RUN 4 miles in 40 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
How I'm dealing with my back came to the surface in this morning's run. It's all I thought about! I had only a mild pain in the right ribs (didn't mention this yesterday, but the rib pain is the symptom of the muscles buttressing the spine). I'd call it a 2 on the pain scale? It's there, but not bad. My pain scale is so messed up.
I kept it as easy as possible, no pick ups, curb jumps, leaps or bounds. Just soft foot falls. Not a bad idea anyway for my rest week.
My bike commute was OK, aside from the fact that I obsessed over every bump. No pains. Walking the dog, however, I can see where that could cause problems if she pulls to hard or if I snap the line to stop her. Wonder if that's a source of the problem?
And no pains in my body-weight or 5lb dumb bell strength routine this morning. That hasn't been hurting the past few days.
Part of what I'm processing is the transition from seeing my injury as a muscle pull to seeing it for what it is. I've been treating it gently, but not I'm concerned with Dr M referred to as jarring hits.
I'm going to start my pain log that Dr M asked for, detailed over the next 2 weeks. And I'll pull info from this blog. BE HONEST!!
I think I'm still in denial. I sent an email out to my Hive and others who have asked, and the most common response is "well it's good to have an answer". I'm not sure how to take that. But what did I expect anyone to say? Why am I surprised to keep hearing that? I mean, what else would they say?
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Broken!
Rest day.
Got the results of the bone scan -- the trabecular bone in T8 has a compression fracture. This is the mesh/web like bone, not a break across the outer portions of the vertebrae.
Oh boy.
I can keep running, as treatment is by symptoms. Given that I've been mostly pain-free the past 4-6 days (?) there is no treatment. But if pain continues, it might need to be cemented. Dr M says I'd be the youngest or 2nd youngest he knows of to have that.
He wants me to see an osteoporosis specialist ASAP. He doesn't want to see me over the next few years with more of the same.
I'm OK so far with the diagnosis. This should bother me?! Maybe it will sink in later? Maybe I'm in denial until I see the specialist?
Got the results of the bone scan -- the trabecular bone in T8 has a compression fracture. This is the mesh/web like bone, not a break across the outer portions of the vertebrae.
Oh boy.
I can keep running, as treatment is by symptoms. Given that I've been mostly pain-free the past 4-6 days (?) there is no treatment. But if pain continues, it might need to be cemented. Dr M says I'd be the youngest or 2nd youngest he knows of to have that.
He wants me to see an osteoporosis specialist ASAP. He doesn't want to see me over the next few years with more of the same.
I'm OK so far with the diagnosis. This should bother me?! Maybe it will sink in later? Maybe I'm in denial until I see the specialist?
Sunday, March 29, 2015
This run better too!
RUN 12 miles in 2:04
Last week it was 12 miles in 2:14! This was also better since I was running the last 7 miles with TH. All morning looked forward to seeing her :)
We ran at CCP, the first 5 I did alone. There was a nasty wind coming off the lake, not the kind to freeze your or knock you over, but certainly sustained and annoying. I had a goal of walking every mile, I did the more towards the end. I felt great and much stronger than last week.
Little to no back pain at all today. Yoga, running, housework, all great.
Rest week coming up!! And tomorrow the results of the bone scan.
NUMERICS 12 hrs and 20 mins, total of 98.4 miles moved!
RUN 65.2 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8 miles
WALKIES 20.4 miles
I did most days of my 15 mins, with a 30 and 45 min on Tues and Friday.
Last week it was 12 miles in 2:14! This was also better since I was running the last 7 miles with TH. All morning looked forward to seeing her :)
We ran at CCP, the first 5 I did alone. There was a nasty wind coming off the lake, not the kind to freeze your or knock you over, but certainly sustained and annoying. I had a goal of walking every mile, I did the more towards the end. I felt great and much stronger than last week.
Little to no back pain at all today. Yoga, running, housework, all great.
Rest week coming up!! And tomorrow the results of the bone scan.
NUMERICS 12 hrs and 20 mins, total of 98.4 miles moved!
RUN 65.2 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8 miles
WALKIES 20.4 miles
I did most days of my 15 mins, with a 30 and 45 min on Tues and Friday.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Another 30-miler. If it's to be, it's up to me.
RUN 30 miles in 6:39
My 2nd 30-miler of this training plan was on the same trails as what I did last week -- Lewis and Clark. I had identified some problems after last week that I aimed to fix today.
The first was my pace. I think I start out too fast and don't walk enough in the early hours. Today I more purposefully walked up hills and kept my effort such that I might could breathe through my nose if needed.
The second was hydration. I didn't let the Camelbak get empty this time.
I stayed on the trails more this time. Instead of doing 7 miles of Katy in each of two loops, I did 2 miles of Katy in the first two loops but not in the third. This probably accounted for how this run took 25 mins longer than last weeks.
My back was MUCH better today, in fact it barely bothered me at all!? Also I didn't struggle to get started mentally. Even though today was colder (low 30's being "cold" right now) I took off right away and didn't stop, stop, stop for every little thing.
I did podcasts again, rotating between NPR, Marathon Training Acadamy, OSR, and the Procrastination one. This time I set up a play list instead of listening to a few hours of the same channel, and I put them in a shuffled but interesting order. The first was an NPR called "Oops", about mistakes in history. After that and OSR interview with a Medal of Honor recipient who said "if it's to be, it's up to me". After that...not sure of the order here...some procrastination podcasts, and MTA on Duhigg's habits, a Procrastination on Duhigg!, MTA with Four Mantras for 2015. All great, all inspirational, and surprisingly all connected. I'd hear something in one that repeated or followed another. Lots of great ideas for the Cue-Routine-Reward thoughts I've been mulling since last fall. Now they are more concrete, better formed, having heard them from differing descriptions.
I did better mentally throughout this run, whenever I stumbled I just said outloud "oops" and kept going. Usually I'd cuss.
I drank whenever I wanted, but only ate once every 5 miles. It wasn't until later in the run that I even wanted more. Problem was I think the corn flour I tested overnight was sitting VERY heavy in my stomach leaving it feeling weighted. No other symptoms, which is good, except for having an appetite. I did only 2 powerbars and a maple shot for this run! Only 600 calories. But as I've been learning, I do better to eat a big dinner, medium brekkie, then avoid too many solids in-run.
This was a much better run too in that I didn't die off at mile 28! Last week I was cooked and down to a walk by mile 27. Today I kept going, better paced, better back, better mental approach in that I wasn't so focused on the numbers. The only number I'm hung up on is the fact that this is only (not even!) one-third of the race distance!
My 2nd 30-miler of this training plan was on the same trails as what I did last week -- Lewis and Clark. I had identified some problems after last week that I aimed to fix today.
The first was my pace. I think I start out too fast and don't walk enough in the early hours. Today I more purposefully walked up hills and kept my effort such that I might could breathe through my nose if needed.
The second was hydration. I didn't let the Camelbak get empty this time.
I stayed on the trails more this time. Instead of doing 7 miles of Katy in each of two loops, I did 2 miles of Katy in the first two loops but not in the third. This probably accounted for how this run took 25 mins longer than last weeks.
My back was MUCH better today, in fact it barely bothered me at all!? Also I didn't struggle to get started mentally. Even though today was colder (low 30's being "cold" right now) I took off right away and didn't stop, stop, stop for every little thing.
I did podcasts again, rotating between NPR, Marathon Training Acadamy, OSR, and the Procrastination one. This time I set up a play list instead of listening to a few hours of the same channel, and I put them in a shuffled but interesting order. The first was an NPR called "Oops", about mistakes in history. After that and OSR interview with a Medal of Honor recipient who said "if it's to be, it's up to me". After that...not sure of the order here...some procrastination podcasts, and MTA on Duhigg's habits, a Procrastination on Duhigg!, MTA with Four Mantras for 2015. All great, all inspirational, and surprisingly all connected. I'd hear something in one that repeated or followed another. Lots of great ideas for the Cue-Routine-Reward thoughts I've been mulling since last fall. Now they are more concrete, better formed, having heard them from differing descriptions.
I did better mentally throughout this run, whenever I stumbled I just said outloud "oops" and kept going. Usually I'd cuss.
I drank whenever I wanted, but only ate once every 5 miles. It wasn't until later in the run that I even wanted more. Problem was I think the corn flour I tested overnight was sitting VERY heavy in my stomach leaving it feeling weighted. No other symptoms, which is good, except for having an appetite. I did only 2 powerbars and a maple shot for this run! Only 600 calories. But as I've been learning, I do better to eat a big dinner, medium brekkie, then avoid too many solids in-run.
