Two miles... on the elliptical

Watching others running the marathon was both exhilarating and extremely depressing. I’m so ready to run again. It was so inspiring to watch the arm cyclers and the top 10 men and top woman go by. It was also pretty awesome to see my coach in the top group. He’s definitely amazing and I’m so glad he’s my coach. 

While not my idea of fun, I’m glad I have an elliptical for days like this. But, I also can’t believe how scared I was to even attempt it. I’m glad I did though! I managed to do an easy 2 miles. I’m sure some of the drive to do it came from my short time watching the marathoners. I had pins and needles in both feet the entire 2 miles, but no pain. I don’t think I’m ready to run outside though. We’ll see what the doctors say tomorrow. 

The waiting game continues. 

One Week Later - Still No Running

Although I was able to walk around with no brace, no tape, and no pain yesterday, I’m still not able to run. Coach said I could try elliptical today and could go as long as I wanted, as long as there’s no pain. If that goes well, I can run tomorrow. But, I’m hesitant. My doctor seemed to think it was more of a nerve issue than a muscle or Achilles issue, and I’m beginning to think she was definitely right. Even after the pain stopped in the Achilles, I still had some paresthesia in the calf and shin. When I took the brace off Friday, I started having pain on the outside of my ankle and top of my foot, and random shots of pain in quad or around knee. But while there’s pain there, there’s a heavy numbness in the calf and shin area. The good news is, if it’s just the nerve stuff I’ve been dealing with, I can run with it and not worry I’m damaging anything. The bad news is, it will hurt. I’m also slightly concerned it could be a bigger nerve issue - like a nerve entrapment. So... I called and made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who can do an x-ray and MRI to give me an “OK to run” or “no don’t run” answer. After hearing about Haley’s torn Achilles, and the fear the coaches have poured into me about messing it up more, I’m scared to attempt to run without knowing. The doctor said if the x-ray and MRI don’t show anything, but the paresthesia continues, I’m looking at another nerve conduction test. Just the words are enough to make me cry. Of every medical test and procedure I’ve ever gone through- including giving birth to twins plus two more babies - the absolute worst ever was the previous three nerve conduction studies. It’s kind of funny to be hoping the x-ray and MRI actually show something so that I don’t have to face the nerve conduction study again. I’m starting to get worried about the Roanoke race, though. It’s just 13 days away and I’ve spent the past 11 not running. I’ve done a couple of miles in the pool and done an abundance of arms and abs workouts, but my legs are not going to be ready to tackle Mill Mountain at this rate. I’m content to wait for the orthopedic surgeon to make a call, though. If I miss Roanoke or have to walk Roanoke, it would be disappointing for sure, but it would not be the end of the world, and there would not be a big hit on finances. But if I start running and something’s wrong and it causes me to miss Tahoe... we’re going to have a huge problem. I don’t want to risk that. I’ve already told myself Roanoke’s probably not going to happen as an actual race for time, and maybe not happen at all, and I’ve come to grips with that. It is what it is. But I can’t get to  that state about Tahoe. I can’t. Thankfully I still have 70+ days to get back on track for Tahoe. Trying to just breathe. For the moment, I’m heading to the Knoxville Marathon to cheer on my coach.

Reigniting an Old Passion

10:30 AM

Because I needed a physical outlet this morning - I did some weights and core work. I didn't use anything that would put weight or stress on my ankle - and played it safe. But it felt good to workout.

Then - I almost jumped up in excitement - until I remembered my Achilles -  Coach said I could swim!!

Now - granted - I've been avoiding the pool since last summer. Long story. But - if I can swim - I can do a cardio workout. If I can do a cardio workout - I will be able to burn off some excess frustration and stress. Which makes me a happier person.

So - forget the whole avoiding the pool thing - I'm going swimming!!!


2:30 PM

That felt AMAZING. I'm such a water bug. I don't know why I have been putting off going back to the pool. I had to be careful not to push off the wall with my right foot and had to relax my toe point constantly - but I felt great. I felt strong and loved feeling my body zip through the water in the same old routine. I did a normal workout I used to do all the time without even having to think about it. I didn't go quite a mile - just a 1400 yd swim - but it was so worth it. Nothing will point out your less-than-ideal cardio stamina than a few laps in the pool. I remembered how well the cross-training of swimming and running worked before - I hope this actually helps keep me on track for Roanoke. I know it was a great workout.

