I went to see Dr. Schwartz. A stress fracture does not show up on Xray until 2 weeks after the injury. This could be the problem but the good news is that it is early onset if so and I have caught it early enough. I am feeling much better today but he says to rest from running for 2 weeks. I will probably rest for 3. I can bike and swim though which is good.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
kick off
The past two weeks have been eventful. I amped up my swimming. Since Miami 70.3 I have maintained a 1 mile swim once a week. I am glad that I made this choice because now I am headed in the right direction with swimming. Some fatigue at the end of the last 400 but not as bad as it would've been had I stopped swimming since October.
Biking was progressing nicely with 20 and 30 miles two-three times per week with a 40 mile on the weekend. This past Sunday, there were wind gusts 35-45 mph so I was only able to get a 15 mile ride it. I was terrified for my life. I witness one man get hit by a car while riding that day so I had an uneasy feeling for the afternoon. The wind was horrible, yet I biked anyways. I should not have done this.
Running has been going ok with 5miles 3 times a week and then a 9 or 10 on the weekend. The weather has been fabulous for all training conditions despite the wind.
Monday, all went down hill...
The plan was to run 5 miles. I ran 3 and then began to feel a sharp pain at the top of my foot. I stopped, loosened my laces thinking that was the problem. I kept running. It hurt still so I tightened the laces. Again, pain. I stopped and then walked home. It took forever.
Tuesday...limping all day. I was hurting but it was better.
Wednesday...today is better but still difficult to walk. I have been icing, resting, elevating and using compression every few hours. I caved and finally made a doctor's appointment with Orthopedic Specialist of SWFL. My appointment is today at 2:30. I am dreading what Dr. Schwartz will say but hoping for the best. Don thinks I have been running too much. I think that I hurt my foot while biking on Sunday because I was having difficulty staying in the saddle because of the wind and my anxiety and fear. I pray for no major problems.
In lieu of my biking and running workouts I swam the past 2 days. I am swimming with the pool buoy so that my legs do not move so I can rest my foot. I have to do something...
Stay tuned for doctor's diagnosis...
Biking was progressing nicely with 20 and 30 miles two-three times per week with a 40 mile on the weekend. This past Sunday, there were wind gusts 35-45 mph so I was only able to get a 15 mile ride it. I was terrified for my life. I witness one man get hit by a car while riding that day so I had an uneasy feeling for the afternoon. The wind was horrible, yet I biked anyways. I should not have done this.
Running has been going ok with 5miles 3 times a week and then a 9 or 10 on the weekend. The weather has been fabulous for all training conditions despite the wind.
Monday, all went down hill...
The plan was to run 5 miles. I ran 3 and then began to feel a sharp pain at the top of my foot. I stopped, loosened my laces thinking that was the problem. I kept running. It hurt still so I tightened the laces. Again, pain. I stopped and then walked home. It took forever.
Tuesday...limping all day. I was hurting but it was better.
Wednesday...today is better but still difficult to walk. I have been icing, resting, elevating and using compression every few hours. I caved and finally made a doctor's appointment with Orthopedic Specialist of SWFL. My appointment is today at 2:30. I am dreading what Dr. Schwartz will say but hoping for the best. Don thinks I have been running too much. I think that I hurt my foot while biking on Sunday because I was having difficulty staying in the saddle because of the wind and my anxiety and fear. I pray for no major problems.
In lieu of my biking and running workouts I swam the past 2 days. I am swimming with the pool buoy so that my legs do not move so I can rest my foot. I have to do something...
Stay tuned for doctor's diagnosis...
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Hooters Half marathon
Thanks to Fort Myers Track Club who put on a great event. They always have plenty of aide stations, a well-marked course, and many restroom facilities.
Today I raced a new PR of 2:06.
I've decided that if I could only fix this foot/torso/anatomy issue, I would be able to go faster more efficiently. The left side of my body tends to rotate more when running. This probably contributes to the tightness in my lower back, neck and shoulder. I was told to see a physical therapist; not just a chiropractor. I can't imagine completely changing my stride in a small amount of time until November. I think it is impossible but what I must do is add more Yoga to my weekly routine. We do paddle board a lot. Can that count for building strength and balance? I am not an expert in any of this... I fight a blister on my left foot by my big toe when I run longer than 6 miles. I wear double layer socks, use Slather and a friction block to help prevent the blisters but still teeter back and forth with pain, a hot spot, or a blister. I can gut through a race but have a few days off for time to heal the wounds. I have tried Mizunos, Brooks, Sauconys, Asics. The list goes on and on. Newtons seem to feel the best. If I run in Newton Isaac S I have no blister but they are more of a trainer. On race day I run in Newton Motion racers. If I change my stride and run more on my toes I can avoid the blister starter but I really have to think and stay focused. When I wear the Newton Motions I run faster. Period.
