So...with an injury lingering I took off the week of June 6-10 and then had ANOTHER race on the 11th, the Flood Run that actually was a super flat/super fast 7 mile run.
I took off during that race and didn't look back. And finished in an astounding 54:47 (WOW!), but unfortunately I continued to aggravate my adductor muscle and left the race limping (again!).
Inside my head I knew this was not just a fluke and was completely bummed. I took off the next two weeks and prepared to just duke it out...I waited 10 days and then participated in another race on July 4th but honestly....I took off most of July from running. I needed that rest. My July 4th race was an 8k followed by another 5+ miles to my parent's house to train. Bad idea, but honestly I needed to get out...feel it out...and clear out the cobwebs. Just in time to shelve it for another 3 weeks. A SOLID 3 weeks.
In those 3 weeks I remembered how much I loved running, how much I had taken it for granted and how many other things I could invest my time in. I took up riding my trail bike and lifted like I never lifted before.
What did it get me?
A fresh outlook on running, a re-discovery of my passion for running. To feel the pounding of the pavement, the pain in my feet and the heat oozing out of my pores.
I can say that I did participate in another race at the end of July, however this was for "fun" as it is a very very very packed race and "racing" is not really an option, unless you're planning on qualifying, which still doesn't guarantee you a great spot.
So here I am....6+ weeks until the Chicago Marathon and I've logged nearly 17 miles this week. Another 16 on Saturday. My leg is holding out, I can still:
a. put on socks
b. lift it up to get into the tub
Those were my two indicators when it was screaming at me during the months of June and July. I've never felt my age until this summer.
The two things that have helped tremendously:
a. stretching (duh!)
b. Epsom Salt baths (yes, I am old!)
I have dedicated myself to stretching about 5-10 minutes each day...I make time for it. I know if I don't...it will be baddd. So?
Oh and you wouldn't BELIEVE how many people don't even KNOW what an Adductor is. Really?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Back up!
Okay, so here goes on my Race Reviews or Review as I'm too lazy to do more than one at a time.
Wow, I can't believe, I have about 5-6 reviews to do here.
What is first? Oh! Dam to Dam in Des Moines.
The course starts at Saylorville Dam outside and ends downtown in Des Moines. It is a nice 20k jaunt with lots of scenery and great crowds. And by great crowds, I mean people looking comfortable on the side of the road while you sweat your a$$ off running.
Usually this race is very very hot. I'm talking 75 at the start with nice hot hot sun beating down on you. Well, this year was no different (unfortunately). I really wanted to PR, but couldn't find it within me to actually push hard enough to break the 1:48 time that I had last year. BUT, last year it was an atypical year with nice cold breezes and a light rain that had started as a downpour earlier in the day.
Luckily by mile 10.5 I ran into a friend that I've known for awhile. She is training for her first Marathon in Chicago this year and we chatted it up. She actually was suffering from a bit of tummy trouble (read: solid or not? farts) so I helped coach her through and we distracted each other and I saw my finish time not be what I desired but hugged my friend, thanked her for her help and was on my way.
UNFORTUNATELY as that day wore on, my leg was bothering me. And by weekend END, I could hardly lift my left leg to put my sock on or get into the shower. It was agony. I thought it was just nothing to worry about, but as the week continued, I realized I was INJURED. *cue dramatic music*
I tried running a mere 3 days later, got about 2 blocks away and turned around. It was a definite no-go.
More later...
Wow, I can't believe, I have about 5-6 reviews to do here.
What is first? Oh! Dam to Dam in Des Moines.
The course starts at Saylorville Dam outside and ends downtown in Des Moines. It is a nice 20k jaunt with lots of scenery and great crowds. And by great crowds, I mean people looking comfortable on the side of the road while you sweat your a$$ off running.
Usually this race is very very hot. I'm talking 75 at the start with nice hot hot sun beating down on you. Well, this year was no different (unfortunately). I really wanted to PR, but couldn't find it within me to actually push hard enough to break the 1:48 time that I had last year. BUT, last year it was an atypical year with nice cold breezes and a light rain that had started as a downpour earlier in the day.
Luckily by mile 10.5 I ran into a friend that I've known for awhile. She is training for her first Marathon in Chicago this year and we chatted it up. She actually was suffering from a bit of tummy trouble (read: solid or not? farts) so I helped coach her through and we distracted each other and I saw my finish time not be what I desired but hugged my friend, thanked her for her help and was on my way.
