My, my, my, my Fiona (sport bra review)

Fiona gets a "5 cup" rating!

I bought a new sports bra.  It's a "Fiona" bra by Moving Comfort. I give it 5 out of 5 cups (no bra pun intended!) of coffee rating here on willrunforcoffee.com!   :)  

My two favorite sport bras are getting pretty ratty.  Probably because they are constantly being worn & washed.  Knowing it was time to step back into the world of bra buying (gag), I decided to try a different brand and style this time around.  My old favorite was the Champion 360 Max Support Sports Bra style #1612.  It's shaped like a regular pull over style sports bra, but features hooks on the back like a regular back closing style bra.  There's no way to hook it, twirl it around, and slip your arms through the straps because the fabric is so stiff.  With that being said, my only complaint about the Champion was the level of difficulty to put on my body.  If my husband was around to hook it for me, no problem.  However, I'm normally alone when I dress for a workout.  Getting the bra on, with it hooked, was a workout all on its own.  Great support, though!  I wasn't willing to give up the support aspect.  Obviously, if I couldn't find that level of support with a different brand/style, I would have purchased another Champion.  Putting it on was annoying, but the fit made running anything over a quarter of a mile much more pleasant.

The Fiona Bra:

A while back, my sister in law told me about Moving Comfort's "Fiona" bra.  Easy to put on.  Comfy.  High impact tolerant.  It sounded too good to be true, but she was totally right.  I was hesitant about the velcro straps, but that makes adjusting the bra so much easier than the typical shoulder blade adjusters we all grew up with!  If you need the bra slightly more snug, it can easily be adjusted from the front.  Why have bra manufacturers not come up with this idea before?  Plus, the velcro is super soft.  Not the old fashioned crunchy/hard type.  Even if it did touch your skin, which it does not, it wouldn't rub a raw spot.

Size & Fit:

The size range impressed me.  It's difficult to find a really sturdy, high impact bra for "larger gals", but Moving Comfort does offer a range of sizes.  I like that.  There's nothing worse than having to wear a bra that's too tight simply because manufacturers are targeting a select group of women with a certain build.  I don't want to feel as though I'm trying to "fit the mold" of being shaped like an elite athlete.  I know I'm at my goal weight and all, but I am not shaped like the typical, ultra thin, bird framed runner.  I've got some junk in the trunk!  And by that I mean back fat & sagging boobs. I've had two kids, breastfed them both, lost 80 pounds, and I'm quickly approaching 40....all done with natural breasts.  I need all the help I can get in the sports bra department.  This bra felt as though it supported me all the way around my torso. 

Cost:

I paid $44.00 for my Moving Comfort bra at Portland Running Company.  When I first started running, I found it difficult to pay that much for something that would only be worn for a small portion of my day.  I have wasted more money buying cheap shoes, bras, hydration systems, etc.  I have learned to A) get reviews from other runners before diving into pretty much any purchase running related and B) buy what works best because it makes for a better workout.  For comparison sake, the old Champion bras I had been wearing were not cheap.  They cost $38.00 each.  The Moving Comfort bra was $6.00 more.  Yes, it is worth every penny, in my opinion!  [One good sports bra is way better than wearing two cheap ones at the same time (to prevent bouncing).  I've done that.  It's too hot & uncomfortable.]

You can read more about Moving Comfort bras on their web site.  I ended up going with a size larger around the rib cage than what I normally wear, but the cup size stayed the same.  I'm not sure if that's typical for this brand (maybe sizes run a bit small?), or if it's just my thick, man-like torso reminding me that I will never be a petite 'lil thing. Either way, be sure to check their size guide & measure yourself for the best fit possible.

 

UPDATE: During the week of 2/1/11, I ordered three more of these bras online at www.sierratradingpost.com for less than $19.00 each!  Total steal!  They only had black & white.  In the 36-40 c, d, dd size range.  Anyway, be sure to check there if you're interesting in trying them for less dough.  :)

HM Training Day 30 (1/30 Sun.)

7 miles 1:11 time
10:08 pace
5 (1 minute) walk breaks

Not a bad pace for a 7 mile run with walk breaks, eh? 

We decided to venture out today, and headed to Lacamas Lake for what was supposed to be a 6 mile run, but ended up being 7.  We've heard many wonderful things about the trail that runs along side the lake, and man was everyone right.  What a great place to get out and be active.  Lots of people walking their dogs.  People of all ages (from infants to elderly.)  Runners, walkers, cyclists.  I took a few pictures while running along...

