Push

Wow.  I have a moment.   I can get in some blogging...

I did see the doctor last week for the fatigue I've been dealing with.  He ordered  fasted blood tests (thyroid, iron, vitamin D, adrenals, celiac panels, B 12, etc) and a pulmonary function test.  The fasted blood tests are done, and now I'm just waiting on my appointment for the pulmonary tests.  He also put me on a steroid inhaler (Qvar) in hopes that will help open up my lungs more, and to see if that helps lessen the fatigue. 

I started working out with a group on Thursday evenings with Rehab United. Last Thursday we did endurance testing.  Last year I kicked bootay.  This year...  um, not so much.  Most of my numbers were cut in half.  I couldn't do nearly the same number of push ups and pull ups I could do last year.  The fatigue has really taken it's toll on me. I guess the good thing is that I now have a new baseline to start with, and I know I can get it back if I just keep pushing through -- at least I hope it works out that way.   The only thing that looked half way decent was my timed mile.  We were supposed to run one mile as hard and fast as possible.  I was timed at about 7:15 for that mile, but I think that's wrong.  We run around the complex where RU is located, which is just under 400 meters by several feet.  We ran 4 times around the complex, and I know that's just short of a mile.  I'm guessing that my  mile is more like 7:45 or 8:00.  It's certainly possible that I could run 7:15 for just one mile if I'm busting out some speed, but I wasn't, except for maybe the last 100 yards or so. I didn't have my Garmin with me, so I couldn't check exact time or distance.  The good part about working out on Thursdays is that I'm with people I already know from last year's group, and they're a lot of fun.

The last time I ran was Saturday morning with the Rehab United group.  The plan was a 40 minute, time on your feet run. Most of the people who showed up ran about my pace or under, which is unheard of.  Last year I was the slow-poke of the group since most everyone's slow pace was an 8 minute mile.  (Yeah, yeah, speed is all relative, but when you're shooting for an 10 or 11 minute mile for a long run, there's a lot of waiting around involved on their parts.)  Our fearless leader, Justin, and his girl friend were the speedy ones -- probably in the mid 7s, low 8s.  I  held an average 9:30 m/m for  the 4.4 miles I ran, but I just couldn't push harder than that due to my ongoing issue with shin splints and fatigue.  I should be able to hold around a 9 minute mile with ease. I was a little frustrated, but glad I was able to hold my own without going any slower.  I was able to pace with my friend Renata, and I think having her just slightly ahead of me kept me from slowing. Renata and I came in ahead of the group, which was a novelty to me.  I'm NEVER at the head of any running group when it comes to speed.  (This year several people are opting out of the Las Vegas trip due to the expense, and a lot of those people were MUCH faster than me.) Everyone else came in just after us, so it's not like we were channeling our inner Kenyans - we were just pushing through as best as possible.  As for my left shin, it was not too happy with me.  I even wore compression socks, which helped tremendously, but still not a fix for my screaming shin.

I booked air fare and a room for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. I was planning to register for the half marathon on line, but the processing fee is $11.00. That's just ridiculous. I thought I'd be able to use my $10.00 discount code, but that processing fee negates the discount. I'll sign up the old fashioned way, with pen and paper and no processing fee, AND a $10.00 discount through Rehab United.

Just in case, if you're planning to run Las Vegas, a lot of the hotel web sites say they're sold out for that Saturday. Call the toll free number and ask for group reservations. I was able to book a room at Luxor that way, even though the site said it was sold out.

My sister and her husband were in town last weekend. They are so happy to be back in California, and the job transfer has been smooth. They stayed in Coronado at the Glorietta Bay Inn and we were able to share dinner with them. We (sort of) celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday. Long story short ... BUT, He was constantly joking around with our server, so she brought out a huge slice of mud pie  -- on the house. Hubs suggested a candle for the mud pie because it WAS (supposedly) my brother-in-law's birthday. Not really, his birthday was in July, but since there was a mud pie, it only seemed fitting that someone was sung to.

We were all laughing, not only because it wasn't his birthday, but because the people at the adjacent tables were singing, too. The server was a really good sport.  PS: That's my sister on the right side.

Monday's Song:
I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More - Barry White

PEACE

Running In Circles

I'm kind of wondering... what happened to Summer? I know other parts of the country are experiencing typical Summer weather, but we're not. Cool, blustery, drizzly, more humid than normal weather is what we have right now. It's actually perfect running weather if you plan on an easy run, but for everything else it's kind of a damper, pun intended.

My new workout schedule is going OK. The only problem I'm having is pool time. The pool I want to go to isn't opened when I have the time available, and now that it's summer the swim lesson sessions occupy most of the pool. The gym pool is available and usually crowd free, but every time I swim there I come away with irritated, red eyes, and I wear goggles. It takes a days to recoup from that! Ick! I'll have to start looking around for another near by pool that does not require membership.

I trekked out to the gym for intervals per my new schedule.  I thought it might be easier to keep track of the intervals on the treadmill instead of taking it to the streets.   One minute warm up, then I did 4 sets of intervals x 6 minutes moderate pace and  3 minutes faster pace. Lows at about 5.2, highs at about 6.5 and 7. It was just OK. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'm taking it slow. I cooled down off the treadmill and walked around the gym track for 5 minutes. Stretched afterward. 
3.46 miles
37:00 minutes
10:41 pace

I'm still working on nutrition. Something is off kilter, but I can't figure out what it is, yet. In the past I could pin-point exactly what was throwing me off and make adjustments, but this time I can't. I'm attempting to eat as clean as possible, using less processed foods, eating out less, no fast foods, no junk foods, keeping on top of my water intake, and so on. I've been tracking everything on Daily Burn just to make sure I'm on top of the macro-nutrients. I'll probably track my nutrition for a month. I find tracking nutrition to be tedious, but it's helpful when trying to pin-point what my weaknesses are.

