Spring is here! It's about 50 degrees today, but it might as well be 80. I went running on campus when I got done teaching today. I only had to wear capri tights and a long sleeve technical t-shirt. It was fantastic! I think the rest of the week looks similar.
I got 5 miles in. It wasn't fast but it felt pretty good. The wind picked up at one point but I can't complain. It's the time of year where I pack my running bag in the morning and run from work in the afternoon. I like this routine. I look forward to running from my office, probably because it tends to be better than whatever else I would be doing if I stayed IN my office. It's a nice break. I usually come back after running, check my email, take care of a couple of things, and then head home.
I've been using my new Zune. Bill helped me to make a play list of songs I like, and that's pretty cool. It's bigger than the I-Pod shuffle, but that doesn't bother me. If anything, it will keep me from losing the thing. I know there's a lot that the Zune can do that I haven't figured out yet. I should probably learn more...
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
My easy run is not easy anymore
I just did a short run (3 miles) on the treadmill. I could have really run outside today, but my problem was that I didn't get my butt in gear. By the time I got the motivation to run, it was dark outside. How pathetic is that? Could I have been more lazy? We set the clocks ahead tonight, so that should allow me to run outside a little later in the day. Losing an hour of sleep isn't my favorite thing, but it really is nice to get home from work when it's still light out.
I've been doing my little PT routine with the right knee several times daily. I was even up during the night from 1:30 to 4:30 last night, and I did it again. The knee held up okay during the run, although I have to say I was WINDED. My easy run is no longer my easy run, I guess. Thanks to the kidney stones, I'm out of shape.
I will admit that I did a poor job of staying hydrated today, so maybe that was part of the issue. I also may have messed up yesterday. I ran 5 miles on a fairly empty stomach and then didn't eat for 2-3 (at least) hours after. That's not like me at all, and I know better. I'm wondering if I didn't refuel and suffered a little tonight because of it. Nonetheless, I got in the the run.
I'm hoping to get Murphy out running with me again soon. Maybe even tomorrow? His energy is sometimes bordering on behavioral issues, and I know that more exercise will help. He needs a job, and his job is that he's my running buddy. Of course, this is seasonal work for him. He is very well-behaved and focused when he runs, unlike Gus-Gus who has a conniption when bikers go by or Karl who has the cardiac fitness of a dead man. (I have a special place in my heart for Big Karl but he's not the active dog. You'd think he wouldn't fit into our family but somehow he does.)
Murphy gets in the zone and won't quit for anything. Maybe I see what I want to see, but I really do think he loves to run. I sometimes wish I could find a 1/2 marathon or other race that people could run with their dogs around here. Of course, our time would be limited by MY fitness, not Murphy's. I'm sure he could run 5-6 minute miles if I could keep up. When I had to do a lot of stop and go running/walking due to knee problems before surgery, I could tell how frustrating it was to him. I couldn't blame him. I was cramping his style. Hopefully this summer will be different!
I've been doing my little PT routine with the right knee several times daily. I was even up during the night from 1:30 to 4:30 last night, and I did it again. The knee held up okay during the run, although I have to say I was WINDED. My easy run is no longer my easy run, I guess. Thanks to the kidney stones, I'm out of shape.
I will admit that I did a poor job of staying hydrated today, so maybe that was part of the issue. I also may have messed up yesterday. I ran 5 miles on a fairly empty stomach and then didn't eat for 2-3 (at least) hours after. That's not like me at all, and I know better. I'm wondering if I didn't refuel and suffered a little tonight because of it. Nonetheless, I got in the the run.
I'm hoping to get Murphy out running with me again soon. Maybe even tomorrow? His energy is sometimes bordering on behavioral issues, and I know that more exercise will help. He needs a job, and his job is that he's my running buddy. Of course, this is seasonal work for him. He is very well-behaved and focused when he runs, unlike Gus-Gus who has a conniption when bikers go by or Karl who has the cardiac fitness of a dead man. (I have a special place in my heart for Big Karl but he's not the active dog. You'd think he wouldn't fit into our family but somehow he does.)
Murphy gets in the zone and won't quit for anything. Maybe I see what I want to see, but I really do think he loves to run. I sometimes wish I could find a 1/2 marathon or other race that people could run with their dogs around here. Of course, our time would be limited by MY fitness, not Murphy's. I'm sure he could run 5-6 minute miles if I could keep up. When I had to do a lot of stop and go running/walking due to knee problems before surgery, I could tell how frustrating it was to him. I couldn't blame him. I was cramping his style. Hopefully this summer will be different!
Friday, March 12, 2010
I love Fridays!
I just ran 5 miles around campus. Not incredibly confident about the right knee. (Reminder: Surgery was on the left knee.) I had to stop and stretch quite a bit, and I had taken some Aleve before running. Even so, it was great to run around campus in the "warm" weather. (It is 43 degrees.) Students are scarce on this Friday afternoon, which is a nice change, not that I have anything against college students. It's really overcast but that didn't bother me. Just glad I didn't have to bundle up to be outside.