UNFORTUNATELY as that day wore on, my leg was bothering me. And by weekend END, I could hardly lift my left leg to put my sock on or get into the shower. It was agony. I thought it was just nothing to worry about, but as the week continued, I realized I was INJURED. *cue dramatic music*
I tried running a mere 3 days later, got about 2 blocks away and turned around. It was a definite no-go.
More later...
Friday, August 19, 2011
How to?
How do you go about getting back into something after a 3+ month hiatus. Hmm. HI-AYYYY-TUSS. I like that word.
Oh what was I saying? Oh yes...how do I branch into normalcy or some sort of normalcy.
In reality, I am a ramble, not Faulkner-esque, but close enough. I don't think about ONE thing, I go from running, to my socks, to my eye itches, to oh I rubbed my mascara off...to....look at my fingernails....ugh.
So what I'm saying is...if you have a tip all 0 readers of you out there...what is it?
Jump in...baptism by fire?
I could review all the races I've done since the HiYayTuss started? I guess that is something. Let's see if I actually get back to that. Heh.
Oh what was I saying? Oh yes...how do I branch into normalcy or some sort of normalcy.
In reality, I am a ramble, not Faulkner-esque, but close enough. I don't think about ONE thing, I go from running, to my socks, to my eye itches, to oh I rubbed my mascara off...to....look at my fingernails....ugh.
So what I'm saying is...if you have a tip all 0 readers of you out there...what is it?
Jump in...baptism by fire?
I could review all the races I've done since the HiYayTuss started? I guess that is something. Let's see if I actually get back to that. Heh.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Welp, I owe a few blogs here!
Okay, first things first, or is it First thing...first? Whatever.
The Marion Arts Festival 5k. I was asked to join by H and his sisters. I was afraid they wouldn't enter and we'd run it alone. NEVER fear, they came through.
We showed up in muggy nearly 70 degree weather, overcast the skies ready to break, but they held out. The race did start promptly at 8 am, which I was VERY thankful for. There is nothing worse than a race that languishes with the anthem, blithering, talking, *asphinctersayswhat*, annnoyingggg. But nope, "ready, set, GO!" was all we heard. And Matt and I were off with the herd of people.
I knew my chances were good, no garmin, I was nice enough to lend it to Matt and let him track his pace. I eventually let him go about 1.2 miles into the race, and kept myself at a nice pace, even though I had no clue what it was.
I rounded the last turn, saw the clock and it was around 22:40 and knew I was okay with that. I crossed the finish line at 23:05, and found Matt immediately. The jerk *I mean that lovingly of course* had finished in 22:23 and was "okay" with that. We headed off to get our placements, and I placed 3rd in my division. ATHENA, for the bigger gals. heh. I'll take it.
We waited for Matt's sisters to finish, 33 and 38 minutes VERY respectably, go ladies!!
I collected my glass football/ashtray/paperweight/bludgening device and we made a quick decision to eat with family at a restaurant. Now, the best part of the day? The race. The not so best part? The food. That restaurant gets a loud *womp womp*
Check out the pictureage!
Look, I CAN run!
But...not finish. Apparently I was feeling it!
The Marion Arts Festival 5k. I was asked to join by H and his sisters. I was afraid they wouldn't enter and we'd run it alone. NEVER fear, they came through.
We showed up in muggy nearly 70 degree weather, overcast the skies ready to break, but they held out. The race did start promptly at 8 am, which I was VERY thankful for. There is nothing worse than a race that languishes with the anthem, blithering, talking, *asphinctersayswhat*, annnoyingggg. But nope, "ready, set, GO!" was all we heard. And Matt and I were off with the herd of people.
I knew my chances were good, no garmin, I was nice enough to lend it to Matt and let him track his pace. I eventually let him go about 1.2 miles into the race, and kept myself at a nice pace, even though I had no clue what it was.
I rounded the last turn, saw the clock and it was around 22:40 and knew I was okay with that. I crossed the finish line at 23:05, and found Matt immediately. The jerk *I mean that lovingly of course* had finished in 22:23 and was "okay" with that. We headed off to get our placements, and I placed 3rd in my division. ATHENA, for the bigger gals. heh. I'll take it.
We waited for Matt's sisters to finish, 33 and 38 minutes VERY respectably, go ladies!!
I collected my glass football/ashtray/paperweight/bludgening device and we made a quick decision to eat with family at a restaurant. Now, the best part of the day? The race. The not so best part? The food. That restaurant gets a loud *womp womp*
Check out the pictureage!
