Run #2 of 2015

You may be shocked but I went for a run yesterday.

Here’s the story behind it…

I don’t always start my morning checking my Timehop but yesterday I did.  One year ago I wrote this blog post: The words no runner wants to hear.  Last year at this time I was crying because I couldn’t run.  This year I woke up with no thoughts of even trying to run.  It’s cold.  It’s icy.  I have new puppy mom guilt.  Priorities have changed since bringing home my little G and I am loving every minute with her.

 

Back to yesterday... 

After a little Timehop motivation, I bundled up in my favorite "winter running jacket" and headed out for 2 miles.  Yup, 2 miles.  That’s it.  It was super icy (I need Yaktrax!) and some could debate that I did more walking than running.  The important thing was that I got out there.  Remember what I said in Begin a Fitness Routine?  Ease into it.  I gotta start somewhere!

About 3/4 miles in, I avoided a near wipe out and began to ask myself, “Why am I out here again?” 

 

Because I can!  I’m a runner.  Running is what I do!

Did I run today?  No.  Will I run tomorrow?  Who knows.  But I AM really looking forward to my next run… which is a very good sign for me!

If you woke up this morning feeling blah, get out there and just do it.  You’ll feel much better after you accomplished something.  Oh, and wear your sunscreen kids.  No more repeats of last February.

2015 Totals: 6 miles

See Ya 2014!

I consider 2014 an off year for me.   

I started the year with big goals that were threatened by MRIs and stupid stitches.  

No marathons.  No half marathons.  I didn’t run or work Falmouth.   

But I did run a 5k at Women Running Wild and a 10k PR at the Tufts 10k for Women!  I also joined a Run Club, bought a house and got a puppy!   

I’m not a big believer in New Year’s Resolutions [see Hello 2014!] but I do hope to run more miles in 2015 than I did in 2014 and sign up for a few goal races to bring the motivation back.

What are your goals for the New Year?  Do you make resolutions?

Tufts 10k Training Week 1: “Hey, are you guys with Meb?”

It was Week 1 of an 8-week training program for the Tufts 10k for Women and let me tell you—it was quite the week!  For what was turning into an off year for me in terms of running and training, a little Falmouth Road Race weekend inspiration was just what I needed to get me motivated and back on track.

I decided awhile back that my goal race of the year was going to be the Tufts 10k.  The last couple years, I planned my year around a spring and fall half marathons and marathon but I started out 2014 with some unexpected stitches and couch time so I wanted to make this a fun year of 5ks and road races.  The first and only time I ran the Tufts 10k (or any 10k for that matter) was shortly after knee surgery when Lizzie had to pretty much carry me to the finish line.  I am hoping this year is different!

The week started out pretty normal.  Well if you consider seeing a mermaid in your new neighborhood normal!  (That’s another story...)  Anyway, my mini vacation started on Thursday with a perfect little overnight trip to Chatham with Lizzie and her friend Kelly.  Friday night was the 3rd Marathon Sports Mashpee Pub Run.  The Mizuno sponsor had car troubles but Marathon Sports did not disappoint with the post-run snacks and drinks.  Saturday we took advantage of tax free weekend and I was able to send some time by the pool.

As a Falmouth Road Race “alum,” this weekend was like a big family reunion.  From former staff members, current staff members, volunteers, elite athletes, and friends, it’s always nice to see everyone and catch up in between the craziness that is race weekend.  It was super weird, sad, awkward, etc. not working or volunteering but FRR, you couldn’t keep me away.

The Falmouth Mile is one of my favorite events of the weekend.  This year they added a youth mile to go along with the high school, wheelchair and elite races.  Let’s be honest, the only reason I go is to see old friends and watch the elites.  They are freaking fast and so much fun to watch.  This year five men broke 4 minutes on my high school track and the women’s race was stacked with amazing talent.  I was so happy Eilis aka Shadizzle was there and we got to hang out and reminisce. 

Another highlight was introducing my dad to Meb Keflezighi.  I first met Meb back in 2007 and his brother Hawi shortly after.  They are both awesome guys.  I actually convinced Hawi to run Falmouth back in 2010 and it seems like that runs in the family because my dad challenged him to run in 2015.  You have some work to do Hawi to redeem yourself—I’ll be checking in with you and your training!  My parents and I last saw him at the Chicago Marathon in 2012 and the next week my dad started running.  His interest in the sport has grown and like the rest of America, he’s been inspired by Meb.  I can tell that made my dad’s day so that made me very happy.

Road Race morning was strange.  Everything is so different now.  I didn’t set an alarm.  I tried to sleep in but like I said, I couldn’t stay away.  It was a 6 mile “long run” day for me and I haven’t found any long run routes in my new hood yet so I drove to my parents house in Falmouth.  Timing was perfect.  I ran the 3+ miles to Falmouth Heights with about 5 minutes to spare before the elite women crossed the finish line.  I was pulling for a Molly Huddle win as she’s been on fire this summer but she ended up in third after a tough battle in the heat and humidity.

I did not attend the post race party this year and the after party was the tamest of all my years... and I’m totally ok with that.  I watched Chris George eat the biggest bowl of cookie dough ice cream ever before going to Anejo, my favorite!  Matt AND Eilis came.  That’s a big deal.  All the girls were there.  Kelly and Allie are finally 21.  I met Kelly’s man Shane.  Little John had baby pics.  Meb and Hawi showed up.  Good drinks and great conversations.  Meb ordered a burrito and we learned that that is his favorite recovery meal... which is good news for all us Mexican lovers!  Although he didn’t eat his rice... 

Fantastic week.  2015, I’m running.  And so is Kelly, Allie, Hawi, and my daddo.  Who’s with us?

Week 1 Recap

Monday – 4 miles

Tuesday – Spin class

Wednesday – Nothing!

Thursday – 3 miles

Friday – 3 mile Pub Run

Saturday – 4 miles

Sunday – 3.25 miles and 3 miles

Week 1 Totals: 20.25 miles

Friday long runs are back!

& Spring is here on Cape Cod?   

I finally recovered from Monday's workout that left me foam rolling my screaming hamstrings ALL WEEK.  It sounded so simple and easy.  I modified an old workout from Eric...

Circuit:

·      20 Box Jumps

·      Walking Lunge with Curl AND Press 8# x10

·      Single Leg Deadlift 12# x10 each

·      10 Push Ups

3 times through.  No rest between exercises.  2 minute rest in between rounds.

I survived an easy 5 mile run on Wednesday and a recovery day on Thursday (by recovery I mean Spin & Power Water!) so this morning I dug out my shorts and compression socks for my longest run since my stitches.  It was a beautiful 66 degrees.  The sun was shining.  I also swallowed my first bug of the season & almost face planted trying to cross a busy street.  Overall a great spring long run on my favorite day of the week.  Happy Friday y’all.

6 Weeks til the Piggy Trot!

2 posts in one day?  Yessir.  That's because after I received that email today, I realized we are 6 weeks away until the Piggy Trot.  Time to get my butt in gear!!  The Piggy Trot was supposed to be the big race: me vs. my strength and conditioning coach, but I took 4 weeks off this winter because of my stupid stitches… and he took [more than] 4 weeks off for "an injury."  He may not realize it but it’s still on.

I began mapping out my 6 week training plan during my lunch break and also learned I have very competitive co-workers.  An email from Drew got me fired up and ready to start training.  Wasn’t I was just saying I needed some motivation...

Day 1

3 mile run (24:06)

4 strides, jog in between = 1 mile (8:26)

10 TRX Squats

Unrelated: 26 Days til Britney!

10 each TRX Single Leg Squats

10 each TRX Power Pull

10 TRX Row

10 each TRX Single Leg Row

2x15 TRX Bridge

2x15 TRX Bridge with Hamstring Curl

10 TRX Plank with Mountain Climbers

2x10 TRX Plank with Hip Abduction

10 TRX Plank with Side Tucks

5” each Side Plank

10” each Side Plank

30” each Side Plank

60” Forearm Plank

Foam Roll & Stretch

2014 Comeback

Today looked like summer but felt like winter never left us... Mother Nature tricked us.  

It was my longest run of my 2014 comeback (stupid stitches) and it was a struggle fest.  The last few weeks of running has not been enjoyable.  Thankfully Linda came along for the ride to keep me going.

Time to get motivated.  And I need your help!

If you haven’t already heard, I didn’t get into New York.  I wasn’t expecting to get in as a first time entrant but I couldn’t help but feel the disappointment after receiving my rejection email.  On the other hand, the way my training (or lack of training) is going, it’s sort of a relief.

I have learned as a runner, I am not good without a plan.  I need dates on the calendar and goals to work towards.  2014 wasn't meant to be for marathon #2.  Maybe it's a year to try new distances (a 10 miler perhaps?) or focus on a 5k/10k PR?  

I want to know… what races have my readers signed up for in 2014?

I'd love to hear from each and every one of you.  Comment below & send me your 2014 race schedules!  What races should I sign up for?!  

I ran a mile!!

Want to know how I knew today was going to be a good day?  My Friday morning began with purchasing Britney Spears tickets in Vegas!  Can’t wait to go with my 2 favorite people: Lindi Lou and BFF Barbie!!!! #oldladiestrip

Anyway, today marks 4 weeks since my stitches.  The doctor told me they will dissolve in 4-6 weeks.  Since I am super impatient, I had to go for a little test run today. 

I was already at Mashpee Fitness for a meeting so I had no excuses.  I put on a piece of pink argyle Rock Tape to hold everything together and got to work.

Fitness Friday

10 minute Arc Trainer warm up

1 mile run (7:36) – I felt pressure and discomfort in the area of the stitches about a quarter mile in but kept going.  I was cruising at a pretty good pace but my heart rate was skyrocketing!  Probably a good 15-20 bpm higher than it would have been on the same run 4 weeks ago but I ran a mile!!

  

2 Rounds of TRX Exercises from Winter Workout #1:

1.     10 squat

2.     10 each single leg squat

3.     10 each side lunge

4.     10 each power pull

5.     10 suspended push ups

Foam Roll & Ice

Then & Now

THEN

February 1, 2014: Jen the Runner

  

NOW 

March 1, 2014: Jen the Knitter?

I am currently teaching myself to knit.  New hobbies!
What do you do when you can't run?

#ishouldbestudying
#getmyassinthepool

MRI Results

My MRI results confirmed I fractured my big toe. 

 

Wait, what?

There was inconclusive evidence to support my foot pain.  Long story short last week’s MRI of my right foot and ankle revealed no unusual stress or trauma to the area being tested.  A few other minor things popped up but nothing worth worrying about.

Now the doctor thinks my troubles could be muscle related.  Perhaps a muscle strain or inflammation from overuse.  I definitely have ankle instability and would benefit from general ankle strengthening exercises but Boyle said he was confident that when I left his office a few weeks ago that an MRI would show a stress fracture.

 

The only major stress (& totally unrelated to any of my foot pain) was in my toe.  Remember Providence when I stubbed it going downhill?  Well apparently I was so focused on my black toenail that it didn’t even cross my mind that I actually fractured it!

This loser broke her toe running a half marathon.   

Can you believe it?

Anyway, my stitches/non-stress fracture all happening at the same time could be a blessing in disguise as I’m forced to rest and ice.  Did I really just say that? 

Recap:
Week 1 was easy.  I was in a lot of pain from the procedure and the weather was crappy.  Week 2 I stayed busy with after work activities such as my MRI and a lovely drive to Tony Kent Ice Rink to interview skaters for the Mashpee Fitness blog.  Week 3 I’m getting antsy.  External stitches were removed on Friday but I still can’t come out of the saddle in spin class.  Saturday I went for a 3.3 mile walk with Linda only to lay on the couch for the rest of the day.  On Monday my internal stitches punished me for a 12 minute elliptical ride and today a few members caught me demonstrating high knees/high heels and threatened to call my mother.

Womp, womp, womp.

Throwback Thursday Olympics Edition

2007 Falmouth Road Race.  I feel like this was a lifetime ago.  At the time I had retired from running.  Then I came out of retirement.  Signed up for a couple races.  Rediscovered my love of running.  I even ran a freaking marathon.  Now I’m mid-breakup until these darn stitches dissolve and this foot gets figured out.

On another note: Lolo Jones will always hold a special place in my heart.  #TeamLolo

Day 2 of 42

The anesthesia has definitely worn off.  My foot is constantly throbbing and it is very painful to walk or put any lateral pressure.  Dr. Liska gave me a prescription for pain medication but I am trying to hold off.  The first 48 hours are the worst, right?

In other news, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix is tonight at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston!  Watch it live on NBC Sports Network starting at 4:30pm.

The words no runner wants to hear...

No running 4-6 weeks.

That’s right.  It was considered a “minor procedure” at the dermatologist office.  I’m not injured.  Well I’m getting an MRI next week on the same foot but that hasn’t been stopping me.

The foot is a highly sensitive, complex structure made up of 26 bones, 19 large muscles, many smaller intrinsic muscles, and more than 100 ligaments.  The two main functions of the foot are support and propulsion.  When running, each foot comes into contact with the ground approximately 75 to 100 times per minute.  The force when your foot makes contact with the ground can be over 2.5 times your body weight!

All that pounding apparently is not good for the location of my incision.  Dr. Liska told me how much I rest and elevate the next 48 hours would have an effect on how quickly I recover.  External stitches will be removed in 2 weeks; internal stiches will dissolve within 4-6 weeks.  Sweet.