The good, the bad, and the ugly (of my weekly long run)

9 miles
1:41 time
11:14 pace


The good.
I did it!  I finally ran.  You may remember me whining about the Corvallis Half Marathon, where my IT Band officially blew out on me.  Until yesterday afternoon, that was the last time I ran.  To top it off my knee issue, I've been really quite ill for over a week.  I don't know that I've ever coughed up so much lung goop in all my life.  All by myself, I used four boxes of tissues.  My poor nose is peeling like mad from wiping and blowing so much.  I would love a nose job, but wiping it clear off my face is the hard way to go about the procedure.  There were days that I felt pregnant due to my lack of energy. (I am not, by the way.)  Even though I still felt like total crap & wasn't 100% well yet, I needed to run.  I've put it off long enough, and with the marathon just seven weeks away, I'm feeling extremely under trained for the event.  Also, my physical therapist wanted me to do a long run last weekend, but I couldn't due to being so sick.  I don't have much time to get the long run in for him (read more about this under "the ugly").  So I ran.  It felt great to get out there and do it.

The bad.
The route we planned to take included the Salmon Creek Trail.  We stopped to use the porta potty before heading down the trail.  As soon as we started running again, we noticed how high the water appeared.  Kent mentioned it didn't look quite that high the other day.  Interesting....

We ran for another minute or so before noticing the water was now up to the very edge of the pavement.  Again, Kent mentioned is wasn't nearly that high the other day.  Oh, we also found a new memorial bench.  I think it's nice when families create such a memorial for their loved ones...

Another minute or so later, we ran into a family headed the other direction, so I made sure to ask them if they had been all the way down the trail.  No.  Not at all.  They were able to bypass the first two flooded areas, but the third was totally flooded out. Since the first two were in eye shot of where we were standing, it was pointless to continue that direction.  As it has been most of the late winter/early spring, the Salmon Creek Trail is flooded.  Kent did the 10 mile loop without me Thursday night, and the trail was fine.  We're guessing this is due to run off from the melting snow up in the mountains since it hasn't rained enough to make it flood (?).  Anyway, we ended up having to turn around & backtrack.  Our 10 mile run magically turned into a 9 miler.  Perhaps it was for the best.


My IT Band is not a happy camper.  After two solid weeks of rest, multiple visits to the physical therapist, stretching, "scraping", ice, Flector patches, etc.....it's simply not happy.  I noticed it starting to feel a bit tweaky at the 6 mile mark.  At mile 7, there was a downhill portion that I found myself needing to walk through, with a straight leg, in order to control the pain.  Once I was on flat ground again, things were a lot better.  I still hurt, but was better.  So I kept running.  We planned on stopping at the 9 mile mark (which was originally supposed to be the 10 mile mark) to pick up a few items for dinner.  So we did.  I remember yelling ahead to Kent, "My knee says it would like to stop running now!". lol  (My knee is hilarious that way.  Always cracking jokes during a run.)

Another bad thing about this run was....the noise coming from my lungs.  It was disturbing.  I have a chronic rattle in there.  Especially when I run.  It felt as though it was taking everything I had to simply breathe.  No talking for me during this run. Aside from my rattly lungs & coughing, it was a quiet run.  I used the time to focus on my form.  

The ugly.
I'm not sure what to do about training.  My heart is telling me to simply cut it back for now.  Long runs will be capped off around the 8 - 10 mile mark until further notice.  This Sunday I am scheduled to run 17 miles. To be honest, my knee cannot take it.  I made it through yesterday's run, but I'm not sure how I did it.  I could tell by mile 9 that my knee was super tender.  Don't get me wrong.  This was nothing like the pain at the 9 mile mark of the Corvallis Half Marathon, but it was very, very tender.  Within another half mile or so, the stabbing, horrible pain would have started.  I can only imagine what mile 17 would be like for me at this point.  So I'm backing off for now.  I still have full intentions of dragging my ass across the finish line on June 17th!  As my friend Shelly has reminded me several times now, it will be a PR for me no matter what since it's my first full marathon.

