Ugh...this hip situation is getting old...I can't spin, ellipticize (like my new word?), do just about any type of leg workout, minimal Pilates...because of the old hip...I can run, but yesterday the hip was pretty sore after my longest run yet, a whopping 5 miler...Even then, I have to have rest days between my runs and it is driving me crazy!
I am wondering about how swimming will help me in this time of trial (hehe... I know I'm exaggerating)...I've heard mixed things..some people advising me not to, some people saying it might help. Any suggestions? I'm not the best swimmer..in fact, I suck at it...But I can lie on my back and kick and pretty much doggie paddle and do a lame breast stroke the involves lost of wasted energy...
Background
Monday, January 25, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A change in plans...all over the place!
So...not too much new on the running front...I wisely declined the run on Rhaling Rd. today..my hip has been sore on and off all week and I figured it would be best to skip it. Sad... :( I realized that the squats I have been doing while working out have NOT been helping my hip, so I ventured to Power Pump at the gym today but did NO leg stuff! This week I got a few short runs in...the last one I had to cut short at 3.4 miles because of the hip pain. Tomorrow I will most likely be running 4-5 miles (fingers crossed) at the very FLAT Murray Park with some of the Sunday Crackhead group.
I can already see some alterations in my racing "plan" for this year...I have decided to decline the "Oh-so-gracious" offer of Skip to do the Ragnar Relay in October. I really wanted to make sure of my decision before I said anything...I hate being flaky! There are several reasons I have decided not to do it. There is a conference I would like to attend in Estes Park, CO in April and I would get to bunk with one of my oldest and dearest friends! It has been years since I have seen her and I keep giving her the "I can't afford it" excuse for a while now. The price of the relay vs. the trip to Co would end up being about the same, and I can't do both. Secondly, hoping that I haven't crippled myself by a stupid workout decision or injury, I just really want to do the Soaring Wings Half Marathon again!
Part of my waffling on the decision has been the fear that if I don't do THIS relay, I won't ever do one at all. As far as I can tell, this fear is unfounded and I'm just trying to avoid feeling "left out" again. Ever since my injuries have kept me sidelined, I feel like I should grab every opportunity to run with my running pals or I will get "left behind" or "forgotten"...As much as this feeling sucks, I'm tired of making my decisions based on fear. I do everything I can do avoid disappointment, but sometimes things just don't happen the way you want them to. And it's okay to be disappointed. But sometimes...even though you can't see it right away, it ends up leading to something even better...I haven't made my conference reservations yet, but I'm really hoping to go. I will miss out on the Rocket 5k this year if I go...but I figure going to Colorado AND getting to see my good friend are a decent trade :)
I can already see some alterations in my racing "plan" for this year...I have decided to decline the "Oh-so-gracious" offer of Skip to do the Ragnar Relay in October. I really wanted to make sure of my decision before I said anything...I hate being flaky! There are several reasons I have decided not to do it. There is a conference I would like to attend in Estes Park, CO in April and I would get to bunk with one of my oldest and dearest friends! It has been years since I have seen her and I keep giving her the "I can't afford it" excuse for a while now. The price of the relay vs. the trip to Co would end up being about the same, and I can't do both. Secondly, hoping that I haven't crippled myself by a stupid workout decision or injury, I just really want to do the Soaring Wings Half Marathon again!
Part of my waffling on the decision has been the fear that if I don't do THIS relay, I won't ever do one at all. As far as I can tell, this fear is unfounded and I'm just trying to avoid feeling "left out" again. Ever since my injuries have kept me sidelined, I feel like I should grab every opportunity to run with my running pals or I will get "left behind" or "forgotten"...As much as this feeling sucks, I'm tired of making my decisions based on fear. I do everything I can do avoid disappointment, but sometimes things just don't happen the way you want them to. And it's okay to be disappointed. But sometimes...even though you can't see it right away, it ends up leading to something even better...I haven't made my conference reservations yet, but I'm really hoping to go. I will miss out on the Rocket 5k this year if I go...but I figure going to Colorado AND getting to see my good friend are a decent trade :)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Back to the LRM training group and a few fitness goals...
Today was my first day back with the LRM training group....oh how I have missed thee! And....the first time I have done 4 miles since November...IT'S ABOUT TIME!
