Weekend Confusion

Yesterday, late afternoon, I got in my second official training plan run.  It went soo much better than the first one!  I ran a route that I've done a zillion times, it's 3.19 miles, and I ran it in 28:01 (8:47 avg).  The weather was beautiful, and I had had a somewhat stressful day at work, so I cranked up my music and just got it done.  It felt great!  After that, my friend Alyssa and I went to our weekly kickball game (my team lost).

This weekend I have so much going on, and I feel somewhat torn.  I'm trying to figure out where I will fit my running in this weekend, here are my options: a) move Saturday's run to Friday (a scheduled "off" day) night, b) wake up at 5:30 on Saturday morning to get my scheduled run in, or c) postpone Saturday's run to Sunday evening, which in turn would postpone Sunday's to Monday, etc.  My entire day Saturday is booked solid, and I have to leave my house at 7:15 am to travel.  I feel like since I'm only in week one I shouldn't switch days around already, but the thought of waking up at 5:30 (which is earlier than I wake up for work!) is crushing me.  Since I don't have plans for tonight, I could always do Saturday's run tonight, and take Saturday off.  I don't know.  I feel overwhelmed trying to plan this!  And, knowing that my next few weekends are just as hectic is not helping.

If you were me, which option would you choose?

When you have busy weekends, how do you plan when to run? Do you base your plans around your runs?

DAY ONE!

Yesterday was DAY ONE!  I completed my first run of my training schedule yesterday morning. I was pretty unhappy with how it went, but I reminded myself that it was just my first run and not to get frustrated.  I did a three mile run at a 9:31 pace- I don't know where that came from!  I haven't run that slow in years.  It made me mad, actually.  However, I am trying to justify this slow time with the fact that: a) I was coming off a long weekend of eating a lot and not my best sleeping, b) it was much warmer/more humid than it has been, c) it was a new route and, d) I was wearing an uncomfortable pair of shorts due to lack of laundry doing.
 
I was so excited to start this 20 week plan, and I feel as if I'm off to a bad start.

Other than that, I had a nice long weekend of doing not much.  I took a seriously amazing piloxing (pilates & boxing) class on Saturday morning, and went for a 3.5 mile run on Sunday morning.  I then made some awesome granola bars.  After that I headed down to my boyfriend's beach house until Monday night. We went for walks, hit a couple hundred golf balls, sat in the sun, and remembered those who have served our country!

This is a photo from the wintertime, from the patio @ my boyfriend's beach house

Homemade granola bars... I will post the recipe soon!

Hopefully Thursday's run (my next scheduled run) will go better than yesterday's did.  The weather is supposed to be cooler than Tuesday morning (which was 68 @ 6am), I will be sure to have my laundry done and ready to go, I won't have eaten so much the day before, and I will be sure to run a route I already know!

Do you ever have "off" runs? How do you make yourself feel better about it?

Did you have a long weekend? What did you do?

Inspiration

My biggest source of inspiration is a group called iRun4.  This is an amazing, incredible, magnificent group that's conducted via social media.  The group matches able bodied runners with individuals, "buddies", who aren't physically able to run, due to illness or special needs.  The buddies act as "coaches" for the runners, and in turn, the runners dedicate their runs and workouts to their buddies! I get super emotional talking about this group. It is just such a simple thing, running for someone and accomplishing a goal, but many of the buddies have accomplished so much more than I ever will.  I have yet to be matched with a buddy... I am currently #1,615 on the wait list (it updates weekly), which is well over 3,000 people!  There are about 100-150 matches made a week, so I'm really, really hoping to be matched by the October Hartford half marathon!  For now, I dedicate all my runs/workouts to my wait list friends, my future buddy (who I am SO excited to get to know), and anyone else I know personally that needs some miles.

Daniella after a runDisney race.

Daniella is another source of inspiration.  She is the sister of one of my friends from college.  She has an infectious positive attitude about everything, and is the most enthusiastic person I've ever met.  She is also an incredible runner.  She has completed several marathons, and she is obsessed with runDisney.  When I messaged her about my goal of a half marathon, she was SO supportive, offered so much advice, and told me that I would do great.  It was refreshing to know that I have someone to talk to if I needed advice or support.  I told Daniella all about iRun4, and she joined the same day I did, and she is one spot above me on the wait list!  Someone is going to be very lucky to have her as a runner, and I aspire to conquer my running goals like she has!

