Back in the dentist chair

So I found myself back there again today to alleviate the pain I had been having since my fill-in(2 weeks ago). My dentist filed down my tooth a bit so that it would have less of a crevice for foods to fall into & grate against my tooth. She also said that I would have to baby it more & if I wanted to continue to eat my pre-workout snack(1/2c of Kashi Go Lean cereal) that to do it on one side of mouth to break it down more before moving it to the affected side(lovely). But if I continue to have pain then I'm going to be looking for another snack to eat before my workouts. Which totally bums me out because this food is pretty high in fiber & protein plus I can leave it in the car when I eat it on the way to the gym. She did recommend a protein shake but honestly I'm not sure because it's not like I can leave that in the car. So we'll see.

Did the ellip thing at the gym w/ some upper body strength training. Tomorrow is swim day. Maybe I should do a little imbibing of my own tonight!..:-)

Wet run

Gotta love it when you have rain on a run. Actually it was heavier in the beginning then gradually got lighter until it stopped when my run ended. Was able to do 2 1/2 miles in 24:46. Here are the splits:

Mile 1: 10:32
Mile 2: 9:47
1/2 mile: 4:27(wouldn't that be something if I could do that pace for the ENTIRE run?!)

I'll be taking a half a day off tomorrow to deal w/ my broken tooth again. I got a fill-in almost 2 weeks ago but unfortunately I'm still having pain when I eat something crunch and/or chewy. Talked w/ my dentist's office they suspect it might be a bad alignment. So hopefully all I will need is a re-adjustment. I want to be to eat cereal on BOTH sides of my mouth w/o wincing in pain!

M,I hear ya on getting older & taking longer to recover after night of imbibing. Used to be I could drink all night & be up w/ the sunrise the next day. But now after a couple of drinks,I'm ready for bed & don't EVEN talk to me the next day!..;-)

Candles,movies & food(oh & a 2miler)..

I hope everyone is having a good weekend(mine wasn't as romantic as my title sounds but I had fun). Ran 2 miles on Friday. Had some mild cramping in the middle of the run but it went away fairly quickly. Could have been the way I planted my leg at that moment. Finish time 20:42/avg. pace 10:13. My leg has been feeling good for the rest of the weekend. So hopefully tomorrow I can add a 1/2 mile to my 2miler!

Got my hair done Saturday & did a little retail therapy(had to celebrate making it thru my 1st week back to running..;-)). Picked up a pair of dark blue cargo style linen/cotton pants that I had been looking for forever. Stopped by Bath & Body Works picked up some candles..

Love this scent. Not too fruity or sweet but a clean scent. I also got some Cucumber Melon body wash & lotion. I'm not a floral or overly sweet scent girl. I tend to lean towards more crisp scents(think citrus) so I'm surprised that I like this. Burning the candle now & w/ the dreary weather we're having here,it really makes my place smell good!

Also went to Best Buy & bought these...



(Jennifer Beals has certainly come a long way since Flashdance-for those who aren't familiar w/ this t.v. series it's about the lives & loves of a L.A. lesbian community. Very well written show)



(I heart Catherine Zeta. The guy isn't bad lookin' either.)


The movie is cute & some funny parts & some sad ones(surprisingly) & it definitely made me hungry. I give it 2 thumbs up but I wouldn't watch it on an empty stomach..;-)

Speaking of food,I better get started on my big meal that I make for the week. Got some chorizo & garlic flavored chicken sausage defrosting in the fridge that I'm going to saute & then add to a can of black beans & a whole box of instant brown rice cooked in chicken stock w/ a little onion & fresh garlic thrown in. Makes a big pot of it that I can eat(along w/a simple salad) off of all week. Yum.

Pool jogging

No stiffness today. Leg feels good but still undecided what mileage I'm going to do on Friday. Managed to do 2 miles of pool jogging tonight. My pt said to roughly take the same amount of time that I would do the mileage on the road & do it in the pool. So I went conservative(20 mins). Yeah...My muscles are worked! After that I just did some regular laps. And Gina,I'm starving!

