You Are Someone's Someday

Quickie post before we get into some lengthy, you will wish I'd just shut up already, stories. 

I started this post over a year ago. September 2014. I keep getting drawn back to it, though. Instead of deleting it, I need to finish it. It's an important reminder for any athlete, at any level.

Think about that statement.

That's the key.

The title could probably be applied to more aspects of life, but I'm not feeling that introspective nor intelligent, today. Let's just stick to what we know: running. 

We were nearing the end of Summer, in Central Florida, when this epiphany occurred. If you have ever run through the Summer, in Central Florida, you will know that a lot of interesting situations can occur. Profanity, emphatic statements about quitting running, literal puddles of your own bodily fluids, shiny, red skin, etc.

Don't even get me started on Summer Trail Running 

Typically, epiphanies are few and far between during these months. Which is why this was quite the phenomenon.

This morning was, initially, no different. I had run from my house, to meet the running group for a 5 am workout. There are all sort of runners, but I am not the type who springs from bed, laces up and bounds happily out the door for my pre-dawn run. Mostly I hate them. Every time.

(you know...until afterwards when I am blown away by just how worthwhile it was to get up early and run)

Again, this day was no exception.  I hated the heat and suffocating humidity. I hated how sluggish my entire body felt and how frustrating my paces were as I slogged around the lake, repeatedly. My training, long runs and workouts had not encountered into a single snag, but it just didn't feel good. 

At ALL.

On the final recovery jog, I peeked at my watch and stopped in my tracks, in disgust. Every single 800 meter repeat had been uncomfortably completed well off my goal pace. I hadn't hit a single target.

What a waste. This weather sucks. I suck. The upcoming race I was training for would suck. My whole body drooped as I angrily lumbered back to the cooler to grab a quick drink and slink back home.

I indulged in a head-dousing of icy cold water, as I glared off towards the road. The background noise of my friends' chatter and excited Garmin Stats-Comparing only fueled my annoyance. (at myself. not them. GO THEM!)

When I felt the hesitant should tap, I swung my drenched, frizzy head towards a newish member. She was equally red-faced, sweat-soaked but smiling. Beautifully.

"I just had to tell you how much you inspire me. I'm working my way up to running an entire mile, without walking and it's so hard. When I saw you, flying around the lake...your hair floating behind you...your legs turning over effortlessly, it made me so determined. Someday, I'm going to be able to do that." 

I sputtered out some sort of idiotic reply and ran home, dazed.

Even on your worst, slowest, hottest, coldest, wettest, dirtiest, disappointing runs, someone is watching and comparing. YOU (yes you) are doing something that others only dream of.

Embrace that. Love that. Don't be a complete jerk about that.

You, my friend, are Someone's Someday.

12-12-12

I wish I had a clever post associated with the date. I may have, at some point, actually.

Last night's Christmas party has rendered me mostly useless, though, today. I was up way past my bedtime and indulged, just a bit too much.

That's the cool thing about being a lame-o and rarely going out, though. The few times a year we get out of our "comfies", get babysitters and hang out with other adults pretty much allows us to get a little crazy. People tend to forgive us more easily with the "They don't get out much..." mindset.

this pretty much captures the overall feel of the night

 

Since I forced invited all my friends and family to join the running group, we get to go to group functions, together. Last night the West Volusia Runners held their annual Christmas party. The founder/president/runner extraordinaire, Jennifer, makes sure everyone has a fun time.

 

There was plenty of food and drinks, personalized awards, runners in Regular Clothes (i.e. shocked and awkward conversations when people start to recognize each other) and a cutthroat gift exchange. Perfect ingredients for a memorable party.

 

The husband was awarded the very sweet and appropriate "Wind Beneath Her Wings" certificate. He was recognized for always supporting me, in every way, for every one of my crazy running goals.

 

I was honored to be named :

 

Best Looking in a Boot

 

Almost made me want to break it out and model for everyone!

 

I did manage to drag myself out for my last, short speedwork before the marathon, this morning.

 

1 Mile Warm Up (this isn't going to be nearly as bad as I thought it would!)

4x400s w/active recovery between each (oh-ho! This is actually worse than I thought it would be!)

1 Mile Cool Down (I think that happened. I don't really remember much past the wind-sucking, dry heaving, head-throbbing bits)

 

Before the fuzziness in my brain takes over, again, I'll end with :

 

Today's Share: I'm a fairly new reader of Fit Fun Mom, but I'm so glad I found her. Like me, she recently completed her first Full Marathon (just over 4 hours, too!!), after years of running and racing. Unlike me, though, she actually offers readers posts that are useful. While it may be unfair that she's extremely intelligent AND a talented runner, she's earned her claim to both.

 

Any fun holiday events on your schedule? 



Short and Sweet Sunday

To call this morning's situations "un-ideal" for running, would be an understatement. Despite everything, though, my first (and final), post-injury, 20 mile run happened. (oontz oontz)

If not for the unfailing support of my family and friends, it would have been impossible. To thank them, and, to reward you, I'm including a photo of the sight only few would normally be able enjoy.

You're welcome.

red compression shorts + pink compression socks + me whining about my aching glutes= blissforall

 

What's your favorite weekend attire? 

A New PR

slightly related : go visit Yo Momma to wish her well on her upcoming Half Marathon and enter her giveaway!!

I gave myself sufficient time to rest and whine about Saturday's "race" and run. The humbling 5k was followed by running another 11 miles on a paved trail in between the race site and home. I knew the conditions weren't going to be ideal, but felt like I needed to get the miles in so I could give myself all day Sunday to take it easy.



source

 

The lucky marathon I've chosen as my first has a start time of 10:00 am. (weird, right?) I figure it makes sense to plan a couple of training runs to start at that time, as well. This way I can work out fueling and get my body used to wanting to run 26.2 miles when it's normally ready for my late-morning nap.

 

 



caught in the act, by The Littlest. Darned tech-savvy kids!

 

If I can survive 80+ degree, humidity-through-the-roof training runs, in Florida, then 50 degree, breezy, mild, Canadian, marathon miles should be all that much easier. Not "piece of cake", easier, but easier nonetheless.

 

Right? Right.

 

I was feeling frisky (and warm) enough to venture out for this run sans top. While I don't generally run in just a jog bra, I'd already decided to leave my Garmin and ipod at home. "Why not leave the shirt and "Run Freely"?" was the day's motto.

 

For some idiotic reason, I was on a roll and decided to also run with no hydration. Six miles doesn't always necessitate a water bottle, but I should've paid better attention to the weather and my (also idiotic) route, before making that decision.

 

More often than not, I'll choose a route that leaves from my front door. This run was no exception. As it would turn out, though, the nice little out-and-back I picked has, approximately, 4.2 feet of shade on the entire road. For real. It was like running on the surface of the sun WHILE staring into the actual sun, the entire time. Not sure how that was even possible, but it totally happened. Needless to say it was hot. And I was thirsty. The thought crossed my mind to jump into/and or drink from any one of the nasty retention ponds I sweatily shuffled past.

 

When I finally did stumble in my my front door, I had a singular focus. I remembered a full, glorious bottle of water I'd stashed in the refrigerator. I yanked open the 'fridge' door, clumsily grabbed that bottle, unscrewed the cap (a miracle with my drippy fingers) and chugged the contents.

 

I have never chugged any liquid, so fast, in my entire life. Had there been a funnel involved, it would not have gotten down my throat any faster. Impressed yet?

 

I re-filled it and chugged another full bottle in record time.

 

There you have it. This training cycle has, in fact, produced an impressive Personal Record. Fastest Drinking, by me, to date.

 

To think I was feeling discouraged about my lack of progress...

What sort of dumb moves have you made, recently?

If given your choice of drinks, what would you chug fastest on a hot day?
 

 

 

 



 



Short and Sweet Sunday (Crossed-Fingers Edition)

This past week, I completed my final days of transition from my injury. I'm still plenty nervous about moving forward, but not because I'm in pain. The stress fracture just really messed with my brain.

My body is actually feeling very strong. Very ready. Very anxious to get back on track.

This is it. This week, starting tomorrow, will be the test to determine if I'll be able to squeeze my final 14 weeks of marathon training into 8. I've rested, yoga-ed and compressed, all weekend.

the saddest part about this photo : my kids didn't even bat an eye when I wore it out the door.

 

 

I read about and witnessed my running friends' many miles logged, today and yesterday. My non-running husband even knocked out a few miles! I'm not feeling total jealousy, anymore, though. I'm feeling inspiration and determination. I can DO this, right?!

 

Just in case, though, cross a couple fingers for me...pretty please.

 

Thank you.



Exercising Whilst Injured

Disclaimer : I am not a medical or sports professional. If you must know, I'm not even sure I could pass a 3rd grade assessment. (To prove my point : I previously misspelled "assessment", had to use spell-checker, and correct it before continuing.)  All that I share with you is simply my experience.

I hear you, I hear you..."We miss seeing pictures of your boot!" "Where's that delightful Summer wardrobe piece?!" Here you go :

Dear hateful boot ,

 I do not miss you.

Sincerely, Jenn

I'm calling my current running state : transition. I've been running, nice and slowly, for brief segments of my walks. This has been happening for about a week. I'll have a whole 'nother post dedicated to transition. For now, though, we'll take a step back to examine : How To Stay Sane While You Are Unable To Run.

Each situation is, obviously, very different and should be treated as such. Runner's World has a good article regarding injury prevention. In it, there's also a brief guideline for what you may or may not be able to substitute for running, depending on the nature of your injury/health situation.

Bottom line : If you love to run...if Running Moves You (haha...I shamelessly plugged my OWN blog on MY blog! I'm such a loser...) then there's really no substitute for running. Yes, there are bumloads of ways to exercise, maintain cardio and try to keep physically fit. They. AreNOT. Running.

Also, due to the nature of my injury (anterior fibular stress fracture. thanks for asking!) there was actually very little I was cleared to do, exercise-wise. The hated elliptical machine was out, as was riding on an actual bike. (stationary was ok). No running , walking,  break-dancing, zumba, aerobics, belly-dancing, jumping rope...you get the idea. I, like a lot of injured runners, was unable to engage in any weight-bearing or impact-based activities. Blech.

As you can imagine, after a few hours days, I was ready to climb the walls, in frustration.

not literally, as The Middlest enjoys doing

If you ever find yourself, as a runner, unable to run. Here is a list of alternative activities that should keep you off the walls and (mostly) sane.

• Pool Running  - I devoted a small post (It's No Joke), with links and references, to this. I know not everyone has access to a pool. If you do, though, this is a lifesaver. I have been continuing my pool running, even now that I'm running on land, again. My favorite: Kick and splash, spastically, at the excess part of the strap on your AquaBelt because you thought it was a pool creature attacking you.
• Upper Body Workouts - Traditional : You can modify a lot of workout DVDs/Videos, and upper body moves to keep you off your feet. I sat on a chair, couch or sturdy coffee table and bicep-curled my little heart out. It may not be something you feel comfortable doing at the gym, but, at home, you'll be surprised how many exercises you can modify to accommodate a lower body injury. My favorite: Wave your hands and pointed finger at various items you'd like your children to fetch for you. All day. Quality exercise for you AND them!
• Abs - while I was nervous to perform any full plank variations, I did bust on some sets that kept my knees on the mat. Also, sit-ups, crunches, torso twists, V-sits...they were all a-okay. My favorite : Clench your gut as tight as you can to avoid yelling profanities at the random runner jaunting happily past your car.
• Glutes - This was a perfect time to strengthen that oft-neglected body part! Clamshells, donkey kicks (on my knees), reverse scissors, etc. No weight, no impact, plenty of focus on building that special set of muscles. My favorite: Wiggle around, while sitting on the couch, to the catchy song on your ipod. Your 14-year-old child will take his friend and run away, in horror. Again, 2 birds with one stone!
• All-Time Favorite: Constantly complain, whine, blog and  moan about your injury to every person you come in contact with. They will love it and you will be exercising the heck out of your jaw muscles.

If all else fails, though, feel free to go visit this girl. She'll make you one of her (now famous) margaritas and all your non-running worries will disappear...

How do you deal with a running hiatus? 





Hoppy Tears

I've never been fearful when it comes to running. Once I shocked myself by learning I could run a whole half-mile, without stopping, I rarely looked back.

Yes, I have butterflies the night before a morning of Speedwork.

I also have to soothe myself with key rituals to prepare for a long run or new race.

I am definitely not without some normal, healthy realizations of my limits. However, when it comes to lacing up and setting out for a run, there is very little that gives me pause.

