Merry Christmas

May your troubles be few and your blessings be many today.

Mobile Testing

I have dreaded coming to physical therapy all day. All because of the 10 minutes spent on this bike. Weak.
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128.2

I weighed yesterday but am a day late posting because I was busy eating cookies, obviously

126.3

I think it's a fluke but I am too sick to care right now.

Phyiscal therapy update - getting better, the knots in my muscles are almost gone. Still walk with a limp. Seriously, who would have thought running 6 miles injured would have caused this much damage. All for that stinkin necklace.

but it is pretty....

127.9lb

I blame it on a lot of sodium and a few of these

Back to tracking calories. UGH!

Thanksgiving Day

Also known in some parts as taking one for the team.

Hope your day is filled with family, friends, and blessings.

Keeping It Real

I went to bed hungry. Don't feel bad for me. Remember the muffin, hamburger, french fries, mikes and ikes. I added some peppermint bark, grilled cheese and spinach sandwich, spoonful of mac and cheese, and a spoonful of cornbread dressing, and a fun size pack of m & ms
I was hungry by 8:00pm.

Luckily for me, I made the mistake of stopping at the mall on the way home yesterday to pick something up. I decided to try some clothes on. Nothing like standing in a dressing room in a sweaty state of frustration to give you a dose of reality.

126.6lbs on a 5ft frame is not a good look, no matter how that 126.6 is distributed

Back in the Saddle

Or more likely butt in seat.  Today was my first workout since the Nike Half. One of my fellow runners actually clapped when he saw me approaching the gym.

All in all 45 minutes went pretty quickly.

Since my running shoes are put up for the rest of 2009, I am going to focus on weight management. Which I hope translate to weight loss, but I had a muffin for breakfast, hamburger and fries, and a co-worker bought me a 10lb bag of mikes and ikes so I am not off to a good start.

Wish me luck. The scale read 126.6 this morning. If I am brave enough I'll post my weight every Monday.

Getting Better All The Time

Making progress. Only a small limp left. Can almost put all my body weight on my left leg. Still having hip fatigue/pain from walking too far or too fast.

I have another therapy session tonight. The insurance statements have started to come in. We're going to discuss these crazy bills tonight. I may need to shop around.

Big Pun

Reminising today. Say or think what you will but I think this will be the newest addition to my mp3. Watch Big Pun, how can you not want to groove or at least wave your hands in the air? Ah memories. Go ahead and judge.

You Say It's Your Birthday.

Yah,it's my birthday too.

To celebrate I am going to physical therapy where I will once again continue to discuss that there's got to be a quicker way to get me back into exercise and running.

Later, I will be doing this, minus the fancy dress and tiara, to both celebrate my birthday and drink away my running blues.

Here's to another year of me! In lieu of presents, I request you run a mile for me today!

359.80

That's the number of miles I am going to miss my 800 mile goal by this year. After my last physical therapy session I was told I would run again but it wouldn't happen this year.

To be fair, even if I could run I'd still more than likely miss that goal. I plan to set a more realistic goal for next year and take into consideration my shin splint prone shins into the equation.

So for now it looks like it's just me and the exercise bike (which I dislike more than the elliptical) as long as it doesn't cause pain. I am using the term pain loosely, because I find everything about the exercise bike painful. You'd think with the amount of junk I have in the trunk I'd be able to ride for hours comfortably. I guess my backside has reached the point of diminishing returns. Hence the need for some form of exercise until I can run again...

Physical Therapy

If a 15 min ice pack costed me $65 I wonder how much this baby is going to set me back?
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Planning Ahead

In an attempt to imagine myself running again and to stay motivated, I've set my sights on these two races for 2010.

This one in October

And this one in December



Plenty of time to get healed, start slow, and build back up some distance.

Reason to Keep Up On Distance

I discovered these at the Nike Half and bought home a pack. They've been on my mind ever since. Anytime, you can eat a gummy candy for energy, count me in. Since I normally run shorter distances, I haven't tried gels and the like. But once I am healed, I want to build back up to a 10 mile base just so I can have a semi excuse to use these for "energy".

Doctor, Doctor

Still limping and in pain and starting to feel feverish I went to the doctor Friday. She said if you want to run again you need physical therapy. So off I went to physical therapy where I tell my tale and I am happy to say nobody has treated me like a crazy person for finishing a race injured.

Seems my thigh strain has caused IT band issues, which then lead to a piriformis issue, which in turn lead to another issue. I didn't catch that last issue because the physical therapist had started working the knots out of my muscles and I was contrating too hard on not crying out for my momma it hurt so bad. As he was explaining what probably happened, he stated a time or two "I am not yelling at you, I know you runners are a stubborn bunch."

