I'm supposed to fast after that Monster Swim????

Perhaps I used poor judgement showing up to swim practice on Good Friday. It was a huge swim, according to Michele, it was 2900 yards. (I did a few less since I got clocked by someone or some phantom sea creature and got out to ice for a few minutes. Brian didn't see anyone, but I swear, something hit me.) Anyways, I'm very hungry and this is supposed to be a fast day. Doing my best to keep the calorie count to a minimum. This will not be easy.

Saw Dr. Steve after swimming. He did some torturous things to the ankle, that had me levitating off of the table...but I have to say, it feels pretty good right now. And he released something in the right glute as a bonus. Feeling mighty fine right about now.

Off to make flavored coffee and try to convince myself that it is a satisfying treat.

Nothing very exciting to relate this evening.

Workout was very fragmented today due to my obsessive checking on Natasha. Poor thing is getting tired of my looking in on her and asking her if she wants anything.

Did manage to get in 30 minutes on the elliptical. Crosstraining program, level 4 resistance, kept strides per minute in the 160s. Whew, I was tired at the end of that.

Did some rows, some chest presses, situps with the medicine ball and lots of stretching.

I had hoped to check the air in the tires and go out for a little spin in the neighborhood this afternoon. But it was more important to spend time with Natasha, so we watched Les Miserables to pass a quiet 3 hours. Unfortunately, she did not love it nearly as much as I do.

Tomorrow I swim and hopefully will get the go ahead from Dr. Steve to start running a bit again.

Got my chlorine fix. I have my priorities!!!

Well, I had to leave the pool early today to get Natasha off to her wisdom teeth appointment. So I was very happy to be able to hop into lane two with my buddy Jackie and give it a real strong effort the whole time to keep up. Swam 1750 yards before I had to go. Was having so much fun, I lost track of time altogether.

Tangent: water in the showers was like ice again today. I rushed to the team locker room to use their showers. Forgot (in my extreme haste) to leave swimsuit on while showering. Rushed back to original locker room, across the pool deck,  in just a towel. Thanking my guardian angel and my lucky stars that I did not slip and fall today of all days. I'm such a klutz, this was a distinct possibility. No doubt there would have been a hefty fine for such a calamity!

Did some 75 yard sprints just before I left the water. 1:23 was my fastest...the other 5 were pretty consistent. Ye old shoulder knew I had been working hard. I was afraid it was going to bother me a bunch today. But it settled back down.

As for calories in vs. calories out. I think I must be about even so far. Although I've been munching a bit with all the anxiety over poor Natasha, I've been up and down the stairs dozens of times. :) That's got to count for something. As well as the energy spent worrying while she was in surgery. :) I'll fall behind over dinner though, I'm sooooo having wine with my buffalo cauliflower and Ethiopian chic pea stew. Speaking of which, I probably should start that soon.

The battles within the war...

So, today has been one long battle. It was a battle to leave my cozy bed and get up to work out before work. Especially since it was the first mediocre night's sleep I've had in several nights. I did get up. I did work out, but it was abbreviated from what I had planned. 

Elliptical, Glute workout, kept the strides per minute in the 170s for 20 minutes.

Squats

Lat Bar

Elevated Sit Ups

Lots of stretching!!

Then it was a day long battle to eat only healthy food. Sad to say, I lost that battle for sure this evening. While waiting to pick up Natasha, I am having an orange scone and decaf coffee at Panera Bread. The rest of the day was reasonably healthy given where I was and what I was doing...but WAY too many calories.

The war continues tomorrow. It will be an abbreviated swim since Natasha has her oral surgery in the morning. And then we'll see what the day brings for food. Excited to try a new recipe tomorrow night though for Joe and I. If it's any good, I'll be sure to share!

Phooey!!!!

So, the Flushing Meadows Corona Park 13.1 was not to be a success for me. It was for Joe. And for that I am happy. It was pretty darn cold. Only 43 degrees and a stupid wind that just kept getting stronger as the morning went on. Last year, I did this race in a short sleeve shirt. This year, I had on two long sleeves, gloves and a winter headband. My buddy Barbara would say that was overdressed. But I have news for her...I was still freezing! Especially since there was no good sun to soak up.

