This morning when I woke up I did my yoga practice like normal. I was really unsure whether I should do my walk/run today, because of my talk with a running mentor. He emphasized how important it was for me to have my knee checked out by my doctor. He said that he has know runners that will train through an injury and then they seriously injure themselves which results in being off for 6-8 months. I really do not want to have that happen or cause anymore pain to my body. So, I chose to wait until after I got off work and decide later.
I also had already planned to go to this meeting that a friend was holding at Munroe Falls Park. She said that it was for anyone interested in running, biking or triathlon. Okay, maybe a triathlon isn't in my near future, but I was interested. In the email that I got, she just said to show up. I packed my bag with a suit, and my running clothes because I would have to go straight from work. I wasn't really sure what was going to happen. I honestly thought that is was going to be more of a talking info session. But it was held at a park where there was a fee, so I was really up for anything. The park has a big lake, trails, tennis courts and road that goes all the way around the lake.
I found the group that met and there were 4 men and 3 other women. My friend and one of the other women were experience triathletes, and so were 2 of the men. I know that the third woman and I were inexperienced. It was great to have people that were willing to teach and show me how to do things. The next thing I know, I'm changing into my suit. We are going to swim laps. I'm so grateful for having had experience swimming laps! We had to do 8 laps to complete a mile while swimming. We got 3 in before they blew the whistle on us for a break. If my math is correct, we did at least 1/3 of a mile. Then the inexperienced triathletes went to change into our running clothes. One of the experienced runners had a knee injury as well, so she agreed to run at my pace with me. I was extremely grateful because my pace was A LOT slower than everyone else's! It was great to get to know Julie and make our way around the lake which was at least 1 mile or more. It was sunny, it was cooling off because it was evening, and it was beautiful!
I learned several things this evening. One is that I should never run on a treadmill, black top or concrete. They are too hard and don't have enough give to them which can cause a lot issues in your knees, hips, feet, etc. Second, I shouldn't run heel to toe. Julie said that every time I put my heel down it's like using breaks on your body AND 3 times your body weight. Then your body has to gear itself back up every step. So, I need to step more in the middle of my foot and keep my feet under my body. The third thing that I learned was that I need to keep my head in the water, as well as, my shoulders to protect my neck and keep my body straight in the water instead of slanted. Keeping my head and shoulders in the water will not only save me from neck pain, but also increase my speed.
It was such a rejuvenating night. I met new people, learned things I didn't know, and got to work out with other people who really enjoy it! It was exactly what I needed, right when I needed it. Thank you to Cassie for including me in your mass email! Oh, the other thing that I learned was to not say that my body is angry at me, but to say that it is grateful to be used. I had said that my pec was angry at me for swimming, and Julie suggested saying that my muscles are grateful to be used and that I have nerve endings there that are happy to be acknowledged. It was fun. It's 5 weeks into my training, I'm having knee issues, and I was able to swim and run without any severe pain~ plus it was enjoyable. It was great night! Now I need to surf Craigslist for a bicycle, go swimsuit shopping, buy goggles and a watch. And not forget to do yoga! Namaste.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Week 5: Able to run again!
Monday, the 27th, was absolutely awesome. I got to do a 25 min. walk/run at my original slower pace, but I was able to do it! I still had some pain in my right knee. Not enough to stop, but enough to be concerned about. So, I now have scheduled myself an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. Sadly, I'm pretty sure that my 9 year-old iPod actually bit the dust. It's tragic. I think I may have to have a memorial service for it. So this run was a la Channel 3. Luckily, I got to watch The Doctors show and the beginning of Ellen. Let's face it, Ellen is pretty hilarious and how could I not be inspired while watching Ellen trying to learn a hip hop dance and perform live on TV.
The other noteworthy experience during my day at the gym was while stretching. I've recently incorporated a hamstring stretch into my warm-up and cool down. It has me putting my leg up on a bar while standing and resting my heel on the bar. I was able to do this at the trail that I run on on the weekend and on the side of the track at the gym. This time I was stretching at the mirror where there are double bars. I stood there for seriously 30 seconds trying to figure out how I was going to do my said hamstring stretch. 30 seconds may not seem like a long time, but when there are other people around working out, stretching, etc. It feels like forever. The top bar was definitely too high for me to stretch on, but the second one was fine. The only problem was that they weren't staggered and they are pretty close together. Enter, another woman stretching who I watched out of the corner of my eye just to see how she was going to maneuver these bars. I almost laughed out loud in the middle of all those people. All she did was slide her foot under the top bar and rest her heel on the bottom one. Seriously, it was simple. Thank you to random woman stretcher who was able to save me from my brain short circuiting!
I have still continued my morning yoga. I can do a squat without my knees being in pain or way to tight. I feel much stronger in my legs during everyday activity and while running. Still taking it a day at a time with stretching. It is nice because now I pretty much have my yoga routine memorized. So, I can practice it while watching something else, or if I'm not at home and don't have my DVD. I just checked out a book about Qigong which I may start incorporating into my daily life. It is completely new to me, but the book is very descriptive and there are pictures, so we will see. I don't think there are any Qigong classes in this area. Either way, I am really, really grateful for yoga to help me maintain my flexibility and strength. Namaste.
The other noteworthy experience during my day at the gym was while stretching. I've recently incorporated a hamstring stretch into my warm-up and cool down. It has me putting my leg up on a bar while standing and resting my heel on the bar. I was able to do this at the trail that I run on on the weekend and on the side of the track at the gym. This time I was stretching at the mirror where there are double bars. I stood there for seriously 30 seconds trying to figure out how I was going to do my said hamstring stretch. 30 seconds may not seem like a long time, but when there are other people around working out, stretching, etc. It feels like forever. The top bar was definitely too high for me to stretch on, but the second one was fine. The only problem was that they weren't staggered and they are pretty close together. Enter, another woman stretching who I watched out of the corner of my eye just to see how she was going to maneuver these bars. I almost laughed out loud in the middle of all those people. All she did was slide her foot under the top bar and rest her heel on the bottom one. Seriously, it was simple. Thank you to random woman stretcher who was able to save me from my brain short circuiting!
I have still continued my morning yoga. I can do a squat without my knees being in pain or way to tight. I feel much stronger in my legs during everyday activity and while running. Still taking it a day at a time with stretching. It is nice because now I pretty much have my yoga routine memorized. So, I can practice it while watching something else, or if I'm not at home and don't have my DVD. I just checked out a book about Qigong which I may start incorporating into my daily life. It is completely new to me, but the book is very descriptive and there are pictures, so we will see. I don't think there are any Qigong classes in this area. Either way, I am really, really grateful for yoga to help me maintain my flexibility and strength. Namaste.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Week 4: Low Key
Week 4 started out with a 30 min. walk/run on Monday, 20th. I also worked in my crunches. I did my walk/run at my original slow pace. It was difficult to be running slower, but for the sake of my knees I figured it was worth it! Wednesday, I was still pretty nervous to walk/run. My knees continued to feel better, but they were still sore. Then I was blessed with a 30 min. sports massage by my friend, Shana Jane Steinhouse. She is a miracle worker. I decided to post pone my Wed. walk/run. On Thursday, I did a 10 min. walk/run, crunches. I'm continuing to do yoga every day and extra stretches to work on my tight hamstrings. Apparently, tight hamstrings can be a major cause of knee pain. Later in the evening, I did about a 50 min. walk with a friend. It was great to just walk and talk. Friday I noticed that my every day movements seem to be getting stronger which is very nice. I have a huge fear of having to quit this half-marathon training. On the other hand, it is also difficult to back off and go slower/shorter to wait for my knees to heal. But I'm trying my best at practicing.
So, Saturday's long run was 2.5 miles. My usual long run partner actually forgot to get up. It was funny. But thankfully, another friend showed up. She also brought along her Boston Terrier/Pug mix to enjoy our morning run with us. I also was still trying to go easy. So, I went pretty slow on my run interval, and took longer walk breaks. And we actually did 3 miles. As there are no 1/4 mile markers. So, Rocky lived it up on the trail. It sniffed everyone and wanted to meet every other dog on the trail. He doesn't seem to have the best manners on the trail, he's a newbie. Most people seemed to like Rocky, there were others that looked like they were going to completely trip over him, but there were no injuries incurred. It was also hard for me because my friend and Rocky had a quicker pace than I did when running. But as long I envisioned a string between the two of us with her pulling me forward, it wasn't bad. Plus, I was just glad to be able to part of my 3 mile walk/run.
It is very easy for me to blow off my stretching and yoga, because it doesn't take that long. And I like to try and tell myself that it doesn't really make that big of a difference. But from the improvements that I've made, it is has to be making a difference. Plus every stretching, and running book that I read usually suggests the exact stretches that are in my yoga practice. So, I have only missed one day in the last week. It is definitely practice. I really don't like when things are the same all the time, and usually as long as I tell myself that I only have to do it for today, then I can do it with ease. I'm still dealing with a lot of thoughts and mind-racing while doing yoga. I keep telling myself that that will get better with time. And that I just need to keep focusing on the moment.
For now, I'm still in the Half-Marathon game. Til next time, Namaste.
So, Saturday's long run was 2.5 miles. My usual long run partner actually forgot to get up. It was funny. But thankfully, another friend showed up. She also brought along her Boston Terrier/Pug mix to enjoy our morning run with us. I also was still trying to go easy. So, I went pretty slow on my run interval, and took longer walk breaks. And we actually did 3 miles. As there are no 1/4 mile markers. So, Rocky lived it up on the trail. It sniffed everyone and wanted to meet every other dog on the trail. He doesn't seem to have the best manners on the trail, he's a newbie. Most people seemed to like Rocky, there were others that looked like they were going to completely trip over him, but there were no injuries incurred. It was also hard for me because my friend and Rocky had a quicker pace than I did when running. But as long I envisioned a string between the two of us with her pulling me forward, it wasn't bad. Plus, I was just glad to be able to part of my 3 mile walk/run.
It is very easy for me to blow off my stretching and yoga, because it doesn't take that long. And I like to try and tell myself that it doesn't really make that big of a difference. But from the improvements that I've made, it is has to be making a difference. Plus every stretching, and running book that I read usually suggests the exact stretches that are in my yoga practice. So, I have only missed one day in the last week. It is definitely practice. I really don't like when things are the same all the time, and usually as long as I tell myself that I only have to do it for today, then I can do it with ease. I'm still dealing with a lot of thoughts and mind-racing while doing yoga. I keep telling myself that that will get better with time. And that I just need to keep focusing on the moment.
For now, I'm still in the Half-Marathon game. Til next time, Namaste.
Monday, June 20, 2011
5 Miles!
Saturday was my week 3 long run. 5 miles. I had worked a lot and gotten as much sleep as could the night before (about 6.5 hrs). I had also made sure that I ate at my normal intervals. At this point I knew that I could do the 5 mile walk/run, but I was really nervous about my knee situation. I didn't want to injure them further, but I also didn't want to not do it if I could. So, I showed up with a snack this time. It was cool, light out and 6:30 in the morning. You know that I'm committed when I will purposely show up at 6:30 am. It had rained the night before, so there was rain water dripping on us from the trees. Due to my pain and friend's lack of sleep, we turned out to be very raw and negative on the first third of our run. Once we noticed this, we worked on using our positive thinking mantras. Unfortunately, it just felt like words that I didn't believe. But at least still worked on it nonetheless. It was amazing how many people were out at this time in the morning. Most of them friendly. It's also very encouraging when other people are bright, chipper, smile and say something back to you when you say "good morning!" Sometimes it's just the boost that you need to keep going. My knees seemed to relax as we got to mile 2. I can't believe that I just wrote that sentence. Who would have thought that knees would relax after walk/running 2 miles. But it happened.
It was helpful to repeat, "One more step, one more step.. ." several times when going up hills. Those hills seemed to take forever. But we got up them. Some where after 2 miles there was an extremely attractive man running that I am pretty sure was put on that path just to entertain and encourage us. He was the most good-looking man that we have seen on the trail yet! We had to cross two roads which we hadn't done before and it was exciting. We knew we had to be close to the 2.5 mile marker where we could turn around. The picture trio the right is me running past the 2.5 mile marker. I couldn't figure out why I kinda look like a giant, but I think it's because my friend is shorter than me mixed with me height. Anyways, making it to the halfway point gave a burst of energy to finish off our run. We passed a lot of people twice which was fun sometimes. My friend got a couple of compliments on her bright pink hair which always made us smile.
We continued to attack the hills, and lets just say were dominating them! A woman running with her friend actually told us we were looking good. It was the second time we had passed them. It was wonderful having a perfect stranger give us encouragement. After a bathroom break, we were at the 4 mile mark. Who knew? I keep being grateful and loving that I can do things that I never thought I could! Did I mention there were more hills? We made it to mile 5 in 1 hour and 29 minutes! I think our time reflected our attitude, lack of sleep, and pain. But we completed the 5 mile walk/run! It was fabulous, sweat and all. Sweating salt is also a huge thing. It is actually enough that if I try to wipe my sweat off, my skin feels like sandpaper. It's weird. Must be why they have sodium in those GU things and Gatorade type products. I also have learned that ice is my friend. 10-15 minutes on, then 10-15 off, and back on again. It totally worked on my knees. They aren't 100% but they are feeling better. Most importantly, I made it through my 5 miles. It was great having a friend to run with, it made it so much more bearable. Woot!
 | |
| The beautiful sunlight as we turned around at 2.5 miles. |
We continued to attack the hills, and lets just say were dominating them! A woman running with her friend actually told us we were looking good. It was the second time we had passed them. It was wonderful having a perfect stranger give us encouragement. After a bathroom break, we were at the 4 mile mark. Who knew? I keep being grateful and loving that I can do things that I never thought I could! Did I mention there were more hills? We made it to mile 5 in 1 hour and 29 minutes! I think our time reflected our attitude, lack of sleep, and pain. But we completed the 5 mile walk/run! It was fabulous, sweat and all. Sweating salt is also a huge thing. It is actually enough that if I try to wipe my sweat off, my skin feels like sandpaper. It's weird. Must be why they have sodium in those GU things and Gatorade type products. I also have learned that ice is my friend. 10-15 minutes on, then 10-15 off, and back on again. It totally worked on my knees. They aren't 100% but they are feeling better. Most importantly, I made it through my 5 miles. It was great having a friend to run with, it made it so much more bearable. Woot!
Knee pain, ugh!
Something happened on Wednesday. I'm not sure what. I felt fine during my walk/run. I felt fine at work. Then later in the evening, I drove about an hour(to go visit my new niece, but I won't go into that. I'd be writing for a long time!) I get out of the car to stop at McDonald's to bring food to the new parents. I step out of the car, and BAM, my knees are achy, one wanted to give out underneath me. It's a weird pain that really doesn't feel like pain, more of a soreness. It was on the inside of leg below my knee and down a little bit. This feeling is completely new to me. And it slowed me down a little. I'm not used to this. I am used to being able to walk at a pretty quick pace, and who wouldn't when there is a new 7.1 lbs baby girl to go visit. I thought maybe it's just because I sat still too long. It didn't go away the next day. Very stiff and sore. But I did go for an easy walk on Thursday. I think we did 45 min. walking at a leisurely pace at the Gorge in Cuyahoga Falls. It was very pretty scenery, but unfortunately the river stinks. The photo is of me near the waterfall.
Last Wednesday's Run and Shocking Dream
It's a bit late, but better late than never. Right? Right. I did do my 30 min walk/run on Wednesday. I was trying to increase my time, so I increased my speed slightly on my walking and my running. My previous times was 3.6/4.0 which was probably about a 16/17 min mile pace. So on Wednesday I did 3.7/4.4 pace which was probably about a 15 min. mile pace. It was tougher, but I got through it. It also wasn't such a drag as my run on Monday. I'm not sure why, but somehow doing my walk/run in the morning is easier than waiting til the evening. And Wednesday's was in the morning before I went to work. This is mostly what I remember from my day at the gym that day. One of the reasons why blogging the day of is important!
I do need to write about the most shocking dream that I had last week though. I didn't really completely remember it until later in the day while working in the Biology lab. If you had been a fly on the wall, you would have thought that I was crazy. Because I just bust out laughing because of this ridiculous dream that I had just remembered! So in my dream, I was running. I think it might have been the marathon, I'm not really sure. I was about half-way through my run and I was exhausted. Really exhausted! Now, some background information before I continue. I have been reading Jeff Galloway's book called Marathon: You can do it! There are several places where he tells you and continues to remind you to take your walk breaks starting from the very beginning of your run. Not 20 min. in, not when you start getting tired, not when you decide is good, but at the BEGINNING. Back to my dream, I'm completely exhausted and feeling like I'm ready to quit when someone asks me, "Did you take your walk breaks at the beginning like you were supposed to?" I react all horrified realizing that I didn't take them early, and get really disappointed with myself. Then I wake up.
How hilarious is that? Not only did I have a running dream, but I also dreamed about forgetting to take my walk breaks when I should. Just the face alone that I have had a running dream is pretty hysterical! Who dreams about running? Apparently, I do.
I do need to write about the most shocking dream that I had last week though. I didn't really completely remember it until later in the day while working in the Biology lab. If you had been a fly on the wall, you would have thought that I was crazy. Because I just bust out laughing because of this ridiculous dream that I had just remembered! So in my dream, I was running. I think it might have been the marathon, I'm not really sure. I was about half-way through my run and I was exhausted. Really exhausted! Now, some background information before I continue. I have been reading Jeff Galloway's book called Marathon: You can do it! There are several places where he tells you and continues to remind you to take your walk breaks starting from the very beginning of your run. Not 20 min. in, not when you start getting tired, not when you decide is good, but at the BEGINNING. Back to my dream, I'm completely exhausted and feeling like I'm ready to quit when someone asks me, "Did you take your walk breaks at the beginning like you were supposed to?" I react all horrified realizing that I didn't take them early, and get really disappointed with myself. Then I wake up.