Bottom line: No running for probably 4-6 weeks, no excercise at all for now, 3 home stretches to do twice a day and icing 3 times a day. He'd like to see me 3 times a week but I'll probably only make it once a week due to my work schedule and location vs their schedule and location. Alright, I am off to take some pain relievers.

Amendment to the Race Recap

Did I mention that the 2:58 time included 2 bathroom breaks where I continued to demonstrate my skill for picking the slowest line possible, as well as a stop at all but one water table, the orange slice stop, the Luna bar stop, and the chocolate stop.

Isn't it funny how after the dust settles, your mind works over time rehashing the details. The ego is a cruel friend.

Race Recap - I Ran Like An Injured Girl

I forget why I don't like big races until we start and then remember, crap the crowd. I think it was something like mile 4 before the masses started to thin out and you weren't running into people. It's so hard for me to get a good pace going.

Pre-race, my 13 mile runs came in at just under 2:15. Not fast but with walk breaks I was happy with that. For the race I was hoping to beat 2:30 with the crowd and the hills. At mile 7, when I pulled a thigh muscle I was just praying to finish. Pain for 6.1 miles. I was disappointed because I wasn't tired and I was handling the hills well but the pain, ugh. I finished in 2:58:39. Under 3 hours, injured, well I can't be disappointed in that. Pain and all I enjoyed every single minute.

I think Nike did a great job with the race. I was disappointed with most of the race merchandise. Note to Nike - Not everyone has a long, thin torso and wide shoulders. Some of us are a little shorter and thicker, just saying.

I was told I would be hooked on the race and want to run it again. But I wasn't, could be the pain talking. It would be nice to have a pain free do-over. If I ran it again, I would want to be part of the Team in Training because that was where the excitement was on race day.

Probably wasn't wise to keep running but I came for the necklace and I wasn't leaving without it. I am still hobbling today but it's a small price to pay to say I finished.

Oh and Note to Self - if you run it again don't spend 6 hours walking around sight seeing the day before, just saying, might not have been a good idea.

Ready Set Go

Heading to the starting line. Going to enjoy every mile.
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Checked in at Expo . Plan to go back to expo sans husband =)

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All Set

Packed and ready to go. Hope to leave the pre-race jitters at home.
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Ice Ice Baby

The ice seems to be working. Just a little soreness left.

The sitting on my butt at home after work and skipping workouts has also probably helped the injury but not the size of said butt.

One thing at a time...

Going Going Groin

I believe I finished my 7 mile run yestrday with a minor pulled groin muscle. Not sure how I did it. Currently working on stretching. No problem. I have at least 5 days to stretch it out.

It was all a dream

I dreamt that I was late to the half marathon, I was running with a friend who isn't a runner, and we kept getting delayed visiting people's houses. We were only three miles in and it was getting dark because it was getting late and I kept thinking I am not going to get my necklace. Either it was too much beer before bed or I am experiencing a little anxiety about my upcoming trip to San Fransisco.

Race Ready

13.1 miles yesterday. I am now mentally ready for the race.

12 Plus Concrete

Equals a little over 6 miles. My plan was 12 miles but I thought I would venture from the neighborhood for a little less hill and different scenery. I didn't take into account having to run on concrete and at about mile 5 my left shin really started to hurt. So I called it a 6 mile run and a lesson learned.

Stay in the neighborhood

I have trouble pacing my walk/run ratio if it's not caused by a hill

Stay off concrete

Right now I am resisting the urge to panic. It's about 3 weeks till the Nike Half and I was hoping for a somewhat easy 12 miles. It just run, tomorrow could be a how different game right?

New Shoes

These are my new shoes. We're having a little problem with rain here in the Atlanta area so I haven't tested them outside yet. I did test them on 4 mile treadmill run and they passed. Thank goodness, last thing I need is shoe issue so close to a half that I may only be semi ready for.

I am having some pain issues with the bottom of my foot which I think has less to do with the shoe and more to do with standing at a career fair in flats for 6 hrs last week.

I thought the shoes were kind of cool but if you see them attached to my pasty white leg they're anything but cool.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Non-stop, thunder included.

One Month

One month till the Nike Women's Half Marathon. I am hoping to get in 12 miles this weekend, if I can find a block of rain-free time.

It's also probably time to replace my running shoes soon. Any helpful tips or hints for anyone who's run this race....

Penny for your Thoughts

I finally made the time committement and did an 11 mile neighborhood run Monday. I'd like to take credit but the credit really goes to Penny who was in head through out my run. Thanks Penny!