This was a much better run too in that I didn't die off at mile 28! Last week I was cooked and down to a walk by mile 27. Today I kept going, better paced, better back, better mental approach in that I wasn't so focused on the numbers. The only number I'm hung up on is the fact that this is only (not even!) one-third of the race distance!
Friday, March 27, 2015
Spine scan
Nothing. Except a morning in the area near MoBap. In the morning I was injected with a radio label (quizzed the guy injecting me about the biochem aspects, nerd!), then once I realized I wouldn't have time to get back to work I decided to run a few errands. Picked up the extra Xray CD needed by MoBap, went next door to Aldi, bought teff and masa harina at the Intl Grocery, then back for imaging. More on the new foods later.
The extra copy of the CD had the radiologists report that I didn't see before. :Interpretation: There is a mild anterior wedging of the bodies of T8 and T9. There are no findings of an acute compression fracture. There is no evidence of a paraspinal mass. The pedicles are intact. Opinion: 1. Mild anterior wedging of the bodies of t* and t( thought to represent minimal old compression-type fractures. There are no acute fractures seen. 2. The alignment is normal."
The scan was cool, just got to relax on the table for an hour. Not cool, however, was the distinct and focal white spot I could see in the scan. Of course I don't know how to interpret that, except to know that "white" means "something" along the lines of a healing stress fracture?
Like my sis said afterwards, they shouldn't run tests on Fridays.
I'm having minimal pain, so I'm running long tomorrow. My trail partner however is injured with calf muscle problem. So I'm on my own for the 2nd week in a row.
The masa harina is a lye-treated corn flour, I'm hoping it will be easier to digest. I already think the teff works for me since I can eat injera. Just the corn has FODMAP limits. So we'll see!
The extra copy of the CD had the radiologists report that I didn't see before. :Interpretation: There is a mild anterior wedging of the bodies of T8 and T9. There are no findings of an acute compression fracture. There is no evidence of a paraspinal mass. The pedicles are intact. Opinion: 1. Mild anterior wedging of the bodies of t* and t( thought to represent minimal old compression-type fractures. There are no acute fractures seen. 2. The alignment is normal."
The scan was cool, just got to relax on the table for an hour. Not cool, however, was the distinct and focal white spot I could see in the scan. Of course I don't know how to interpret that, except to know that "white" means "something" along the lines of a healing stress fracture?
Like my sis said afterwards, they shouldn't run tests on Fridays.
I'm having minimal pain, so I'm running long tomorrow. My trail partner however is injured with calf muscle problem. So I'm on my own for the 2nd week in a row.
The masa harina is a lye-treated corn flour, I'm hoping it will be easier to digest. I already think the teff works for me since I can eat injera. Just the corn has FODMAP limits. So we'll see!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Third run the best one, thanks to the group!
RUN 7 miles in 1 hr
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I always think the third run in a row would be my worst, but it's usually the best. I have my social group to pull/push. LC and I ran most of this one together, got to talk to her more. I miss that!
My back felt great, maybe 90% great!? Learn more tomorrow maybe.
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I always think the third run in a row would be my worst, but it's usually the best. I have my social group to pull/push. LC and I ran most of this one together, got to talk to her more. I miss that!
My back felt great, maybe 90% great!? Learn more tomorrow maybe.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Broken 12 miler
RUN 12.2 miles in 1:56
I was close to my morning 'script', I hit the goals but not exactly. Six miles to work, then 3 miles during a 1hr timepoint, then 3 miles home.
This run felt really good, and my back held up great. If my appt with Dr M would have been this week, I might have felt silly going. "Well it kinda hurts". Truth be told though, it still really hurts when I first get out of bed. And sitting here now, it's more of a discomfort. So something is going on, and I can't forget his mention about my right shoulder being a thumbs-width lower and the "too close together" vertebrae. Something gotta be done, I'm on the right track.
Found some interesting podcasts (getting a little addicted to them!) and they are inspiring me. Based on one of them, I need to figure out "what am I afraid of" when it comes to the changes I want to make. I'm not sure there's a fear involved...? Then why can't I change?!
I've made many positive steps but I keep focusing on what I DON'T get done. Let's focus on the good!
1. I'm limiting my spider solitaire to one game. What a time suck, but it's a reward too.
2. I'm not watching TV at meals anymore, been that way a few weeks!
3. I'm much better at "leaving it"
Still working on
1. No iphone at meals, what a terrible distraction
2. Not munching like a hungry bear through dinner. Just sit and eat! Don't stand there. I inhale food and feel sick, and forget what I ate. No enjoyment.
3. That unsatisfied feeling I sometimes get. Eat MORE.
I was close to my morning 'script', I hit the goals but not exactly. Six miles to work, then 3 miles during a 1hr timepoint, then 3 miles home.
This run felt really good, and my back held up great. If my appt with Dr M would have been this week, I might have felt silly going. "Well it kinda hurts". Truth be told though, it still really hurts when I first get out of bed. And sitting here now, it's more of a discomfort. So something is going on, and I can't forget his mention about my right shoulder being a thumbs-width lower and the "too close together" vertebrae. Something gotta be done, I'm on the right track.
Found some interesting podcasts (getting a little addicted to them!) and they are inspiring me. Based on one of them, I need to figure out "what am I afraid of" when it comes to the changes I want to make. I'm not sure there's a fear involved...? Then why can't I change?!
I've made many positive steps but I keep focusing on what I DON'T get done. Let's focus on the good!
1. I'm limiting my spider solitaire to one game. What a time suck, but it's a reward too.
2. I'm not watching TV at meals anymore, been that way a few weeks!
3. I'm much better at "leaving it"
Still working on
1. No iphone at meals, what a terrible distraction
2. Not munching like a hungry bear through dinner. Just sit and eat! Don't stand there. I inhale food and feel sick, and forget what I ate. No enjoyment.
3. That unsatisfied feeling I sometimes get. Eat MORE.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Running in the rain
RUN 4 miles in about 40 mins, didn't time
I know I looked at the forecast last night, and I'm pretty certain that I didn't see rain. But as I was gearing up in the kitchen I heard the 'tick-tick-tick' of rain hitting the window. ?! Not that I mind the rain, but I mind the not knowing part of this.
I was running late this morning, some stomach upset last night from yesterday's yellow cheesy grits with Dad (I had gut pain briefly in the afternoon, but more symptoms overnight and this morning. Worth it...?). Additionally I was awake a 11pm hungry and didn't fall back to sleep right away. But my schedule was flexible enough for me to move my strength training plans to the afternoon and make up for my 'lost' 30 mins.
And apparently the dog was too worn out from yesterday's 4.6 miles of WALKIES, she wasn't even downstairs yet as I rolled out the door at 630.
It was a cold rain too, 37F, but only light winds. I was more concerned with what pains would be left over from my long weekend. Only my right foot -- the arch area hurt a little but not much. My back was doing pretty good too, only a mild discomfort. Tolerable.
Two flashes of lightning, one along 44 (couldn't hear thunder over traffic) and another along Grand (heard over traffic, yay!). Reminded me about how I used to listen to the thunder when I was a kid and imagine that it was talking to me, sending messages.
Out to the TGP pavilion and back, using the MapMyRun app instead of the Garmin. I didn't hear the first mile call-out, thought the app had stopped, but was happy to hear it at 2 miles as that would allow me to take a different route home. What a silly thing to be thinking about, whether or not a different route home would still give me "enough" miles, getting a bit mental! But what I really wanted was to veer away from Grand and the hiss-noise of the traffic (why I missed the 1 mile call-out, likely). So I happily wandered into the neighborhood to finish right near the house.
And due to the all-day forecast of rain, no bike commute. Cold or wet, ride. Cold and wet, consider alternatives.
I know I looked at the forecast last night, and I'm pretty certain that I didn't see rain. But as I was gearing up in the kitchen I heard the 'tick-tick-tick' of rain hitting the window. ?! Not that I mind the rain, but I mind the not knowing part of this.
I was running late this morning, some stomach upset last night from yesterday's yellow cheesy grits with Dad (I had gut pain briefly in the afternoon, but more symptoms overnight and this morning. Worth it...?). Additionally I was awake a 11pm hungry and didn't fall back to sleep right away. But my schedule was flexible enough for me to move my strength training plans to the afternoon and make up for my 'lost' 30 mins.