I came home and immediately got the brace back on and tried to stay off my feet. Praying this Achilles thing heals quickly and I can get back to running soon. Until then - I guess my goggles and kickboard are going to be my buddies again.

I see you running

The only thing worse than not getting to do your long run on the weekend - is not getting to do your long run when it is absolutely beautiful running weather outside - and you see everyone else out getting their long run in. I just want to sit in a corner and cry.

I hate this. Injuries are the worst. It doesn't help that I am the all-time worst patient ever. Some habits die hard.

I had to drive Emma to a birthday party. It hurt to drive. It hurt to go up and down stairs. So now I have my Achilles taped and an ankle brace on. It's at least alleviating the pain. Thankfully it hasn't been bad enough to need to take any Aleve. That's all I need - something else to affect the liver/kidneys. It's a party of chaos in my body right now.

Speaking of which - I go to the GI specialist on Thursday to see if I can postpone gallbladder removal until summer - or whether it has to be done now. The rate this past week has gone - I'm certain they are going to say now - as in now - before Roanoke - and ruin that race goal. If they say now but after Roanoke - I don't know how I'm going to keep it together. I'm going to Tahoe. No matter what. But I want to be able to run in Tahoe - and enjoy it. It's so frustrating to have one thing after another keep hitting me in the face and knocking me down.

I've got to figure out something to do to keep me occupied - without affecting the Achilles. Otherwise I'm going to go nuts. I feel like an angry, caged bear. I don't see this ending well.

Screeching Halt

I rested the Achilles yesterday. Didn't feel any pain today. Decided to attempt a slow 3.5 mile run (and yes coach said okay to try but stop if any pain).

Achilles began aching as soon as I started running - but it wasn't pain - just achiness so I decided to try to go for at least a mile (yes - I know - I shouldn't have). I only made it to 0.7 before ache turned to pain and I had to stop running and just walk. The pain seems to be coming on the forward propel motion.

So - it looks like I'm going to have quite a few non-running days in my immediate future.

I just want to scream and cry and throw a temper tantrum. Every time I accomplish something (2 miles at less than 11 pace) - the next moment I come crashing to a stop from some sort of injury or medical issue. For ONCE I wish my body would cooperate with training and race plans.

I'm not panicking yet - but Roanoke is looming and as much as I trust my coach and his assurances that we'll be ready on time - this week seems to have doom and destruction painted all over it. I know it's not the end of the world and there are bigger problems out there - but I just want to run. I'm so sick of not being allowed to.

And I'm the absolute worst at handing this - so of course I had to let my anger and frustration come tumbling out of my mouth. Unfortunately - coach was at the receiving end this time. I hate when I do that. I immediately felt horrible.

So - while I'm stuck sitting and watching from the sidelines - I guess I'll work on some overdue paperwork and lesson plans. Bleh.

Keeping up with the Big Dogs

It's Wednesday. That means group run day.

Guess who kept up with the pack today? Well - for the first 2 miles. And those first two miles were both under 11:00 pace!! I was still the tail end of the pack - but was definitely in close proximity.

And just as quickly as that pumped up enthusiasm hit... so did the Achilles. Right as we finished 2 miles I felt pain shoot up my Achilles. Same ankle. As always. <SIGH>

I stayed for the workout but certain exercises hurt. I should have just stopped. But I wanted to get at least some of the strength in - so I altered some of the exercises and substituted others.

I am SO not having a good week. I really hope this is minor and nothing and won't keep me back from being able to race in Roanoke.

FRUSTRATING

Long, Slow Run

I did the route I swore I’d never do again - complete with giant hill. I could have gone faster/run more of it but my running buddy was lagging today. Nerve pain hit at 3.6, but not too bad.

1 - 12:58
2 - 13:29 (had the huge hill)
3 - 13:26
4 - 13:23

4.02 miles; 53:34; 13:20 pace

And I felt like I could keep going! It is BEAUTIFUL out.

I’m itching to go longer distances. I really think if I’d run on my own today I would have ended up doing 6 miles. It’s perfect running weather for me and I felt good running. These days are few and far between. I can’t promise if there’s another day that lines up like this that I won’t just keep going.

Group Run

Went to the group run tonight - and actually ran with the group. Or attempted to. They left me. But thankfully Sean hung back with my turtle self and we had some great conversation. I felt bad that he was stuck bringing up the back with me while everyone else was packed together. Maybe one day I'll be able to run with the big kids.

The workout afterwards was good. I had a little bit of ankle pain so adjusted a few of the exercises. Hopefully it's nothing.