Here's another "ugly" list item.  I found out my favorite physical therapist is moving on to a bigger, better job position.  This week's appointment will be our last.  I blogged about him recently, and can't believe I have to start all over with this.  I'm at a loss for words over this topic so I'll shut up for now.

Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon

I registered for another half marathon this morning.  The Foot Traffic Flat, to be exact.  I know, I know.  You're sitting there wondering, "Why is she signing up for more when she's not running at all right now due to an injury?".  Such a fabulous question.  To make a long story short, my friends Shelly & Cheryl were so excited about this one....they made me want to do it. Again, I know. It's such an illness.  I like to sign up for stuff.  I really think this is what this all boils down to.  Me...liking to pay money for what might possibly cause pain.  Also, I want the medal because it's ADORABLE!  Check it out.

*love it*

The event takes place eeeeeaaaaaarly in the morning on the 4th of July.  6:45am start for half marathoners.  I know that sounds early (because it is), but it gets so hot out for the full marathoners.  If they don't get an early start, everyone is screwed.  The race takes place on Sauvie Island in Oregon.  From what I've heard, it's a beautiful place.  Lots of farmland.  Miles and miles of it.

2012 Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon Course Map 

They're serving strawberry shortcake at the finish line.  I can't have the cake part since it contains gluten, but you can bet your ass I'll be begging for a giant bowl of berries with whipped cream!  I'll probably be dressed as a strawberry for this event.  I'm thinking a super cute skirt or tutu might be made.  If I play my cards right, I can also use the same skirt for the Holiday Half (red and green).  We'll see what I come up with.

http://www.foottraffic.us/flat/#REGISTER

Good form? I think not.

I thought I had superior running form...until I got a load of this picture...

{*gasp*  Check me out.  Heel-striking my way through a painful half marathon.}

And this one...

{Oh, hell no!}

And also this one...

{Limping my way across the finish line.}

What the hell?  I bought the Pose Method of Running DVD a few years ago.  I practiced.  I focused.  I thought I was doing what I needed to do, but then I saw the pictures (above).  Man, was I ever wrong.  No wonder my poor little IT Band is freaking out on me, my left Achilles always aches, and my calves are so tight!

To combat the issue, I've decided I need professional help.  I signed up for the May 15th Good Form clinic at the East Vancouver Fit Right NW.  It's only $10 per person, and all of the money goes to charity.  What will they be looking for?

Image borrowed from Fit Right NW's web site.

If you'd like to know more about the classes, here's a link.  I'd love to see you there!
http://www.fit-right-nw.com/good-form-running-clinics.html#calendar

Weight loss, running, inspiration

If you've never been overweight, you won't get this post at all.  For those of you fitting into that select category in life, yea for you.  You can stop reading now.  Yeah, I said that with a bitter tone.  I sort of (loosely & under my breath) hate naturally thin people.  It's sad that I do, but it's true.  I have visions of walking up to them, shoving a lard & sugar sandwich into their pie hole, and forcing them to chew.  Clearly, I have issues.  I've never denied that fact, and they will never go away.  I am who I am.  Since losing 80 pounds way back when, I am a happier person.  This post will probably lead you to think differently, but all in all I'm happier & healthier.

I feel as though I need to paint a picture for you.  Especially for those of you who have never seen me in person.  And even for some of you who have seen me in person, but have no clue about my journey to a healthier life.  I'm the gal in exercise class working my ass off, keeping tabs on portion size, making sure to eat gluten free & vegan, limiting my alcohol intake to where it hardly exists, and I'm still one of the biggest females in the room.  My ginormous rib cage, size D boobs, linebacker size shoulders, and oddly thin lower legs don't help the look at all.  My upper arms measure the size of the average woman's calf.  Literally. I have lots of loose skin leftover from my 80 pound weight loss (10 years ago).  All over my body...not just the tummy.  I could have it removed, but due to the amount of it all spanning my entire body, I wouldn't know where to start or stop.  (Thank God for Spanx!  I wish they weren't so damn hot so I could wear them while running.)  Since I don't have to be naked in front of people very often, I usually just mute the voices in my head that tell me I should be a certain size by now, have boobs that don't point toward the floor, and a belly you could bounce coins off of...instead of a belly you could hide coins under by simply lifting up my "apron of flesh".  Weight loss didn't quite lead to the Baywatch body I had in mind when I first started the process.