And apparently the dog was too worn out from yesterday's 4.6 miles of WALKIES, she wasn't even downstairs yet as I rolled out the door at 630.
It was a cold rain too, 37F, but only light winds. I was more concerned with what pains would be left over from my long weekend. Only my right foot -- the arch area hurt a little but not much. My back was doing pretty good too, only a mild discomfort. Tolerable.
Two flashes of lightning, one along 44 (couldn't hear thunder over traffic) and another along Grand (heard over traffic, yay!). Reminded me about how I used to listen to the thunder when I was a kid and imagine that it was talking to me, sending messages.
Out to the TGP pavilion and back, using the MapMyRun app instead of the Garmin. I didn't hear the first mile call-out, thought the app had stopped, but was happy to hear it at 2 miles as that would allow me to take a different route home. What a silly thing to be thinking about, whether or not a different route home would still give me "enough" miles, getting a bit mental! But what I really wanted was to veer away from Grand and the hiss-noise of the traffic (why I missed the 1 mile call-out, likely). So I happily wandered into the neighborhood to finish right near the house.
And due to the all-day forecast of rain, no bike commute. Cold or wet, ride. Cold and wet, consider alternatives.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Rest day with Dad
Nothing!
Just walkies, 1.1 in the am with Dad and 3.5 later in the day after he left
Had brekkie out, tried a bowl of cheesy yellow grits even though I knew it would cause troubles. My back only bothered me when I leaned over a countertop, and everything else felt really good considering the long miles over the weekend. Good!
Some GI symptoms around 3pm, I was thinking for a few hours that I'd get away with it. But they were worth it, yummy!
Looooong walk with the dog, since I didn't go to work I took advantage of the warmer weather.
Just walkies, 1.1 in the am with Dad and 3.5 later in the day after he left
Had brekkie out, tried a bowl of cheesy yellow grits even though I knew it would cause troubles. My back only bothered me when I leaned over a countertop, and everything else felt really good considering the long miles over the weekend. Good!
Some GI symptoms around 3pm, I was thinking for a few hours that I'd get away with it. But they were worth it, yummy!
Looooong walk with the dog, since I didn't go to work I took advantage of the warmer weather.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
12 more miles; Dad; Ethiopian, and James!
RUN 12 miles in 2:11
Got a late start on this run, waiting to see what M&D were doing for the drive down. Just Dad this time. So I got to thinking about taking him out for Ethiopian, something Mom might struggle eating. I understand how frustrating that can be!
The late start meant I had more pre-run fuel, and in the end no in-run fuel. It worked for me, but I would have benefited from an emptier tummy I think.
I wasn't specifically pained anywhere after yesterday, and stuck to the plan of walking a bit after every mile. Another gorgeous day, which is good because I was SLOW. But I was MOVING, and that's what counted.
I stuck to the same route I ran Weds for simplicity and comparison. I did Weds in 1:59. Today I hit 11 miles at 2 hours. Not bad! Things were a little mental at first, and I'm noting that these runs are really only "hard" mentally in the first miles. Once I get past a certain point, maybe one quarter of the distance, I settle in and quit thinking about how hard it will be. Today was less than half of yesterday, but the mental tricks to get there seemed the same. In the beginning of a run like this I get so focused on "I could do 3x 4 miles, wouldn't that be easier?!". WTF? NO, it would be the SAME. I think that's my brain trying to trick me, in the hopes that I might cut out early by running shorter loops. It amazes me how often I think like that -- making short loops out of a long run. Mental trickses! I cheered myself through the miles, yay for 4, yay for 8, etc.
The last 2 miles seemed forever. By this time I was aro
und the MoBot and winding through side streets. Looking at the garmin to see that only half a mile had passed was hard. But I'm done!
65 MILES!!! Again no specific pains, still some right foot discomfort and the back feels surprisingly OK. If I felt this way just a week or so ago, I wouldn't have made the appt with Dr M!
Later on -- my weekly cook up and Ethiopian! During a gelato stop, James was born!
NUMERICS 12 hrs and 53 minutes of biking and running
RUN 65 miles in 12 hrs
BIKE 13 miles in ~50 mins
WALKIES 22.2 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
3x my Nike training program app
4x of 15 mins stretching
For a grand total of 126 miles!
Got a late start on this run, waiting to see what M&D were doing for the drive down. Just Dad this time. So I got to thinking about taking him out for Ethiopian, something Mom might struggle eating. I understand how frustrating that can be!
The late start meant I had more pre-run fuel, and in the end no in-run fuel. It worked for me, but I would have benefited from an emptier tummy I think.
I wasn't specifically pained anywhere after yesterday, and stuck to the plan of walking a bit after every mile. Another gorgeous day, which is good because I was SLOW. But I was MOVING, and that's what counted.
I stuck to the same route I ran Weds for simplicity and comparison. I did Weds in 1:59. Today I hit 11 miles at 2 hours. Not bad! Things were a little mental at first, and I'm noting that these runs are really only "hard" mentally in the first miles. Once I get past a certain point, maybe one quarter of the distance, I settle in and quit thinking about how hard it will be. Today was less than half of yesterday, but the mental tricks to get there seemed the same. In the beginning of a run like this I get so focused on "I could do 3x 4 miles, wouldn't that be easier?!". WTF? NO, it would be the SAME. I think that's my brain trying to trick me, in the hopes that I might cut out early by running shorter loops. It amazes me how often I think like that -- making short loops out of a long run. Mental trickses! I cheered myself through the miles, yay for 4, yay for 8, etc.
The last 2 miles seemed forever. By this time I was aro
und the MoBot and winding through side streets. Looking at the garmin to see that only half a mile had passed was hard. But I'm done!
65 MILES!!! Again no specific pains, still some right foot discomfort and the back feels surprisingly OK. If I felt this way just a week or so ago, I wouldn't have made the appt with Dr M!
Later on -- my weekly cook up and Ethiopian! During a gelato stop, James was born!
NUMERICS 12 hrs and 53 minutes of biking and running
RUN 65 miles in 12 hrs
BIKE 13 miles in ~50 mins
WALKIES 22.2 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
3x my Nike training program app
4x of 15 mins stretching
For a grand total of 126 miles!
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Don't follow your passion, bring it with you: 30 miles of podcasts
RUN 30 miles in 6hrs 15mins
OK I'll admit right up front that I walked most of the last two miles. No sin in that! The walking, I mean.
TV and I were going to run Matson (or Maston as he spelled it), but he emailed yesterday with flu-like symptoms. Wuss. ;) So it was just me and my podcasts. This is now my 2nd long run alone, and I hate to say that while I'd rather have company this isn't as bad as it sounds. Running alone is harder and easier. And good mental training either way.
Given my back pain and the fear that the Camelbak wouldn't work for me, I had to choose a route with shorter loop options, so I could either cut out early or carry the handheld. For this -- the 5 and 8 mile loops at L&C. Sun was out, the forecast said high 40's to start but high 60's by finish, and oooooh what a pretty day! The L&C parking lot was muddy, but the trails weren't bad. Too bad, because my new Cascadia 9's were finally getting some trail and like TV says, trail shoes like to be dirty!
The first miles were crazy tough. I kept stopping! First I did 3 hill climbs up the first major hill. Downhills hurt, so did climbing but it was a surprise to find that my back did better jogging up than it did down! Then I'd stop to remove my jacket sleeves. Then I'd stop to adjust this, stop to adjust that. Ugh, the first 3 miles had me wondering if there was any way I'd finish at all.
But once I got rolling, I settled into the run. At 3.2 miles I peeled off to the Katy Trail of the Lewis connector. The plan was to return to the parking lot at 14 miles, then run two 8 mile Lewis loops. Running on the flat KT was boring, but that's were I found my rhythm. And a bathroom :)
Once back on the trails, chugged along, doing the math, realized I was going to have 15 miles back at the truck. And realized I was out of water!? I didn't fill the Camelbak all the way to keep the load light, but oops it was a little too light! Back at the truck: 15.1 miles in 3:04.
In the parking lot, I dumped gear and rearranged and refilled. Since I was carrying the iPhone for podcasts, I stuck to my yellow vest with no shirt underneath which in the end led to a nice early coloring of sun on the guns (take from a recently seen t-shirt: sun comes out, guns come out. LOL!). Filled the Camelbak all the way this time, as my back didn't seem to be hurting from it today. Met Jarred (spelling), a bearded runner I'd seen twice on the trails already. He's training for Mohican 100 in June! Hope he doesn't shave the beard, not sure I'd recognize him otherwise :)
Back out for more, and as I'm going I realize that two more 8 mile loops would play mental trickery with me. I'd end up at 23 miles after the first loop -- too close to my minimum goal of 25 miles. If I really wanted 30, I'd need to repeat what I did the first time around and add the KT miles. Additionally, my right foot was unhappy with the uneven ground and/or new shoes, the flat KT would give it a rest. So back to the KT. And a bathroom.
