Triumphant Return to Running

The Turkey Trot went well.  It had some issues, mostly that the 8K was actually a 7.16K run.  As the run went on, this was a distinction that meant less and less and I was grateful.  I was just happy to finish.  40:50.  A PR!  ha. 

There was mild AT pain at the start, but that went away.  It was a great morning for a run.

First Race

Relapses aside (yes, I'm back in PT; stupid AT!), it's time to sign up for a race.  It's a bit nerve racking as everyday is different.  Some days it seems like I could run forever, and some days I wonder if I will make it 5 minutes.  The inconsistently makes it hard to commit to activities like races with the fear that I just won't "be good" on race day.

I know my speed isn't what it was.  I feel the pressure on a 5K to be as good as I was.  I know I won't be yet.  For this reason, I decided to sign up for an 8K.  Every year MSU has the Turkey Trot and Canned Food Drive.  This year they are offering an 8K option.  While it might seem illogical to chose to run a longer distance due to my uncertainty, I view it instead as way to have no expectations.  No standards I'm trying to live up to.  And hey, I'm guaranteed to PR right, since I've never raced an 8K!  Results and review after next Saturday!

Starting Over, Again

Graduation was exciting, but short lived.  I was back in PT by Monday.  My back.  The good news is that because I addressed an injury early, I avoided three months of PT and only spent 3 weeks.  Unfortunately, I couldn't run, couldn't bike, couldn't swim, couldn't walk... It has stalled my upward momentum, but only briefly.  I am back to 30 min, so I haven't lost much.  I wish I had never gotten hurt, but that's life.  I had wanted to make tomorrow's 5K my "triumphant return to running", but that isn't going to be possible.  So now I have my sights on the annual Turkey Trot.  This year it is an 8K and a 5K.  I am hoping for the 8K, but a month ago, a 5K seemed far off, so I should just be happy if I could run it.  But you know how training junkies are... always need to be training for something.  I hear there's a half marathon coming up.  Ha.

Graduation Day!

Today I went to PT like always.  There was nothing special about today.  Or so I thought....  After doing all my exercises and preparing myself for scraping and twisting, Hilary asked me if I was feeling ready to ween and then she said, "OK, call if you need us."  And I was so confused, because she kept telling me it was time to fly.  The next thing I knew they were giving me a t-shirt and wishing me well.  I guess I have completed PT!  I don't know that I'm completely healed, but I have been able to run 4 miles without pain lately, so I guess that means I'm fine.  I know people without AT can't run 4 miles, so I should be thrilled. 

It has been hard going through this process.  It is frustrating to not be able to run as easily as I used to.  There are good days and bad days.  Hopefully as time goes on the good days will win out.

Slow Progress

It's taken this long, but today I ran 25 minutes. First time in I don't know how long. It was rough. I won't lie, this is horrible. I'm glad to be running, but it is frustrating to be so bad at it. I can't imagine how hard it is for people who are just starting. I may be starting over, but at least I know it's possible. Someday I will make it. I can't remember starting the first time really. It was so long ago!

This was the first week I only went to PT once. Hilary said it would get dramatically better now without her constant aggravation, but I'm not convinced. It was probably the worst week I've had in a while. She also found another lump to work over by the knee. It has been a while since she's found something to work on that hurt that bad. It was like the first time again. Just when I think it's about to be over, my persnickety tendon proves me wrong.

First Mile

Today was the first time I've run a mile since the triathlon. I was given permission to do a 5 min run sandwiched between 5 min walks. If that went OK for 3 days, I was allowed to upgrade to 10 min of running. The first 5 min run was the best 2 min and worst 3 min of my life I think! I am really out of shape. I didn't know how badly out of shape until today though. First 10 min run, and I had to stop, twice! It is really hot here and I'm not accustomed to the heat since I haven't been outside doing much. Thank you to the lady who had her sprinkler on!

Despite the heat and the pauses, it was still a mile (and a little more)! First time in a long time. I'm a little sore, but I have to realize it's going to take time. You can't take 4 months off from running and expect to go out and run 6 miles the first day, but it is still frustrating.

Also got my first bill today for all these PT sessions. Yea for insurance! The $203 per session becomes $24.20 after insurance. This is still going to be a pricey endeavor, but it could be exponentially worse!

Physical Therapy

My AT did not respond to the drugs like I'd hoped. I was sad because I was really hoping I had the magic fix. The next step was physical therapy. Several fellow runners told me that the best choice was a program called ASTYM. I had read about it on the Runner's World AT forum, and many runners were praising it and others were lamenting it not being available in their area. Well, lucky me - it's available here! Surprising given how much is NOT available here.

I started ASTYM on Tuesday. Today was my second visit. I will be going twice a week for a while. I am not allowed to run or bike outside. I am free to do all the swimming and indoor biking I can stand. I can also lift weights as long as I don't do calf raises.

My impression of ASTYM so far is that it HURTS! Of course, this is apparently a well-known trait of this type of therapy. The website uses language like, "run instruments firmly along your skin". This means they will scrap you raw with hard plastic nubs, and you will wince and whimper the whole time. She did tell me I would have some bruising. She was right. And today, at visit 2, I had the joy of having my bruises rubbed with instruments!

I know it will all be worth it. ASTYM is apparently the fastest path back to running from AT. But when I'm face down in the pillow with the plastic wand of torture rubbing me I start to wonder if I really miss running THAT much. But I do. I miss it every day.

It's Official

I finally went to see a doctor (well two doctors...) and yes, I have, as I long suspected, developed tendinitis in my Achilles. The good news is that it is minor and with lots of anti-inflammatories, I won't need therapy. Apparently I have been doing things right, just am not very patient!

I say I went to two doctors, which brings up an apparently common problem with running injuries: Doctors do not always take you seriously. My regular doctor pooh-poohed my complaint like it was nothing and clearly the pain indicated otherwise. So I found a doctor who is also an avid runner and was very pleased with the 180 in attitude and concern. I had read often in Runner's World this makes a big difference and I guess it's true. So today I am especially grateful to Dr. M. Drew Anthony for all his help!

18 Seconds Short!

Soak up the Sun came and went. And we survived. It was a good day, but a hot day. HOT!

This year many things were different. The cost was substantially less. $56 for a hotel room and $65 for registration. This meager total doesn't come close to last year's $600+.

My times were better for the most part. The tendonitis showed up in my run time, but otherwise things were all around better.

Swim 6:02 (-2:15 from last year)
T1 1:23 (-1:25)
Bike 33:12 (-1:40)
T2 1:04 (-0:11)
Run 19:38 (+1:00)
Total 1:01:18 (-4:35)

I got 3rd. I was surprised and excited. And really mad when I saw that I was 18 seconds short of 2nd! I think about how I casually sipped G2 in T2 or how I coasted down a hill... and I just see the 18 seconds I needed. It makes me a little mad. Next time I will not loaf I guess so I won't have these regrets.

Overall it was another great experience. I didn't cry, so that's a plus! One thing I did do, that maybe is a little silly now... but did not seem at all crazy at the time when I was heat blasted, dehydrated, and worn out. When I was on the basketball team in HS we would sing a song before every game in the locker room. We would start by "clapping" hands with 1 finger, then 2, then 3, etc., until we were full-on clapping and we would get louder with each added finger. So there I was, trotting along, humming quietly, singing in my head, clapping my little fingers together. I would say I did this for almost all of mile 2. I would get to 5 and just go back to 1. All I can say is that it worked. Mile 2 just breezed by.

I've got confidence. The Lord is gonna see me through. Not matter what the case may be, my Lord, my Lord is gonna fix it for me.

One Week

I can't believe it's this weekend. After being sidelined with the gimpy shoulder and then the wonked up tendon, I just feel like I haven't trained at all. I can't believe it's almost here. I just keep telling myself that it's supposed to be fun and there is no pressure to do anything but enjoy myself. I am wondering how I will be able to lightly jog the 2 miles without letting my "competitive meanness" as Marc once called it take over. This will either be a great experience or the turning point I look to when I tell people why they had to amputate at the ankle.

I am also worried about the swim. I have been doing great at the pool, but I remember last year that all that training and swimming instruction went out the window the minute I hit the water. I haven't been practicing my famous swan stroke, so hopefully my back won't give out on me if I panic again and can't swim like a normal person. I have done so little biking that it also hurts my back, so it could be a long day. I guess I better go ahead and book that massage now.

I Can't Believe It!!

It's less than 3 weeks til Soak up the Sun!! Less!!! Yikes. Where does the time go? Today was only my second ride since probably last year's Soak up the Sun Tri. I should be doing bricks by now!

The good news is I am swimming like a champ after getting waylaid by tendinitis. Two weeks in the pool proved to me that I won't drown. I may not break any records, but I am completely nose clip free and feeling a lot more confident about my swimming abilities.

This week was my first run in 2 weeks. A very slow, very plodding 2 miles on the treadmill. Thank goodness the run is only 2 miles at the race or I would be in trouble. The run went OK and didn't appear to cause any setbacks in the healing process, so tomorrow I will try again.

And next week, well I guess it will be time to get serious because I am about to have to do this thing for real!

Tri is Coming!

I signed up officially on Monday. And 65 non-refundable dollars later accepted the fact that my foot like, kinda really hurt. So.. my first thought was that I had just wasted a lot of money. But I am being told it's just a bruised heel and it will be fine if I lay off. The good news is that the old busted shoulder is pain-free, so I am making up for all that lost swimming time this week. I am sad about the running. It is my first true love and I hold an affection for it I share only with the cookies. As I have gotten better at swimming though I do find I enjoy it more, just not as much as running (but way more than cycling). I am proud that this week I have successfully put away my security blanket - the nose clip. I no longer need it. It's hard to believe given how much I've struggled with breathing issues since I was in grade school, but I was able to cut the cord for good. I still feel like a goober, but I guess now I look less like one. One month to go!

Cotton Mill 5K

Saturday was the biggest 5K in Starkville - the Cotton Mill. Since I moved here I've only missed it once. I've done 3 different courses for it now, and it seems like they get harder with every tweak. It is my favorite 5K because there are bagels. Yes, you can buy a bagel for 50 cents, but nothing compares to paying $20 and having to run 3 miles to get a free bagel out of bag that everyone has had their sweaty hands in. They give away pottery for prizes, and I'm not sure why this excites me because I've never won any of it.. but it does. It was hot on the run and the hills, while not Oxfordesque, were still pretty sucky. But a new PR (26:06) and a good morning for running and supporting the arts in Starkville.

New Happiness

I have wanted a running skirt for a year now. I had avoided buying one because I just didn't want to spend the money. I finally broke down though. Given my issues with "chub rub", all these models with 3 in. inseams and under seemed like poor choices. I finally settled on the North Face Eat My Dust Skirt. It appealed to me because of it's 5.5in. inseam on the under shorts, and the zippy pocket in the back.

The running skirt made it's debut at the Inaugural Sally K Winters 5K in West Point. It was a night race, which is a few one for me. I didn't expect to do to well, but I was more then overwhelmed. 26:20! I have wanted to run a 26:30 for years. I always felt like if I could do that, I would really have accomplished something. And to be under it - wow! Of course I won my age group. They had really great prizes, but in the middle of all the gift cards to Umi and Old Venice, somehow my age group was for a card to Petal Pushers. Of course my first question was, "what is that?" Guess I'll have to find out since I have $25 to spend!

Lake Lowndes 5K 2010

It was much colder at this race than I had hoped. But then I think about last year, and it was drizzly and cold then too. Apparently that's just St. Pat's day for ya. Despite the weather, it was a nice run. It was challenging to want to stand around outside before and after the race though, so Marc, Kevin, and I sought solace in the cafeteria. We munched peanut butter sandwiches and waited for the awards. We all did very good. Medals all around. And I am proud to say that my time was almost a minute better than last year on the same course! Also the second fastest 5K ever.

Oh, the Pool Is Cold Is It Now?

Today was Day 1 of new triathlon training. Yes, apparently the physical and financial costs of last year's endeavor aren't enough to deter me from doing it again. In theory this year it should be a lot cheaper since I've already paid the start-up costs. We'll see. I can already think of things I want to buy! Go figure.

Today was the first day I've been swimming for the better part of a year. After an epic battle between myself and the swim cap, rivaled only by me vs. the swimsuit, I strolled out to the empty pool and hopped on in. Then I saw the sign posted apologizing for how cold the pool was. Ok, if they posted a sign it is REALLY cold. I wish I'd read the sign first. It's not like I had other options though since I drove up there in my swimsuit. I stuck it out for my prescribed 20 minutes though. I think I swam about 6 laps. Yeah, that's pretty pathetic. I am pleased though about how the motion came right back to me. I wondered how that would go. The breathing, although never good, that was a train wreck. It's a good thing I wasn't measuring my success by those around me. I was joined shortly by an ironman triathlete and a former member of some French swimming team. Needless to say, we were not going to be having any friendly pick-up style races at the pool.

11 weeks to go!

Seeking More than Gold

Today was the race. Man, it was HILLY. It was like a ridiculous non-stop joke. It was cold, about 30 at the start, so I'm all bundled up in underarmour. A decision I would later regret. But I am getting ahead of myself.

It was nippy as we waited for the start. Marc and I asked a sweet lady, Iris, to take this picture. We lost track of her, but Iris - I hope your first 5K was everything you hoped. We started the run on a strong downhill. I was having a hard time enjoying it because I couldn't help but look at the finish line behind us and think about running up the hill at the end. I just kept wondering when the course was going to level off. It did, for a few miles here and there, but most of the day was grunting out hills. I love how races always advertise as "gentle rolling hills." This is extremely subjective and surely the folks at Run for Hope were laughing the whole time they made up the form.

So to recap the race:
Mile 1 - 8:45, even with the hills... better slow down
Mile 2 - 20:05, apparently too much slowing down
Mile 3 - 27:45, no way..... something is up with mile 2 marker

I took my $1 gloves with the rip in them and I finally work up the courage to toss them before mile 4, but then 10 ft. later start feeling guilty and wondering if I should go back for them. Then I tell myself it's $1 and they're RIPPED, so move on.