It's difficult for me to relate to those who have never been overweight.  I'm not talking baby weight.  I have two kids.  I know how difficult it is to shed baby weight.  To top it off, I'm pretty sure I'm the only woman in the world who gained weight while breastfeeding!  I'm talking about non-pregnancy induced weight gain.  I spent years of my life, before having children, obese.  After having many, many conversations with people who have never been overweight, I can tell they don't get where I'm coming from with my feelings and/or thoughts.  It's just as difficult to be around someone who wants to lose weight, but makes every excuse in the book to do nothing about it.  Talking to people on either end of the spectrum is exhausting for me.

In the past two years, I've found myself not really wanting to discuss my weight management journey with anyone at all.  Period.  I shut down.  It's my journey.  I can do what I want with it.  I lost my weight over ten years ago, and I don't really want to discuss it any longer.  I don't blog about it anymore even though it was at one time a wildly successful blog & I had growing audience.  There are days I wish I had never started logging my journey online.  I no longer care to listen to others chat about their success or misery.  I learned along the way that relationships can be built and destroyed by weight loss.  Friends and relatives become resentful, jealous, and hurtful.  After talking about weight loss for so long, even as a professional in the field for many years, I feel somewhat numb to the topic these days.  Here's how I feel today:

Those of you with a fresh weight loss who want to yammer on and on about it...talk to me when you've kept it off for at least five years.  For those of you who gained some (or all) of it back...get your ass back on track.  

It's almost as though I feel no compassion at all. I'm like a robot. It could be a defense mechanism.  It could also be me putting my foot down to say "ENOUGH!".  For a while, I was worried that my mind was trying to leave such a monumental part of my past in the dust.  I don't want to forget about it.  It's important. I simply don't want to talk about it all the time.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to walk with a friend along the Portland waterfront.  She brought up the topic of weight loss, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't mind discussing it with someone.  Usually, I find myself shriveling up inside whenever someone mentions it, but I didn't this time.  I think it's because she is a big loser, too!  She has been down a very similar path.  She understands the issues, the unwelcome advice from others, dealing with those who have never been overweight,  and being a slower/larger framed runner surrounded by tiny/fast ones.  It was delightful to hear what she had to say about things.

While reading my Facebook news updates this morning, I ran across the video below (shared by a friend).  It's about a guy named Ben, and he totally changed his life by simply taking one step.  Then another.  And another.  It had me in tears.  For someone like me, a big loser who set out to create a healthier life, Ben's story hit home.  He is healthier.  He is happier.  He is stronger.  He knows he can do whatever he sets his mind to.  One journey spilling over and leading him into another journey.  Though our stories are a bit different, I can relate to all of those things.  Watching it inspired me to tell you a little bit about myself.  I wouldn't be running & authoring a blog about running, had I not lost the weight, started walking regularly, organized a walk club, got a group of motivated ladies together to walk the Flying Pig 10k in Cincinnati, etc.  One thing leads to another, and sometimes you have to talk about it so others know where you're coming from.  :)

If you have ever experienced any of the feelings I discussed in this topic, I hope you choose to watch the video.  It's about 5 minutes long, and worth every second spent watching.  It helped me put a few things into perspective today.  Perhaps it will do the same for you.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SbXgQqbOoU
"If you want to do it...all you have to do is do it."  ~ Ben of BenDoesLife.com

Physical Therapy: This time it's IT related

Yes, I'm in physical therapy again.  I know, I know. I'm ashamed to say how much I spend on race fees & physical therapy co-pays each year.  You think one has something to do with the other??? (duh)

I was just coming off physical therapy for severe IT band issues (my other leg) when we moved to Washington.  I really, really missed my Cincinnati physical therapists.  They knew me.  They knew my determination.  They knew my strengths and weaknesses.  It's so difficult to make a change, but when you move out of state - things change!

