Only 5 more days 'til Broad Street

It's only 5 days away. I've trained. I've drained. And I've trained some more.

My legs are ready. My body is ready. I'm ready.

The weather should be in the 50's for the run - which is PERFECT! The humidity that's been plaguing us will be gone. The sun will be shining - it's going to be a beautiful day for a 10-miler.

Today is light running day. I'll hit the gym at lunchtime to strength-train. Because of the knees and the running, I've been focusing on my upper-body and core. I believe that is what's carried me through this training season. I have a 3-miler to do tonight - between work, dinner and prayer meeting and The Biggest Loser. Maybe I'll skip dinner. :)

I love these training seasons, don't get me wrong, but...I will be glad when it's over. During a training season, all focus is put on the schedule.

"Can't miss a run!"

Other things are put aside. Granted, this hasn't been as bad as previous training seasons. At least I've had time and have been able to accomplish many other things. I do have other interests...gardening, completing my coursework for credentialing, sleeping, learning Bass (just to name a few). But the schedule comes before all else.

I do plan on continuing a regular routine of running, but those distances will be 2-3 miles, 2-3 times a week. No mega-runs (unless I feel like it). I can complete those distances on the treadmill during my lunch-hour.

Alright - time to focus...only 5 more days.

SQUATS OR RUNNING, but not BOTH!

That's what the doctor said.

Tough choice (not!). Who in their right mind would choose squats???!!!???

Sointenly (think Bugs Bunny) - not I!

I say this specifically because I am once again signing up for personal training at ye olde gym and my trainer's favorite form of torture for this specimen is SQUAT THRUSTS! I absolutely abhor the squat thrust. It's more like beached whale on carpet. At least that's what I feel like as my body stretches out in the push-up position. I know she's cooking these up in her gym kitchen for an appetizer on day one.

But nana nana booboo - I don't do squats for no one no more! YEAH!!!

Ok. I should be just a little disappointed or frustrated at the thought of growing old and finallly having 12 years of playing catcher in fast-pitch softball "catch-up" to me. I should be just a teensy wheency saddened by my lack of being able to do all things, but alas, there's no sadness. Maybe I'm suppressing it. Maybe I am just a slight bit happy that my future does not include squats or squat thrusts, or lunges!

But it does include RUNNING (or jogging as the doctor put it).

That takes me on a ranting tangent that I will save for another day. Ok - no, let's address it today.

At what speed do I finally go from a JOGGER to a RUNNER??? I go outside with Running Shoes, wearing Running Gear to RUN. Jogging sounds more like a hobby or something to do while wearing a full sweat-suit.

I may not be skinny and/or muscular. I may not run sub-10 minutes, but nonetheless...

I AM A RUNNER!

Ok - I've digressed. It's now out of me...ahhhh, I feel better now.

Back to where I was...Oh yeah...squats or running.

Although I left the doctor's office feeling a little more confused then when I came in (I felt like they were rushing and basically just doing the routine and I didn't get to ask all the questions I wanted to ask), I knew a few things.

1. My knee will not get better - it's filling with fluid due to overuse/abuse (years of catching and running while overweight don't help).
2. I cannot run and do squats/lunges - he basically said it's one or the other.
3. Stair-Climbing, using the stepper, etc...they are out too.
4. Use Ibuprofen when it swells.
5. He didn't say not to continue my training for the Broad Street.

At least - that's what I concluded from the full 10-minutes I had with the doctor.

I walked away with these thoughts:
1. I don't plan on slowing or stopping the running anytime soon.
2. Maybe if I lose some weight, I will see increased improvement in the form/function of my knee.
3. My God is a BIG GOD and He can heal my knee to pre-catching, pre-abuse/overuse status.
4. I'm glad I don't have to do squats!

Alright, that's my rant for the day. I feel much better.

Thanks for your patience and your prayers over these past few days/weeks.

I have to focus now. Broad Street is in 9 days.

The Moment of Truth (added below)...

Today I will have my moment of truth...I see the Orthopaedic Specialist (a.k.a. Sports Dr) at 10:45 a.m. Both of my knees are still filled with fluid and feeling slightly stiff. I have been using them (it's difficult to walk without them) quite frequently.

I've also continued to run, keeping with my training schedule for the Broad Street.

I'm hoping that I will get the OK to continue to train (Broad Street is a week from Sunday). I'm also hoping that there's a simple explanation / fix that does not involve needles or scalpels.

I will update my blog later this afternoon with whatever is discovered.

Until then, please pray that there is nothing seriously wrong with the ol' knees.

And the verdict is...

