YEAH I'm back to running! My goal was to start running by Feb 1st and I've beat it. Ok, granted the run times are SLOW, but it's a start and boy does it feel good.
I'm a wimp so I'm still running indoors, first because I live in Chicago and it's stupid cold here, secondly the physical therapist and doctor recommend it - at least for awhile.
I was so excited today, I go tmy Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon Newsletter! I read through is and got all psyched up. I'm signing up. I was too late to sign up for Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle and I'm not about to miss another opportunity.
Good news is Neal wants to run with me. Is he insane? It must be love. I'm still sticking with the 1/2 this year. So I've got someone to train with.
Oh I'm so excited to run. Glad my knee is cooperating. I just have to remember that the muscles still aren't at 100% - so don't push it and cause bigger issues!
KEEP RUNNING!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
I Can Bend My Knee!
I know this is very exciting - I can bend my knee. I can even go up and down the stairs like a normal person! It's slow going, but hey, it's better than two stepping it.
I had my first therapy session this week and now I am waiting for the insurance to approve the whole program. I couldn't believe how with just some stretches and 8 minutes on the bike I felt great and was ready to go again! Mind you - it hurt, but I pushed myself.
My at home program isn't bad, and I've usually got one of many cats sitting by me as I stretch and whatnot, so when it hurts it's not so bad.
They told me I will be running by Feb 1ST - Hurray! I'm planning on running in Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle this year. I'm excited for a year full of running, getting in shape and meeting my goals - running another 1/2 Marathon and feeling comfortable and looking good in a bikini by my Birthday - tall orders, I know, but I'm ready.
Tomorrow starts the core training and arm work - along with the continuation of therapy and stretches. As soon as they give me the go ahead I'll be back on a regular workout routine.
I'm also starting a food diary - I'm thinking I might find an iPhone app that will help. I need to keep track of my food intake.
Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year!
I had my first therapy session this week and now I am waiting for the insurance to approve the whole program. I couldn't believe how with just some stretches and 8 minutes on the bike I felt great and was ready to go again! Mind you - it hurt, but I pushed myself.
My at home program isn't bad, and I've usually got one of many cats sitting by me as I stretch and whatnot, so when it hurts it's not so bad.
They told me I will be running by Feb 1ST - Hurray! I'm planning on running in Chicago's Shamrock Shuffle this year. I'm excited for a year full of running, getting in shape and meeting my goals - running another 1/2 Marathon and feeling comfortable and looking good in a bikini by my Birthday - tall orders, I know, but I'm ready.
Tomorrow starts the core training and arm work - along with the continuation of therapy and stretches. As soon as they give me the go ahead I'll be back on a regular workout routine.
I'm also starting a food diary - I'm thinking I might find an iPhone app that will help. I need to keep track of my food intake.
Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Post Surgery Wrap up
Ugh, so the winter has come down on Chicago with a vengance! GRR! It's to be expected, but I'm alreayd looking forward to spring, I usually don't get this way until about late Feb.
Surgery was Dec 16th and it went well. As expected, I freaked out when they gave me the IV (I'm such a baby) and started freaking out 3 minutes before the gave me lala drugs.
Doc fixed up some torn cartilidge, but that really wasn't my problem. Seems I had a lot of tissue buildup behing the knecap - so much that it actually tore & slightly shifted how my kneecap sits. I was surprised I could walk on my knee the day of, though it was painful.
Last visit at the doctor he informed me that because the damage was more than expected, I now have 6 weeks of physical therapy. I'm not happy about this, but I do want to get back to running so for now, I just follow doc's orders.
I'm already tired of gimping around, having limited ability to bend and walking up and down the stairs like a two year old! My boyfriend is being awesome, carting my butt everywhere, getting me ice, Aleve, bringing me flowers and in general just making sure I'm comfortable.
In all honesty though, I really just want to be able to walk & run. I'm already looking forward to running the 1/2 marathon in Grand Rapids this coming year! I'm going to be ready and I'm going to beat this year's time!
So, it's therapy now - trying to keep the weight down (oops - holiday snacking) and strengthining my core, abs and upper body - at least until I can get back to full speed!