Look, I CAN run!But...not finish. Apparently I was feeling it!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Oh, okay, that's how it's gonna be!?!?
So, my husband and I are both participating in a race this upcoming Saturday. It is a Marion Art's Festival 5k. I only agreed to run the race because his sisters were interested and he asked me to tag along. Okay, I will do that.
I normally don't even register for a 5k because honestly, *looking down nose* 5k is nothing to me...and I know that sounds absolutely pompous and horrible. I am aware of that, and please forgive me. But I was very excited to hear that my SILs were interested and ready to try a smaller race, even if it meant walking a good portion or just trying their best.
Back to my husband. I remember running with him about 6 years ago, when he tried his hand at it. He wouldn't really venture beyond 4 miles, but those 4 miles? Fast. REALLY fast, okay, not KENYAN fast, but fast for me. See, running was not his "thing", it was mine, and I didn't mind slowing a bit and running for over an hour. He wanted it done as fast as possible. Did I mention he was fast?
Fast forward again to last week, asks if I want to run with him one morning, I of course say, "sure". We strap up, get going and I'm pacing him, if not in front of him a bit around 8:30/mile and I'm proud of myself. We finish the run walking up a hill (I had to resist the urge to yell at him that "RUNNERS don't walk up hillssssss!!!!!!1!!!") and I'm patting myself on the back for keeping up.
Again, same question pops up yesterday and we strap up again, out the door. Only this time? I'm left in the dust. I pant and heave and try to keep up, he requested an 8min/mile and he's now pushing 7:20, and I'm a skid mark behind him.
I blame the heavy legs day. Squatting, single leg, deadlifts, calf raises...that is my excuse. I WILL keep up with him on Saturday, I am determined. I think we'll probably run together for the first 2 miles and then we'll sprint it out. I am hoping beyond hope that we finish around 22 minutes. That would be FANTASTIC.
Until then...I'll be stretching and squishing my legs. *pokes quad*
I normally don't even register for a 5k because honestly, *looking down nose* 5k is nothing to me...and I know that sounds absolutely pompous and horrible. I am aware of that, and please forgive me. But I was very excited to hear that my SILs were interested and ready to try a smaller race, even if it meant walking a good portion or just trying their best.
Back to my husband. I remember running with him about 6 years ago, when he tried his hand at it. He wouldn't really venture beyond 4 miles, but those 4 miles? Fast. REALLY fast, okay, not KENYAN fast, but fast for me. See, running was not his "thing", it was mine, and I didn't mind slowing a bit and running for over an hour. He wanted it done as fast as possible. Did I mention he was fast?
Fast forward again to last week, asks if I want to run with him one morning, I of course say, "sure". We strap up, get going and I'm pacing him, if not in front of him a bit around 8:30/mile and I'm proud of myself. We finish the run walking up a hill (I had to resist the urge to yell at him that "RUNNERS don't walk up hillssssss!!!!!!1!!!") and I'm patting myself on the back for keeping up.
Again, same question pops up yesterday and we strap up again, out the door. Only this time? I'm left in the dust. I pant and heave and try to keep up, he requested an 8min/mile and he's now pushing 7:20, and I'm a skid mark behind him.
I blame the heavy legs day. Squatting, single leg, deadlifts, calf raises...that is my excuse. I WILL keep up with him on Saturday, I am determined. I think we'll probably run together for the first 2 miles and then we'll sprint it out. I am hoping beyond hope that we finish around 22 minutes. That would be FANTASTIC.
Until then...I'll be stretching and squishing my legs. *pokes quad*
Monday, May 9, 2011
Bastardized Recipe
So, do you ever visit www.allrecipes.com search for a recipe and read the comments. People will get a recipe, mess it all up and then complain about the results. Well, you moron the recipe is not the problem, YOU are.
What recipe did I mess up, on purpose? Well, my friends (not plural, maybe someday): THIS one.
I made it PER recipe the first time (see, this is what you're *supposed* to do) and the decided, this would be a great faux-scotcharoo recipe. So I screwed with it.
I have a bad habit of not really measuring things, but eyeballing. I'm basically a dieter's nightmare, no food scale, no measuring cups or spoons, they're too finicky PLUS I would have to wash dishes, and I'm lazy.
What did I do?