I'm icing the knee right now and hoping for the best. I didn't really have significant pain but some strange sensations, which make me nervous. Before the kidney stones, I was running lots of miles on the knees without major issues, so I know it can be done, even though I'm getting older and could stand to lose a couple of pounds. I have been wondering if losing some weight would help the knees out. I know it's not really realistic to expect to lose a lot, but....just a thought.
My new (replacement) Garmin is in action. I love the Garmin. It's such a fun toy. Kudos to the Garmin company for their customer service for getting me a refurbished one so quickly. I also have a new Zune that Bill got me for Valentine's Day. He loaded some music onto it already. I learned today that it appears he loaded on HIS music, but I can fix that. The gadget itself seems great. I need to learn to make some playlists on there for myself for running. I'm sure there's a way to do that.
I gotta go get the little boys (Gus-Gus and Murphy) from daycare. On Fridays they go to the K9 Playhouse in Waterloo. Our hope is that they come home tired and a little less annoying, especially Murphy, who has boundless beagle energy. At daycare, Murphy hangs out with his best friend Louie, who happens to be a therapy dog, and who Gus happens to despise. It's pretty funny (or maybe only funny to us, but that's okay, too).
I'm icing the knee right now and hoping for the best. I didn't really have significant pain but some strange sensations, which make me nervous. Before the kidney stones, I was running lots of miles on the knees without major issues, so I know it can be done, even though I'm getting older and could stand to lose a couple of pounds. I have been wondering if losing some weight would help the knees out. I know it's not really realistic to expect to lose a lot, but....just a thought.
My new (replacement) Garmin is in action. I love the Garmin. It's such a fun toy. Kudos to the Garmin company for their customer service for getting me a refurbished one so quickly. I also have a new Zune that Bill got me for Valentine's Day. He loaded some music onto it already. I learned today that it appears he loaded on HIS music, but I can fix that. The gadget itself seems great. I need to learn to make some playlists on there for myself for running. I'm sure there's a way to do that.
I gotta go get the little boys (Gus-Gus and Murphy) from daycare. On Fridays they go to the K9 Playhouse in Waterloo. Our hope is that they come home tired and a little less annoying, especially Murphy, who has boundless beagle energy. At daycare, Murphy hangs out with his best friend Louie, who happens to be a therapy dog, and who Gus happens to despise. It's pretty funny (or maybe only funny to us, but that's okay, too).
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Operation Back to Normal
After the whole kidney stone ordeal, I finally feel like things are getting back to normal. For one, I am running again. Yes, I've lost a lot of fitness after about 2 1/2 weeks off. A little discouraging. Last night I did 4 miles and tonight I did 3.25 with some speedwork. A ten minute mile seems a lot faster than it did 3 weeks ago, but I'll get back to where I was.
A little concerned about the IT bands. I'm actually more concerend about this than the loss of conditioning. I can train and get back that fitness, but not if my knee is hurt again. I've had some fairly significant pain on the outside of my right knee, so I'm trying to take it slow as I rebuild my speed. This means I may or may not do the Drake 1/2 Marathon in April. I'll probably make a decision within the next couple of weeks on that one. I didn't register for it yet, which is odd for me, so I'm at least not out any money if I opt out.
It sucks to lose my conditioning, but I'm just glad to be running again. I had been on a roll with my IT bands doing great before the kidney stones, so I do know it's possible for me to run relatively high mileage (like 25-30 miles a week) without significant problems. I went to see my wonderful no-nonsense chiropractor yesterday and she helped me out some. (Who ever thought I'd have positive things to say about a chiropractor? I should add that she's a runner as well.)
Another bright spot...it's getting warmer and the snow is melting. I am looking forward to some nice spring runs. I may start packing my clothes in the morning and running on campus in the afternoons. I'm also looking forward to next week, when I go see the urologist to find out what the kidney stones were made of. It's a little strange how excited I am about that.
A little concerned about the IT bands. I'm actually more concerend about this than the loss of conditioning. I can train and get back that fitness, but not if my knee is hurt again. I've had some fairly significant pain on the outside of my right knee, so I'm trying to take it slow as I rebuild my speed. This means I may or may not do the Drake 1/2 Marathon in April. I'll probably make a decision within the next couple of weeks on that one. I didn't register for it yet, which is odd for me, so I'm at least not out any money if I opt out.
It sucks to lose my conditioning, but I'm just glad to be running again. I had been on a roll with my IT bands doing great before the kidney stones, so I do know it's possible for me to run relatively high mileage (like 25-30 miles a week) without significant problems. I went to see my wonderful no-nonsense chiropractor yesterday and she helped me out some. (Who ever thought I'd have positive things to say about a chiropractor? I should add that she's a runner as well.)
Another bright spot...it's getting warmer and the snow is melting. I am looking forward to some nice spring runs. I may start packing my clothes in the morning and running on campus in the afternoons. I'm also looking forward to next week, when I go see the urologist to find out what the kidney stones were made of. It's a little strange how excited I am about that.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A rough week
I am recovering from being hospitalized and having surgery to remove three kidney stones. Running is on hold, which is disappointing because I had been doing really well, but now I am just focusing on getting healthy. The pain from the stones is worse that anything I've felt before, and I guess that's typical of kidney stones. I've heard there's not much out there that's more painful. (I see lots of people online are debating whether trying to pass a kidney stone or hard labor is more painful.) At one point, just the pain was causing vomiting. That's when we headed back to the hospital.
