Times: 29:23 59:25 1:27:02 2:07:33 5328 2919 567

Pace: 9:28 9:34 9:41 9:44

Of course when alls said and done I probably could have ran faster. I stopped once to stretch. Once to adjust my sock (when I realized the blistering). Then I walked a few times because my mind was fighting with my body. Must overcome that.

So yeah.... all done til next year!

Rock N Roll Seattle

The day has finally come. Tomorrow's the day... The big day!!!! I wont have to worry about it for another year! ha! Yes, that's right, I signed up at the Expo to do next years half, despite haven't run this year's, YET. ha! Hey, I saved $40!

So, yes, we are hoping to get on the shuttle around 5AM and hit the start line bright and early before it gets too crazy. I'm in corral 19, so look for me wearing blue and black with a white and black hat. I originally was going to wear a black hat BUT within A WEEK I lost my black hat. Somewhere. Livid, I tell ya. Livid. I now have to wear a white hat and pray it doesn't throw off my mojo.

I decided to wear my Garmin... and carry my water bottle. For a while I was thinking of ditching both but then realized I like the comfort of having both.

I am just praying my foot doesn't cause me any grief. I know if my calves tighten up I can stretch them.. the foot, there's nothing I can do until the race is over. Maybe that will be motivation to run faster? ha!

So, with that... I'll see you after the race!

10 miles...

Booyah... I ran ten miles. Ten. 1 hour and 40 minutes late I ran ten miles. I feel so much better knowing that I can run 10 despite all my issues over the last couple of months. It makes me a bit more confident of doing the rock n roll in a mere 18 days. Doh!

My toe joint is very stiff and achy but I'm icing it and all that jazz.

Tomorrow I go in for an evaluation for my SI joint at physical therapy. Go not only will I be going for my foot/legs I'll be working my core/pelvic area to get that all in working order. What a whole box of fun I am. So one day a week will be spent on my legs, another day on my core, and then I get a day at the chiropractor. How the heck did that all happen? ha!

... and it's almost summer vacation for my kids. Ooooph.

Question about ICING after runs...

I keep reading that you should ice ASAP after runs. Does this mean do not stretch first or ice then stretch? I've always stretched then iced but I keep reading and not finding anything about stretching first just ICE IMMEDIATELY.

Help!

24 Days til the Rock N Roll...

I like to count things down that way. I could probably break that down further and just say 10 more runs on my own until the Rock N Roll. Which really means can I stay injury free for 10 more runs. ha!

I've been on 5 runs since I was given the okay to get back out there. It's been going okay. My longest run has been 7.79 miles and I am still keeping the pace between 9-10 minute miles. So, that's good. My calves and hamstrings have been soooooooo tight though. I try to keep them stretched out but if I sit/lay down for any extended period of time my legs hate me.

My foot is doing okay. It's not "healed" but I think with my new orthotics, new shoes (picked up the new and improved Brooks Glycerin 8's), steroid gel, and chiropractor work I am moving in the right direction.

I'm also trying to stay hydrated and am pretty sure I'll run with my water bottle. I actually didn't think I would but I am realizing how much better I feel when I have access to water at a given moment along a run. I figure on the rock n roll I can fill it up after I run out along the route. I realized I had some Cytomax in my pantry so I gave that a whirl after my run yesterday to see if that would help with my recovery. It could have been all in my head but a little bit after I drank it I DID feel better. So, I'll keep trying that plan. Maybe have some before and some after my runs. I'm not a fan of drinking these while running because I'm more of a water person so I'll stick to that and if I need it along the race route I can always grab it from one of the stations.

So, here's to injury free running!

So, Where was I?

Oh yeah.... I was doing nothing.

So on Friday I went to the chiropractor and he did a few things on my back, my toes, and ankle and sent me on my way.

Sunday I was VERY excited to run. Since the sports medicine doctor told me to wait until I had my first chiropractor appointment, I did, and well, now it was time.

I did okay. I just went 4 miles. Nothing really was sore except my toe, which is dumb. OH, and I think I talked about this before but my right arm/wrist/hand gets stiff? Well, that was going on.

After the run, my legs were a little stiff but nothing major and nothing "hurt."

THANK GOD!!!!!

So, today's Tuesday and I went on a little run again. 4.73 miles. Everything felt pretty good with the exception of "the toe" and I made a point to stretch my arm, shake it out, etc... So, phew.

Now one thing I noticed is my Garmin was really starting to annoy me today. To the point where I took it off and tied it to the string of my shorts. Just it being on my arm was too much. I had to get it off. Has this happened to anyone?

I was also underhydrated today and I had forgot my water bottle when I left the house. I think that if I had it with me I would have gone further but I just wanted to get home and get something to drink... and that's where the 4.73 miles came from... "must get home to get water...."

Long story short the legs are feeling fine. The toe is a whole other story. I wish you could feel what is going on. It doesn't HURT, it just is so stiff and feels strained. It's like if you sit on your knees with your feet bent behind you and you stand up... that feeling in your feet. Does that make sense? I've been applying the gel the doctor gave me and I really can't tell if it's working or not.

My next run will be on Thursday. I might wake up early and go that morning since I have PT that day, too. Just to get it all over with and if I'm sore after my run they can work on me.

There are 32 days until the Rock n Roll. That's not a whole lot of runs to get in without risking injury. Wondering what everyones thoughts are of a reasonable goal to get to that will make me be in the mindset that I can do the entire 13? 8? Should I just do some runs with walks and go further? Not worry about the mileage but just run in terms of time? Or should I just see how everything goes up until the Expo and decide at midnight? ha!

...And today I'd like to give a shout out to my 10 year old son. It's his birthday today. So, we are heading for sushi for dinner!!!!

Back from camping... back to uh, nothing.

Hellooooo.. helloooo.. back from 8 days camping. Anyone miss me? No? Oh well, next time.

I had my follow up appointment with the sports medicine doctor yesterday to go over my foot xray/leg scan.

................. I got nothing.

My legs are 2mm difference which is not an issue.

There was no sign of any swelling or anything in my foot/toe area.

She reevaluated my ankle and said it was moving better (despite me doing nothing for it)...

And my pelvic/hip area is still off. I told her I couldnt get into the chiro that she specifically told me to make an appointment with until June 2nd so she gave me another name to at least get the hips worked on so we can get the ball rolling. So, I go see him Friday. HELLO. The original chiro had me waiting almost a month to see him and this one two days. Geeeeez.

She said she'd prefer I not run until I get adjusted because in her opinion that is what's causing the ankle/leg/knee issues and running wont help anything.

She gave me a prescription for a gel called Voltaren. It's prescribed for osteoarthritis and is obviously less invasive then stinking a needle in the top of my foot. So we'll give that a shot. I'll try it on my knee, too.

I'm wavering still on the rock n roll half. Obviously, I wont do it if I'm hurting. If the aches have subsided I have to decide if I want to do it just to do it or not. I don't know if I have it in me to go in it to finish it or not. If I'm able to work up to 7-8 miles in the next month I'll be where I was last year and it sort of makes me feel defeated if I'm not able to finish faster. It's just one of those things I have to fight with myself about and what I want out of this race. Time will only tell.

