Every Monday one of the local running shops in town hosts a "Women's Running Group". I enthusiastically joined this group about six weeks ago, then crashed out sick for a few weeks then came back to group ready to go.
It was going well, a few ladies with a speedy but do-able pace. I was thinking "Hey, I can do this".
I should provide some background by saying that I've never really been interested in being faster at this running business. Is that weird? I really just like to run and rarely get beyond a 10-minute mile pace which I know is slooooowwww as molaaaaasses but all I really want to do is finish and finish at my pace. Should I be reaching for loftier goals?
Anyway, so I take off from my house and run down to the park where the group meets. It's about a mile down there so I'm thinking that's a good warm-up, it'll give me some time to stretch then off we'll go. Within moments a pack of ladies show up and as we take off we look like a gang. A gang of lady runners with fabulous legs. It's going well, we're chatting, it's cool. Then I notice it's getting a bit harder to chat. People seem to be moving farther away. "What is going on?" I think. Well, a gang of quick-as-lightning ladies is what was going on. I was dead last and stayed that way. I'm slow. And I don't think I could blame it on my warm up mile.
This left me a bit discouraged and I started to wonder if maybe I should try to be faster. This could only help matters, right?
It'd be fun to be quick-as-lightning.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
It has been awhile...
since I've posted. I blame it on the busy factor. Get up, race out the door, work, pick up kiddo, bath, bedtime, run, eat, pass out, wake up and do it again. Geez. Life has felt like a treadmill lately. This is not a good thing.
Because of this, when running I've been trying to use the time to really focus on being mindful and thoughtful. This is really the only time I have to myself and it is probably best to use that time to recharge as opposed to thinking about what needs to be done or what I'm not doing enough of (this line of thought is my specialty). Last night's run was 7 miles long. Plenty of time to think and enjoy things like the river, the sunset, the pleasant fact that it is too early in the season for bothersome bugs, the music playing in my ears, the joy that comes from knowing my body is carrying my farther than it has in awhile. You know, those little details. You sleep better at night when you take time to be thoughtful I think.
The half-marathon goal is only eight weeks away at this point. Training is going well in spite of losing about a week and a half to yet another cold. Plantar fasciitis is still lurking, though with ibuprofen and daily icing I seem to be doing okay. My hope is to be able to hold it off until I get through the half.
It is now time for The Office and some wine. A quality combination.
Because of this, when running I've been trying to use the time to really focus on being mindful and thoughtful. This is really the only time I have to myself and it is probably best to use that time to recharge as opposed to thinking about what needs to be done or what I'm not doing enough of (this line of thought is my specialty). Last night's run was 7 miles long. Plenty of time to think and enjoy things like the river, the sunset, the pleasant fact that it is too early in the season for bothersome bugs, the music playing in my ears, the joy that comes from knowing my body is carrying my farther than it has in awhile. You know, those little details. You sleep better at night when you take time to be thoughtful I think.
The half-marathon goal is only eight weeks away at this point. Training is going well in spite of losing about a week and a half to yet another cold. Plantar fasciitis is still lurking, though with ibuprofen and daily icing I seem to be doing okay. My hope is to be able to hold it off until I get through the half.
It is now time for The Office and some wine. A quality combination.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Success and inspiration
I'm thanking my lucky stars that things are still going well on the running front. I bow at the throne of taking-the-time-to-stretch-thoroughly every day and it has paid off. I've been going easy on increasing my mileage as well. Overall things are clipping along quite nicely. I even went so far as to join a local women's running group that meets once a week. This will help with motivation and accountability. I'm much more likely to get out there when I know there's people waiting. Last but not least registering for The Dirty Half has been a great way to stay committed. I'm locked into it by forking over the $40 it cost to register (don't want to waste that money) and this distance has been a goal for such a long time. It's so close!
Spring has sprung (maybe) and training is going well. I'm feeling confident that I'll be able to reach my running goals this year and this is something I've never felt before. There's always been a great deal of doubt but finally deciding to go for it has erased the negative feelings surrounding my running.
