RUN 7 miles in about 1:03
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
OK maple-banana-eggwhite brekkie provided good run energy, so yes to more fast sugars before a run.
The turnips I had last night for dinner as part of a test....not a good idea. Last night and this morning and most of today I was bloated and unhappy. I knew I was having a problem with either turnips or arrowroot powder lately. A few rounds of testing, and I'm blaming the turnips :( but the arrowroot powder isn't free and clear yet. Still testing. Damn it.
The run was great, I happily stayed back with SayD who is recovering from being sick. My back was hurting up between the shoulder blades and I was having trouble getting my breath. I felt like I was being squeezed in my upper chest. My breathing was choppy and hesitant. Something to ask about tomorrow!
But the run felt good otherwise and I'm surprised with the pace. After the run I walked Shoogs in the park and enjoyed the smiley pansies in the landscaping.
I was going to have my blood drawn for tests today but there's some question with the orders. :(
But I did get to walk outside for about 15 mins :)
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Only 14 today
RUN 14 miles in 1:15
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Usually I run 15 miles on Wednesdays. But I double (and triple) checked the math. 4+14+7+50 does in fact add up to 75 miles.
Last night and yesterday afternoon I was out of energy. Flat. No spark. Even walking the dog was no fun. Need to eat more carbs? I'll take a look at trends and see what I'm eating. Could also be stress, training load, or long periods of boredom. More on that below, but I'm thinking that only starts a trend started by the other factors.
Hopefully when April is off the calendar so is this cool weather! Admittedly, mid-40's isn't terribly cold, so there's not much to complain about. Before the run I ate a small banana, clementine, egg whites, 2T of maple syrup, and 1 serv of EFS to see if the purer sugar load amps up my energy. I guess it did? And I fueled on about 30 jelly beans during the run, but that was more mental stimulation than fuel.
The run was good, but again flat energy. And my back was hurting again when I started from a stop. Right between the shoulder blades, where I guess T8 is located? Not sure, I though T8 was lower? With everything being tight, and with the 'manipulations' yesterday I'm not sure what to expect.
Off to see the PCP in the afternoon, when I got a sense of impending tests. He pointed out that I need to be thinking of more than CD, like SIBO, fungal overgrowth, microcolitis.... Then he read the bone doc's report and said she thinks I have a genetic bone regrowth issue!? ACK!! Can't think about this shit right now. While he wasn't worried so much about the Vitamin D, he was serious about getting me to a GI specialist and concerned about my back. Ugh.
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Usually I run 15 miles on Wednesdays. But I double (and triple) checked the math. 4+14+7+50 does in fact add up to 75 miles.
Last night and yesterday afternoon I was out of energy. Flat. No spark. Even walking the dog was no fun. Need to eat more carbs? I'll take a look at trends and see what I'm eating. Could also be stress, training load, or long periods of boredom. More on that below, but I'm thinking that only starts a trend started by the other factors.
Hopefully when April is off the calendar so is this cool weather! Admittedly, mid-40's isn't terribly cold, so there's not much to complain about. Before the run I ate a small banana, clementine, egg whites, 2T of maple syrup, and 1 serv of EFS to see if the purer sugar load amps up my energy. I guess it did? And I fueled on about 30 jelly beans during the run, but that was more mental stimulation than fuel.
The run was good, but again flat energy. And my back was hurting again when I started from a stop. Right between the shoulder blades, where I guess T8 is located? Not sure, I though T8 was lower? With everything being tight, and with the 'manipulations' yesterday I'm not sure what to expect.
Off to see the PCP in the afternoon, when I got a sense of impending tests. He pointed out that I need to be thinking of more than CD, like SIBO, fungal overgrowth, microcolitis.... Then he read the bone doc's report and said she thinks I have a genetic bone regrowth issue!? ACK!! Can't think about this shit right now. While he wasn't worried so much about the Vitamin D, he was serious about getting me to a GI specialist and concerned about my back. Ugh.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
TNK POS
RUN 4.1 miles in just under 40 mins
No bike commute today, had to drive to West Co for my first therapy session on my back. More on that below.
Why the heck is it so cold?! 40F in late April? Oh well. Just 4 miles. I went to LP area and back. In the private Benton Pl street I saw a TNK POS license plate :) Good advice, think positive!
My energy seemed low, but I think much of it was mental. Once I quit thinking about how low my energy was, I felt better. Hmmmm.
As for therapy, turns out that in addition to tight thoracic muscles, I have a ribcage misalignment (left is forward) and a left-side 4th rib out of alignment! This latter one you can feel, and maybe even see if I had a lower cut shirt on. I can't stop touching it to feel the difference!
My right shoulder blade is lower. Some cervical muscles are tight, so are many lumbar. Lots of work to do, especially as I worked through my 'homework' and found imbalances in flexibility. And now I have a better understanding as to why the pain and discomfort seemed to move around.
Also she 'manipulated my dura', so I might have some light-headedness. That's a new one for me. Getting my dura manipulated?!
She said the fractures (if they didn't happen via trauma or an accident) might have come from being hunched while on the bike. The spine is bent over and hitting a pothole would compress things. My first notice of pain was grabbing a bag from a car, but that was in the ribs? Maybe something separate in terms of an injury? All hard to say after the fact.
I can only look forward now, focus on my homework, be sure to sit up straight, find lumbar support for my chairs, and get better!
No bike commute today, had to drive to West Co for my first therapy session on my back. More on that below.
Why the heck is it so cold?! 40F in late April? Oh well. Just 4 miles. I went to LP area and back. In the private Benton Pl street I saw a TNK POS license plate :) Good advice, think positive!
My energy seemed low, but I think much of it was mental. Once I quit thinking about how low my energy was, I felt better. Hmmmm.
As for therapy, turns out that in addition to tight thoracic muscles, I have a ribcage misalignment (left is forward) and a left-side 4th rib out of alignment! This latter one you can feel, and maybe even see if I had a lower cut shirt on. I can't stop touching it to feel the difference!
My right shoulder blade is lower. Some cervical muscles are tight, so are many lumbar. Lots of work to do, especially as I worked through my 'homework' and found imbalances in flexibility. And now I have a better understanding as to why the pain and discomfort seemed to move around.
Also she 'manipulated my dura', so I might have some light-headedness. That's a new one for me. Getting my dura manipulated?!
She said the fractures (if they didn't happen via trauma or an accident) might have come from being hunched while on the bike. The spine is bent over and hitting a pothole would compress things. My first notice of pain was grabbing a bag from a car, but that was in the ribs? Maybe something separate in terms of an injury? All hard to say after the fact.
I can only look forward now, focus on my homework, be sure to sit up straight, find lumbar support for my chairs, and get better!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Still not rested, life isn't helping any
BIKE COMMUTE
I still feel tired, low energy, and dull. Stress is building.
Maybe a Disney notice this week, that's not helping any. That should be a good thing, so I need to put a buzz-itive spin on it! Stop the negative scripting. You know what I mean: "I get to" instead of "I have to". Or "I don't" instead of "I can't".
Time to rewrite:
OLD: I'll find out this week the details about going to Disney
NEW: This is the week that I get to start making plans for going to Disney!
I still feel tired, low energy, and dull. Stress is building.
Maybe a Disney notice this week, that's not helping any. That should be a good thing, so I need to put a buzz-itive spin on it! Stop the negative scripting. You know what I mean: "I get to" instead of "I have to". Or "I don't" instead of "I can't".
Time to rewrite:
OLD: I'll find out this week the details about going to Disney
NEW: This is the week that I get to start making plans for going to Disney!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?
RUN 10 miles in 1:35?
Met TH for a run on an entirely new section of KT. The first hour with her was 7 miles, the next 3 miles felt like an hour, but it was only 30-ish mins. I needed some podcast distraction and some timer help. Much better running with her.
I'm in a bit of a mental spiral, with the Dr's appts this week maybe some answers will help.
I turned on the AM radio last night for dinner and was sucked in by a sermon (from E STL!) that stuck with me, that discussed a passage from John 5, hence the post title. The sermon said it as Wilt Thou Be Made Free, but Google and a few other references say Whole.
In more reading and listening, I've learned this means -- are you willing to change?
Why, YES. I am willing to change. So it was interesting, and probably how I got sucked in, to have this come on the eve of Phase 3, which begins today.
My goals for now are to get on a more productive track for life, to not get stuck in mindlessness, and keep moving. I have this elaborate challenge worked up, and since I'm a triathlete it naturally has spread sheets!