Other than the hot spot on my foot, I felt great over all. I'm ready to take a break from so much running to focus on my biking and swimming. I am ready to get on the bike tomorrow.
Today I raced a new PR of 2:06.
I've decided that if I could only fix this foot/torso/anatomy issue, I would be able to go faster more efficiently. The left side of my body tends to rotate more when running. This probably contributes to the tightness in my lower back, neck and shoulder. I was told to see a physical therapist; not just a chiropractor. I can't imagine completely changing my stride in a small amount of time until November. I think it is impossible but what I must do is add more Yoga to my weekly routine. We do paddle board a lot. Can that count for building strength and balance? I am not an expert in any of this... I fight a blister on my left foot by my big toe when I run longer than 6 miles. I wear double layer socks, use Slather and a friction block to help prevent the blisters but still teeter back and forth with pain, a hot spot, or a blister. I can gut through a race but have a few days off for time to heal the wounds. I have tried Mizunos, Brooks, Sauconys, Asics. The list goes on and on. Newtons seem to feel the best. If I run in Newton Isaac S I have no blister but they are more of a trainer. On race day I run in Newton Motion racers. If I change my stride and run more on my toes I can avoid the blister starter but I really have to think and stay focused. When I wear the Newton Motions I run faster. Period.
Other than the hot spot on my foot, I felt great over all. I'm ready to take a break from so much running to focus on my biking and swimming. I am ready to get on the bike tomorrow.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
I started biking again this week. I am starting from scratch. Saturday was Day 1 of blank and I biked 27 miles. I'm not concerned with cadence at this point, nor speed. My only concern is getting back in the saddle and getting comfortable again.
Sunday I ran 10 miles. My last official road race is this Sunday. My legs felt heavy and weak from Saturday's ride. I used my Fuelbelt with 3 water bottles and only took on 1 GU. I had more confidence in my body that reality. I have low blood sugar, so staying on top of my sugar in take is key. I bonked at mile 7. Note: never do that again.
Monday was a 3 mile run and Tuesday was my 20 mile ride. I felt better already on the second day of biking. This time of year it is difficult and scary to be on the road. Many elderly people are here in the winter months. Now that they are better with technology it is just a bad mix with them on the road and texting and driving. Because of this dilemma I try to find other place to ride to avoid the craziness. This particular place I go is great for avoiding traffic and close to home. However, at this particular moment Suncoast Sanitation decided to unload the Port-a-pots. It was either deal with the stench or ride on the crazy busy roads. I decided to "deal with the stench."
Yesterday was a 6 mile run. I felt great. I am off until Sunday's Hooters to Hooters half marathon.
Tomorrow's agenda includes meeting up with our good friend, Christina Cuadra from Newton. I look forward to that visit.
Monday, February 24, 2014
26 point freakin 2
On February 16, 2014, I ran (did not walk one bit) my first full marathon. I never in my life thought I would complete this event. Actually if I didn't sign up for Ironman I probably never would race this distance. It is brutal on the body from head to toe(s).
The Paradise Coast Marathon in Naples, Florida had a 2 loop course. I am not a fan of loops but this was a cost efficient race. We didn't need to spend the money on a hotel and find someone to watch the dogs. My husband is great about assisting me in all of these races because he can relate to all experiences. We woke up at 4:30, were on the road by 5:00 A.M. and traveled to Naples for the event. The first half of the race (13.1 miles) I felt great. I had 16 ounces of GU Roctane to start, a banana, and a Larabar. At mile 2, I took on water and mile 3 a GU gel. I repeated this water/GU refuel every 2-4 miles. I couldn't believe it but at mile 12, I actually started to feel hungry. At one of the aide stations, they had Clif MOJO energy bars. I ate two of those while moving and then refueled on a GU Roctane drink at mile 14. At mile 17, I slowed my pace a bit. I needed to regroup. My mind was fighting with me. I managed to have a great playlist so I could sing out loud to keep me occupied. I didn't care one bit who could hear me or not. It is what helped the time pass.
At mile 18 or 19, I passed one girl who was taunting me for about a mile. I fought through the pain and passed her ass. There was no way of her catching up.
Mile 20. I knew I had it at that point. I had a burst of energy but it didn't last for long. I don't know if I actually hit the "wall" at mile 23 but I knew at that point that I wanted it to be over. I approached a group of 3 girls. I say there were probably in my age group. I flew past them (marathon pace) and I could see they were trying to catch up to me. They didn't.