I was having fun! I smiled to myself, talked and smiled with other runners, hikers, and bikers. My podcasts were the NPR variety: topics included....let's see if I can remember....Success (that's where the Passion quote came from), originality in design, hmmmm oh boy. Whatever. They worked for me. I listed but didn't really listen. Oh, yeah, the first loop had some FODMAP and Paleo podcasts, the most memorable was with a guy who pronounced lecithin as "leticin". Some expert he was!
Thought about my sis, her birthday and the baby.
When I got back to the connector, I was at 24.9 miles. My foot still hurt, it was taking some of the attention off my back. I went back and forth on this decision: do the last 5 miles on trail or add a few more KT miles so it's only 3 miles back on trail. I went with the latter, given my pains and lack of enthusiasm for repeating the 5 mile section as I did earlier. I could get 3 miles on the Clark trail which I haven't seen yet today.
So out n back on KT in the northern direction until I was at 27, then back on trail. I was telling myself that my minimum goal was 25 miles, but now I focused on 30 miles or 6 hours. I kept dangling promises in front of myself: run to 6 hours then walk if you want; run to 28 then walk if you want; and similar. I didn't want to walk, but that's where I was physically and mentally. Besides, walking is not a sin!! And if I'm this tired at 28 miles, then I didn't walk enough early on!
I was doing a walk-the-uphills and walk-every-mile-on-flats, but apparently it wasn't enough. Add in the fact that I did run low on water, I was being conservative with fuel (about q45mins), I'm at the end of my first 65 mile training week, I'm not tapered, and I'm still 'in training', maybe I shouldn't worry so much about it. I was looking for a pace in which I wasn't breathing hard, and could almost breath all through the nose, thinking that I could maintain that pace for a looooong time as needed. I think so!
By mile 28, I relaxed into a fast walk. I ran where I could on flats and downs. But I was cooked. Happily I wasn't hurting anywhere! A short out-n-back past the parking lot...and DONE! Cooked!
No blisters from the new shoes, no specific injury type pains, and minimal back pain. I did note that the underarm straps of the Camelbak hit my sore ribs directly on spot where the pain is, wondered if loosening it might help.
A great run, great confidence builder! For next time:
Less pre-run fuel and more in-run fuel.
Don't run out of water!
Walk more earlier.
Keep having fun!
OK I'll admit right up front that I walked most of the last two miles. No sin in that! The walking, I mean.
TV and I were going to run Matson (or Maston as he spelled it), but he emailed yesterday with flu-like symptoms. Wuss. ;) So it was just me and my podcasts. This is now my 2nd long run alone, and I hate to say that while I'd rather have company this isn't as bad as it sounds. Running alone is harder and easier. And good mental training either way.
Given my back pain and the fear that the Camelbak wouldn't work for me, I had to choose a route with shorter loop options, so I could either cut out early or carry the handheld. For this -- the 5 and 8 mile loops at L&C. Sun was out, the forecast said high 40's to start but high 60's by finish, and oooooh what a pretty day! The L&C parking lot was muddy, but the trails weren't bad. Too bad, because my new Cascadia 9's were finally getting some trail and like TV says, trail shoes like to be dirty!
The first miles were crazy tough. I kept stopping! First I did 3 hill climbs up the first major hill. Downhills hurt, so did climbing but it was a surprise to find that my back did better jogging up than it did down! Then I'd stop to remove my jacket sleeves. Then I'd stop to adjust this, stop to adjust that. Ugh, the first 3 miles had me wondering if there was any way I'd finish at all.
But once I got rolling, I settled into the run. At 3.2 miles I peeled off to the Katy Trail of the Lewis connector. The plan was to return to the parking lot at 14 miles, then run two 8 mile Lewis loops. Running on the flat KT was boring, but that's were I found my rhythm. And a bathroom :)
Once back on the trails, chugged along, doing the math, realized I was going to have 15 miles back at the truck. And realized I was out of water!? I didn't fill the Camelbak all the way to keep the load light, but oops it was a little too light! Back at the truck: 15.1 miles in 3:04.
In the parking lot, I dumped gear and rearranged and refilled. Since I was carrying the iPhone for podcasts, I stuck to my yellow vest with no shirt underneath which in the end led to a nice early coloring of sun on the guns (take from a recently seen t-shirt: sun comes out, guns come out. LOL!). Filled the Camelbak all the way this time, as my back didn't seem to be hurting from it today. Met Jarred (spelling), a bearded runner I'd seen twice on the trails already. He's training for Mohican 100 in June! Hope he doesn't shave the beard, not sure I'd recognize him otherwise :)
Back out for more, and as I'm going I realize that two more 8 mile loops would play mental trickery with me. I'd end up at 23 miles after the first loop -- too close to my minimum goal of 25 miles. If I really wanted 30, I'd need to repeat what I did the first time around and add the KT miles. Additionally, my right foot was unhappy with the uneven ground and/or new shoes, the flat KT would give it a rest. So back to the KT. And a bathroom.
I was having fun! I smiled to myself, talked and smiled with other runners, hikers, and bikers. My podcasts were the NPR variety: topics included....let's see if I can remember....Success (that's where the Passion quote came from), originality in design, hmmmm oh boy. Whatever. They worked for me. I listed but didn't really listen. Oh, yeah, the first loop had some FODMAP and Paleo podcasts, the most memorable was with a guy who pronounced lecithin as "leticin". Some expert he was!
Thought about my sis, her birthday and the baby.
When I got back to the connector, I was at 24.9 miles. My foot still hurt, it was taking some of the attention off my back. I went back and forth on this decision: do the last 5 miles on trail or add a few more KT miles so it's only 3 miles back on trail. I went with the latter, given my pains and lack of enthusiasm for repeating the 5 mile section as I did earlier. I could get 3 miles on the Clark trail which I haven't seen yet today.
So out n back on KT in the northern direction until I was at 27, then back on trail. I was telling myself that my minimum goal was 25 miles, but now I focused on 30 miles or 6 hours. I kept dangling promises in front of myself: run to 6 hours then walk if you want; run to 28 then walk if you want; and similar. I didn't want to walk, but that's where I was physically and mentally. Besides, walking is not a sin!! And if I'm this tired at 28 miles, then I didn't walk enough early on!
I was doing a walk-the-uphills and walk-every-mile-on-flats, but apparently it wasn't enough. Add in the fact that I did run low on water, I was being conservative with fuel (about q45mins), I'm at the end of my first 65 mile training week, I'm not tapered, and I'm still 'in training', maybe I shouldn't worry so much about it. I was looking for a pace in which I wasn't breathing hard, and could almost breath all through the nose, thinking that I could maintain that pace for a looooong time as needed. I think so!
By mile 28, I relaxed into a fast walk. I ran where I could on flats and downs. But I was cooked. Happily I wasn't hurting anywhere! A short out-n-back past the parking lot...and DONE! Cooked!
No blisters from the new shoes, no specific injury type pains, and minimal back pain. I did note that the underarm straps of the Camelbak hit my sore ribs directly on spot where the pain is, wondered if loosening it might help.
A great run, great confidence builder! For next time:
Less pre-run fuel and more in-run fuel.
Don't run out of water!
Walk more earlier.
Keep having fun!
Thursday, March 19, 2015
I'm healed!?!? But I'm much better today.
RUN 7 miles in 63 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Well go figure. I woke up in bad pain, loosened up as I moved around, and had a great run. Oh it still hurt, but of all the mornings so far this week this was the best one. Aside from the pace and social aspects! :)
I have a general feeling that I 'popped' it into a favorable position!? Or am I imagining that? It's been good all day so far, admittedly though I'm babying it a bit as I am enjoying the reduced discomfort. I don't want to 'pop' it back to the wrong place.