The path starts off black topped, but quickly turns to gravel (see last picture).  It was a hard packed gravel that was really easy to run on, despite all the rain we've had.  Looks like this might be our long run hot spot for a while.  Out and back on the main trail is 7 miles.  There's another lake path you can take that would add anywhere from 2 to 4 more miles (if not more) depending on which route you take.  It was gorgeous.  50 degrees.  Not raining (for once). 

{the good}  I finally found the love just before mile 3.  That's always a good feeling.  I was seriously starting to wonder about myself, and the outcome of today's run before finding that lovey dovey place in life. I swear I could have kept on running today.  Oh, and it started to rain once we got to the car instead of while we were running.  Always a good thing! 

{the ugly} Kent's diarrhea.  Yep, the running trots finally made their way to him.  It's usually me hit with it!  About 2.5 miles into the run, he announced his situation.  Luckily, there were restrooms at the 3.5 mile mark.  It happens to the best of us.  At least he wasn't in the middle of a race when it struck! lol

HM Training Day 28 (1/28 Friday)

5.36 miles (2 miles + 3.36 miles)
10:48 pace (from 3.36 mile run)

2 MILES:
The first 2 miles were with my sister in law in Portland.  Things did not go as planned.  She was feeling the way I felt last night, I think.  [Tired & sore.]  We cut it short & decided we get a "do over" run next Friday! lol  Girls can get away with stuff like that. I have no clue what our time or pace was.

3.36 MILES:
Kent & I took off for a quick evening run when he got home from work.  The same horrific hill route as Tuesday, but we were faster this time.  I chalk the pace up to starting the run with a little bit of light in the sky.  It makes SUCH a difference for us. 

{the good} I got to see my fabulous sister in law!  She's looking so great, and I swear she's getting faster even though she will probably claim that's not true.  :)

{the ugly} Must I keep repeating this....HILLS!

HM Training Run Day 25 (1/25 Tue.)

3.34 miles
36:38 minutes
10:58 pace

I did it!  I conquered the big hill over at the WSU campus!  I ran the whole damn thing without stopping.  All 1.5 miles of it!  I did stop at the top & walked for 30 seconds, but then took off running again.  Woohoo!!!!!

There were some monster hills all through this run, but especially on campus.  Our pace sucks with night runs anyway, but hills KILL it. At least I'm getting stronger, though!  I really like seeing my pace in the 9's so much better.  I need to get over the mental glitch, and come to terms with the outcome of various runs/workout situations.

Both knees are feeling the pressure of last week's mileage increase.  Knee caps ache a bit.  The right IT band issue is back, but not nearly as bad as early 2010.  [Hills aren't helping them any, I'm sure.]  My hip is actually doing a little better!  I've been able to lower my leg to the floor (while sitting "Indian style") two days in a row now.  Nothing major.  I can't stretch it yet, but it's nice to see the flexibility coming back.  There was a long period of time where that leg would not/could not lower at all.  It was "frozen".

{the good}  It was pretty warm out for January.  Can't beat that.  It beats running in Ohio where I was chased by snow plows on more than one occasion. lol

{the ugly} Darkness.  I cannot stand running in the dark.  Spring needs to speed up its arrival time a bit.  I am ready to run in the daylight again.  I discovered last night that I run with my head down the entire time.  If I don't, I can't see where my feet will land.  Also, I can only see one sidewalk square in front of me. I admire those who choose to run early in the morning (in the dark) year round.

HM Training Day 23 (Sunday 1/23/11)

{Today's run is dedicated to my sweet friend, Sarah.  Last I spoke with her, she was VERY pregnant.  He doctor was threatening her with a C-section due to preeclampsia issues.  Being a fellow mom with the same problem during both of my pregnancies, I feel for her.  The complications that can pop up due to high blood pressure are beyond crazy (and scary!).  So Sarah, today's weekly long run is for you!  I'll be thinking of you & Peanut the entire way!}  

Pre-Run Notes:  My foot is still hurting from Thursday night's run.  It's feeling no better.  Also, no worse.  Both of my knees are feeling that tweaky, burning IT band sensation.  Uggg!  Been icing them a couple of times per day.  Yes, I said BOTH.  My left one has never really bothered me.  It bothers me that it's bothering me.  Luckily, I get to keep the mileage the same next week.  Perhaps that will give my body time to adjust.

6 miles
1:04 time
10:39 pace

It was so cold out.  Not like the folks on the east coast are having, but typical for here.  It's a damp, rainy cold.  Once you've been rained on long enough, it's difficult to warm up.  Especially once the run is over.  So much for the sunshine we were supposed to get over the weekend! 

