Last week I finally sucked it up and made my appointment for physical therapy for my hip. It had started hurting the entire day and was just yelling at me to make the phone call. I really hate going to doctors, of any kind, especially for the first time...so it took a lot for me to make that call. I laid off the running for a few days and just became content with the situation.
This weekend I was down the shore with my family in Ocean City and got to run on the boardwalk on Saturday. There really is nothing like running along the ocean, if I could do it everyday, I would. I will also admit that I was running down to Brown's to get their coveted apple cider donuts for breakfast, ha...so there was a goal in sight. The only thing that was hard about running on the boardwalk was that when I run I have a tendency to stare at the ground and well, the boards are pretty mesmerizing after a while, so I had to continuously make myself look up as to not get too dizzy, ha. Unfortunately I didn't really run too far, just about two miles, because at the end my leg was starting to hurt. I still appreciate that I was able to have that little bit of time though. So then I rewarded myself with a donut, haha.
Monday I went to my first physical therapy appointment. I am so bad at being "weak" and having to do little exercises, it's frustrating. I am also not so good at just simply relaxing so the therapist can move me around how they need to, ha. So I now have a whole set of little stretches and stuff to do, and need to go back to PT twice a week for the next few weeks. And I have also been demoted to a walker...no running for me for the time being. Thankfully this happened now and I still have almost four months until the race. I'm also a little nervous because my trip to Peru is in a month and there will be some intense hiking involved with that.
So that's my story at the moment. I can be extremely supportive for the rest of my team of runners, but cannot do the running at the moment.
I'll update more as things progress.
peace.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Crawling, Walking, Jogging, Running...or in Trey's wheelchair...
I will make it across that finish line! The past week has been kind of hard in the running realm for me. Ever since my legs decided to revolt against my quest to start running last week, I haven't gotten much exercise time in. Thursday I went to the doctor to check out my leg, and she actually sent me to get an x-ray on my hip. She said my muscles were really tight, which is obviously the pain I've been feeling. I have to say, getting an x-ray by yourself is rather daunting. I felt so small and vulnerable on that table as the technician was working the machine above me. And I have to say, only in New York City would a radiology office have seersucker gowns that get washed, and not those scratchy throwaway paper ones. I had passing thoughts of stealing one to be honest.
This weekend I went home...yes, again...mainly for a friend's wedding on Sunday. It was a great weekend, but my legs were still hurting (even with four ibuprofen three times a day, ha) so running was definitely out of the question, and well...the couch seemed a lot more inviting than a walk. Finally Sunday morning I got myself going. It was gorgeous outside, and I knew we had to leave for the wedding around noon, so I got up and went. I took about a mile walk around the Abbey across the street from our house. I almost felt as if I was playing a game of Frogger dodging all of the cars speeding through the driveway as they were late for church. I even tried to jog a little bit, but I will admit...I was wearing pretty old shorts (Carroll gym shorts, to be exact) and well, the elastic isn't exactly the best. So within a few jogging strides the shorts were definitely going south a little, hahaha...so running/jogging was out of the question. It was a sign from above that I still needed to take it easy.
So I am hoping to wake up early tomorrow and try jogging again. I do still have to make an appointment for physical therapy, where the therapist will hopefully teach me how to stretch out the right way, because that must be what's wrong with me, even though I do stretch before and after running. So who knows...hopefully tomorrow will be better, that's all I can ask for.
peace.
This weekend I went home...yes, again...mainly for a friend's wedding on Sunday. It was a great weekend, but my legs were still hurting (even with four ibuprofen three times a day, ha) so running was definitely out of the question, and well...the couch seemed a lot more inviting than a walk. Finally Sunday morning I got myself going. It was gorgeous outside, and I knew we had to leave for the wedding around noon, so I got up and went. I took about a mile walk around the Abbey across the street from our house. I almost felt as if I was playing a game of Frogger dodging all of the cars speeding through the driveway as they were late for church. I even tried to jog a little bit, but I will admit...I was wearing pretty old shorts (Carroll gym shorts, to be exact) and well, the elastic isn't exactly the best. So within a few jogging strides the shorts were definitely going south a little, hahaha...so running/jogging was out of the question. It was a sign from above that I still needed to take it easy.