Sports Medicine Doc......

ooooooooooooooh boy.

I'm back from my appointment.

What she thinks I have going on is:

1. Leg discrepancy (which can only be determined with a scan)

2. Neuroma on the ball of my foot (determined by Xray)--treated by cortisone shot in foot.

.... so I'll be going in on Thursday to get the scans done. Then I go back to her on May 18 and she'll go over the scans with me.

3. Lack of flexibility in ankles which means when I run I probably go from heel to ball of foot and no in between which is probably causing all the shin/calf pain.

4. Pelvic something or other

.... Treatment plan to start 4-6 visits with a "specific" chiropractor and ONLY this chiropractor which I can't get in with until June 2nd.

She didn't say I couldn't run but obviously if it hurts I'm not going to. ha! So I'll still attempt it and well, if it hurts I wont do it. Guess the bike will have to be my friend for a while. Sigh.

At this point, I really don't know if I'll be doing the half marathon in June. I really don't. I don't know if riding my bike is going to give me the legs to run 13 miles. It's definitely not the same and I don't know how quickly they can fix me either.

So, I'm getting really bummed and I know there area always other halfs but it sucks knowing that the few months we have sunshine I can't even run in it. God, why do I even buy cute running clothes anymore. ha!

The new orthotics....

I hit the trail this afternoon. 4.26 miles in 39:42 minutes and as much as I'd love to say I was ache free, I wasn't. :(

The first mile or two I was feeling okay. Thinking I just had to work out the kinks but by the end I could feel the aches creeping up my leg. Boooooo. So, no magic in those new orthotics. We'll see how it goes on Monday. I'm bummed.

Once home I stretched some more then iced.... walking down the stairs just was an irritating ache. It wasn't like shin splints but that irritating IT band feeling but surrounding my knee and down the leg... which I am thinking might be tendon related. That is from all the reading I've been doing on anything that could possibly be wrong.

And my foot. Hmmm, well, that ache was still there, too. Boo. Lame.

I'm just wondering what the heck I'm not doing that is causing this. I'm starting to doubt my ability to do the Rock n Roll in June if I can't get any miles any but 4. Uuugh!

Man oh Man...

I was very excited to pick up my brand spankin' new made for me orthotics today.

Then I was told, wait five days to run. Thud.

I knew I wouldn't be able to run far the first couple days but not run AT ALL... Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?

And, I did what I've been dying to do.... I took out the orthotics this afternoon to do a quick little run around the block to get the edgyness out of me.

2.6 miles and my leg started to hurt. SIGH! BUT I felt good overall and my pace was good.... so that's all good. I was also "on the road" so that could have been part of the deal. Thursday I'll try and hit the trail for a "little run" then on Saturday (the 5th day) I'll go to the trail and step it up a bit further WITH my new orthotics.

They feel good though. So, that's a plus. Need to continue with the cross training and pray that the next two months go smoothly. Please.

Three Things Thursday

1. Today I went to physical therapy and everything felt good and sounded promising. I felt strong today.

2. I leave tomorrow for a weekend of wine tasting. I can't wait to have some peace and quiet and well, wine.

3. Two months and four days til the half marathon.

Sorry that wasn't very exciting but that's all I got right now.

On the bike again...

Did another 14 miles on the mountain bike today. Just trying to keep the ol' body moving. I managed to have a bug fly directly into my mouth and hit the back of it with such force I started choking and nearly puked on the trail. ha! It was quite traumatic for me. After that I tried to keep my mouth closed. Bleach.

So, I'm tired now. This weekend will be filled with wine with a friend of mine for the Spring Barrel tasting, so I will do absolutely nothing resembling cardio... maybe a little strength training with the arms if they fill my glass full enough.

;)

One more week...

That's right, one more week until my brand spankin' new orthotics will be ready. I had them casted this morning and asked for a "rush." They looked at me a little crazy and then I said "I can't not train anymore... how much to rush?"

$25

That's it?

OKAY! Wait 3 weeks or pay $25? UH, I'll pay thank you very much.

So, I was thinking my leg was feeling pretty good this afternoon (and my Athleta.com order arrived) so I had to test it all out.

4.08 miles later and well, I started out with no pain... then it slowly came on. I'd stop and stretch out my calves and I'd feel good then it would start up again. Dang! But I have high hopes. The rest of me felt good so that's a plus. Just need to get the other parts fixed. Funny thing is, I felt SOOOOOOOO good after my run, despite the aches in my leg/foot. It was nice to sweat. I don't sweat as much when I ride my bike so I felt I got some "stuff" out of me. Phew.

I'm hoping it wont rain tomorrow so I can hop on my bike for a quick little jaunt. Need to keep moving.

Bringing the bowflex back...

Upper body workout this evening on the bowflex.... I "thought" about going for another bike ride. I even put my bike back on my bike rack. BUT, I then thought why don't I go back to one day cardio one day strength........ and so it begins.

Ho-Hum...

Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyy? Whhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? Oh Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy me?

Dramatic much?

Being a good lil' girl I went on a bike ride, this time with my 9 year old son. We went ten miles. Once I got home I figured since I was warmed up I'd try out my "legs." That lasted 1.9 miles. Siiigggghhhh.. Grumble grumble.

As much as I complain about running and all that I am realizing how much I enjoy it. I keep thinking that it's the one thing that is "mine." I'm decent at it and I'm learning alot while I'm doing it and now it's been taking away from me. I guess that sounds a little dramatic, too?

So the weekly line up is: Podiatrist on Tuesday, PT on Thursday. Woooo hooo.

I'll probably try a little running again with my compression socks "on the trail." And if it hurts, yes, I'll stop. Of course, I'll be back on the bike. I definitely do not get the satisfaction with my bike rides as I do when I run. But what am I going to do, right?

I've been looking up stress fractures, too. Is it possible I have one and it's not shin splints? I don't even get into the sports medicine doctor until May 4th. GOOD GRIEF, huh? I keep reading how you are not to do too much too fast. So, I was a good girl when I started training and stuck to the "novice" training plan for the 1/2 marathon. AND I even started the training plan six weeks earlier then I needed to "in case" something came up. So, I haven't even gone over the mileage because I was so afraid of injury. Uuugh. I'm really praying I can just get my new orthotics and I'll have the spring back in my step. I'm at the same position I was last year at this time training for the exact same 1/2 marathon. Except last time I think I did too much too fast and didn't follow a plan. So, yeah, great. Isn't this fun?

So, I need to quit being a negative nelly, it's hard, but maybe if I think positively only good things will come? ha ha hah aha ha... Sorry.

On to a new week!!!!

Ride Sally Ride...

Well, the mountain bike and I had a date on the trail this morning. I squeezed in 14.5 miles. Halfway, I got a little bored. The birds chirping weren't exactly making me go any faster. I remembered my iphone had Pandora on it!!!! So, I turned it on in my camelbak and listened to some music on the way back. That made it much more fun and less lonely. My back is stiff now just add that to my complaints but know that will go away sooner then the shin splints which didn't bother me at all during the ride.