The first half I was right on track. A little ahead even. I was so jazzed when I passed the halfway mark. And I guess I let that go to my head. Because shortly after that I lost my focus and logged a horrible mile that I never did recover from. I should have fueled better. I should have fueled earlier. I should have worn the pants that wanted to, even though they were in the laundry. (The ones that I wore were my least favorite...they fall down a lot.) I should have dieted more. I should have trained harder.

Good news: I finished.
Better news: my ankle is no worse for the miles.

Worst moment in the entire 2:16:42...when a actually swore at a kind soul trying to give me a drink. I wish there was a way to go back and apologize. And even worse, I think it was a kid. He was trying to give me a gatorade and I just wanted water...which I had asked for with the kids before him but they didn't respond. I figured out too late that the gatorades were in the colored cups. The waters were in the white cups. I shall remember this for the next race. Joe says I'm not a nice person when my glycogen stores are depleted...he is right. So I need to manage that better with proper fueling during the race.

Around mile 10 was when I knew for sure that not only was I not going to make my goal (that I knew around mile 8 or so) but I knew I could not make a PR. I wanted to just give up and walk so bad. I figured, what's the point of working hard now? Two things kept me going. 1) Thinking about Joe waiting in the cold wind at the finish line for me. 2) All of the people who would at some point read about how I did. I did not want to have to post that I had given up. With those thoughts in mind, I was able to pick up the pace a bit in the final mile, and even got back on target pace for part of it.

So I know that I can do better next time. And there will be a next time. Taking a short break to let Dr. Steve and Dr. Holly keep working their magic on my ankle. And then it will be time to get serious for the Long Island Half in May.

Thanks to all the folks who have asked how the race went!! I appreciate all the support!!!

I'm a believer!!!

So. I never could have predicted such an amazing experience at the chiropractor's office. I have total hero worship going on for Steve and Holly Jonas. They are both chiropractors and now I have seen both of them. Dr. Steve did more for my shoulder in 5 minutes than physical therapy did in 3 months, twice a week. Incredible! My range of motion is so much better and yesterday I swam for an hour with NO pain what-so-ever. And on Friday, Dr. Holly taped me up for my weekend run. I was completely skeptical about this, but figured it couldn't hurt, and they seemed so eager to do it, whatever. Oh my stars. What a huge difference it made. And in fact, when it came off, I was immediately uncomfortable again just walking around, never mind trying to run.

Last night, Dr. Holly taped me again for the 13.1 on Saturday. I'm taking it easy until then. Well, as far as fitness exercise goes anyways. After all, it is yearbook final deadline time. And there is nothing easy about that. I'm working like a sled dog and completely worn out quite frankly. The only good news about running this race on Saturday is that no one can reach me for a couple of hours! LOL.

OK, here's the public statement of my goal for Saturday. You know, the experts say we are far more likely to achieve a goal if we write it down or make it public. I am now doing both. Last year, in this race, it was the first time I did not walk in a half marathon. It still took me forever. My time was 2:25. Then in May, in the Long Island Half, my time was 2:18. And lastly, in September, at the Hamptons Half, my time was 2:13. The goal is certainly for a new PR. And the real aggressive goal is to break 2:10.

That would be a 9:55 average pace. There are days I totally think this is doable. And then there are days, like today that I am just tired. I ate too much. I feel like crap. And I'm not so sure. Although it snowed here again today, it is supposed to be nice on Saturday. If there is no wind, that will help. And really, the crux of the matter is to stay focused.

I suck at that most of the time. Even while writing tonight, I have been interrupted 4 times and had to struggle a moment to regain my train of thoughts each time. Anyways, I am looking forward to this race, even if my training fell short of what I had hoped to make it. It's a lovely park to run through and should be a nice morning, no matter what the time is on the watch when I finish. The mortgage does not depend on this. The tuition does not depend on it. I'm doing it for fitness and for fun...that is the perspective I need to also keep in mind!

Now, back to fixing and submitting pages...no rest for the wicked!

So easily thrilled.