So I am hoping to wake up early tomorrow and try jogging again. I do still have to make an appointment for physical therapy, where the therapist will hopefully teach me how to stretch out the right way, because that must be what's wrong with me, even though I do stretch before and after running. So who knows...hopefully tomorrow will be better, that's all I can ask for.
peace.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I've Hit A Wall...Or At Least I Feel Like It
Hey guys---So yes, I do feel like I hit a wall...for numerous reasons.
I was home this weekend for my cousin Colleen's wedding (it was beautiful!) So needless to say Thursday (rehearsal dinner), Friday (wedding) or Saturday (recovery) there was no running to be had anywhere. Sunday morning I woke up with determination. I was able to drag my dad out to a local park (the same place I played t-ball in 1st grade...oh the memories) and had hoped to go for a run. So I started running, and quickly felt that it was going to be rough. It was pretty hot at this point and the park had hills, ha...not a great combination. I definitely haven't run in heat since preseason for field hockey in high school, and please, let's not go back there, ha. So I was able to do one loop around the path, and then my dad and I ended up walking another loop. It was a little frustrating, especially since on Saturday I just bought all of this great new running gear, and shoes! and thought I looked like a runner, but I definitely wasn't running like a runner, ha. I was also frustrated because just last week I had myself up to running 3 miles at a time.
Well...this morning I got up nice and early to go running in Central Park (new clothes and shoes and all) and was excited to get going. I got there, stretched it out and got on my way. I knew almost immediately that this was not going to be an easy morning. I still had to get used to my new shoes, and my knees and ankles were sore from the first step. I got through one loop of the reservoir with a few very brief stops to fix the shoes and the hair, and to catch my breath. I "run" at a pretty slow pace, passing only senior citizens...senior citizens who are walking, that is. The second loop was almost immediately a struggle. My right hip started hurting and I tried to run through it, but it just wasn't going to let me this morning. I had to stop and walk the rest of the way, which was so discouraging. My hip was hurting a lot and I exited the reservoir a little earlier than I usually do and caught the bus home.
My hip is honestly still bothering me a bit, and my mother is right, I may have just pushed myself too hard in the past couple of weeks. I had to make a doctor's appointment for something else, however, so I figure I will ask her about my hip when I go in on Thursday. And I'm just going to keep reminding myself that whether I am running, jogging, walking, crawling or using Trey's wheelchair I will be doing this half marathon in November and will cross that finish line.
On another note...I have set up the fundraising page for our run! It is now in the approval stages, so once that goes through I will pass it around to everyone so we can take all your money!
Thanks for reading!
peace.
I was home this weekend for my cousin Colleen's wedding (it was beautiful!) So needless to say Thursday (rehearsal dinner), Friday (wedding) or Saturday (recovery) there was no running to be had anywhere. Sunday morning I woke up with determination. I was able to drag my dad out to a local park (the same place I played t-ball in 1st grade...oh the memories) and had hoped to go for a run. So I started running, and quickly felt that it was going to be rough. It was pretty hot at this point and the park had hills, ha...not a great combination. I definitely haven't run in heat since preseason for field hockey in high school, and please, let's not go back there, ha. So I was able to do one loop around the path, and then my dad and I ended up walking another loop. It was a little frustrating, especially since on Saturday I just bought all of this great new running gear, and shoes! and thought I looked like a runner, but I definitely wasn't running like a runner, ha. I was also frustrated because just last week I had myself up to running 3 miles at a time.