I knew I had to find a new physical therapists when I moved to Vancouver.  I asked around at a couple of local running stores, and ended up at a place that wasn't a good fit.  I stuck with it until I was released, but my results weren't great.  I wasn't pleased with my treatment, and I grew weary of hearing my physical therapist boast about her own running pace, distance goals, overall fitness compared to mine.  Being new to the area & coming off a cross country move, I was overwhelmed with life in general.  I didn't have the time or energy to seek out another new doctor and therapist since I was simply trying to figure out where schools, grocery stores, and coffee shops were located.

To make a long story a lot shorter, about a year after my first round of physical therapy here in Washington, I ended up finding a new doctor.  My new Sports Med doctor is nice, but he works in a clinic that reminds me of a cattle stockyard.  They move herds of patients through each day, and don't have time to really know their patients.  Sad, but true.  Don't get me wrong.  I think he's a great doctor, but I wish he worked somewhere else!  I also wish he was a runner so he would stop saying, "The problem with runners is ____.".  Actually, he hasn't said that to me in a while, but you can see how frustrating it would be to hear that when you're in the middle of marathon training &injured.  Anyway, moving on.

Despite the stockyard type environment & occasional derogatory statement about runners, he's still a great doctor.  He put all his cards on the table, and told me to not attend physical therapy within his clinic.  [gasp]  Instead, he sent me to ProActive because the bulk of their clients are athletes. [You probably hear angels singing from above right about now.  There's a reason for that.]  At the Salmon Creek ProActive clinic, I met two really wonderful PTs who get runners.  Neither one are into distance running, but they do appreciate their own sport of choice.  They deal with a lot of sports injury cases, and it really does make a huge difference in the overall outcome. I see people in the clinic recouping from what seems to be a stroke or possible car accident.  Unlike someone recovering from such a  life changing event, I have the energy & will to keep moving.  I've learned that some physical therapists have "cookie cutter" treatments.  No matter what, they're going to provide you with treatment X,Y & Z.  If it weren't for severe, stubborn pain come mile 10, I would be hammering out an 18 mile long run next weekend. My therapists know that I need to keep running so I can (hopefully) run the marathon in mid-June.  They have never once told me to not run.  Well, not yet, anyway.  I'm sure the time will come, but it hasn't so far. Right now, I'm to...

1) cut back my weekly mileage in an attempt to let the swelling go down.
2) Keep up with cross training.
3) Wear a medicated patch on my leg to help reduce swelling.
4) Ice, stretch & massage the area.  
5) Run a semi-long run Sunday morning.   (8 to 10 miles)
6) Report back with oodles of details Tuesday morning.  

We're trying to figure out what works and what doesn't.  In the mean time, my IT band is "scraped", massaged, and gets an ultrasound treatment each week. They really work with me in terms of what my current abilities are, and we go from there.  It's personalized treatment like I had in Cincinnati, but each of my therapists have their own sports/fitness background so they understand my need to keep moving.  I feel as though it's a great fit for me.

I'm not saying any of this as an advertisement for ProActive. They don't even know I have a blog.  I'm writing about this to encourage you to find the perfect fit for you when it comes to doctors, physical therapists, running groups, etc.  If something in your gut is screaming, "this isn't right", find something/someone different.

If you're local & would like to learn more about ProActive, here's a link to their site:
http://proactivesportspt.com/vancouver_salmon_creek

Corvallis Half Marathon 2012

According to my Garmin:

13.1 miles

2:38 time

12:08 pace

Yesterday, I ran the 2nd annual Corvallis Half Marathon.  I found out about this race after doing quite a bit of research on races in the Salem area. Man, am I glad I found this little treasure of a race. It wasn't too crowded.  There were plenty of porta potties at the starting line, finish line and at every water station along the way (which seemed to be every 2 to 3 miles).  We started off in campus, and continued to travel through campus the first three miles.  From there, we headed west for a couple of miles, then north through what I believe were fields that belong to the agriculture department.  From there we went east for about 1.5 miles, then headed south back to campus where we crossed the finish line on the football field of Oregon State University (Go Beavers!).  

