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.