Well...this morning I got up nice and early to go running in Central Park (new clothes and shoes and all) and was excited to get going. I got there, stretched it out and got on my way. I knew almost immediately that this was not going to be an easy morning. I still had to get used to my new shoes, and my knees and ankles were sore from the first step. I got through one loop of the reservoir with a few very brief stops to fix the shoes and the hair, and to catch my breath. I "run" at a pretty slow pace, passing only senior citizens...senior citizens who are walking, that is. The second loop was almost immediately a struggle. My right hip started hurting and I tried to run through it, but it just wasn't going to let me this morning. I had to stop and walk the rest of the way, which was so discouraging. My hip was hurting a lot and I exited the reservoir a little earlier than I usually do and caught the bus home.
My hip is honestly still bothering me a bit, and my mother is right, I may have just pushed myself too hard in the past couple of weeks. I had to make a doctor's appointment for something else, however, so I figure I will ask her about my hip when I go in on Thursday. And I'm just going to keep reminding myself that whether I am running, jogging, walking, crawling or using Trey's wheelchair I will be doing this half marathon in November and will cross that finish line.
On another note...I have set up the fundraising page for our run! It is now in the approval stages, so once that goes through I will pass it around to everyone so we can take all your money!
Thanks for reading!
peace.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
I Feel Like A Broken Record
Yes...a broken record. This morning was so hard to get out of bed. Last night we got a great thunderstorm that cooled everything down, so sleeping was so nice. I finally did get up and out this morning, but definitely later than I would have liked. I headed down to the Y and slowly went up the stairs to the locker room.
Once I got on treadmill I was immediately sore, and yes, I stretched. I knew it wasn't going to be a good morning from the start. I ran the first mile fine, but was slightly struggling. I ended up taking a 2 minute walk between mile 1 and 2, which definitely helped. I still had to take a few very brief breaks throughout the run, but by mile 3 I was in more of a groove, definitely with the help of The Eagles "Get Over It" pumping me up. I got through the three miles again, but not as easily as Monday. It was a little discouraging this morning.
At one point I was ready to just stop running. I don't know about anyone else, but I find running extremely boring most of the time, especially when I'm on the treadmill. Once I get my new sneakers I'll start running outside again. But yes, I was ready to stop, and then serendipitiously John Fogerty's "Put Me In Coach" came on my playlist and I just knew I couldn't quit. This song has some great significance to me for numerous reasons, which is probably why I put it on the playlist meant to keep me running, ha.
So...I still was able to do the three miles I have worked myself up to, so that made me feel good. I won't be able to run again until Saturday, so I have a few days to rest. I'll be home this weekend, so I'll be able to buy my new sneakers and go run in the park at home, I'm excited.
Thanks for your support!
peace.
Once I got on treadmill I was immediately sore, and yes, I stretched. I knew it wasn't going to be a good morning from the start. I ran the first mile fine, but was slightly struggling. I ended up taking a 2 minute walk between mile 1 and 2, which definitely helped. I still had to take a few very brief breaks throughout the run, but by mile 3 I was in more of a groove, definitely with the help of The Eagles "Get Over It" pumping me up. I got through the three miles again, but not as easily as Monday. It was a little discouraging this morning.
At one point I was ready to just stop running. I don't know about anyone else, but I find running extremely boring most of the time, especially when I'm on the treadmill. Once I get my new sneakers I'll start running outside again. But yes, I was ready to stop, and then serendipitiously John Fogerty's "Put Me In Coach" came on my playlist and I just knew I couldn't quit. This song has some great significance to me for numerous reasons, which is probably why I put it on the playlist meant to keep me running, ha.
So...I still was able to do the three miles I have worked myself up to, so that made me feel good. I won't be able to run again until Saturday, so I have a few days to rest. I'll be home this weekend, so I'll be able to buy my new sneakers and go run in the park at home, I'm excited.
Thanks for your support!
peace.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Amazed I Got Out of Bed---And Ran 3 Miles!!!!!
So yes, I am completely amazed I was able to pull myself out of bed this morning. I hope you all had a great Fourth of July, because I did, ha. I went to Boston to visit some friends for the weekend and it was just a great weekend, with the assembly of a grill included! I got home last night around 7 and was just exhausted. The entire bus ride home I was really looking forward to being able to run this morning (since I obviously didn't do it in Boston). So I was amped and I got myself together to finally make a playlist, starting with Sweet Home Alabama (of course). I went to bed ready, and when the alarm went off this morning I definitely was not.