So, it was nice to have another option to keep me moving a good distance.

Yeah for bikes!

Uuugh...

Weird things going on with these ol' legs lately. I'm kind of wondering wth the podiatrist was thinking by taking me off my old orthotics, putting me into an over the counter, UNTIL they make my new ones. Not only do I have shin splints but my IT Band is as irritable as EVER. I tried to run yesterday and made it 2.87 miles. I literally had to stop and hobble on home. It was ridiculous. Earlier that day I was at physical therapy and she worked my calf/shin HARD which probably irritated the IT band that we ran out of time to work on. So, today I've been icing and stretching like a mad woman. BUT, I'm going to be good and am NOT attempting to run tomorrow. I am going to hop on my bike and ride instead and head back to PT tomorrow afternoon. Then I'll try to run again on Saturday or Sunday.

I get casted for the new orthotics on Tuesday. They said it would take about 2 weeks to get them back but I'm pretty sure I'm going to buck up the money and do a rush order. We've got to get me back into the normal saddle again, sooner then later.

The foot issue is NOTHING compared to the other aches and pains. But I've also been babying my foot and making sure not to go on my tip toes but if I push on the area it still feels like it's bruised so.....

OH, AND, if you aren't sick of me complaining yet, here's the other thing. In November, I bought a pair of Brooks and have been running in those. BUT now that I don't have the orthotics in them I feel like they do not fit my feet as well anymore. So, I pulled out my Asics that I had before and I feel like my foot is so much more cushioned and supportive. OH, and I've gotten a few blisters wearing both the shoes now, when before, Nothing. WTH? ha! I'm a mess, aren't I?

Obviously, I'm not doing the 1/2 on May 1.

Race Photo

I need to work on poses for the Rock N Roll in June.

Depressing Appointment ....

Umm, so I'm back from the Podiatrist. I'm still a bit teary.

Apparently, I am causing wear on the cartilage of that area of my toe joint. The orthotics that were made for me were doing more harm then good. Which makes me so angry because I kept telling those people there was something off but they kept trying to make adjustments versus just re-doing the entire thing.

SO, he gave me TWO options and I could choose which one I wanted to do.

1. Shut me down, now, and put me in a walking boot, and wait to heal.

2. Remake my orthotics, put me on a no hills soft surface only workout, ice everyday, and then go for steroid injections if these options are not helping.

Well, obviously you all know which option I chose, right? ha!

So, I go back on the 20th (which is depressing because that's 2 weeks out) to get my orthotics remade. THEN it will take another 2 weeks to get them back unless I go for express something which I'll probably do if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to do it.

In the mean time, he said to take the orthotics OUT of my shoes and gave me some other over the counter ones called Spenco PolySorb walker/runner (in case anyone was wondering).

I'm also not to go barefoot or wear heels. Which I do neither one so I am good. He said my Ugg slippers should be okay but again, if there's any pain with them then I need to go for a more supportive slipper.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, I am pretty sure the 1/2 Marathon on the 1st might be out. But again, I'm not ruling it out completely because I'm angry and I'm going to keep training as much as I can. The "no hills" is an issue, obviously, because that's where I live. I can't even get out of my neighborhood without running a hill. But I'll do my best to avoid the big ones and just walk up them. The soft turf is difficult but I can do a few runs on the trail. If I want to do a longer run I'll need a biker or another runner with me so I feel safe... so I'll have to get over the running with another person issue I have. If I want flat terrain I'll have to drive to that area. I'm going to email a friend who has connections with the highschool and see how I can get in on the track. (they lock the gate up)

So, that's where I'm at. The thought of not running is extremely depressing and if I'm going to be in a walking boot it will have to wait til Fall or Winter. ha!

I seriously was hoping he'd just say, ehhh, it's a quick fix, lets just shoot up that area and you'll be just fine.

7 Miles on Easter Sunday

Well, actually it was closer to 7.5 miles but I had stopped by watch while I was getting some GU out of my pocket and "thought" I clicked it back on but when I thought to look because I didn't hear the beep I knew... dang it.

So,

mile 1-9:00

mile 2-8:43

mile 3-8:24

mile 4-8:58

mile 5-9:59

mile 6-9:06

mile 7-9:18

average pace- 9:04

I'm actually liking having my water bottle thing. Sure is nice to have something to drink to get you up and moving along the way.

Hope everyone is having a great Easter. My ham finished a little bit ago but I'm not that hungry so we need to wait for ME to be ready. ha!

Tomorrow is my podiatrist appointment so I hope it's a quick and simple fix and I wont have to have too much done to whatever it is that is wrong with me. ha!

Happy Sunday!

Chills....

Am I the only one who is so cold after runs? It takes me FOREVER to warm up. I can't remember if I experienced this during the warmer months or not but then again, I don't really remember running too much last Summer. ha!

So, today's run stats:

mile 1-9:05

mile 2-9:03

mile 3-8:42

mile 4-8:43

last .27-2:10

Total: 4.27 miles with a 8:50 pace.....

I'm still recovering from my cold. But I wasn't going to let it get me down today. I knew I had to get out there and do it. Either Saturday or Sunday (the one day it rains less-ha!) I'll be doing a 6.5 mile run. I might go for 7 depending on my foot. I was pleasantly surprised that my calf didn't cause me much grief. I guess that painful massage the other day worked it's magic.

Tomorrow afternoon we begin Spring Break in these parts. Sadly, we have no plans and it looks like it will rain for many of those days. Doh. I'd rather just send them to school and get out a week earlier in June.

Have a great evening, everyone!

I took today off.... GASP!!!!

I came down with a cold. I know you can run with a cold and there's nothing that says you can't run with a cold BUT I just would rather "run" tomorrow then today. Simple enough. It's 4 miles. 4 miles can be done tomorrow and will have to be done tomorrow since I didn't do it today. Ta-Dah!

So, I went to PT yesterday and explained my issue. Oh wait, let me back up. I go two physical therapy places. One that specializes in orthotics and one that specializes in "fixig you up and getting you back on your game." So I went to the "lets fix you up" place. The foot..... she recomended that I get a referral from my doctor to for a more in depth look at what I'm dealing with. She "thinks" it could be a neuroma but again, she's not a "doctor" so.... As for my calf, doesn't think it's shin splints BUT the soleus muscle. That it could be over compensating for "my right foot" which is causing me so much grief. Great! ha!

So, she did some ultrasound therapy on my foot and massaged the crap out of my calf. If you've never had a massage from a physical therapist, well, ummmm, let's just say it's unlike any other massage EVER... it's not relaxing... when she says "BREATH.." it means omg, that hurts so bad but you know tomorrow it will feel so much better. ha!

So, today, well, I feel better except for the cold I have and I'd rather just let everything take it's course and heal then muster up any other garbage.

I got into my doctor this morning and he sent a referral to a podiatrist. So I will see them on Monday morning. It's much easier to get into someone when you've gone from orthotics to physical therapy and back to the doctor saying ummmmm, FIX THIS!