Robin over at Running Circles Around Turtles featured me on her blog yesterday.  (Check it out!) I was honored that she she featured me and what I had to say. Most of her interviewees give concise, short answers. Ummmmm... I was a bit wordy by comparison, but there's a lot of explaining to do. I was pretty excited to see the interview on her blog and how she took the time to enlarge and bold certain words and phrases. Pretty cool, Robin. Thanks!

 At the 4th of July run, I saw a friend from the track club who I had not seen in a few months.  She actually remembered my sea green and white Pearl Izumis, and asked why I wasn't wearing them.   They have been retired to gardening duty, and this is what they now look like:

They're so beat up, but still one of my favorite pairs of shoes!

Yesterday's Song:
Morning View - Greg Howe

PEACE

That's Not Me

Randomness

This is an odd cold. The cold symptoms aren't that bad, I have no fever, yet I'm so tired! I went to my workout at RU yesterday and felt rather pathetic. Bryan is out for the week and I worked with Justin. Since I don't work with him regularly, he doesn't know me well enough to know that I can push through just about anything they throw at me. I felt like one of those contestants on The Biggest Loser on the first day of working out, where some of them just get going with the workouts, then start whining about how hard it is. That was me. I even tried to negotiate using lighter weights, but he just told me to push through. This is so not like me, but I'm also not feeling like myself, either.

Last night was also an office party. We celebrated three birthdays, including mine. It took me 2 hours to throw on some jeans, a blouse, shoes and apply make-up, just because the the fatigue. We celebrated at a little restaurant in the middle of an industrial/office park - Buds Louisiana Cafe. Yes, an odd location for a restaurant, but it was REALLY good, even for my foodie boss. Luckily, this was dinner and not an activity like bowling or roller skating. It was fun catching up with everyone and all of the office shenanigans. I didn't think to take my camera, but my boss made hats for the three of us birthday girls. Here's my hat:

Custom party hat.  An eye with running legs.

I ordered a few pictures from my daughter's graduation earlier this month. Look at what I received:

 Ummmmmmmmm, that' not my daughter!

At first I was thinking "WTF?"  Now I think this is sort of funny.  I called customer service and they think this guy probably received my daughter's pictures.  They're going to reprint my daughter's photos and send those out ASAP, and told me to destroy the incorrect photos. I feel kind of odd about destroying the pictures, though.  The guy's name is on the back and I was thinking of, perhaps, contacting him (though Facebook, maybe) and just sending him the pictures.  They're not cheap.  What do you think? 

The gophers are going down. Three more heads of almost ready romaine lettuce are gone! It's time for traps.

I should have an abundance of veggies by now. Evil gophers... 

Yesterday's Song:

Aloof - Latvian Radio 

PEACE

Such Great Heights

Randomness
As careful as I have tried to be, I still gained 5 pounds while not running.  While this is not a huge amount of weight gained, it's still weight gained that could easily double, then triple.  Been there.  When I do get back to running, it's going to be sort of like starting over again, and that includes paying super duper attention to every thing I eat.  I suppose running, for me, makes all the difference in maintaining my weight.  Due to my height (or lack thereof - I'm 5ft 3in) 5 pounds = a whole size.  NOTHING fits, unless it's stretchy, like yoga pants or running shorts, but those aren't fitting quite right, either.   I  haven't gone hog wild with eating, but it makes me realize that if I ever do stop running I better replace it with something that keeps me from gaining back the 30 pounds I initially lost about 10 years ago. *

I had an appointment at RU on Wednesday and did a real workout and worked up a real sweat.  It was great. I also had my foot worked on, and that wasn't so great. I'd say it was a foot massage, but that sounds like something relaxing with vanilla scented candles and  Enya's Watermark playing in the background.  This was anything but relaxing.  I tensed up.  I guess I'm subconsciously guarding my foot and anticipating pain.  I need to go to my happy place in my head. Once Bryan made me aware of my tense foot, I was able to relax a little more, but it wasn't vanilla scented candles and Enya's Watermark playing in the background.  It still hurt. Yes, there's a method to the madness, but holey moley guacamole. Ouch.

I've transferred my yellow squash and zucchini seedlings into the garden.  They look so tiny and unprotected out there, but those usually end up being large, productive plants.  The next seedlings to be transferred will be some of the romaine lettuce.  I'm having a tough time starting tomato seeds this year.  I might have to break down and just buy a tomato plant already started.

 My babies are growing!

This Saturday is a long run for the track club. For many of the runners it will be a 20 mile run, maybe more.  I won't be running at all, but I'm going to walk a couple of miles.  I need to do something.  I'm also missing my friends.   I'm not sure what Hubs has planned for that particular run, but even with PF, he's been doing well.

Do you ever have days where you feel like you're 12 years old, but only to be followed by days where you feel like you're 100?  My week has been as such. 

Yesterday's Song:
Worn Out Welcome - Jackie Greene

PEACE

*I cross train with weights and resistance bands, but without cardio, maintaining weight has been tough, and I would really have to cut calories to something ridiculous, and I'm not going that far.

That's The Breaks

My Peeps

I know. I've been a bad blogger. Part of it has to do with Spring Break, part of it has to do with our computer being buggy, and most of it has to do with the hubs working from home this week.

Speaking of Blogger, is anyone else finding the new photo upload option(s) s-l-o-w?

I had an ortho appointment this week. No surprise, but the foot is still busted. This time I had the where-with-all to bring a camera and take pictures of my x-ray.

Middle metatarsal bone... Not just a fracture, but the bone frayed. Yeah, when I break something, I break it good... *sigh* I guess the Costco incident* in addition to running did more damage than I thought. I wasn't planning to post the pic but, apparently, a lot of you are curious and asked me to show the pic -- so there it is!