So, after two trips to the ER (once to Sartori and once to Covenant), they admitted me to the hospital at about 11:30 pm last Monday. The urologist took a look at the CAT scan Tuesday morning, saw the stones, and scheduled me for surgery Tuesday night. He easily pulled one stone out but the other two crumbled, and then were tiny enough to pass in the next couple of days. I think the surgery took less than an hour. I'm sure the urologist has done hundreds of them.
I go back to the doc in a few weeks to see what the composition of my stones was. I'm interested in this--what were the stones made of? This will tell me a lot, hopefully, about how to prevent kidney stones in the future. Apparently, there is an 80% chance I will have kidney stones again, and a 50% chance I will have them in the next 5-10 years. If I can prevent this by changing my diet, I will. Many people get kidney stones due to dehydration, but I really am conscious of fluid intake.
The doctor is concerned because for some reason my ureter is very narrow at some point. He mentioned it could be because of scar tissue, but I don't know why I'd have scar tissue. I may be in for another procedure but will know more when I see the urologist again on March 19. I like the urologist, Dr. Mong of Waterloo, Iowa. He's got a good sense of humor. If they do want to do something to correct that narrowing, I hope it doesn't involve a stent (more later on the stent). I didn't ask the doctor a lot of questions about this narrowing deal because I was too concerned about the immediate pain of the stones, but I am anxious to learn more now. My kidney stones were about 2mm each (there were 3 of them) which is small enough for people to typically pass, but mine would not have passed without surgery due to the narrowing.
One of the worst parts of all of this was the stent that was inserted during surgery to hold my ureter open so stuff (including crumbled kidney stone pieces) could drain. I thought the stent was maybe 2-4 inches long, but when they pulled it out a few days later, it was actually over 2 feet long. It made sense that it was so painful and irritating when I saw the damn thing. I also had a little bit of an infection/fever due to the stent, but the doctor expected it to subside when the stent came out, and it did (although not fast enough for me).
I hope to run again in the next few days but I'm not sure how realistic that is. Today I walked from the parking lot to my office because I worked a couple of hours. I was exhausted. I'm still not walking "upright" and I move pretty slowly. Today is a lot better than yesterday though. I am still relying on pain meds but getting by on just a few Motrin. I'm also on antibioitics and some meds to make sure urination doesn't sting/burn too badly. Without getting too gory, there is still blood in my pee, but much less.
So I am on the road to recovery and just trying to be patient. The pain I have now is just an aching in my left kidney--which is where all of this started. The kidney itself has been a little swollen, and I think that should be resolved pretty soon. I've also slept much better the last couple of nights, which helps a lot. That's been with the assistance of Tylenol PM. I barely slept at all in the hospital. Averaged maybe 2 hours a night.
Here are some pics of different types of kidney stones. I found this interesting. Like a rock collection.
http://www.herringlab.com/photos/
So, after two trips to the ER (once to Sartori and once to Covenant), they admitted me to the hospital at about 11:30 pm last Monday. The urologist took a look at the CAT scan Tuesday morning, saw the stones, and scheduled me for surgery Tuesday night. He easily pulled one stone out but the other two crumbled, and then were tiny enough to pass in the next couple of days. I think the surgery took less than an hour. I'm sure the urologist has done hundreds of them.
I go back to the doc in a few weeks to see what the composition of my stones was. I'm interested in this--what were the stones made of? This will tell me a lot, hopefully, about how to prevent kidney stones in the future. Apparently, there is an 80% chance I will have kidney stones again, and a 50% chance I will have them in the next 5-10 years. If I can prevent this by changing my diet, I will. Many people get kidney stones due to dehydration, but I really am conscious of fluid intake.
The doctor is concerned because for some reason my ureter is very narrow at some point. He mentioned it could be because of scar tissue, but I don't know why I'd have scar tissue. I may be in for another procedure but will know more when I see the urologist again on March 19. I like the urologist, Dr. Mong of Waterloo, Iowa. He's got a good sense of humor. If they do want to do something to correct that narrowing, I hope it doesn't involve a stent (more later on the stent). I didn't ask the doctor a lot of questions about this narrowing deal because I was too concerned about the immediate pain of the stones, but I am anxious to learn more now. My kidney stones were about 2mm each (there were 3 of them) which is small enough for people to typically pass, but mine would not have passed without surgery due to the narrowing.
One of the worst parts of all of this was the stent that was inserted during surgery to hold my ureter open so stuff (including crumbled kidney stone pieces) could drain. I thought the stent was maybe 2-4 inches long, but when they pulled it out a few days later, it was actually over 2 feet long. It made sense that it was so painful and irritating when I saw the damn thing. I also had a little bit of an infection/fever due to the stent, but the doctor expected it to subside when the stent came out, and it did (although not fast enough for me).