This has been a good week for my to-do list, moods, energy, planning, and overall fun. The time I dedicated to prepping all my meals has paid off (with the exception of bringing the parsley tuppie into work in place of the parsley/olive/dressing tuppie...). My to-do list is burned through and now has mostly errands left. And I'm contemplating a 'night off' from chores tonight because I don't have much to do! And because all 3 previous nights this week I've been a dog about getting stuff done. Not a basset dog though, that lazy ass wouldn't get nuttin' done! ;)
And I'm reading more into Implementation Intentions as part of Goal Setting and Goal Intentions. Looking back, my See It, Bee It and Scripting work is really almost Implementation Intentions! It works for me, keeps me organized and on task. Next up is to apply that to my work day, as sometimes I wear down there and get basset-y!!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Well go figure. I woke up in bad pain, loosened up as I moved around, and had a great run. Oh it still hurt, but of all the mornings so far this week this was the best one. Aside from the pace and social aspects! :)
I have a general feeling that I 'popped' it into a favorable position!? Or am I imagining that? It's been good all day so far, admittedly though I'm babying it a bit as I am enjoying the reduced discomfort. I don't want to 'pop' it back to the wrong place.
This has been a good week for my to-do list, moods, energy, planning, and overall fun. The time I dedicated to prepping all my meals has paid off (with the exception of bringing the parsley tuppie into work in place of the parsley/olive/dressing tuppie...). My to-do list is burned through and now has mostly errands left. And I'm contemplating a 'night off' from chores tonight because I don't have much to do! And because all 3 previous nights this week I've been a dog about getting stuff done. Not a basset dog though, that lazy ass wouldn't get nuttin' done! ;)
And I'm reading more into Implementation Intentions as part of Goal Setting and Goal Intentions. Looking back, my See It, Bee It and Scripting work is really almost Implementation Intentions! It works for me, keeps me organized and on task. Next up is to apply that to my work day, as sometimes I wear down there and get basset-y!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
On script, on schedule, and Dr M appt
RUN 12 miles in 1:59
My carefully planned morning got a welcome change last night with a call from Dr M's office -- there was a cancellation and could I come in at 9am? Why yes I can!! Why wait another 6 days? So re-write the schedule, in fact it didn't change much: Start running at 530 and be home by 730.
As I mapped out my route, I thought about swinging by Fields to get some PB packets :) To do that, I'd have to leave 15 mins early. And also to do that, I'd have to bring $$, something I forget as I rolled out at 5:25. Late and short-changed, so to speak. This only bothered me for a mile, then I moved on. PB later!
It was dark at the start, and just under 40F. My back was pained, and that's mostly what I thought about for the entire run. How, where, level, history, how would I describe it...
The run otherwise felt great, didn't eat anything during and just sipped water from the handheld. Beautiful sunrise as I came back home through TGP, bright pink and blue colors. A woodpecker in CHP. And I remembered at one point that soon the patches of daffodils would soon appear and bloom in TGP :) Spring is springing!!
At the appt: my right shoulder is about a thumb's difference lower than the right, as measured by the bottom of the shoulder blade. But I also have reduced mobility in the upper area of the spine, and closer-than-should-be vertebrae. My same-day xrays showed what might be reduced space between two vertebrae, but more tests needed, and soon to be scheduled.
In the meantime, when I told him I'm signed up for an early June 100-miler he laughed and was like well of course you are. And when I asked if I can still run, he said I can do whatever I can tolerate. Good news, because the running is my inspiration for staying healthy. Bad news, because I can tolerate quite a bit. But at least I know now that I'm not in imminent danger of blowing something up.
Also the xrays showed a large gas bubble in my colon, I explained that was one of my symptoms. Prior to that he was concerned about the nutrition, and the weight loss is certainly changing what tests he's picking. But he was asking if I was gaining weight back yet. When I pointed out that gas was a symptom, did he understand a bit more why I'm having problems?
And this is worrisome for me because I didn't feel symptomatic, yet I was having symptoms? He seemed surprised, like he doesn't normally see that in xrays of other peeps. All I'd eaten so far this morning prerun: orange and some chicken; post run: oats, yogurt, raisins, banana, crystallized ginger...only the raisins are obvious, but what about the dairy and ginger? Googling the ginger doesn't reveal potential issues...so the raisins? Dairy? NUTS. Just what I need, another reason to be food anxious.
Guess this doesn't really change anything tho, if I'm not symptomatic? But I need to be careful, and not tip the balances, because last thing I need right now is to lose more nutrition over this!
My carefully planned morning got a welcome change last night with a call from Dr M's office -- there was a cancellation and could I come in at 9am? Why yes I can!! Why wait another 6 days? So re-write the schedule, in fact it didn't change much: Start running at 530 and be home by 730.
As I mapped out my route, I thought about swinging by Fields to get some PB packets :) To do that, I'd have to leave 15 mins early. And also to do that, I'd have to bring $$, something I forget as I rolled out at 5:25. Late and short-changed, so to speak. This only bothered me for a mile, then I moved on. PB later!
It was dark at the start, and just under 40F. My back was pained, and that's mostly what I thought about for the entire run. How, where, level, history, how would I describe it...
The run otherwise felt great, didn't eat anything during and just sipped water from the handheld. Beautiful sunrise as I came back home through TGP, bright pink and blue colors. A woodpecker in CHP. And I remembered at one point that soon the patches of daffodils would soon appear and bloom in TGP :) Spring is springing!!
At the appt: my right shoulder is about a thumb's difference lower than the right, as measured by the bottom of the shoulder blade. But I also have reduced mobility in the upper area of the spine, and closer-than-should-be vertebrae. My same-day xrays showed what might be reduced space between two vertebrae, but more tests needed, and soon to be scheduled.
In the meantime, when I told him I'm signed up for an early June 100-miler he laughed and was like well of course you are. And when I asked if I can still run, he said I can do whatever I can tolerate. Good news, because the running is my inspiration for staying healthy. Bad news, because I can tolerate quite a bit. But at least I know now that I'm not in imminent danger of blowing something up.
Also the xrays showed a large gas bubble in my colon, I explained that was one of my symptoms. Prior to that he was concerned about the nutrition, and the weight loss is certainly changing what tests he's picking. But he was asking if I was gaining weight back yet. When I pointed out that gas was a symptom, did he understand a bit more why I'm having problems?
And this is worrisome for me because I didn't feel symptomatic, yet I was having symptoms? He seemed surprised, like he doesn't normally see that in xrays of other peeps. All I'd eaten so far this morning prerun: orange and some chicken; post run: oats, yogurt, raisins, banana, crystallized ginger...only the raisins are obvious, but what about the dairy and ginger? Googling the ginger doesn't reveal potential issues...so the raisins? Dairy? NUTS. Just what I need, another reason to be food anxious.
Guess this doesn't really change anything tho, if I'm not symptomatic? But I need to be careful, and not tip the balances, because last thing I need right now is to lose more nutrition over this!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
So far, so good this week
RUN 4 miles in 40 mins
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
OK so it's only the first run of the week, but so far so good. Did it hurt? Yes. Is it done? Yuppers!
How does tomorrow look for the 12 miler? Good, but be open to modification.
I forgot to mention that yesterday it was close to 80F! Wonderful ride home, aside from every bump hitting in my back. Also forgot to mention that on Sunday I ran in shorts and t-shirt!
Not so today, knickers and long sleeve. Really windy from the north but it's in the 50's for the day. I'm hoping this wind blows me home too, cuz my ride inbound had a strong headwind.
Stuck to my script for the morning and got to work by goal time. I'm learning about Implementation Intentions and Goal Intentions, how they work together, or more specifically I-I is used to achieve G-I. Turns out the I-I is my scripting, something I started last year. I think I started in response to stress? But I'm using it now to keep myself to schedule, get stuff done, and not waste time. I hate finishing up a day and realizing I didn't take time to pet the dog or sit on the patio to enjoy some down time. Instead, my down time has been staring at a screen! Speaking of which.... BYE!
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
OK so it's only the first run of the week, but so far so good. Did it hurt? Yes. Is it done? Yuppers!
How does tomorrow look for the 12 miler? Good, but be open to modification.
I forgot to mention that yesterday it was close to 80F! Wonderful ride home, aside from every bump hitting in my back. Also forgot to mention that on Sunday I ran in shorts and t-shirt!
Not so today, knickers and long sleeve. Really windy from the north but it's in the 50's for the day. I'm hoping this wind blows me home too, cuz my ride inbound had a strong headwind.