I'm the type of person who doesn't "quit." I'm not going to go, ohhh, it hurts, I'm not going to run... I'm a "ooh it hurts, but nothing a little ice and advil wont kill." I just want him to say, cortisone shot here ya go and send me on my way. Or heck, lets make it easy and put me in a new orthotic?

so, that's the latest on me. Aren't I a whole bottle of fun?

I'm leaning more towards the half on May 1st.... Something inside me is telling me to just do it but I don't want to sign up until I know my toes wont go numb by mile 6. ha!

In the pouring down rain...

Well, they don't cancel a race for rain. So, I can't not run because it was going to rain. When, I didn't know, but I figured it would happen somewhere along the route. At about 2 miles it began to POUR!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pour pour pour.

I did my scheduled 4 miles in 36:09. I have a wrap around my shin and boy, does it feel better. Dang shin splints. I think I'm going to try some compression socks. Heading to physical therapy tomorrow afternoon and I'm sure they'll make me want to scream during the massage. ha! But it always feels better when it's over and done with. So, what I initially went to see the physical therapist for (ITB) no longer exists and I have all this other crud going on. Boo.

I haven't quite decided if I am going to sign up for the 1/2 marathon on May 1. I was hoping I'd be pain free by now. So, I'll discuss that tomorrow, too.

Nothing new on the food front. I have been eating quite well and I think I mentioned before my alcohol consumption has decreased to maybe once on the weekend. so, all is well.

I'm really enjoying all these running blogs out there. It's so motivated and great to see how many people enjoy it. I'm jealous of all the places people get to run though. I'm getting bored of my hood. ha!

Trying new things...

Saturday I had a 6-mile run on my schedule. I was going to try out my new amphipod so I'd actually have water while I ran and a GU packet (blackberry flavor). Oh, and my new Sugoi top. I'm finding I like the fit of their tops (which is important) but am still in search of a tank to wear running.

Anyway, I wasn't sure how I'd do with having the amphipod. I'm so anal about things not feeling right or throwing me off so I was really expecting it to. But it really didn't bother me. I have to admit it was SO NICE to have water on hand. Granted I still haven't mastered the drinking and running act BUT, I'm sure that will come with practice.

Long story short, my run went just fine. I could have gone farther but I'm being a good girl and sticking to the plan and not overdoing it. I still need another adjustment on my orthotic and my left calf/shin area is sore but overall everything felt good.

mile 1- 9:11
mile 2- 9:14
mile 3- 9:04
mile 4- 9:06
mile 5- 9:09
mile 6- 9:56 (walked up a hill)
last .29- 2:21 (8:14 pace)

Total: 6.29 miles/58:03/9:14 pace

.... will write more later.

Favorite Running Gear

Does anyone have a favorite running short? A running top? How about a form fitting top for those bigger then a C cup and has had 3 children? ha! How about a water bottle that you can run with? I have a water belt but I found it a little restrictive and not sure if I'll bother with using it to train this year.

I am trying to make routes that I can hit my house at 4 mile increments. I really don't want to drop water bottles along the way just in the paranoia sense of someone tampering with it... or gasp, throwing it away.

Just trying to get everything organized as I finish up the month and move onto April.

Monday Monday

In about an hour I'll be heading out for a nice 4 mile run. I'm finding that by sticking to the plan I'm not as dreary about getting out there and running. I just need to find some new routes. I did get a new Garmin 305 watch so that's very helpful. Before I was relying on my iphone with the mapmyrun app on it. Well, the iphone only fits in certain and that's kind of a pain. So, now it will be all about me and my watch.

Tomorrow I'll be heading to my original physical therapist to have them hopefully redo my right orthotic. Somethings just not right and they need to get it fixed pronto. It's funny to think that around this time last year I just started having the troubles with my IT band and all that and here I am again, going back and having them fix it again.

Last year during my 1/2 marathon training, well, lack of... I made it to 7 miles. I couldn't go any further without pain. I managed to finish the 1/2 marathon with having only ran 7 miles. I guess when your mind is in it you can do anything. This year, I am hoping I wont have anything standing in my way and I'll have trained past 7 miles.

Foods going well. Still having my Green Monsters everyday. I've even cut back to one-two alcoholic beverages a week.. and that's on the week-end depending on what day I plan on running. If I drink the night before a run I'm finding I have less to give in my run. So, obviously, the alcohol had to go.

Enjoy your afternoon, Everyone!

St. Patty's Day Run

Got up bright and early and made the trek over to Seattle. Just as I arrived I got a text from my friend saying her car wont start, so I was on my own, again, for another race. Which is really fine, I never run with people anyway and I feel "off" if I have people I know near me. It was chilly but not hailing and snowing like last year. The sun was out and there was blue sky!!!!!

I've found I really like getting near the front of the start line. I just can't stand to get behind too many people, especially in these fun runs, because people are always in my way. Stopping, jogging/walking 3-4 people across, uuuugh, drives me crazy. I only encountered that a few times on this one and I think once you get past the first mile/mile and a half people kind of drop back.

I felt pretty good on the run, the first 2 miles is basically a gradual hill which is a pain in the rear. ha! But then I kept telling myself that I'd be going down on the last half. But the last 1/2-3/4 of a mile my legs were just led... it was really weird. I saw the finish line and could not push past it. I'm not sure what happened. Maybe because I ran it THREE minutes faster then last year.

My stats for the 3.8 mile run...

age: 38

overall place: 1698 out of 7824

division place: 62 out of 647

gender place: 462 out of 4319

time: 33:39

So, I was quite pleased. My "head" goal was 35 minutes because I didn't really know how fast I'd go once I was there.

Now that that is all done, it's on to focusing my energy on the half-marathon and making sure I am as injury free as possible.

Slacker

I know I said I'd be back but then I forgot what email address I was using for blogger and the password... and one email which happens to be this one I can't connect to, so I have to remember to do the switch. What a mess. ha!

Anyway, I've kept up on my running... Yeah Me! Getting my 3 days a week in but slacking on the biking. Ooops! I have a "new" foot issue going on. It's right in the ball joint area of my second toe on my right foot. Get all that? When I press on it it feels bruised and pretty much every shoe I wear "except" my running shoe is slightly uncomfortable. I honestly think there is an issue with my orthotic. I've had these custom made ones since April??? So, almost a year, and I was never confident in that right foot. I had to keep going back for adjustments. Well, enoughs enough. I called today to make an appointment. Which of course, wont be for another week and a half unless there's a cancellation. I "could" have gone today but it wouldn't make sense to when I am runnin in a 3.8 mile St. Patty's run and I can't do that on a "newly adjusted" orthotic. Especially if the new fix makes it worse. So, I had to take the next available. So, I'm a little annoyed with the whole orthotic deal. My left foot feels perfect.... the right just isn't working. I almost feel like my foot's sliding more, too. I've tried all sorts of different socks and on my run yesterday I went to my super thick Thoros so it padded my foot better. I might actually try wearing two different socks next week.

Eating has been going really well. I have been adding Chia Seeds to my smoothies and I don't know if it's psychological or what but I actually "feel" better. But I also haven't had wine or any alcohol since Sunday so that could be it, too. ha! I might get on the Maca powder bandwagon, too. We'll see. I'm really hoping to get some renewed energy and keep my body healing as I put in longer runs.