"little" brother Evan, mom, dad, me, Emmett (Kelsey's husband), Kelsey

My family is my other inspiration.  Though they don't run as often now, my parents are both are quite accomplished runners.  My dad, Rick, is huge into reffing basketball, and running here and there; he has run the NYC Marathon! My mom, Cindy, has run the Hartford Half Marathon several times, as well as a 20k, and a triathlon.  Seeing her run the Hartford Half was what made me want to run it.  My little brother, Evan (okay... he's not so little.  He is 6'5"!!!) ran cross country in high school, and is very into working out these days.  My sister, Kelsey practices yoga often and is a nutrition freak!  My sister's husband, Emmett, is also into working out, going to the gym every day on his lunch break. Overall, having such a health/exercise minded family has really inspired me to try and have their mindset.

Where do you find inspiration?

Do you have someone you run for?  Have you ever heard of iRun4?

The Post Surgery Strug

Having two surgeries within three months of each other is no fun, especially when the surgeries are on your feet.  I struggled, and still struggle, with simple everyday tasks, as well as emotional stresses.  Side note: the "strug" is a shortening that my friends and I used in college (typically we would be describing the hangover struggles of life... we were young).

The biggest emotional struggle that I face is that of my own anxiety and frustrations.  Since the surgeries, I don't feel confident in my feet.  Knowing that there are screws holding some of my bones together worries me endlessly, and in turn, I don't necessarily put 100% into anything, knowing something could go wrong.  Because of that, I get extremely frustrated, and feel like I want to quit certain activities that I don't succeed right away at.

Physically, my balance, or lack thereof, has been the biggest hardship.  During a bunionectomy, pieces of bone are literally shaved off- in my case it was several millimeters worth.  To go 23 years with a set of feet, then have parts of them shaved off, is almost like walking on two new feet.  I am still wobbly when standing on one foot, and especially in work out classes when there are balancing exercises, I usually have to do a modified version.  I brush my teeth every morning and night while standing on one foot, hoping it will improve my balance (high hopes!).

Other struggles I face on the reg are: 

• Purchasing shoes- things don't fit the same, my shoe size actually decreased a half a size.  I definitely have a hard time buying heels, and only wear them when necessary- I'm also 5'10" so I don't really need heels!
• Sports, in general- I feel wobbly, and like I can't perform my best.  Kickball was especially scary for me to start, but each week I grow more comfortable with it.



Surgical scars... and my peace sign tattoo...

• Self consciousness about my  surgical scars- I'm definitely getting better with this one, but I still get kinda nervous when I'm taking my shoes off or when people are seeing my scars for the first time (pedicures are the most uncomfortable!!). 

I know my challenges are minor compared to other peoples', but when I succeed at something that I've been struggling with, I feel as if I've just overcome a huge feat.  If I balance for one whole minute on one foot, I give myself a "woohoo!!!" and a pat on the back, because while it may be easy for someone who hasn't had the surgery, it is a difficult task for me.

How do you deal with your struggles? Have you ever wanted to give up something because you got so frustrated?

How do you focus on your goals when the challenges and struggles seem to get in the way? 

Do you have any awesome scars?

Route Comfort

I am a creature of habit.  I have a mental book of several courses that I rotate through weekly.  Right now, my routes are between three and five miles, but soon, with my half marathon training starting, I'll need to  start branching out and finding new, longer routes that I'm comfortable with. 

I live in a small town (Wethersfield), which is just south of Hartford.  My town stretches about 3.5 miles by 4 miles, touching the south end of Hartford.  Someday, I hope to be able to run the outer roads of Wethersfield, which would be about 14 miles!  The majority of courses that I like are main roads only.  I get a little nervous running on side streets, because as I've mentioned, I'm an anxious person- I picture myself falling and getting injured and no one coming to my rescue on side streets.  Plus, my family and friends pretty much know my routes, so if something were to happen, they'd know where to look.  I know it sounds crazy, but it's just how I think.

My absolute favorite route is one I've titled "The Loop".  It starts at my house, and goes around a park in town, totaling about 4.4 miles.  I like it because it has minimal sharp turns, and interferes with minimal traffic lights.  There is very low incline on the beginning half of this route, and in the last mile, there's a hill (not a huge one, but still a struggle).  One of my other favorite routes is 3.1 miles, and consists of two areas of hills.  I really try to push myself to get a better time going up the hills, and I just had my best time yet on this route last week! 