I met Cheryl and Kim at the Capitol this morning for the run. I told them, of course, that I would be a little slow, but they stuck with me for 3 miles. My foot is much better and I had no foot issues today, HOWEVER...you knew it was coming, didn't you? Somehow I "jacked up" my hip again this week and it has been sore for a few days. It felt a little tight on Tuesday, and I did the "smart" thing (NOT) and went to sculpt on Wednesday, thinking "I'll just take it easy in class"...Well, Wednesday was Charla's night to experiment with all sorts of new moves, and I knew I hadn't made it any better...Geez...So, I've been "babying it"...popping Ibuprofen, Mobic, Darvocet....icing it/ using the hot sock, SalonPas and avoiding spinning..even though it is taking everything in me not to spin today. The run went better than expected, but my hip did start that oh-so-lovely "pulling" feeling around mile 3, and I took my time. I definitely want it to be better for next weekend's Rhaling Rd. route, a route that I have surprisingly come to love. I love to tackle those hills...I would rather do hills all day long, as opposed to speed work, but I digress...
It was so nice to catch up with the girls a little bit and I am looking forward to continuing the Saturday morning runs! I plan to run again on Monday, and I am already excited about it.
As far as the new year goes, I'm not a big resolution person, but I have some general goals I would like to accomplish. I have made several goals in each area of my life that I want to see change (financial, personal relationships, health, work). As far as my health goals:
1. Attempt to drink the standard 8 8oz. glasses of water a day. I know I need it. I know it's good for me. It helps my stomach "issues". There is no reason not to.
2. Try a new vegetable and/or fruit every month.
3. Re-incorporate Pilates into my fitness routine. I would like to do it, at least, 2x a week.
4. Increase the amount of stretching I do, about 5 minutes after every workout.
5. Be consistent with taking my glucosamine, Vit C, Mobic, bee pollen and multivitamin every day or at least, every other day.
6. Air up the tires on my bike and get outside to ride!
7. Cut back on processed foods and sugar. Switch from Splenda to Stevia.
8. Do the 'Women Can Run' Clinic this spring (March-May)
9. After my Gu is gone, try to make my own natural energy gels or use natural foods to fuel on my runs.
10. Return to my green smoothies, 3-4 times a week.
11. Continue strength training 2-3 times/wk.
These are the things that I want to accomplish to make myself more healthy. Notice I didn't say "lose weight". It just so happens that I naturally tend to lose weight when I do these things anyway, which I wouldn't mind! I would LOVE to see gains in my endurance and strength even more, though!
I have to give my answer about doing the Ragnar relay to Cheryl by Monday..and I'm waffling about whether to do it or not. Financially, it's not TOO expensive..I mean, there is the flight, food and race registration, but I have quite a few months to pay for it or pay my credit card off..It definitely sounds fun and I would like to try a 24 hour relay, especially with a friend. I'm actually praying about this one. In fact, I'm praying about my running in general these days. It had become an all-too-consuming thing in my life and I want to keep things in perspective. I sense the freedom to do the relay at this point...but not 100% sure. I want to do the Soaring Wings Half Marathon this year, so I need see what date it falls on. My next post will tell!
I met Cheryl and Kim at the Capitol this morning for the run. I told them, of course, that I would be a little slow, but they stuck with me for 3 miles. My foot is much better and I had no foot issues today, HOWEVER...you knew it was coming, didn't you? Somehow I "jacked up" my hip again this week and it has been sore for a few days. It felt a little tight on Tuesday, and I did the "smart" thing (NOT) and went to sculpt on Wednesday, thinking "I'll just take it easy in class"...Well, Wednesday was Charla's night to experiment with all sorts of new moves, and I knew I hadn't made it any better...Geez...So, I've been "babying it"...popping Ibuprofen, Mobic, Darvocet....icing it/ using the hot sock, SalonPas and avoiding spinning..even though it is taking everything in me not to spin today. The run went better than expected, but my hip did start that oh-so-lovely "pulling" feeling around mile 3, and I took my time. I definitely want it to be better for next weekend's Rhaling Rd. route, a route that I have surprisingly come to love. I love to tackle those hills...I would rather do hills all day long, as opposed to speed work, but I digress...
It was so nice to catch up with the girls a little bit and I am looking forward to continuing the Saturday morning runs! I plan to run again on Monday, and I am already excited about it.