Like I said, I have the run on Sunday. It's not a typical 5K because it's 3.8 miles. I make a point in telling people that because in reality there IS a difference when it comes to your time. And well, I'm a numbers person, and I want the details to be accurate. ha! I still haven't decided if I'm going to do the half-marathon on May 1. That will probably depend on getting this foot thing resolved. I think it would be a good motivator because it put it a month and a half before the Rock n Roll but I don't want to push it either. So, just playing it by ear. I'll know the day before they raise the price. ;)

Enjoy your weekend, friends!

I'm back....

Sorry for the delay in my return. I'm sure everyone was loosing sleep over it. ;)

Germany was wonderful... we also spent a day in Salzburg, Austria. I'm in love with Austria.

I've ran twice since I've been back. Yes, twice. It's sad. It took me a good week to recover from my trip and then I started looking up some half marathon training plans and am trying to focus on not "over training..." So I'm going to follow a 3 day a week running schedule along with 1-2 days of cross training (aka biking). I really cannot afford injuries and I think right before my trip I jumped up my mileage too quickly versus the 10% or whatever it is that they recommend. So I have two 3-mile runs under my belt this week and will do another tomorrow. I am hoping on my mountain bike in a couple of hours for about a 15 mile bike ride.

I got on Amazon this morning and ordered my coconut water and some chia seeds. I am so looking forward to the Fruit/Veggie Market opening in March so I can get all my fresh produce. I get excited when my house is full of pretty veggies that I can devour.

I have alot of catching up to do and hope to stay on top of things from here on out.

Happy Saturday, Friends!

Life got in the way...

I think I ran since the last post. I can't remember... but I'm heading to Germany on Sunday.. totally last moment.. spur of the moment...

Well, I had the opportunity but couldn't find a ticket then found and well, now I've been running around with head cut off.

So, I'll be gone til Valentines Day... My friend is there on business so she asked me to go along.. granted we are on different flights and all that but we'll hook up in Munich.. then a good college friend is coming to hang out with us, too. She's an English teacher in Sarajevo and couldn't pass up the opportunity to come see two of her sorority sisters in Europe. So, it'll be a great time!

and seriously, I have no plans to run in Germany.... I'll bring my tennis shoes (to wear) and I'm sure I'll have a sports bra on hand BUT, again, I seriously doubt I'll run... I don't run when I'm on vacation. I just don't. I've got 3 kids and a husband, let me chill for 2 seconds, Please! ha! So, I'll come back 50lbs heavier from drinking beer and eating food full of starch but, hey, I'll come back ready to train and be on my way.............

Shin Splints....

Yes, it was too good to be true. How quickly those shin splints appeared once I upped my mileage. It hit about the same point in the mile marker as it did before. Hopefully, this time I am quicker to nip it in the butt then I was last time. It's only on my left shin (at the moment) and although it's not killing me (yet) it's enough to make running uncomfortable and annoying.

I went 3.71 miles today. That wasn't my plan but knew immediately that things weren't going to look up the further I went. So I cut it short... even my time was much slower... 37 minutes. So, tomorrow at my appointment, I'll go in stressing the importance of fixing this NOW and not a week before a half marathon. ha!

Foods been pretty boring today too. Green Monster for breakfast, Salad for lunch, some cinnamon something letter cookies from Trader Joes.

Dinner will be BBQ Pork Ribs and whatever else I decide to throw out there. More then likely broccoli (since that's the only green veggie I have besides lettuce/spinach). I'm not starving so that's a probably good thing tonight, otherwise I'd probably make a big ol' feast full of fat.

Hoping everyone is having a wonderful week and doing all they can to continue on the road to health and happiness.

“If you only do what you know you can do- you never do very much.”--Tom Krause

Wednesdays.... why are there Wednesdays?

I always find Wednesdays uneventful. It's like they are just set in the week to torture you.

It was my lower body workout day which is always quick for me. Since PT focuses on this part of my body I tend to get a better workout twice a week with them then at home. We'll see if that changes as time goes on.

Food was, food and nothing was really all that thrilling to eat today. ha!

Green Monster for breakfast...

Lunch was a honey mustard snack wrap at McDonalds since I was out and about and my daughter wanted McDonalds. Ran some errands and bought a couple containers of coconut water. I was surprised that Trader Joes didn't carry it so I had to head to Whole Foods. I always have sticker shock when it comes to certain items that I include in my meals. The coconut water is like $4.99 for a container. I don't even think it's a quarts worth... And I use a little over a cup a day. Boooo.

Since the snack wrap was lame I came home and had some cottage cheese with yogurt topped with some almonds/raisins. Which kind of hit the spot.

Then it was dinner time and I cooked up some gluten free (which I only say they were gluten free because it said it all over the package and I really didn't buy them for that reason) chicken spinach meatballs that I bought at Costco the other day and put them in a whole wheat pita with some tzatzki and feta. It was pretty good but it was obviously lacking something because I walked into the pantry and grabbed a couple squares of dark chocolate. ha!

So, that's my day in a nutshell. A friend of mine called me and said so, I see you are getting your runs set up for the year. I kind of stopped for a sec and she goes, on Facebook, you guys have your runs up there. HA! Oops, forgot about the power of facebook. But she said she would like to join me in February so, I wont be alone. Originally I had two friends doing the 5K but one is still recovering from ankle surgery and the other will be in Germany on business. Heck, I'D rather be in Germany on business but I don't think that's part of Playgroup. ha! I'm the type that if I don't have anyone to run with I'm still good to go because it's something I've signed up to do...

No one can call me a quitter. ;)

Woke up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy....

And so it goes, we begin another week.

I dropped my daughter off at preschool and I came home and stretched knowing it was time... time for a run....

5.95 miles in 54:23 with a pace of 9.05.

Keep on keeping on. I am closing in on the mileage where things start aching... and yes, I feel it. My IT Band on my right leg is feeling a little grinding.... my left shin is starting to throb.... So, I head to physical therapy on Friday for my twice a week workouts once again. I'm biting all this early. I'm also going to ask about figuring ways to relax my back when I'm done because it's soooooooo tight afterwards... and lets not forget about the numbness coming back when it's cold.

I'm a whole bundle of fun now aren't I???

On the food front, I'm doing fine.

Lets see, before my run I had a rice cake and a Green Monster smoothie made with my new favorite coconut water...

Then after my run I drank the other half of the Green Monster....

Lunch was some Healthy Choice Soup and a can of mandarin oranges.

Then I snacked on an apple with peanut butter.

Dinner was a chicken pot pie soup which was lacking in flavor. Not sure why it was rated 5 stars. Lame. Oh, and a slice of asiago cheese bread.

And now it's 8PM. I don't know if I'll have anything else. I'm just not that hungry on the days I run. I'm more tired then anything. I just feel so run down. What's the solution to that? But on days I lift weights I feel just fine. Do I need more food or is it my body adjusting to being a little bit more productive with my body?