A litte bit of inspiration from these ladies doesn't hurt the cause either:
Between The Miles
Frayed Laces
Training For A Half
Spring has sprung (maybe) and training is going well. I'm feeling confident that I'll be able to reach my running goals this year and this is something I've never felt before. There's always been a great deal of doubt but finally deciding to go for it has erased the negative feelings surrounding my running.
A litte bit of inspiration from these ladies doesn't hurt the cause either:
Between The Miles
Frayed Laces
Training For A Half
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Back in action
So after seven-ish weeks of little to no running, rest, ice, ibuprofen, rest, repeat I am happy to say that last week I took my feet for a spin and experienced pain-free running.
I AM SO HAPPY.
I AM SO CAUTIOUS.
I have learned a few things from all this plantar fascitiis business and will be changing my evil ways. I have always been a lazy stretcher so that has become a priority. I know that lack of stretching is one of the reasons I wound up with an injury. I'm often so to eager to run that I don't bother to do more than just a cursory stretch of major muscles. That is completely counter-intuitive and I am working on making a thorough streching routine a habit that includes time spent stretching my feet. There is also this rule that when coming back from an injury or extended time off you should only increase your mileage by 10% each week. I am faithfully following this rule. I'm also taking it slow and not trying to reach huge goals right away. Not only is this a good idea but it's also a nessecity. After being off my feet for so long, the first time I went out it was pretty much all I could do to run a mile. This has been and continues to be incredibly disheartening. It's amazing how fast you lose everything that has been built up. Though I guess seven weeks is a pretty long time.
This setback hasn't stopped me from registering for a local half-marathon. I have until June and I feel confident that I'll be up to speed by then. In the meantime I am doing everything I can to stay on the mend and become a better runner by doing some things I should have been doing all along. I am still pretty nervous about my foot though so I guess "running scared" would be a very true phrase at this point.
I AM SO HAPPY.
I AM SO CAUTIOUS.
I have learned a few things from all this plantar fascitiis business and will be changing my evil ways. I have always been a lazy stretcher so that has become a priority. I know that lack of stretching is one of the reasons I wound up with an injury. I'm often so to eager to run that I don't bother to do more than just a cursory stretch of major muscles. That is completely counter-intuitive and I am working on making a thorough streching routine a habit that includes time spent stretching my feet. There is also this rule that when coming back from an injury or extended time off you should only increase your mileage by 10% each week. I am faithfully following this rule. I'm also taking it slow and not trying to reach huge goals right away. Not only is this a good idea but it's also a nessecity. After being off my feet for so long, the first time I went out it was pretty much all I could do to run a mile. This has been and continues to be incredibly disheartening. It's amazing how fast you lose everything that has been built up. Though I guess seven weeks is a pretty long time.
This setback hasn't stopped me from registering for a local half-marathon. I have until June and I feel confident that I'll be up to speed by then. In the meantime I am doing everything I can to stay on the mend and become a better runner by doing some things I should have been doing all along. I am still pretty nervous about my foot though so I guess "running scared" would be a very true phrase at this point.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A vent letter
Dear Doctor,
I went to see you in good faith. On the recommendation of several co-workers. I do not like going to the doctor and have been known to cancel appointments without 24 hours advance notice which I know is a cardinal sin in your world. But I pressed on and made an appointment with you and ACTUALLY kept it. I was excited too.
See, I have this problem with my foot. Plantar fascitiis perhaps? It is only under extreme duress and the potential loss of even more running time that I went to see you. I had heard good things, that you were a former team doctor for some professional something-or-other team, etc, etc. I had also heard that you were very good-looking but I can assure that had no bearing on my choice.
I arrive at your clinic which is decorated in tasteful earth tones, with peaceful music playing and pay my $30 co-pay. I meet you. They were not exaggerating when they said you were good-looking. In fact I don't think they gave you enough credit.
Anyway. You ask a few questions, look at my foot, poke at it a little, decide that yes, plantar fascitiis seems to be the problem and then declare that "laser therapy" is the answer. You show me a stretch or two, tell me to put heat on it and come back twice a week for three weeks for "laser therapy" at $30 a pop.
Hmmmmm. Really?