So the first mile was rough.  My knees were stiff & tender.  My foot was still hurting.  By mile 2, I was fine.  I found my groove between miles 2 & 5.  The last mile was rough again.  I could tell my legs were feeling the heat from increasing my mileage this week.  They were trashed, but I kept the same pace.  Perfect!  That is the key element I want to start taking away from my weekly long runs.  It's not about hitting a certain number in miles anymore.  I've been there and done that as far as a half marathon is concerned.  It's learning to keep a steady, even pace throughout the entire run.  I want to be able to make my goals with finish times, and I know this is the key for me.

We're following the Jeff Galloway method of running, and incorporating walk breaks into each mile.  That might slowly kill me (mentally).  I am still feeling as though it's a "loser" way to run.  Why I feel that way is beyond me because I've yet to make it to my "time goal" with straight running.  So....sigh....we'll see how it goes.

{the good} I did it!  I finished strong, and the time wasn't too shabby considering we're learning to take walk breaks each mile.

{the ugly} My knees are bothering me.  I was so hoping to not go down this path again.

The ability to stop kidding myself

So I opened an email from the Universe today, and here's what it said....

"One's ability to stop kidding themselves, Heather, is what brings about the greatest breakthroughs, fastest comebacks, and happiest feet."

It's so true.  Especially with the journey to becoming a runner.  I think about all of the times I've reached the proverbial "fork in the road", and have to make the choice to keep going or quit.  Sometimes, that moment comes when I'm in the middle of a run.  Other times, it's when I'm sitting in my comfy recliner whining about not wanting to get up & get moving.  So far, I have chosen to keep going.  Working through the injuries.  Dealing with total defeat & disappointment.  Coming to terms with the concept of others not understanding the journey.  Setting goals that are truly reachable.  Hitting milestones I never - not in a million billion years - thought I could hit. 

The ability to stop kidding myself comes with trial and error.  All in all, it has served me well, and I'm still in the game because of my willingness to roll with the punches.  I'm going to print this quote, and tape it in my journals (running, food, and personal journals).   I think it pretty much covers all parts of my life, and it motivates me to continue on with my journey. 

HM Training Day 21 (Friday 1/21/11)

3.25 miles
30:45 time
9:27 pace

Right now, it's easy to recall what training day I'm on due to the date.  Next month will start to get wonky for me, I'm sure. lol

Day 21 was strange.  I tried.  Tried.  tRiEd. I really want to master the treadmill.  I have one.  I hate it.  I'm pretty sure it hates me back.  I made it through a rather SLOW 1.25 miles before hopping off...and heading out the front door.  It was pouring rain, but I slapped on my Garmin, Visor, and Road ID for 2 miles outside.  It was so worth it.  I notice way too much when I'm on the treadmill.  [Like my calves burning and cramping - which has been happening all week.]  I'm assuming my level of awareness is due to having nothing else to distract me.  I tried watching TV.  It worked until the commercial breaks came on.  I'm simply much better off outdoors. 

[Side Note: I tweaked my foot either Wednesday or Thursday.  I'm assuming it was during Thursday's run when I felt so "klompy and heavy", as I stated in Thursday's training report.  Bad form that day.  It took a toll on my poor foot.  It only hurts to stand or walk.  Running and hard impact doesn't bother me.  This feels like a tendon issue.  When I roll my foot toward the inside of my leg, I feel a "pulling" sensation in that spot.]

{the good} I got in today's mileage.  I'm trying to have a better attitude about the dreadmill treadmill.  I got to run outside...during daylight hours!  Always  good thing.  Also, 9:27 ain't bad at all considering the first 1.25 miles was super slow on the machine.  :)

{the ugly} There really wasn't anything ugly about this one.  Well, forcing myself to run on the treadmill wasn't pleasant.  So I suppose that qualifies. 

The shirt you wear says a lot about you....

I'm highly inspired by the smallest things.  I love race shirts.  I can honestly say, I sign up for races because they work as a carrot dangling in front of me.  I know I have to keep up my training in order to finish a race with dignity & without injury.  However, there's a sick, twisted part of me that simply wants the shirt affiliated with each event.  I know.  It's an illness.  I've also learned that I'm a sucker for shirts with funny running related sayings.  I blame race expos for this.  My three favorites are listed below.  I don't own any of these shirts....yet.

{If you see me collapse, pause my Garmin.}

It's just about the funniest thing EVER.  If you only knew what it's like to run with me.  My husband cracks a joke about the Garmin nearly every time we run.  He finds my Garmin obsession highly annoying.  I won't start running until I have satellites.  It's set on auto pause in case I have to stop to tie a shoe (or whatever).  Yes, I even pause it while we wait at stoplights.  It's a "tech shirt" with short and long sleeved options, and it's sold at John Bingham's OneMoreMileRunning.com.