There's a chance I'll be doing a half marathon on May 1. My husband asked me why I hadn't signed up but it was one of those, well, I thought about it but since it's an inaugural event and deemed "fast and flat" it kind of scares me. 13 miles FAST? Doh. What does that mean? Are all the people going to be running 6 minute miles or what?

Tomorrow's a lower body workout. If my IT band starts bugging me then I think I'll switch it up to Abs and no squats. No worries. I'm feeling stronger this year then last so cross your fingers my body holds it together.

Life Happens...

And I didn't get any workout in this weekend. So, that was basically one run that didn't happen. Oh well. Just was busy with my daughters birthday party on Saturday then today I just woke up and told my husband I was going to do laundry and sit around and do nothing. He said "good." So that's what I did.

Granted, I did overindulge in the chip and dip department yesterday but life goes on. Monday's a new day. My plan this week is to lift weights tomorrow, run 5 miles Tuesday, lower body on Wednesday, Run 5 miles on Thursday, and PT on Friday... then we are at the weekend again with a run probably Sunday. I'll pick the better weather day.

So, nothing real exciting report except umm, I would like a brownie...

Oh, my aching legs....

Yesterday I did squats. It has been a month since I've done a squat and I'm sure you all know how that goes.... You can no longer climb stairs. Get out of a chair. Or ummm, move? So, when it came time to run this afternoon I was pretty close to talking myself out of it... BUT then I thought about tomorrow and how a run would work better today then tomorrow and yadda yadda...

So, I hit the pavement. I did my 5 miles. Yeah, Me. 5.03 if we want to get technical. And well, every little bit counts. So, I ran a 9:11 pace and finished in 46:49. Which for me isn't quite shabby. I think that's the fastest I've ran that far ever. Go Team Denise! It was nice to know that even when I stop to tie my shoe, or to just regroup that I can keep a decent pace. How far I can keep that up, time will only tell. I'll go the same route on Saturday. I probably wont add another mile til next week. I could, I guess but, I don't know. It's probably too early to start "training" for the 1/2 in June but it's not too early to continue to work in those miles. I want to be comfortable and painfree. That's an easy enough goal, right?

Food wise, a little wonky today. For breakfast I had made oatmeal and put in some frozen blueberries... well, not a good choice because then my oatmeal turned cold fast. And after a couple of bites I had enough and was off on my errands for 3 hours.

Lunch was a Lean Cuisine Panini (quickest thing at the time), followed by a spoonful of peanut butter.

Then I made a Green Monster smoothie with the wonderful addition of coconut water. I drank only half because it was getting close to run time.

After the run I reblended the Green Monster and finished that off and that really hit the spot! Very refreshing with some added ice cubes.

Dinner was a big ol' salad with some shrimp.

OH... and my left shin is a little achey. I iced them up so I need to keep those shin splints at bay. Hitting physical therapy on Tuesday and want to get on the injury prevention asap... I don't need anything stopping me in my tracks this year.

What did I do today????

Throughout the day I always think of these wise ol' things to talk about and then I get on at night and forget. I'm sure it was all very important. ;)

So, lets see, today I had a VERY GOOD Green Monster for breakfast.... by now you should know my usual ingredients so take out the almond milk and add some coconut water. Quite Tasty indeed!!!!

Lunch was a chicken soft taco from Taco Time. I think it's like 442 calories. Then I came home and ate a WW Cafe Au Lait ice cream bar. Just needed a little extra something...

And since I had lunch out and about today why not order take out for dinner. So, I called our local Vietnamese restaurant and ordered myself some Pho. Love me that Pho.

Then I just devoured 4 small squares of milk chocolate. I was looking for a cookie and oddly enough I had NONE in my freezer. Which means, Mama is slackin' on her cookie makin'. If you are new to who I am, I bake... a lot! But the thing is I really don't eat a lot of baked goods I just enjoy the process of baking. So, what happens is, I bake cookies... leave about a dozen out for the family and the rest goes in the freezer. So, if you are ever looking for a cookie you know to check the freezer... but guess what???? There are NONE!!!! I'll get on that after this week!

Today's workout was for the lower body using the bowflex. Also some squats. Which I am finding a little IT Band issue doing one legged squats so I'll be sure to bring that up to PT next week. Must nip that in the butt Pronto!

Tomorrow's my running day. Hoping to hit 5 miles. That way I can get over that hump and have a time to keep in mind for later.

This week seems long already...

Today's Run:

4.54 miles in 44:16 minutes. Pace of 9:42. Ho hum. I walked up the big hill.. and got stopped by a friend. And man I'm tired tonight. I think it's the whole being consistent that is making me realize I need more sleep if I'm going to try and be a superstar. I was telling my husband that I feel so much better when I can just wake up on my own... even if it's at 6AM. That's much easier then the alarm going off or hearing one of the kids wake up. I'm the lightest sleeper on the earth so these sounds I'm hearing can be so annoying sometimes.



FOOD:



1. Oatmeal with a banana and almond butter



2. Tuna on a thin bun with a side of fruit cocktail. I can't stand fruit cocktail but I had a can of it and wanted to see if I still hated it. Yep, I do.



3. Green Monster Smoothie... and let me say that this was a GREAT one today. I used my usual, ground flaxseed, almond milk, banana, and spinach... BUT I added some crushed pineapple that I threw in the freezer last night. It's almost like a pina colada. WHICH then made me think that maybe tomorrow (since I'm out of almond milk) I'll use the coconut water I have with the rest of the pineapple. Doesn't that sound yummy????



4. Pork chops, peas, wild rice, and salad


Other Runs:

I've been looking into some other runs. It's hard to find anything further then a 5K or less then a 1/2 marathon around here. I'd like to find an in betweener to do in April or so to continue with that race feeling. Figure I'll do a 5K in February (because I think I can drag a friend along) but other then that, I don't know.

The weekend....

I guess the reason I didn't post anything yesterday was because well, it didn't revolve around me exercising and eating well. I met my husband around 11 at Red Hook Brewery for lunch where I consumed pita/hummus and then a chipotle chicken sandwich. I guess that doesn't sound that bad does it? But it felt like I stuffed my face. Probably because I drank two beers with my lunch AND we did the brewery tour and got more beer. I use to be a beer drinker. Then something happened, I could hardly drink them anymore. I think my limit is 3 and that's pushing it because I get so FULL. Uuugh. Why waste my stomach room on beer. Geeeesh!

For dinner I had grilled pork tenderloin, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

Now when I see all that in writing I'm wondering what I ate. It's really not a whole lot but I was so full all day. Blah!

I knew I would be running this morning so as much as I have in the past ran on a totally empty stomach I'm realizing how difficult that has been on me lately. So, about 45 minutes before I was to run I had a piece of toast topped with peanut butter.

My run today was okay. I knew I had to go further then the usual 3 but didn't have the time to go 5. So, today was 4.18 miles in 39:18. Next weekend I'll push for that 5 miles. That was a 9:28 average pace and it's nice for me to see my mileage in the 9 minutes versus 10... which is really a change from last year.

Then I had to take my daughter to a birthday party so it wasn't close to 2:15 that I ate again. I wasn't starving so I made a green monster. Realized it wasn't enough and had some cheddar with some of the best crackers in the land. Back to Nature Multigrain Flax. Droooool. Love 'em.