It doesn't take much to make my day...really, what does that say about me? Does it indicate that I am a simpleton?? By 8:00 AM my day was complete. I was moved over to lane two and Lisa told me my stroke looked (verbatim quote here!!!) "Fantastic." What more could I ask for???

Oh right, there was indeed more to come. More breaking up of the ankle gristle. Yes. That is certainly an experience. And today, I guess Dr. Steve figured I was a pro at this now...he is talking away...and scraping away...like we had been doing this all our lives together. I'm afraid to ask how many more times we have to do that torture. He did not use the radial (jack hammer) tool on me today. Instead he used the cold laser. Fine by me, that doesn't create any sensation.

Still no running. Ice tonight. Oh and another salt bath. Which I will gladly go do in a few moments.

The Impossible Dream????

Saturday was beautiful, just beautiful. And QUITE windy. My decision was to run 13 at Cedar Creek. The math for that was to do a loop in the park, run down to the beach and back, another loop in the park, then halfway back to the beach and back. OK. Let's go. Start slow. Warm up, ease into it. Check. Arrive at the head of the path, increase pace. Nice. Wind at my back. Correction. WIND at my back. Better increase pace. This is going be tough on the way back.

Correction. It was stupid hard on the way back. I felt like that old show with the bionic man. What was his name? Remember, how they filmed him going so slow. That's how I felt. Like I was slogging along in slow motion. And I had to do it for 4.25 miles before I came out into the park again. Jeez Louise. Going over the second bridge was barely a shuffle. Oh. And that is when my husband caught up with me. And yes, sailed right past me. Like the stupid wind was only blowing in my face and not his. I wanted to spit nickels.

Running in the winter is amusing though. I was wearing my long sleeve magenta top and a pair of running tights. A headband. Lola. That's it. What you see people running in is remarkable. Down at the end of the path, when I turned around, I saw a woman running in a long, puffy winter coat, with a hat and gloves and her hood up, tightly tied under her chin. Again, that path is 4.25 miles long. There is no where to get on it except at the beginning. She had been running for nearly four miles like this. And presumably, she intended to run the same distance back. (Since the end of the path is still closed off for the construction for Sandy repair, you can't get into the parking lot yet.) When I did round two into the path again, sure enough, there she was, coming back up towards me....still all bundled up. I don't know how she didn't overheat and melt into nothing.

So, I finished my 13 slow miles against the wind. I was totally disgusted with the total lapsed time. My faster pace with the wind was not fast enough to counteract how slow I was against the wind. I tried so hard to stay tough. To keep the sustained effort. That wind just took everything out of me. Most of the time, I am fine to continue my day and my responsibilities after my long runs now. However, after this one, I needed a two hour nap.

In fact, I was still tuckered out in both swims on Sunday and on Monday. Sunday's swim was fun because Joe and I got to be in the same lane. TWO! And I liked that a lot. Monday I worked those flip turns and worked those flip turns. Man, it is crazy how you can do one reasonably well and then 25 yards later do one so piss poor awful you come up sputtering. Then I almost had a head on collision with Alice which scared the stuffing out of me. At that point, I swallowed my pride and put flippers on hoping that more speed into the wall would help as well as add some distance between me and the person behind me. Eh. Didn't really help too much.

And didn't help at all when Mary Elizabeth and I raced at the end of the workout. She beat me by a full body length. Grrrrr. Some day. Some day it will happen. I will execute a flip well and I will win.

However, that day will not be soon since I am seeing someone now for the miserable Achilles issue and he wants me not to push off the wall at all for a bit. Good God. That is the only thing I do with any flair is streamline off the wall. And now I can't do that?! Pshaw!!!!

Dr. Steve basically said I'm a mess. Gee, there's a surprise. I'm all inflamed. I walk all wrong. I'm the tightest person he's ever touched. My ankle is unstable. My shoes are not right. My back is crooked. And I have a bunch of scar tissue in the ankle. He said not to wear my Strassburg torture socks, not to ice it, not to run, not to push off the wall in the pool. Oh, and by no means go barefoot at home. The man is out of his mind. The only thing he said that I liked was to take a salt bath last night. So I did. (And I cheated and had a chocolate, damn it.) He did a couple of treatments on me and remarked about the gristle in my ankle. No kidding. Gristle. How disgusting is that? He said if I keep on doing what I'm doing, I will most likely shred my Achilles. Shred. I am not interested in shredding any part of my body. Shedding, yes. Shredding, no.