M,runnin' is the only thing I got to keep me sane!..man I need to get more batteries..;-)

W/ that said I'm off to have some dinner..((Smooches))

The morning after

Pretty evocative title? Yeah,well considering the last time I got some,yesterday's run was orgasmic. And heck a lot less risk,right? Anyway woke up this morning w/ a slight stiffness but nothing too bad. I actually expected it so I wasn't disappointed. X-trained for tonight & for the next 2 days but too early to decide whether I'm going to do 1 or 2 miles on Friday. Here's to a couple of hopefully pain-free days! But I know not too push too soon so even if I don't have anymore pain I may still only do 1 mile on Friday. Trying to listen to my body this time & be smarter about my running.

I wanted to thank everyone who congratulated me on my run yesterday. I think maybe it was all of you whispering in my ear yesterday(you got this)..;-).

Gina,I'm going to try pool-jogging for 2 miles tomorrow. I think I've become addicted..;-)

Whoa.....

Today's run. My first run since my 2 week running break to let my leg heal from the slight stress fracture. All I can say is....Whoa.. 2 miles in mid-60's w/ a light wind & drizzle. Finish time 20:44/Mile 1 10:43/Mile 2 9:49. Talk about your negative splits,baby! When I started I felt a light twinge as if my ankle was saying: I know this chick ain't tryin' to run..

But the twinge quickly disappeared. And then I felt nothing. NOTHING people for 2 glorious miles! There was a point in my run where everything clicked. You know the feeling when you hit the sweet spot. It's like your breathing,your legs,your arms,your heartbeat become one. It feels like your flying like every step is effortless. I swear,when I looked up in the sky the clouds had parted like someone up there was watching my back & whispering in my ear: you got this. Sorry for the mush,but after all that I had put my poor body thru(by forcing it run thru the worst of my injury),I worked hard at x-training & the pt during my break to deserve this run. I know not all runs are going to be like this. Heck,I could wake up tomorrow & my leg could be in pain & could be limping but I know this run is a start.

So depending on how my leg feels tomorrow will determine what I do on Friday(either 1-2 miles). I normally x-train on Tues. & Thurs & will swim on Wed. My pt thinks that's a good plan for my first week of running. I'm outeeee....

No lollipop..:-(

Ok so I don't know any dentist that will give an adult patient a lollipop after a visit these days so I guess it was wishful thinking. On second that considering the fact my mouth got the lovely needle(could they make them any longer?!) full of Novocaine having anything in mouth is cause for instant drool. I'm not supposed to eat for a few hours(not that I could anyway) but I can drink water(lovely). But the tooth is fixed so that's all that matters.

I'm just glad that I scheduled the dental appointment after my workout. Cause even when I drink water I can't do it out of a regular cup(I normally drink out my water bottle anyway) & even that I have to hold my head to the side as I swallow. Which makes for a odd image right now.

I've been invited out to happy hour this evening w/ the r.b. so here's to more numbing substances! ((Smooches))..on second thought you might not like the drool..oh wth..we're all friends here...;-)

I passed!

So in addition to the usual x-training I had my pt appointment. He did series of flexibility & agility tests w/ both legs & I passed w/ flying colors! I have to say that's the first test that I have "aced" w/o "studying" for it..;-) So I'm set to run 1 1/2 to 2 miles on Monday. And providing how that goes he's ok w/ me slowly(as in 1/2 mile increments per run if I'm feeling good/per week if not) building up my distance. Since I'm going to be running about 2 to maybe 3x/week we're talking max 3miles(to have a little base for my 5k on May 10th).

Gina, 30 laps before you felt totally worked?!? Man I only did it for 2 laps. I've got some catching up to do! Trust me my coordination is not great either. I've been known to fall when standing completely still.

