tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13212845819870472852024-03-13T00:06:25.317-04:00Chels RunsChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-86808035903331272932012-10-30T12:56:00.000-04:002012-10-30T12:56:42.114-04:00Mixed ResultsLast week I posted about my grand plan for (re)starting weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. The goal was to get up and workout every morning before work in order to 1) stay committed to exercising and 2) to kick start each day with a healthy habit. All in all, I was very pleased with how this went. On the 3 days I was able to stick to the plan (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday), I felt noticeably better throughout the day than I did on non-AM-exercise days. Even more, I found it much easier to monitoring my eating on these days, mostly because I was a lot less hungry than usual. Whether this was actually a physiological response to exercising before breakfast or some type of placebo effect is unclear. What matters though is that it did work, which is huge. I must admit I was a bit shocked with how immediately I saw benefits (albeit, not on the scale) with this new routine; with all the other diet/exercise plans I've tried, I've usually end up starving/cranky/discouraged. This time I actually felt <i>good</i> as a result of change. Now, don't get me wrong; I pretty much hated everything about waking up before sunrise. No only was it dark and cold every day, running on half-awake legs hurt. But this feeling was nothing compared to the energy I had throughout the rest of the day. For the first time, I'm actually motivated to stick to something. <br />
<br />
So, given how good things went last week, why is this post titled "mixed results?" Well for starters, I didn't make the commitment the entire week. This was mostly because I had few deadlines last week that kept me up later than planned on a few nights which made it exponentially harder to wake up by 6:45am. But, given that this was my first shot at a pretty drastically different routine, I can live with slacking a couple days in week 1. However, the major bingefest I had this weekend was most certainly a step backwards, and arguably negated my efforts during the week. The fact that almost every hour of the weekend was scheduled is at least partially to blame for this; between a birthday outing Friday, planning and prepping for a Halloween party Saturday night, and another birthday party in MA on Sunday, there was little time (and desire) to prepare healthy meals or get in a walk. Top that off with the arrival of Hurricane Sandy yesterday and you get a lot of days full of pizza, McDonald's, and unhealthy party leftovers (candy, chips, etc.). Not surprisingly, I didn't manage to lose any weight this week and continue to hover around 206, approximately 40lbs out of the "healthy" range for someone my height and pushing 60lbs over my college weight. <br />
<br />
Depite this hiccup however, I remain encouraged and motivated by the results of the AM workouts. I will pick up where I left off starting tomorrow and, thanks to a much more relaxed weekend this coming weekend, hopefully I won't slip as far as I did this weekend. Also motivating: the Wallis Sands 1/2 Marathon on April 28, 2013. I signed up a couple weeks ago in hopes to keep me running and it has worked. I'd love a PR (currently 1:58:11) and think one is attainable so long as I train properly and shed a few pounds. With this new routine, hopefully I'll do both!<br />
Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-420475542948983422012-10-21T17:32:00.000-04:002012-10-21T17:32:07.712-04:00Starting Over.... AgainI cannot believe an entire month has passed since my last post. Even worse, I have made absolutely zero progress on weight loss and health improvement. In fact, you could argue I've even gone backwards. I have eaten more pizza in these past four weeks than I should in a year, and pizza isn't the only take-out I've brought home this past month. Needless to say my weight has slowly continued creeping up while whatever self-confidence I have continues to erode away. Of course I could blather on about how these past 4 weeks have been particularly busy, which has only encouraged my bad habits, but that would just be an excuse. Things are always going to be busy, especially as I try desperately to finish my dissertation in less than a year, and therefore it's always going to be harder to make dinner, go out for a run, etc. Heck, you could argue that those changes are hard to make even if you have the easiest schedule in the world; addictions whether to food or drugs are in fact very difficult to break. I just need to commit, which is easier said than done, especially when I like food and being lazy as much as I do. <br />
<br />
I keep searching for something external to motivate me to change. This is actually one of the prime reasons I started this blog, hoping that by making my struggle public, I would be motivated by readers to keep going. Apparently, though making a public commitment isn't enough for me. I suppose this isn't terribly surprising; I mean my own self-consciousness wasn't even enough to motivate me. Recently, I looked to my doctor for inspiration. Unfortunately, it appears my weight gain isn't of great concern to my physician since, as she said, "I'm very active." Wait. Did I really just say that it was unfortunate that my weight gain hasn't gotten to the point where it's "lose it or die?" Did I just imply that it's going to take the threat of a weight-related a medical problem to get me to change? I guess I did. I don't want to believe it, but a bit part of me thinks it's true. <br />
<br />
In reality though what I really want is to never have to get the point where my doctor thinks my weight is even remotely a concern; I want my physicals to still conclude that I'm normal and healthy, not that I may be in the running for a heart attack or diabetes. The fact that this is still apparently the case (though I still have a tough time believing this) is a good thing and I'm trying to think of it like that. Rather than see it as a pass to continue eating bad food and drinking too much beer, I'm trying to see it as a "second chance"; the chance to make changes now while I am still healthy and not quite in the red zone.<br />
<br />
So tomorrow starts a new schedule: I will be getting up every day around 6:45am to working out for a minimum of 40 minutes. This week, "workouts" will consist of walking and/or running, but the hope would be to eventually add some strength workouts once or twice a week. I have always been strongly against waking up to workout, mostly because I value my sleep. But lately I've been thinking about the benefits of getting the workout with over with at the start of the day. Not only are there <a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/phys-ed-the-benefits-of-exercising-before-breakfast/">scientifically-examined weight loss benefits to exercising in the morning</a>, getting up and out earlier would mean my workday gets started earlier, ensuring a productive day. Getting to school earlier without having to workout afterwards also means I can get home earlier, which means I would be more like to make dinner, rather than order in. I've only mentally committed to trying this routine for this week, but I have a feeling I'll try and keep it up for at least a little while.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-59938603955108813292012-09-17T22:54:00.000-04:002012-09-17T22:54:37.830-04:00Day 1First, THANK YOU for all the support! I expected to maybe get some e-high-fives from a few close friends which would have been more than enough to hold my feet to the self-improvement fire. Instead, I received boatloads of positive feedback from many people, some whom I haven't seen in years. Your encouragement means a lot and will certainly keep me motivated.<br />