I hope to run again in the next few days but I'm not sure how realistic that is. Today I walked from the parking lot to my office because I worked a couple of hours. I was exhausted. I'm still not walking "upright" and I move pretty slowly. Today is a lot better than yesterday though. I am still relying on pain meds but getting by on just a few Motrin. I'm also on antibioitics and some meds to make sure urination doesn't sting/burn too badly. Without getting too gory, there is still blood in my pee, but much less.
So I am on the road to recovery and just trying to be patient. The pain I have now is just an aching in my left kidney--which is where all of this started. The kidney itself has been a little swollen, and I think that should be resolved pretty soon. I've also slept much better the last couple of nights, which helps a lot. That's been with the assistance of Tylenol PM. I barely slept at all in the hospital. Averaged maybe 2 hours a night.
Here are some pics of different types of kidney stones. I found this interesting. Like a rock collection.
http://www.herringlab.com/photos/
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Half of Running is 90% Mental
I just read a book that Bill bought me: The Non-Runner's Guide to Running a Marathon by Whitsett and Dolgener. The writers are actually professors at UNI, which is sort of cool. (One, maybe both of them, are retired now.) I'm not, at this point, training to run a full marathon, but I got some stuff from the book--mostly about mental training and flow.
I've been using some the techniques to get through longer runs on the treadmill. Hopefully I'll need them less running outside, but it's nice to have them in my repetoire. The books teaches you to make up and play mental games, most of which seem ridiculous, but they work to keep you focused and get you into what I call "the zone." They call it "flow." A colleague of mine does research on flow and I thought it was completely uninteresting until I realized I could relate it to running.
The book also focuses on positive thinking in life and in running. It discusses internal locus of control, which is related closely to one of my professional research interests (mastery). Overall, a pretty good read. I'm glad I took the time to read it. If you looking for something on biomechanics and technical running, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a way to get through and even enjoy marathon training, read this book.
Running is going really well. I hate to be overly optimistic, but the IT bands are doing great. I stretch, I ice, I massage, and so far that's kept the pain at bay. I need to thank Bill for helping me out with that. I'm not doing great with getting out of bed to run before work. I'm a little disappointed in myself about that, but I should give myself a break. I get my runs in after work--without fail--and a run at 6 p.m. is as good as a run at 6 a.m., although for some reason I want to be a 6 a.m. runner. Maybe simply because it's difficult for me. I've never claimed to be a morning person.
I haven't missed a run since I started my training plan about a month ago. I've followed it to a T. The only exception is that I modify the tempo runs and speedwork a little, but I feel good about how I am running. Of course, I'm still a tortoise, but I'm a damn consistent tortoise.
On another note, my stepdad, Dennis, was in a little bit of a freak accident this week, but it looks like he's going to be just fine. I'm grateful for that. I know he's in pretty intense pain right now. Hopefully that passes quickly.
I've been using some the techniques to get through longer runs on the treadmill. Hopefully I'll need them less running outside, but it's nice to have them in my repetoire. The books teaches you to make up and play mental games, most of which seem ridiculous, but they work to keep you focused and get you into what I call "the zone." They call it "flow." A colleague of mine does research on flow and I thought it was completely uninteresting until I realized I could relate it to running.
The book also focuses on positive thinking in life and in running. It discusses internal locus of control, which is related closely to one of my professional research interests (mastery). Overall, a pretty good read. I'm glad I took the time to read it. If you looking for something on biomechanics and technical running, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a way to get through and even enjoy marathon training, read this book.
Running is going really well. I hate to be overly optimistic, but the IT bands are doing great. I stretch, I ice, I massage, and so far that's kept the pain at bay. I need to thank Bill for helping me out with that. I'm not doing great with getting out of bed to run before work. I'm a little disappointed in myself about that, but I should give myself a break. I get my runs in after work--without fail--and a run at 6 p.m. is as good as a run at 6 a.m., although for some reason I want to be a 6 a.m. runner. Maybe simply because it's difficult for me. I've never claimed to be a morning person.
I haven't missed a run since I started my training plan about a month ago. I've followed it to a T. The only exception is that I modify the tempo runs and speedwork a little, but I feel good about how I am running. Of course, I'm still a tortoise, but I'm a damn consistent tortoise.
On another note, my stepdad, Dennis, was in a little bit of a freak accident this week, but it looks like he's going to be just fine. I'm grateful for that. I know he's in pretty intense pain right now. Hopefully that passes quickly.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
After the cabinet fell on me....
I have to admit I've been off of my game a little bit in the last week. It all started when the cabinet fell on my head...I've gotten all of my runs in, but haven't been good about getting them done in the morning. I've had early meetings and somedays I have no excuse--I just haven't gotten out of bed. So more and more of my runs have been after work, which I guess isn't the end of the world, as long as I'm getting the miles in.
Tonight I did a 6 mile tempo run, and I noticed I am actually getting a little faster. Paces that seemed really quick a few weeks ago don't seem quite as quick. I've done 9 miles two straight Saturdays, and that's what I have this Saturday as well. Then I have a week where my mileage is cut a little--an easy week for recovery.
I should add that the cabinet falling on my head has led to a few hours of paperwork. Seriously?