Stuck to my script for the morning and got to work by goal time. I'm learning about Implementation Intentions and Goal Intentions, how they work together, or more specifically I-I is used to achieve G-I. Turns out the I-I is my scripting, something I started last year. I think I started in response to stress? But I'm using it now to keep myself to schedule, get stuff done, and not waste time. I hate finishing up a day and realizing I didn't take time to pet the dog or sit on the patio to enjoy some down time. Instead, my down time has been staring at a screen! Speaking of which.... BYE!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Goals with this injury
BIKE 45-50 mins, 13 miles indoors
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
My goals for this week are to keep it in control, don't run myself into a worse injury, and just do what I can. I really hope to do the long runs this weekend, at least the 28. Even if I have to walk all or most of it.
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
My goals for this week are to keep it in control, don't run myself into a worse injury, and just do what I can. I really hope to do the long runs this weekend, at least the 28. Even if I have to walk all or most of it.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Special guest in town! And back pain!
Saturday RUN 10 miles in 1:50
Sunday RUN 8 miles in 1:17
Yeah, you read that right, 10 miles in 1:50. And no, you don't see the expected/planned 28/15 weekend that the training planned indicated.
My poor back. I did feel better on Friday, but just better. Not healed. I've made an appt with Dr M but it's not for another 10 days. In the meantime I had this long run set, and another similar set next weekend.
I have a general rule of "if 3 things indicate it's a bad idea, or if 3 events coincide to make it terribly difficult, then it wasn't meant to be". The 3 things this weekend: JG, the back, and the muddy trails from yesterday's all-day rain.
The plan for Saturday was to just run what I could before JG arrived for her visit. I planned to be on the road by 630, but didn't get there until 730. I had 5x5 mile loops planned, and ended up doing 2 of them. I did the LP loops, then headed to TGP. I'd also planned to walk, go slow, rest, whatever I needed to do to get at least 10 miles done.
It was tough, it hurt. I've been experimenting for some time now to figure out if I'm hunching, leaning, tensing, etc, to make the situation worse or better. No good results there. I hurt the rest of the day, but was generally OK.
Sunday I ran in the afternoon with TV. Met him at FP (I remember now why I don't go to FP on nice weekend afternoons -- traffic!). This run felt worse, but the pace was better. So was the company :) He was as always positive in finding ways around the problem -- stair climbs (stairs up, elevator down), biking, etc. He ended up running a lot more than I did, jealous. Ugh.
Sore again after the run, but felt good after a loooooong TGP walk with Shoogs, RM & CM. Again it hurt, but was tolerable. Nothing as bad as Weds night was.
NUMERICS 6hrs 48 mins of running
RUN 34.1 miles
BIKE 18 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
WALKIES 19.8 miles (if I had known, I would have done the extra 0.2!)
And I managed most days of my 15 mins of stretch and strength, but didn't do too good here.
Sunday RUN 8 miles in 1:17
Yeah, you read that right, 10 miles in 1:50. And no, you don't see the expected/planned 28/15 weekend that the training planned indicated.
My poor back. I did feel better on Friday, but just better. Not healed. I've made an appt with Dr M but it's not for another 10 days. In the meantime I had this long run set, and another similar set next weekend.
I have a general rule of "if 3 things indicate it's a bad idea, or if 3 events coincide to make it terribly difficult, then it wasn't meant to be". The 3 things this weekend: JG, the back, and the muddy trails from yesterday's all-day rain.
The plan for Saturday was to just run what I could before JG arrived for her visit. I planned to be on the road by 630, but didn't get there until 730. I had 5x5 mile loops planned, and ended up doing 2 of them. I did the LP loops, then headed to TGP. I'd also planned to walk, go slow, rest, whatever I needed to do to get at least 10 miles done.
It was tough, it hurt. I've been experimenting for some time now to figure out if I'm hunching, leaning, tensing, etc, to make the situation worse or better. No good results there. I hurt the rest of the day, but was generally OK.
Sunday I ran in the afternoon with TV. Met him at FP (I remember now why I don't go to FP on nice weekend afternoons -- traffic!). This run felt worse, but the pace was better. So was the company :) He was as always positive in finding ways around the problem -- stair climbs (stairs up, elevator down), biking, etc. He ended up running a lot more than I did, jealous. Ugh.
Sore again after the run, but felt good after a loooooong TGP walk with Shoogs, RM & CM. Again it hurt, but was tolerable. Nothing as bad as Weds night was.
NUMERICS 6hrs 48 mins of running
RUN 34.1 miles
BIKE 18 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
WALKIES 19.8 miles (if I had known, I would have done the extra 0.2!)
And I managed most days of my 15 mins of stretch and strength, but didn't do too good here.
Friday, March 13, 2015
Ride instead of run
RIDE 18 miles 1 hour
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles, both ways in misty rain
One of my injury rules is that I can bike the equivalent run time. So instead of a 6 mile run (the plan had this yesterday) I did 1 hr today.
The back, of course, feels so much better. The pain is mild. But I did call and get an appt with Dr M. Turns out I haven't been there since April 2012 (ankle injury prior to IM CdA) and I'm a new patient again. Happy to know I've been healthy that long :)
Mild if any pain today. I'm able to bend over, stretch, move, climb stairs, ride a bike....frustration!
The plan for the weekend. I was going to run this evening or afternoon, but I got to work late so it ain't gonna happen to easy. Maybe a short one from the house? Maybe just rest?
Saturday is supposed to be 28 miles, but Jess is coming!!! WAAAAYYY MORE IMPORTANT! Maybe a sign that resting is OK this weekend :) I'm going to get up early, do short loops from the house. I've mapped 5 5-milers that I will work through. This will allow me to cut short and get home if needed for time or back pain.
Sunday is supposed to be 15 miles, sounds like TV and I are getting together for that one. Not sure how far, where, or if yet.
I've also decided that if I do have some injury that sets back training, I'm still doing the race. I'll walk, jog, powerwalk, 100 miles, 100 kilometers, WHATEVER I CAN. I'm doing it!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles, both ways in misty rain
One of my injury rules is that I can bike the equivalent run time. So instead of a 6 mile run (the plan had this yesterday) I did 1 hr today.
The back, of course, feels so much better. The pain is mild. But I did call and get an appt with Dr M. Turns out I haven't been there since April 2012 (ankle injury prior to IM CdA) and I'm a new patient again. Happy to know I've been healthy that long :)
Mild if any pain today. I'm able to bend over, stretch, move, climb stairs, ride a bike....frustration!
The plan for the weekend. I was going to run this evening or afternoon, but I got to work late so it ain't gonna happen to easy. Maybe a short one from the house? Maybe just rest?
Saturday is supposed to be 28 miles, but Jess is coming!!! WAAAAYYY MORE IMPORTANT! Maybe a sign that resting is OK this weekend :) I'm going to get up early, do short loops from the house. I've mapped 5 5-milers that I will work through. This will allow me to cut short and get home if needed for time or back pain.
Sunday is supposed to be 15 miles, sounds like TV and I are getting together for that one. Not sure how far, where, or if yet.
I've also decided that if I do have some injury that sets back training, I'm still doing the race. I'll walk, jog, powerwalk, 100 miles, 100 kilometers, WHATEVER I CAN. I'm doing it!
Took Thursday off
No RUN today
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles, ~70 in the afternoon!
I didn't run to rest the ribs. But I did bike and sadly noted that biking ain't all that painful?! Shouldn't I be in pain!?
Once I woke up, took an Ibuprofen, moved awhile, I felt OK. Moderate pain. But wouldn't you think biking would hurt? Hitting bumps, pulling on the handlebars, sitting up and such? I'm not saying I didn't hurt, but I didn't hurt like last night.
Ugh. What happens to my long runs this weekend?!?!?!?!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles, ~70 in the afternoon!
I didn't run to rest the ribs. But I did bike and sadly noted that biking ain't all that painful?! Shouldn't I be in pain!?
Once I woke up, took an Ibuprofen, moved awhile, I felt OK. Moderate pain. But wouldn't you think biking would hurt? Hitting bumps, pulling on the handlebars, sitting up and such? I'm not saying I didn't hurt, but I didn't hurt like last night.
Ugh. What happens to my long runs this weekend?!?!?!?!
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
12 miles to bad back pain
RUN 6.1 miles in 60 mins
Walkies with dog
RUN 3 miles to work in about 30 mins
RUN 3 miles home, about 30 mins
Today the back pain was terrible. I was wearing the Camelbak and noticed that the strap under my right arm directly hits the sore spot. Time to start dx'ing this! A sign of how bad -- I took some pain killers! I NEVER do that!
-------------------------
Here's what I typed up in an email to EC, I'll put it here to I have a record of it to review:
In December my lower back started spasming. They were short lived, didn't last more than a few minutes. The spasms in the end directly correlated with stress.