Jen don't let my & Gina's experience turn you off to pool running. It DEFINITELY works & it's the best alternative to running.

Annette I got the ball roller from my sports doc. But I have seen them at places like Bath & Body Works stores.

Well I've got the day off tomorrow. Gym early in the morning then a dentist appointment to get a chipped tooth fixed...ugghh..Maybe I'll get a lollipop..((Hugs))

Playing catchup

I've been doing my x-training faithfully. Went swimming this evening. It was nice to work out the kinks although my toes cramped up w/in the first few mins because I was wearing flippers & weren't quite used to the stiffness. But gradually my feet relaxed & it was all gravy. Even did a little pool jogging. yeah..Let's just say that's something that I definitely need to work on.

Lisa asked about the foam roller that I have been using. Actually what I use is a massage ball roller like the one below...



It fits in the palm of my hand & I can really dig in between my shin bone & calf muscle to get at the one that tight. I only use it for a couple of mins(because it's hard to keep the pressure w/ such a small device) but really that's all the time that's needed to loosen up the muscle. It's been a godsend.

Gina the leg has been feeling pretty good although I still haven't ran on it yet(this upcoming Monday..YES!!). I know that will be the true test so we're counting down the days.

M,gotta love that spell check!

So I guess that's it for now. More you-know-what at the tomorrow. *Kisses*

Monday x-training

I went...I sweated...I went home...I do have to say since I've been on this running break I've noticed that when I do my deep tissue massage w/ my ball roller my muscle is not cramped at all. But still do it as more of a preventative measure than anything. I know the real test is when I start running again(next week...WOOHOO!!)

Red thanks for disagreeing about the "girls" not being around the knees..;-) Funny thing is I was wearing one of my better sports bras! You know the kind where the elastic isn't shot to hell & you actually look decent.

And Kim maybe next time I get a photo w/ "them" on the upswing!

((Hugs))

Race photos

Race pics from my 1st 10k are here! Ok obviously I get excited over the littlest things,I'm on a running break,sue me..So for your viewing pleasure(or pain,amusement take your pick)




This is apparently before my stress fracture reared its ugly head..Got the head up & a smile for the camera..







Alright right towards the end..giving it that final push..But man could the "girls" be any closer to my knees?..Also injured leg was pretty tight at that point..I remember at this point wanting to throw up...







At the finish line(thank GOD!)..I'm the goofball in the gray tee & dark shorts w/ the white hat in the center w/ my hands raised thinking..Hallelujah I can GET OUT OF THE RAIN..



Sorry for the broken pixels but don't have the moolah to pay for photo quality so I just copied & pasted. I realize that now everyone who sees these has a pretty good idea what I look like. I think I'll go drown my sorrows in some Ben & Jerry's..;)

X-training(day 3)

I decided to do something crazy tonight w/ the ellip. I went from an average resistance level of 5.3(spread over a 31min period)....to get this...wait for it....6.2!!! I know,where do I come up w/ this stuff? But while I was at the gym I thought about totally overhauling my strength training routine. I'm finding that I'm getting in a rut w/ doing same weights,same reps for months now. I know my body is no longer challenged so I don't know why I am so hesitant to push further. Lazy I guess. I use Sparkpeople to log my workouts but I can't put any dates on it as far as how long I've been doing a particular exercise at a certain weight/rep. I was thinking about using an Excel sheet but I don't wanna have to go yet to another place(I also use Sparkpeople to log my food) to log my daily activity. If anyone knows of one place on the net that I could do both,hook a sista up!

I wanted to thank Gina for saying that I'll still have readers after this running hiatus. Gina I remember reading your older posts about out for months but I have to say that you are more entertaining to read than I am.

M,I've heard about those swim mp3 players. I think they're cool but I'd be afraid of my head getting a shock when I hit the water!

Well you know the drill for tomorrow. I'm outeeee.