<br />
I feel I was a bit misleading in my first post: last Thursday was not, in fact, Day 1 of my self-improvement journey. This weekend was Zach's brother's wedding and between the chicken broccoli alfredo at the rehearsal dinner and the cupcake display at the wedding (not to mention the lobster rolls and steak tips at the day-after party), I was not quite ready (nor willing) to dive right into major dietary changes. I know, I know. Poor excuse. There will always be weddings and parties and nights out; in order to truly make the change I will have to be ready to handle such tempting situations. But given that I'm just getting going, I don't quite feel strong enough to resist overindulging.<br />
<br />
So instead I decided to start today, on an "easier", average day. Turns out, not so easy. I did manage to keep my calories within my Lose It! daily allotment but not without feeling fairly hungry all day. I take that back: I wasn't hungry persay. But boy, did I want to eat. And such is the crux of my weight problem. If I focus on my the hunger in my stomach, most of the time, I'm not hungry. Yet, as soon as I get into my head, I could eat a horse. Like right now. My stomach is not grumbling nor does it feel empty. So why I am salivating at the thought of any food? This will most certainly be the hardest thing for me to over come. As with any addiction, I need to learn how to best survive these cravings. Tonight I'm trying mint tea. I've tried this in the past with some success so I figured I'd give it another shot. With tea, I don't add any calories but still get a little flavor to satisfy my tastebuds. It is still not food however, and boy, do I know that. I keep telling myself that if I can keep my cravings at bay, over time, it will become easier and easier to distinguish actual hunger from my "mental hunger." Until then though, it's going to be tough, requiring a lot of self-control on my part. Hopefully, I will stick to it though, especially given so many eyes are watching. I'll just have to take it one day at a time.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-3992137500471672122012-09-13T12:28:00.000-04:002012-09-13T12:35:28.794-04:00RefocusingAfter quite the hiatus, I've decided to return to the blogosphere. This time, however, I will not just be posting as a runner. You see, in my post-collegiate days I have lost more than just running fitness; I have also lost my general state of good health and well-being. Since college, I have gain 50lbs and continue to see the number on the scale climb ever so slowly. I have developed very poor eating habits, often eating 3000 calories a day, most of which are high in fat. I am constantly battling some type of illness or ailment which leaves me feeling run down and unmotivated. I spend money at an unsustainable rate, usually on food or drink, rather than saving it for important adult things like new cars and houses. Generally speaking, I've kind of let myself go. <br />
<br />
Surprisingly, even given all this, I would say I'm still a fairly happy person. I have a wonderful boyfriend and dog, both who love me for who I am, no matter the shape or size. I have great friends and a supportive family who I know would be there for me whenever I needed them. I still really enjoy my research, even after 6-years of getting paid virtually minimum wage to do it (ok so it's not <i>that</i> bad...). However, the burden my weight, health, and finances certainly makes it difficult to truly enjoy each moment. These should be the fun and exciting days of my life; I should be out explore new places, meeting new people, and trying new things. Yet, on any given day, I'd much rather park it on the couch than to go anywhere. Don't get me wrong, relaxing in the comfort of your home is certainly a fine option, but sometimes I feel I choose it, not because I truly want to, but because the stress, exhaustion, self-consciousness, and embarrassment my health and well-being issues bring make staying in a much safer option.<br />
<br />
I've been trying to address all of these issues for some time now but just can't seem to commit. As with any habit, the bad health and financial tendencies I have developed are incredibly hard to break. I've tried numerous independent options including online logs (mint.com, loseit.com, weightwatchers.com) as well as weight and spending spreadsheets with little success. So I've decided to try something different: make my progress public. By posting my progress to the world, I'm holding myself more accountable for my actions, which will hopefully motivate me to keep working on myself. With the help of faithful readers, I will also hopefully gain a support network, who's encouragement will help me through rough patches.<br />
<br />
So, here goes nothing. Let the life improvement begin.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-37223663501451624952011-04-10T18:58:00.003-04:002011-04-10T20:01:10.314-04:00New Start, New GoalsWell here I go again with another comeback. After waking up with pretty intense achilles pain the morning after my last post, I decided it was time to really rest it. I haven't really run since then, with the exception of a 3-mile week (3 10-minute runs) a couple weeks ago. Not counting that psuedo-running week, I've been run-less for 5 weeks. Overall, my achilles does feel better but I have a sneaky feeling I'm not out of the woods yet. I still notice some "weirdness" when walking, almost like a slight stiffness or tightness. Nonetheless, I will still be getting back to running this week, albeit cautiously. Unlike my post-1/2 marathon foolishness, I will be coming back much much slower this; week one will only consist of three 10-minute runs followed by a week of three 15-minute runs, a week of three 20-minute runs, and then a week of three 3-milers. If I can make it up to the 3 miles pain-free then I'll consider longer runs of 4-5 miles and possibly some "easy" workouts (fartleks/tempos). This plan should put me in ok shape for the Freihofer's Run for Women 5K, the one race I will to do before heading up to Summit, Greenland for research in June. <br /><br />So restart the clock and reset the goals: I have eight weeks until the Freihofer's and thus 8 weeks to train consistently. Here's a closer look at this week's training:<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 04/11 -- Run Easy 10 minutes, Exercise bike 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 04/12 -- Strength Class<br /><br />Wednesday -- 04/13 -- OFF<br /><br />Thursday -- 04/14 -- Run Easy 10 minutes, Exercise bike 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Friday -- 04/15 -- OFF<br /><br />Saturday -- 04/16 -- Run Easy 10 minutes, Exercise bike 20 minutes, Strength, Stretch<br /><br />Sunday -- 04/17 -- OFF OR Bike 60 minutes (if the weather's nice)<br /><br /><br />TOTAL: 3 milesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-59785132667477089012011-02-27T15:10:00.003-05:002011-02-27T15:34:42.050-05:00Training Plan 2/28-03/06Last week's shoe test results are in: my new GT-2160s are not part of the achilles problem. In fact, they may even be helping with the healing. Tuesday's run in my old GT-2150's clearly showed that those shoes are well past their prime; for the entire 20 minutes it felt like I was running on concrete! Even just walking around in the old sneaks earlier in the day left me with achy heels. Needless to say, the rest of the week's runs were done in the new shoes. Still no major developments on the achilles front which is good and bad. Good because it means things aren't getting any worse; bad because it means they're also not getting an better. I take that back. I do think things have improved slightly compared to a few weeks ago. But I also think (know) that I'm far from being in the clear yet. That being said, here's next week. I'm hoping to add a couple miles and maybe try a one-mile tempo (if there is such a thing) to prep for the upcoming 4-miler (yes, still on the schedule, albeit it with different goals in mind. Stay tuned for a race plan/goals post soon!)