Oh, and about the run itself! My back felt like it did yesterday -- tight, poppy, weak, uncomfortable. My energy was better with TH, which goes to show the power of mental energy for running. I still don't feel terribly rested!
NUMERICS
RUN 46.1 miles running in 7:17
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
WALKIES 25.6 miles (really, the same number!)
My 15 mins of stretch, foam roll, or strength fell off this week, but I did set it as a goal for Phase 3.
Met TH for a run on an entirely new section of KT. The first hour with her was 7 miles, the next 3 miles felt like an hour, but it was only 30-ish mins. I needed some podcast distraction and some timer help. Much better running with her.
I'm in a bit of a mental spiral, with the Dr's appts this week maybe some answers will help.
I turned on the AM radio last night for dinner and was sucked in by a sermon (from E STL!) that stuck with me, that discussed a passage from John 5, hence the post title. The sermon said it as Wilt Thou Be Made Free, but Google and a few other references say Whole.
In more reading and listening, I've learned this means -- are you willing to change?
Why, YES. I am willing to change. So it was interesting, and probably how I got sucked in, to have this come on the eve of Phase 3, which begins today.
My goals for now are to get on a more productive track for life, to not get stuck in mindlessness, and keep moving. I have this elaborate challenge worked up, and since I'm a triathlete it naturally has spread sheets!
Oh, and about the run itself! My back felt like it did yesterday -- tight, poppy, weak, uncomfortable. My energy was better with TH, which goes to show the power of mental energy for running. I still don't feel terribly rested!
NUMERICS
RUN 46.1 miles running in 7:17
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6 miles
WALKIES 25.6 miles (really, the same number!)
My 15 mins of stretch, foam roll, or strength fell off this week, but I did set it as a goal for Phase 3.
Saturday, April 25, 2015
I picked myself up and few away
RUN 10.2 miles in about 1:36
I wore my garmin, but don't have a time? haha.
My back was not 100% today, more like 80-85%. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. Back to that kinked feeling. It had the same discomfort at the start of Wednesday's run, but unlike that day the tight feeling didn't shake off after a few miles. It was there for all the run, and for the rest of the day.
I still wasn't feeling rested, so this was a tough run. I'm mentally drained too, feeling fragile and broken. Every time I feel my back, it reminds me of everything going on with my life and health. So a constant reminder.
I talked a lot with TV, and sincerely thanked him for it afterwards. After the run we went into the hockey/rec center for some water and came across a school art fair. I found a 3D piece I fell in love with: an open book with the pages cut and shaped into a nest or tree or burst of flames, and at the top a black paper origami bird. The piece was titled "I picked myself up and few away".
It touched me so much I teared up. That's going to be me, I'm going to pick myself up and fly away from my troubles and pains. It's up to me to do this, and maybe this is a better tattoo idea than the one I told TV about today -- the Oregon state motto!
Oh, and can I get that in Latin? TV said he sold his ring at a Cash For Gold shop. I'll get an estimate on the tattoo then ask for that amount for my rings -- LOL!
Today is the last day of Phase II. I have grand plans for Phase III. But first a review of what I've accomplished. Phase II began January 25th, so for the entire Phase I've been on my own. Getting stronger and smarter everyday. But those days weren't without bumps. My goals lately have been smoothing those bumps out.
I no longer eat in front of a screen, for awhile eating alone was so tough I ate not only with a TV but also the internet. Now I'm in the kitchen or DR.
I schedule my mornings so that I get to work by 9am. Then I do work for 1 hour before doing personal work. Also part of the schedule is a glass of water and a few minutes with the doggie. She's learned to expect this, and that makes me smile :)
I limit myself to one round of spider at a time, no going back to replay.
I schedule my evenings so that I don't linger at the countertop in a hungry munch fest. I bring a mini meal for the late afternoon and have less than 10 minutes to get out the door with the dog. This goal is my first Intentions Goal, the Cue-Routine-Reward design that's actually worked for me. It's kept me from feeling sick prior to a real dinner, as eating like that just upset my stomach. Swallowed air? This goal is on 21 days today!! Not consecutive days, yet.
I now also have an evening routine of planning my evening as I finish the dog walk, making plans to keep from losing time staring at a screen instead of doing anything else. I get mindless, staring at words and doing nothing else. This kills my momentum, both at home and at work. What will I do with all my extra time?! lol!
Next, I'm working towards a digital detox, and Phase III will focus on that -- less time staring at random internets, less Spider,
I wore my garmin, but don't have a time? haha.
My back was not 100% today, more like 80-85%. It's not painful, just uncomfortable. Back to that kinked feeling. It had the same discomfort at the start of Wednesday's run, but unlike that day the tight feeling didn't shake off after a few miles. It was there for all the run, and for the rest of the day.
I still wasn't feeling rested, so this was a tough run. I'm mentally drained too, feeling fragile and broken. Every time I feel my back, it reminds me of everything going on with my life and health. So a constant reminder.
I talked a lot with TV, and sincerely thanked him for it afterwards. After the run we went into the hockey/rec center for some water and came across a school art fair. I found a 3D piece I fell in love with: an open book with the pages cut and shaped into a nest or tree or burst of flames, and at the top a black paper origami bird. The piece was titled "I picked myself up and few away".
It touched me so much I teared up. That's going to be me, I'm going to pick myself up and fly away from my troubles and pains. It's up to me to do this, and maybe this is a better tattoo idea than the one I told TV about today -- the Oregon state motto!
Oh, and can I get that in Latin? TV said he sold his ring at a Cash For Gold shop. I'll get an estimate on the tattoo then ask for that amount for my rings -- LOL!
Today is the last day of Phase II. I have grand plans for Phase III. But first a review of what I've accomplished. Phase II began January 25th, so for the entire Phase I've been on my own. Getting stronger and smarter everyday. But those days weren't without bumps. My goals lately have been smoothing those bumps out.
I no longer eat in front of a screen, for awhile eating alone was so tough I ate not only with a TV but also the internet. Now I'm in the kitchen or DR.
I schedule my mornings so that I get to work by 9am. Then I do work for 1 hour before doing personal work. Also part of the schedule is a glass of water and a few minutes with the doggie. She's learned to expect this, and that makes me smile :)
I limit myself to one round of spider at a time, no going back to replay.
I schedule my evenings so that I don't linger at the countertop in a hungry munch fest. I bring a mini meal for the late afternoon and have less than 10 minutes to get out the door with the dog. This goal is my first Intentions Goal, the Cue-Routine-Reward design that's actually worked for me. It's kept me from feeling sick prior to a real dinner, as eating like that just upset my stomach. Swallowed air? This goal is on 21 days today!! Not consecutive days, yet.
I now also have an evening routine of planning my evening as I finish the dog walk, making plans to keep from losing time staring at a screen instead of doing anything else. I get mindless, staring at words and doing nothing else. This kills my momentum, both at home and at work. What will I do with all my extra time?! lol!
Next, I'm working towards a digital detox, and Phase III will focus on that -- less time staring at random internets, less Spider,
Friday, April 24, 2015
Not feeling rested
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Not feeling recovered or rested, so I'm reducing tomorrow's 20-miler to a 10.
Not feeling recovered or rested, so I'm reducing tomorrow's 20-miler to a 10.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
It's Thursday. Not Friday.
RUN 6.6 miles in 60 mins
Nope, I didn't do the extra 0.4 miles. It's a rest week! Ran with EW today, great pace and even better company. We talked trail runs, Tri Club, bike sponsor, her training plan. She also heard my story for the first time, said some wonderful things.
In the first mile, we were discussing podcasts and she mentioned an TED show about vulnerability, shame, connecting...caught my interest. So it was funny when in the last mile the conversation came full circle when I talked about how I dealt with my problems earlier.
Found the podcast, called Making Mistakes. I'm gonna listen to the podcast later today.
I've been a day off since at least yesterday, so bad that I wondered why a weekly meeting wasn't happening when I saw an empty conference room yesterday! Because the weekly meeting is today. Ha!
I'm feeling good, but tired and debating if I should reduce the planned 20 miles for Saturday to 10 or 15. I'll see how I feel come Friday night.
Working on some routines for Phase III. Having success in lab with Xgal and AMTG cultures. But nervous about the mentions of CD. Now that two Drs have said this is a possibility, it's stuck in my head. My PCP appt is moved up to next week, I'll ask for the test then. Also I start PT for my back next week.
Nope, I didn't do the extra 0.4 miles. It's a rest week! Ran with EW today, great pace and even better company. We talked trail runs, Tri Club, bike sponsor, her training plan. She also heard my story for the first time, said some wonderful things.