Another course I like to do is from my boyfriend's house in Hartford.  He lives next to a golf course, and I like to run the outskirts of that.  It's 3.5 miles, and it's fun to try and watch people play golf as I run.

Because there are a lot of main roads in Wethersfield, I think it will be easy to extend my distances without compromising my comfort.  I'm looking forward to accomplishing longer runs with more hills, and hopefully crushing my goal of the outer loop of Wethersfield!

Do you have a favorite route? Why is it your favorite?

How do you decide which route or course you'll run on any given day?

The Ultimate Run Playlist

I can not not listen to music while running or working out.  I just don't understand how people can run listening to the noise of cars and traffic.  It drives me NUTS.  If my iPod dies on my runs, I panic.  Weird, right?

I have a certain few songs that make it onto every.single.playlist I have ever made, so don't be surprised by the older songs.  I try to make a new playlist every few months, to ensure that my run stays exciting.  I currently use an iPod shuffle, it holds around 250 songs, and has a convenient clip to attach to my clothing.  Side note: I won this iPod in a raffle in college... it is in the top ten best moments of my life.

• "On A Roll"- Icona Pop
• "MMM Yeah"- Austin Mahone ft. Pitbull
• "One Minute Man"- Missy Elliot
• "Summer"- Calvin Harris
• "Move Your Body"- Eiffel 65
• "Shawty Get Loose"- Lil Mama
• "Come Baby Come"- K7
• "Levels"- Avicii
• "Just Can't Get Enough"- Black Eyed Peas
• "This Is How A Heart Breaks"- Rob Thomas
• "Barbara Streisand"- Ducksauce
• "Lex"- Ratatat
• "You Spin Me Right Round"- Billy Idol
• "Remember The Name"- Fort Minor
• "One (Your Name)"- Swedish House Mafia
• "'Til I Collapse"- Eminem
• "Marry The Night"- Lady Gaga
• "The Recluse"- Plan B
• "Va Va Voom"- Nicki Minaj
• "Four Minutes"- Madonna ft. Justin Timberlake
• "Bounce"-Calvin Harris
• "Won't Go Quietly"- Example
• "Bright Lights"- Tinchy Stryder
• "Groove Is In The Heart"- Deee Lite

There are probably about 200 more songs on my current shuffle, but listing them all would be a little tedious.  I will admit that this is not the kind of music I listen to for pleasure- I'm more of a Black Keys, Kings of Leon, and Arctic Monkeys kinda gal, but my playlists for working out differ than my everyday music.  I am constantly on the hunt for motivating, fast paced, interesting music.

What do you listen to while working out? Are you able to work out and run without music?

My Gear

Everyone has their own personal style, and this is true of workout apparel also.  I, personally, love anything colorful.  Anything that screams "YEAH! Let's do this!".  I do NOT wear bright colors to say "hey look at me!".  I wear them because they excite me and get me psyched for a good workout.  

I can usually be found in tank tops for any type of workout.  I love my arms, so I don't mind exposing them- if you got it, flaunt it- right?! I am currently loving Under Armour's mesh tanks- I don't feel weighed down by them, and they allow for air flow during intense workouts.  If the weather doesn't allow for tank tops, I usually opt for a half zip or no zip sweatshirt.  Since this winter was brutal, I purchased a few Patagonia and Nike sweatshirts, and they were solid investment pieces.

One of my many wildly patterned sweatshirts

For my bottom half, I am obsessed with the C9 by Champion line carried at Target stores, especially the Power Core tights and leggings.  The tights and leggings come in a variety of thickness, insulation, colors, patterns, and lengths.  For running, I prefer full leg coverage or shorts, but for gym workouts and classes, I love capri length.

Socks: it may sound strange, but socks can really make or break a run for me.  I prefer thick, cushioned socks, and I don't care for socks that have tighter elasticity in the middle of the foot area.  I purchased a pack of thick Addidas socks years ago, and to this day, they are the only socks that I feel successful in when running.  Unfortunately, I can't find them anywhere anymore, so I have to settle for other socks- I find that these Addidas socks are my favorite thus far. 

Just my typical ensemble for group class!