Fear of Commitment

Why I'll never really be a long distance runner - time commitment. It's not that I am too busy, although I am busy. It's the anxiety of knowing that I will need to spend the next hour or two running rather than cleaning, doing laundry, getting to work, sitting on my butt watching tv, or just being accessible to the world at large who may need something at any given minute. An hour, that's all I have to give. That's my time threshold. I'd love to change it and I hope to chip away at it because everyone should be able to dedicate time for themselves to do the thing they love.

With the Women's Nike Half quickly approaching next month I am not feeling so great about this time issue I am having. I hope to do better with this weekend's long run, because the last two weekends there were no long runs. Wish me luck...

Knowledge is Power

Something for everyone....
100 Essential Health and Nutrition Tips for Avid Runners

Running Banana

Back at the end of June I placed an order with Running Banana and I've been meaning to post about it for awhile. I was impressed because the turn around time was like a week. It was a last minute idea to order a special shirt for the Peachtree Road Race but I wasn't sure it would get here in time and it did. But what I love most about the shirt, unlike the few other running shirts I have, it isn't tapered or too small around the waist/hip area. I guess I am little more boxy shaped and I appreciate the roominess. You can create your own or use one of their designs and they have several styles of shirts to choose from. One of these days I am going to get off my behind and order another shirt or two.

Today's One More Mile Song

Old school happiness...

I think too much...

http://dailyviews.runnersworld.com/2009/08/has-training-become-too-scientific.html

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Weigh In

Today was my first official weigh in since I missed last weeks meeting due to a funeral. -1.8 pounds. Move the decimal and you get 18. I swear I am developing an intense dislike for the number 18.

I guess -1.8 is way better than +1.8. My leader was happy with that since I am petite, meaning I better get use to this being a slow process.

I copied this image a while back and can't remember where I found it. So if I got it off your blog let me so I can credit you, sorry

Cut The Cord

I finally cut the umbilical cord to the treadmill and ran 10 hilly miles outside this morning.

I had to silence the voice in my head worrying about giving the general public a view of my cellulite and flabby arms but once I got over that crazy notion it felt great to be running outside.

It's Mental

Battling that "October will be here before you know it, you're not ready" ongoing conversation in my head.

I did run 10 miles today (run 4min/walk 1min). It took 2 hours!! UGH!!! Now I just need a nap...

Keep Going

Today's "one more mile" song.



Sometimes that's all I need. One good song to keep going. The song varies. Today Liz Phair helped me run 4 miles rather than 3. (It's the zone, not the mileage that counts, right?)

Do you have any no-fail one more miles songs?

The Magic Number

I can guarantee you it's not 18, the number of points I am allotted a day on Weight Watchers. That's all I am saying...

SPIbelt

I am not much for pre-race expos but I saw that SPIbelt was going to be at the Peachtree Road Race expo and I had read about the small personal item belts at Katy Shops so I thought I would check it out. I was espcially interested in the water resistant SPIbelt because I had grand plans of taking my blackberry and tweeting and posting pictures to facebook through out the race but I ditched that idea at the being of race.

Unfortunately they didn't have the water resistant version there, and the rep had not even heard of the water resistant version listed on the website, seriously.

From the SPIbelt webiste

Sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. Can hold an iPod™, Blackberry™, cell, keys, up to five GU™ packs, and other small personal items. The SPIbelt does not bounce, ride or shift while running or doing other activities.

I don't think they tested them on someone with my hips, because it started on hips and wound up on waist. Other than that and that my stuff ended up damp from sweat becase, well it was July in Atlanta, I really like it. Love the size and it holds a lot. Not crazy about my hips though...

High Five

After what seems like an eternity, I ran 5 easy miles this morning. Easy in that I walked the 5 minutes to warm up and then inserted one minute walk breaks after every 4 minute run.

I appreciate all the kind words and advice!! It keeps me from crashing and burning. Whenever my running decreases my waistline increases and that's enough to push any girl over the edge...

I've Got Two Tickets

to San Francisco, non refundable.

Now I just need healing of the shin.

No pressure. I only have 3 months of training left. My longest run has been 8 miles. I've got 5 miles to add. I need some quick healing...

image: wikipedia

Ode to the Elliptical

I am only using you.

I get no joy from you.

No Justice

Let's see the last time I had a good race photo taken was a... NEVER!

I keep waiting, I am prepared to pay the crazy prices, for just one good picture. One that makes me look like a strong confident runner. Nine individual pictures were taken of me. Nine and not one good one, not one!

Note to self: stop getting your hair cut only to realize that you need to grow it out. (same exact revelation I had after seeing last years pictures)

I am not just being vain. These are bad, sweaty pictures. I have to be the pastiest person in Atlanta. Lord I need a tan. However, I am thankful that there's not the cellulite shot. You know the one where your leg is just getting ready to strike the ground and your thighs are all flabby, and jiggly. No, oh that's just me. Seriously, I could start a collection of those shots.