Tonight I did a 6 mile tempo run, and I noticed I am actually getting a little faster. Paces that seemed really quick a few weeks ago don't seem quite as quick. I've done 9 miles two straight Saturdays, and that's what I have this Saturday as well. Then I have a week where my mileage is cut a little--an easy week for recovery.
I should add that the cabinet falling on my head has led to a few hours of paperwork. Seriously?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Elaine's No Good, Very Bad Day
Today could have gone better. I didn't sleep well last night because Murphy whined all night...we are trying to transition him out of the bedroom and he's not liking it. He and Gus-Gus go into the computer room when we go to bed. Bill and I moved to the bed upstairs so his whining wouldn't keep us up but I could still hear him. I planned to run in the early morning, but when the alarm went off I just couldn't do it. I took the extra hour of sleep instead.
When I got to work, things didn't get better. I had only been here about 5 minutes...I got into my cabinet/book shelf to grab something and the whole thing started falling on. The top shelf came out and hit me in the head. Some cans of soup (clam chowder) also nailed me in the forehead. I'm not even sure how it happened. I'm fine--a part of my head is a little tender--but I had to fill out an incident report (which, of course, I made a mockery of) on the insistence of my secretary and department head. I had to teach right after, but luckily we were watching a video part of the class so I could sit down for a while. I also managed to somehow spill a whole 32 ounce water bottle of pink Crystal Light all over my office this afternoon. I am trying to get a grip on cleaning that up before the janitor sees it. The good news is that I did avoid the computer.
So now I am debating on whether or not I should run this afternoon. I should be home about 3:30 or so, and I'd have plenty of time, but I may opt out, which makes me feel like a lazy sack of crap. After the bookshelf fell on me, I'm not sure I want to test my luck.
I did get in my 5 miles yesterday. It was an easy day but I pushed the pace just a little. IT bands are still tight but no real pain. Tomorrow or today I need to get in a tempo run or speedwork.
When I got to work, things didn't get better. I had only been here about 5 minutes...I got into my cabinet/book shelf to grab something and the whole thing started falling on. The top shelf came out and hit me in the head. Some cans of soup (clam chowder) also nailed me in the forehead. I'm not even sure how it happened. I'm fine--a part of my head is a little tender--but I had to fill out an incident report (which, of course, I made a mockery of) on the insistence of my secretary and department head. I had to teach right after, but luckily we were watching a video part of the class so I could sit down for a while. I also managed to somehow spill a whole 32 ounce water bottle of pink Crystal Light all over my office this afternoon. I am trying to get a grip on cleaning that up before the janitor sees it. The good news is that I did avoid the computer.
So now I am debating on whether or not I should run this afternoon. I should be home about 3:30 or so, and I'd have plenty of time, but I may opt out, which makes me feel like a lazy sack of crap. After the bookshelf fell on me, I'm not sure I want to test my luck.
I did get in my 5 miles yesterday. It was an easy day but I pushed the pace just a little. IT bands are still tight but no real pain. Tomorrow or today I need to get in a tempo run or speedwork.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A long time to stare at the wall
The long run today was 9 miles. It's still below 0 windchill, so I was on the treadmill. I felt pretty good during the run (I even increase my speed when I got to the 7.5 mile mark); it took me over 90 minutes. That's a long time to be on the treadmill, staring at the wall. Since the run, I've felt a little blah, like lethargic. The IT bands did okay though, so I can't complain. I've settled into a routine for before and after I run. Before I run, I massage them out for about 5 minutes before I stretch them. After I run, I stretch them out and ice them for 15-20 minutes. At night, I massage them as I sit on the couch. Then I stretch and ice. It's time consuming, but so far it seems to be doing the trick. I'm also trying to take my rest days and not increase my mileage too quickly. I am being careful. I can't go through another spring and summer of not running.
I did my "typical" weekend run deal this morning again--when I plan to run run at about 8 or 9 a.m. and don't start until 11:30 or so. During the week, I wake up and proceed directly to the run. I'm not nearly so motivated on weekends. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I don't have too many plans for the day. Yet it makes me disappointed in myself for some reason.
On another note, Bill and I tried Domino's "new and improved" pizza today. It wasn't too bad. Then we got some cookies in the mail from a former student's mother. All in all, I've eaten enough junk today to last me a while.
Off to put some laundry away...
I did my "typical" weekend run deal this morning again--when I plan to run run at about 8 or 9 a.m. and don't start until 11:30 or so. During the week, I wake up and proceed directly to the run. I'm not nearly so motivated on weekends. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I don't have too many plans for the day. Yet it makes me disappointed in myself for some reason.
On another note, Bill and I tried Domino's "new and improved" pizza today. It wasn't too bad. Then we got some cookies in the mail from a former student's mother. All in all, I've eaten enough junk today to last me a while.
Off to put some laundry away...
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Happy Saturday!
It's a dreary, rainy Saturday. I just got done running. I meant to run at about 9 a.m. In reality, I started thinking about running at 9 a.m. However, the physical act of running didn't begin until about 1 p.m. So much for motivation on this Saturday morning. I can't be too hard on myself because I did get my 8.5 miles in. The run felt better the further into it I got. The first 2-3 miles were a drag. Miles 5-7 or so really felt pretty good.