One of my former neighbors was there tonight. It was awesome to see her and catch up a bit. She was one of the first people I met in Knoxville - and one of the first runners I met here too. If it wasn't for a planned overseas trip, she'd probably end up coming to Tahoe with us. Maybe next year.

Post race... aches?

After the elation of running the entire 5K yesterday, we had to quickly go home, shower and rush back out the door for Abby's birthday party... at the Icearium. Yes - I went ice skating for an hour and a half after running a 5K. Yes - I regretted scheduling  both on the same day. Yes - it hurt. But - I didn't fall on the ice (though Daniel tried his best to take me out once), and I didn't break anything. I will not, however, complain about today being a rest day. Especially since for my birthday gift, my coach got me a new schedule for the upcoming week including hill strides. Yay me.

NEW TRIUMPH!!!!

For the first time in my life - I RAN an ENTIRE 5K!!!!! No walk intervals!!!!!! I'm so excited and absolutely cannot believe it!!!!

There is no way I could have possibly done this without Sean there. Going up the first hill, we started talking about Jason and Tahoe - and I don't think I even noticed the hill until we were at the top. I laughed and asked if we could talk about Tahoe on every hill!

Just as Sean said it was nice that it wasn't raining - it of course began raining. It just added to the laughs though.

It was so nice having him there running with me. I wish I could pack him up and take him with me to every run.

I don't think when Shane and Sean kept telling me I'd be able to run the entire 5K by today I actually believed them. Now that it happened - I'm amazed. I never dreamed of being able to do this. Especially after the 15 months off and all of the medical issues. It wasn't the fastest 5K I've ever done - but the fact that I ran the entire thing more than makes up for the time. I'm really hoping it's not the last time I'm able to do that either!! I've already asked if I could try to PR the 5K at the end of April in my neighborhood. :)

I hate pictures of myself - especially on race day - but I promised I would post at least one. So... no judging... here you go....

AND - as if my excitement over running an entire 5K wasn't enough, check out Daniel's results!!

All in all, I'd say it was a very successful first race back. Looking forward to seeing just how far I can go between now and Tahoe in June!

Last pre-race run!

Just a mile. That's all.

But it's the last mile before running in the 5K race Saturday!

My mile was fine - 11:31. It felt good. I ended up with my neighbor friend, her son, and Daniel all running with me. I felt like I could have gone much faster, but was trying to stay with them and not kill them. Daniel didn't have that kind of patience and left us all in the dust. I hope I feel that good Saturday.

Speaking of Saturday, to ease some of the anxiety about running in a race for the first time since Tahoe, my coach has decided to run with me. On one hand - I'm thrilled. I think it will be a lot of fun to have him with me. On the other hand - I'm terrified. What if I mess up big time? What if I fail? In front of him?? But - then again - he is my coach and I'm sure he's seen it all.

Biggest issue with Saturday's race? What to wear!!!!! Oh my goodness - I would do anything to fit into my favorite comfie but cute running gear. Hopefully that day will come before Roanoke's race - or at least by Tahoe's race - but right now I feel like an ogre.

Out of the Comfort Zone

2.02 miles; 24:15; 12:01 pace

And then... did body weight circuit with running group.

I wasn't ready to run with them - especially inside on treadmills - so I did my run on my own and then met the group for the workout after running. It was terrifying. I hate working out in front of anyone - or even with anyone. Plus we were in a room with mirrors on all sides. Yuck.

But - I'm glad I stepped out of the comfort zone and went. Maybe I'll eventually try to run with them too. They seem nice and friendly.

Company in Misery

My day starts with the coach sending an overly happy text reminding me "It's race week!"

Then, a neighbor friend text me and asked if she could join me on my run. She'd seen me out running and wanted to ask me if she could tag along for a while. I was happy to oblige. Sometimes it gets boring and lonely with too much time to think when I'm logging all of the miles on my own.

So, today was my friend's first day back to running in over a year, so we went really slow. But - on the bright side - I had no nerve pain until after I was finished, and it didn't last long and wasn't as bad. Plus -  we had some really good conversation as we ran. We did 6:1 intervals. It was easy. But - it was also much slower than my norm.
1 - 13:39
2 - 13:47
3 - 13:54

So apparently slower = less pain. Noted.

3:02 miles; 41:38; 13:48 pace

Regroup and Try Again

Monday, February 18th

Today went fine. Just really slow with a little more walking. No back pain. A few aches here and there, but nothing major.