And during one run in late December I started getting a focal pain on the right side at elbow height. I thought my Camelbak too tight, or the spasms pulled a muscle even though the locations differed. It stayed mostly to the right side, but every now and then would hurt across my back into the left side.
It hurt while running, but was tolerable. However it was terrible when I had to stop at a stoplight and start again. The starting again hurt! If I jogged in place, even a little bit, it helped. Pained, but tolerable.
This comes and goes, I'll have days with nothing then days where I can't bend over. 90% of the pain is still right side, with some crossing to the left at its worst. When this happens it's like a tight rubber band around my chest and I can't breathe. The pain stays between a set of ribs, which leaves me thinking I pulled an intercostal muscle, but does that explain how it comes and goes and expands to the left side sometimes? I can press on the area and not elicit pain.
If I had to take a guess, something feels out of place, as if I could just move something it would help, but I worry it's damaged somehow now. Much of the weight I've lost came from my back and torso, I'm also worried I lost strength and stability there.
Then I ask Dr Google about a "rib out of place" and find Slipping Rib Syndrome!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/11811-way-diagnose-slipping-rib-syndrome/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1150226/
Ugh. Dr Google...... why do I bother.
Walkies with dog
RUN 3 miles to work in about 30 mins
RUN 3 miles home, about 30 mins
Today the back pain was terrible. I was wearing the Camelbak and noticed that the strap under my right arm directly hits the sore spot. Time to start dx'ing this! A sign of how bad -- I took some pain killers! I NEVER do that!
-------------------------
Here's what I typed up in an email to EC, I'll put it here to I have a record of it to review:
In December my lower back started spasming. They were short lived, didn't last more than a few minutes. The spasms in the end directly correlated with stress.
And during one run in late December I started getting a focal pain on the right side at elbow height. I thought my Camelbak too tight, or the spasms pulled a muscle even though the locations differed. It stayed mostly to the right side, but every now and then would hurt across my back into the left side.
It hurt while running, but was tolerable. However it was terrible when I had to stop at a stoplight and start again. The starting again hurt! If I jogged in place, even a little bit, it helped. Pained, but tolerable.
This comes and goes, I'll have days with nothing then days where I can't bend over. 90% of the pain is still right side, with some crossing to the left at its worst. When this happens it's like a tight rubber band around my chest and I can't breathe. The pain stays between a set of ribs, which leaves me thinking I pulled an intercostal muscle, but does that explain how it comes and goes and expands to the left side sometimes? I can press on the area and not elicit pain.
If I had to take a guess, something feels out of place, as if I could just move something it would help, but I worry it's damaged somehow now. Much of the weight I've lost came from my back and torso, I'm also worried I lost strength and stability there.
Then I ask Dr Google about a "rib out of place" and find Slipping Rib Syndrome!
http://www.livestrong.com/article/11811-way-diagnose-slipping-rib-syndrome/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1150226/
Ugh. Dr Google...... why do I bother.
-------------------------------------------
Weds night was awful, lost a lot of sleep and could barely move out of bed. Rolling over, bending, anything hurt. A sharp focal pain on the right.
If I had to guess, it feels like a muscle tear or strain. But then why does the pain come and go? I've been OK for a few weeks, then this?!
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Running in the rain
RUN 4 miles in 38 mins? No garmin :)
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I kinda obsessed a bit during the run about my distance, but I let it go. It's a 65 mile week, a few tenths or hundredths here or there....ain't gonna matter.
Woke to a calm, quiet rain. And better yet, a WARM rain. Relatively warm anyway, 41F is a heat wave considering the past few weeks.
My back was aching again, and looking back over recent history I quit doing strength training for the back to rest it. Then it started feeling better and I didn't start training! So...I spent all day flexing and moving and trying to figure it out. Tomorrow's 12 miles might hurt. And not to mention what's coming this weekend: 28+15!
COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I kinda obsessed a bit during the run about my distance, but I let it go. It's a 65 mile week, a few tenths or hundredths here or there....ain't gonna matter.
Woke to a calm, quiet rain. And better yet, a WARM rain. Relatively warm anyway, 41F is a heat wave considering the past few weeks.
My back was aching again, and looking back over recent history I quit doing strength training for the back to rest it. Then it started feeling better and I didn't start training! So...I spent all day flexing and moving and trying to figure it out. Tomorrow's 12 miles might hurt. And not to mention what's coming this weekend: 28+15!
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Ketch-up post, trip home, rest, recovery. Halfway through training plan!
Weds RUN 8 miles in 1:17?
Thurs RUN 7 miles in 1:01
Friday Rest and full moon
Saturday RUN 10 miles in 1:35
Sunday RUN 6 miles in just under 56
Lost track of updating here. With a rest week comes rest from logging too.
After two bad mood days I bounced back Weds with an 8 miler in place of what I thought would only be a 6 miler. Oddly I can't remember what I ran, note that I'm writing this on Monday after the weekend. I remember it was cold...and icy after yesterday's thaw...
Thursday it was also cold, more ice. I love how my third-day-in-a-row run is faster than the previous ones. This run felt good.
Thursday afternoon I drove home after a short day at work. Friday I rested. My back was still bothering me, but intermittent and spasmy.
Saturday I ran 10 miles with a sore back, it's not enough to stop me so I keep going. I'm not sure what to make of it. Found a nice screwdriver, got bored and turned on podcasts, didn't eat or drink the entire run. Sunday another 6 to hit the 36 miles/week goal in the training plan. This also felt good, aside from the back spasms. Both of these runs were from home on the country roads, this time with a nice gravely/dirty area to run that the snowplows left behind. The weather was above freezing Saturday but windy. Sunday was colder but no wind. I liked them both, but preferred less wind!
This rest week was the 13 week mark for the training plan. Because of weather and shortened week, no bike commute and reduced WALKIES. It was restful, but a little harried at first on Thursday. Travel throws me out of whack.
I thought I had more to say, but guess not. I think of all these great ideas when I'm running, then I lose them all over time!
NUMERICS 5hrs 37 mins of running
RUN 36 miles
WALKIES 7.68 miles
Missed a few days of my 15 mins stretch/strength!! Boo!
Thurs RUN 7 miles in 1:01
Friday Rest and full moon
Saturday RUN 10 miles in 1:35
Sunday RUN 6 miles in just under 56
Lost track of updating here. With a rest week comes rest from logging too.
After two bad mood days I bounced back Weds with an 8 miler in place of what I thought would only be a 6 miler. Oddly I can't remember what I ran, note that I'm writing this on Monday after the weekend. I remember it was cold...and icy after yesterday's thaw...
Thursday it was also cold, more ice. I love how my third-day-in-a-row run is faster than the previous ones. This run felt good.
Thursday afternoon I drove home after a short day at work. Friday I rested. My back was still bothering me, but intermittent and spasmy.
Saturday I ran 10 miles with a sore back, it's not enough to stop me so I keep going. I'm not sure what to make of it. Found a nice screwdriver, got bored and turned on podcasts, didn't eat or drink the entire run. Sunday another 6 to hit the 36 miles/week goal in the training plan. This also felt good, aside from the back spasms. Both of these runs were from home on the country roads, this time with a nice gravely/dirty area to run that the snowplows left behind. The weather was above freezing Saturday but windy. Sunday was colder but no wind. I liked them both, but preferred less wind!
This rest week was the 13 week mark for the training plan. Because of weather and shortened week, no bike commute and reduced WALKIES. It was restful, but a little harried at first on Thursday. Travel throws me out of whack.
I thought I had more to say, but guess not. I think of all these great ideas when I'm running, then I lose them all over time!
NUMERICS 5hrs 37 mins of running
RUN 36 miles
WALKIES 7.68 miles
Missed a few days of my 15 mins stretch/strength!! Boo!
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Run prescription to fix the blues
RUN 49 mins and 5 miles
I usually run early on Tuesday's, but with a forecast of 50+F I couldn't motivate to run when it was dark and 32F. Taking a closer look at the forecast later in the day, I didn't see anything over 50. Just low 40's. And tomorrow will be more suckage -- 20's, rain, snow, sleet, and shit.
Today was a near repeat of yesterday. Miserable. Depressed. Lethargic. Coaxing myself to do the simplest tasks. Want to curl up in a ball but at the same time don't want to.
The plan called for the usual 4 mile run. I brought clothes to work, but once there I wasn't sure I could even do the run. But I decided it was run or not-run before lunch. When an errand to the UPS store presented itself, and MMR said it was 0.4 miles away, I couldn't resist at least trying to run.