I came into the appointment wearing my new Pearl Izumis. The doc busted me on not wearing the boot. The boot is hard and flat, and I have a really high arch, and it caused me to overcompensate through my ankle and knee. The doc pointed out that I need a lot more stability while I'm healing so that I don't cause more injury. The Pearl Izumis are relatively firm and stable, but they still bend -- the doc doesn't want my foot to bend. I've added an arch insert to the boot, which helps, but it still wears me out. I return to ortho in two weeks.

I also had an appointment at RU the following day. Bryan seemed a bit more sympathetic to me after seeing the pic of the x-ray -- not that he wasn't sympathetic before, but seeing how smooshed my foot is, he realized it wasn't as small a fracture as he thought. Sooooooo... instead of the usual workout routine, I got a nice foot massage, did some easy upper body dumbbell matrix exercises, and ankle mobility exercises. He also did casts of my feet for custom orthotics, finally. I return to RU in two weeks.

It was also suggested that I get a prescription for a bone stimulator**. [Feel free to insert an inappropriate joke here, because my mind is mush and can't think of one.] It doesn't feel much like anything when I use it for 20 minutes a day, but it's supposed to help the healing process, and according to the site, it says it "gets patients back to their normal activities 38% faster." I guess I'll find out, providing a trip to Costco is normal activity with steel toe boots. Maybe I'll be able to get in and out of Costco 38% faster. Maybe I'll be able to run 38% faster.

Since I can't run I've been doing other things to keep busy. My side and back yards have been quite neglected, and I decided to pull weeds and add some perennials and drought tolerant plants. I've been mindful of my foot and have been sitting for most of this gardening adventure. I've completed one side yard planter area and a small square in the center of the backyard with a new bird bath. Now, I need to slowly tackle the rest of the unruly backyard.

The strategically cropped photo -- So you can't see the rest of the unruly backyard.

I'm also trying to keep some kind of exercise routine going. I have yet to get into a pool, but that's on the list of things to do. I've been doing a lot of upper body exercises that don't require feet, like stability ball push-ups -- which are probably equivalent or equal to knee-down push-ups, bicep curls, tricep extensions, dumbbell flys, shoulder presses, abs exercises, etc. I've been trying to do modified squat and lung matrices, but I really have to pay attention to the foot with those.

In other news...

The hubs had some rather unexpected excitement earlier in the week. It was later in the day, probably about a half hour before closing when everyone in the office started smelling smoke. They went outside to figure out the source, and discovered that smoke was coming through their basement. 911 was called and they were soon surrounded by fire trucks, police and the local news. Luckily, the fire wasn't that big, the damage was confined to the basement, and they've hired a company to take care of the smoke smell. Oh, the news coverage was minimal. I tried to find a news link because the story aired on the 11 o'clock news on three local stations, but I guess it wasn't news worthy enough to keep the story since no one was injured and the building didn't burn down. As a precaution, SDG&E cut the power lines to the building. They actually went up in a cherry picker and physically CUT the lines. Hubs was more horrified with the cutting of the lines than the actual fire because that meant he wouldn't be able to work at the office with deadlines looming and picky clients wanting their projects done NOW. Hubs worked at home for three days. I pretty much stayed out of his way, since he was on the computer most of the time and had a phone stuck to his ear. By the way, everything at the office returned back to normal on Friday.


Last night we attended a party/reception/thing at RU. They were launching a new training program and had vendors with free goodies, plus food and drink. There were several people there who I hadn't seen since the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon/Half Marathon in December, and was able to catch up with all of their race plans for this year. I'm not sure what it is, but every time we go somewhere that is mostly my thing, my hubs almost always sees someone he knows there. This happens frequently. For example, at my 10 year high school reunion he knew someone I went to high school with, and I had no idea because when he referred to her it was by her married name. Their firms shared an office space together. At the RU thing, he saw a guy from Rotary, his former intern, and a contractors who he works closely with. I wish this would happen to me. I go to his industries receptions/parties/things and NEVER see anyone I know -- and at his things it's all about business. It's not a lot of fun for me to discuss square footage, drywall, lighting fixtures and flooring unless it's for my house. ANYWAY, back to the RU party... I had some explaining to do about my foot, and that's where everyone said they wanted to see the x-ray pic. Towards the end of the event, they had a drawing for some nice goodies like massages, hydrostatic body fat testing, shoes, etc. Hubs won a mesh bag with triathlon gear inside, which was a bib holder/belt, Glide, a sun visor, and a few other small items. I guess he'll have to take up doing tris now. Heh.

I'm not 100% sure what's happening for Easter, but I can venture to guess that my SIL will be hosting it. They ALWAYS plan these kinds of things to the last minute.


Whatever you're celebrating on Sunday, I hope you have a wonderful day!

Wednesday's Song:
California Sun - The Ramones


PEACE

* A lady ran over my foot with her full cart at Costco.
**Ultrasound bone healing system

Blue Orchid

Randomness

This being sick thing is so last week. I'm not one for daytime TV soaps since the plots are recycled over and over and over again. The soaps are EXACTLY the same as when my mom watched them 25 years ago - Victor Newman is still on The Young and the Restless - I checked. Blogger Jill pointed out that there's only so many times you can watch H&G TV before you feel like your house is a total dump, but she said it with more verve. I worked out on Monday, and it was difficult, even though the exercises presented to me weren't that hard. Coughing between sets of any exercise adds to the caloric burn, I suppose. I'm not working out or running for the rest of the week. I might go for a walk, though. I'm coughing less, but the fatigue can be overwhelming. There's almost no more head pressure, but the lung is still whistling. I create my own music just by breathing. I have asthma and never wheeze like this. I was finally able to read a book without falling asleep after the first paragraph, so that's progress.

I had jury duty on Tuesday. I showed up with big bag of Sugar Free Hall's Cough Drops and a book. This was the very first time I didn't have to go through the jury selection process. My name was never called, thank goodness. I'm sure they would have excused me anyway, with my "mentholyptus" scented breath and chronic cough. I really didn't cough that much, and probably just as much as anyone else there. By the way, the book I read while waiting in the Juror's Lounge was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.