<br /><br />Monday -- 02/28 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday --03/01 -- Strength Class<br /><br />Wednesday -- 03/02 -- Pool/Cross-train 30 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Thursday -- 03/03 -- OFF<br /><br />Friday -- 03/04 -- Run Easy 3 mile w/ 1 mile @ 8:15-8:30, Strength, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 03/05 --OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 03/06 -- Run Long 4 miles, Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 10 milesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-15235904297038209202011-02-20T22:06:00.004-05:002011-02-20T22:45:07.572-05:00What To Do, What To Do...Last week didn't exactly shape up to be the wonderful pain-free training fest it was supposed to be. On each of the three excruciating slow and short runs I did, I felt my achilles to some degree. The good thing was that things had drastically improved from a couple weeks ago; each run I only felt a mild discomfort, almost just like a tightness, rather than pain. This suggests that the lift did in fact play a role, which is good to know. Still, I'm apprehensive to start building miles and intensity if things aren't feeling 100%. Talk about frustrating. While on one hand, I'm thinking I need another run-free week (if not two or three) to avoid full blown achilles tendonitis that sidelines me for months, I also just want to move forward to reach my weight loss and fitness goals. That and I <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> hate most cross-training . With maybe the exception of road biking (tis not the season for that, sadly), I would take a day of running over anything low-impact a gym has to offer. This is probably true for most runners but most runners would probably also do things like the elliptical (gross) and the stationary bike (barf) knowing it will help their return from injury. Me, on the other hand, if I can't run, I will almost assuredly opt for the couch over the gym leading to a loss of fitness and a likely expansion of the waistline; the antithesis to my goals. I accept this is something I need to probably get over but I haven't quite made the leap to do so yet. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Nor do I plan to next week. Tonight I have convinced myself that there may be another solution to this achilles nonsense: my new shoes. As I mentioned last time, I really noticed a uptick on the issue following runs in brand new ASICS GT2160s (with lifts) a couple weeks ago. While I was lift-less this week, I was still in these new shoes. This next week I will test the theory that, in addition to the lifts, the new shoes are also problematic. To do this, I'll throw on my trusty GT-2150s for this week's three slow n' short trots. If the pain/discomfort persists, well then I guess I'll be getting over my aversion to cross-training sooner than later. Here's how the week looks:<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 02/21 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 02/22 -- Strength Class<br /><br />Wednesday -- 02/23 -- OFF<br /><br />Thursday -- 02/24 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Friday -- 02/25 -- Cross-train/Pool 30 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 02/25 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 02/26 -- Run Long 3-5 miles (depending on achilles), Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 8-10 miles<br /></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-12688482197764778722011-02-13T13:37:00.003-05:002011-02-13T14:31:06.407-05:00Just Kidding Again?After all that back and forth last Sunday, I ended up taking last week off after all. My achilles hurt quite a bit Sunday evening (as did my tummy from all the Superbowl goodies I ate!) into Monday and I decided it was just not worth it to run. Better to lose a week now than several weeks down the road, right? I massaged, iced, and anti-imflammatory'ed all week which appears to have worked; today my achilles is pain-free. It's actually been that way since about Wednesday, with the exception of Friday when it flared up a bit as a result of a little experiment I did. <br /><br />I can't remember if I blogged about this back in January but last month I learned that my right leg (the one with all the problems) was a centimeter and a half shorter than the left. While that seems like nothing, it's supposedly clinically significant. The orthopedic said that this difference likely causes excessive pronation on my right side which was likely why I had the post-tibial tendinitis. This issue was easily remedied with the addition of a 0.75cm life to my right orthotic. Hurray! Hizzah! A cure! A fix! Let the injury-free running begin! And began it did for a short while, including through the 1/2 marathon. The lift was an instant fix to the post-tibial tendinitis which was super encouraging. However, the euphoria was short-lived; a week after the lift's debut, I was having this achilles problem. <br /><br />Things only got worse when I got my new running shoes. Last month I upgraded from the Asics GT-2150's to the GT-2160's; not a major change in shoes by any means but a change none the less. However, something must be different because my achilles issues amplified once I started running in the 2160's with the lift. I did notice my heel sliding in and out of the shoe more in the 2160's than in the 2150's but comparing the two shoes side-by-side, the back of the 2160's aren't any shorter than the 2150's. Perhaps there's more cushioning in the 2160's? Who knows. All I know is that when I wore the 2160's with the lift just walking around on Friday, my achilles was irritated versus when I wore the 2160's sans lift. <br /><br />Anyway, I've decided to nix the lift all together in the new shoes for a bit to see what happens. While this'll likely mean a return of the post-tibial tendonitis, I want to see if it also means a disappearance of the achilles pain. Besides, the post-tibial tendonitis <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> going away without the lift (albeit slowly) so hopefully it's absence wouldn't mean I'm doomed to have shin pain for the rest of my life. I should probably run this all by my doctor and my orthotics guy, and I will, I just want to test this hypothesis out on my own first. I'm a scientist; it's just what I do. <br /><br />With that all said, here's what next week'll look like. I've cut way back on miles from my original plan due to last week psuedo-unanticipated hiatus and have even replaced a run day with a day of cross-training.