The Mister had five individual photos taken. Remember, first race and all. All five are good! UGH!

image: Marathonfoto

Peachtree Results

I had planned to post prior to the race but have been in the middle of a move so things are a bit out of whack. I ran 4 miles on Thursday and took Friday off.

The stats for Saturdays race was 5007 finishers (26170 Male/23837 Female)

Knowing I would be run/walking my goal was to finish in at least 1:10

My official stats were

Division: Masters
Age:42

Chip Time: 1:05:48

Clock Time: 1:36:24
Overall: 18702

Sex Place: 6591

Division Place: 2467

Age Grade 48.4%

I am pretty happy with that. I tried to stick to 4 minutes of running/1 minute of walking.

I am sure if I would of/could of ran in a straight line rather than dodging people ALL 6.2 miles (6.29 according to my garmin) I could have shaved a little time.

What I am not so happy with is the fact that my non-running husband came in 7 minutes after me. His first 10K, little training, longest run being 4.2 miles, and drinking 4+ plus beers the night before. Did I mention the only thing he's ever run was a 1 mile fun run. I wasn't expecting him to do awful but I was expecting at least 10 a minute difference. I am going to have to step it up next year.

I am also not so happy that it looks like I might have started a tradition, finishing the Peachtree with a shin splint. I have done myself a big disservice by not forcing myself to get outside and run. I am not sure why the road vs the treadmill makes such a big difference on my shins but it does. I took yesterday off and was hoping to be able to ease back into running today. But that was wishful thinking. Super sore! I am going to try and be patient so it will heal as quickly as possible so I can get on with training for the Nike 1/2 in October. I was hoping to build to 9 miles this week but that could be questionable.

Keep It Simple

Today's Conversation: " I am unstoppable"

8 miles then I stopped.

Conversations with myself

Last night - "I think I'll run 8miles tomorrow morning"

This morning - "Should I do 8 miles or just 6 miles so I can get to work on time"

In the locker room - "I should really start stretching more often. Feeling pretty stiff to do 8 miles"

On the treadmill - "Maybe I should take it easy today and do my long run tomorrow, yesterdays food may come back to haunt me"

About Mile One - "Pizza, 3 diet cokes, cheeseburger, onion rings and doughnut from yesterday was a big mistake, definitely a short run day" (that's only the bad food, not all the food)

End of Run - "4.25 miles is just fine for today. This weeks plan: back to no sugar, processed food and diet pop, long run tomorrow, and then easy runs until Saturday's Peachtree"

A New Look

This morning I emailed Wendy at A Southern Accent because I had been thinking about dressing up this blog a bit, thinking a new look might inspire me. By this afternoon I had a new look. Talk about quick! Here's a bit of her past work.

Shoot those are so darn cute I think I am going to need a new header for The House of Fowler. Not only was she quick and easy to work with, she's super affordable. Only $25! If you're looking for a new look or just a fun read you should check her out.

The number gods have smiled on me

Although I've lived in Atlanta for 10 years, last year was the first time I've ever ran the Peachtree Road Race. It just never appealed to me. Too many people, too hot, cardiac hill, entry drawing, etc. However last year when I learned that since the company I work for is a sponsor we have guarantee entry, I thought why not. To be honest it was the suckiest, hottest 6 miles I could have run but when it was over I couldn't wait to do it again. Seriously for the first mile you had to concentrate on not running into people, there's that many people! Runners are divided into 9 starting groups. 9! When last years packet arrived this was my number

Back of the pack. The race starts at 7:30. I promise you I didn't start running to 9:30! However, when this year's packet arrived last week, or maybe the week before (lazy blogger) this is what I saw
Sweet Jesus, middle of the pack! Start time 7:59am! Woo Hoo!

Solution

Hammertime

Note to self:

Either work hard or you might as well quit.

Selective Memory

10 Years in Georgia and I still forget that every year from June till about Sept, you can't get up early enough or stay up late enough to find a time to run outside when the humity and heat won't kill you.

whine over.

Happy First National Running Day

Doesn't matter if you run near or far, fast or slow, just run.

Love/Hate

Run/Walk. Enough said.





Better Running Through Walking . Where better equals slower for me.

Frenemy

That's you treadmill! Last week's long run on you seemed easy giving me a false sense of running power. Reality hit on this weeks hilly 8 mile outside run. Ouch, my shins hurt and my body is so stiff I feel like an old woman. And that was with a few walk breaks.

Next week's long run will be a do-over.