The sun came out yesterday. I put on my Uggs and a light jacket over my PJs and sat on the back porch to read a book. All of my critters (three cats and one dog) sat out with me, and no wars broke out.

I'm craving carbs, and not the good for you ones, either. I'm craving Stacy's Pita Chips, toast, bagels, chocolate chip cookies, Cocoa Puffs, pretzles, Pub Mix, and so on.

Check out a Runningskirt.com giveaway at blog: Endurance Is Only Physical.

Check out a Champion giveaway at blog: Shut Up and Run.

Blogger Laura gave me a "Sunshine Award." Thanks, Laura. Everyone needs sunshine in their day, and this made mine sunny. I'm supposed to bestow this award to 12 others bloggers. I think I'll save it for another blog post next week, since I need to find 12 bloggers who Laura didn't already mention. :)

A few weeks ago, blogger Julie (Juls - Keeping Pace) wrote about her orchid plant, how it's nice and green but it hasn't bloomed in a year. I responded that I have orchid plants with nice and glossy leaves but no blooms, and that I actually stuck fake orchid flowers in one of the plants just so I could pretend it grew. I have 4 orchid plants with beautiful leaves but no blooms, not since their first blooms or buds when I bought them years ago. Julie's blog post got me to get up and take a good look at my orchid plants. I went and took a peek. This is what I saw:

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." -- John Lennon

I never notice the buds before. I did a happy dance because this is the FIRST TIME, ever, that an orchid plant I own produced buds a second time. I did nothing special to get this plant to produce buds -- no fertilizers or special filtered water. Other than a little water once a week, I did nothing. If it matters, my orchids sit in a west-facing window in my kitchen. The funny thing is that I was resigned to putting more fake orchid flowers in with the live plants. I guess I should have more faith in my plants and in what ever green thumb I may have.

Yesterday's Song:
Steep - Phish

PEACE

Everybody Hurts

...sometimes.

Last night was the last group workout for the RU Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon/Half Marathon event. We retested our pull-ups, push-ups and med ball tosses. I was able to improve on everything. After that we did some fun group exercises. With about 10 minutes left, I was feeling pretty good, no major aches, I didn't push myself, and having a grand ol' time, until something in my left calf suddenly and unexpectedly popped.

Insert your favorite cuss word here_________.

If I didn't say it, I was thinking it.

Pain, pain, pain, PAIN.

I yelled over to our fearless leader, Justin, and I hopped on one foot, the right foot - the one with PF, to the stretching cage, just to have something to hold onto. Justin had one of the assistants ask me about what hurt and had me attempt a simple calf stretch.

Insert another favorite cuss word here_________.

On a pain scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the worst, it was a 9.

Once the class was over Justin came over and asked me all the standard questions, had me attempt a few more simple stretches then massaged my calf and leg a bit. I'm glad I've remembered all of those Lamaze childbirth class breathing techniques from 20 something years ago *cough*, because I really needed to focus my attention off my calf. Once that was done I was at least able to walk, then I iced the calf and went home.

First thing this morning I went back into RU and Justin worked on my calf. There was immediate relief and it wasn't as painful as it was last night, yet it's still sore. It's now about a 4 or 5 on the pain scale, which is a major improvement. We can't figure out, exactly, what caused my calf to cramp/spasm so badly. Stuff like that just happens, and any athlete is bound to have some sort of injury. I'm just surprised that I wasn't doing anything strenuous when the cramp/spasm occurred. He thought the compression calf sleeves would be a good idea, so after my RU visit, I trekked out to Road Runner Sports and bought a pair of blue Zensahs. These things rock. The relief was immediate and I wished I had a pair ages ago. Ah well.

I think I have about 4 hours in which to finish the half marathon. No need for speed and I think I can finish it in just under 3 hours. I had a good HM time at Silver Strand just a couple of weeks ago. I can cruise LV and do things like take pictures and actually stop at the hydration stations. I'm looking forward to it! My husband may actually come in ahead of me for a change.

Tuesday's song:
I'm OK - Christina Aguilera - Katiefeldmom

PEACE

THIS JUST IN... GARMIN OWNER FOUND! SHE WAS ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE GARMIN BY HER PERSONAL INFO EXACTLY! SHE WAS SO HAPPY AND GAVE ME A HUGE HUG!

Get Over It

Wednesday night, at the RU group workout, we were running an 800 and I tweaked out my big toe on my left foot. I was wearing the wear test shoes. At first it felt like a cramp, but then it got worse. I couldn't do the 800 to my full potential. As I ran by one of the interns, I yelled out that my foot was cramping, but he just said to run through it. I listened to him, but I'm sort of kicking myself for not listening to myself. You would think that, by now, I would know better. After my crummy 800, I continued on with the strengthening exercises without shoes on, but skipped any running, even if it were a slow lap. At the end of the session I put my shoes back on without tightening the laces and hobbled to my car.

Once at home I spent some time RICE-ing my foot/big toe and took a couple of analgesics. I figured I'd give myself a couple of days to see how it felt before seeking any medical advice.

Yesterday I was having my hair cut in the same neighborhood as my chiropractor's office and decided to see if he would see me with such short notice. He fit me in. Not only was the right foot off, but the left foot was more off, and my back was also rather tight. After some massage, he did the necessary adjustments and I felt relief. My foot/toe is still sore, probably from over compensation, but at least I can put a shoe back on my foot without wincing. The foot isn't swollen or bruised, it's just sore. I'm still doing the RICE thing.

This foot issue puts a kink in my plans to attempt a PR at the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll half marathon, but I'm pretty sure I'll be OK to start and finish it with no intentions of a PR. At this point, I think I'm allowed to slow down and just enjoy the scenery. It's not like I'm giving up. I'm being realistic.