I have excess fluid on my knee cap due to overuse and abuse. It seems all those years playing catcher in fast-pitch has finally caught up with me. He stuck a needle in under my knee cap (yes, it's as squeemishly gross as it sounds) and drained some of the fluid. It was a clear yellow color - which is good. So, I can continue to run.

But...

NO MORE SQUATS! I'm so heart-broken and torn about that .. hee hee .. I have to limit the range of motion on my knees in whatever activities I participate henceforth. I guess that means I'm getting old.

This old gray mare aint what she used to be.

So, I guess I'm putting in my 4-miles this evening - that is, if the stiffness from the "draining" goes away by then!

Good-Bye Kristen!

Ok - a little diversion from what would be the norm on my blog...

I am a HUGE fan (literally and figuratively) of THE BIGGEST LOSER. It is the only program on television that I watch consistently. I love hearing the stories, watching the challenges and just generally getting into the "game play" of the program. But the biggest thing, I love watching people transform their lives (physically and emotionally) on national TV.

This season has had it's share of ups and downs, as all seasons, but this season seems different. There's not as much "on-screen" back-biting and just plain ol' nastiness. This group of people seem to genuinely care for one another and challenge one another to do better and work harder. Granted, this is a reality TV show and there is a $250k prize looming in the near future, so there is still the element of wanting to win, but generally, this season seems kinder.

My favorite player to this point is hands-down - Kristen. She has shown an immense amount of integrity and the determination to actually change her life. She hasn't gotten involved in the game play and all the "talk-talk" that happens (at least on-screen). She has just worked hard and done her best to lose the weight and stick around week-to-week.

I was as shocked as everyone else to see her gain a pound last night. It didn't even enter my mind that she would consider "game play" and throwing the weigh-in. I was shocked - just shocked!

Even though she was voted off last night, I don't think that's the last we'll hear from her. She has the potential to affect so many lives through her testimony and experiences. We'll be hearing more from her in the future.

We'll also be seeing her at the finale'. She has a pretty good chance of winning the 2nd prize - $100k. I wouldn't be surprised!

To Kristen I say, "thank you for being real over these past 16 weeks. Your example has inspired me and countless others in our journey to becoming healthier and thinner."

Don't STOP NOW!

I have taken a quick video snapshot of my knee - to give you a visual to the egg-like bubble of fluid on my knee. There's no sound (other than me talking on the cell phone to a friend and the occasional "yeah" ).

I have a massage scheduled at noontime today. It's my first in a long time. I am hoping it's another step in getting my knees healed (and just because I know it will feel good!).

I am also scheduled for a 5-mile run today. The weather looks like it will cooperate, hopefully my knees will too. So, 5-miles, here I come!

I'm still going...

Just because I had to make sure I had legitimate knee troubles, I went for a run on Saturday at ye olde middle school gravel track. I figured if I drove over there, I could quit as soon as my knees felt like they were giving me any trouble. Plus, the gravel track would be easier on the knees than macadam.

5.5 miles later...I decided it was too dark to continue (I had prescription sunglasses on and had forgotten to bring my regular sunglasses). I wrapped both knees carefully and went home. I did a pretty good stretch routine pre and post-run. I wanted to ensure that if there was injury happening to my knees, it wasn't because I wasn't stretching properly.

I actually felt pretty good the rest of the evening. I could still feel a little bit of swelling in the knees, they're definitely not normal, but there was no major stiffness or puffiness. Sunday, just for due diligence, I iced and elevated while I watched a movie.

Today, I went to the gym for a strength training workout. I did a few quad lifts that I saw online to help strengthen the muscles that support the knees. I focused mainly on upper body. As it is, my shoulders are sore from the lateral pull-downs. I should be feeling the muscles in my abs soon too.

I had some trouble getting on the floor mat for some of the ab exercises due to my knee. It's just an odd little growth or whatever sticking out of my knee. It's visibility is increased when the knee is bent - it literally looks and feels like this egg-sized bubble that's going to pop!

Alright, well, until I'm told otherwise (possibly during Thursday's appt), I will continue to workout and run (nursing the knees with some STRETCHING, ICE and COMPRESSION).

There's nothing to see here - keep moving.

Ok - so there's no update. My knees feel better today, but the fluid bubbles are still there. I am not waddling like a penguin when I walk and there's not a lot of pain going up and down those blasted stairs.

I iced. I elevated.

SO, there's really nothing to see here today.

I might get a little "determined", "ambitious" or just plain ol' stupid and do some running tomorrow to see "what happens".

I guess there's no point in whining or complaining if my knees hurt on Sunday! I'll let you know what I decide and how it goes.

Speed Bump!

Did you ever have that experience that as you're driving through a supermarket or some side street going pretty fast and all the sudden your passenger yells, "SPEED BUMP" - then, almost involuntarily, you slam on the brakes as your vehicle slams over the speed bump? There's the moment of "shock and awe" (what just happened) followed by "is my car alright" (assessing the damage)...