It was warm out! So nice. Gray skies with no hope of sun, a quiet mist, splashy streets and sidewalks. After dropping the package I looped out to FP thinking I'd just go to the VC and back. On the way there, my back started it's spasming again. Nuts. Hummed "In My Solitude" by Nina Simone.
Turned at the VC, not really enjoying the run but when I thought about it I realized it wasn't physical so much as mental. I just kept thinking "I'm depressed" or "I need help" or "I need to reach out".
Time to change the script. As my sis advised today, 'keep your head up'. Thinking that 5 today would mean maybe only 6 tomorrow (when added to the 7 on Thursday, that gives me my 4+8+6 plan goal) and tomorrow's weather will SUCK, I kept going out to 5. In the last mile, I started looking for the Whisper of Rain, something positive to focus on. A great email from Aunt Donna, the potential to meet with TH tomorrow. A trip home on Thursday. A light rain that kissed my face as I ran.
My poor back. It's hurting again. Not sure if the 6 tomorrow will happen or not. But otherwise after the run I did feel soooooo much better. Stretched out the back, meditated a bit doing so, then ate lunch with a lab from down the hall so I wasn't isolated. Talked about Chinese missionaries and leprosy. Learn something everyday!
I usually run early on Tuesday's, but with a forecast of 50+F I couldn't motivate to run when it was dark and 32F. Taking a closer look at the forecast later in the day, I didn't see anything over 50. Just low 40's. And tomorrow will be more suckage -- 20's, rain, snow, sleet, and shit.
Today was a near repeat of yesterday. Miserable. Depressed. Lethargic. Coaxing myself to do the simplest tasks. Want to curl up in a ball but at the same time don't want to.
The plan called for the usual 4 mile run. I brought clothes to work, but once there I wasn't sure I could even do the run. But I decided it was run or not-run before lunch. When an errand to the UPS store presented itself, and MMR said it was 0.4 miles away, I couldn't resist at least trying to run.
It was warm out! So nice. Gray skies with no hope of sun, a quiet mist, splashy streets and sidewalks. After dropping the package I looped out to FP thinking I'd just go to the VC and back. On the way there, my back started it's spasming again. Nuts. Hummed "In My Solitude" by Nina Simone.
Turned at the VC, not really enjoying the run but when I thought about it I realized it wasn't physical so much as mental. I just kept thinking "I'm depressed" or "I need help" or "I need to reach out".
Time to change the script. As my sis advised today, 'keep your head up'. Thinking that 5 today would mean maybe only 6 tomorrow (when added to the 7 on Thursday, that gives me my 4+8+6 plan goal) and tomorrow's weather will SUCK, I kept going out to 5. In the last mile, I started looking for the Whisper of Rain, something positive to focus on. A great email from Aunt Donna, the potential to meet with TH tomorrow. A trip home on Thursday. A light rain that kissed my face as I ran.
My poor back. It's hurting again. Not sure if the 6 tomorrow will happen or not. But otherwise after the run I did feel soooooo much better. Stretched out the back, meditated a bit doing so, then ate lunch with a lab from down the hall so I wasn't isolated. Talked about Chinese missionaries and leprosy. Learn something everyday!
Monday, March 2, 2015
Where is the line between over-training and mental stress?
REST DAY
Entirely off today. I didn't even do my 15 mins of stretching.
Dragging. Lethargic. Mindless. Headache. Dazed.
Is it fatigue from the weekend? Recovery from that not-head-cold head-cold? The fact that my doggie wakes me up at 3am to go out? Life stress?
All of it. But I feel awful. One more factor, I started a personal BeeWhole30 yesterday for March. I'll keep eating my usual foods, this will be focused on how I eat them. No gulping, sit down and relax, plan ahead so meals aren't poorly constructed. That will drain some of my willpower.
But when I don't have the energy to walk out to the truck in the park...
Entirely off today. I didn't even do my 15 mins of stretching.
Dragging. Lethargic. Mindless. Headache. Dazed.
Is it fatigue from the weekend? Recovery from that not-head-cold head-cold? The fact that my doggie wakes me up at 3am to go out? Life stress?
All of it. But I feel awful. One more factor, I started a personal BeeWhole30 yesterday for March. I'll keep eating my usual foods, this will be focused on how I eat them. No gulping, sit down and relax, plan ahead so meals aren't poorly constructed. That will drain some of my willpower.
But when I don't have the energy to walk out to the truck in the park...
Sunday, March 1, 2015
12 miles of snow, slip, and suckage
RUN 12.3 miles in 12:15!
HELLO MARCH!!! Lots of snow fell overnight, the published estimate is 4-7" and I'd say that the lower end of that is about right. It was a quiet, no-wind, puffy, soft fall of snow that left a pretty blanket over the area. It also clogged up roads and prevented me from meeting up with TH for a run. Not safe for either of us to be driving, but at the same time I really wanted to visit! Oh well. Next time.
I took of towards LP and immediately started slipping and sliding. After some experimenting I found that the side streets that hadn't been plowed yet were the best. The snow was packed but still crunchy enough for the Cascadia lugs to grip. Anything partially plowed was a slick gray slush. Anything fully plowed was a splashy mess of road grime and cold water. I found as I went along that there were many of those ideal side streets. I did 2 loops around LP, super slow, frustrated, tired, and terribly unmotivated. I debated swinging by the house at 6 miles to get the yaktrax, but I was worried about stopping and not coming back out!
No. I'm too stubborn to quit. I knew I'd be back out. After blowing the snot-rocket to beat all of yesterday's snot rockets onto our front walk, I re-geared and tried again.
Not even the yaktrax were much help, but they did keep my from slipping on the slush to some degree. Can't say I sped up much at all. For the last 6 miles I wandered the 'hoods south and east of the house, thinking I'd get to TGP but never crossed Grand. The north/south streets seemed cleared, so the best were the east/west neighborhood streets. Back and forth, back and forth, walking every mile, pushing, fighting, cheering every mile. And so FREAKING HAPPY ONCE I WAS DONE.
Wow, this wiped out physically. The only soreness or tightness was a medial right knee tendon that didn't to bend. Other than that, I was tired beyond tired. In a good way, I guess. That's the idea, right? To get tired?
Here's to the upcoming rest week!!!
NUMERICS 10:22 hours
RUN 58.7 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8 not much with all the snow
WALKIES 17.2 miles again, weather
And 7x15 mins of yoga or stretching, minimal if any strength and that's what I need to be working on!
HELLO MARCH!!! Lots of snow fell overnight, the published estimate is 4-7" and I'd say that the lower end of that is about right. It was a quiet, no-wind, puffy, soft fall of snow that left a pretty blanket over the area. It also clogged up roads and prevented me from meeting up with TH for a run. Not safe for either of us to be driving, but at the same time I really wanted to visit! Oh well. Next time.
I took of towards LP and immediately started slipping and sliding. After some experimenting I found that the side streets that hadn't been plowed yet were the best. The snow was packed but still crunchy enough for the Cascadia lugs to grip. Anything partially plowed was a slick gray slush. Anything fully plowed was a splashy mess of road grime and cold water. I found as I went along that there were many of those ideal side streets. I did 2 loops around LP, super slow, frustrated, tired, and terribly unmotivated. I debated swinging by the house at 6 miles to get the yaktrax, but I was worried about stopping and not coming back out!
No. I'm too stubborn to quit. I knew I'd be back out. After blowing the snot-rocket to beat all of yesterday's snot rockets onto our front walk, I re-geared and tried again.
Not even the yaktrax were much help, but they did keep my from slipping on the slush to some degree. Can't say I sped up much at all. For the last 6 miles I wandered the 'hoods south and east of the house, thinking I'd get to TGP but never crossed Grand. The north/south streets seemed cleared, so the best were the east/west neighborhood streets. Back and forth, back and forth, walking every mile, pushing, fighting, cheering every mile. And so FREAKING HAPPY ONCE I WAS DONE.
Wow, this wiped out physically. The only soreness or tightness was a medial right knee tendon that didn't to bend. Other than that, I was tired beyond tired. In a good way, I guess. That's the idea, right? To get tired?
Here's to the upcoming rest week!!!
NUMERICS 10:22 hours
RUN 58.7 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8 not much with all the snow
WALKIES 17.2 miles again, weather
And 7x15 mins of yoga or stretching, minimal if any strength and that's what I need to be working on!
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