I see him again tomorrow after swim. We'll see what he says about running. And how we're going to get me through the Flushing 13.1 in less than two weeks. But I guess I have to face it, that my goal time may be just an impossible pipe dream this time around. I have to remember the big picture, the long term, our joint goal to be running together when we are in our 80s. And I will do what is right...but I don't have to be happy about it!

Wednesday...swim day...happy girl...from beginning to end...

I get there early since I have to drop Natasha off at school. I like to sit and watch the previous workout winding up. I get to see what I have in store for me. But more importantly, I watch the fast people and try to learn what they are doing right. Believe it or not, I enjoy that.

Yesterday we worked on back stroke. I like back stroke. Even if I had to sacrifice two chunks of my knuckles to the wall while doing the drills. After that, we did 4 300s. And after that we did 4 50s of speed play. I like those as well. All in all, a satisfying workout. (and no fins used) But the piece de resistance was racing my lane mate Mary Elizabeth at the end. We did 2 25s. And TIED on both of them. I'm just itching to beat her. Last fall she beat me by more than a body length...so I am definitely improving. Again, she is a good sport to always be ready to race me when we are done. God bless her! So, I ended on a high note. Happy as a clam. But wait, it gets better. There was actually some warm water in the shower when I got there. Miracle of miracles. Looks like everything is on the up swing!

Thursday...interval day...I was not looking forward to it all day.

Just finished. Good strong run. Felt good. New PR on the mill. I wish the ankle wasn't nudgy. I'll ice tonight and sleep in the stupid sock again. I should have last night. I forgot. I'm a knucklehead when it is time for bed, I can hardly think of my own name, never mind finding torture devices flung across the room.

Flushing 13.1 is in 16 days. Mulling over in my mind what to run this weekend. I've done 12 the last 2 weekends. Leaning towards doing 13. Although, I'm also considering holding at 12 and driving up to the north shore to get some hills in...can't decide. Please, my 5 followers, do weigh in with your thoughts!

Four days with no chocolate. Almost two weeks with no wine. Increased mileage running. Plenty of swimming. You'd think I could lose a couple of ounces?!?!? Jeez. What a disappointment. Alas, I will continue this deprivation until 3-23 in an effort to save my joints from every ounce not hitting the pavement for over two hours. I swear, if I make my goal time, there will be some serious indulgence that night in both food groups. Maybe even some big ol' piece of meat! Oh, I've got it....a steak with chocolate sauce and a bottle of red. That actually sounds divine to me right now. Clearly, I'm delirious. I guess I'll shower now, and then have a stupid protein shake while I play Natasha in backgammon. (she beat me last night....grrrr)

Tomorrow is a rest day.

Confession time.

OK, so most of friends and family know that I am trying very hard to maintain pescatarian status. Not eating any land-based animals. Just fish. And dairy. This is for many reasons. But mostly because I feel so much better when I don't eat meat of any kind. I miss it something awful. I really was a carnivore extraordinaire! Tonight I broke down and had one of those things at the counter at the pizza places, they're little pepperoni bites.

OMS. Oh my stars. OH MY STARS!!!! It was so good. It has been over a year since I've had pepperoni in particular. It will be hard to re-sacrifice it. I find it is easier to stay away from certain foods if I stay away from them completely. When I "cheat" then I crave the delectable item all the more.

On the exercise front, I altered the plan for today based on the forecast for the rest of the week. Evidently, it is supposed to snow again.  (It pays to be an informed individual, most of the time I am not.) So instead of doing intervals, I did my tempo run. Felt a tight hamstring for the first 1.25 miles, but it loosened up and I had a very nice 5 mile run. Very happy with those middle 3 tempo miles. And how I felt when finished. Slept in the Strassburg sock last night since the ankle had been nudgy...happily it felt a whole lot better today. Anyone with Plantar or Achilles issues, I highly recommend these silly socks. They have really helped me a lot over the last couple of years. If you don't know what they are. Here is a photo of me employing them on a painful day.