<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 02/14 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 02/15 -- Pilates or Strength Class<br /><br />Wednesday -- 02/16 -- Cross-train/Pool 30 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Thursday -- 02/17 -- OFF<br /><br />Friday -- 02/18 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch, Strength<br /><br />Saturday -- 02/19 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 02/20 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 7 miles<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be reporting on happy, achilles-pain-free runs next week!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-26333560638463315132011-02-06T16:41:00.003-05:002011-02-06T16:49:57.174-05:00Just Kidding!After all that ranting on how much running hurts and sucks, I stubbornly went out for today's scheduled long run (6 miles). It was such a nice day and I wanted to show my running who was boss so I said why not? I figured if it really hurt, I'd just turn around and be mad that I tried running in the first place.<br /><br />Well there was no turning around today; I felt great! I did get tired around 45 minutes but that's to be expected since 5 miles has been my longest run since the half. One bad thing is though that my achilles was a tiny bit irritated on and off throughout the run as well as now post-run. I'll certainly keep an eye on it and ice it (I currently have my right leg in a bucket of ice water as I write) and if it doesn't improve or get worse, then I'll take some time off. For now though I guess I'll keep trucking along, albeit cautiously. Here's what the week look now:<br /><br />Monday -- 02/07 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 02/08 -- Pilates or Strength class<br /><br />Wednesday -- 02/09 -- Run, Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Thursday -- 02/10 -- OFF<br /><br />Friday --02/10 -- Run Moderate 4 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 02/11 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 02/12 -- Run Long 6 miles, Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 15 milesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-7403295224789587282011-02-06T12:04:00.003-05:002011-02-06T13:05:20.970-05:00A Rant and a Training Plan (02/07-02/13)Last week I had one of those sucktastic runs that just makes me question why I even bother trying to keep up running. On Friday, I hit the treadmill for one of my standard easy 3 milers. Unlike Tuesday's run which was done exclusively at an incline of zero, I decided that, for atleast 3/4 of a mile, I would ramp up the incline to 1.0. This move wasn't new; the past few weeks I've been running on a slight incline for most of my easy treadmill runs in order to both make the 'mill a bit more challenging and to make the transition to the road a bit easier. So, given I'd essentially run Friday's run, incline and all, multiple times before, it should've been a walk in the park. Wrong. From the slow start (6.3 mph on the treadmill or 9:30/mile) to the end, I was exhausted, out of breath, and heavy-legged. I probably should've heeded the warning signs at the start of the run and nixed the incline and speed increases but that would've just made too much sense. Instead I pushed through the run"as planned" cursing and yelling at myself the entire way. By the end there wasn't a positive thought about myself in my head. I was fat, slow, never-going-to-improve, and wasting-my-time-trying-to. These thoughts carried well into my post-run stretch and even came home with me.<br /><br />This "break down" was probably a long time coming; ever since I started running after the 1/2 in January, I just haven't felt good. On top of a slew of want-to-be injuries including tendonitis in my right achilles and shin, I've felt tired and heavy for weeks now. As I alluded to in last weeks training plan post, my body is clearly telling me I need more time to recover from Phoenix, but until Friday, I was taking that to mean, keep running, but maybe slightly less than you originally planned. Now I'm considering the opposite: no running for atleast week. Of course, I'd try and substitute in some cross-training for running but bottom line, I don't think I should run for a bit.<br /><br />Or is that really the case? In some respect, I feel like I'm letting a shitty run get me down again and hold me back further. Sometimes I do think it's good to "train through the pain" because sometimes that pain and exhaustion is just a product of your body getting used to a new modus operandi. I mean, it certainly doesn't "feel good" to tear muscle fibers and isn't "relaxing" to repair them. But there does come a point where you're just doing more damage than good. <br /><br />My problem I think lies in the fact that I don't know where that line between "good" pain and "bad" pain exists. This is likely in part due to the fact that I don't really want to know where it is; I would rather just assume all pain is "good" so that I can keep on my happy little running schedule. But I think it also lies in the fact that that line is much different for the runner I am today, then it was for the runner I was in college. In college, I was leaner, fitter, and more consistent, so doing things like adding three miles to a week was nothing. Today, however, I'm a heavier, much less conditioned, lower-mileage, and low-intensity runner. While I want to believe that adding three more miles or an extra day of running or a workout to a week wouldn't affect me greatly, it very well could and probably does given my current fitness state.<br /><br />While this is a very important realization, it leaves me with a very big and pressing question: how do I proceed? Am I supposed to consider myself a beginner runner and try a 1-mile a day type of program until that feels good and the add miles extra slowly? Or, given that I do have <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> history of running, is increasing mileage and intensity appropriate and safe? I have no idea what the answer is which is super frustrating. I guess the only thing I do know is that right now, I am not feeling good, which implies something needs to change.<br /><br />I suppose this leads me to this week's training plan. Originally, I was slated to log 15 miles for the week which included a 4 mile run at moderate pace (under 9:00/mile) and a 6-mile long run. While it's tempting to run it, I think I'm going to err on the side of caution and take the week off from running. My achilles and shin could atleast use it and it certainly couldn't hurt the rest of my body. The plan would be to take Monday-Wednesday completely off, cross-train (probably pool running) Thursday, Friday off, Saturday cross-train, and Sunday off. The following week I may start running again but we'll see. I do want to start running again soon as I have already committed to the Runnin' O' the Green Island 4-miler in March but how soon will depend on how I'm feeling.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-57593197124089058012011-01-30T19:27:00.003-05:002011-01-30T20:06:01.278-05:00Training Plan 01/31-02/08If you follow my log, you'll notice that last week's training didn't pan out exactly as I wrote it. I ended up skipping out on pilates after deciding to work from home to avoid campus Tuesday (classes are back in session and campus is a zoo) and Friday I didn't run as I was busy getting ready to have some friends over. The decision to not run Friday was also motivated by the fact that I was just damn tired. This was particularly true for my legs which have felt heavy since I started running again after the 1/2. I am seeing some improvements in the fatigue but I think I may have jumped back on the road a bit after sending my body through that 13.1 mile hell two weeks ago today. Taking Friday off thus seemed like a good way to give my body an extra day to recover without setting me back too far.