I'm nervous about some tightness in the IT bands. I'm trying to stay on my training plan but I've got to keep up with stretching, icing, etc. The whole IT band routine takes almost as much time as running itself. Yet, I know that the alternative (taking time off, surgery, whatever) is worse. I have learned this the hard way. Hopefully if I take care of myself I won't have any real issues this "season," but I am nervous about it every time I run. Today I stopped to stretch about once a mile. I don't like that because it's harder to get into a groove.
I have 4 half marathons planned for this year (April through Oct). I have decided that my goal will be to get to each starting line injury free. If I get that done, I will consider it a success, not matter what my times are. Last summer, I wondered if I would ever get back to running. Now that I'm there, I don't want to get hung up with times and stuff like that. I am just glad to be running.
I bought new shoes. A pair of Nikes and a pair of Sauconys that I will alternate. I love both of them so far. I've become a fan of Saucony the last couple of years. I tend to have an issue with my heels being narrow, and Saucony accommodates that. Nike typically does as well. I've tried New Balance, and they tend to run wide through the heel. I started wearing Saucony when I got "fitted" for running shoes at a running store in Cedar Falls, the Runner's Flat. It's a far cry from how I used to choose running shoes. (I would just look at them and decide how fast they looked.) If you live near me, I do recommend the Runner's Flat if you are looking to buy some shoes. They'll put you on the treadmill and watch your gait, diagnosed your pronation, etc. I learned a lot from them.
Off to the showers!
I'm nervous about some tightness in the IT bands. I'm trying to stay on my training plan but I've got to keep up with stretching, icing, etc. The whole IT band routine takes almost as much time as running itself. Yet, I know that the alternative (taking time off, surgery, whatever) is worse. I have learned this the hard way. Hopefully if I take care of myself I won't have any real issues this "season," but I am nervous about it every time I run. Today I stopped to stretch about once a mile. I don't like that because it's harder to get into a groove.
I have 4 half marathons planned for this year (April through Oct). I have decided that my goal will be to get to each starting line injury free. If I get that done, I will consider it a success, not matter what my times are. Last summer, I wondered if I would ever get back to running. Now that I'm there, I don't want to get hung up with times and stuff like that. I am just glad to be running.
I bought new shoes. A pair of Nikes and a pair of Sauconys that I will alternate. I love both of them so far. I've become a fan of Saucony the last couple of years. I tend to have an issue with my heels being narrow, and Saucony accommodates that. Nike typically does as well. I've tried New Balance, and they tend to run wide through the heel. I started wearing Saucony when I got "fitted" for running shoes at a running store in Cedar Falls, the Runner's Flat. It's a far cry from how I used to choose running shoes. (I would just look at them and decide how fast they looked.) If you live near me, I do recommend the Runner's Flat if you are looking to buy some shoes. They'll put you on the treadmill and watch your gait, diagnosed your pronation, etc. I learned a lot from them.
Off to the showers!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Beautiful Iowa January Day
It's a pretty nice day here in Iowa for January. It's overcast, but about 35 degrees. It's one of those Iowa winter days when everyone flocks to the car wash. Bill ran 3 miles outside a little bit ago, but I decided to do my 8 miles on the treadmill. I decided I wanted to be on the treadmill so I could have my water bottle nearby. It's odd for me to make the choice to run on the treadmill when there's any possibility (much less a probability) of a pleasant run outside, but my feelings about the treadmill have taken a turn for the positive in the last couple of weeks.
I used to think heading to the treadmill made me sort of a wimp, but as long as I am staying on my training plan and enjoying my runs, I guess it shouldn't matter if I'm outside or on the treadmill. I do feel like the treadmill protects my knees a little bit because the surface is softer than asphalt or concrete. I will admit that I am afraid of injury, mainly IT band stuff.
I've started reading a book called "Running with the Buffaloes" about the University of Colorado cross country team in 1996-1997. Adam Goucher, who goes on to lots of success a nationally competitive runner along with his wife Kara, was on that team. I'm only a few pages into it (and I'm having a really hard time keeping all of guys on the team straight) but it seems interesting. The guys' team is running 90-95 miles a week. I just think it's amazing that they can run that much without getting injured. I guess some people can do that, and I'm not one of those people. I also bought "My Life on the Run" by Bart Yasso, who is the editor of Runners' World magazine. It got pretty decent reviews on Amazon, and I usually do enjoy reading about running.
I just finished a book called "Waking" about a guy who was in a car accident at age 13 and became a parapalegic. As an adult, he becomes interested in yoga and intruiged by the mind-body connection among people who have spinal cord injury. I sometimes got a little lost in his philosophy in the book, but I did enjoy it. The guy ends up becoming a yoga teacher for individual with disabilities and able-bodied people. I'm typically not much of a free reader, but I guess I've been on a roll lately. When I find a book I like, I usually power through it pretty quickly, but sometimes I feel guilty spending time free reading when I could be reading stuff for work.
