Despite my worst fears, you do not completely lose the ability to run if you take a week off. I was certain when I went 5 days without running that I would struggle to make it past a mile. I am not sure why...I think it is because it took me SO LONG to be able to run long distances that I am terrified to lose that now.
When I first started running, I thought that when you got tired you stopped running. So I put my poor running partner through many annoying runs when I would stop and walk every quarter mile or so. I didn't realize that you could continue to run past the point of tiredness. I don't know when I realized you could...even during my first half-marathon I kind of gave up mentally after 9 or 10 miles. I had no idea how much of running is mental.
One of my favorite things about running is the way it has changed how I think about myself. Even on the days I'm not happy with my body or I'm feeling "fat," I can still look in the mirror and think This body can run 13 miles straight. What are you complaining about? And I wouldn't give that up for anything. Thus, the fear of losing it.
Since my doctor visit I have run 5 miles, 4 miles, 4 miles, and 9 miles. I had a little pain the last 2ish miles of my 9 mile run, but overall it is definitely getting better. I don't know how runners with long-term injuries do it. I am so impressed with their mental and emotional strength to stay positive when they can't do something they love so much. It definitely motivates me to focus on injury prevention, and not take my running for granted!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
30 for 30
My work is doing a challenge for the new year, where you have to exercise 30 minutes a day for 30 days (January 3-February 1). Since I exercise 6 days a week as it is, I thought it would be great to sign up. On my rest day I just do 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill so it is still basically a rest day. I am so glad I signed up for this, there have been a few days when I didn't want to exercise but knowing I had to report my workouts kept me accountable.
I am also trying to do a few other things for 30 days straight - eat 5+ fruits and vegetables a day, and drink 8+ glasses of water a day. Yes, sadly, this is a challenge for me. I am someone that has to remind myself to drink water, or I won't. And I don't eat super unhealthy (despite my blog title :), but I definitely don't eat enough fruits and veggies. So far (today is day 9) I have been doing great and meeting all of my goals every day. I weighed and took measurements on the first day so we will see if this has any effect!
I am also trying to do a few other things for 30 days straight - eat 5+ fruits and vegetables a day, and drink 8+ glasses of water a day. Yes, sadly, this is a challenge for me. I am someone that has to remind myself to drink water, or I won't. And I don't eat super unhealthy (despite my blog title :), but I definitely don't eat enough fruits and veggies. So far (today is day 9) I have been doing great and meeting all of my goals every day. I weighed and took measurements on the first day so we will see if this has any effect!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Good News, Bad News
I finally got up the nerve to go to a sports medicine doctor on Friday. I really liked him, he seemed very thorough and didn't think I was crazy for wanting to run a marathon and an ultra this year.
The good news is, I only have a mild hamstring strain and if the pain isn't getting worse I can continue to run.
The bad news is, the hamstring strain (and the IT band issue I have had for a year+) is due to my SI joint being tilted. So that kind of sucks. My right hip is slightly more forward than my left hip, and I have weak hip stabilizers. So, this pulls on my hamstring, and stretches my IT band. I also overpronate, which increases the pulling and stretching. So the doc recommended PT for 6 weeks to work on some of these issues.
I am glad that my current injury isn't worse, but not thrilled that my body is a little screwed up. It does explain a lot though.
The doctor said doing the marathon and ultra is "ambitious but do-able." So I have decided to push back the ultra to one in October. This gives me 3 more months so I don't need to rush into training. If my hamstring heals up as planned, I will still do the marathon in April I think. I have about 14 weeks to go so hopefully the rest of my training goes fine.
If anyone in the Portland area sees this and is looking for a good sports medicine doc, you should see Dr. Crist at the Portland Clinic. He is great!
The good news is, I only have a mild hamstring strain and if the pain isn't getting worse I can continue to run.
The bad news is, the hamstring strain (and the IT band issue I have had for a year+) is due to my SI joint being tilted. So that kind of sucks. My right hip is slightly more forward than my left hip, and I have weak hip stabilizers. So, this pulls on my hamstring, and stretches my IT band. I also overpronate, which increases the pulling and stretching. So the doc recommended PT for 6 weeks to work on some of these issues.
I am glad that my current injury isn't worse, but not thrilled that my body is a little screwed up. It does explain a lot though.
The doctor said doing the marathon and ultra is "ambitious but do-able." So I have decided to push back the ultra to one in October. This gives me 3 more months so I don't need to rush into training. If my hamstring heals up as planned, I will still do the marathon in April I think. I have about 14 weeks to go so hopefully the rest of my training goes fine.
If anyone in the Portland area sees this and is looking for a good sports medicine doc, you should see Dr. Crist at the Portland Clinic. He is great!