<br /><br />That was the thought anyway until I ran on Saturday AND today. I guess I just really wanted to get the miles in. In some respect, this attitude is great as it gets me out the door. However, it also could very likely lead me to injury, especially given that I'm clearing not recovering so well right now. That being said, this week I <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> to take an extra day off. I may do some light cross-training on this day but most likely I'll just take it off. With that in mind, here's how the week's shapin' up:<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 01/31 -- OFF or Bike Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 02/01 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Strength (I wanted this to be pilates but, as of today, my ID doesn't work at the gym (probably due to some registration issues I've been having) so I wouldn't be able to get in to the class. Hopefully this'll change in the next couple weeks.), Stretch<br /><br />Wednesday -- 02/02 -- OFF<br /><br />Thursday -- 02/03 --OFF or Bike Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Friday -- 02/04 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 02/05 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 02/05 -- Run Long 6 miles, Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 12 milesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-31182111865058798802011-01-23T22:00:00.003-05:002011-01-25T14:53:07.336-05:00Training Plan 01/24-01/30Per usual, there may be some changes due to weather this week but such is winter!<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 01/24 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 01/25 -- Pilates<br /><br />Wednesday -- 01/26 -- OFF<br /><br />Thursday -- 01/27 -- Run Moderate 3 miles, Stationary bike 20 minutes, Stretch (may move to Wednesday if it looks like a storm's moving in on this day)<br /><br />Friday -- 01/28 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Strength, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 01/29 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 01/30 -- Run Long 5 miles, Stretch<br /><br /><br />Total: 13 milesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-10535472473501292992011-01-21T11:55:00.003-05:002011-01-21T12:32:01.084-05:00Snow Day Race Calendar UpdateWhat a better way to spend the third snow day of the year then pondering and updating one's race calendar?<br /><br />After the <a href="http://chelsruns.blogspot.com/2011/01/stupid-and-somewhat-scarybut-also-fun.html">Phoenix fiasco</a> I have decided to hold off on any half marathons for a while until I get some solid training under me. Instead, I'm going to aim to do what I set out to do at the beginning of 2010: PR in the 10K. The 10K of choice? Boston's <a href="http://www.tuftshealthplan.com/tufts10k/">Tufts 10K for Women</a> in October. I decided to do this race after talking with my friend and mentor, Ruth, who has a set a goal to run a 10K this year. Ruth started running last year to lose weight and in addition to already losing over 40 pounds (40 pounds!), she's completed at 5-mile race and a 5K. Talk about inspiring! The Tufts 10K for women is her race of choice so for the sake of supporting her and a good cause as well as carpooling, I've made it mine as well! <br /><br />Other updates: <br /><br />1) Reach the Beach is off the table. I gave putting a team of lady UNH XC/Track alums together one last go a couple weeks ago to no avail; many people just couldn't commit right now and, with the race selling out typically in the Spring, I needed commitments. It's a bummer but such is life! There's always next year!<br /><br />2) I nixed the Saunder's 10K in August in favor of the CIGNA/Elliot 5K. I ran this race last year and clocked my fasted time since 2008. I credit not only the fast course, but also the timing of the race; the race starts at 6pm which better matches my training schedule than the usual early AM starts. If all my training goes as planned, I should be able to go even faster this year. <br /><br />3) Without the half, I won't need to focus on getting extra-long long runs in which means I can add in an extra race in September. I did just that: now on the calendar is the Fox Point 5-miler. I signed up for this race a couple years ago but couldn't do it because of an injury. This was a major bummer because I really like the look of the<a href="http://www.foxpoint5miler.org/logocolor.html"> t-shirts</a>! Another bonus: just like CIGNA/Elliot, this race starts in the evening which should mean a better race for me.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-51156040753986830962011-01-17T12:20:00.002-05:002011-01-17T12:37:47.865-05:00Training Plan 01/17-01/23Given how yesterday transpired, my original training plan for this week had to be modified slightly. The only major thing is that I am no longer running today. This is fine for multiple reasons including that today's my birthday! Here it is:<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 01/17 -- OFF<br /><br />Tuesday -- 01/18 -- OFF (Flying back to NH... hopefully anyway. Sounds like more bad weather's on the way)<br /><br />Wednesday -- 01/19 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Thursday -- 01/20 -- Pilates (This'll be dependent on how I'm feeling)<br /><br />Friday -- 01/21 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 01/22 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 01/23 -- Run Long 5 miles, Stretch, Core workChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-15397043735693683302011-01-16T19:28:00.007-05:002011-01-16T21:52:24.544-05:00Stupid and Somewhat Scary...but also FunToday was the Phoenix Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon and, despite my greatest efforts, I ran too far. This is mostly due to the the fact that, up until Friday, I thought the course was an out-and-back, not a point-to-point. HUGE oversight. If it were an out-and-back, the plan was to run the first 4 miles of the race with my sister and then turn around. Instead I ended up run the first <span style="font-weight: bold;">6</span> with my sister, from the 10K mark to the 8-mile mark, then for the last 5.1 miles I did a walk/run bit with 2-3 minutes of running for 3-5 minutes of walking. My total for the day was definitely well over 8 miles which is much farther than I both wanted to run and thought I could do. While I was somewhat impressed that I could lay down that many miles off of nothing, I was kicking myself a bit for pushing myself beyond what was safe. This stubborness actually landed me in the ER at the end of the race, the result of one of the worst SVT attacks I've ever experienced.<br /><br />Last winter I was formally diagnosed with <a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/supraventricular-tachycardia-overview">Supraventicular Tachycardia</a>, or SVT. I have had symptoms for several years (atleast since 2006) that include a sudden onset of a "fluttering" feeling in the chest and light-headedness, both which are due to a rapid increase in heart rate to 180-200bpm (atleast in my case) not associated with exertion. These episodes are very infrequent (I only get one maybe 2-4 times a year) and random and <span style="font-style: italic;">were</span> extremely short (10's of seconds to a couple minutes tops). Even the episode that drove me to the ER and then to a cardiologist last February was only a few minutes long.