-2 extra large scoops o'peanut butter (JIF Natural, I prefer others, but I had this)
-Roughly 3/4 cup of honey
*microwave ~60 seconds until honey is bubbly*
*stir furiously*
-3 scoops vanilla protein powder
-1/4 c. fiber one cereal
-1/4 rice krispies
Pat all of this into a small 8x8 pan and cool
For the top (oh, I didn't just stop there)
-1 large scoop o'peanut butter
-1/4 cup of honey
*microwave ~45 seconds*
*stir*
-2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Spread on top of cooled portion and refrigerate.
Eat all in one day.
You're welcome.
Also on the topic of food, this is not the greatest, in fact I regret this purchase. BOOOOO!
Save yourself the dough. Really.
What recipe did I mess up, on purpose? Well, my friends (not plural, maybe someday): THIS one.
I made it PER recipe the first time (see, this is what you're *supposed* to do) and the decided, this would be a great faux-scotcharoo recipe. So I screwed with it.
I have a bad habit of not really measuring things, but eyeballing. I'm basically a dieter's nightmare, no food scale, no measuring cups or spoons, they're too finicky PLUS I would have to wash dishes, and I'm lazy.
What did I do?
-2 extra large scoops o'peanut butter (JIF Natural, I prefer others, but I had this)
-Roughly 3/4 cup of honey
*microwave ~60 seconds until honey is bubbly*
*stir furiously*
-3 scoops vanilla protein powder
-1/4 c. fiber one cereal
-1/4 rice krispies
Pat all of this into a small 8x8 pan and cool
For the top (oh, I didn't just stop there)
-1 large scoop o'peanut butter
-1/4 cup of honey
*microwave ~45 seconds*
*stir*
-2 scoops chocolate protein powder
Spread on top of cooled portion and refrigerate.
Eat all in one day.
You're welcome.
Also on the topic of food, this is not the greatest, in fact I regret this purchase. BOOOOO!
Save yourself the dough. Really.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Randoms
No, I'm not talking about the people you find at bars and take home. What kind of girl do you think I am? I'm a married woman.
I'm talking about random THOUGHTS. Yes....those. They're pretty much all I have lately.
1. I am so very excited to be meeting a few select friends for Margaritas tonight. It shouldn't REALLY be plural, but maybe I'll just *sniff* the second one, yeah?
2. My toenail is more black than it was a few days ago. I even shortened the nail and filed it down. No luck? Well, poo. I guess black is in?
3. Because of #1 up ^ I most likely won't be running much tomorrow.
4. Ketosis? It has been a subject I've been hearing about lately, basically such a low carb diet and I'm talking 30 net carbs that your body is always almost ketotic. Is that word? I'm not sure I could ever agree to this, but some supah skinny lifting chicks seem to proclaim it's usefulness. Were some of those sentences even complete?
5. Underwear. I need new ones. I don't like regular undies because I have no ass, and therefore it creeps up there. So what do I do? I buy thongs...because they're SUPPOSED to be up there, and they feel more comfortable. Don't argue with me, I know what I'm doing.
6. These:
Smoking Sheets, very handy. They had them at Target for $1.99 instead of $3.99, which if you can do math fast is 50% off. I'm smart like that.
7. Oh. I made my own Hummus last night. Very tasty. But now I have to figure out how to use it all.
Well, to tie this up, I'd like to give you a fun picture to look at:
I'm talking about random THOUGHTS. Yes....those. They're pretty much all I have lately.
1. I am so very excited to be meeting a few select friends for Margaritas tonight. It shouldn't REALLY be plural, but maybe I'll just *sniff* the second one, yeah?
2. My toenail is more black than it was a few days ago. I even shortened the nail and filed it down. No luck? Well, poo. I guess black is in?
3. Because of #1 up ^ I most likely won't be running much tomorrow.
4. Ketosis? It has been a subject I've been hearing about lately, basically such a low carb diet and I'm talking 30 net carbs that your body is always almost ketotic. Is that word? I'm not sure I could ever agree to this, but some supah skinny lifting chicks seem to proclaim it's usefulness. Were some of those sentences even complete?
5. Underwear. I need new ones. I don't like regular undies because I have no ass, and therefore it creeps up there. So what do I do? I buy thongs...because they're SUPPOSED to be up there, and they feel more comfortable. Don't argue with me, I know what I'm doing.
6. These:
Smoking Sheets, very handy. They had them at Target for $1.99 instead of $3.99, which if you can do math fast is 50% off. I'm smart like that.7. Oh. I made my own Hummus last night. Very tasty. But now I have to figure out how to use it all.
Well, to tie this up, I'd like to give you a fun picture to look at:
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