X-training(day 2 but no ouchie)

That's right I did the ellip tonight at the gym. No evil bike. Also did my usual upper body strength training. Even though the privates & how shall we say..the "crook of my butt"(tailbone..yeah I know there's a visual) is still tender. A good time was had by all. Doesn't get any better than this folks...Heaven help me if I have to fill the next 2 weeks of "x-training posts". I'm going to lose the few readers I have! Anyone know where I can get a life?

1st x-training day(ouchie!!)

Well I spent some time w/ the bike at the gym. And let's just say my privates aren't too happy w/ me right now! I spent 35mins w/ the cycle of death & that was 35mins too long. It feels like someone had batting practice down there. Luckily I only I have to do this today(my PT wanted me to ease back into doing the ellip after my race this past Sat.) Since it was too cool out for me to do the pool(my gym's pool is indoors but I would have to go out w/ a wet head since I am too lazy to drag my hair paraphernalia to the gym & if the temps are low,then no swim);I chose the bike. But tomorrow it's ellip all the way baby!

I talked w/ my PT tonight about a running plan to get back on the road after my injury. I do have a 5k(Race for the Cure) coming on May 10th. I had planned on treating it as a training run(& may have to do some walking during it). He thinks that if I take the next 2 weeks off & keep my cardio up(by doing ellip and/or pool running) then start off doing 2 miles/3x a week that I would be fine for my next race. I pray that will be enough time but if not then I could walk more & run less for the race.

I know you're thinking why I am so bent on doing this but I'm running in memory of my aunt who lost the battle w/ breast cancer a few months ago & it's important to me that I do this race. In fact this event will mark my 1 year anniversary of racing.

Well I've got more you-know-what at the gym tomorrow evening. I'm out.

58:14(100th post)..blood,sweat, & tears

(start of the race,my wave is first tiny sign after the big Ukrop's banner in front. 31,158 runners there about 24,055 that finished)

This day has been unbelievable. So many thoughts were going thru my head as I prepared,waited & finally ran my 1st 10k. Here's a recap:

Morning of:

Woke up an hour before my alarm went off & realized that I never cut it on. Oh well I was too excited to go back to sleep so I just turned on the news to watch the weather & just laid in bed. Finally got up,did quick rinse w/ some mouthwash & then waited for my r.b. to show up so we could head to the race.

At the race:

Scored a really good parking spot. My wave wasn't due to start until 8:53 but we got there at 8 which was good given the size of the event(31,000 runners) & parking was going to be a bear. The r.b. & I checked our jackets & just hung out & people watched until the start. Saw some interesting characters(really need to get a camera). There was a costume contest held by the local paper & runners were encouraged to dress up. Saw gorilla & a banana,Austin Powers & a "Richard Simmons & Co.". Couldn't imagine running in costume but since this was a fun run for those of us not competing for cash(we had elites & Olympic hopefuls),why not?

At the start:

Temps were in the 60's w/ a light drizzle. It was awe inspiring to be in the midst of that many runners at once.

And we're off:

Mile 1: 9:28(alrighty we're a little speedy here but feeling good)

Mile 2: 9:12(okaaaay was there a downhill? Anyway at this point I started to feel the first twinges of my "light" stress fracture rear it's ugly head)

Mile 3: 9:22(better but considering I thought I was going to be doing 10min/pace this is too fast. But oh well. Did walk thru a water stop. Twinges still there but don't get any worse.)

Mile 4: 9:23(This is where my r.b. started to pull ahead & I told her run her race & I will run mine. She felt bad about leaving me but I knew I couldn't nor wouldn't hold her back)

Mile 5: 9:28(Starting to flag a little bit but still felt good energy-wise. Still the ever-present twinge but never progressed to full on pain.)

Mile 6: 9:16(In the home stretch baby! I can see the finish line but it's still a ways off. It almost feels like at this point the closer I get,the further away IT seems to get!)