So I spend the weekend doing some research, talking to people, seeking advice and crying a little because I just don't know what to do. I am perplexed that I went to see you and recieved so little information as well as some off the wall idea. Do you know what I find out dear doctor? I find out that plantar fascitiis is a complex beast and there is no real answer on how to get rid of it. Most folks have the best luck with stretching, resting and targeted foot massage. Then there's taping your foot to support it, pool-running as a way to rehab gently, oh yeah and rest. Your "laser-therapy" is one of the things that is recommended as a last resort and has been shown to often only be as effective as a placebo effect.
I decide to call and cancel my twice-weekly-for-three-weeks appointments. You, thinking your adding a personal touch, I'm sure, call me and leave a voicemail saying that "laser therapy is the ONLY thing that will help". Not true, dear doctor, not true. It has been two full weeks since I have run and I am waiting yet another week before taking my feet for a spin. I have been stretching and heating my foot religiously and guess what? It feels great. I am confident that rest has been the key to solving this mess. I am also confident that you were just trying to make a buck with your new, cheap "laser" machine that you can charge folks a bunch of money to use on them.
Yes, I know this may be a problem for the rest of my life. But thanks for helping realize I should have listened to my gut and just kept resting and that I do know what I'm doing sometimes.
Eat my dust doc.
Love,
Fawn
I went to see you in good faith. On the recommendation of several co-workers. I do not like going to the doctor and have been known to cancel appointments without 24 hours advance notice which I know is a cardinal sin in your world. But I pressed on and made an appointment with you and ACTUALLY kept it. I was excited too.
See, I have this problem with my foot. Plantar fascitiis perhaps? It is only under extreme duress and the potential loss of even more running time that I went to see you. I had heard good things, that you were a former team doctor for some professional something-or-other team, etc, etc. I had also heard that you were very good-looking but I can assure that had no bearing on my choice.
I arrive at your clinic which is decorated in tasteful earth tones, with peaceful music playing and pay my $30 co-pay. I meet you. They were not exaggerating when they said you were good-looking. In fact I don't think they gave you enough credit.
Anyway. You ask a few questions, look at my foot, poke at it a little, decide that yes, plantar fascitiis seems to be the problem and then declare that "laser therapy" is the answer. You show me a stretch or two, tell me to put heat on it and come back twice a week for three weeks for "laser therapy" at $30 a pop.
Hmmmmm. Really?
So I spend the weekend doing some research, talking to people, seeking advice and crying a little because I just don't know what to do. I am perplexed that I went to see you and recieved so little information as well as some off the wall idea. Do you know what I find out dear doctor? I find out that plantar fascitiis is a complex beast and there is no real answer on how to get rid of it. Most folks have the best luck with stretching, resting and targeted foot massage. Then there's taping your foot to support it, pool-running as a way to rehab gently, oh yeah and rest. Your "laser-therapy" is one of the things that is recommended as a last resort and has been shown to often only be as effective as a placebo effect.
I decide to call and cancel my twice-weekly-for-three-weeks appointments. You, thinking your adding a personal touch, I'm sure, call me and leave a voicemail saying that "laser therapy is the ONLY thing that will help". Not true, dear doctor, not true. It has been two full weeks since I have run and I am waiting yet another week before taking my feet for a spin. I have been stretching and heating my foot religiously and guess what? It feels great. I am confident that rest has been the key to solving this mess. I am also confident that you were just trying to make a buck with your new, cheap "laser" machine that you can charge folks a bunch of money to use on them.
Yes, I know this may be a problem for the rest of my life. But thanks for helping realize I should have listened to my gut and just kept resting and that I do know what I'm doing sometimes.
Eat my dust doc.
Love,
Fawn
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Not well-rounded
I think it's been about three weeks since I have consistently run at all. It's been seven days since my last run which failed miserably. Foot spasms don't make for an enjoyable time. Yesterday, with the dawn of a new week stretching out before me with no sign of exercise combined with feeling like I was going to jump out of my skin, I was prompted to schedule an appointment with a sports injury specialist. I can't stand going to the doctor but I can't stand running even more. I'm pretty excited about my appointment. I can't wait to get some direction on what to do with this.
This mystery foot problem has definetly affected my plans to run a 10 mile race at the end of March. If I can get this problem solved by the end of next week and find a four-leaf clover I might, might be able to make it work but that is being wildly optimistic I think.
Something I have realized over the past few weeks, while waiting to magically get better is that I am not a very well-rounded athlete. I don't really have a back-up plan when I can't run. I should have some sort of cross-training activity at least. Like biking. But my bike hasn't been tuned up in two years. It's very dusty. I could swim, but I'm not a very good swimmer. By not very good swimmer I mean that I need to go back and take the swimming lessons that are standard for kids. Yoga? Meh. Good in theory, not that much fun in practice. Though I did like Bikram yoga the one time I tried that. Even though I almost passed out and couldn't drive home. I have been walking the butte with Shannon which is good fun but irritating to said foot. So I have discovered that while I love running I really need to find something I enjoy almost as much so I can have a substitute when things go sour.
There is little to no cardiovascular benefit to sitting around and drinking wine.
This mystery foot problem has definetly affected my plans to run a 10 mile race at the end of March. If I can get this problem solved by the end of next week and find a four-leaf clover I might, might be able to make it work but that is being wildly optimistic I think.
Something I have realized over the past few weeks, while waiting to magically get better is that I am not a very well-rounded athlete. I don't really have a back-up plan when I can't run. I should have some sort of cross-training activity at least. Like biking. But my bike hasn't been tuned up in two years. It's very dusty. I could swim, but I'm not a very good swimmer. By not very good swimmer I mean that I need to go back and take the swimming lessons that are standard for kids. Yoga? Meh. Good in theory, not that much fun in practice. Though I did like Bikram yoga the one time I tried that. Even though I almost passed out and couldn't drive home. I have been walking the butte with Shannon which is good fun but irritating to said foot. So I have discovered that while I love running I really need to find something I enjoy almost as much so I can have a substitute when things go sour.
There is little to no cardiovascular benefit to sitting around and drinking wine.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Humbled but frustrated
This winter has been unique in that I have actually increased my running mileage which is something I have never done in the past. I've even set my sights on a late winter/early spring run of considerable mileage. The Horse Butte 10 miler will be the first race of what I hope is a productive running year.
But.
Over the past three weeks I have recieved gentle reminders from my body to watch it and take it easy. I have always struggled with nagging plantar fasciitis in my right foot and it has definetly flared up due to running in some old shoes. I've also tweaked a muscle in my calf so any running is out of the question at this point. I'll admit that I have made some poor decisions which have landed me in this place, such as running in old shoes instead of buying new ones immediately. Then there was the beautiful weather yesterday plus the inauguration. Any excuse to go for a run, right? I made it about a 1/4 of a mile before certain muscles and ligaments starting kicking my ass for taking them outside to play. My eagerness to keep running overshadowed the fact that maybe it was time for a rest.
So while I am so very frustrated and feeling cabin-fever-ish I am also humbled by the fact that our bodies tell us what to do and it is up to us to listen in order to get the best benefit. At this point in order to make that 10-miler in March some serious rest is in order.
Now I'm hoping for horrible weather so it doesn't seem so bad.
But.
Over the past three weeks I have recieved gentle reminders from my body to watch it and take it easy. I have always struggled with nagging plantar fasciitis in my right foot and it has definetly flared up due to running in some old shoes. I've also tweaked a muscle in my calf so any running is out of the question at this point. I'll admit that I have made some poor decisions which have landed me in this place, such as running in old shoes instead of buying new ones immediately. Then there was the beautiful weather yesterday plus the inauguration. Any excuse to go for a run, right? I made it about a 1/4 of a mile before certain muscles and ligaments starting kicking my ass for taking them outside to play. My eagerness to keep running overshadowed the fact that maybe it was time for a rest.
So while I am so very frustrated and feeling cabin-fever-ish I am also humbled by the fact that our bodies tell us what to do and it is up to us to listen in order to get the best benefit. At this point in order to make that 10-miler in March some serious rest is in order.
Now I'm hoping for horrible weather so it doesn't seem so bad.
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