Corvallis Half Marathon 2012 Course Map

Corvallis Half Marathon 2012 Elevation Map

Since Kent attended Oregon State University, he gave me the grand tour as we ran.  I could see an excitement in his eyes that I haven't seen during a long run in long time.  Funny how things change when you're running in a place you love so dearly.  :)

Tightening those laces before we get started!

Reser Stadium at Oregon State University

Everyone is heading to the start line.

The OSU band is getting the crowd pumped!

Gun time!

We stopped for the bathroom around mile 4.  I felt so tired, and was ready to quit by mile 4.  I didn't want to chat while running...which is very much NOT like me.  I'm a chatter box during most runs until about mile 8 or so.  That's when I usually need to buckle down and focus.  Anyway, as with most races, I didn't sleep at all the night before.  I started getting sleepy about the time the alarm clock was ready to buzz.  Sigh.  I'm not sure what to do about this problem. It totally sets me up for a craptastic race.  It happens with every single race.  Sometimes, it even happens before a long run if I'm nervous about things (aches and pains, new distance, etc.).  I'm guess it's nerves, but I'm not sure.  Anyway, I even took some Tylenol PM and Valerian Root that evening, but I still couldn't sleep.  So throughout the entire run, I was super tired.  Anyway, we snapped a few pictures of each other since we had already stopped.

On top of feeling so tired, my IT Band blew out of me before mile 8.  I noticed it starting to feel wonky about mile 6.5 or so.  By 7.19, it was clearly not happy.  I made it to 10 before I totally had to give up and walk.  The "stabbing" pain was too much to handle.  I noticed myself getting goosebumps & feeling like I was going to vomit.  The pain would become manageable with walking...which only encouraged me to try running again.  Stupid move.  The pain would come right back & so would that sick feeling.  I managed to create an odd little shuffle-limpy type of step for myself so I could run across the finish line, but even walking down the long ramp onto the football field was a challenge for me.  This knee was not wanting anything to do with downhill slopes.  I was so happy to finish!  Not just because of the pain, but also to say that I did it.  Unlike the last race I ran with severe knee pain (March of 2010), I allowed myself to stop and walk this time around.  Since I'm not an elite runner or highly competitive, finishing is finishing.  No matter how far you go or what the pace is. I have a shiny new orange ribbon medal for my display, and another half marathon under my belt.  

All finishers were shown on the jumbotron screen!  How cool!

That's me running past the goal post.

And here I am crossing the finish line! 

Congrats on your first official half marathon, Kent!  

How many times in life do you have the chance to do THIS?  

Shining moments?  1) I loved seeing Corvallis's local Girls On The Run girls out there cheering on the runners!  As soon as I saw them with their little shirts and pom-poms and cups of water, I instantly forgot about my knee woes & smiled. They reminded me of my upcoming Girls On The Run buddy runs, and it made me happy to think of something other than pain. 2) There weren't a ton of spectators, but those who were there were cheering like mad for everyone.  I made a point to thank several of them as I passed by.  I don't think race volunteers are thanked nearly enough, and I'm pretty sure they have to put up with a bunch of grouchy, injured runner's attitudes way more than they hear a simple "thanks for being here".  3)  Coffee at the end of the race.  Coffee at the end of the race.  Coffee at the end of the race.  Hey, did I mention there was COFFEE at the end of the race????  Will run for coffee, baby!  4) Being able to run most of this race with my husband.  