It seems that everytime I'm cruising along in my training or routine, a body part yells out, "SPEED BUMP" just before I get some "routine-altering" injury.

That's where I'm at right now!

I have just hit the SPEED BUMP and I'm in shock and awe as I assess if there's any damage.

Here's the deal. The last few times I've been on my training runs, the next day (and days after), my knees seemingly fill-up with fluid and feel like they're going to pop. If I bend them or try to squat - it feels even worse. I know it's not a tear or injury due to the fact that it's both knees.

After Tuesday nights run of 5-miles, I was feeling really good. The run went well, despite the weather (it was rainy and cold). I was able to keep my goal pace and even kick-it up a notch near the end. As the night progressed, my legs got stiff. I stretched post-run. Before I went to bed, I stretched a little more. 2 days later, I have this "bulge" of fluid just the outside of my knee cap that seemingly grows and pokes out when I bend my knee (I really should videotape it).

I tried to sleep with my legs elevated, but halfway through the night, I was done with that.

So, I've done what all good athletes should do - I went to WebMD for my diagnosis. According to WebMD, I either have Gout, RA, Lyme Disease or an Insect Bite. Hmmm... I did the next best thing, I called a sports doctor and made an appointment. I asked for their best sports doctor. They replied with a mid-May first possible appt. So, I asked for their 2nd best sports doctor. I get to see him next Thursday.

The Broad Street Run is just 3 weeks away. The doctor's appt is one week away. I don't want to be stupid, but I really want to run in the Broad Street.

So, I've decided to sit out today's run and wait for Saturday to see how the ol' knees are doing. I'm supposed to run 7 miles on Saturday. If you're an athlete or have ever trained for an event, you know the struggle I'm wrestling with. If you're not - you're now thinking I'm stupid and just need to give it up and go for it next year. I'm somewhere in between - I want to be wise and do the right thing with the hopes that I will still get to run! :)

Alright, well I'm off to finish my days work so I can go home and: REST, ICE, COMPRESS and ELEVATE the knees!

A Trainer each Day...

A trainer each day...helps take the weight away!

That's my new mantra.

I am going to visit Trainer Sue today to set-up some training sessions for the next few months. It's been about 6 mos since I've had a personal trainer, due to financial constraints. I've decided that it's time...

I have been on-track with my 10-mile training schedule. Today, I hit the pavement for 5-miles. I'm out of breath just thinking about it.

I ran 4-miles on Saturday with my nephew (who does not run). I took it all out of him. Felt nice to "beat-up" on my 17-year old athletic nephew. Auntie still has some fire in her! I'm was also able to keep my goal pace of 12:30/mile.

I'm going to try again tonight - 12:30/mile for 5 miles = 62.5 mins of running bliss!

(BTW - I updated my picture on the 10k race - they posted race photos this week and I downloaded mine)

On the Road Again!

Tomorrow - I'm on the road again. I am making the epic family trip - a stop in Tully, Geneseo and then Rochester - culminating in a family dinner on Easter Sunday. I love getting to spend time with all my family members, but the trip can be wearying. Plus, my schedule and routine are completely thrown off.

I NEED ROUTINE!

The good part is that it's only 4 days. I have my 3-mile training run tonight. Friday is my free day. Saturday is a 4-miler (light week). Sunday is cross - Monday is stretching and strength.
So as far as the workout schedule that will be fine.

...but...

What I will be eating - it's anybody's guess! I don't have a good track record when I go home. That's all I will say about that topic.

Let me just take a moment and say Happy Easter to everyone! I love Easter as we celebrate the Risen Christ! Consider finding a place of worship this weekend to celebrate His dying on the cross for your sins. And 3 days later - rising again!

He is risen ~ Just as He said!

Running through the Pain...WHAT PAIN??!!

Last night, I forced myself to run the 3-miles on my training schedule.

The reason why is that I don't feel like running. My legs hurt. My knees feel like they are twice the size that they really are. I can barely bend them. My derriere hurts. The muscles are just plain and tired. My lungs hurt. It was cold outside. I even used my inhaler before running to prevent any asthmatic attacks induced by the cold air.

But guess what? A few minutes into the run, my knees didn't hurt as much. My butt hurt, but that's no big deal. My lungs - they functioned normal for me - thanks to albuterol.

In fact, today, I feel great. My legs feel great. I can even bend my knees without feeling like they're gonna pop. My butt is still sore (probably from riding bike the other day). The wheezing in my lungs is minimal. Interesting.

I ran when my body was screaming no and today my body is bowing in thankful adoration for me doing it anyway. I guess it's true that sometimes, you just have to run through the pain.