Mile 0.2: 8:04(Sprint it home! Been a LOONNG time since I've seen a number 8 in my pace. Oh how I've missed thee. I believed there was a tear that mixed in w/ sweat over that number)

Official chip time 58:14/place 7191/age place 318 /gender place 2393/avg pace 9:22. I hope get some race pics here next week when the become available.

Overall even though I went faster than what I had planned(even my r.b. wanted to run a conservative 9:45min/mile but you see that didn't happen) I still felt good throughout the race. In fact for the first couple of miles I experienced no pain at all. At all(remember that just a few weeks ago I was jazzed about how I went 5mins w/ no pain). I know that was due to me not running on it since Monday & now I know I need this time off to get my leg back in shape. I do have some stiffness now as I sit & type this & it is tender to walk on but nothing that I didn't expect to happen. I'll be doing some pt tomorrow(therapist wanted me to take today off cause he figured my legs would get enough action doing the race itself) & then it's x-training for the next few weeks.

I even managed to donate blood today too. There's local muffler shop that works w/ the Va blood services to do blood drives several times a year & if you donate he'll give you a free oil change. Of course I wore my race tee to the drive & all the nurses were like "I can't believe you ran 6 some miles & now you're here donating blood" What can I say I like to give & there's nothing like a free oil change!

Finally it's my 100th post! Very nice how I planned it to coincide w/ my 10k race report..;-) Well I'm sure I've rambled enough. I hope everyone is having a good weekend & I'm off to baby my legs. *Smooches*

Race Day eve

So I've got my bib(#6879),got the chip,got the pins,got the case of the nerves. The expo was cool & picked up a new summer running hat & tech tee. Got my race outfit together(short-sleeve t & shorts,Garmin & heart rate monitor). I plan on carrying a fuel belt w/ 20oz of water. Other than the requisite shoes & socks,I'm set. I wanted to thank all those who have wished me well. Here's the link if anyone wants to follow: http://www.sportsbackers.org/ Although I know who would want to be up 8:30 on a Sat. morn if they weren't running. Please think of me as turning over in your nice comfy,dry beds tomorrow. *Kisses*

2 days & counting

Well we're down to 2 days until the race. I keep seeing the ads for it on tv & I'm getting excited! Had a pt appointment after my x-training tonight. He said that I could reduce some of the exercises since I have made a a lot of progress w/ them & they becoming much easier. YES!! I can't wait to get back to regular workouts.

I'm going to the race expo tomorrow to pick up my bib & packets & scope out the competition. Kidding. I believe you can follow my bib # online & I'll try to post the link(for all 4 of my readers..;-)) tomorrow. It's supposed to be in the high 60's & raining on race day. Slip & slide time. Hopefully not. ((Hugs))

Little post

Well I decided to do another ellip session instead of swimming tonight. No test fire alarm so I was able to do my entire cardio uninterrupted. Yea.. I also did about 30mins of lower bod weight training in addition to my pt. Man my legs are sore!

Gina thinking of my race(30,000 racers) as a BIG training group is not a bad idea. Hopefully I won't be left behind!..;-)

Fire! Fire!

Not really. But guess what did happen when I was more than half-way into my ellip session at the gym? A damn test fire alarm. I understand the need to test because fires don't happen when it's convenient for the victims. But come on..At 4something in the afternoon AND I didn't need to stop because one of the gym employees got confused & thought it was a real fire. Oh well.

Did my last run(2miler) yesterday w/ the r.b. Finished in 19:50. Here are my splits:

Mile 1: 10:01
Mile 2: 9:39

Not too shabby. Can't decide whether I'm going to do more ellip tomorrow or swim since I am now in taper madness. We'll see.

And Gina,I like the idea of ignoring the crowds for my race on Sat. & just thinking of it as a training run but there's going to be more 30,000 racers there so I am going to have to do some MAJOR blocking out!..;-)