I was able to drag myself out and get down to the Y at a reasonable hour. I did my stretches and headed in to the workout area where I saw workers putting on brand new tread on the treadmills. I was excited to have a little more traction and to be the first person to run on it, ha...yes, I'm a nerd, oh well. Today I had a handful in the gym--Ipod, cell phone, blackberry--it was just one of those mornings. Thankfully the treadmill has enough little holder spaces for all of my technology (yes, with my OCD, everything needs its' own space, ha). So away I went...the running felt good, surprisingly, after not having ran since Thursday. I felt confident and had a goal in my mind of going 3 miles today, or at least 2.5. My new playlist definitely helped, if anyone has any music suggestions that might keep me going, they'd be greatly appreciated!
Like I said, it felt good this morning. The first mile went by easily, the second mile I struggled a little, but began to really focus and I found my stride toward the end. I knew at this point that I could push myself one more mile. It was so close. The entire time I was running, I was also receiving emails on my Blackberry, ha...yes, I was working while at the gym. I had to stop at one point to respond, but I picked right back up and made up for the lost distance.
To my complete surprise I was able to finish the full 3 miles without stopping (except for the one email response). I sprinted the last little bit and then I was done! 3 miles today...a great accomplishment for me, for sure. I can't wait to go buy new sneakers when I'm home this weekend and start running outside again. I really hate treadmills, they make me dizzy when I stop...seriously, I don't know why.
So...this was a good morning. I know that we have added more people to our team, which makes me so happy. I don't quite have words for how much the support means to me and how enthusiastic people are. We are working on getting a fundraising website up and running so all you fabulous people can give us your money! haha...if you don't have money we take love and kind words as well.
That's it for today! Thanks for checking in and I hope you're having a great day! I'll be heading home this weekend and can't wait to see the little guy...the main inspiration behind everything, I mean hey...he is Tristan of Tristan's run, ha.
peace.
I was able to drag myself out and get down to the Y at a reasonable hour. I did my stretches and headed in to the workout area where I saw workers putting on brand new tread on the treadmills. I was excited to have a little more traction and to be the first person to run on it, ha...yes, I'm a nerd, oh well. Today I had a handful in the gym--Ipod, cell phone, blackberry--it was just one of those mornings. Thankfully the treadmill has enough little holder spaces for all of my technology (yes, with my OCD, everything needs its' own space, ha). So away I went...the running felt good, surprisingly, after not having ran since Thursday. I felt confident and had a goal in my mind of going 3 miles today, or at least 2.5. My new playlist definitely helped, if anyone has any music suggestions that might keep me going, they'd be greatly appreciated!
Like I said, it felt good this morning. The first mile went by easily, the second mile I struggled a little, but began to really focus and I found my stride toward the end. I knew at this point that I could push myself one more mile. It was so close. The entire time I was running, I was also receiving emails on my Blackberry, ha...yes, I was working while at the gym. I had to stop at one point to respond, but I picked right back up and made up for the lost distance.
To my complete surprise I was able to finish the full 3 miles without stopping (except for the one email response). I sprinted the last little bit and then I was done! 3 miles today...a great accomplishment for me, for sure. I can't wait to go buy new sneakers when I'm home this weekend and start running outside again. I really hate treadmills, they make me dizzy when I stop...seriously, I don't know why.
So...this was a good morning. I know that we have added more people to our team, which makes me so happy. I don't quite have words for how much the support means to me and how enthusiastic people are. We are working on getting a fundraising website up and running so all you fabulous people can give us your money! haha...if you don't have money we take love and kind words as well.