Tonight for dinner we are having pork stir fry with the leftover tenderloin.

I guess all in all the food hasn't been too bad but I guess I just feel like it has been in a you are not getting all your meals in type of way.

Tomorrow's a new day.

Amazing Grass.. Uh Superfood?

The other day I was at Whole Foods and remembered that I had read about some Amazing Grass to add to my Green Monsters. So I picked up a couple individual packets because there was no way I was going to pay the bucks for something that ended up tasting like, umm, dirt.

This morning I decided to try one. Since it was a berry flavor I figured I'd mix it in with some mixed berries in case it was bad and I just wasted an entire smoothie. So, I combined my ground flax, spinach, banana, mixed berries, and the Amazing Grass and gave it a whirl.

Umm, yeah.

I can't imagine what it would have been like if I wouldn't have used the mixed berries. I'm currently trying to choke down my glass. I was really hoping I wouldn't taste it. Or at least it didn't have a flavor, I guess. It's just earthy in a fake earth type of way. It actually reminds me of those instant breakfast drinks I use to drink as a kid because we thought it would be healthier then hersheys syrup. ha!

Well, it's suppose to be give me energy and I have a weight workout to do when I'm done so I guess we'll see if I have a little extra something to give... But I have to finish the glass first. I just have pretend I'm on Survivor and having to drink blended squid with goat milk.

.........

I didn't notice any burst of energy so the Amazing Grass just wasn't so Amazing. But I'll try it in something else, I'm sure, cuz I like to torture myself like that sometimes.

My workout went along fine. Always fun to do pushups with a 38 pound 4 year old sitting on your back because they can't stray more then a half inch from you during your workout. Yes, that's my life. ha! Which is why I took up running. I think they forgot to cut the cord when she was born and is somehow still attatched by some invisible umbilical cord.

The rest of my food consumption was ummm, less then desirable. I had a salad for lunch with some shrimp, greens, sprouts, veggies... topped with a blueberry/pomegranate dressing. But the salad didn't cut it so I had a slice of cheddar cheese. Then I walked into the pantry and grabbed some almonds.

Then at 3PM we headed to the movies. And who AM I to say No to popcorn. Really? Not this girl. So a large popcorn for 3 of us... we wont talk about who ate the most.... we'll just move on.

Came home and my husband asked what was for dinner. I said "YOU are having a hamburger" and handed him the bag from the grocery store... "I had popcorn...."

Then I opened the fridge and ate 5 strawberries.

The End!

Oh wait, then I ate an apple with some peanut butter....

Will it or will it not rain today?

I'm saying it will rain... how much, I don't know. It's already sprinkling but I can roll with that. Must get that run in this afternoon. Why can't you feel as good before you run then you do after? I am hoping for 4 miles today. I'm just running out of routes so some people better start planting flowers or painting their homes. I need new scenery.

Meals (will update tonight):

1. Green Monster Smoothie (spinach, flax meal, almond milk, banana, and some pears that I had in the fridge). Not a fan of the pear texture thrown in there BUT the flavor is nice.

2. Tuna on a thin bun with avocado and tomato with a side of green beans.

3. Skinny cinnamon dulce latte (I'm just including that because it's a beverage that involves calories)

4. Egg casserole (just wasn't in the mood to cook much)

.... MY RUN....

Guess what happened just as I was about to go for my run??? You guessed it.. RAIN. Doh. BUT, since I wimped out yesterday I had to suck it up today. I put on my waterproof jacket and headed... early realizing the jacket isn't that comfortable to run in, but.............

I didn't go as far as I wanted (the wind started to blow) so I stopped at 3.04 miles in a time of 28:28. It's all good. I feel better now that I went out there.

Oh Wednesday... Oh Wednesday...

Today was, well, Wednesday... and although I had good intentions of making everything fall into place, it didn't. I really don't have alot of problems when it comes to food. I know what's good to eat and I know how to eat well.... BUT guess what happened at 3:30 today????

It started to POUR DOWN RAIN! I've ran in snow, I've ran in sun, I've rain in rain, BUT I do NOT run in pouring down rain. I live in the Seattle area and we know rain.... this is the ridiculous stuff that soaked me walking to our BBQ to make dinner. Uuugh. So, my excuse today was that stupid rain outside that prevented me from venturing out for a run. If it was sprinkling... yes... but I Just. Could. Not. Do. It.

So, we will talk about my food instead. I like food. A Lot! It doesn't even have to be junk food but I love it and I love it when it's something new. Which is why I am so excited to find new ways to make oatmeal. I'm 38 years old. You'd think I'd have learned that it's okay to add something other then brown sugar to it.

1. Oatmeal with a banana, almond butter, and goji berries mixed in.


2. TJ's Chile Lime Chicken burger on thin bun with sauteed mushrooms/onions and salsa.

3. Couple pieces of dark chocolate

4. BBQ London Broil, baked cauliflower, steamed green beans.

I really hope to add more exciting stuff to this blog in the coming weeks and pass along new and exciting things that I learn. Well, maybe exciting to me.

The Bowflex...

Today's workout was the upper body with the bowflex and some free weights. Need to make sure I keep up with this, too. Once I get the full body involved everything seems to fall into place.

Food:

1. Himalanian Goji Berry Crunch. OMG... Hearing all the benefits of the Goji Berry and I saw this and thought I'd give it a whirl, too. Probably shouldn't have. I'll eat the entire bag.

2. Trader Joes Chicken Lime patty on the thin bun with avocado, mixed greens, salsa. Also, 3 strawberries.

3. Baked shrimp w/feta over linguine

... Realizing I didn't each much today but I think it's because it's my daughters 4th birthday and I've been saving myself for dessert. ha!

A new week...

Monday's are usual my catch up day. I feel like I can get things done when 3 out of the 5 of us are out of the house. So, I did laundry, cleaned the bathroooms... all that dumb stuff.

I went for an afternoon run. Yes, I did! Phew. Today was 3.64 miles in 34:16. I don't think I'll ever be a fast runner. I read about people running 7-8 minute miles IN A ROW (ha!) and I just don't think I was born to be quick like that. It could be that I'm 5'4" or that I just don't have that endurance... I don't know. But I guess slow and steady works for me. I'll be heading back to physical therapy next week so hoping I'll get some strength to get me through this year.

FOOD:

1. Green Monster Smoothie

2. Tuna w/avocado/tomato on an earthgrain thin bun that I keep reading about. (http://www.earthgrains.com/products_thin_multi.html)

3. Apple w/peanut butter

4. Braised beef w/red potatoes, green beans, and salad. Oh, and a piece of baguette.

5. Handful of pretzels

Sunday

I start in full force tomorrow. No more slacking on the workouts!!!!

1. Green Monster Smoothie

2. Handful of pretzels

3. Triple grande nonfat mocha

4. Pork chop, green salad, brussel sprouts

5. Pumpkin cake (doh!)

Saturdays Eats...