My only regrets?  1) I wish I would have snapped a few pictures of Greek Row as I walked past all the frat & sorority houses.  Everyone was outside cheering us on while they got their drunk on bright and early Sunday morning. lol  My  mind was so focused on the pain in my knee, I never thought to bust out my camera and snap a few pictures.  2) Not being able to take pictures of Kent crossing the finish line.  I wanted to so badly since this was his first "official" half marathon.  Hopefully the race photographers snagged one for him.  3) Not being able to run the entire thing with Kent.  I made it to about mile 10.  After that, he was on his own.  4)  Oh, and the knee pain & lack of sleep. Blah!

Finish with a big smile, is what I say!  (Check out my crazy post-run hair. lol) 

Despite the knee pain & slower than normal finish time, I would looooove to run next year's race!  Hopefully, there will be no pain next time around.  It's a great race & route with excellent support along the way.  The Corvallis Rotary Club puts on a fabulous event, and I  will show them my support by signing up for the 2013 race!  Thanks to those who worked their tails off to put it all together AND to the volunteers. You guys ROCK!  :)

[The finish time listed above is according to my Garmin, which I stopped while in the porta potty.  So I'm sure my official finish time will be around the 2:40-2:42'ish mark.  A good 20-25 minutes slower than my normal half marathon finish time.  It is what it is.  I'll update this once the results are posted.]

Don't Be That Awkward Runner

Saw this on Facebook this afternoon, and thought I would pass along the humor.  (Thanks Rose!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGojEyYBmwc

You'll have to let me know which runner you are.  I'm none of the five listed in the video.  I'm a "thumbs up" runner.  I'm not kidding.  Check it out...

Thumbs up!

Told ya.  I have countless race pictures with me running in thumbs up position. It's not a pose.  It's just me. I'm pretty sure people think I'm giving them a big old thumbs up as I pass by.  Sigh. At least I'm not flipping anyone the bird. It could clearly be worse than what it is.  lol

Changing things up with a trail run

4 miles
46 minutes
11:30 pace

I've found myself bitching and moaning about the weather.  A lot.  It has been excessively rainy here.  I know we're in Washington state, but enough is enough already!  I run in the rain because I have to...or I don't get to run at all.  Well, there is the treadmill option, but I hate that even more than running in the rain.  Like I said, I am willing to run in the rain.  At times, I like it, but lately have grown soooo sick of dealing with wetness for miles and miles.  (Remind me of this statement when I'm complaining about 100 degree summer temps!)

I took last week off from running due to knee pain, but I also wanted a break from the rain.  Spent my time cross training & spring cleaning.  Change is a good thing.  Sometimes, you have to shake up the routine.  I'm usually hesitant to trail run because I think it sucks donkey balls, but my husband had the "excited puppy" look on his face upon mentioning the route.  It's hard to say no to the excited puppy look.  You know what?  It was actually a fun change of pace for me.  Focusing on my form, trying to watch my footing, and being on constant snake patrol totally got my mind off all of the aches and pains I've suffered lately.

Running across the boardwalk is fun & creepy at the same time! 

The creek was so peaceful.  I was super sweaty & wanted to jump in.  

Some areas were total mud pits.  So much for new shoes!

Everything in the forest is getting ready to bloom.  Buds are everywhere.

I'm a firm believe in the concept of making a change when needed.  If you don't like the way things are going....you are the only one with the power to change the situation.  I can't change the weather, but I can change up my workouts.  That's exactly what I did by choosing to go for a trail run.  


{the good}  For the first time in a couple of months, I actually enjoyed running.  The last time I did a trail run, early last summer, my pace was in the 15's.  To be in the 11's is quite an improvement!

{the ugly} I'm not used to running in temps above 42!!!  Throw 65 my way, and I feel like a heat wave hit me. lol

16.3 miles, bitches! (a new distance PR)

16.3 miles
3:45 time
13:48 pace

{I took some time off from blogging and internet'ing during spring break.  Everyone needs a little break from time to time, but now I feel as though I have a bit of backtracking to do in order to stay caught up.}

16 point three miles!  A new distance record for me!!!!  I'm so proud of myself.  Since last summer, I could never picture myself going past the 15 mile mark, but Sunday, April 1, I did it.  It wasn't pretty, but I did it!  We started off on the trails within WSU's campus.  Some of the trails back there are paved.  Others are covered in bark chips.  Some are full on mud trails.  We did a combo of them all for the first few miles.