{My sport is your sport's punishment!}

Oh.  My. God.  This is so funny to me!  I must have it.  It's a fitted cotton T, but comes in several different fit styles.  Not meant to run in at all since it's cotton.  However, wearing it all over town would be a hoot.  You can order one on zazzle.com.

{will run for coffee}

This one comes from the heart, people.  "Will run for coffee."  That'll do, Pig.  That'll do.  It's a "tech shirt" with short and long sleeved options, and it's sold at John Bingham's OneMoreMileRunning.com.

HM Training Day 20 (1/20/11)

Day 20 of the new year.  Day 20 of my half marathon training.  It was another uneventful run in the cold, dark, wet state of Washington.  I felt heavy today.  Tired. I've had a migraine all day, and it makes my head swim.  Tired and heavy with a migraine. Not a good combo.  It was a run.  I put in 3 miles once it was said and done.  My hip was bugging me a little.  So was my knee.  I must have had horrible form  because I could hear my feet.  Normally, I don't notice them.   That's part of the reason I no longer run with an ipod.  I want to hear my own pitter patter.

{the good} I got in 3 miles EVEN with a migraine!  Go me.  It actually helped the migraine feel better.  At least for a little while.  It's starting to come back. 

{the ugly} I ran 3 miles with a migraine. My feet felt and sounded "klompy" the entire run.  The side of my foot is paying the price for it.  Is klompy a real word?  I've used it for years.  If it's not a real one, it should be.  :)

Physical therapy update (wk3) & updated training plan

So, my physical therapist does not want me to do a 17 mile training run.  She said something happens to the body after mile 14 or so, and she doesn't want me to to continue getting injury on top of injury.  I need to cap it off at 12 with this round of training.  So I've revamped my entire schedule for the next 17 weeks to accommodate the changes.  You can view the updated training plan by clicking here.

On the up side, I get to add an run day into my week!  Just an easy run.  30 minutes.  That will be slightly over 3 miles for me.  I'm good with that.  Mentally, I need another run day.  The Friday "walk day" isn't working for me.  I find myself not walking at all because it's so boring for me anymore.  I would rather run.  So I will.

The hip is better, but only because the inflammation is down.  It still hurts like mad to move it certain ways.  It's also very, very weak.  So the exercises she has me doing are supposed to make it stronger so I don't get into this mess (injured state) again.  At least it doesn't hurt when I run!  Biking is still out of the question.

She loaded me down with even MORE exercises.  She walks me through them while I'm there for my weekly appointment.  Do you have any idea how thankful I was when I didn't pee myself during the jump rope or balance jumping sessions?  My bladder needs more warning for such events.  It's not a spur of the moment kind of organ ever since the birth of Miss Riley Meredith. 

Until next week's appointment....

HM Training Day 18 (Jan. 18, 2011)

Miles 6'ish
Time 1:10'ish
Pace 11:40'ish

I know the trail is 3 miles one way....3 miles back.  We timed ourselves...kind of.  I forgot the wear the Garmin.  D'oh!

I ran with my sister in law, Jody.  Today is a crazy busy day, and I knew if I didn't run in the morning, it simply would not happen at all.  So she drove up to my house & we headed to the "snakey trail" (AKA: Salmon Creek Trail).  Sunday afternoon, the trail was completely flooded.  Kent and I didn't make it a tenth of a mile down the trail before heading back to the car.  Yes, it was really that bad.  There was no way to get across the puddles that were at least mid-calf deep that day.  So, I was hesitant about today.  However, the water had gone down quite a bit (thank goodness).  The creek was more like a ginormous lake, but most of the trail was runnable. [I might have just made up a whole new word there!]  There were some spots that required some trickiness, but nothing major. 

The ducks had no idea this area was supposed to be dry as a bone.  They made it their personal swimming hole.

We saw a guy trying his best to make his dog come out of the water.  It wasn't working.  The dog kept swimming.  She lost her stick somewhere along the way, and was determined to find it. 

During the summer, I saw countless snakes on this trail.  That's why I lovingly named it, "snakey trail".  I know!  How friggin' clever am I?  You see, I'm one of those people.  I simply cannot handle seeing a snake.  Or running past one on the trail.  Or hearing someone talk about one.  Or even seeing one on TV.  They totally gross me out & scare the shit out of me.  So I thought it was very kind of my sweet sister in law to save the day by prompting the little critter off the path.