Monday, January 2, 2012
First Run of 2012
Since yesterday was a rest day, I had to wait until today to do my first run of 2012. It's a cut-back week so I did a long run of 10 miles. Despite adding walk breaks to my last 4 long runs, I could run the whole thing straight. I actually ended up running 10.6 miles, because I was running at a 5.3 mph pace and I wanted to do 2 hours.
I have gotten a pain in my upper hamstring a few miles into my long run for the last few weeks. I am worried that I have a small pull or tear in it. I kind of want to go to the doctor to see, but I am afraid they will tell me I have to stop running to let it heal. I would hate to do that...but if I have to, now is better than later. I have 15 weeks until my marathon, so if I had to take a couple weeks off I could probably still make it. I am ahead in my training schedule anyway so I wouldn't be too far behind.
I looked up sports medicine doctors on my insurance website just in case. We'll see if I actually get up the nerve to make an appointment :)
I have gotten a pain in my upper hamstring a few miles into my long run for the last few weeks. I am worried that I have a small pull or tear in it. I kind of want to go to the doctor to see, but I am afraid they will tell me I have to stop running to let it heal. I would hate to do that...but if I have to, now is better than later. I have 15 weeks until my marathon, so if I had to take a couple weeks off I could probably still make it. I am ahead in my training schedule anyway so I wouldn't be too far behind.
I looked up sports medicine doctors on my insurance website just in case. We'll see if I actually get up the nerve to make an appointment :)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 in Review/2012 Goals
So yes it has been a long time since I posted, again! I have still been running though. I decided to run a half-marathon on the treadmill every weekend in December a) as a challenge to keep me running, and b) to ward off those extra holiday calories. It was really fun and the last half was the best! I have also been reflecting on my running this past year and thinking about things I want to accomplish next year...
2011 running by the numbers:
Miles: 780.45
Races: 1 5k, 1 10k, 7 half-marathons (+4 on the treadmill :)
PRs: 5k, 10k, half-marathon
2011 goals accomplished:
Breaking 30 minutes in a 5k
Breaking 2:30 and 2:20 in a half-marathon
PRing in a 10k
Joining Half Fanatics
Running a half-marathon with no walking
Running 2 half-marathons back to back
The last 2 years I have focused too much on race quantity over quality. This definitely isn't the best use of my training, or racing budget. So this year, I am only going to do races that a) are potential opportunities to accomplish my running goals or b) important for other reasons such as friends or family running also.
2012 goals:
Break 2:10 in a half-marathon (current PR 2:19:35)
Complete a marathon (current longest run 14 miles)
Complete an ultramarathon (complete...not race! the goal will be to cross the finish line, no time goal)
2012 races planned:
4/15 Vernonia Marathon
5/20 Rock n Roll Portland Half-Marathon
7/28 Mt. Hood 50 Miler
10/7 Portland Half-Marathon
Today is a rest day so I am spending it looking up races and training plans. It is hard to narrow down which races and goals to go after...so many options!
2011 running by the numbers:
Miles: 780.45
Races: 1 5k, 1 10k, 7 half-marathons (+4 on the treadmill :)
PRs: 5k, 10k, half-marathon
2011 goals accomplished:
Breaking 30 minutes in a 5k
Breaking 2:30 and 2:20 in a half-marathon
PRing in a 10k
Joining Half Fanatics
Running a half-marathon with no walking
Running 2 half-marathons back to back
The last 2 years I have focused too much on race quantity over quality. This definitely isn't the best use of my training, or racing budget. So this year, I am only going to do races that a) are potential opportunities to accomplish my running goals or b) important for other reasons such as friends or family running also.
2012 goals:
Break 2:10 in a half-marathon (current PR 2:19:35)
Complete a marathon (current longest run 14 miles)
Complete an ultramarathon (complete...not race! the goal will be to cross the finish line, no time goal)
2012 races planned:
4/15 Vernonia Marathon
5/20 Rock n Roll Portland Half-Marathon
7/28 Mt. Hood 50 Miler
10/7 Portland Half-Marathon
Today is a rest day so I am spending it looking up races and training plans. It is hard to narrow down which races and goals to go after...so many options!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Better Late Than Never
I am a little embarassed that my last post was from the night before the Portland Marathon Half...almost 8 weeks ago!
So about the race. I didn't have the energy I thought I would, and I overdressed a little, so I decided to focus on my distance goal rather than my time goal. It was one of the toughest mental challenges I have faced as a runner but I was able to run the whole thing without walking! It was a very proud moment :) My time was 12 seconds faster than my fastest time, so I still did get a PR! But I was not running as fast as I could have becase I didn't want to have to stop and walk. So, I think I realized that I can get faster times if I incorporate walk breaks. Good to know for future races. At least I crossed that goal off my list!
The last 2 months have been a blur of work, school, and exercising. Blogging had to take a backseat unfortunately. But now I have a break in school until January, and things at work have slowed down a lot, so I finally have some room to breathe. This weekend I actually had free time, and I didn't know what to do with myself!