That's it for today! Thanks for checking in and I hope you're having a great day! I'll be heading home this weekend and can't wait to see the little guy...the main inspiration behind everything, I mean hey...he is Tristan of Tristan's run, ha.
peace.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Almost Didn't Make It Today
This morning was a rough one. I woke up on time to get out and run early, but as soon as I looked out the window it looked as if it had just rained, or it was about to...and well, I'm not nearly the serious runner yet to feel the need to run in the rain, ha. So I went back to sleep...just for 15 minutes or so. I then woke up and forced myself out of bed and made the committment to go to the Y. As soon as I thought about this, I realized I'd have to buy a new lock (see entry from Sunday). On my walk to the subway I checked my local Rite Aid with no luck (can you believe it doesn't open until 8a.m.!!! I'm so used to everything else in the city being 24 hours, and the CVS at home, that this not being open as early even as 7 is astounding to me. I was able to get a lock at the Duane Reade (NYC's version of CVS, ha) by the Y and I was on my way.
Now...I consider myself a somewhat smart person, but this lock had me stumped. I was able to set my own combination and was supposed to just go from there. For some reason I am not lock setting literate at all, and this honestly took me about 15 minutes to figure out...no kidding, ha. At various moments within this 15 minutes I was very ready to just give up and go sit in my office and watch TV for a few hours, ha...considering it was only 8a.m. The silliest little thing was getting me discouraged, but I am so glad I didn't just throw the lock out and move on.
Ok, now onto the real running of the morning. Again, I was just amazed that I got up and out at all this morning. With how dark it is right now (surprise! it's going to rain today!) it would be the perfect day to just sleep until the absolute last minute possible. But, alas! I was able to make it out of bed and onto the treadmill. As an aside, I hate the treadmill, ha...I would much rather be outside and I was kicking myself the entire time I was there because it definitely wasn't raining outside. This morning was good though...I pushed myself a little harder and was able to run a full two miles around a 12 minute pace and then I walked 1/2 mile and then ran the second 1/2 mile a little harder than the first full two miles. I was able to push through and it felt so good. It was kind of weird, honestly. Around the 1.5 marker of the first two miles I felt a weird calm and I just knew I could press on for the extra 1/2 mile. It was pretty cool, especially since I felt as if I was struggling a bit in the first mile.
So yeah...it was a good morning. And...just as a funny story, as I was in the locker room there was a camp group of young girls (maybe early teens, probably in the 12-13 range) complaining about how their brother's and dad's can eat whatever they want and still be rail thin, hahaha...it never changes.
And...in the words of the tribe...peace now, freedom now! HAVE A GREAT FOURTH OF JULY!!!
peace.
Now...I consider myself a somewhat smart person, but this lock had me stumped. I was able to set my own combination and was supposed to just go from there. For some reason I am not lock setting literate at all, and this honestly took me about 15 minutes to figure out...no kidding, ha. At various moments within this 15 minutes I was very ready to just give up and go sit in my office and watch TV for a few hours, ha...considering it was only 8a.m. The silliest little thing was getting me discouraged, but I am so glad I didn't just throw the lock out and move on.
Ok, now onto the real running of the morning. Again, I was just amazed that I got up and out at all this morning. With how dark it is right now (surprise! it's going to rain today!) it would be the perfect day to just sleep until the absolute last minute possible. But, alas! I was able to make it out of bed and onto the treadmill. As an aside, I hate the treadmill, ha...I would much rather be outside and I was kicking myself the entire time I was there because it definitely wasn't raining outside. This morning was good though...I pushed myself a little harder and was able to run a full two miles around a 12 minute pace and then I walked 1/2 mile and then ran the second 1/2 mile a little harder than the first full two miles. I was able to push through and it felt so good. It was kind of weird, honestly. Around the 1.5 marker of the first two miles I felt a weird calm and I just knew I could press on for the extra 1/2 mile. It was pretty cool, especially since I felt as if I was struggling a bit in the first mile.
So yeah...it was a good morning. And...just as a funny story, as I was in the locker room there was a camp group of young girls (maybe early teens, probably in the 12-13 range) complaining about how their brother's and dad's can eat whatever they want and still be rail thin, hahaha...it never changes.
And...in the words of the tribe...peace now, freedom now! HAVE A GREAT FOURTH OF JULY!!!
peace.
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