Monday, January 25, 2010

Back from a Break

I ended up taking a break from running last week due to the blister.  The break wasn't actually my idea, but Dr. Lee gave strict orders to stay off it.  I worked out a few times, but nothing gets me that good worked out feeling like running.  (Or that blissful, clear mind.) 

I "ran" in the pool one time  with Lee (while frantically learning pool etiquette and dodging a group of bobbers) and had my regular Wednesday Workout with Danielle.  I was in charge last Wednesday, so I pulled an article from an old Shape magazine I had lying around.  We also did the elliptical (talking the whole time- how blessed I am to have a Godly friend like her!).  Thursday I went up to All American again with my brother and his girly-friend.  They're both on 30 guest passes, and it was fun to go up there with them.  I did another 30 minutes on the elliptical (using one of the cool yellow ones upstairs with the tv on it.  How fun to work out and watch "Project Runway").  Friday and Saturday I had a weekend seminar at NSU over suicide (I learned a lot, but was very sad for a few days afterwards.)

This all to say that I missed running desperately and felt like a slob when I went to workout this morning.  Two miles around the track at 6:30 am- I am really turning into someone else.  I feel like if I let Him, God could use running to transform some of my habits.  Running gives me purpose, evokes passion, teaches me discipline.  And I get to wear cute workout clothes.  :)


I found this cute sports bra on the Old Navy website.  I don't know how cute it would be in real life, but it's sure cute on the internet.  (Can I use the word cute any more times here?)

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Big Blister Time

Hello all!
This morning I set my alarm for 7 (which is often when I get up during the week) to get up to run.  This may come as a shock to you as I really love to sleep in, but I was really excited for my early Saturday run.  I read that the OKC Half will start at 6:30, so I am going to try not to start any long runs after 7:00.  I had set out my clothes last night planning on running the track around the softball field, but woke up to a dreary, drizzly, dark morning.  I'm not really sure how the Nike+ chip works in the rain since I have it tucked into my shoe laces instead of under my shoe sole.  So I settled for another boring run at the gym.  Boo.  I ate half a Clif bar, woke up my husband, and off we went.

The run itself was fantastic.  My brain was energized and clear.  My legs felt strong and capable.  My hair stayed out of my face and my headband stayed on my head.  Amazing.  Something out of sync with my run was the slow, peaceful music of the yoga class going on at the gym.  I realized that everytime I ran near them that my pace slowed.  I was getting sucked into their vaccuum of tranquility.  I would like to go back and take that class sometime- it looks hard.

Anyway, I made 6.02 miles in 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 18 seconds. Whoot Whoot!!  And now the bad news...I developed two, count them two, blisters on my right instep.  At the very end of the last mile I felt like my Nexcare bandage was rolling up inside of my shoe.  I had less than half a mile left and figured I'd just go for it since it didn't hurt.  Big mistake.

I couldn't get a very good picture of it, so you'll have to imagine with me my two overlapping blisters.  Anyone with any advice is more than welcome to share.

Now my foot hurts.  And my hamstrings.  But it is all so worth it.  I feel great and I'm so proud of myself.





Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Scheduling

My Spring semester of school starts tomorrow, and I've been overwhelmed trying to figure out when I'm going to fit everything in.  I am so over this full time school/ full time work thing.  I know it's how it needs to be, and I love both of them, but I think I'm going to have some long days ahead of me.  My main concerns are 1) Seeing enough of Lee 2) Spending time with God and 3) Having time to run.

I need the weather to warm up.  One of the things I love most about running is how it clears my mind and gives me peace.  Running endless laps around weirdly lighted yellow hallways and avoiding slow twelve year olds on the track is getting old...And it definitely doesn't get my my vitamin d.  I think I may try to run outside on Thursday between work and Upward practice.  I need to just suck it up and get out there.  Tell me I need to go.  Maybe I'll listen to you guys, since I'm obviously not listening to myself.  :)

Product Review:



I've complained before about my tendency towards blisters.  I thought that using this product would save me money (by not having to use six or more Nexcare strips a week).  However, on a short run (4 miles) I ended up with small blisters on both feet using this stick.  I wore good, non-cotton socks, but it was still not successful for me.  I plan on keeping it for dress shoes, but I won't use it again for running.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Tired, Tired Legs

Today was Saturday, which means it was a long run day.  As it was still below 10 degrees outside, it was off to All American for a long five miles on their concrete track.