In the first mile, we were discussing podcasts and she mentioned an TED show about vulnerability, shame, connecting...caught my interest. So it was funny when in the last mile the conversation came full circle when I talked about how I dealt with my problems earlier.
Found the podcast, called Making Mistakes. I'm gonna listen to the podcast later today.
I've been a day off since at least yesterday, so bad that I wondered why a weekly meeting wasn't happening when I saw an empty conference room yesterday! Because the weekly meeting is today. Ha!
I'm feeling good, but tired and debating if I should reduce the planned 20 miles for Saturday to 10 or 15. I'll see how I feel come Friday night.
Working on some routines for Phase III. Having success in lab with Xgal and AMTG cultures. But nervous about the mentions of CD. Now that two Drs have said this is a possibility, it's stuck in my head. My PCP appt is moved up to next week, I'll ask for the test then. Also I start PT for my back next week.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
National Jelly Bean Day! Domino. And Rehab.
RUN 15 miles in I think 2:24
When I checked my notes later, they said 14 miles. Whatever. It's done.
I had dinner with TV and M last night, didn't get to bed and fall asleep until late -- 11pm! So when the alarm went off at 4:20...oooof I was tired. But I wanted to get this run done before an 8:30am meeting with a contractor. When I rolled out the door (late) at 5:40, I didn't need the headlamp, it was low 40's, and my lower back was threatening to spasm. Hoo boy.
But it didn't get worse, thankfully! And it wasn't that cold out. And the sun came up soon enough :)
This was a jelly bean test run, I took one bean at a time the first 10 miles, then a bean every half mile after that. I found that the inner part of a jelly bean is best spit out or it sticks to your teeth. So if you look you might find little sucked-on bean innards in TGP! I ate most of them, but some I just didn't want. They seem to sit OK in the tummy, they definitely perk up my head with flavor and distraction, but I need a better way to carry them than a baggie.
I wound out to TGP and MoBot, planning an out-n-back because I was tired and lacking imagination. On the way home, I stopped at Schnucks for a bio break and water refill. On the way back to TGP, I saw a domino in the asphalt in the road. I've seen golf balls, heard of the dominos, but this is my first sighting. If my hands weren't cold, I might have taken a picture. It was a "snake eyes" domino. What a funny thing to find.
I did great until mile 13 or so, that's when the fatigue caught up. I was walking between each mile, just long enough to extract a jelly bean from the bag, but by this time I was wanting to stop even more. I pushed it to the finish, but probably could have used more sugar than just 30 jelly beans for a 15 mile run! What was I thinking?!
My morning got shifted around when Dr M's office called with an opening at 10:30 for a follow-up. Boo to driving, but yay to being cleared for the next step in healing.
One of my podcasts discussed a 7 day test -- every time you look in a mirror, pause for a few seconds and tell yourself "I Love You". I tried it a few times -- Bee, I love you!! Not sure if laughing is the intended outcome? LOL!
The possibility of having CD is eating at me. For years I said that even if the test came back negative I still wouldn't eat breads. But now for my personal sanity I think I need to eliminate the possibility. Even though I don't think I have it, I don't trust myself! I'm great at denial. The way I see it, the result either way can help me. Positive means I need to buckle down, get careful, and fix absorption issues (like the Vitamin D). Negative means I need to focus on other routes of healing for my gut. So I'm going to ask my PCP to run the test, along with a few other common known-deficiency tests. Many of my recent podcasts are about gut healing, FODMAPs, SCD, etc. Too many ideas in my head right now, not enough answers.
When I checked my notes later, they said 14 miles. Whatever. It's done.
I had dinner with TV and M last night, didn't get to bed and fall asleep until late -- 11pm! So when the alarm went off at 4:20...oooof I was tired. But I wanted to get this run done before an 8:30am meeting with a contractor. When I rolled out the door (late) at 5:40, I didn't need the headlamp, it was low 40's, and my lower back was threatening to spasm. Hoo boy.
But it didn't get worse, thankfully! And it wasn't that cold out. And the sun came up soon enough :)
This was a jelly bean test run, I took one bean at a time the first 10 miles, then a bean every half mile after that. I found that the inner part of a jelly bean is best spit out or it sticks to your teeth. So if you look you might find little sucked-on bean innards in TGP! I ate most of them, but some I just didn't want. They seem to sit OK in the tummy, they definitely perk up my head with flavor and distraction, but I need a better way to carry them than a baggie.
I wound out to TGP and MoBot, planning an out-n-back because I was tired and lacking imagination. On the way home, I stopped at Schnucks for a bio break and water refill. On the way back to TGP, I saw a domino in the asphalt in the road. I've seen golf balls, heard of the dominos, but this is my first sighting. If my hands weren't cold, I might have taken a picture. It was a "snake eyes" domino. What a funny thing to find.
I did great until mile 13 or so, that's when the fatigue caught up. I was walking between each mile, just long enough to extract a jelly bean from the bag, but by this time I was wanting to stop even more. I pushed it to the finish, but probably could have used more sugar than just 30 jelly beans for a 15 mile run! What was I thinking?!
My morning got shifted around when Dr M's office called with an opening at 10:30 for a follow-up. Boo to driving, but yay to being cleared for the next step in healing.
One of my podcasts discussed a 7 day test -- every time you look in a mirror, pause for a few seconds and tell yourself "I Love You". I tried it a few times -- Bee, I love you!! Not sure if laughing is the intended outcome? LOL!
The possibility of having CD is eating at me. For years I said that even if the test came back negative I still wouldn't eat breads. But now for my personal sanity I think I need to eliminate the possibility. Even though I don't think I have it, I don't trust myself! I'm great at denial. The way I see it, the result either way can help me. Positive means I need to buckle down, get careful, and fix absorption issues (like the Vitamin D). Negative means I need to focus on other routes of healing for my gut. So I'm going to ask my PCP to run the test, along with a few other common known-deficiency tests. Many of my recent podcasts are about gut healing, FODMAPs, SCD, etc. Too many ideas in my head right now, not enough answers.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Mental struggle
RUN 4.25 miles in 42 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
What a struggle this morning. Just felt off. Underwater. Buzzed. Weak. Down. It got better as I started checking things off the to-do list. So I don't know if it was the distraction or the day just got better?
Chilly morning! Back in the mid 40's. And it never occurred to me that Walgreen's could be open, but not the pharmacy!? So much for "running" that errand. Guess I get to "run" it again tomorrow?
Part of my mental down-ness is some stress over the mention of CD from the bone doc. Am I in denial about maybe having it? What would it change if I did? I emailed EC, she also had the Vitamin D deficiency lead to a CD diagnosis. What I start googling "CD or IBS", it seems I could be either? I don't have all symptoms of either. Am I in denial to think I have "IBS-like symptoms"? Cuz that's how I describe it.
I tell myself I had IBS-like symptoms, but the FODMAP diet fixed it. Then why am I still vitamin deficient?! It's only one vitamin, not broad spectrum. Is that more denial?
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
What a struggle this morning. Just felt off. Underwater. Buzzed. Weak. Down. It got better as I started checking things off the to-do list. So I don't know if it was the distraction or the day just got better?
Chilly morning! Back in the mid 40's. And it never occurred to me that Walgreen's could be open, but not the pharmacy!? So much for "running" that errand. Guess I get to "run" it again tomorrow?
Part of my mental down-ness is some stress over the mention of CD from the bone doc. Am I in denial about maybe having it? What would it change if I did? I emailed EC, she also had the Vitamin D deficiency lead to a CD diagnosis. What I start googling "CD or IBS", it seems I could be either? I don't have all symptoms of either. Am I in denial to think I have "IBS-like symptoms"? Cuz that's how I describe it.
I tell myself I had IBS-like symptoms, but the FODMAP diet fixed it. Then why am I still vitamin deficient?! It's only one vitamin, not broad spectrum. Is that more denial?
Monday, April 20, 2015
Resting Monday
Resting, excepting I walked the doggie 4.5 miles over the course of the day!
No real pain or soreness. Some quad discomfort is all. Back feels great, just tired and tight.
Bone Dr office called with prescription for 50K IU of Vitamin D supplement for 8 weeks, then retest. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it!!
No real pain or soreness. Some quad discomfort is all. Back feels great, just tired and tight.
Bone Dr office called with prescription for 50K IU of Vitamin D supplement for 8 weeks, then retest. Sounds like a lot, doesn't it!!
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Katy Trail, some with TH
RUN 15 miles in just over 2.5 hours
A 9am start seemed so late! But not really. And I started at 8:37, not 9am, and that's how the story starts...
I started early because TH only needed 1:50 while I wanted 2:20. I wasn't set on the 15 miles, I would have been OK with 13 given that I'd already run an 'extra' 2 miles midweek. But I was set on the spirit at least, the time if not the distance.
I had time to run out a mile and come back. Figuring we'd run south, I went north. Back at the lot, a few texts later, turns out she also showed up early and went south thinking that's where I was. Nuts. Hate to mess up her pace, she turned around, met up with me, talked a bit, then back onto her plan. I was insistent that she stuck to her training schedule.
The physical part of me was fine, the mental part was in negative scripting mode. I just kept telling myself how tired I was! I was so happy to hit mile 5.....
My in-run math was terrible. Oh geez it's finally mile 10. 5K to go!! Still trying to push mentally.
This post is about as disjointed as my brain was on the run.
Around miles 11-12, TH was done and cooled off with me a bit. I got my jelly beans from her and started popping those. I was really looking forward to these, distractedly even! She warned me to slow down and pace myself. It was like getting little drug hits each time I tried one. They had me smiling, and by now I was ready to do the full 15 miles instead of just 13!
I did the last 3 miles on my own, popping a jelly bean every 0.2 or 0.25 miles. Sure, this left me staring at the Garmin. And sure enough, I started to get sick to my stomach. Pacing!
AND DONE!!!!!
Did I mention that it rained for this run? :) A nice, calm, warm rain. So quiet and pleasant :)
What a tough week, still surprised at how yesterday's run was so much harder than last weekend's Poto run. It's more likely the back-to-back weekends and the fact that yesterday was a tougher trail. I think I need a mini rest week though, so off to stare at my training plan.
NUMERICS
RUN 72 miles in 13 hours 43 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 19.2 miles
WALKIES 20.1 miles
and not as good with the 15 min/day stretch and strength goal.
A 9am start seemed so late! But not really. And I started at 8:37, not 9am, and that's how the story starts...
I started early because TH only needed 1:50 while I wanted 2:20. I wasn't set on the 15 miles, I would have been OK with 13 given that I'd already run an 'extra' 2 miles midweek. But I was set on the spirit at least, the time if not the distance.
I had time to run out a mile and come back. Figuring we'd run south, I went north. Back at the lot, a few texts later, turns out she also showed up early and went south thinking that's where I was. Nuts. Hate to mess up her pace, she turned around, met up with me, talked a bit, then back onto her plan. I was insistent that she stuck to her training schedule.
The physical part of me was fine, the mental part was in negative scripting mode. I just kept telling myself how tired I was! I was so happy to hit mile 5.....
My in-run math was terrible. Oh geez it's finally mile 10. 5K to go!! Still trying to push mentally.
This post is about as disjointed as my brain was on the run.
Around miles 11-12, TH was done and cooled off with me a bit. I got my jelly beans from her and started popping those. I was really looking forward to these, distractedly even! She warned me to slow down and pace myself. It was like getting little drug hits each time I tried one. They had me smiling, and by now I was ready to do the full 15 miles instead of just 13!
I did the last 3 miles on my own, popping a jelly bean every 0.2 or 0.25 miles. Sure, this left me staring at the Garmin. And sure enough, I started to get sick to my stomach. Pacing!
AND DONE!!!!!
Did I mention that it rained for this run? :) A nice, calm, warm rain. So quiet and pleasant :)
What a tough week, still surprised at how yesterday's run was so much harder than last weekend's Poto run. It's more likely the back-to-back weekends and the fact that yesterday was a tougher trail. I think I need a mini rest week though, so off to stare at my training plan.
NUMERICS
RUN 72 miles in 13 hours 43 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 19.2 miles
WALKIES 20.1 miles
and not as good with the 15 min/day stretch and strength goal.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Hell of a run in Greensfelder
RUN (and walk!) 30 miles in Greensfelder
Oh man, TV is gotta get healed. This running alone to podcasts is good for only so long...
My original plan was to run the course laid out for the recent 50K in this park, it was a two loop run that was close enough to the truck for me to change plans if needed. But I immediately changed course, changed again, thought it'd be more fun to do the 50K someday with TV on board, and ended up doing something entirely different. I've been encouraging myself to branch out and "just run". Don't watch the clock, do the math, etc. Good time for it I guess.
I ended up going north towards Rockwoods and hit the end of Greenrock at 6.2 miles. Bathroom and water refill at the visitor's center, then the 2.5 quarry loop, then off for some other Rockwoods trails. I wasn't decided on a few things, like how long I was going to spend here, when I'd head back to truck, and my in-run math was as usual pretty bad. I wandered east, found the kiln trail, looped up that rocky mostly-walk mess, came back, thought I'd found another trail, but ended up mostly-walking again before I realized that I was somehow back where I was before....Ugh... All this and just over 15 miles...
I was starting to get bored. I was up. Down. Up. Down. I'm referring to moods, not hills. The podcasts continued, they were good and varied, and I don't think I could have gone on without them!
Bathroom and water refill. Back on Greenrock at 18 miles. At 19 miles a sharp pain came on under my ribs on the right side. It stayed about 30 mins, then disappeared and I forgot about it. The miles ticked by slowly. At mile 23 I started up Overlook, up that loooooong rocky hill, around mile 24 I was on Beluah and struggling on the rough dirt tore up by horses. Around mile 25 I fell on ???. At mile 27 I decided to head back to the truck to get a bite of my egg+potato recovery just to have some mental stimulation. Jelly beans sounded really good for some reason...
By this time, I was wiped, but terribly determined. Even if I have to WALK the last TWO F^CKING MILES. So off I go, 1 mile out and 1 mile back. I picked the easiest trail I could get to and just my luck it trended downhill. Great. Uphill on the way back.
A Pro You podcast was on for this last segment, encouraging me to continue. I went, and went, and went, and OH GAWD THE GARMIN SAYS 28.5. Keep Going. FINALLY I get to turn around, by this time walking, and the podcast is doing a "take 5 deep breaths meditation" with of all things Yanni playing in the background. New songlist addition?!
I was able to run in the last half mile, again that up and down and up and down feeling helping me out. I did a parking lot loop until the Garmin beep for 30.
Felt so good to be done! No blisters, no injuries, no big physical complaints. Mostly mental. My fueling was boring -- powerbar and EFS -- so that's gotta shake up A LOT.
My back was OK the whole way, terribly tired that night but not pained.
Today was the first day of a new weekend Routine, part of my Cue-Routine-Reward re-working I'm doing. Success! And it did help!
Oh man, TV is gotta get healed. This running alone to podcasts is good for only so long...
My original plan was to run the course laid out for the recent 50K in this park, it was a two loop run that was close enough to the truck for me to change plans if needed. But I immediately changed course, changed again, thought it'd be more fun to do the 50K someday with TV on board, and ended up doing something entirely different. I've been encouraging myself to branch out and "just run". Don't watch the clock, do the math, etc. Good time for it I guess.
I ended up going north towards Rockwoods and hit the end of Greenrock at 6.2 miles. Bathroom and water refill at the visitor's center, then the 2.5 quarry loop, then off for some other Rockwoods trails. I wasn't decided on a few things, like how long I was going to spend here, when I'd head back to truck, and my in-run math was as usual pretty bad. I wandered east, found the kiln trail, looped up that rocky mostly-walk mess, came back, thought I'd found another trail, but ended up mostly-walking again before I realized that I was somehow back where I was before....Ugh... All this and just over 15 miles...
I was starting to get bored. I was up. Down. Up. Down. I'm referring to moods, not hills. The podcasts continued, they were good and varied, and I don't think I could have gone on without them!
Bathroom and water refill. Back on Greenrock at 18 miles. At 19 miles a sharp pain came on under my ribs on the right side. It stayed about 30 mins, then disappeared and I forgot about it. The miles ticked by slowly. At mile 23 I started up Overlook, up that loooooong rocky hill, around mile 24 I was on Beluah and struggling on the rough dirt tore up by horses. Around mile 25 I fell on ???. At mile 27 I decided to head back to the truck to get a bite of my egg+potato recovery just to have some mental stimulation. Jelly beans sounded really good for some reason...
By this time, I was wiped, but terribly determined. Even if I have to WALK the last TWO F^CKING MILES. So off I go, 1 mile out and 1 mile back. I picked the easiest trail I could get to and just my luck it trended downhill. Great. Uphill on the way back.
A Pro You podcast was on for this last segment, encouraging me to continue. I went, and went, and went, and OH GAWD THE GARMIN SAYS 28.5. Keep Going. FINALLY I get to turn around, by this time walking, and the podcast is doing a "take 5 deep breaths meditation" with of all things Yanni playing in the background. New songlist addition?!
I was able to run in the last half mile, again that up and down and up and down feeling helping me out. I did a parking lot loop until the Garmin beep for 30.
Felt so good to be done! No blisters, no injuries, no big physical complaints. Mostly mental. My fueling was boring -- powerbar and EFS -- so that's gotta shake up A LOT.
My back was OK the whole way, terribly tired that night but not pained.
Today was the first day of a new weekend Routine, part of my Cue-Routine-Reward re-working I'm doing. Success! And it did help!
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Tired, tired, tired
RUN 7 miles in 59 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
As usual, the Thursday run is the fastest. I guess this is my speedwork or tempo run? It always surprises me, I tell myself that this third run in a row could be easy and relaxed, and it is!! But it turns out that doesn't mean slow. DC was there with stories of Florida, no LC to chat with.
I brought Shoogs with me, we had a short walk after the run. Wonderfully foggy and warm morning.
By the time I got home, I was hungry, cold, and tired. The hungry and cold I fixed, the tired I did not. I've been dragging all day. If I could curl up for a nap, I would! Mentally I'm a little sluggy, it's mostly a physical fatigue.
And my back is so damned tired too. I want to lean on things all day, take weight off it. It almost hurts, but this time the discomfort is in the pain at the spine. Not in the ribs like before. Does this discomfort precede the rib pain? I might find out if I'm not careful here.
Met TV for lunch, he's dedicated to healing. He'd better heal!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
As usual, the Thursday run is the fastest. I guess this is my speedwork or tempo run? It always surprises me, I tell myself that this third run in a row could be easy and relaxed, and it is!! But it turns out that doesn't mean slow. DC was there with stories of Florida, no LC to chat with.
I brought Shoogs with me, we had a short walk after the run. Wonderfully foggy and warm morning.
By the time I got home, I was hungry, cold, and tired. The hungry and cold I fixed, the tired I did not. I've been dragging all day. If I could curl up for a nap, I would! Mentally I'm a little sluggy, it's mostly a physical fatigue.
And my back is so damned tired too. I want to lean on things all day, take weight off it. It almost hurts, but this time the discomfort is in the pain at the spine. Not in the ribs like before. Does this discomfort precede the rib pain? I might find out if I'm not careful here.
Met TV for lunch, he's dedicated to healing. He'd better heal!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
The quick brown fox ... ran through the fence!
RUN 15 miles in 2:26
I blame the fact that auto pause was off for my time :) That's my excuse anyway. It didn't feel slow!
This was a true wander around the TGP and MoBot area. I think I covered every path and trail in the park, trying to avoid repeating and recrossing paths. I did pretty good with that and didn't get bored.
While running along Magnolia, I brown fox ran from TGP into the MoBot passing through the fence. Hence the title.
Super pretty run, the dogwoods are in bloom now. I could see what was probably tree allergens accumulating on the sidewalks, reminding me of other spring training sessions after which I had allergy symptoms. None today. Yet. And reminded me of the 2011 Chubb run I did after Scully died, when the dogwoods were blooming along the Chubb trail.
Had another bone scan today and appt with bone specialist. Awaiting results, but I'm encouraged by her matter of fact approach, lack of worse-case-scenario thinking, and ... well ... I'll just have to wait! She noted that my back muscles are tight, and I'm really feeling that today. So that is probably a next-step for me, get those loosened up. No pain, just tight and hard to turn my shoulders. But it's been that way a while now.
I blame the fact that auto pause was off for my time :) That's my excuse anyway. It didn't feel slow!
This was a true wander around the TGP and MoBot area. I think I covered every path and trail in the park, trying to avoid repeating and recrossing paths. I did pretty good with that and didn't get bored.
While running along Magnolia, I brown fox ran from TGP into the MoBot passing through the fence. Hence the title.
Super pretty run, the dogwoods are in bloom now. I could see what was probably tree allergens accumulating on the sidewalks, reminding me of other spring training sessions after which I had allergy symptoms. None today. Yet. And reminded me of the 2011 Chubb run I did after Scully died, when the dogwoods were blooming along the Chubb trail.
Had another bone scan today and appt with bone specialist. Awaiting results, but I'm encouraged by her matter of fact approach, lack of worse-case-scenario thinking, and ... well ... I'll just have to wait! She noted that my back muscles are tight, and I'm really feeling that today. So that is probably a next-step for me, get those loosened up. No pain, just tight and hard to turn my shoulders. But it's been that way a while now.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tuesday 5 miler
RUN 5 miles in ? just under 50 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I was surprised at how good I'm feeling after the Poto race. Some quad burn, that's it. I was even more surprised when I happily did 5 miles instead of the prescribed 4! And felt good doing it!
Forgot to mention that on Sunday TV told me his GO! marathon effort was halved by another calf injury! He's taking the week off running, re-evaluating things. Yikes!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I was surprised at how good I'm feeling after the Poto race. Some quad burn, that's it. I was even more surprised when I happily did 5 miles instead of the prescribed 4! And felt good doing it!
Forgot to mention that on Sunday TV told me his GO! marathon effort was halved by another calf injury! He's taking the week off running, re-evaluating things. Yikes!
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Post Poto Sunday; First 70 mile week
Some follow up thoughts, things I want to remember, and how things look for Kettle 100.
I forgot to mention that I kept looking for the moon to rise during the race. I finally saw it as I was walking towards my tent after the race, behind some hazy clouds :)
I loved the jelly beans, and will try to incorporate them in to Kettle racing. I found that Jelly Bellys have 100 calories per 25 beans, that's a gel equivalent and the perfect size for a snack bag.
I need better sleeping gear! Cushy-er and warmer! I like having the tent for proximity, simplicity, and money saving so it's worth investing a bit.
I love ultraracing. I love night running.
I was remarkably fatigued Sunday after I woke up, only a hint at how tired I'll be after Kettle. The schedule disruption, energy expenditure, and overnight aspect are killer.
As for Kettle, I'm feeling good and looking ahead to a few more fine tunings of distance and jelly bean nutrition. :)
NUMERICS 13:15 hours of running
RUN 70 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8
WALKIES 10.6
Most days I got my minimum of 15 mins of stretch and strength, but racing and traveling limited this.
I forgot to mention that I kept looking for the moon to rise during the race. I finally saw it as I was walking towards my tent after the race, behind some hazy clouds :)
I loved the jelly beans, and will try to incorporate them in to Kettle racing. I found that Jelly Bellys have 100 calories per 25 beans, that's a gel equivalent and the perfect size for a snack bag.
I need better sleeping gear! Cushy-er and warmer! I like having the tent for proximity, simplicity, and money saving so it's worth investing a bit.
I love ultraracing. I love night running.
I was remarkably fatigued Sunday after I woke up, only a hint at how tired I'll be after Kettle. The schedule disruption, energy expenditure, and overnight aspect are killer.
As for Kettle, I'm feeling good and looking ahead to a few more fine tunings of distance and jelly bean nutrition. :)
NUMERICS 13:15 hours of running
RUN 70 miles
BIKE COMMUTE 12.8
WALKIES 10.6
Most days I got my minimum of 15 mins of stretch and strength, but racing and traveling limited this.
Potawatomi 30-miler Fun Run Race Report
RUN 30 miles in 6:56:55
1st OA Female out of 6
3rd OA runner out of 26 (20 finishers)
Loop 1 in 2:12, pace 13:18 m/m
Loop 2 in 2:18, pace 13:48 m/m
Loop 3 in 2:26, pace 14:36 m/m
My first race in 2015! And what a way to start out!
There was a lot of set up to this event, but then in the end not a lot of set up My goal was to keep it a training run and not "race" it. For it to be a training run, I just needed to finish steady, nail the nutrition, learn to run at night, learn to run overnight, and not get injured.
Mission Accomplished!
I took Thursday off and moved the usual mileage for that day to Tuesday. I still did the Wednesday 15 miler. Then moved the Sunday 15 miler to Friday. So the week was 0+10+15+0+15+30+0. Adds up to my first 70 mile week.
If this would have been a 'race', I would have rested and fueled appropriately for it. In the end, I stayed up late Friday night, slept only 5-6 hours, was on my feet all Friday and Saturday, and ate a mostly full Saturday dinner between 3:30 and 4:30. Drove to the site 5:30-7. Did packet pickup and tent set up, with only minutes to spare for the 8pm start. I got super lucky in that since the 50-milers were mostly done, parking was a breeze. I literally parked behind packet pickup and where tents were set up!