2.51 miles; 31:52; 12:41 pace



Tuesday, February 19th

1 mile; 10:58 pace - fastest so far this year
1.02; 11:14

I was not pushing myself or trying to speed up. Once I crossed the street and started on the straight part, I was focusing on form more than anything and trying to get into an easy, comfortable pace that didn't cause pain. When I hit the turn around before the interval beeped, I knew I was going too fast and tried to slow, but it threw me off my form, rhythm and easy pace, so I ended up just going with focusing on form and getting into an easy rhythm that didn't hurt again. I did run the entire mile with no walking - but had to pause a second for cars twice.

No pain while maintaining form. No back pain at all (though it was a little sore this AM when I got up and needed stretching). But my right quad, right ankle and right foot felt off when I wasn't focused on form, or when I was forcing myself to slow down at the turn around. No pain at all after the run. Planning to go to gym for some easy weights and stretching.

Ended up doing 45 minutes of easy weights and then 30 minutes of racquetball with my boys (so not very intense). I'm tired.




Thursday, February 21st

I debated even trying to run today. I didn't sleep much last night, yesterday was absolutely horrible, I was not feeling great all day, and I just wasn't feeling it. I decided to go 1 mile and see how I felt and go from there. I almost stopped like 6 different times.

I ended up running up that same blasted hill at the very end of the run. I ran (slowly) up the entire thing but it took a HUGE effort to keep running afterwards, and it seemed to take forever to recover from the hill and get my breath back. But, then the 3 miles beeped before I realized I'd gone 3 miles - it felt like I still had further to go. As soon as I slowed to a walk, I felt the same pain in my back and my left foot had the nerve pain. I didn't feel it as I was running - it wasn't until I stopped. I stretched and it was better - but the nerve pain stayed a bit and is still easing. I have no idea if it's coming from the stress level, not feeling well, or running up that blasted hill again.

The first mile I tried to just run, but I had to go to the intervals for miles 2 & 3. I just felt really sluggish and off today.

3.02 miles; 37:46; 12:31 pace



Sunday, February 24th

Breakthrough - finally

3.6 miles; 42:15; 11:44 pace

1 - 11:35
2 - 11:37
3 - 11:26
4 - 7.36 (0.6)

ALMOST negative splits!

Today felt good.



Monday, February 25th

My legs are tired & sore - but no pain. My lungs handled it fine - but I was going really slow (or so I thought).

1 - 11:55
2 - 12:05

Thankfully my foot didn't start hurting - even after I got home. But I'm sore. My right knee & quad, my left ankle - just sore spots. Nothing really hurting. Heavy & tired legs for sure.

2.2 miles; 26:24; 12:01 pace



Tuesday, February 26th

40 minutes of total body weight training



Wednesday, February 27th

3.14 miles; 38:28; 12:15 pace

Felt really out of breath the entire run (which was weird). Not sure if it was allergies-sinuses/congestion or if something else was going on. Started with a migraine. A LOT of nerve pain from 2.3 on. This one was hard and didn't feel great.

First mile felt horrible and sluggish - but it was an 11:20 (no walking)
Second mile (with walking) - 12:37
Third mile (with walking) - 12:52

Coach says take tomorrow off to recover. I balked and offered a compromise.

What if I only do 1 mile tomorrow, rest Friday, and then be able to run long Saturday? Sunday's supposed to be the worst day weather-wise.

If I'm still feeling horrible tomorrow I won't do the mile. But if it's possible, I want to.

The nerve pain is what it is. It's not going to get better or worse based on rest days/run days.

He relented.


Thursday, February 28th

1 mile; 12:00
Not bad

Friday - I rested


Saturday, March 2nd

4.08 miles; 51:49; 12:42 pace

1.0 mi 12:16 min/mi 00:12:12
2.0 mi 12:34 min/mi 00:12:31
3.0 mi 12:48 min/mi 00:12:41
4.0 mi 13:11 min/mi 00:13:07
4.1 mi 10:59 min/mi 00:01:00

This wasn't exactly the run I wanted. Especially a week before my 5K race. A lot of walk breaks - and probably slower walk breaks than normal. I started out with the 4.5/1 and then went to 5.5/1 and then 6.5/1, and then tried to do 6/1 for a bit - and it actually was fine. It may be my new go-to when I have to do run/walks.




There wasn't a lot to blog about during this time - but I wanted to let everyone know I was still plugging away at the mileage. Good days, bad days, fast days, slow days - but still going forward.