For the first time ever, I got flu shots. I got the H1N1 shot as well as the regular seasonal flu shot. I had to stop in at the doctor last week for something else, and he talked me into it. According to my physician's assistant, it decreases the chance of getting the flu by 40%. I decided I'd do it because I would be bummed if I couldn't run for a week or so due to illness and then lost some of my fitness. My arms are actually sore from the shots. My right one hurts the worst by far, and that's the regular seasonal flu shot, not the H1N1. I have been wondering if the H1N1 usually hurts less, or if it's just a coincidence. I guess maybe I'm exaggerating...it doesn't hurt that bad, but it's achy. Much more achy than I expected. I mean, it's just a shot, and the needle wasn't even very big.
I used to think heading to the treadmill made me sort of a wimp, but as long as I am staying on my training plan and enjoying my runs, I guess it shouldn't matter if I'm outside or on the treadmill. I do feel like the treadmill protects my knees a little bit because the surface is softer than asphalt or concrete. I will admit that I am afraid of injury, mainly IT band stuff.
I've started reading a book called "Running with the Buffaloes" about the University of Colorado cross country team in 1996-1997. Adam Goucher, who goes on to lots of success a nationally competitive runner along with his wife Kara, was on that team. I'm only a few pages into it (and I'm having a really hard time keeping all of guys on the team straight) but it seems interesting. The guys' team is running 90-95 miles a week. I just think it's amazing that they can run that much without getting injured. I guess some people can do that, and I'm not one of those people. I also bought "My Life on the Run" by Bart Yasso, who is the editor of Runners' World magazine. It got pretty decent reviews on Amazon, and I usually do enjoy reading about running.
I just finished a book called "Waking" about a guy who was in a car accident at age 13 and became a parapalegic. As an adult, he becomes interested in yoga and intruiged by the mind-body connection among people who have spinal cord injury. I sometimes got a little lost in his philosophy in the book, but I did enjoy it. The guy ends up becoming a yoga teacher for individual with disabilities and able-bodied people. I'm typically not much of a free reader, but I guess I've been on a roll lately. When I find a book I like, I usually power through it pretty quickly, but sometimes I feel guilty spending time free reading when I could be reading stuff for work.
For the first time ever, I got flu shots. I got the H1N1 shot as well as the regular seasonal flu shot. I had to stop in at the doctor last week for something else, and he talked me into it. According to my physician's assistant, it decreases the chance of getting the flu by 40%. I decided I'd do it because I would be bummed if I couldn't run for a week or so due to illness and then lost some of my fitness. My arms are actually sore from the shots. My right one hurts the worst by far, and that's the regular seasonal flu shot, not the H1N1. I have been wondering if the H1N1 usually hurts less, or if it's just a coincidence. I guess maybe I'm exaggerating...it doesn't hurt that bad, but it's achy. Much more achy than I expected. I mean, it's just a shot, and the needle wasn't even very big.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Crystal Light Energy
Maybe I've turned a corner. Yesterday morning I rolled out of bed and got running nearly right away...and perked up at about a mile or so. My body seems to be waking up before mile 3 or 4--maybe just because I'm getting in a routine of morning running now. Tomorrow is my long run. It's 8 miles again. Next week it increases to 9 miles. I won't be doing 10 on the training plan for about another month.
I realized that I put together my training plan using the wrong date for my April 1/2 marathon. It is actually April 24, but I put in April 17--so I should recalculate the mileage I am doing each week. Not sure why I thought it was April 17.
I should mention my Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Energy Mix. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with it. You add it to your water bottle. There are other flavors but I should mention that the energy contains a ridiculous amount of caffeine. I slurp some as I get to running in the morning. I'm not sure what it's like to be on crack, but it has to be something like this. The stuff is potent. I have to be careful not to drink too much or I am way too hyped up (almost anxious) for the day. I learned this the hard way. If I have any after about 3 p.m., there's no way I'm getting to sleep at night. I have a student who swears she's addicted to it. She needs it every morning or she just doesn't function. I'm sure it's just a caffeine deal.
I realized that I put together my training plan using the wrong date for my April 1/2 marathon. It is actually April 24, but I put in April 17--so I should recalculate the mileage I am doing each week. Not sure why I thought it was April 17.
I should mention my Crystal Light Wild Strawberry Energy Mix. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with it. You add it to your water bottle. There are other flavors but I should mention that the energy contains a ridiculous amount of caffeine. I slurp some as I get to running in the morning. I'm not sure what it's like to be on crack, but it has to be something like this. The stuff is potent. I have to be careful not to drink too much or I am way too hyped up (almost anxious) for the day. I learned this the hard way. If I have any after about 3 p.m., there's no way I'm getting to sleep at night. I have a student who swears she's addicted to it. She needs it every morning or she just doesn't function. I'm sure it's just a caffeine deal.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Morning Person? Not So Much
I've gotten my runs done in the mornings this week, before work, and it's been tolerable. I find that it takes me until about mile 3 to get going--so it's about a 1/2 hour of blah before I really actually feel glad to be running. I am hoping I can get in more of a morning routine and perk up faster. I'm proud of myself for sticking with the morning deal. Of course, I shouldn't give myself too much credit since it hasn't even been a whole week.
This morning was speedwork, which made me confront the reality that I am not at all speedy. I was never the fastest kid when we had to run sprints for volleyball and basketball in high school. Not surprisingly, I haven't gotten much faster on the sprint in the 13 or so years since high school. I can certainly run longer distances now, though.