The race field was small, I counted about 6 womens. I told myself this wasn't a race, and didn't expect any type of podium finish. The sun was set as we started, after a brief wait we were off in the typical ultra fashion -- minimal and quiet :) Gawds I love this sport.
This was my 9th lap around this park. In 2013 I raced my first 50-miler here and later that same year raced a 30-miler (in which I also won OA Female!) but in the opposite direction on the course. So I knew the course! In my head for the past few days I was mapping out hills, turns, and creeks. We started off with the left turn and down the rutted hill to the meadow... and away we go!
In the first mile around the meadow, I ended up behind two womens who were running together (or I thought they were...). I immediately noticed just how bright their headlamps were, and how dim mine was. Panic time!? My headlamp didn't have brand new batteries, but nor did I notice them being dim. Oh F^CK. I had back up batteries, but did I have enough to run the headlamp and the knucklights? Dad to the rescue, at the first aid station I changed to Dad's batteries and had LIGHT! I was sooooo happy and wanted to hug Dad right then and there, but he wasn't there...er...here...er whatever. RUN!
With the battery change, I ended up behind the two womens. In a normal race this would have bothered me, but I was OK with it. Although I would have like to talk to them (one was training for the Mohican 100) it was good to get away and not feel pulled or pushed. Besides, this was my alone time to focus and learn. Not chat.
Over the river and through the woods....past the halfway point...my stomach is unhappy and so am I. My mind started screwing with me, thinking about quitting, thinking about vomiting, thinking about how much colder it might get.... I quickly learned that if my mind wandered I'd stumble or trip. At one point in the lollipop between miles 6 and 7 I stumbled over a root and BAM hit the ground. I was OK, but frustrated. I had to keep my mind on the trail! The trail was marked with yellow reflectives on clothespins and flags. I focused on the next yellow, the next yellow, the next... This worked better.
But I never did vomit, and as you may have guessed I didn't quit. To my surprise, after grabbing some jelly beans (new nutrition find!!) and pee'ing, lap 2 started off great and I was feeling much better. Go sugar high! Down the hill, around the meadow, over the creek (ankle deep and refreshing), up the hill (no yellow pie plate signs this year), down Leafy Gulch (still LEAFY!!), up, down, weaving around, and happy when I hit 12 miles. That means 5K to halfway!! Around this time I thought I saw a yellow reflector off to my right. I spun my head to see if I'd missed a turn, and the reflector ran off! The eyes of a white tailed deer is what I saw!!
And this is where my race turned for the better. As I've noted a lot recently, the first few miles of a long run are more of a mental battle than anything. Once I hit halfway, I was cruising. Also, the halfway aid station had jelly beans :) Different brand, less flavor variety, but still good.
I ended the 2nd lap feeling great, chatted with the RD's for awhile while getting more beans. This time I put them in my glove thinking that would hold them better (and I wouldn't drop so many while running) but they ended up stuck in the fingers of the gloves and were damned hard to get out. Coconut. Chocolate. Coffee. My new nutrition has wonderful flavors, and I found the changes in flavor, the intensity, and the sugar were wonderful perks. Definitely something to follow up on.
The third lap had more more walking, but that was expected. I'd thought about saying "good morning!" to other runners, but didn't think they'd find it as funny. I was getting mentally fuzzed and worried about tripping and other stupid errors. I ran most of miles 20-25 alone, very few runners around me. Well to be clear, they weren't runners. They were the 200, 150, 100, and a few 50 mile race runners who were reduced to walking. Some shuffled, some hobbled, some ambled, but all had a purpose to the walk. Their goals kept them going, and that was so inspiring! As I came up behind them I start talking, asking how they were doing and if they seemed open to it I'd ask their mileage. Some were a black cloud of "leave-me-alone", some were probably too fuzzed to answer, but most all were able to chat a bit and I loved it! I felt so fast passing them on fresh legs, I kept saying "I'm only doing the 30 mile fun run" and most would laugh.
By the 3rd lap, I knew where I was and what turns to look for. I still swear the last 4 miles of the course are way too long and messy, I thought the same thing at the 50-miler. Just a lot of switchbacks? Either way, once I started seeing finish line landmarks, I checked my Garmin. At mile 15 I'd set a soft goal of under 7 hours, that would mean even splits. My Garmin wasn't accurately measuring the loops (1=9.6; 2=9.8...) so the Garmin reported a mile to go (it read 29 at the finish). Everything looked good for a goal finish, and I did it!
I crossed the finish in typical ultra style -- a few claps but otherwise quiet. I had a timing chip to return, so I wandered over to the start/finish AS and chatted again with the race directors. As I'm munching a few more jelly beans and talking to them about Kettle 100 (turns out they'll be there too!) they realize I'm the first female! OMG FOR REALZ?!
Beans, bathroom, bed. I need to get better camping gear. I slept for only 2 hours, and slept poorly at that. The rest of the morning was nothing but tired, so bad I couldn't even drive without more sleep in the truck. A good preview of how I'll be feeling after 100 miles: wiped and dysfunctional.
Overall: NAILED IT!. Nailed the nutrition by eating every 45 mins, did one Powerbar and jelly beans. I think a grand total of 700 calories, but this was after a full meal and all day of mindfully eating sugar to fuel. Nailed the hydration, I had to pee every lap. Nailed a smooth even pace. Nailed night running, kept calm and focused on the trail. Nailed the gear: used the knuckle lights as auxiliary lights for tough sections and downhills; shoes caused no blisters or chafes; layers were perfect. Nailed the mental struggles (although it took 10 miles ...), and learned a lot about running overnight (like about having FRESH batteries!).
Oh, and my back! NOTHING. I kept the Camelbak partially filled, stretched when I remembered to, and was mindful of keeping my head loose and not fixed to aim the light downward. My back muscles were appropriately fatigued, but not pained in an injury-specific pattern. Even after sleeping on the foam mat and truck seat, my back did OK.
Turns out I LOVE RUNNING AT NIGHT!! OK it helped that the trail was in ace-perfect condition: smooth soft dirt that wasn't muddy or dusty; the weather was calm and cool; the sky was clear and starry. Some moments were transcendent. I wanted to stop and stare at the sky, but this was a race and I had to keep moving! I can only hope Kettle 100 is this beautiful and inspiring to run at night.
Friday, April 10, 2015
Pre-Potawatomi 15 miler
RUN 15 miles in 2:23
This was at home on the I&M, the softest surface I knew of. No hills, few if any turns, fairly boring. And wind shielded! It was a windy morning!
I kept this super easy and steady. The goal is a back-to-back, but tomorrow night's race is more important. This run felt great, didn't even notice it later in the day.
This was at home on the I&M, the softest surface I knew of. No hills, few if any turns, fairly boring. And wind shielded! It was a windy morning!
I kept this super easy and steady. The goal is a back-to-back, but tomorrow night's race is more important. This run felt great, didn't even notice it later in the day.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Easy 15
RUN 15 miles in 2:21
Busy day! Have to get to work early so I can leave early, but I don't have terribly much to do there (except update this blog...).
I did this run in Forest Park, as the original plan was to come into work early to start an incubation. I wore shorts!! And I wish I had a short sleeve t-shirt instead of a long one. As with yesterday, the goal was steady and easy. But I was feeling pretty damned good and had some quick pick-up and uphill pushes.
I wandered out on Wydown (figured Wy-not? LOL) and tooled around the 'hood in that area. Some really nice houses, and amazing green lawns. Another humid day like yesterday, but without the fog. What a wonderful run!
No back problems, no pain. Mild if any discomfort, I'm not sure if that fits on the pain scale or not.
Busy day! Have to get to work early so I can leave early, but I don't have terribly much to do there (except update this blog...).
I did this run in Forest Park, as the original plan was to come into work early to start an incubation. I wore shorts!! And I wish I had a short sleeve t-shirt instead of a long one. As with yesterday, the goal was steady and easy. But I was feeling pretty damned good and had some quick pick-up and uphill pushes.
I wandered out on Wydown (figured Wy-not? LOL) and tooled around the 'hood in that area. Some really nice houses, and amazing green lawns. Another humid day like yesterday, but without the fog. What a wonderful run!