I have kind of been in a rut, running-wise. I really peaked before Portland, all my training runs were great, I was hitting my goal paces and distances, and I looked forward to every run. After the race I cut back a lot on running to give my body some rest. I was only running about 3 miles, 2 times a week. We had a wonderful vacation in New Jersey and I had two beautiful longer runs (6-7 miles), but the rest of the time I was not having fun. I was supposed to start marathon training the week of November 13th but my heart just wasn't in it.
I looked around for a fall half-marathon to give me a running pick-me-up but the only one in the area was already sold out. I did find one event the day after Christmas that looks intriguing...its a 6-hour run around a 1-mile loop, and you just run as much or as little as you want. It's pretty cheap ($45), and it raises money for Autism. And it's only about 15 minutes from my house. I am thinking about doing this...I am undecided what my goal will be. Run 13.1 miles? 15? 20? I think I like the freedom this race gives you. You can choose how much to push yourself. And it seems more like an ultra event (the winner from last year did 34 miles) which I am really interested in doing next year. And best of all, I can feel the running bug coming back :)
Anyway that's what's up with me. I am excited to have some time to catch up on blogs! Looks like lots has been going on these past few weeks. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!
So about the race. I didn't have the energy I thought I would, and I overdressed a little, so I decided to focus on my distance goal rather than my time goal. It was one of the toughest mental challenges I have faced as a runner but I was able to run the whole thing without walking! It was a very proud moment :) My time was 12 seconds faster than my fastest time, so I still did get a PR! But I was not running as fast as I could have becase I didn't want to have to stop and walk. So, I think I realized that I can get faster times if I incorporate walk breaks. Good to know for future races. At least I crossed that goal off my list!
The last 2 months have been a blur of work, school, and exercising. Blogging had to take a backseat unfortunately. But now I have a break in school until January, and things at work have slowed down a lot, so I finally have some room to breathe. This weekend I actually had free time, and I didn't know what to do with myself!
I have kind of been in a rut, running-wise. I really peaked before Portland, all my training runs were great, I was hitting my goal paces and distances, and I looked forward to every run. After the race I cut back a lot on running to give my body some rest. I was only running about 3 miles, 2 times a week. We had a wonderful vacation in New Jersey and I had two beautiful longer runs (6-7 miles), but the rest of the time I was not having fun. I was supposed to start marathon training the week of November 13th but my heart just wasn't in it.
I looked around for a fall half-marathon to give me a running pick-me-up but the only one in the area was already sold out. I did find one event the day after Christmas that looks intriguing...its a 6-hour run around a 1-mile loop, and you just run as much or as little as you want. It's pretty cheap ($45), and it raises money for Autism. And it's only about 15 minutes from my house. I am thinking about doing this...I am undecided what my goal will be. Run 13.1 miles? 15? 20? I think I like the freedom this race gives you. You can choose how much to push yourself. And it seems more like an ultra event (the winner from last year did 34 miles) which I am really interested in doing next year. And best of all, I can feel the running bug coming back :)
Anyway that's what's up with me. I am excited to have some time to catch up on blogs! Looks like lots has been going on these past few weeks. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Leave of Absence
I accidentally took a 2 week leave of absence from the blogging world. I didn't mean to, but life has been CRAZY! I am back in school which is taking up much of my free time. We are down 4 people at work so we are falling behind more every day and its pretty hectic. I have been keeping up with my running and exercise classes surprisingly well. So I guess something had to fall by the wayside, and it was blogging.
Since tomorrow is my goal race after all, I figured I had better get back on the 'ol blog for an obligatory goals post. I registered for this race back in January (it sells out pretty quickly) so I have had a while to plan for it. And I can't believe it is finally here! So what are my goals?
A. PR (sub-2:19:45)
B. Break 2:10
C. Run the whole thing without walking at all
If I could accomplish any of these goals, I would be happy. All of my runs have been great lately, I think my training really peaked the last couple weeks. So I am hoping that all of the training will pay off tomorrow. But, as we all know, anything can happen between the start line and the finish line.
Hope everyone else has been doing great these last few weeks!
Since tomorrow is my goal race after all, I figured I had better get back on the 'ol blog for an obligatory goals post. I registered for this race back in January (it sells out pretty quickly) so I have had a while to plan for it. And I can't believe it is finally here! So what are my goals?
A. PR (sub-2:19:45)
B. Break 2:10
C. Run the whole thing without walking at all
If I could accomplish any of these goals, I would be happy. All of my runs have been great lately, I think my training really peaked the last couple weeks. So I am hoping that all of the training will pay off tomorrow. But, as we all know, anything can happen between the start line and the finish line.
Hope everyone else has been doing great these last few weeks!
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