Time is just flying by and before I know it I'm at mile 5 and headed onto campus. In an effort to pep up the run I had shuffled on some new music. One of the old standards I put on there was from the '96 Olympics (which to my old self seems like just a few years ago), "More than Gold." You can guess what happened... I started tearing up. I have really got to learn to stop crying on these runs!

So I get it under control by mile 6. And as I pass the Ford Center I see that the temperature is 51. Which is too hot for underarmour. After the water stop I spotted a van and a dumpster and I ran over to it and took off all my clothes and put them back on in a slightly modified order. Yes, I felt a little bad stripping in public, but I was hot and the top had to go. I'm sure folks weren't sure what to think about the girl who was crying through mile 5 and then started putting on a show by the dumpster. But I sure felt cooler, so I didn't care.

At some point on campus a guy tells me there's one more hill. He meant on campus, and in my opinion he was still lying. I finally just gave up and walked. I picked it back up at the top of the hill. Until we were leaving campus and I got to another hill and I walked it too.

I knew I was getting tired because I started having irrational thoughts. I saw an elderly couple cheering us on and I was resentful of their lawnchairs. I started being resentful of all the people cheering actually since they were all pretty happy looking, all sedentary with their lattes and "run mom run" signs.

At mile 10 I saw some sketchy folks loading up a van and I started to wish they'd kidnap me so I could be finished for the day. At mile 11 we were running through the square and I passed a chocolate bar and didn't stop! Now that's crazy!

This woman in a giant luxury SUV pulled past us, then stopped in the road and started backing up to parallel park. I prayed she would hit me so the ambulance would give me a ride.

A little before the mile 12 marker a girl asked me how much farther. God sent me a helper; I just didn't know it yet. He may have felt bad about refusing me a maiming with a Lexus. So Laura and I trudged along, step after step, onward to the finish line. There was a hill at about 12.5 that was so steep you could have died if you'd fallen. You would not have stopped til you hit the bottom, screaming and flopping all the way down like Homer Simpson.

Finally we get to the bottom of the last hurrah. A guy, who is already done of course, tells us we're almost there. Just a half mile to go, up this hill. And there's water there. Like this makes it better. I was going to walk, but Laura said we'd made it this far, so why walk now. Somehow we made it. I do not know how, other than that it wasn't my own power shoving me up the last hill. Turns out Laura and I finished in the same time at St. Jude's and we finished together today, 5 minutes faster. That's Laura right behind me! New PRs for both of us!


It was a beautiful day for a run. I was miserable when it was over, but it feels good like always. Today for sure, I came seeking more than gold. Which is good, but I wasn't even close to winning it!

One Week til Hope

Today was the last hard run. I was extremely blessed to do it more than well. A nip in the air, but it was a beautiful morning. Cars weren't all that interested in getting over this morning though, so there were some scary moments as SUVs clipped past with inattentive driver's chatting on cell phones. When it was all said and done though I averaged tempo pace on the almost 9 mile run. Talk about amazing! This week I am looking forward to casual 2 mile jaunts and sleeping late. Saturday will be here before I know it!

Am I Just Crazy?

Three weeks. Yes, that's how long I have to get ready for this race. I am starting to think that's really soon and there is no way this is going to come together. Traveling has made for a crazy, non-structured training schedule. I guess I'm still in decent shape, but Saturday will be a test. I haven't done more than 7 miles since St. Jude, so we shall see if I can do better. It's hard to think about doing twice that in less than a month. At least no one will accuse me of overtraining!

The only good news is that I knitted myself a running hat and actually got it done in time to wear it before the spring came to MS. It appealed to me that it had a special slot for the "phony"tail as Christopher calls my little poof. The $1 hat I bought for St. Jude mostly gave me grief because of my poof. It just never fit right. And yet, for $1, I expected better quality, and moreover, could not bring myself to just toss it on the streets of Memphis when I got warm enough to want it gone. I mean, that's just like wasting money right? Sadly, I saw lots of really nice ear warmers and hats on the road and kept thinking I could upgrade, but didn't want to get trampled by the herd of folks burning up the road behind me.

Restless No More

Tomorrow marks the start of no more wandering aimlessly. Training starts. I have a purpose again! I'm pathetic, I know. I used to run for no reason, but I guess I need that schedule. That sheet that says, "today I will do X." I have been told that I have slight control issues. Could this be a sign that is true? Perhaps.

So why the training? Well, let me tell you - there's a half marathon in Oxford. Oxford, home of that school that beat my alma mater in the Cotton Bowl. Sigh. The race is Feb 27, so that is a week short of a typical training plan for me, but I hope that I didn't go downhill too badly after St. Jude's. It was kind of a long and gluttonous holiday season though!

Run for Hope it is! It certainly has given me hope. :)