Oh, By the way, I remembered to pack my gym bag. That's the first crucial step to getting to the gym. I also carried it to my car - second step. Now, the third and final step - driving to the gym - keep your fingers crossed!

It's been just over a year now...

It's been just over a year now that I've been actively trying to lose weight.

• In March of 2008, I joined the gym and hired a trainer for 10 sessions.
• I trained for and ran a half marathon in late April.
• After those 10 sessions were over, I hired her for an additional 10 sessions.
• I ran in a 5k over the summer.
• Beginning in July, I started going to the gym practically everyday.
• My fitness has increased, as well as my endurance.
• I've lost a few pounds - around 17 to be exact. I am stronger.
• I feel healthier.

If I had to gauge myself, I'm not where I'd like to be but I like where I'm at.

These past few weeks of training for the 10-miler (Broad Street Run) has caused my body an awful lot of stress. I've slowed, ok, practically stopped going to the gym. I've been following the training schedule, as far as running, but that's about it.

This was going to be the week that I started to go back to the gym - putting it back into my daily routine. Oops - I forgot my gym bag (again). That's twice this week and it's only Tuesday. I need to start incorporating some light lifting and cross-training into my schedule.

I brought the ol' dusty bike out of the basement into sunlight for the first time in 3 years. Pumped up the tires, washed and oiled it, took it for a test-drive. Works great! I also brought up the roller blades - also in the basement for about the same amount of time. I used to love roller-blading in my post-college days (in fact, they were my sole source of transportation for a few years). I haven't tried them out yet, maybe this weekend.

Considering most people gain a few pounds every year, I'm not doing all that bad. Honestly though, I didn't think losing weight would be all that difficult. I thought if I went to the gym and hired a trainer and changed up my diet - the pounds would melt off. At least, that's how it seems to work for those around me.

But no, I'm not like everyone else. I have to work harder. I have to push harder. It doesn't seem fair. But then again, I didn't just gain this weight over a period of time, I've been a big girl most of my life. I have a lifetime of weight to lose. When placed in that perspective - 17 pounds in a year doesn't seem all that bad now does it?

So, at my current rate, I have approximately 60 pounds to lose - I can expect to hit my goal weight on: September 7, 2012.

Yeah!

10k - Completed in Record Time!

I finished my first 10k this weekend.

My goal - 1:20 (just under a 13-min pace per mile)
My actual - 1:17

I was darn excited! I have been pushing myself in my long runs to get around a 12:30 pace. I tend to do well the first few miles then slow way down for the middle and pick-up at the end.

There were a few times I wanted to stop and walk, but I made myself continue. I know that if I walked, I could have bettered my pace in the long run, but I decided to continue running, even if it resembled more of a slow crawl, because I was going for the endurance and completion - not speed. Between the wind and the hills, it was pretty grueling in my book!

Now I can honestly say I ran a 10k - the whole thing!

10k is Tomorrow.

I put in another 3 miles yesterday. In fact, I programmed my I-Pod to a 5k - to see what I could do. But yesterday was not my day. When you head out on a run, it doesn't take that long into it (maybe a half-mile) and you know how it's going to go. I was sluggish. I knew it was a matter of just slogging through the 3-miles. That's how it felt - that's how it went. My time was average for me, but I felt sluggish and tired. I'm kind of glad today is a rest day, especially since tomorrow is the 10-k.

I've still had that odd pain in the back of my calf near the crease in my knee. I have no clue what it is. Just when I think it's gone, it comes back. It's just weird. I've been stretching pretty diligently in hopes that maybe it's just a tight muscle that just needs a little stretching. I've been wearing a neoprene calf sleeve to keep it warm when I run - hoping that will keep it warm and loose. It works while I'm running. Maybe I need to wear it all day too.

I'm ready for tomorrow's run. It's supposed to be windy and possibly chilly because of the wind. I'll be wearing shorts, but a long sleeve top. I'm kind of excited about the 6.2 miles. It's my first "official" 6.2 run. I can put it in the record books as a time to beat in the future. It will also be a good test for how I'm going to do on the 10-miler - though the 10-miler is completely downhill the entire way - now that's cool! No extra strain.

As far as any weight loss, it seems I'm hanging onto this 209 lbs. It's just been a battle that I am getting tired of fighting. I'm continuing to watch what I eat and I've been following this run schedule pretty diligently. I havent' been going to the gym everyday, but that's because I don't want to wear myself down from this training schedule.

Any hints/ideas/suggestions or words of encouragement to get me from this plateau would be greatly appreciated!

I'll try to update tomorrow after the run to let you know how it goes. If I don't, just check out my Nike+ Mini. She'll update when I download my run.

Until later...happy running.