This also means I don't get to try out Lucinda this weekend. Oh, that's my Garmin's new name: Lucinda or Lucy for short. When I signed up on the Garmin site, it actually asks for a name, and Lucinda was one of the suggestions someone gave me on Facebook. It was the only name I could remember when I was stuck at the Garmin site. I hope I love Lucy...

Tuesday's song:
Cool As Blue - Tina Bridgeman & Hearth

PEACE

Running on a Treadmill

On Monday I had a killer workout at RU. I can usually conquer what ever it is they set out before me, even if I am dripping in sweat when I am finished. In addition to my regular workout, Bryan put me on a treadmill with grade set to 10, to simulate a hill, and had me do intervals, but he wanted me to keep running the entire time, even if I went slow.

I know.

Treadmill hill intervals.

Treadmill.

*deep breath*

Just take me now...

Under normal circumstances, it takes me a good 5 minutes on a treadmill to get a breathing rhythm down. This is at a gym with fans in front of the treadmill section and air conditioning. I'm also plugged into my iPod and have my water bottle within reach. This was not my normal circumstance.

No air conditioning.

No fans.

No iPod.

No water bottle within reach.

How prosaic!

I pride myself in that I can do just about any workout with a "bring it on" attitude and not complain, even if I am struggling. Complaining takes too much negative energy. I'm basically asking for the challenge, and I do like the challenge. This was different. I was gasping for my breath. I sweat so much it was ridiculous. I struggled. I wanted it to be over. I felt defeated. I couldn't run the entire interval session. I had to walk. Ugh. Stupid treadmill.

That was Monday.

Yesterday I decided to take on THE HILL in my neighborhood, the one with the 16% grade. I wasn't going to let that stupid piece of machinery's fake hill defeat me. I get to THE HILL and it's blocked off. Once again, I pick a day when the city is ripping up a section of THE HILL due to ruptured water pipes or for the underground wires. There's other hills in my neighborhood, but THE HILL is the one that offers the most challenge due to its distance and grade. I had no choice so I ran around my neighborhood, taking on other shorter, steep hills, but there were a lot of flat parts to get to those other hills. It wasn't quite what I wanted or needed to do, but I made sure I motored up those hills full force without giving in or giving up.

Needless to day, I'm a bit sore today, and I still have the group workout to look forward to this evening.

Bring. It. On.

Saturday's song:
Gold Dust Woman - Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks - Run-DMZ

PEACE


photo from http://josefbrandenburg.com/

Deep Inside Of You

WARNING

I'm about to get all philosophical...

Have you ever stopped to think about what defines you?

I got to thinking about what defines me. It all started when my PT mentioned that another mom would be joining the half marathon training group, and perhaps (just because we are mom types over 40) that we would get along, and not feel so outnumbered and intimitaded by the younger people in the group, most under 30. I was somewhat perplexed by this. Yes, it's nice that someone thinks I will get along with another person and would like us to meet, but being one of the older ones in a group does not bother me. I'm not intimidated. I live with two people in their twenties -- my own kids. I have no age issues as far as getting along with someone. I'm certainly not age-ist. I'm amenable to everyone, and if they get along with me is another story. I have yet to meet this lady. We'll probably get along just fine. Motherhood or age does not define me, nor does it mean I'm going to get along with other women just because we are mothers in a certain age demographic.

Nor am I defined by:
the city I live in
being a dog owner
being a cat owner
my house
my housekeeping
the car I drive
my running
my education
my job
my money
the food I eat
the shows I watch
the music I listen to
my likes
my dislikes
my family
what people think about me
and so on...

Some of these things are just that, things. Some of these things are from the result of who I am, but they still don't define me.

Try Googling "what defines you?" Plenty of people made lists of things they have done and the people in their lives, but it still does not define them. I found this article that seemed to nail it. As it says in the article, it all comes down to being comfortable in your own skin.

That being said, I had a half marathon training workout last night at Rehab United. I kicked some major butt, and surprised some of the young-uns. Sure, they all ran circles around me and left me in the dust, but I could do more pull ups than a twenty-something year old who looked to be in great physical shape. It made my day. Being in my own skin felt really good.

Tuesday's song:
22 - Lily Allen

PEACE

With A Little Luck

I thought I'd have more time to blog once everyone was back at school, but it hasn't exactly worked out that way. My computer has been buggy and it even took forever to put up a few words on Facebook. I hope whatever Michael did to the computer last night settles the bugs, at least for now.

Lately I've been feeling a little lucky...

I won a canister of French Vanilla Juice Plus Complete from Fair Weather Runner's blog give-away last month. This is pretty awesome stuff because I'm not allergic to anything in it, and it tastes good. I'd give it my seal of approval if I had one. I was also hooked up with a small case of Pom pomegranate juice for free from the nice folks over at Pom. I've tried Pom before, but it has been a while since I've had any. It's still great! I received the Pom and the French vanilla Juice Plus Complete at the same time. I put both products in the blender with some ice and that was a delicious post workout concoction.

I won a shoe odometer from the Runner's Lounge. It's an interesting concept, especially since I became lax about tracking my shoes once I got the GPS running app for my cell phone. Prior to that I would write the mileage on the inside lid of the shoe box and do a weekly total. I'm saving the Shoe Odometer for a new pair of shoes, which will probably happen in another month or so. I'll let you all know how it works then.

Last month Runner's Lounge was hit by a major wave of generosity, and Wright Socks gave their readers who responded two pairs of socks each. That's a lot of socks. I've worn Wright Socks ever since I became serious about running. Quality running socks do make a difference and are worth the investment. The two brands I usually go for are Wright Socks and Ininji.

I also thought I would have a new photo to share. Sorry, no photo. Michael hasn't downloaded the pictures from his camera. It's still at the office. Michael and I went out to breakfast with AKA Alice and Heffer friends Betty and Elsie after our run with the track club last Saturday. Yes, mimosas were served. AKA Alice has proof on her blog here.