How hilarious is that? Not only did I have a running dream, but I also dreamed about forgetting to take my walk breaks when I should. Just the face alone that I have had a running dream is pretty hysterical! Who dreams about running? Apparently, I do.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Week 3
For some reason, I was really procrastinating on doing my 30 min. walk/run today. I didn't do it when I woke up, so I just kept finding reasons to put it off. I laid down and took a nap until 5:30 pm, because I could. I laid there remembering - An object/person at rest wants to stay at rest, an object/person in motion wants to stay in motion. I need to get off my futon and start moving around and then I would be able to keep moving, right? I got up, got my gym clothes on, grabbed my iPod and gym pass. Off to the gym I go.
I still was not pumped to be doing my walk/run today. I walked past the outdoor yoga class. I didn't even know they did yoga outside! That is exciting, I will have to remember this for the future. I warmed up, turned on my music, stretched and got on my treadmill (#1 is my favorite. It doesn't feel right when I have to be on any other treadmill.) I kept telling myself, it's only 30 min. I can do this. I've done it before. It's only 30 min. I was slower today than last Thursday, but I increased my speed a little bit. I probably shouldn't have increased it, because it made me slower with my walking time. My walking speed stayed the same, but I needed longer to catch my breathe with walking. Either way, I did 2 miles in 30 while walk/jogging.
I also used this as a chance to practice my positive brain talk. Today's main ones were - I can, I will, I am. And I'm benefiting from every step. Also, short strides give me strength. It was wonderful today. I saw someone I knew running on the track. I didn't know he was runner, so seeing him gave a boost. Then when he went around, waved and smiled, it was the energy boost I needed to propel me past the half way mark of my run. It was so nice to have that unexpected "coincidence"!
So, I made it through without any bathroom breaks. I got to hear "Don't Stop Believing" and "I will Survive", still two of my favorite songs. I slowed down for my cool off period, and felt tired but not exhausted. Then I stepped off my treadmill to get a towel to wipe down. Then I felt lightheaded. It was the first time that ever happened. I think it had to do with my food. I hadn't eaten since 1:30/2, and here it was 6:30pm. So, I should probably make sure I that I eat when I'm supposed to, because I don't want to have to worry about my blood sugar dropping like that again! I kept walking on the track after that, thinking that maybe I wasn't cooled down enough. But I just felt too tired. So I stretched and went straight home to eat.
I felt much better after eating. I also got a sign up form to be able to the Stow Firecracker 4 mile run on the Fourth of July. I'm looking forward to doing a mini-race. I feel pretty neutral about my run today. I was pretty tired from all my activities over the weekend, so maybe that had something to do with it. I will have another go at it on Wednesday.
I still was not pumped to be doing my walk/run today. I walked past the outdoor yoga class. I didn't even know they did yoga outside! That is exciting, I will have to remember this for the future. I warmed up, turned on my music, stretched and got on my treadmill (#1 is my favorite. It doesn't feel right when I have to be on any other treadmill.) I kept telling myself, it's only 30 min. I can do this. I've done it before. It's only 30 min. I was slower today than last Thursday, but I increased my speed a little bit. I probably shouldn't have increased it, because it made me slower with my walking time. My walking speed stayed the same, but I needed longer to catch my breathe with walking. Either way, I did 2 miles in 30 while walk/jogging.
I also used this as a chance to practice my positive brain talk. Today's main ones were - I can, I will, I am. And I'm benefiting from every step. Also, short strides give me strength. It was wonderful today. I saw someone I knew running on the track. I didn't know he was runner, so seeing him gave a boost. Then when he went around, waved and smiled, it was the energy boost I needed to propel me past the half way mark of my run. It was so nice to have that unexpected "coincidence"!
So, I made it through without any bathroom breaks. I got to hear "Don't Stop Believing" and "I will Survive", still two of my favorite songs. I slowed down for my cool off period, and felt tired but not exhausted. Then I stepped off my treadmill to get a towel to wipe down. Then I felt lightheaded. It was the first time that ever happened. I think it had to do with my food. I hadn't eaten since 1:30/2, and here it was 6:30pm. So, I should probably make sure I that I eat when I'm supposed to, because I don't want to have to worry about my blood sugar dropping like that again! I kept walking on the track after that, thinking that maybe I wasn't cooled down enough. But I just felt too tired. So I stretched and went straight home to eat.
I felt much better after eating. I also got a sign up form to be able to the Stow Firecracker 4 mile run on the Fourth of July. I'm looking forward to doing a mini-race. I feel pretty neutral about my run today. I was pretty tired from all my activities over the weekend, so maybe that had something to do with it. I will have another go at it on Wednesday.
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