Three Things Thursday.....Rambling Edition

1. It is snowing here, 6-10 inches on the docket and probably no school tomorrow. I will leave it at that.

2. Tonight I went to a running symposium called Runner to Runner at Exeter Hospital. They spoke about injuries, training, diet and then they broke everyone out into groups. I went to the podiatrist's group because I wanted to hear about Plantar Fasciatis. He answered questions while he analyzed everyone's gait. When it was my turn I did the runway walk and then he called people over to look at my gait. I was a bit nervous, I always thought I was neutral, right? "This my friends is a perfect neutral gait and a perfect foot. Please walk again so people can see." Unbelievable. I was actually feeling a little cool when I walked in the door and informed my husband of my "perfect feet." He didn't seem to interested.

3. I am running a 5K on Sunday. I was supposed to run the Great Bay Half Marathon, but instead switched my entry to the 5K due to the fact that I have not been training due to injury. I am definitely a little down, but I am sure I will get over it. My plan is to find my besties at the end and run them in.

Wish me luck I am painting my bathroom tomorrow. Not a great painter, but it will be a good project.

Where Would You Live

I can't believe that it is already Wednesday. This week is flying by. I am trying hard to stick to my training plan. I switched my run from today to tomorrow just because today was a crazy day. In the middle of my crazy day I was listening to the weather and it was then that I heard these awful words...."Southern New Hampshire is under a Winter Storm Watch 6-12 inches expected on Friday." Can you say "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" I am so done at this point, no more snow. I just want to run in my skirts, cute socks and t's. I want to sit by the pool and have a cold beer. ( I am a sucker for a beer in the summer.) Or go to the Cape and sit on the beach. Is it to much to ask for?

I have recently started talking to my husband about moving to somewhere warmer. I mean really he is gone 1/2 of the year anyway so it probably wouldn't matter where we lived, right? Right? I failed to mention this is my husband's hometown and he runs a business in this area, so moving is probably out of the question.

If I could move it would be somewhere in the Maryland or Virginia area. My parents are right on the Pennsylvania-Maryland border and it would be fun to be near them. Then I wouldn't have to drive the 8 hours back and forth 5-6 times a year.

So, the question is, Where should we go? Sell me on your hometown or a favorite place. I would love some ideas. I will probably never make it there, but one can dream right?

P.S. I went to Lululemon today with my friend, K...I have bought yoga pants and shirts in there, but never running clothes. I am loyal to my Running Skirts, but today I did buy a pair of shorts. I fiugre I can wear them this summer out and about. But the beauty of it is I told the sales girl I was training for a race and she gave me a 15% discount. I just have to e-mail them about the shorts and if I like them or not. Pretty cool, huh?

Training Plans

The good new when I met with my ART therapist the other day was that he felt like I would be able to run my 2 half marathons in May. He stessed that I could not run every day, that I would need to incorporate cross training and that there would need to be rest days. When I was running in the fall, I did not take tons of rest days. I am not a huge fan of rest days, I spend the whole day feeling like I am missing something and I am grouchy. Hmmmm.....something is clicking that running is really the key to my mental health. Okay, back to training plans. I wanted something easy for this race, nothing to intense. The Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon, basically guarantees that you will not PR. I am not really looking to PR at this point. My PR is 1:52 and I have not come close since. I started doing some research and found a couple of plans that I could work with around my schedule, including my Chiro and PT schedules. I will have 3 days of running, 2 days of cross training and 2 REST days. I think for me coming off being injured this will be a good way to start slowly. It is hard to believe, but after May it will be almost time to start my Chicago training plan. I am definitely feeling a little nervous, but also excited. There is something exciting about a new training plan. The excitement of things to come and of spring and summer! Happy Sunday!

Three Things Thursday...Halves in May

1. I saw a PT therapist this morning who specializes in ART (Active Release Therapy) this morning. Can you say I am in love? Not just because he is cute ladies and gentlemen, but because he told me that he will have me running my 2 half marathons in May. (the Heartbreak Hill Half and the Run to Remember). What's important is my cross training, eliptical and swimming and running. I can't run more than 3 miles at a time maybe twice a week for right now, but hey I am not going to laugh at that. I will take what I can get.