No back problems, no pain. Mild if any discomfort, I'm not sure if that fits on the pain scale or not.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Foggy Morning Rundown
RUN 10 miles in 1:37
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
With the 30 mile race on Saturday night, my run schedule is changed for the week. Instead of a 4+15+6 for the midweek Tues/Weds/Thurs, I'm doing 10 today and 15 tomorrow. Then resting Thursday. Since the race is Sat night, I'll do the 2nd 15-miler Friday morning to get the back-to-back effect. This is my first 70 mile week, I think ever!
I rolled out the door in the dark and loved the foggy misty effect. The city lights made the air glow a little. The air was warm and humid. Everything seemed so quiet...calm... As the sun came up, the sky was still gray. It made an oddly pretty effect against the pink and white flowers on the trees.
My goal was a steady, easy pace. Another goal was to avoid a straight up out-n-back run, I wanted something different! I managed that by going around CHRP, to TGP, around the MoBot, then looping back to Grand in TGP before going to Kings, then home. Ended with 10 just a few houses away.
The back felt great, no problems at all. I'm aware of how it's "poppy", like something is clicking around behind my shoulder blades. That's not new, it's been doing that. Something I noticed last summer while bike commuting. Not sure what it means though.
Great run!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
With the 30 mile race on Saturday night, my run schedule is changed for the week. Instead of a 4+15+6 for the midweek Tues/Weds/Thurs, I'm doing 10 today and 15 tomorrow. Then resting Thursday. Since the race is Sat night, I'll do the 2nd 15-miler Friday morning to get the back-to-back effect. This is my first 70 mile week, I think ever!
I rolled out the door in the dark and loved the foggy misty effect. The city lights made the air glow a little. The air was warm and humid. Everything seemed so quiet...calm... As the sun came up, the sky was still gray. It made an oddly pretty effect against the pink and white flowers on the trees.
My goal was a steady, easy pace. Another goal was to avoid a straight up out-n-back run, I wanted something different! I managed that by going around CHRP, to TGP, around the MoBot, then looping back to Grand in TGP before going to Kings, then home. Ended with 10 just a few houses away.
The back felt great, no problems at all. I'm aware of how it's "poppy", like something is clicking around behind my shoulder blades. That's not new, it's been doing that. Something I noticed last summer while bike commuting. Not sure what it means though.
Great run!
Monday, April 6, 2015
Enjoy The Process
Rest day, BIKE COMMUTE only 6.4 miles
I'm one of those people that sees 'omens' in repeats of 3's. If something crosses my path 3 times, or if I think about it 3 times, or if I hear it 3 times, then I'll take notice. I don't think I'm unique in this, but I'm probably different in that I set the threshold to 3 and then take special delight in the realization of the pattern.
I had a realization after my 2nd 30 mile run last weekend -- that once I quit focusing on the distance, I'd forget where and when it was and settle into the run. Heck, I'd reached a point where even my 10 mile runs seemed so long in the first 3 miles, then time and distance faded away as I reached miles 5+. I learned that I was too focused on the numbers, doing too much mental math, and skipping over the enjoyment of the run and instead just logging miles. This reminded me of a podcast from a long run in which the speaker talked smartphone apps for to-do lists and habits that become about 'just another widget to crank'. That sounded like me, I have apps that remind me to do things and I happily check the box to say it's done. I sometimes get more pleasure from checking the box than I do performing the task.
On Saturday while running with TV I asked his advice on a question that's been sitting on my mind: I'd finish a 30 mile run and have an overwhelming feeling of "OMG that's barely a third of the race distance?!". My question was, how did he deal with that? He thought about it.. a lot longer than I thought he would...or at least it seemed that way... and here was the answer, paraphrased: he didn't focus on the mileage, the distance covered, or the distance remaining. Instead he focused on meeting other runners, seeing new points of the trail, taking it step by step. A typical TV answer. He doesn't seem to get worked up over anything :)
Then on Sunday I'm listening to another one of my podcasts, and the speaker talked about a favorite quote from her dad: Enjoy The Process. And *CLICK* I hit my threshold of 3: my personal realizations, TV's answer, and the quote.
In other words, stay in the moment. Quit looking back. Avoid peering forward. It's the journey, not the outcome. Focus on the story, not the happy ending. Etc etc etc...
Sounds so simple. Cliche. You read this on tea tags, Successory posters, self-help titles, etc etc etc...
And yet this is how I've been living lately -- one day at a time, one goal, one step, one widget. And just like starting a run and overcoming that mental math battle in the first few miles, I'm finding that each day is getting easier and easier.
I'm so much better about not perseverating on what could happen in my future. I don't mentally build arguments that haven't happened. I can turn off the negative self-talk that predominated my thoughts for so long.
I'm learning to live in the moment. To take a breath (aside from my ribs hurting) and feel the air moving into my lungs. I look for the bird that is singing instead of just hearing it above. I watch the sunrise change colors without looking at the clock. I see the cloud but focus instead on the silver lining.
I'm not piling work onto myself in a mad crazy frenzy. I'm not punishing myself with hard work, training, or goals. I'm learning to say 'no' instead of 'yes' when asked for something that doesn't work for me. I'm learning to say 'yes' to advice, dinner, and help.
I'm finding myself. And I like what I'm finding. The process has slowed down and now instead of life zipping by in a mad rush, I'm seeing each day for what it is. Another moment to live, another chance to make changes, another opportunity to listen to the whisper of rain.
I'm one of those people that sees 'omens' in repeats of 3's. If something crosses my path 3 times, or if I think about it 3 times, or if I hear it 3 times, then I'll take notice. I don't think I'm unique in this, but I'm probably different in that I set the threshold to 3 and then take special delight in the realization of the pattern.
I had a realization after my 2nd 30 mile run last weekend -- that once I quit focusing on the distance, I'd forget where and when it was and settle into the run. Heck, I'd reached a point where even my 10 mile runs seemed so long in the first 3 miles, then time and distance faded away as I reached miles 5+. I learned that I was too focused on the numbers, doing too much mental math, and skipping over the enjoyment of the run and instead just logging miles. This reminded me of a podcast from a long run in which the speaker talked smartphone apps for to-do lists and habits that become about 'just another widget to crank'. That sounded like me, I have apps that remind me to do things and I happily check the box to say it's done. I sometimes get more pleasure from checking the box than I do performing the task.
On Saturday while running with TV I asked his advice on a question that's been sitting on my mind: I'd finish a 30 mile run and have an overwhelming feeling of "OMG that's barely a third of the race distance?!". My question was, how did he deal with that? He thought about it.. a lot longer than I thought he would...or at least it seemed that way... and here was the answer, paraphrased: he didn't focus on the mileage, the distance covered, or the distance remaining. Instead he focused on meeting other runners, seeing new points of the trail, taking it step by step. A typical TV answer. He doesn't seem to get worked up over anything :)
Then on Sunday I'm listening to another one of my podcasts, and the speaker talked about a favorite quote from her dad: Enjoy The Process. And *CLICK* I hit my threshold of 3: my personal realizations, TV's answer, and the quote.
In other words, stay in the moment. Quit looking back. Avoid peering forward. It's the journey, not the outcome. Focus on the story, not the happy ending. Etc etc etc...
Sounds so simple. Cliche. You read this on tea tags, Successory posters, self-help titles, etc etc etc...
And yet this is how I've been living lately -- one day at a time, one goal, one step, one widget. And just like starting a run and overcoming that mental math battle in the first few miles, I'm finding that each day is getting easier and easier.
I'm so much better about not perseverating on what could happen in my future. I don't mentally build arguments that haven't happened. I can turn off the negative self-talk that predominated my thoughts for so long.
I'm learning to live in the moment. To take a breath (aside from my ribs hurting) and feel the air moving into my lungs. I look for the bird that is singing instead of just hearing it above. I watch the sunrise change colors without looking at the clock. I see the cloud but focus instead on the silver lining.
I'm not piling work onto myself in a mad crazy frenzy. I'm not punishing myself with hard work, training, or goals. I'm learning to say 'no' instead of 'yes' when asked for something that doesn't work for me. I'm learning to say 'yes' to advice, dinner, and help.
I'm finding myself. And I like what I'm finding. The process has slowed down and now instead of life zipping by in a mad rush, I'm seeing each day for what it is. Another moment to live, another chance to make changes, another opportunity to listen to the whisper of rain.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Hamburg with TH on Easter!
RUN 10 miles in 1:40 with TH on the Hamburg
So yesterday my left side hurt, today it didn't!? I feel great!
My gut finally expelled the last of the masa harina this morning. Sorry for the TMI. And finally I'm recovered from the corn. Last night I tested teff flour and no problems! Whoop!