Tomorrow is a 5 mile run at an easy pace. My goal is to be running by 6:30 a.m. Like I said, I'm hoping this is all about routine and each day will be a little easier. Plenty of people run at 5 in the morning; 6:30 isn't even that early. I think the issue is more that my body is used to exercising in the afternoon or early evening. It does feel good to get to work and know I've already got the run finished...I am hoping the knowledge of that post-run feeling can help me get my butt out of bed to go running when my alarm goes off!
This morning was speedwork, which made me confront the reality that I am not at all speedy. I was never the fastest kid when we had to run sprints for volleyball and basketball in high school. Not surprisingly, I haven't gotten much faster on the sprint in the 13 or so years since high school. I can certainly run longer distances now, though.
Tomorrow is a 5 mile run at an easy pace. My goal is to be running by 6:30 a.m. Like I said, I'm hoping this is all about routine and each day will be a little easier. Plenty of people run at 5 in the morning; 6:30 isn't even that early. I think the issue is more that my body is used to exercising in the afternoon or early evening. It does feel good to get to work and know I've already got the run finished...I am hoping the knowledge of that post-run feeling can help me get my butt out of bed to go running when my alarm goes off!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Neil and Me on the Treadmill
By Neil, I mean Neil Diamond, of course. I put 3-4 Neil Diamond songs on my new CD for running on the treadmill. Who knew he was so motivating? You should also notice that I am no longer calling the treadmill the dreadmill. This is a big step for me, and hopefully the treadmill and I are building a more positive and healthy relationship than we've had in the past. I got my planned 8 miles in this morning. A new treadmill record! I have to say, the 1st 6 or so miles were delightful, or at least quite tolerable. Miles 6 and 7 got a little long, but there's hope for the treadmill and me yet.
If you've known me the last few years, you know that I've battled illiotibial band syndrome chronically. You know this because I've probably annoyed the hell out of you by explaning this issue in detail. My wonderful friend Leslie (bless her) who is a massage therapist and works in a PT clinic is the only one who really at least appeared to be somewhat interested in the anatomy of my gluts, outer thigh, knee, etc., but that didn't stop me from explaning the issue to the rest of the world as well. Anyway, the IT band was the reason for my knee surgery. The IT band deal has not reared its ugly head for some time, although I did feel a twinge as my distance was showing as 7.97 on the treadmill today. It wasn't painful, but just enough of a feeling to be aware that things might get worse if I kept going. I'm not panicking about it, but I do need to be cautious and back off it starts bothering me.
I've learned that lesson the hard way. Being tough is sometimes being stupid. Going an extra mile one day is not worth it if it means having to take a month off of running. Tomorrow, according to my training plan, is a rest day or a cross training day. I could take the day off completely, or maybe I could ride my spin bike.
So it's been Neil and me on the treadmill...other artists on my burned CD: Lady GaGa, the Jayhawks, Brittney Spears (how embarassing), Pink, Taylor Swift, Ray Charles, Ryan Adams, Naughty by Nature (yes, seriously), Run DMC, Katy Perry, Sugar Hill Gang, the Fray, Sugarland, Michael Franti, Warren Zevon, Toby Keith, Lucinda Williams, Coldplay, Five for Fighting, Joshua Radin, Lady Antebellum, Toto, Fountains of Wayne, Howie Day, REM, Meatloaf, Shawn Mullins, Glenn Miller, Queen, and U2.
If you've known me the last few years, you know that I've battled illiotibial band syndrome chronically. You know this because I've probably annoyed the hell out of you by explaning this issue in detail. My wonderful friend Leslie (bless her) who is a massage therapist and works in a PT clinic is the only one who really at least appeared to be somewhat interested in the anatomy of my gluts, outer thigh, knee, etc., but that didn't stop me from explaning the issue to the rest of the world as well. Anyway, the IT band was the reason for my knee surgery. The IT band deal has not reared its ugly head for some time, although I did feel a twinge as my distance was showing as 7.97 on the treadmill today. It wasn't painful, but just enough of a feeling to be aware that things might get worse if I kept going. I'm not panicking about it, but I do need to be cautious and back off it starts bothering me.
I've learned that lesson the hard way. Being tough is sometimes being stupid. Going an extra mile one day is not worth it if it means having to take a month off of running. Tomorrow, according to my training plan, is a rest day or a cross training day. I could take the day off completely, or maybe I could ride my spin bike.
So it's been Neil and me on the treadmill...other artists on my burned CD: Lady GaGa, the Jayhawks, Brittney Spears (how embarassing), Pink, Taylor Swift, Ray Charles, Ryan Adams, Naughty by Nature (yes, seriously), Run DMC, Katy Perry, Sugar Hill Gang, the Fray, Sugarland, Michael Franti, Warren Zevon, Toby Keith, Lucinda Williams, Coldplay, Five for Fighting, Joshua Radin, Lady Antebellum, Toto, Fountains of Wayne, Howie Day, REM, Meatloaf, Shawn Mullins, Glenn Miller, Queen, and U2.
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