As far as the new year goes, I'm not a big resolution person, but I have some general goals I would like to accomplish. I have made several goals in each area of my life that I want to see change (financial, personal relationships, health, work). As far as my health goals:
1. Attempt to drink the standard 8 8oz. glasses of water a day. I know I need it. I know it's good for me. It helps my stomach "issues". There is no reason not to.
2. Try a new vegetable and/or fruit every month.
3. Re-incorporate Pilates into my fitness routine. I would like to do it, at least, 2x a week.
4. Increase the amount of stretching I do, about 5 minutes after every workout.
5. Be consistent with taking my glucosamine, Vit C, Mobic, bee pollen and multivitamin every day or at least, every other day.
6. Air up the tires on my bike and get outside to ride!
7. Cut back on processed foods and sugar. Switch from Splenda to Stevia.
8. Do the 'Women Can Run' Clinic this spring (March-May)
9. After my Gu is gone, try to make my own natural energy gels or use natural foods to fuel on my runs.
10. Return to my green smoothies, 3-4 times a week.
11. Continue strength training 2-3 times/wk.
These are the things that I want to accomplish to make myself more healthy. Notice I didn't say "lose weight". It just so happens that I naturally tend to lose weight when I do these things anyway, which I wouldn't mind! I would LOVE to see gains in my endurance and strength even more, though!
I have to give my answer about doing the Ragnar relay to Cheryl by Monday..and I'm waffling about whether to do it or not. Financially, it's not TOO expensive..I mean, there is the flight, food and race registration, but I have quite a few months to pay for it or pay my credit card off..It definitely sounds fun and I would like to try a 24 hour relay, especially with a friend. I'm actually praying about this one. In fact, I'm praying about my running in general these days. It had become an all-too-consuming thing in my life and I want to keep things in perspective. I sense the freedom to do the relay at this point...but not 100% sure. I want to do the Soaring Wings Half Marathon this year, so I need see what date it falls on. My next post will tell!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Running "success"...
Well...today marks the 2nd consecutive "successful" run, since my marathon. What is "success"? First...getting my hiney outside in the cold temps...What can I say? This cold weather has got me down. Second, no foot pain! Being able to tie my shoes tighter has been a major breakthrough! Third, finally breaking the 3 mile mark. It has been surprisingly difficult, with my lack of consistency and motivation...
I have not committed, but am about 90% sure that I will be doing the LR Relay on March 7th. I am excited! I had pretty much given up that I would be able to do it...or that a team would be forming this late...but I am now in touch with a girl who just moved to LR from Ohio, who is interested in doing the relay. I was a bit tense about running with people who wanted to set some kind of speed record, but she appears to be walking her leg of the relay, so no pressure on me to be super-speedy. This is just the motivation I need to "get back in the game", without too much pressure to perform and be tempted to over train and hurt myself. Plus, I get to be part of the marathon festivities, instead of totally missing out...with Kim and Cheryl doing the marathon that day! Thanks to Caitlin of Healthy Tipping Point for connecting Michele and I!
I will probably stick to 3-4 mile runs for the next week or two and see how it goes. My routes have been flat, so the hills will be another issue, but one step at a time. I am just so thankful to be "out there"..it has done amazing things for me...mentally and emotionally, to be running again....Cheryl has mentioned doing a relay in October in Las Vegas and I am tempted! Keep you posted on that!
I have not committed, but am about 90% sure that I will be doing the LR Relay on March 7th. I am excited! I had pretty much given up that I would be able to do it...or that a team would be forming this late...but I am now in touch with a girl who just moved to LR from Ohio, who is interested in doing the relay. I was a bit tense about running with people who wanted to set some kind of speed record, but she appears to be walking her leg of the relay, so no pressure on me to be super-speedy. This is just the motivation I need to "get back in the game", without too much pressure to perform and be tempted to over train and hurt myself. Plus, I get to be part of the marathon festivities, instead of totally missing out...with Kim and Cheryl doing the marathon that day! Thanks to Caitlin of Healthy Tipping Point for connecting Michele and I!
I will probably stick to 3-4 mile runs for the next week or two and see how it goes. My routes have been flat, so the hills will be another issue, but one step at a time. I am just so thankful to be "out there"..it has done amazing things for me...mentally and emotionally, to be running again....Cheryl has mentioned doing a relay in October in Las Vegas and I am tempted! Keep you posted on that!
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