Try not to notice the awful face I'm making and the frizzy hair. It had been raining. Focus instead on the feet with the ice pack. And OK, the quads look a little muscular...that would be OK too. LOL.

Anyone interested in these medieval torture devices, you can get them at The Runner's Edge. It takes some getting used to, especially since I'm always hot in bed and cannot stand the thought of sleeping in socks. But they really are worth it.

Three days with no chocolate. I should hurry up and go to bed before I break down on that too!

Teacher's Pet...LOL.

So, today's swim was fun. The beginning started out not so fun, we were doing sculling...I couldn't get the hang of it at all...then we did some mid-distance stuff....then we did some streamline and flip drills. And I got to be the demonstrator...I was tickled pink to be doing something right! Then we moved on to some backstroke and backstroke/freestyle 50s. I like the backstroke. And since the lanes were starting to clear out. Brian mandated that all my turns be flips. Did a couple of good ones and a couple of horrible ones. But every time  I connected with the wall with two feet and I learned some things along the way. For instance, more speed going into the wall (although alarming) is better. Very close is better than merely close. And depending on which arm takes the last pull, will determine which way the feet point, either 45 degrees or 135 degrees. And best of all, I'm starting to like them!!!

The best one was freestyle to backstroke. It felt so good, I let out a whoop when I surfaced! Too bad you can't whoop whoop when flipping to free. That would be hazardous to the health for sure.

Lou and I raced the last 50. He beat me even with a head start. Next time, he'll beat me by less...and maybe some day I won't need a headstart! :)

Sticking to my guns and not using fins, even though I was the only one. Determined to get stronger.

Tomorrow is an interval run. Before the sun. Oh joy.

Against the Wind

So, since my last post, I have been a busy girl. Nothing new there of course. Aren't we all stupid over busy???

Thursday was a tempo run. I gave it my all. I was doing it during Mindy's surgery, and ran extra hard so it would be for both of us. Whew, was I tired when I was done. :)

Friday was a rest day. I hate to miss Coach Brian and all my peeps at the pool on Fridays. I'll be glad when this race is over and I can make a different day my rest day for a while.

Saturday was the long run. I had scheduled 12. Got up feeling good. Back was not nudgy. Got socks and shoes on without any grunting and groaning. And off I went, solo, this week. Started out feeling so good, I'm thinking I'm going to nail two hours flat. Woo Hoo. Hopping along. Even the traffic gods were smiling on me and I crossed major intersections without stopping. Planning my route as I went, I decided to turn around at the Massapequa Preserve, figuring that would be pretty close to 6 miles. In fact it was 5.75.

Then it all went to hell in a hand basket. The wind was in my face for FOUR straight miles. I was freezing, hand to yank my sleeves down over my hands. Nose sniffling something awful. And far more debris on the West side of the road than on the East. Can't imagine why that would be, but it added to the general feeling of annoyance.

My electronic buddy, Lola, kept telling me to increase my speed. Shut up Lola, if I could, don't you think I would?? Stupid *%$#*!!! Ended up finishing at a 2:07 time. Which was two minutes slower than last week. Ankle and knee both unhappy as well as my brain.

Joe tried to cheer me up, reminding me that solo runs lack energy. The conditions on race day could be perfect. Etc., etc. However, I was not to be consoled. Much work to do to break 2:10 in 3 weeks. Open to all suggestions from fellow runners out there. I really want this goal time!!!

Today I did the elliptical since I could not swim. (Mommy obligations called with a den full of girls post Junior Banquet.) Increased the resistance to level 3, did the cross-training program and still kept the strides per minute close to 160. Did some core work and shoulder exercises. Along with additional stretching to try to assist knee and ankle issues.

Today makes one week with no wine. No great poundage has fallen away but I will remain committed to this until after Flushing. This week I really must curtain the sugar temptations. The two together really should make a difference.

Tomorrow is a swim day. My bags are packed, and I'm ready to go!