After it was all said and done, we were soaking wet, cold, and very muddy.  The pictures don't do our look or smell justice! lol  We had mud up the fronts and backs of our legs.  Our clothes, shoes, and hair were dripping wet. 

{Jo's muddy feet}

{my muddy feet}

{our soaked, muddy socks}

MAN!  Those are my favorite injinji socks.  Now they're ruined with mud stains.  They're soaking in the laundry room as we speak.  I hope they live to tell the story of our muddy, wet run day at the snakey trail.  :)

{the good}  We had a BLAST!  We ran up the two hills, that once kicked our asses, without stopping.  We only had to stop once to pee.  6 miles goes by so much faster when you have distractions (like someone to chat with, flooded areas to observe, snake sightings, etc.).

{the ugly} Wet. Cold.  Muddy. Flooded.  SNAKE!

Cross training with Ada ("the Termin-Ada")

So, one of my resolutions for 2011 is to cross train.  John Bingham's 100 Day Challenge has helped me a ton as far as being accountable goes.  I am a gal who needs to journal, chart, graph, etc. in order to keep track of what's going on.  Otherwise, I have huge gaps in my weekly training routine.  I tend to focus all of my attention on running, which leads to multiple overuse injuries due to weak, untrained muslces in other part of my body.  Therefore, cross training is a must.  However, I feel as though I never really know what to do when it comes to cross training.  I think this is why Ada's video (below) caught my attention & inspired me.  [Ada was a contestant on season 10 of Biggest Loser.  She is a natural born runner it seems, and has the drive to accomplish anything.  In fact, she has so much determination, Trainer Bob named her "the Termin-Ada".  She is a total inspiration!]  If you have 10 minutes in your day, try the exercises featured in the video below.  My plan is to do what's listed in the video, and then do my physical therapy exercises.  That should give me my 30 minutes of exercise for day 17 of the 100 Day Challenge.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VCT3SwEDg4If you aren't familiar with John's 100 Day Challenge, read more about it, over on my other blog, by clicking here.  :)

HM Training Day 16 (Jan. 16, 2011)

4 miles in 44 minutes  (11:00 pace)

So the pace was quite a bit slower than normal for us, but this was an intense hill run.  I'm actually really proud of the pace considering that included a few walk breaks, massive hills, and traffic signal stops.  I kept the clock running the entire time. 

This was supposed to be a 5.5 mile run, but the trail was totally flooded due to all of the rain and mountain run off we've been hit with.  Unless you want water up to the middle of your calf while running, it's best to go home.  So we had to make due with a campus run.  To top it off, by the time we realized the trail was flooded, lots of time had been sacrificed.  We had to drive alllll the way home & start running from the house.  Any other time this would not have been an issue, but tonight was my husband's birthday dinner with the entire family.   We had to cut it short due to time.  We were 22 minutes late.  Ahhhhh!

{The Good} It was warm!  Almost 60, which is a miracle in the middle of January.  And it didn't rain on us more than a sprinkle at any given time.  As a matter of fact, the sun started to shine the last 15 minutes of the run.  Also, the hills are getting easier.  I'm in shock that I'm saying so.  My hip & knee both did fine.

{The Ugly} The hills.  I know, I keep repeating this statement with each and every run.  They're so hard.  And it ain't purdy watching me "run" up them.  I'm almost certain someone could walk right past me while I "run".

PS...it looks as though I skipped a post regarding my last training run.  Oops.  It was uneventful & in the dark.  That pretty much sums it up. :)

Today....

Dear Heather,

Today, you need to go for a run.  Don't make excuses, or let someone else talk you into changing your plans to better suit their needs. 

I don't care if it is raining out.  You live in Washington state.  If you wait for the rain to stop, you'll be sitting on your ass until July. You are not made of sugar, and will not melt if rained upon.

I don't care if there are birthday celebrations taking place.  You've eaten enough cake in the past two days to fill your yearly quota for cake eating.  The celebrating has to stop at some point.  No better time than right this second.

I don't care if no one wants to run with you.  You want to go for a run, and that's really all that matters.  All about you, baby. All about you.  I'm tired of you putting yourself on the back burner.

I don't care if you run a bit slower today for whatever reason.  I know you're in it for the run & fun - not a finish time.

XOXO,
Self

I got in! (Girlfriends Half Marathon 10/16/11)

I got in!  I got in!  The email came today...stating registration would open tomorrow.  However, I noticed the "register now" button was working & fully functional today.  I took advantage of it.  I am an official registered runner for the 2011 Girlfriends Half Marathon!

I like to space the events out over time.  I used to do it because I wouldn't exercise if I didn't have money invested in an event.  Now I do it because I need to make sure I have enough time to recover between events.  I still say registering works as "a carrot dangling in front of me" even though my attitude has changed. drastically over the past two years.  Whatever.  It works for me.  :)

I heard from a few local runners that like the Hippie Chick Half, this one sells out quickly.  I am thrilled to get in for a few reasons...

1) This is a ladies only race.  That means fewer snot rockets flying from nostrils during the event. Always a good thing, ladies!

2) The Portland Half back in October was not very scenic.  [We ran along the railroads in downtown Portland for what seemed like 8 miles.  It might have been that far. I checked out somewhere along the way due to the rain.  It would have been really nice to have a nicer setting. The Girlfriends Half provides just that!  Most of the run is along the Columbia river.] 

3) Not many gals have a chance to run this one.  Registration is capped off at 3,000.  I like that it's a small event. 

4) Finishers get a necklace instead of a medal. 

5) Finishers get chocolate after the race. 

6)  It's close to home!  The race start is 15 minutes from my house!

7)  It's held in October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It's FOR women, BY women.  It totally supports the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  I was able to raise almost $800.00 last year to help find a cure. I feel honored to run another race during BCA month!

You can check out event details here:
http://www.nwpersonaltraining.com/subs/events/event_details.php?event_id=142

Donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation can be made here:
http://www.active.com/donate/GirflriendsForACure/HCacak1

Woohoo!!!!!!!  Now all I have to do is find a girlfriend to run with. :)

Physical therapy session #2 (update)

It went well today.  My hip pain *might* be slightly less, but it's still difficult for me to say for sure.  Inflammation is probably down a bit since I haven't been on the bike in 1 1/2 weeks, which could be making it feel a little better.  The bottom line is, I still can't move my leg without pain.  That much I do know.  Still no biking.  Nothing that will make the groin hurt or feel pinchy, clicky, poppy, or ouchy at all.  Helen, my PT, armed me with what seems like 500 exercises I have to do twice daily.  They are more than time consuming, but I'm doing them so I can hopefully get stronger & live a life without pain.

The really cool part of today's appointment was watching a video of myself running.  I was shocked as all get out to find that I look decent running.  I guess my brain automatically shifts to me looking like a total spazzy retard when the topic of doing anything remotely athletic enters the thought process.  [I mean, I was "that kid" in school.  The one who couldn't even run a lap around "the ponderosa" at Crockett Jr. High School in the 7th grade.  I learned early on in life to simply hate exercise.]  Today, in that video, I looked like a friggin' runner!  Who knew?  The video wasn't made simply to amuse me.  The PT was trying to see if my hip pain has effected my running motion...or vice versa.  So the video, in slow motion / frame by frame, shows that I have a slight side kick thing going on with the right side (injured side).  I didn't notice it when the video rolled at full speed, but it was totally obvious when she slowed it down to a frame by frame speed.  Very interesting.  At least we know what could be causing some of the issues.  As she put it, "What came first?  The chicken...or the egg?".  In other words, have I always done this strange little kicky motion because of the way I'm built?  Or am I doing it because moving the "normal way" causes me discomfort?  Inquiring minds.....

No chat about an MRI today.  Same with the possible labral tear topic.  That was a relief!  I know the possibility is still there, but not talking about the ginormous elephant in the room was a nice break for today.  I'm somewhat tired of thinking about it.  My next appointment is set for next Wednesday.

Update: Heart Breaker race date changed

Portland/Vancouver runners.  I Received a message from the Heart Breaker race coordinator stating the event has been moved to 2/20/11, a week later than planned.  Just a heads up to anyone planning on running the event.  Here;s what they said....

Updated January 7, 2011 – AA Sports Limited has made the decision to move the Heart Breaker Half Marathon, 5k & 10k to Sunday, February 20 from its originally scheduled date one week earlier. The Valentine Fanconi Anemia Run/Walk (a fundraiser for Fanconi anemia research) was also slated to take place on the same, originally scheduled date (Feb 13) in downtown Portland. AA Sports felt it was necessary to reschedule the Heart Breaker Half to February 20 to avoid this date conflict and to offer runners and walkers in the Portland community the opportunity to participate in both events rather than having to choose one over the other. Mark your calendars for February 20 and spread the word about this inaugural event.

As the title suggests, the event will include a half marathon (Portland's only February half marathon), as well as a 5K and 10K Run/Walk. The Heart Breaker Half Marathon and related events will take place on Sunday, February 20 at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland, OR, and include both individual and team divisions. Each participant will receive a beautiful finisher medal, and long sleeved commemorative T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by 2/14).

A post race celebration will take place with food, music, and prizes drawings. So whether you are in love, out of love, or looking for love, be sure to check out Portland's newest and only half marathon in the month of February. Registration is limited so don't delay!

For more information or to register, visit Heart Breaker Half Marathon.

Visit the RaceCenterweb site to view all 2011 events and scheduled dates.

Happy Running,
The AA Sports Team

 

HM Training Day 7 (Jan 9, 2011)

5 miles in 51:37 minutes (10:18 pace) 

Today was my long run day.  5 miles.  It marks the end of half marathon training week 1.  We hit the Salmon Creek Trail for an easy run with a few hills.  Now that we're following Galloway's plan, we're learning to incorporate walk breaks into the routine.  The goal is to keep injuries away & be able to finish a race strong.  I have to say, it helped with today's run.  I didn't feel at all tired after 5 miles.


{The Good} I felt GREAT at the end of this run.  As a matter of fact, the entire thing kind of flew by. What a refreshing feeling.  I even did well with the hill work. 

{The Ugly} It was cold out.  Snow is headed our way this week & you can feel that snappy, bitterness in the air. Brrrrrrr!

HM Training Day 3 (Jan 6, 2011)

3 miles @9:55 pace
After the run, I walked 1.5 miles (killer hills)

Ran the first mile in 8:48! That's right, I said 8 minutes 48 seconds.  ANNNND, I didn't feel as though I would die.  So that was mile one.  Then the hills started, and lasted through the next 2 miles. I hate hills. They are killing my poor hip. I'm not going to let them bust my groove, though. This is the 5th run in a row with mile one being in the 8s. Go me, go me, go me! 

I am so proud of myself for sticking with running.  I remember back in May of 2009.  It was so difficult those first few weeks & months.  Gasping for air.  Everything ached.  I couldn't even make it to the end of my very short cul-de-sac.  Things have change a lot in 18 months.

{The Good}
It was a great evening to run!  We heard it was supposed to dump rain all evening, and planned for an indoor treadmill run.  However, with 46 degree temps & no rain, we hit the road. 

{The Ugly}
HILLS!  Oh my dear God...I hate hills.  They kill my hip.  I have got to get stronger with hill work.  Hill fartleks, here I come! 

Report from the physical therapist (hip pain)

So...I've been having this hip pain for a while now.  It has been worse than it is at the moment, but it's still bothering me a lot so I chose to go ahead & keep my PT appointment.  [It took weeks to be worked into their schedule - uggg.]  The PT, along with my orthopedic surgeon, feel as though I have a labral tear.  Sigh.   

I'm trying to absorb the concept of this being a MUCH bigger deal that originally thought.  I'm really trying to not get worked up over it.  However, I lost so much running time last year because of my knee.  Now this!  It makes me feel ill to think about it. 

1. For now, I'm allowed to keep running.  [Phew!] 
2. No more biking at all, though.  Not for now.  [So when am I going to watch Jeseylicious?  Not biking screws up my whole TV watching schedule.  Dang!]  Running requires a small range of forward motion.  Biking pinches the hip due to natural positioning.  Since we're possibly dealing with a torn flap of cartilage flapping around my hip joint, the doc doesn't want to take a change of tearing it more or pinching it (either situation would cause inflammation & pain). 
3. There also can't be any stretching or tweaking of my leg to the side.  This injury is felt deep inside my inner thigh.  Imagine trying to sit "Indian style" on the floor.  Your bent legs should naturally fall down, landing close to the floor.  My Right leg can't do that.  It stays up.  If you try & force it to go down, the most ungodly, gut wrenching pain forms inside my thigh/hip area.  For a while, it was so tight I literally couldn't even force it to go down. It was as though my joint was frozen in one position.  In that regard, it's better now.  It used to throb alllll night long, waking me during the night.  It no longer does that.  On one hand, it's improved.  Then there's the other hand.  The one nagging at me.  It tells me this has been going on for months & months, and something must be done.

I have one more PT appointment (next Wednesday 1/12).  If things are not looking better by then, I will need to schedule an MRI.  I can tell you I am not excited about this one considering it involves a giant needle full of dye into the hip.  Will they let me go into the MRI drunk?  Because that's what it's gonna take for me to let someone stick a needle in my hip joint.  Ouch!  The IT band (knee) injections were bad enough.  I'm not sure I'm mentally strong enough to make it through more than that.  If it is officially a tear, surgery will be needed to patch me back together again.  [I'm starting to feel like a rag doll.  Well loved & totally falling apart. lol]

If you'd like to read more about this issue/injury, here's a link:

http://orthopedics.about.com/od/hipinjuries/qt/labrum.htm

For the record, running did not cause this problem.  I have some sort of bone deformity from birth that makes the cartilage tear over the years.

HM Training Day 1 (Jan 4, 2011)

So last night was day 1 of half marathon training on the new plan.  So far, so good.  Of course, it was only a 30 minute run.  I can do that in my sleep.  Things start to get tricky in a couple of months.  That's when you'll here me whining & crying & cussing a lot. lol

I have a few things I need to (quickly) figure out about this plan.  I'm uncertain what some of the "drills" are.  I also need to run four 1 milers on a track/paved (flat) trail so I can crunch a few numbers.  That part is making me nervous for some reason.  I guess I'm used to not putting this much thought into running maybe. 

With each training run, I'm going to give a "good & ugly" report.  Here goes for the 1/5 run....

{The Good}  We ran new route that I mapped out on www.mapmyrun.com.  (I even drove it first to make sure there were sidewalks the entire way.) Anyway, the entire way out is uphill, and my hip didn't bother me at all!!!!  That is such awesome news!  Usually any hill work at all kills me.  I have hope this hip issue can and will be resolved.  It was for sure a "light at the end of the tunnel" moment for me.


{The Ugly}  This was just an out and back run (from our house to the destination point...then back to the house).  We realized the entire way out was uphill, but we never noticed a downhill on the way back.  That is totally illogical.  I thought it was just me feeling this way about it, but Kent finally mentioned something to me while we were 3/4 of the way through our run.  I was expecting an easy run back, but never got it.  Booo!  Also, we heard a noise on our way back.  It sounded like something rustling in the brush & coming our way.  We both had two headlamps on since we were running where there aren't any street lights.  When we turned to shine our lamps in the direction of the noise.....we realized nothing was there....but the light was reflecting off of headstones.  The noise was coming from an old, creepy cemetery!  Ahhhhh!  It freaked us both out so we picked up the pace a tad. lol

My 2011 half marathon training schedule January - May

OK, today is the big day.  The day I begin yet another round of half marathon training.  It's a solid 3 day per week running plan...with cross training throughout.  This one is supposed to keep my legs somewhat rested, while making me faster.  Cross train me to build strength, while keeping overuse injuries to a minimum.  We shall see.  This is basically a modified Jeff Galloway plan.  From past experience, I know I need longer than 12 weeks to train for any long distance event.  So I'm giving myself 20.

The Hippie Chick is my next half, and it takes place Mother's Day weekend.   I'll be running that one with my sister in law, Jody.  [Check out her new blog when you have time.]  I would like to make it across the finish line under 2 hours 30 minutes this time around!

{my next 20 weeks of running}

Click here too view my plan.

Heart Breaker 10k in Portland, OR

Calling all Portland/Vancouver area runners & walkers.  My next race will take place on 2/13/11 2/20/11.  I'll be participating in the 10k event.  If you're interested in running (or walking) this one, be sure to check out the Heart Breaker web site.

First race of the year (1/1/11)!

 I did it!  I started the new year with a race!

I can honestly say, this has never happened in the past.  I have never once planned to do anything like this to kick start a new year.  It felt great to get out & run this morning.  Even though it was 23 degrees.  Even though I haven't been on a run in a week.  Even though I probably gained a few pounds during the holiday season.  I did it.  I got my ass up out of bed on January 1, 2011.  Put on my running gear.  Stood in the cold - with my husband, sister in law, & brother in law - waiting for the race to start.  Ran until the cold air felt as though it was freezing my lungs.  Did the best I could.  All my effort was worth it because I set a new personal record for myself rolling in at 29:32 (according to my Garmin).  Perhaps I was running faster because running faster meant getting back to my warm car faster.  No matter the reason, I am beyond thrilled with myself.  It would have been so easy to stay in my cozy bed this morning.  Glad I made the choice to run this race instead.   

I wrote about a 100 Day Challenge by John Bingham on my weight management blog.  If you're stuck in a rut, not feeling the love when it comes to exercise, or simply in need of one more thing to keep track of in life, please join me in the challenge.  All it requires is moving intentionally for 30 minutes a day (does not have to be in one lump sum). 100 days in a row.  I can pretty much guarantee you....you waste way more time than that during  the course of one day.  You might was well be doing something to better your health & fitness level for 30 minutes.  Click here to read more about the challenge & print an accountability log to keep track of it all.

I'll write a review for this race later in the week.  When the kids go back to school.....