2. I don't have Piriformous like the PT I was seeing thought. I have instead done something to the muscle in the front of my hip which he thinks in turn did something to my quad which then did something to my glute. He said I was definitely probably overtraining. What me??? I told him that I didn't know if I believed in overtraining. He then explained to me the importance of rest days and he stressed REST DAYS! (excuse the kind of long version. I don't know all of the names of the muscles) Any way I am going to keep seeing the chiro and see Brian two times a week and get this show on the road.

3. I am feeling a little low about the weekend. I was supposed to be at the National Marathon this weekend. But huge hugs, kisses and well wishes to T, Jen, Erica and Rachel who are on their way there. I will be thinking of you on Saturday morning. Looking for some big PR's. and a special hug to G who will be running T in! I am so there next year.

Happy Thursday. I am off to play Charades with 2 sweet 4 year olds.

They Have Fireants....

This morning before getting up my husband asked my schedule for the day....I told him I didn't know as I was hit with a gross stomach bug yesterday afternoon and was not quite feeling myself. I told him that part of me just wanted to hop on my treadmill but, my hip hurt a bit this am. He then asked if I even remembered when I hurt my hip......uhhhhh duhhhh of course I do, "it was the 2nd Wednesday in January when Gail and I ran in the snow, I felt it at about mile 5, but kept going until 10." I then went on to say, "If we lived in a warmer climate this wouldn't have happened because I would not be dealing with snow and slipping." "hmmmm......but they have fireants." I am still laughing, have been laughing all day and my running besties have been laughing. I guess it is the little things. Happy Tuesday!

Turning 40

Last night I went out for my friend's 40th birthday. ( I will preface this by saying I still have 2 years to go:) We had a great time. A fun limo ride, a yummy dinner, a vegan carrot cake for desert. It was so GOOD ! and then fun gifts. We had chipped in and bought a cute bracelet and then a charm for a necklace. The best gifts though....each person brought a card and with the card we mentioned upcoming events that we wanted to do with Karin. I loved it because it was all ACTIVE treats. Running, biking, hiking just these great activities which will be so fun. It got me thinking that sometimes when we are planning for parties and talking about gifts that the gift of time is sometimes more important than any bracelet etc....Everyone is so busy with their own existence that we forget that we need to reach out to people even if it just for a quick lunch. My favorite card.....her friend is taking her surfing this summer, the only requirement....A Hot Instructor. I guess it doesn't get better than that. Happy Sunday!

Three Things Thursday...

1. I have been rolling my foot on a frozen water bottle all day and it is really feeling great. I also bought one of those Plantar Fasciatis braces for night time and I have worn it for half the night. I woke up this morning with no foot pain. It could be nothing. I might wake up tomorrow dying, but who knows.

2. My friend L told me that she is running a half marathon in October and she wants me to help her. I feel so honored, but scared too. It is the same weekend as Chicago so I won't be here, but I have already found some 5 K's and 10K's to get ready and even a 10 mile race August 1st. Hopefully, I can help her reach her goal.

3. I don't know if anyone out there has a 5th grader and a 5th grade girl at that, but man she is giving us a run for our money. She is fresh, is telling stories and is just not being good. We are definitely feeling frustrated. This morning when she was finishing her homework (she told me she didn't have any last night) I decided enough was enough and took away her riding lesson. She cried all of the way to school but, I stuck to my guns and she came home today and did her homework then proceeded to tell me how mean I was. Oh well....what can I do? If you have any ideas I would love to hear them.

Just Swimmingly

Today I did it. I hit the Hampshire Hills pool with gusto. I arrived at 10:15 with my TYR reversable bathing suit, goggles and swim cap. I mean when I looked in the mirror I felt some what like a professional swimmer....There was no one in the lap pool. I had missed the MASTERS CLASS by about 15 minutes. (I don't think I am quite ready for that class yet, more about that on another post.) My goal was to swim for 3o minutes and I ended up swimming for about 35 to get 1200 meters. First off...swimming is hard. I had to mix it up a bit after my first 500. I turned my head the wrong way and almost drowned. I know you know what I am talking about, that weird inhaling water feeling that happens when you are not really the "professional" swimmer that you think you are, plus my arms started to get tired so I mixed it up with backstroke and breast stroke. As time went on two ladies speaking french came in and then a guy with really long hair, a beard and running shorts started swimming. He was doing the side stroke and kind of just doing his own thing. Finally, I was done and now I am tired....my arms are tired. IT is hard to do something you are not always used to doing, but I will keep going, who knows I might even hit the MASTERS CLASS before the end of this.

There Comes a Point.....

I think that there comes a point in every runner, triathlete, person life where they have to accept where they are and get with the program. Today is the day that it finally really hit me. I have been talking about "resetting" and "taking it easy" and laughing about shopping while being hurt, but today was the day that it finally took a hold of my brain and I realized that I had to really embrace being hurt and turn my recovery into a "training plan." (I got that from a wise runner friend:) I ran yesterday. 3 1/2 miles with my running friends...I thought that I felt great after, but this morning was an entirely different circumstance. My left foot hurt, my arch, my shin and to top things off my hip felt like someone was driving a nail into it. I feel like I have been doing what I need to do as far as hip recovery, PT and the Chiro. Did I make an error in some judgement the past month? I DID! Running two half marathons back to back while injured and not training was NOT a good idea. I was thinking that I was invincible, my previous training was going to carry me through, but unfortunately that is not how life works and I now need to take on the healing process.

My first step was to talk to my "skirt sisters" (running besties) about my inability to run any races right now. We had signed up for a couple together and I wanted to let them know that I was out. There were response was wonderful making me realize why they are my running besties.

What is my healing process going to be right now....well it looks like swimming will be my main training routine and some upper body/ab ripper P90x. I am going to ride my bike, but I have to see how my hip responds to the bike. I will continue with my PT appointments and my Chiro and am thinking about trying acupuncture for my hip. I feel like my foot will heal on its own time and I will take it from there.

On a happy running note I did sign up for Beach2Beacon today. 4,000 spots went in 8 minutes. I am now going to enter the Falmouth lottery and then there is a race in Gloucester, MA the following weekend. Some sort of trifecta of August races.

It is time to look forward, not back and to take recovery seriously. I think that is the only way that I make through the next 4-6 weeks. Hopefully I will be able to delight you with some fun biking and swimming stories. They could be scary or they could be a lot of fun. It's time to start the journey.......3-2-1 Let the race to recovery begin.

Spring in New England

Spring is springing here in New England and can I tell you.....it's kind of gross. This honestly is my least favorite time. Yes, it is getting a little bit warmer (think 40's maybe 50 if we are lucky), but it is gross. The snow that at one time was a pretty pristine white is now brown even black in some spots. There is water everywhere from the daily melt and with the melt equals mud which is the most horrible smell. (think barn smell.....Although my 10 year old horse girl thinks it smells great.) I am ready for May....I am ready to put my running skirt on and my tank top and take off running. I am tired of wearing a coat when I go out and still putting on mittens every once in a while. So....now to just make it through March and maybe April and May will be here. Hopefully I can keep my sanity. Happy Sunday!

Thing to Do While Injured (or not to do)

I printed out a calendar last night. A calendar for the next 12 months. What am I putting on my calendar you may ask. Races, yes Races. Red for races I am already signed up for, then I use pencil for those that I might like to sign up for. I spent close to two hours doing this, one of those hours spent on the phone with one of my running besties, M--

Last week I ordered a new pair of running shoes which are staring at me from the box. I also bought 3 new skirts and a new top. A long with my new outfits I planned what I am going to wear at my future races. (Hence we already have our outfit planned out for the Chicago Marathon....in October). Oh and I also went out and bought a bike, because now I am going to do a tri.

Being injured is really hard, but this has made me realize something. I love running. In fact I am passionate about running. Whether it is training, planning or researching this is truly my gig. So for right now this is how it is going to be. I am going to keep doing my research, keep writing down my races and of course pick up some new skirts here and there. (did you see the new line is coming out at RunningSkirts?) and before to long, I will be back in action. I just need to hang in there:)

Happy Friday!

Three Things Thursday...Bike Edition

1. There she is. My new baby. A 2010 Trek 1.2, she is black and aqua. We have some names chosen. I was a little thrown off guard when my 10 year old told me that "Ebony" was a real sexy name? I liked the name too, but I am a little worried about the term SEXY. These kids know A LOT.

2. Ebony is going to be a complement to my running. I am not giving up running to be a biker by any means. Running is my true boyfriend, my bike is going to be my therapist, helping me out through a bad time. Hopefully I will grow to love it, but it won't take over. (Although Rob who fitted me for my bike said he thought he could convert me, insert eye roll here).

3. Of course I got her home at 6 pm last night, so I couldn't really take her for a spin. Now it is raining here and is supposed to rain tomorrow too. Looking like my first ride will be on Saturday, something short. Have I mentioned I am a little afraid of hills. I am trying to find a flat area to ride so I can get used to changing gears etc....

Happy Thursday....any races etc... coming up?

3.

It's that Time of Year

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday. The time in the Catholic Church that starts Lent as we get ready for Easter. My ten year old is giving up candy with her friend Maggie. (she just told me she was her support system.) I have decided to give up sugar, (that is why I ate 2 cupcakes today to get ready) and as my mom says "fussing." I call it yelling, and I am going to attempt to give it up over the next 40 days. I don't know how easy it is going to be. Swimming, spinning and P90X don't seem to be giving me the scream free release that running does. No...this is going to take a lot of mental fortitude on my part and maybe some better behavior from my 4 little crazies.

On a training note I went to spin this morning. I defintely had a great work out. I needed more focus than when I am running, but I made it through. Tomorrow is swimming, slow and steady.

Jumping on the Bandwagon

Well it seems like once again I am jumping on the bandwagon. First it was signing up for a marathon, then getting P90X and now.....well it looks like I am in the market for a (wait for it, wait for it....) a bike. Yes, a road bike because I am going to sign up for a sprint tri in June. As much as running is my first love, I have decided I need to "cross train," maybe mix it up a bit so that my body is not totally failing me in the next 10 years. This tri is easy as far as tri's go, a .3 swim, a 16 mile bike and then a 5 K run, but I got a couple of friends on board and we are going for it.

So now for a bike. I should probably start by telling you I did own a road bike and sold it because I never rode it....now of course I am kicking myself and my husband is probably going to kick me too. My first step is to get fitted, which is my plan and then go from there. We still have a lot of snow and ice on the ground so I would not be able to ride outside right now anyway. I also am not working with a big budget so I have to find something that is good for what I am doing in the right price range.

Anywho....Swimming, Spinning and P90x on the docket for this week. What is everyone else's plans for the week?

Happy Sunday!

I Have a Plan

Andy's first lost tooth. He pulled it out at dinner.

It's official...I have a March healing plan thanks to a good running buddy who also has a March plan. I am about to become best friends with Tony Horton and his workout crew, hit the pool and even a bike if possible. This is going to be my March. I also will be going to PT once a week and the Chiro twice a week.

I have to admit Sunday night when I could not even walk there were tears shed. What about my 2 upcoming races, what if something is broken, what if, what if, what if, but finally I knew that I had to go a different route so that I can run my races in May, in June and finally get ready for Chicago and the Richmond Marathon. (Did I mention that the Richmond Marathon is the friendliest in the country according to Runner's World?) I have a big year planned and getting strong and cross training is just what I need.

Lastly, today we are going into Boston. It is the last day of February break here. While I was gone for part of it we actually have had a really nice week. The most exciting thing....Andy lost his first tooth (he's 6). The beauty...he pulled it out himself. I don't know about you, but I have never pulled any of my kids' teeth out. It stresses me out and grosses me out. If T. is not home then I bring them down to my FIL and he has a special dental floss trick that he uses. The kids' think it is magic. I do too, because it means I don't have to do it:)

Happy Friday!

Resetting

"Reset" seems to be a trendy word right now. Taking the time to figure out who you are and where you are in your everyday life, your fitness etc...Right now I am ready to start and get down to business. Rest some of my running injuries and eat better, keep a journal (running/exercise) and get ready for summer.

Before I could start my plan though I needed to finish the Disney Princess Half Marathon. What an experience. I have never run a race with over 13,000 people before, never have had to get up at 2:45 am to catch the shuttle and never felt so overwhelmed. I did not have a great race. I have/had done something to my feet which is going to take some healing time, but I finished in 2:23 with one of my running besties! The weather was incredible, can you say 80's every day and the flowers etc....just totally perked me up. I think the break from home is just what I needed to come home and hit the reset button.

So...now to start some swimming, hit some workouts with my new love Tony and maybe start my running from scratch. I will get there and be a better person for it.