This week I was surprised with the track club's half marathon training's "Runner of the Week." I really did not see that coming at all. I have my photo and a blurb about me on the track club half marathon site. I'm not going to link to it because it's only up for a week but here's the blurb:

Irene Morton is proof that a debilitating injury doesn't mean you're down and out for good. Three weeks before last year's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, she broke her hip and immediately underwent surgery, then physical therapy just to learn to walk correctly again. A year later, she made good on that marathon goal and finished strong as part of the SDTC's training program. In addition to being such an inspiration, she's also an active volunteer. Right now she and her husband Michael are training for the Silver Strand and Las Vegas half marathons. Her running advice: "Listen to your body. If something hurts and does not feel better within a short time, rest and/or seek medical advice.”

The quote is missing a the part about "be your own advocate" in regards to medical advice and getting a second opinion. I know they had limited space to put the blurb, and I know I made that advice quote up there, but it sounds kind of obvious. I also realize people dislike having to go to the doctor and put it off as long as possible. Ah, well. I am really, really, really honored to be a "Runner of the Week." It's a good thing.

In addition to the track club, I started half marathon training with Rehab United for the Las Vegas Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in December. OH . MY . GAWD. Can we all say "intense?" I think it's safe to say that I will improve my times working with the RU training program. No luck involved, just a lot of hard work -- really hard work, but it's exactly what I need. There's about 20 of us, all different levels and ages. Since I've just started with them tonight, I'll save my comparisons to the track club for later on.

Whew.

Last Thursday's song:
Only You Can Bring Me Cheer - Allison Krauss

PEACE

Photo by cygnus921 on Flickr

A Pain That I'm Used To

RU
B switched up some of my regular workout, and since my left hip is still a little sore, he's easing me back into my regular workout. I still did the squat and lunge matrix with weights but not as many reps and slightly less weight. He also threw in a version of burpees that I was able to deal with.

Last night I met up with the track club at Balboa Park. We're having some humid weather right now. It's not quite Florida humid, but humid enough to start sweating profusely once out of the confines of my air conditioned car. We ran on the back trails again, which I really didn't think we were going to, which is going up and down steep hills, THEN run down and back up 6th Ave to our starting point. 6th Ave is a long, gradual hill. We did this course twice The entire course (done twice) is probably about 6 miles. It was one heck of a workout, and it even beat up the most experienced runners there. I had a bout of asthma during the second time around on the back trails. I had no choice but to walk. The people I was running with were kind enough to wait for me. (It's one of those areas where you don't want to be alone.) I skipped the last go round down and back up 6th Ave. I was toast and rested a bit. If that wasn't enough, I did strides (with most of the group) on the large grassy area at the park, and did an abs workout. Justin (who I've worked out with at RU a few times) attended the workout and even he said it was tough. Several people opted out of the several sets of strides. Like last week's workout, I was pretty gross when I was done, between the sweat and dirt from the trails. My once nice, very white shoes



are now a pretty good shade of light dirt brown.



I'm kind of disappointed because my GPS stopped working sometimes during the first loop around the back trails. I think I put in about 4 miles.

I was thinking that after such a tough run/workout, I'd be able to get some decent sleep. I was wrong. I'm pretty sure I got in enough electrolytes and liquids yesterday, but as I was getting comfy and dozing off to sleep, both of my legs cramped up something awful. I can't remember the last time something like that happened... maybe when I was pregnant with my daughter 26 years ago? Once I got out of bed I had to do calf stretches. I can understand one leg, one calf, but both? I had to get up several times during the night just to stretch. This morning I had bananas for breakfast, along with a calcium & magnesium tablet, and plenty of liquids...

Nutrition is very much back on track. I had some water weight gain from our little respite last week, and that's already gone. I'm working on getting in as much real food as possible, especially when it comes to the protein. I also need more veggies in my regimen so I'm going to make a big pot of the vegetarian sweet potato minestrone today. It keeps well and is actually good once it's cold. No need to reheat.

Saturday's song:
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere - Alan Jackson, Jimmy Buffett - AKA Alice

PEACE

Generous Return

I


HAVE


DOMS


*ouch*

My usual PT is back from vacation and was feeling extra generous on Monday. He gave me three sets of my workout instead of the usual two, plus he upped some of the weights. Even the PT assistant was surprised with the extra set. I pounded it out, but I was quite drenched and quite exhausted when I was done.

Today's run looked like this:

Activity: Run
Date: 07/14/09 10:07 AM
Distance: 2.18 miles
Time: 0:25:42
Speed: 5.1 mph
Pace: 11' 47 min/mile
Calories: 212

Let's call this a recovery run, shall we?

Instead of going to the gym for HIIT*, I did a recovery run in the neighborhood instead. I really wanted to go out longer because my mind needs it, but since I'm so sore I just took it really easy. No powering up those hills. There was no need to. I couldn't have powered up those hills if I tried.

For those of you who asked, this is a part of Tidelands Park, Cornado, CA. This is where the track club sometimes meets for long runs. Take notice of the sidewalk on the lower right side of the photo. I didn't have any good pictures of my own of Tidelands Park. I found this one doing a google search, but if you really want to, you can check here for more information and pictures about Coronado.

Here's me running on that sidewalk I mentioned. It was the 5k on the 4th of July, 2009...

Saturday's song:
Any Road - George Harrison

PEACE


*High Intensity Interval Training

Always Asking Questions

Activity: Run
Date: 07/07/09 10:30 AM
Distance: 3.12 miles
Time: 0:32:00
Speed: 5.9 mph
Pace: 10' 15 min/mile
Calories: 304

HIIT on the gym treadmill per B's written instructions. I managed to hit the gym when it wasn't so busy, so I was able to use a treadmill right in front of a mirror. The mirror really helps. I also fit in some sort of version of the workout he had written up for me. I fit in a couple sets of lunge and squat matrixes, squat and lunge reaches, and push-ups between loads of laundry. I've decided to make Tuesday an overlap day, where I do a workout and run.