Surgery was Dec 16th and it went well. As expected, I freaked out when they gave me the IV (I'm such a baby) and started freaking out 3 minutes before the gave me lala drugs.
Doc fixed up some torn cartilidge, but that really wasn't my problem. Seems I had a lot of tissue buildup behing the knecap - so much that it actually tore & slightly shifted how my kneecap sits. I was surprised I could walk on my knee the day of, though it was painful.
Last visit at the doctor he informed me that because the damage was more than expected, I now have 6 weeks of physical therapy. I'm not happy about this, but I do want to get back to running so for now, I just follow doc's orders.
I'm already tired of gimping around, having limited ability to bend and walking up and down the stairs like a two year old! My boyfriend is being awesome, carting my butt everywhere, getting me ice, Aleve, bringing me flowers and in general just making sure I'm comfortable.
In all honesty though, I really just want to be able to walk & run. I'm already looking forward to running the 1/2 marathon in Grand Rapids this coming year! I'm going to be ready and I'm going to beat this year's time!
So, it's therapy now - trying to keep the weight down (oops - holiday snacking) and strengthining my core, abs and upper body - at least until I can get back to full speed!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Viles of Blood
So as surgery get closer, my anxiety goes up. Today I was up bright and early so that I could be at the lab at 6:30 to have my blood drawn. Four viles were taken. I have to say though, the woman who drew my blood - she was awesome, I didn't feel a thing and she was done in like a minute. That was nice. I asked her if I could recruit her to give me my IV on the 16th.
I'm starting to get nervous, but there are days where the pain makes it difficult to sleep. I'm not ready to give up running, and I'm ready for the pain to go away, so here's the solution.
I'm still running the 10K on Thanksgiving morning. My boyfriend is being supportive and trained for it, so we'll run it together. Granted for every step he takes, I take 2-3; he does have a whole foot on me. I told him he coudl probably do the 10K twice before I am done. But no, he said he'll pace me, so that's nice.
So this week I have to squeeze in a 6 mile run, which shouldn't be a problem, then a day or two of rest, and then yup a 10K followed by lots of great food. That's way I can eat the pie without feeling guilty.
I'm starting to get nervous, but there are days where the pain makes it difficult to sleep. I'm not ready to give up running, and I'm ready for the pain to go away, so here's the solution.
I'm still running the 10K on Thanksgiving morning. My boyfriend is being supportive and trained for it, so we'll run it together. Granted for every step he takes, I take 2-3; he does have a whole foot on me. I told him he coudl probably do the 10K twice before I am done. But no, he said he'll pace me, so that's nice.
So this week I have to squeeze in a 6 mile run, which shouldn't be a problem, then a day or two of rest, and then yup a 10K followed by lots of great food. That's way I can eat the pie without feeling guilty.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Oh my aching knee
So the knee pain I have been experiencing has been getting worse, so I finally gave in and went to the doctor. So yesterday, I went in & was hoping he'd tell me that I need new shoes or something - nope I need surgery!
It's a simple surgery, but surgery nonetheless. Basically they know that one of 3 things is wrong with my knee - cartaledge tear, ligament tear or bone chip. So on December 16th three incisions will be made into my knee, cameras go in and Dr. Hall fixes what's broken.
Recovery isn't too bad. As long as he doesn't have to do too much rooting around, I should be able to leave without crutches. After three days the bandages come out, stitches checked and then I'm given exercises & hopefully no physical therapy. Three weeks later, back to running.
I am still running on Thanksgiving - I can't do anymore damage. I will not be running for speed though, just going to keep it kind of even keel.
More than anything I'm nervous about the anethesia - I don't do well with it.
I'm scared, but I want this taken care of so I can run without being in pain again.
It's a simple surgery, but surgery nonetheless. Basically they know that one of 3 things is wrong with my knee - cartaledge tear, ligament tear or bone chip. So on December 16th three incisions will be made into my knee, cameras go in and Dr. Hall fixes what's broken.