<br /><br />Then there was today. I started having some SVT symptoms today actually in the race, probably starting around mile 8 or 9 (oddly, this was right after I snagged a Gu--my first ever. Maybe this was part of the problem?). This was a first in that I never really had episodes while exercising in the past; they always came when I was at rest. I did walk when they surfaced but, as soon as the symptoms diminished, I'd try and run for a bit again. This was probably, no DEFINITELY, a stupid move. As soon as I felt them coming on, I should've pulled off at the nearest medical tent. Alas, that's not what happened, so no point in dwelling. What did end up happening was that I finished the race, started to head towards the exit, but then decided I ought to get my heart checked out since I was still symptomatic. As soon as I said "heart" and "SVT" I was shuffled to the back of the medical area, given a cot, and hooked up to an EKG. Yup. With a heart rate over 190 while I was lying down, I was definitely in Tachycardia. First we tried my usual "home" remedies to get out of these episodes (coughing, squeezing the core muscles, etc.) but those, for the first time, didn't work. So next came out the big guns: the IV. The goal was to get one in place so they could hit me with <a href="http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/detail/drug/ps1324/detail.htm">Adenisone</a> to essentially restart my heart in normal mode. Before the meds though, I would be getting a healthy dose a fluids which was more the necessary fresh off the course. I was down with all of this until they took FOREVER to find a vain. I do have terrible vains that are likely extra terrible when I'm dehydrated so I don't blame the medical staff too much but holy hell did that process hurt. They tried each mid-arm twice (the second try on the left was the winner), my left forarm, my right hand, my left hand and even my ankle. My ankle! I've never seen or heard of that and you would think something of that sort would altleast be on Grey's Anatomy. I guess vains are just too blah for Meredith and McDreamy. Anyway, once they locked in to my circulatory system they administered the medicine. As soon as it hit my heart it felt like I was punched in the chest, but then, all was normal including my heart rate; after the Adenisone, I was clocking a healthy 90-100 bpm. <span style="font-style: italic;">Great!</span> I'm thinking. <span style="font-style: italic;">Now I can find Kendra and get my free beer!</span> Ohhh no. I guess after they restart your heart they like to monitor you for several hours. The news that I would now be heading to the hospital brought tears and panic and demands for my sister. Fortunately they did get a hold of her and she came along with me in the ambulance , only to spend 3 hours in the Tempe ER supporting me as I went through another bag of fluids, got blood drawn (more poking!), and more heart screening. That sister of mine is a gem.<br /><br />On a lighter note, despite this heart fiasco, in terms of my legs, I probably felt the best I've felt during a 1/2 marathon today. This is funny considering I haven't run more than 5 miles since my last 1/2 in November. I credit the significantly slower start pace. On average, the first 6 miles were just around 9:00/mile which is the pace I've been running at for the past few weeks. Not surprisingly, this slower running with the walking did result in my slowest half time (2:19:14, officially) but since I hadn't been training, I'm 100% fine with that.<br /><br />Still, the fact that my legs felt looser this time around doesn't excuse the fact that I completely ignored my heart. In general, I really need to be better about listening to my body and adjusting my workouts to it's need. Another goal for 2011!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-53159877571883760772011-01-12T11:32:00.004-05:002011-01-12T13:06:31.489-05:00Local Running ClubsOften when I seek advice on how to stay motivated and get in shape I get told I should join a local running group. This makes sense in that such groups usually have a few group runs a week which would,as one friend put it, "keep me on my feet" . Local running groups are also made up of, well, people; people to run with and that could keep me accountable for my training. However, I've always been fairly resistant to the idea for some odd reason. I imagine this mostly has to do with my previous running group experience.<br /><br />A few years back when I was living in CO, I joined a local running club in attempts to find a training partner or two. Seeing as I was in a college town, I was hoping there'd be a least a few younger ladies and gents that I could pair up with, but no dice. What I found instead was a group of older folks, primarily men, who were all friends with one another and didn't run very fast. While everyone was very nice and gungho about running, I felt extremely awkward and out of place. Admittedly, this all came after one group run, so it's very possible that I just went on a night that had an old-bias. But it has been hard to shake that first impression. (On a positive note, I did end up hooking up briefly with a young woman at a club sponsored event who was a middle school teacher in the area, but seeing as she was not a club memeber at the time, I don't think it really counts.)<br /><br />Most recently, however, I've decided to give the local running club another go. While I'm still wary, I found comfort in learning that a few grad. student lady friends (who are much faster than me at the moment) have joined one. My (and their) club of choice? The <a href="http://www.coastalathletic.org/">Coastal Athletic Association</a>. I'm officially a member as of yesterday. Just looking at their website this group seems both more organized and significantly larger than the CO group. Additionally, the CAA seems to have a members with a wider range of abilities as well as ages compared to my first group; two things I'm definitely looking for. Other major bonuses:<br /><br />1) From mid-April through mid-October, the group holds coached track workouts on Tuesdays,<br />2) There are three group runs a week: Monday nights, Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings,<br />3) The group sponsors a few large and fun local races a year,<br />4) The $20 membership fee includes discounts to local running (Runner's Alley) <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> bike (Papa Wheelie's) shops,<br />5) The group holds monthly pub runs which entail a 4-6ish mile run to a local bar followed by club-provided apps (I think this is my favorite perk),<br />6) There are actual club uniforms and gear that can be purchased at Runner's Alley.<br /><br />Pretty sweet if you ask me. Ultimately, I would like to be able to join a more competitive local running club, such as the <a href="http://www.gbtc.org/">Greater Boston Track Club</a>. Such a club would give me the opportunity to hit the track again as well as to race for a team in higher profile races , two things I'm hoping to do in the future. But given my fitness, that's a good year or more out. For the runner I am now though, the CAA is perfect.<br /><br />In other news, it's snowing! I do love the white stuff. This does mean however that I will not be running today. Probably not the worst thing since the post-tibial tendonitis I have on my right leg has been acting up lately. Hopefully the roads'll be clear tomorrow so I can sneak in a quick run before the long flight to Phoenix!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-51880965705652108852011-01-09T18:15:00.002-05:002011-01-09T21:39:35.214-05:00Training Plan 01/10-01/16Those that know me, know I am an extreme planner. I thrive off of schedules and routines and deviations from them can sometimes send me in a frenzy. Maybe it's the capricorn in me.