A question for all you runners:

When racing and trying to improve upon each race event, do you go for an over all PR, as in lifetime PR, or do you attempt a PR for your current age group?

I'm trying to decide if it's worth it for me to attempt to get an overall PR (personal record) a 5k race. The last time I PRed in that event was in 2003 at 25:45. I know that's not the speediest time, not even for my age group, 50-54, there's some ridiculously fast women in my age group, but considering all my issues I wonder if it's something to pursue. I don't know how realistic this is. I just want to see what I could do with a 5k distance at this point, especially while building back up to a half marathon race pace for this fall and winter. As for the half marathon distance, I wasn't that fast to begin with, so I know I can PR there. When I began marathon training, the 5k distance took a back seat, and I used it as a recovery run, without any major expectations. Perhaps I should start putting a few expectations back into my runs. The past 7 months have been all about rehabbing enough to finish a marathon with no specific time goal. I did that. Yes, I was satisfied, but it was more of an unfinished business thing. Yes, I truly was happy for the rebound marathon, but it was not a "woohoo!" kind of thing. I'd like to get the "woohoo!" component back into my races.

Yesterday's song:
Hit Me With Your Best Shot - Pat Benatar - Miss Rachel

PEACE

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

I'm semi recovered from the 4th of July festivities on Saturday. I opted to stay home and view the fireworks from my backyard. We could see about 5 or 6 firework displays from our backyard, but most of those were way in the distance. The closest ones were from Sea World, and they put on quite the show this year. Unlike their nightly fireworks that start at 9:50 PM and ends at 10 PM, the 4th of July firworks probably lasted about 45 minutes. This drove my dog nuts, and her poor doggy voice was sore from barking so much.

Sunday we spent the day doing a ton of yard work, mostly in the back yard. My husband cut down a diseased eugenia bush (similar to the one pictured right, but not as healthy), and I talked him into chopping down a rather tall schefllera, (similar to the one pictured left, but not as lush and pretty), probably about 15 feet tall. That particular plant does well in humid, warm weather and shade. It was in direct sunlight, dry air, and not thriving. After the bushes were cut down into small pieces and put into cans for the greens recycle, we planted a palm tree where the schefllera was and planted several packs of dianthus (pictured below) in the same area. It's not that big an area, but it looks so much better. I should have photo-documented everything, but we were on a roll. Everything just sort of happened. My husband really enjoys using that chainsaw. We still have SO MUCH WORK TO DO. I really wish I could take a magic wand and suddenly have a backyard that looks like a tropical resort... HOWEVER, I don't have the staff for the continuous upkeep. The staff is just me.



Today was RU with a different PT, since my usual guy is on vacation. I did two rounds all of the usual stuff, like the squat matrix and lunge matrix, pylometrics, stability ball push-ups, and one new exercise. He had me do parallel grip pull-ups with my feet with one of those pull-up bars you attach to a door. My feet were anchored against the door, so my arms weren't completely lifting up 100% of my body weight. I easily did 10, so he added 5 more, which was no problem. I could have churned out 30 in one shot, but since I was already wiped out by just one set of the usual exercises, I used that pull-up portion of my workout to cool down. When I was done with the workout one of the assistants helped me with the ice pack for my hip, and I had a really nice, relaxing cool down, feet up. I could have easily taken a nap.

RU has three televisions all set to ESPN, all day long. Tour de France was on the tube while my hip was being iced. I happened to catch a portion of the race where two cyclists bumped into each other, causing both to crash. The weird thing was that they started swinging punches at each other. Some of the PTs commented "those guys really need boxing lessons." I never knew fist fights were a part of the Tour de France. It was so odd. I can deal with fights in hockey, and, of course, in boxing (duh), but in cycling? I don't follow the sport of cycling, so I don't know about things like that. Flat tires I'm aware of, fist fights is a whole other story.

Saturday's song:
Independence Day - Martina McBride - Katiefeldmom

PEACE

Schefllera photo from Mauroguanandi
Eugenia photo from Wikipedia.org
Dianthus photo from Missouriplants.com

Lucky Number

Yesterday

Activity: Run - Treadmill
Date: 06/30/09 11:00 AM
Distance: 3.33 miles
Time: 0:35:00
Speed: 5.7 mph
Pace: 10' 30 min/mile
Calories: 332

I tried to get on a treadmill in front of a mirror, but there weren't any available, and it was really hard to see my form around the guy on the treadmill in front of me. When he did get off, I could at least see my shoulders in the mirror for a few minutes, but it was soon occupied by another guy, and much larger. Being on the gym treadmill is the only time I can really check my form because I can usually be right in front of a mirror while running, but there's only 6 treadmills right in front of the mirror, and they were all occupied today. The treadmill that I did use is different, and the cool down is programed for 5 minutes instead of 2, so my average pace reads much lower, factoring in the 5 minutes cool down.


Today's workout

RU
Two sets each of:
*lunge matrix with a 12# ball - 6 sets, two different lifts, overhead and side
*bowler squats with a Glide, using one 10# dumbbell
*step-ups with a jump onto an 18" box X 15
*two footed jump squat onto an 18" soft form X 12
*one footed jump down from a 12" soft form X 6
*Burpees X 10
*Jump Matrix X 5
*200 yards run

*stretching
*ice

I asked B about my proposed workout schedule, telling him that it reads as 8 days, and it sort of threw him. He was perplexed as to why I would think that, but it was the wording. It really does read as 8 days. He just didn't hash out the finer details in writing. Essentially, I'm working out and/or running a total of 6 days, with one rest day. He wants me to shoot for 4 days of running, which could be hills, intervals, my long slow distance run, or tempo runs. One day I would have to double up the a run and a strength workout, then I have 2 days at RU. I know how the workout schedules pan out. I've been doing the workout thing for the long haul, so it's not as if I couldn't figure things out on my own, but when you're going to someone for guidance, you kind of need to have the finer details. After a while it was just kind of funny.

Any way...

I picked up my race number and goody bag for the 5k run on the 4th of July:

Bonus points for the goody bag. It's one of those cloth-like, reusable shopping tote bags. I hope this is a trend that will stick around.

Monday's song:
Days Of The Week - Stone Temple Pilots

PEACE

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Yesterday

Activity: Run - Treadmill
Date: 04/16/09 11:00 AM
Distance: 4.01 miles
Time: 0:42:00
Speed: 5.7 mph
Pace: 10' 30 min/mile
Calories: 399

Yesterday was 40 minutes of 4 minute intervals on the gym treadmill. The last two minutes were the treadmill cool down. I was able to go a wee bit faster without killing myself and took a minute off my m/m average, even with the cool down.

I feel pretty good. Not so toasted like Wednesday.

Today

I'm still waffling between attending tomorrow's track club long run or just doing my own thing. It's a 17 miler starting at the Oceanside Pier. Part of the reason why I'm waffling is because of the drive up. It's about a 35 minute drive up the interstate, which means trying to wake up my non-morning person of a husband early enough to arrive on time for the 6:30 am warm-up run and stretch. If it were a matter of just jumping out of bed, throwing on some running garb and taking off then we'd be OK, but we need to eat a small something at least an hour or more before we leave, and just getting my husband to wake up and eat breakfast in the wee hours of the morning takes a while. It's not the train run or a race day so there's no motivation for him to get moving. You know I'd be bitching at him to get a move on because we'd be late. I intensely dislike being late for anything. My other option is to run at the bay, which is less than a 5 minute drive down the road. No bitching involved. I'm sort of thinking running at the bay seems better and better all the time. Of course, the down side to not attending the track club's long run is that we won't get to see all of our friends, which is a big motivating factor for these longer runs -- hence the waffling. We'll see what happens.

I'm suddenly craving waffles.














Wednesday's song:
It's Not Over - Daughtry - Barbie2be

PEACE

I'm On My Way

I had every intention of posting yesterday, which never happened. I did end up working out at home with The Bean, (push-ups, abs, obliques, back extensions, hamstrings, hips), which is a workout, it's something, but compared to the workouts I used to do, I really felt like I was back at square one even though I'm really not. I have some progress to report: I held a plank position for about 1:15 minutes, which doesn't sound like much, but for the longest time I couldn't even attempt do one second. I guess the core muscles are s-l-o-w-l-y returning. I knew everything wasn't going to come back over night. It's going to take at least a full year, and then some.

I'm on my way.

Wednesday's song:
Where To Now, St.Peter? - Elton John, Ann Wilson & Elton John


PEACE

I Know

Activity: Run
Date: 01/06/09 06:38 PM
Distance: 2.93 miles
Time: 0:31:26
Speed: 5.6 mph
Pace: 10' 43 min/mile
Calories: 283



Last night was the workout with the track club. We ran just about 8 laps, jogged on the turns, ran on the straight-away. (The above stats include the warm up run.) I met several new people who I was running next to in the warm up, then reunited with more people I knew from last year who weren't at the first meeting on Saturday. As for the workout, I have a lot to work on with posture and NOT LIMPING WHILE RUNNING. That's going to be tough because I can't see myself run to make the correction. One lady asked me if I was hurting. It doesn't hurt at all, it's just a little stiff. It wouldn't be stiff if I could have a massage just prior to running - just like in physical therapy, but that's never going to happen. I know it's going to take time for everything to be/appear "normal" again. Just so everyone knows, I am not going into this marathon training/running thing with reckless abandon. My doctors all know. I'll also be visiting the chiropractor in about a week.

Yesterday's song:
Snow (Hey Oh) - Red Hot Chili Peppers - 2nd Chances
PEACE

Kind and Generous

Halloween came and went. My grandson was rather disappointed when we took down all of the ghosts, spiderwebs, pumpkins, lights, scarecrow, and all the other Halloween decor we had put out. As for trick or treating, the kid made out quite well. Our neighborhood is rather generous and gives out full sized candy bars or lunch sized bags just packed with candy. Due to his recent dental work, he is not allowed to have caramels, toffees, or any chewy, gooey candy. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) that was most of his candy. He received a lot of Snickers bars and other similar chocolate candy with a caramel center, and those are on the no list. There was plenty of candy left for him to select from, and he's allowed a couple of pieces after school. My son and his friends ended up with the candy on the no list, so all is well in our household, and those Snickers bars are no longer tempting me.

My daughter ended up winning third place for her costume at a huge Halloween party. She came home with a Batman DVD and the bronze-third place skull.

Now that Halloween has passed, I'm going to make yet another attempt to get back on board with weight training and paying closer attention to nutrition again. I'm starting over as if I had never lifted a weight, and today was the first day. It's hard to hold back and not go heavy too soon. I know I can go heavier, but the problem is getting the weights from the weight stand to the bench. If I could have someone hand me the weights, I could go heavier, but since I workout alone, I have to stick with the 5 pound dumbbell weights for now, and just do a few sets with high reps. I got into trouble last time moving the heavier weights from the weight stand to the bench because the muscles in my right leg are still relatively weak. I did get in an OK workout today, but it wasn't anything to get my endorphins going. It's a start. As for the nutrition part, I did OK today. I'm working on even carb/protein/fat ratios with in 1600 calories, 5 days a week. I may have to tweak the caloric intake up a bit when begin to run more. It was a little carb heavy today, but I'll work that out. I just need to do some mindful grocery shopping.

Sunday's song:
November Has Come - The Gorillaz

PEACE