Recovery isn't too bad. As long as he doesn't have to do too much rooting around, I should be able to leave without crutches. After three days the bandages come out, stitches checked and then I'm given exercises & hopefully no physical therapy. Three weeks later, back to running.
I am still running on Thanksgiving - I can't do anymore damage. I will not be running for speed though, just going to keep it kind of even keel.
More than anything I'm nervous about the anethesia - I don't do well with it.
I'm scared, but I want this taken care of so I can run without being in pain again.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Tying up the laces - again
So I've had my week of recovery and I'm ready to start running again.
My next run in the Highland Pumpkin Plod - it's a 10K race through the streets of Highland IN on Thanksgiving day. I'm excited - this is a shorter race so I know I will be able to knock this one out of the park. It feels good to start running again - stretching the legs and get moving. My goal during this training is to improve my times - run a little faster.
This time I will have a running partner - he'll pass me, I'm sure, for every step he takes I take two, but at least I will have someone to start the race with, even though he will finish before me. He's never run a 10K, just did a 5K, so he's training much harder than I am - good news is, his trainer ran the Chicago Marathon so he's in good hands.
So this week, along with the running, I am incorporating more ab work, strength training, and stretching. I really need to stretch my muscles - I'm going to try to find a yoga class I can take, it's actually very good for runners.
So - here I go again
My next run in the Highland Pumpkin Plod - it's a 10K race through the streets of Highland IN on Thanksgiving day. I'm excited - this is a shorter race so I know I will be able to knock this one out of the park. It feels good to start running again - stretching the legs and get moving. My goal during this training is to improve my times - run a little faster.
This time I will have a running partner - he'll pass me, I'm sure, for every step he takes I take two, but at least I will have someone to start the race with, even though he will finish before me. He's never run a 10K, just did a 5K, so he's training much harder than I am - good news is, his trainer ran the Chicago Marathon so he's in good hands.
So this week, along with the running, I am incorporating more ab work, strength training, and stretching. I really need to stretch my muscles - I'm going to try to find a yoga class I can take, it's actually very good for runners.
So - here I go again
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Accomplishment!
Before I talk about today - I need to thank Neal and Jackie for their lengthy phone conversations last night. Their enouragment - making me laugh, and putting my at ease - helped enourmously.
Today I set out and completed one more thing on my Thirty Before Thirty list. I completed the Grand Rapids Metro Health Half Marathon. I feel surprisingly well -though I could use a massage.
Today I woke up, ready to go but nervous as hell. I was able to get dressed and choke down some sort of nourishment and energy pills. It was freezing this morning, 32 degrees. The walk to the Y was a bit of a wake up call - good God it was cold.
As I made my way to the Y and stood there with the rest of the runners, I looked around and freaked out. Thankfully I had my parents with me. I almost turned around and went home. I was so nervous and freaked out that I nearly broke down into tears. What the hell did I think I was doing? I mean seriously! 13.1 miles - I must be certifiable.
Waiting in the runners chute was pur agony. I was cold and scared - two things I don't want to be. I know to some people it may seem silly, but I wore my Grandmothers Ring - I always wear it when I feel like I need extra strength or something amazing is happening - she was and always will be my hero. Good Ol' Grandma was looking down on me and sent me Pam. Pam was great - a total seasoned runner, who actually ran the Chicago 1/2 last year and the Grand Rapids full last year. This year she strained her calf muscle, so she was only doing the 1/2 - and at a slower pace. Bless her - Pam paced me and enouraged me the whole way.
I was able to focus on those I dedicated the miles to, and she was always ask me, at each mile who this one was for.
Miles 1-4 were a breeze - I was averaging about an 11 minute mile and feeling good. The sun was rising and the trees were changing - it was really a great sceninc route. At this point I was feeling great - then came the hills at mile 5 - mind you these weren't big hills, but ask anyone who runs - inclines SUCK! However, there were gummy bears at mile 6 so I had to keep going. I love gummy bears! So to mile 6 I made it! I needed that glucouse boost.