Another very pretty day of sunshine, light winds, and fast warming temps. And it's Easter! This run felt so easy, quick, and fun. I miss running with TH. And I worry that I'm going to wear my friends out with my problems. This weekend I was so focused on my nutrition. I don't share too many details, but I do get talking about it. Gotta STOP!
Forgot to mention that Friday marked 100 days of No Monster! And that I got my new RoadID. And yesterday I bought a new watch to commemorate my 100 days!!
NUMERICS recovery week
RUN 39.8 miles in 6 hours 50 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6
WALKIES 25 miles
and strength training 30' and 45'
and 15 mins of stretching all but one day
So yesterday my left side hurt, today it didn't!? I feel great!
My gut finally expelled the last of the masa harina this morning. Sorry for the TMI. And finally I'm recovered from the corn. Last night I tested teff flour and no problems! Whoop!
Another very pretty day of sunshine, light winds, and fast warming temps. And it's Easter! This run felt so easy, quick, and fun. I miss running with TH. And I worry that I'm going to wear my friends out with my problems. This weekend I was so focused on my nutrition. I don't share too many details, but I do get talking about it. Gotta STOP!
Forgot to mention that Friday marked 100 days of No Monster! And that I got my new RoadID. And yesterday I bought a new watch to commemorate my 100 days!!
NUMERICS recovery week
RUN 39.8 miles in 6 hours 50 mins
BIKE COMMUTE 25.6
WALKIES 25 miles
and strength training 30' and 45'
and 15 mins of stretching all but one day
Saturday, April 4, 2015
CCP trails with TV
RUN 10 miles in I think 2 hours
WALKIES 4.67, 3.5 in TGP with RM
There was a partial lunar eclipse this morning! I could only see a few mins of it, the moon was already setting behind the trees.
The back injury and rest week doubly spurred me to test more new foods. Although I knew corn was problematic, I wanted to really give it a fair shot.So Friday morning I ate a quarter cup of the masa harina (also ate quarter cup Thursday night). Most of the day Friday I had a "heavy" gut, kinda pained but more discomfort than pain. Like a weight was in my gut.
This sorta sorted it out in "business" Saturday morning before the run, but apparently not.
The day was gorgeous! Sunny, started cool but warmed up. TV was 95% healed. The trails were soft and smooth from the bikers. The downsides were my back and my gut.
The left side of my back was hurting!? I think I tweaked it during my 45 mins of strength training Friday morning? I kept that easy, slow crunches if any and minimal jarring and twisting. But today it hurt to take a deep breath. Not a focal pain, but a localized one: Low on the left side, I sometimes thought it was under the ribs but really it was right at the base of the ribs.
Was this a new injury? Tired muscles from the strength training yesterday? YIKES!
And my gut. I did OK until mile 7 or 8. My original plan was 8 miles, did I mentally check out when we hit that point? I kinda did, I think. But my gut didn't help any. For the last mile it was doing an audible 'plurp-plurp-plurb'. I could HEAR my gut?!?!?! Ugh, awful. Thankfully TV had taken off for his finish intervals.
Lots of gas after the run, but still very uncomfortable. But the run felt great.
WALKIES 4.67, 3.5 in TGP with RM
There was a partial lunar eclipse this morning! I could only see a few mins of it, the moon was already setting behind the trees.
The back injury and rest week doubly spurred me to test more new foods. Although I knew corn was problematic, I wanted to really give it a fair shot.So Friday morning I ate a quarter cup of the masa harina (also ate quarter cup Thursday night). Most of the day Friday I had a "heavy" gut, kinda pained but more discomfort than pain. Like a weight was in my gut.
This sorta sorted it out in "business" Saturday morning before the run, but apparently not.
The day was gorgeous! Sunny, started cool but warmed up. TV was 95% healed. The trails were soft and smooth from the bikers. The downsides were my back and my gut.
The left side of my back was hurting!? I think I tweaked it during my 45 mins of strength training Friday morning? I kept that easy, slow crunches if any and minimal jarring and twisting. But today it hurt to take a deep breath. Not a focal pain, but a localized one: Low on the left side, I sometimes thought it was under the ribs but really it was right at the base of the ribs.
Was this a new injury? Tired muscles from the strength training yesterday? YIKES!
And my gut. I did OK until mile 7 or 8. My original plan was 8 miles, did I mentally check out when we hit that point? I kinda did, I think. But my gut didn't help any. For the last mile it was doing an audible 'plurp-plurp-plurb'. I could HEAR my gut?!?!?! Ugh, awful. Thankfully TV had taken off for his finish intervals.
Lots of gas after the run, but still very uncomfortable. But the run felt great.
Friday, April 3, 2015
Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet. - Bob Marley
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
Tea tag quote, fits the rainy day. Did my 45 mins of strength 'training' with thunder and rain rolling through. Luckily for me, it was gone by walkies and commute time :)
Not complaining about the rain, I don't mind it. But I'd rather not have a soggie doggie or get to work wet!
Tea tag quote, fits the rainy day. Did my 45 mins of strength 'training' with thunder and rain rolling through. Luckily for me, it was gone by walkies and commute time :)
Not complaining about the rain, I don't mind it. But I'd rather not have a soggie doggie or get to work wet!
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Slowed to run with new runner
RUN 7 miles, untimed
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
As per rest week goal, no Garmin. And as per another rest week goal, slow down and take it easy. We had a new runner this morning (Holly) who was joining us for the first time. We ran together and chatted, to my surprise we had a lot of common ground as regarding our personal lives, so it was good to hear her say a lot of what I'm thinking.
The run felt good, minor back discomfort. But don't get fooled into thinking it's healed!
Lots of rain on and off during the day, and to my luck my ride home was a soaker. I tried leaving work a few mins early but as it turns out if I had just waited another 20 mins or so I would have prolly just got some wheel splash only! Oh well. The rain is pretty, and WALKIES was dry.
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
As per rest week goal, no Garmin. And as per another rest week goal, slow down and take it easy. We had a new runner this morning (Holly) who was joining us for the first time. We ran together and chatted, to my surprise we had a lot of common ground as regarding our personal lives, so it was good to hear her say a lot of what I'm thinking.
The run felt good, minor back discomfort. But don't get fooled into thinking it's healed!
Lots of rain on and off during the day, and to my luck my ride home was a soaker. I tried leaving work a few mins early but as it turns out if I had just waited another 20 mins or so I would have prolly just got some wheel splash only! Oh well. The rain is pretty, and WALKIES was dry.
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Easy 8 miler
RUN 8.1 miles in 1:20
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I'm happily updating my "back pain log" with comments like 'minimal pain or discomfort'. And it's true! Aside from a general tight feeling and a general awareness of some right side pain, I mostly forget about it. I'm able to move, stretch, lift, etc, and not think about it.
That's not to say it's gone. I'm aware of it, but I'm not suffering from it.
Today's run goal was to keep it super easy. I finally turned off auto-pause on the garmin, and the miles tracked with that turned off were sub-10. While I'm dismayed that I seem slower than usual, when put into perspective I'm doing great!
On Monday I started another cue-routine-reward thing for when I get home. For god knows how long know I'd come home hungry and munch-munch a 'pre-dinner', then drag my ass out the door to walk the dog. Then I'd come home and munch-munch another dinner. All good foods, but usually eaten in a hurry, standing up, mindless. I'd upset my stomach! Now I'm eating the same foods, but sitting down and enjoying it. A bonus is that my mood is better! I noticed it yesterday, I'm calmer on the walk and afterwards. See if that continues. And NO TUMMY UPSET!
BIKE COMMUTE 6.4 miles
I'm happily updating my "back pain log" with comments like 'minimal pain or discomfort'. And it's true! Aside from a general tight feeling and a general awareness of some right side pain, I mostly forget about it. I'm able to move, stretch, lift, etc, and not think about it.
That's not to say it's gone. I'm aware of it, but I'm not suffering from it.
Today's run goal was to keep it super easy. I finally turned off auto-pause on the garmin, and the miles tracked with that turned off were sub-10. While I'm dismayed that I seem slower than usual, when put into perspective I'm doing great!
On Monday I started another cue-routine-reward thing for when I get home. For god knows how long know I'd come home hungry and munch-munch a 'pre-dinner', then drag my ass out the door to walk the dog. Then I'd come home and munch-munch another dinner. All good foods, but usually eaten in a hurry, standing up, mindless. I'd upset my stomach! Now I'm eating the same foods, but sitting down and enjoying it. A bonus is that my mood is better! I noticed it yesterday, I'm calmer on the walk and afterwards. See if that continues. And NO TUMMY UPSET!
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