I have four pairs of shoes, each having their own role and purpose.  First, I have my running babies.  I've always preferred Brooks over any other brand.  I really like the durability of their shoes, and they make a lightweight shoe that is not too too light, if you know what I mean.  Second, I have my back up running babies.  I try to do at least one run per week in my second pair of running shoes, just to keep my feet from becoming conformed to one shoe.  These are also a pair of Brooks, but not a lightweight model.  The next pair of shoes I use are Nike.  I find that I just don't enjoy running in Nike brand shoes, but I do like lifting weights, and taking some classes in them.  These bad boys not only have an awesome design and color scheme (I LOVE polka dots), but they're light and comfortable.  The fourth pair of sneakers that I use are also Nike, but they're a little more cushioned.  I use these for tennis, kickball games, and hiking.

Shamless pre-run selfie (in hot pink Brooks)

Needless to say, my friends and family think I'm insane when it comes to outfit selection for workouts.  They say "you're wearing that!?" or most recently "Linley, I think it's too soon to wear the crazy blue pants to kickball, you don't know your team like that yet".  But, I will remain true to myself and wear whatever my heart desires, and whatever makes me feel like I'll get the best run or workout in.



What do you feel most comfortable in?  What's your workout apparel "style"? 

Do you have any strange preferences, such as a sock preference?

When I Don't Feel Like Running...

While I aim to run at least three times per week, I need other activities and workouts to do on the other days.  I usually give myself one day off a week, with no physical activity, not because I WANT to, but because I know I need to.  

Hot Hula Trial Class at Lady Fit

I belong to two gyms, one of which is closing in June, so I'm frantically on the hunt for a new place.  I am a member at Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness and at Lady Fit Studio (the one that's closing).  At Healthrax, I worked with a personal trainer for about eight months.  Although expensive, it was a good way for me to start feeling comfortable with working out again.  After the surgeries I had, I wasn't entirely sure what exercises I should and could be doing, so it was good to have professional guidance.  Healthtrax does offer group classes, but I find that the crowd is on the older side, so I haven't found a class there that meets my needs yet.  On the same page, however, because the crowd is older, I feel more comfortable lifting weights there. The previous gyms I've belonged to were full of guys and gals looking to date each other- and in turn, resulted in a lot of awkward staring.  I don't feel that at Healthtrax.  Lady Fit is an amazing group fitness class studio.  There are a wide variety of classes- p90X, interval training, piloxing (pilates and boxing combined- my fave!), Kangoo Jumps, step class, Hot Hula, pilates, yoga... just to name a few.  I try to go to at least two classes a week, and four of my friends are members there- so we usually go together.

One of my best pals, Kristin, and I hiking Case Mountain

In addition to weight training, group classes, and runs, I try to mix it up a little and do other forms of activity.  Now that it's warm, I am back to my outdoor activities! I love playing tennis, hiking, I play in a kickball league that meets once per week, and I'm attempting golf this year.  I love moving around and staying active, so I'll try pretty much anything!

What do you do to supplement your running?  

How do you feel about group classes vs. solo workouts?

The Tale of the Double Bunionectomy

When I tell people that I had a double bunionectomy they look at me as though I have nine heads.  A bunion, or a hallux abducto valgus deformity, is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the join at the head of the big toe.  It's an unsightly and painful deformity, that can be genetically inherited, or developed from certain activities or shoes.  For me, it was a combination of genetics and shoes- dance shoes.  I was always a little self conscious about my bunions, and I found that as I got older, they became more painful.  I hadn't really considered bunion surgery until...

I went to the podiatrist for an issue unrelated to my bunions, but each time I was with the doctor, I felt myself complaining about the pain or the look of my bunions.  I talked with my doctor, and because I had just graduated and wasn't yet employed, we decided this was a good time to go for bunion surgery.  

The day after the first surgery

I went in for the first of two surgeries on July 16, 2012.  I chose to have the right foot done first, to get the no driving part of things out of the way.  The typical recovery time for an Austin bunionectomy is 4-6 weeks in an air cast, switching to a surgical shoe for several weeks, then slowly incorporating walking back into daily routine.  Around six months is typical for full functioning activity.  I was right on schedule with the right foot.  Week four, I switched to the surgical shoe, week six I was back in normal shoes.  This first of two  surgeries was a breeze.  The scar healed great, my foot looked like a "normal" foot, and the pain was gone.  I was thrilled. I went ahead and scheduled the left foot.