My knee was feeling great and I was plugging along. My legs were still feeling strong. Then there was mile 9 - again glucose levels were way down. Then it was time to choke down some GU - damn that stuff was nasty! I could feel the sugar all over my teeth. I was ok but by the time mile 10 hit I was hitting the wall. My legs were like jello and I really just needed to quit - I wanted to quit - but all I had left was 3 miles - I had to do it.
Miles 10-12 were tough. I walked some of them and slowed my pace to a 12 minute mile. Mile 12 I dug, dug deeper than I have ever dug before. I didn't think I had it in me. By this time I had sent Pam ahead - I needed to do this on my own. So with tears in my eyes, I dug - this last mile was for me - I deserved it, I needed to do this. And 2 hours and 36 minutes (officialy times not in yet) I saw mom standing there cheering me on and dad at the finish line with a camera - and a huge hug. It took all I had not to completely burst into tears. I had done it! My knee held out (hurts like hell now) and I completed my first half marathon!
The feeling of accomplishment and strength I have are unbelievable! Yes, even though I feel sore and I'm in some pain, I am looking forward to hitting the pavement again.
My next race will be on Thanksgiving Morning - the Pumpkin Plod in Highland, a 10k.
Official results and photos to be posted soon.
Today I set out and completed one more thing on my Thirty Before Thirty list. I completed the Grand Rapids Metro Health Half Marathon. I feel surprisingly well -though I could use a massage.
Today I woke up, ready to go but nervous as hell. I was able to get dressed and choke down some sort of nourishment and energy pills. It was freezing this morning, 32 degrees. The walk to the Y was a bit of a wake up call - good God it was cold.
As I made my way to the Y and stood there with the rest of the runners, I looked around and freaked out. Thankfully I had my parents with me. I almost turned around and went home. I was so nervous and freaked out that I nearly broke down into tears. What the hell did I think I was doing? I mean seriously! 13.1 miles - I must be certifiable.
Waiting in the runners chute was pur agony. I was cold and scared - two things I don't want to be. I know to some people it may seem silly, but I wore my Grandmothers Ring - I always wear it when I feel like I need extra strength or something amazing is happening - she was and always will be my hero. Good Ol' Grandma was looking down on me and sent me Pam. Pam was great - a total seasoned runner, who actually ran the Chicago 1/2 last year and the Grand Rapids full last year. This year she strained her calf muscle, so she was only doing the 1/2 - and at a slower pace. Bless her - Pam paced me and enouraged me the whole way.
I was able to focus on those I dedicated the miles to, and she was always ask me, at each mile who this one was for.
Miles 1-4 were a breeze - I was averaging about an 11 minute mile and feeling good. The sun was rising and the trees were changing - it was really a great sceninc route. At this point I was feeling great - then came the hills at mile 5 - mind you these weren't big hills, but ask anyone who runs - inclines SUCK! However, there were gummy bears at mile 6 so I had to keep going. I love gummy bears! So to mile 6 I made it! I needed that glucouse boost.
My knee was feeling great and I was plugging along. My legs were still feeling strong. Then there was mile 9 - again glucose levels were way down. Then it was time to choke down some GU - damn that stuff was nasty! I could feel the sugar all over my teeth. I was ok but by the time mile 10 hit I was hitting the wall. My legs were like jello and I really just needed to quit - I wanted to quit - but all I had left was 3 miles - I had to do it.
Miles 10-12 were tough. I walked some of them and slowed my pace to a 12 minute mile. Mile 12 I dug, dug deeper than I have ever dug before. I didn't think I had it in me. By this time I had sent Pam ahead - I needed to do this on my own. So with tears in my eyes, I dug - this last mile was for me - I deserved it, I needed to do this. And 2 hours and 36 minutes (officialy times not in yet) I saw mom standing there cheering me on and dad at the finish line with a camera - and a huge hug. It took all I had not to completely burst into tears. I had done it! My knee held out (hurts like hell now) and I completed my first half marathon!
The feeling of accomplishment and strength I have are unbelievable! Yes, even though I feel sore and I'm in some pain, I am looking forward to hitting the pavement again.
My next race will be on Thanksgiving Morning - the Pumpkin Plod in Highland, a 10k.
Official results and photos to be posted soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