Sinus headaches, groin pain, tight calves, nausea, rain, SNOW...these have all faced me before a run and I haven't given it a second thought.

Granted, this is the view from the treadmill I was using, while the snow was falling. Kinda cheated, but I did run through the actual snow to reach said treadmill.



If you're a runner, this is not likely going to surprise you. You're probably thinking "Duh." (If you have that sort of coolness in your vernacular). What surprised me, though, is my level of near-paralyzing fear at even attempting a fast walk during this period of healing through a stress fracture.

I've referenced this post before, but it's worth repeating. It's long, but I definitely recommend bookmarking it. In it, Camille outlines 2 very simple tests for determining if your injury has healed enough to attempt small bursts of running, again.

1. Palpating the area (the touch test). Like any two-year-old injured runner, I could not keep my hands off that stupid bone. I poked, rubbed, massaged, patted that stupid sore spot more times than I'd like to count. It was like a magnet! This test has been, gradually, passed but I was still terrified to try the other. Cue ominous music...

2. The Hop Test. Three little words, I'd tell myself. I'd try to re-assure myself any toddler can and will do this, on command. Just balance on that injured leg, let go of the wall...no. seriously...let. go. of. the. wall. What the heck is wrong with you?! Why won't you *&$)%*#)ing let go of the wall?! (My inner conversations can get a little rough) Something that's normally so benign was so far outside of my realm of comfort, it was ridiculous.

Until this morning.

After several attempts at very successful, pain-free walks (outside! in running shoes!) I decided it was time to put that leg down (gingerly) and let go of the stupid wall.

And I did. I hopped. Then I hopped some more. Then tears filled my eyes until I was afraid I was going to fall over. The tears weren't due to pain. They blinded me when I realized the total lack, thereof.

I'll probably get judgement for what's about to happen next with those fancy socks and the beautiful shoes at the end of them. I can take it, though.

After all, I just passed The Hop Test. 

It's No Joke

Today's running workout consisted of the following :

• 5 min., dynamic warmup
• 6x5 min hard
• 1 min jog between
• 5 min cooldown, including stretching

Before my dad anyone starts to panic, this morning's run took place here :

site of the now infamous sandal attack

I woke up before my alarm went off. (thanks, Middlest, and your excessive sniffling!)

I've got the pre-run setup down to a science, now, so it doesn't take me too long to get everything ready. The hand-held water bottle, garmin, sports bra, shorts, dri-fit shirt and running shoes have been replaced. There are just a few, key components that need to be gathered up before I can head out the door.

fashionable aqua belt, dirty flip-flops, towel (complete with Oldest's name all over it from Summer Camp), sunglasses (which I don't even use), pool pass, car keys and oversized Christmas nightshirt to use as coverup. (last nights pjs = morning's pool attire. Less laundry AND a uniquely stunning look. Genius, right?!) 





Yep. Until my stress fracture is completely healed, my feet shalt not pound the pavement. Not only is this a huge setback, physically, (I'm in the middle of training for my first marathon) but it also makes me just a big mess, mentally. When I somewhat accepted the fact that this injury was going to take considerable time to heal,  I dove (haha...pool-talk) into researching safe ways to cross-train/maintain sanity.

While stationary biking is generally acceptable, it doesn't work the same muscle groups as running does. Due to he nature of my injury, the Elliptical machine was out. Swimming is a great, all-around exercise, but, again, doesn't mimic running in any way.

The best alternative I found was pool running or aqua jogging. See for yourself here and here. Elites use it as a training tool as rehab AND even when they're not injured! This fast lady is a huge advocate and I found a lot of useful posts on her blog. I read every article I could get my hands on and watched YouTube videos like it was my job. It took me a couple (comical) tries before I mastered the method. I did, eventually, figure out how to do it without the AquaBelt. The Belt really helps maintain proper form, though.

Also...it complements my $19.99 TJMaxx swimsuit like you wouldn't believe!

Another cool fact : Workouts, like todays, make me work up an actual sweat. In the water...dripping in my eyes, frizzing up my hair sort of sweat. Crazy, huh? So, while I may look really silly, "running" back and forth down the length of the pool, this form of running is hard work.

And I love every second of it.  

Have you ever tried deep water aqua jogging?

Which Summer Accessory are you more jealous of : My boot or that belt?