October 10, 2012, I went for the second surgery, on my left foot.  As soon as I was awoke from the anesthesia, I knew something felt off.  My doctor explained that when inserting the screws into my bones, my bones crumbled.  She attempted to insert the screws SIX times.  She warned me that this foot was probably going to be very painful during the healing process.  She was so, so right.  The pain was terrible, the scar was discolored and unsightly, and visibly, it looked like the bunion was still there.  I knew going into the surgery there was a possibility of other issues and there was a possibility of the bunion coming back or reforming.  I just thought that because the first one went so smoothly, that the second one would follow suit.

Today, about two years after the first surgery, I have mixed feelings about it.  Even though I can still walk and run, most of me regrets having the surgeries, because I've developed numerous new ailments.  I've developed a new issue with my left foot, that will result in surgery if the pain persists, I've developed muscle spasms, I see a chiropractor regularly for adjustments (I feel out of line after being in a cast for 2+ months), I gained weight during the recovery period, and I still feel pain or discomfort on a daily basis.  I had to get reacquainted with my feet, learn what I could and couldn't do, and a lot of things I previously did could no longer be done (dance, for example). But, alas, I can't go back in time, and I can't reverse the procedure, so now I just have to be cautious, and manage the pain.  It's definitely made me appreciate the fact that I still am able to move and run, and I feel lucky that I'm able to work towards my goal of the half marathon.

Have you ever had a surgery that implicated your running or workouts? How did you deal with the repercussions (if any)?

Training Plan and Personal Goals

TGIF! I am SO ready for this weekend. Tomorrow I am registered to run my first 5K race, in New Britain, CT.  My feet have been aching and hurting though, so I'm not entirely sure I'll make it.  As part of my training plan for the half marathon in October, I've registered for a few 5K races in the Hartford area.  I've never run in any type of race other than track meets- I've only ever walked a 5K.   I tend to be a worrier and am generally an anxious person so I am hoping the 5K practice runs will ease my jitters leading up to the big race day!

I've decided on using this five month training program as a guideline, obviously knowing that my schedule sometimes differs and I won't be able to follow it exactly.

Week one will be the second to last week in May, so for right now I am running three times per week.  It's taken me a LONG time, but I've finally got a solid 3 miles under my belt, and every once in a while (like Wednesday!) I'll feel tremendously ambitious and do 4.5.  I'm averaging an 8:37 minute mile, which I am pleasantly surprised by.  

While I have set the goal of finishing the half marathon, I'm not setting any time goals.  I don't want to stress myself out thinking "I have to get this time, and I have to be at this pace".  I simply want to cross the finish line.  I want to run the entire distance, no walking, and when I do finish, I want to be smiling.

My Running Journey

My running journey began long, long ago.  Growing up in the Midwest, I was an active little pie.  Running through fields, playing every sport I could, climbing trees.  I played softball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, dance… and loved them all.  When I moved to Connecticut, it was time for middle school and high school. I decided to narrow down my love for activities to one or two things.  I stuck with dance- I had been taking lessons since I was old enough to walk, and running.  I participated in a co-ed cross country group in middle school- there were three people in the group, but it was a blast.  Once high school came, I was on the regionally recognized competition dance team, and the track and field team.  I ran two hurdle events and once in a while would run the 4x400m race.

Once high school was over, I decided on a small state university in Connecticut, to pursue a business degree.  While there, I continued to take dance classes, as well as venture on a few weekly runs.  I never was fully dedicated to running, but used my two or three weekly runs as a way to relieve the stresses of college and a way to stay in shape.

Post college, I moved back home to Wethersfield, CT, and started looking for a job.  I was running an average of two-three times per week.  My mom had run the Hartford half marathon, and that inspired me to do the same.  I started a light training program, when I began feeling intense pain in my feet.  Bunions had always been an issue for me- I inherited them genetically (thanks mom!), and with my demanding dance schedule, they intensified and got worse.  I went to a podiatrist when the pain got to the point of affecting my daily life.  I was not at all surprised when my doctor recommended having the bunions removed- it was something I'd always thought about, but never had the time to do.  Since I was recently graduated and unemployed, I decided to schedule the surgeries, the first being in July 2012.

Here I am, almost two years from the date of the first surgery, and I am just now getting back to running.  It has been such a long, painful, frustrating process, and I am still not completely satisfied with the results.  Even though the situation is less than desirable, I am determined to complete my goal that started long ago of finishing that half marathon.  This is my documentation of my ups and downs in the process of completing my goal.