1. Lean Cuisine Panini



2. Swedish fish



3. Chicken stuffed with goat cheese/herbs (cooking light), broccoli, roasted red potatoes, green salad.

4. Chocolate Melting Cake (it was a dessert we had on our cruise and sadly I overcooked it).

Saturday Run

I've got to get my groove back. It was a slow going 4.42 miles but I did it. With some walking, too. Having a hard time feeling the ol' running vibe but at least I'm doing it.

Today's My Birthday...

I need to just remind myself that if I want to have a fun and exciting birthday I have to plan something myself. Just because my husband doesn't care to have anything done for his birthday doesn't mean that maybe his wife doesn't.

With that....

Today's food, so far....

1. Green Monster Smoothie

2. Breakfast Cookie

3. A whole lot of sushi for my birthday dinner and yakisoba noodles. Nummmmmmy!

It's Thursday...

Another exciting day in the food world for me.



1. PB and Banana Steel Cut oats. I do NOT recommend using a banana that you had in your freezer for this. Or at least not a banana that had probably started to brown and that's why you stuck it in your freezer.



2. Big ol' salad... the same as the rest of the week. 3 slices of fresh mozzarella w/ 3 tomato slices and fresh basil.



3. Handful of pretzels



4. Paprika Pork (out of Cooking Light).

Pounding the pavement...

In an hour I'll be out there in the brisk Winter air doing my first run since ummmm, December 28th (when I ran a mile on the cruise ship track but got very bored quickly). ha! I am hoping to get in about 4 miles? We will see how my body cooperates. Once I get out there it's just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other but man, it's much easier to talk myself out of it. But, I can't....

I turn 38 tomorrow. That's no excuse.

.....Running Update.......

Boy, that was slooooooooow going. I started out with all sorts of energy because I was wound up about finding out I had to get my daughter pre-registered for preschool in the Fall. That day. A heads up might have been nice. ha!

So, I started all nice and felt good... then things started to feel off. I walked up the steep hill. I continued to run. Cut it a little short because my body just was not feeling it today. I don't know if this happens to anyone else but when it's cool out do your ears get plugged up? Like you feel like you are breathing out of your ears???? So every breath almost echos through your head???And my toes. I still cannot figure out why when I start to run my toes go numb. Eventually it comes back but it's like my feet are too cold then they warm up and feel fine. So, I had that going on. As soon as I got close to my house my back started to tighten up and feel tweekish. That, was enough for me to stop.

So, a quick 2.38 miles. Came inside and stretched and did 5 minutes of planks/pillars.

I think it'll be easier to do a nice run this weekend when I don't feel as rushed and I can focus on the things that are making me uncomfortable versus just trying to get it done.

Wednesday's Consumption

1. PB and Banana Steel Cut Oats

2. Romaine w/turkey, feta, egg, carrots, snap peas, broccoli, toasted almonds, and tomato

3. Lean Cuisine Pannini (my original plan was pork tenderloin but my husband said he wouldn't be home for dinner so I made whatever was quick and easy for everyone).. then he ended up coming home. ha! Oh well.. tuna sandwich for him. ;)

4. Handful of almonds.

5. Vodka Martini

Steel Cut Oats, Anyone?

I've tried to get on the steel cut oats bandwagon. I always find them, uhhh, too chewy. I'll eat them but it was more of a choking them down type of feeling.

Until....... this morning.

I gave them another shot using this recipe http://eatliverun.com/breakfast-recipes/peanut-butter-steel-cut-oats/. Happy happy!!!!!! This was like eating a pb and banana sandwich in a bowl. I didn't make them the night before (as the recipe says) but just made a big pot that I can now divide up for the rest of the week.

Honestly, I never thought to really put a whole lot of anything in my oatmeal. I've always added a little brown sugar and that was that in fear of the dreaded "extra calories/fat" but who knew it wasn't against the law to throw whatever you wanted into it. But check out this website of all types of yummy goodness!!!

http://www.katheats.com/kaths-tribute-to-oatmeal/

Tuesdays Meals

1. Green Monster Smoothie made with ground flax seeds, spinach, almond milk, frozen peaches, and a banana.

2. Salad made with romaine, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, tomato, turkey, egg whites, kidney beans... Topped with a lower fat blue cheese. I just can't add a nice raspberry dressing on egg... I just can't.

3. A couple slices of Apple

4. Leftover homemade chili and umm, Red wine.

5. Dark chocolate (6 squares) from Ikea with my red wine.

..... and with that I call it a night.

Food Journal

A few years back... well, actually, not a few 8 years ago I did Body For Life. (Hard to believe it was that long ago). The ideas behind the program have stuck with me all these years but I'm not as strict of a follower. My meals usually have a carb/protein/veggies but I don't freak out if I stray from all that anymore.


One of the main ideas of the program was to plan and write down everything... Meals and workouts and feelings for the day. I think that's where I am lacking right now. All my runs over the last couple of months are uploaded onto mapmyrun.com (so I've got that covered) but I need to make sure I see what I'm eating, too. I'll probably bore you all with it and I wont go into exact measurements but it'll be nice to see in print how I'm feeding this ol' body of mine.

Before I get behind, already, here's yesterday:

...Green Monster Smoothie http://greenmonstermovement.com/













Erin's Breakfast Cookie (I just wanted something quick that I could walk around and eat while I was picking up the house)




















...A handful of Raw Almonds


Lean Cuisine Panini (obviously I'm seeing a bad trend here). Already eating stuff out of packages. Must stop.



...Dinner was homemade Chili and a green salad.



...Snack was an apple with peanut butter.



.............Exciting???? no?



Hoping for a better day today.

A Quote...

"It's very hard to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the real competition is against the voice inside you that wants to quit." -George Sheehan.


This hit home for me. I'm competitive by nature but I'm far from the fastest of the bunch. There are times when I'll be running and see people pass me and wonder what the heck, why are they passing me? What am I doing wrong that makes me not as fast as them. I wonder if I stop and walk could I make up some excuse as to why I didn't finish in the top of the pack. But I always keep going and I really have to push myself. I can drive myself insane.

During the Rock and Roll I had to repeat to myself "Pain is only temporary.." over and over and over again... I knew that once the race was over I would be able to feel my toes again and my shins would recover. But I just had to keep going. Had To.

I am hoping this year I am able to enjoy the runs I do. I think I was just doing them last year. Always worrying about "how well" I'd do and what would people think if I didn't finish with a decent time. When you put that much pressure on yourself it's hard to focus on the other parts of the runs that are suppose to be fun.

The first race of 2010 will be on March 14th. I'll be putting longer runs in earlier this year in hopes that the fear of fizzling out early leaves my mind. I've already spent a couple months in physical therapy so they will continue to help me strengthen those areas that I am weak to prevent the same injuries as before. The less I have on my plate I think it will all fall into place.

It's a new year...

It’s funny to think that another year has come and gone. I really do not know where last year went. I don’t even feel like it ended… we are just starting from the beginning. I’ve read resolutions and goals but to me, I don’t think I have any. There are all the things that I like to continue to do… things that I probably should stop doing… and just things I’d like to do someday and not necessarily this year. But are they resolutions? I think it’s just life.