I am trying to make sure that I run early on my long run days to help mimic what actually race conditions will be like.  It was rough trying to get my muscles to losen up after only being awake for an hour.  My second mile was over twelve minutes- Lee actually saw me struggling and ran with me for a few laps.  I was having such a hard time physically getting with it.  Mentally I was doing great, which was really nice.  My head knew that five miles was no big deal.  My last mile was actually my fastest- I ran it in under nine minutes!!!!  My legs are really, really tired now.  Really tired.  So tired.

There was plenty of entertainment on today's run.  A thin girl with an Ipod was booking it around the track.  I kept watching her because she had an interesting running position- she really moved her torso dramatcically from side to side as she ran.  She also had on a really cute pair of grey running tights.  I kept attempting to see what brand they were because I really love running tights.  There was a small logo on the back waistband, and I kept trying to see what it was without looking like I was checking her out.  She ran too fast for me though.  Bummer.  The kickboxing class was going on as I ran, which is always nice because they have awesome music at a good tempo.  I like watching what they're doing and am relieved that I'm just running- that class looks so hard!!!  I keep telling Danielle and Lee that I want to do it, but I'm sure it will kick my hiney.  Maybe I could earn some abs in that class.  There were also some guys running that were discussing their dates the night before.  One guy was complaining that his date kept ordering really expensive sushi rolls and he didn't know if he was going to have enough money to pay for the meal.  I also had sushi last night (at Fuji with some of my closest friends), and I wonder what she picked out.  I discovered a new roll that I like- it's the Kazu roll- it has snow crab in it.  Yum.

The weather should be a little nicer this week- up to the thirties and forties.  I'm going to try and brave one of my shorter runs outside one afternoon and give my feet a break from the pavement at the gym.  Plan B (if I chicken out and think it's too cold) will be the treadmill.  I usually hate treadmills, but I think it may be necessary for my poor heels.

Today's Post-Workout Snack- Fruity Smoothie
--1 ripe banana, cut into chunks
--a few frozen strawberries
--a few frozen raspberries
--a few frozen cherries
--about a third cup soymilk
--1 scoop protein powder

Place all items in a blender and pulse until smooth.  Drink and enjoy!  ***  Post-workout recovery drinks and proteins should be consumed within thirty minutes of exercise to restore your glycogen stores.

Today's Stats: 5 miles in 53.06 minutes

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Training Schedules and Heel Pain

I have officially run four miles without stopping.  Twice!  The first time I did exactly four miles in 41:39, and three days later I did 4.06 in 42:02.  Which is exciting to me- not only am I running without stopping, I am running somewhat fast (For me.  Remember I am a slow-poke).

The downside to all the running is heel pain.  It's more severe in my right heel, and I've got to fix it- fast.  I know I haven't been stretching as much as needed, but I'm also not sure what to stretch to prevent heel pain (my calves???).  I've been logging a lot of miles on the rough concrete at All American (darn you cold winter weather/ I miss you nice outside trail).  And to top it off, I'm sure I need new running shoes.  Which is both thrilling and expensive sounding.  I'm hoping the roads will be safe enough so that I can visit Tulsa Runner or Fleet Feet to get fitted for new, beautiful shoes.


Has anyone out there followed a training schedule for a half marathon?  I had picked this one out before I began training, but Runners' World is sending a different one to my email, and my Nike Sportband is telling me something entirely different.  Though I want to continue on with the original schedule, everytime I plug my Nike usb in it tells me I'm behind.  It's time to figure out the farthest I should run prior to the Big Day. 


Current Favorite Product:




I am prone to blisters on my instep.  My primary care physcian (the wonderful Dr. Rider out of the Warren Clinic in Broken Arrow who is also a runner himself) suggested these abrasion covers from Nexcare.  They're cheap (under $4 at your local drugstore), easy to apply, and they work.  I don't run without them.