16.3 miles, bitches! (Said that in my "Mac" from It's Always Sunny voice. lol)

The elevation map.  My knees and hips do NOT like the constant hills.  :(

I did lots of cross training during spring break.  Self defense class.  No actual gym time (took a break from that, too).  I did LOADS of cleaning. Spring cleaning.  I lost track of how many trips up and down the stairs took place throughout the week.  Not only were we cleaning every inch of the house, but moving furniture (again), too.  My back aches.  The biggest change for me last week....no running at all after my 16 mile run.  Why? Because during that run, I ended up with the worst knee pain know to human kind.  It literally stopped me dead in my tracks at the 10.5 mile mark.  I walked 6 miles home.  I kept trying to run.  I counted the steps to see how long before the pain would start.  At first, it was 60.  Before I knew it, 30.  Then, 1.  [Insert super sad frowny face here.]  Considering how much I walked, my pace isn't all that bad!  Did I mention it was POURING rain, super windy, 40 degrees, and I was not dressed for a walk?  I was dressed to sweat.  To run.  To get home a hell of a lot faster than the way this played out.  

I would have bet money that it was my IT band, but it seems to be so hit or miss, it's hard to determine.  When I have severe ITBS in my other leg, it was very consistent.  Like clockwork, it would start hurting at a certain mile mark.  Before I knew it, it hurt all the time.  This was different.  The same horrible, stabbing pain to the side of my leg that happens on the downhill portions of my run, but not consistent. Hmmm.  I've been to physical therapy twice.  They thought it might be a torn meniscus, but that was inconclusive.  Now we're leaning toward a pinched nerve in my lower back (shooting the pain down to my knee).  I babied the knee all week (rest, ice, stretching, more ice, and then some more ice, a massage, physical therapy, etc.).  The day after my 16 mile run, everything seemed fine.  I did not run at all since it's my dedicated rest day, but going up and down the stairs seemed easy breezy.  Tuesday, I jogged across our very small street to see how the knee felt, and BAM....the pain was back.  Clearly, something in that knee was angry.  Saturday, I walked a total of 7+ miles.  Did  a bit of light jogging to see how things felt.  No pain at all.  I was too chicken to try a real run, though. lol

The PT wants me to try running downhill "hunched over" a bit.  Just to see if it makes a difference with that knee feeling a bit off. To determine whether this could be a lower back/pinched nerve issue.  He thinks the change in posture might make a difference.  I'm willing to give it a whirl.

I ran last night, and the only time my knee remotely bothered me was going down "Monster Hill" to get back to my house.  I always make a point to walk down that one since it's so steep, and my legs don't like steep.  It never actually hurt, but felt as though it could had I pushed it.  (If that makes any sense at all.  I think people who have battled knee pain while running will get it.  Others will not.)

So, that pretty much wraps up the details of my longest run to date.  I am in awe of my ultra marathon running chick friends who hammer out 50, 60, 70, 100+ miles.  They are my inspiration.  All I want to do is get myself to the 26.2 finish line.  If they can run the miles they do....I can do 26.2.  :)

{the good} I hit a new distance PR!  My husband did the same.  We lost our 16 mile mark virginity together. ha ha ha ha

{the ugly} Clearly, the knee pain.  Boo, hiss to knee pain.  Also, I learned a lesson.  Next time I have a long run planned on a rainy day, I will pack a rain jacket.  Walking home in that wind and pouring rain was getting to me more than anything else.

Human Machine

This man is amazing. He has an amazing attitude. An amazing support system. An amazing drive to do what he does. I've been battling IT band issues since Sunday's 16.3 mile run, which I've yet to blog about because I'm mad at my knee for crapping out on me, and I found a lot of motivation in this video.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrlmLvPFdg8