Active Recovery

That's what Coach Bill is prescribing for me at this point. For the next two weeks, I am to take my runs easy and remember that I am still recovering.

I ran 2 miles tonight at about a 10 min pace. Better than last week, but I just didn't feel in sync with my own body. I was stiff and had little endurance.

I'll run again on Thursday and then 8 on Saturday.

Two fer Tuesday

Yesterday I woke up at 5 to go for a run but the rain started and it sounded pretty heavy. I fell back to sleep until 6... still raining. Slept till 7, still raining. I forced myself to get up and realized how horrible I felt. The allergies were making their presence known and they were working themselves into my chest for my usual bout of bronchitis.

I tried to ignore it, but the lack of voice and coughing fits were sealing the deal for me. I dressed and headed to the Y for a 30 min. run on the dreadmill. Pace was slow but steady.

Today I headed into the Chiropractor and presented my situation to him. He said he might be able to help me. At this point I am willing to try anything just to avoid being sick and missing more running.

He did some adjusting and some kinesiology then gave me some powerful immunity vitamin/herbal boosters to take today. By the time I left his office I could breathe. Tonight, I was able to run 2 miles on the track at about a 10:30 pace. Not much to some people, but to me, this was a miracle. I have been plagued with rounds of bronchitis for 16 years. I get it at least twice a year, sometimes more. Never, never, never, have I ever been able to get over this on my own. I always need antibiotics and inhalers, sometimes even steroids. It stinks. Really, it does.

Tonight I have a bit of sniffle and a slight cough, but the heavy feeling in my chest is gone. The body aches are gone. And not one tiny dose of antibiotics. I am amazed.

We'll see how I feel in the morning, but I am just about sold on this Chiropractic stuff!

Mood Stabilizer

Yes, that is what running is for me, I suppose. I feel much better now. I decided to run with the half marathon group this morning instead of the full to be on the safe side. I ended up running an extra mile at the end for a 7 mile run instead of 8. Overall pace was 11:11. Not the fastest I've ever run, but it felt good just to be out there.

I won a nice bag from USA Fit. Looks like it could come in handy some day. Lots of nifty pockets and zippers to fill.

What a beautiful morning for a run. The weather was perfect. Jeff Wells spoke at our half-way there party which was catered by The Egg and I. I stayed away from the bacon and sausage and enjoyed the fruit, potatoes and eggs. I'll be watching my snacks today to be careful not to eat the Halloween candy that is floating around the house right now...

Bad, bad, bad

I haven't run since last Saturday, not because I didn't want to, but because the hip started acting up again on Monday AFTER I went to the chiro. I think I wasn't adjusted properly and spent the rest of the week back and forth with them trying to get it right. Tonight, I feel pretty good hip-wise, so I'll take a stab at the 8 miler.

Bad - my diet. Why is it when I can't run I eat more crap?! I feel like a lump!

bad - my water intake. I have slacked off on my water consumption and it is showing. I have dry lips and hands and I am soooo thirsty. It's a simple fix, but one that I forget to do, drink water. Why is that so hard to remember?

bad - my mood. Considering the above three items, my mood is awful. I hit my breaking point today and took it out on the family. Not a nice mommy. Thank goodness they still love me.

Update to 10 for Texas

Official Results


847th runner out of 1112 runners; 398th runner within gender

First 5 Miles: 53:03.8 Pace: 10:46/mile

Second 5 Miles: 54:38.6 Pace: 10:56/mile

Chip Time: 1:47:42.4

Gun Time: 1:49:40.4

10 For Texas

The day started last night for us. Lem was going to be helping at the finish line, so she needed to get her clothes laid out and get to bed early, just like mom. I had all of my attire laid out, my bag packed and my water bottles filled.

Neither of us slept well. I had visions of forgetting something, thoughts of getting hurt, worries of not making it and needing to call for help, would I even wake up on time?

She worried about not being able to wake up on time. Her sister is away on retreat so that meant she was sleeping in her room alone, something she doesn't like to do very often.

At 5 am, the alarm chimed and after a night of restless sleep and numerous trips to the restroom, (I took the "Hydrate" advice very seriously, apparently!), I reluctantly moved from the comfy bed to the cool morning air. Then it hit me. I'm chilly! This is a good thing, I say to myself. A great day for a run!

I spend a few minutes getting myself together and then head into Lem's room to wake her. She looked so sweet and peaceful; I hated to wake her. But if I didn't she would never have forgiven me and I would have missed seeing her beautiful face at the finish line... if I made it that far.

It was a glorious 58 degrees as we headed out the door this morning. We had to travel the race route to get to Market street. All of the mile markers were up and the road barricades were in place. This was really happening.

Being in Market Street at 6 am was quite a surreal experience. 1200 runners and who knows how many volunteers and supporters filled the streets. Still dark, Lem and I managed to find TWRC tent. Coach Bill was already there, smiling and wishing everyone well while organizing and delegating, encouraging, and advising. He assured me that Lem would be in good hands with Tara from Luke's while I was running. She would be at the finish helping to remove the timing chips as the runners crossed over.

At about 7 am, The Woodlands Fit group got together to take a picture. It was so nice to see so many of us out there. Sarah, whom I haven't seen in weeks was there. Great to see her. I also saw Holden who looked ready to go! Missy was also out there (homeschooling moms unite!)

It was about this time that I noticed that Gal Garmin was not functioning. It had a low battery which was hard to believe because I had just charged it on Thursday. Perhaps I put it away and forgot to turn it off? I think this was a good thing because if I could have seen my pace on a constant basis, I might have tried to "race" instead of run. Coming off this injury, I had to commit to not racing today, instead, I needed to treat today as a slow, easy run. My plan for the run was:

1. To have fun
2. To not overdo it
3. To run as far as I could without re-injuring myself.
4. If I felt good, I would keep my pace slower than my last 10 mile run (10:02) from a few weeks ago.
5. If I thought I could finish, to stay just under two hours.

I headed to the start line and got to the back. It took a few moments to cross the start line, but the energy was high and the mood was good. The bodies were chilly, so the movement helped keep us warm.

I felt great as I headed out. Leaving Market Street, heading to Woodlands Parkway, the air was crisp and clean. Fall was in the air!

At mile one, coach Bill was calling out times (12:54) and encouraged us to have fun and be safe. There were so many great volunteers on the course, from the mile markers to the aid stations. The Sheriff's Department had many officers out on the course keeping us safe. There were many cyclists out there as well checking on us runners. And of course the many Community Association folks, the Luke's staff, who put on an awesome race for us all. The best part was seeing the regular folks out on the streets with signs and cheers, and even a few cheerleaders with Pom Poms.

For me, I had the great fortune of seeing Fish and Mark at Echo Bend, right about mile 7. It was such an energizer for me! I knew I was going to make it to the finish.

At each mile, I listened for the time and I believe I was able to stay between 10 and 11 min miles. Mile 8 was tough for me for some reason. But once I saw the mile 9 marker, I felt like I was floating and picked up the pace just a tad.

Crossing the finish line, my sweet Lem was waiting patiently, cutting off chips for the runners. I couldn't wait to give her a big hug! I believe my finish time was 1:48:30. I will double check when the official results are posted.

The after-party was very nice. Great food, great music, and great company.

Thank you to all of the people who made the race possible. It was a wonderful experience that I will always remember. Thank you to the families who came out to cheer us on; you'll never know what it meant to a weary runner at mile 6, 7, and 8.

A very special thank you to my family. For allowing me the time to do this stuff. For feeding me good foods. For letting me rest. For cheering me on. You guys are the best! I love you so much!

To Rick and Bill, you guys have helped me so much by answering so many of my questions, encouraging me to hang in there always, and keeping me positive. I really appreciate everything you do.

And of course, to the Father of us all. Thank you for allowing me the opportunities to do what I try to do. Even though I am unworthy, you continue to bless me, over and over again.

Finished!

I was able to finish the 10 for Texas today! Time was about 1:48:30. More to follow. Thanks for all of the happy thoughts and prayers!

WOW

65 degrees! That's right, it's 10:20 in the morning and only 65 degrees! Pass around the sweaters! Fall is here and the 10 for Texas is tomorrow. It is going to be a great day!


I hope to see many of the TIR folks there!

Progress not perfection

Over the last few days, I've been very slowly, very cautiously, trying to put a few steps on the road. Before today, I had run about a mile each day for the last 4 days. Tuesday I was able to maintain a consistent pace of 12:00 with little discomfort.

This morning, I had to take advantage of this beautiful weather and head out for a bit longer, albeit slow jog.

I was able to complete 2.37 miles with energy to run longer. I made the distance decision before I left and did not veer from it. I was able to keep my pace slow and steady at the start, increasing a bit mid-run, and then slowing down to cool down.

I did have little twinges in the right foot and in the left hamstring/groin that needed to be worked out. I turned up Chris Tomlin's version of How Great is our God and felt the twinges fade away. Thank you, Lord!

Saturday is the 10 for Texas. I am planning to run it as a training run, not a race. If I come in dead last, that will be fine by me. If I only get a few miles in, that is okay too. The point is that it will be a great day to be out there and I want to enjoy whatever I can of it.

Chicago Marathon Recap

Holden's recap is an amazing story. Be sure to check it out. Seems to me that if the officials spent the same amount of energy they spent telling everyone the race was called on getting more water into the course, things might not have gotten so bad.

The next best thing

I woke at my typical 4:30 or so today. As I laid there wondering how I can get my body to cooperate with my mind's desire to run, I remembered an old love. Spinning class. I got out of bed, dressed and was ready for the 5:30 class.

A new schedule started today which included a 15 mins. core workout after the cycling. Perfect. It was nice to be on the bike again.