Mile 25. I started to smile. I knew I was going to finish strong. I passed a couple who were walking. I felt confident running with them behind me. After I crossed an intersection and made a left turn I could see "her" coming up quickly behind me. This is a race! I couldn't let her catch up to me no matter how bad my glutes and quads hurt. I kept looking back while running. I was hoping that I wouldn't do something stupid and trip over a rock or a crack in the sidewalk. It would be over for sure then. How would I get up? I managed to keep my pace going fast enough so that there was no way she was going to catch me.
At the final turn I saw my husband and a friend of mine waiting patiently near the finish. It was great to see both of them. My friend, JD, reminded me of the last turn that I had before crossing the finish line. UGH! Finally there it was. 5 hours and 2 minutes = 26.2 miles! Thanks to my husband, Don for riding his mountain bike with me the whole time. I made it with him right by my side.
The Paradise Coast Marathon in Naples, Florida had a 2 loop course. I am not a fan of loops but this was a cost efficient race. We didn't need to spend the money on a hotel and find someone to watch the dogs. My husband is great about assisting me in all of these races because he can relate to all experiences. We woke up at 4:30, were on the road by 5:00 A.M. and traveled to Naples for the event. The first half of the race (13.1 miles) I felt great. I had 16 ounces of GU Roctane to start, a banana, and a Larabar. At mile 2, I took on water and mile 3 a GU gel. I repeated this water/GU refuel every 2-4 miles. I couldn't believe it but at mile 12, I actually started to feel hungry. At one of the aide stations, they had Clif MOJO energy bars. I ate two of those while moving and then refueled on a GU Roctane drink at mile 14. At mile 17, I slowed my pace a bit. I needed to regroup. My mind was fighting with me. I managed to have a great playlist so I could sing out loud to keep me occupied. I didn't care one bit who could hear me or not. It is what helped the time pass.
At mile 18 or 19, I passed one girl who was taunting me for about a mile. I fought through the pain and passed her ass. There was no way of her catching up.
Mile 20. I knew I had it at that point. I had a burst of energy but it didn't last for long. I don't know if I actually hit the "wall" at mile 23 but I knew at that point that I wanted it to be over. I approached a group of 3 girls. I say there were probably in my age group. I flew past them (marathon pace) and I could see they were trying to catch up to me. They didn't.
Mile 25. I started to smile. I knew I was going to finish strong. I passed a couple who were walking. I felt confident running with them behind me. After I crossed an intersection and made a left turn I could see "her" coming up quickly behind me. This is a race! I couldn't let her catch up to me no matter how bad my glutes and quads hurt. I kept looking back while running. I was hoping that I wouldn't do something stupid and trip over a rock or a crack in the sidewalk. It would be over for sure then. How would I get up? I managed to keep my pace going fast enough so that there was no way she was going to catch me.
At the final turn I saw my husband and a friend of mine waiting patiently near the finish. It was great to see both of them. My friend, JD, reminded me of the last turn that I had before crossing the finish line. UGH! Finally there it was. 5 hours and 2 minutes = 26.2 miles! Thanks to my husband, Don for riding his mountain bike with me the whole time. I made it with him right by my side.
Ironman Cozumel-training begins
I signed up for Ironman Cozumel on December 4, 2013. I made the decision to complete a full Ironman distance after experiencing the journey with my husband on August 25, 2013. I will never forget the months, weeks, and days leading up to the trip to Louisville, Kentucky where he completed this difficult feat. Chills ran throughout my body during the long 13 hours, 49 minutes, and 22 seconds of Don's spectacular day. Watching him cross the finish line, I knew I wanted to be next.
I know the amount of time I need to put into this. I also know the sacrifices I need to make in order to complete this goal. I am ready to take on the challenge. I am willing to say "goodbye" to my social life until December of 2014.
After the sign up for the race itself, next comes the reservations to transport the bike. I confirmed my reservation with TriBike Transport. Whoever came up with this idea is genius. A few weeks out from the race, I will take my bike to Trek-Bikes of Estero and TriBike will pick up the bike for transport to Cozumel, Mexico. This is a stress free, secure service so I do not have to worry about TSA at the airport. We learned that TriBike transport is the way to go.
Our flights from Miami to Cozumel are booked and our hotel is ready for our arrival.
I know the amount of time I need to put into this. I also know the sacrifices I need to make in order to complete this goal. I am ready to take on the challenge. I am willing to say "goodbye" to my social life until December of 2014.
After the sign up for the race itself, next comes the reservations to transport the bike. I confirmed my reservation with TriBike Transport. Whoever came up with this idea is genius. A few weeks out from the race, I will take my bike to Trek-Bikes of Estero and TriBike will pick up the bike for transport to Cozumel, Mexico. This is a stress free, secure service so I do not have to worry about TSA at the airport. We learned that TriBike transport is the way to go.
Our flights from Miami to Cozumel are booked and our hotel is ready for our arrival.
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