The leg felt great so I thought I'd try a run on the Dreadmill. I was able to get a mile in before I felt the "twinge" returning. Progress.

Last night I took a quick spin around the block and followed the 5/1 run/walk method. My right foot started aching pretty bad in the arch, something new.

Overall, I know I am feeling better. I don't know that I'll be ready to run 10 on Saturday, but you never know!

Some days are worse than others

My poor husband!
We woke up to a puddle from the dog, gross! When cleaning this up, the phone lines became disconnected. The sink then began to back up. He tried fixing this only to have the main line back up into the entire kitchen, chunks of rotten food and all. Then the washer began to back up into the sink. Every towel in the house is in use. We all need showers and can't run the water. As we sit here, waiting for a plumber on a Sunday afternoon, our daughter just came down to tell us that the air conditioner is backed up again and leaking into her bedroom, again.

What does this have to do with running? Nothing. Except I want to run away...

Update: Thank you Mr. Rooter! These guys came out quickly and fixed the problem. They didn't charge us extra for a weekend call either. Thank goodness! Now we need to wash and dry all the towels so that we can all take showers. Tomorrow will be a better day.

HE DID IT!

Dirt Runner finished the AT 100! No time yet, but apparently he finished 10th overall! WAY TO GO RICK!

The Almost Run

He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the mirky bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. Psalm 40:2


I felt a twinge of something this morning and for a moment thought I would just go back to bed. But I decided to go through the motions and perhaps I would still be able to run, at least a little bit.

When I arrived at the Y, Coach Bill was there and this always brightens my day! Not too long after I arrived, we noticed the bit of lightening and thunder. The run was almost called, but at the last second, we decided to head out. Well, some of us did.

I actually ran about a half block or so and had to make the decision to not run. The twinge wasn't going away and one thing I have learned that past three weeks is that I must listen to my body.

Yes, I was disappointed, but I know that pushing the body at this point will only end in more injury.

I hung around to talk with Bill and some of the other runners. They really are a great bunch of people. I also had a chance to briefly speak with Jon before his run in Central Park. He sounded so excited to be there! Of course we all had good thoughts for Rick in Arkansas today.

I had a 9 am appointment with my chiropractor, so I decided to take things up with him. Once there, they did a quick assessment of my situation, adjusted me and I felt much better. Both of my hips were out of whack which would explain the pulling twinge I was feeling.

I took a slow jog around the block and while it didn't feel bad, it didn't feel too good either. So I will give it another day or two before I try again.

As much as I have realized that the goal of running the marathon is very important to me, I also realize that I need to let it go. No, I am not giving up on the training, but I am giving up "what I want." If things work out so that I can run, I will. If my body isn't ready, that's okay too. I know that He will lead me to where I am supposed to be. My will or His... always His.

Jitters

I can't believe that I am nervous about running tomorrow. I have been waiting to feel well enough to run again, and now, I am a bit scared about running. I am afraid that I will be re-injured. I am nervous that if I do get re-injured, will it be to the point that I can't run the marathon? I hate to have such negative thoughts, but there they are.

I will get up in the morning and head out to the run and pray that I can run. I will take it slow and not expect too much. And I will pray that all goes well.

Through all of this, I have realized that this goal that I have set for myself (running a marathon) means more to me than I ever thought.

Races

Lots of races this weekend. Keep Dirt Runner in your thoughts tomorrow as he begins his 100 mile trek in Arkansas.

Tuesday Night Shuffle

I was able to walk the track tonight for a mile. I then did a slow jog, more like a shuffle for a 200. Then walk 200. Jogged another 200. Walked 200. Jogged a 400. Walked 400.

All in all, it felt good to be out there, but I am still not ready for running. I'll take the slow progress. I can't complain. God has been very good to me.

Tick tock, tick tock

Has anyone else ever noticed that there are certain points in a runner's life that crawl by:

1. When you are injured and CAN'T run and you are waiting for the body to heal so that you can run again.

2. When you are running and can't figure out how exactly you are going to make that last mile so you can stop running.

Well, I'm still stuck on #1, praying I can get to #2 by the end of the week so I can run the 10 for Texas on the 13th. 13... great. Not such a lucky number. Maybe the 10 overrides the 13?

See what happens when I can't run? Crazy. Like the bread. That's what I become. What the heck did I do with myself before running? I drove my husband crazy. Did I mention he can't wait for me to be able to run as well?

That would be why he didn't kill me when I signed a contract with a chiropractor that would have bought me that bike I am wanting...

I am feeling better. I can walk normally as of last night. I am still not pain free, but it's bearable. The doctor said that I could walk a half mile to test things out. I did that on Saturday. I did a mile tonight. So compliant. I'll walk some more tomorrow night, with a few little jogs thrown in if it feels right. I don't want to jeopardize the progress I've made so far.

tick tock, tick tock, tick tock....