<br /><br />One of my favorite things to plan out is my training and race calendar; currently I have my daily workouts and racing schedule set until October 2011. This <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> be taking things a little far but that's me.<br /><br />In attempts to both post more and keep myself more accountable to my plan, I've decided to post my running schedule every week. I recognize there's probably only a handful of folks who follow my blog but feel free to make comments/suggestions on my plan. Don't suggest anything too drastic though; otherwise I'll freak out! I kid. The plan for next week is below. To see my progress, click on the link to my logarun training blog to the right.<br /><br /><br />Monday -- 01/10 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch<br /><br />Tuesday -- 01/11 -- Strength Class 30 minutes<br /><br />Wednesday -- 01/12 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Elliptical 20 minutes, Stretch (This is weather pending. They're calling for snow on Wednesday but not saying how much just yet. If I can't get to the gym this day, I'll run Thursday before taking off and move the elliptical to Friday's workout. This may happen anyway if I'm extra sore/tired from the prior days.)<br /><br />Thursday -- 01/13 -- OFF (Flying to Phoenix to visit my sister!)<br /><br />Friday -- 01/14 -- Run, Easy 20 minutes, Strength (Core + free weights), Stretch<br /><br />Saturday -- 01/15 -- OFF<br /><br />Sunday -- 01/16 -- Run, Easy 4 miles, Stretch (I will be running the 1st 4 miles of the Phoenix Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon this day. I was supposed to do the full half but an early winter injury and illness required a lot of unplanned time off. I just hope I don't get excited and try to do more than 4!)Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-46547800864638386012011-01-08T12:46:00.000-05:002011-01-08T13:34:06.008-05:00One Year LaterYet again, I managed to drop the ball on blogging last year. This is mainly due to the fact that 2010 didn't exactly shape up to be "the" year for my running that I hoped. While I didn't shed a pound nor dip under 7:00/mile in races as planned, I will say last year was MUCH more productive than 2009. Though it took a last minute decision to run a fall 1/2 marathon, I did manage to get in several 20+ mile weeks, something I hadn't done for quite some time. Along with those weeks came some of the longest long runs I've done in a while (10 miles!) and a notable drop in pace of my easy runs (under 9:00/mile!). Not too shabby, but still, fairly disappointing.<br /> <br />Last year showed me that I can, in fact, motivate myself to get out the door and run pretty far; something I wasn't sure about before. Running regularly also brought back a sincere appreciation for the sport. There have been points over the past 4.5 years where I thought I was really starting to love running again but then I'd get injured or bored or frustrated and I'd forget about how great running was. However this fall I actually <span style="font-style: italic;">wanted</span> to get out the door most days. This was shocking for me. Not since maybe middle school had I felt that way. Maybe I'm actually recovering this time from years of resentment for the sport and learning to like it again. I think mostly this stems from the fact that this fall, I wasn't running for anyone but myself. No coaches, no team. Just me. Now if only all that training and new-found appreciation had turned into an excellent 1/2 marathon race. (Ok, I <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> PR (1:58:11 down from 1:59:42) but given how much work I was doing I would've liked to see more than a minute and a half shaved off.)<br /><br />I suppose this is where 2011 comes in. With last year teaching me how to train and like running for myself again, this coming year I will look how to train smart, efficiently, and consistently to ensure improvements in races. I'm also looking to expand my training to include more strength and conditioning which'll help my overall fitness. Last week I took a first stab at a 30-minute strength class at the student fitness center. What a workout! I'll definitely be returning this week. These training plans along with a plan to cook more and eat out less (probably the biggest reason for the lack of weightloss last year) I will hopefully drop some pounds too. Then maybe, just maybe, by year's end I'll be ready to seriously tackle some PRs. <br /><br />So here we go again. Take 957 on Chelsea's grand return to running. Truthfully though I do believe good things could happen this year. I know, I know. We've heard this before but I believe it for this year more than ever.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-90651975829544985962010-02-07T12:39:00.000-05:002010-02-07T15:32:25.424-05:00Circuit CityThe move up to 20:00 runs from the 20:00 walk/runs two weeks ago was a great success; I have run 3 times each week and have progressively increased my pace from 10:00 to 9:30/mile. Bonus: the move up in distance and pace has been pretty much entirely pain free. <br /><br />With my first race on the horizon, I'll be stepping things up again this week. To make sure I can cover the 3-mile distance of this first race (the NHTI Spring Ahead road race on March 13th), I will be bumping the length of my runs from 20:00 to 3-miles. The first move will be this Thursday. I'll drop to 20:00 again for Saturday's run but will pick up with 3-milers 3 times a week the following week until race day. This week I also plan to do my first psuedo-workout; on the schedule for Tuesday is a circuit. I picked this as a first workout heeding suggestions made by my college coach a few months ago. Circuits are a great way to get fit fast according to him and, considering he's produced some fine runners in recent years, I'll take his word for it.<br /><br />There is one problem though: I'm not really sure how to do them. I know that the workout involves some combination of running and exercises. I've already planned that I will be breaking Tuesday's two-mile circuit down 10 two-lappers around the indoor track (320m) separated by drills/exercises. Several key questions still remain however:<br /><br />1) What are good exercises to do?<br />2) How fast do I run the "intervals"?<br />3) Do I do multiple sets of exercises? That is, do I pick 4-5 exercises, go through them once and then repeat them? Or do I pick 10 different exercises all together?<br /><br />I think part of the problem I'm having is that there isn't one ultimate circuit; it really is an individualized workout that can be catered to pretty much every variable out there--fitness, equipment availability, weather, mood, physical feeling, etc. The options are endless in a circuit, which is why it is a fantastic workout. However, when you've never done one, such open-endedness is overwhelming. I have done a bit of research on the web on circuit training but haven't found anything super helpful. There has to be something out there though. Perhaps you faithful Chels Runs readers have some suggestions. Otherwise, looks like I'm winging it!Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-83282742616535488322010-01-25T13:23:00.000-05:002010-01-26T12:57:51.552-05:002010 Is Going To Be.... What Rhymes With 2010?There's been a lot of hub-bub on how exactly to refer to this year; is it two thousand and ten? twenty-ten? Or does Stephen Colbert have it with oh-ten? I think an even bigger problem that hasn't really been looked at is the lack of a clever rhyme that says 2010 is going to be a good year. In years past we've had some good ones: "2008 is looking great!"; "2009 is looking fine!" But now what? 2010 is looking...ken? fen? hen? den? I'm sure I'm limited by my small vocab and lack of patience so perhaps some of you more intelligent beings out there can come up with something perfect. If you do, let me know so I can finally get some sleep.<br /><br />Despite the lack of an optimistic phrase, 2010 has kicked off for me exactly as it has in the past with a lengthy list of ambitious resolutions: stop procrastinating, be more productive at work (and not, say, post blogs in the middle of the day... ahem....), lose 30 lbs, be better with money, workout atleast 5 days/week, eat healthier, etc., etc., etc. Surprisingly, I've been fairly good about keeping up with most of my resolutions. However, as has been the fate of past resolutions, I suspect these resolutions will eventually be boxed up and stored away until 2011 when they are dusted off and made a focus once again.<br /><br />It is possible to keep up at least some of these resolutions; I just have to continue to consciously keep the goal list in focus and not let it fade to the back of my mind when things start to get stressful. This is actually not that hard, especially since this month I have established some new habits that support the change. But, as the laws of entropy state, without work things will tend towards chaos; without active efforts to keep at new habits, I will easily, and readily, head back to old ways.<br /><br />Fortunately for my running, I think my fitness and health goals are going to be the easiest to keep up. At this point, I feel ready to commit to running again and am definitely ready to slim down. This is in contrast to, say my goal to kick my procrastination habit, a habit that is very comfortable and one of which I'm still very fond, despite it nearly causing me to fail two courses last semester (no joke). Running, exercising, and eating well also make me feel good while doing work and homework just makes me cranky and stressed.<br /><br />In prep for a successful year of consistent running and healthy eating, I have set up a new line of racing goals. Perhaps it's a bit premature since I've only stuck to the "be consistent with running/exercising" resolution for three weeks but what else am I going to do when I'm at work? Actual work? Nonsense!<br /><br />I think this year's goals are a little more realistic than last years in that they don't have me trying to scramble to get mileage in to PR in a fall half marathon. This year, I'm hoping to instead PR in a fall 10K. This allows me to take building mileage a bit slower throughout the year which I think is something I need. A slower build also allows for more tweaking in case of injury or illness. I think a PR is definitely doable. Like the half, I've run a road 10K only once and clocked a 50:53 (~8:12/mile). I wouldn't be talking a crazy fast PR but something around 44:00-45:00 would be nice... Ok, so maybe that is "crazy fast" when you consider where I'm at now but I don't think it's impossible. To get even close to being able to run that, I plan to be running 4-5 times a week with weekly totals 25-30 miles/week, which includes one day for a workout, a few easy days, and a long run of 8-9 miles. I'd like to get to this point by Late-September/Early October which is more than doable, barring injury. As evident from my race calendar, I also plan to run a few 5Ks along the way which I'll hopefully be running faster than my fastest time since I returned to NH (22:51 in '08) by the fall. <br /><br />Also thrown into the mix is the <a href="http://www.bourbonchase.com/">Bourbon Chase Relay</a> in Kentucky, a 200-mile, 12 person relay. After a three-year hiatus from my favorite relay team, I will be returning as one of the 12 runners on the Steamed Muscles squad. Atleast I hope I will; the details are still in the works. These relay races are a ton of fun and even more fun when you do them with such a nerdy runner bunch as the Muscles. Whats a little concerning for me at this point is that there will be quite a bit of mileage to cover in 24 hours; almost 3 times what I'm clocking a week right now. This race isn't until late October though so, if all goes as planned, I should be fine. <br /><br />Chalk full of fun races and realistic goals, I think 2010 is going to be good year in running for me. Now if only there was a clever way to say it... 2010 is looking... full of oxygen? Well, I tried.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-962093741613232282010-01-20T12:25:00.000-05:002010-01-20T13:34:10.495-05:00Just To Get HighBefore recently, I never bought into the "runner's high." I could not understand how running could make someone feel so great. I mean, sure, I felt "good" because I was being healthy and was fast and fit, but running never really made me feel euphoric. Instead, it always made me feel tired and sore, and, as a result, cranky. All those runners who wrote in Runner's World about how great their latest trip was after laying down a few miles were damn dirty liars. There was no high. Just heaviness everywhere; legs, eyes, head... everywhere. <br /><br />But then I had my run on Saturday. Saturday was just a usual walk/run (the more recent 5:00 walk, 10:00 minute version) on the treadmill at 10:00/mile; nothing special, nothing fancy. But WOW did it feel good! I felt awake, loose, comfortable and, true to high symptoms, elated. It was awesome! I felt like I could have kept running for miles and miles. And this wasn't just a one time deal; I got high from my run yesterday too even despite some soreness from the weekend's skiing. I have finally seen what the others have seen. I am now a believer, and worshiper, of the runner's high. <br /><br />So why now? Why did it it take me 13 years of running to feel the runner's high when it takes some days? My theory lies in my recent training. When I was running competitively in high school and college, I was running at such a high intensity level, that any sort of "high" that might have come out with running was drowned out by shear exhaustion from working so hard all the time. Post-collegiately, until recently, I had been fixated on training at that high level despite not having the fitness that I kept ending up injured and frustrated. What's been different in this latest stretch of running since Christmas from other points in my career is that I have been very careful to not push the pace (10:00/mile has been my clip the entire time) or distance regardless of how I've felt. I've progressed super slow from running 5:00 at a time to 10:00 and have kept all my runs to the flat treadmill. For the past two weeks I have been doing 2 sets of 5 minutes of walking, 10 of running, bringing my total run time up to 20 minutes. It isn't until next week that I will try to run for 20:00 at once. Considering I am now coming from years essentially off from running, such a progression is absolutely vital to my success down the road.<br /> <br />Despite all this feeling good, I don't think I'm totally over my peroneal tendon injury. My shmarmy orthopedic thinks differently considering he gave me the all clear a couple weeks ago at an appointment but some residual tightness and irritation along the outside of my lower leg suggests to me that I need to be careful. In the past few weeks I've been quite good about stretching out my calves on my quasi-newly-purchased wedge which, according to everyone I've seen about this issue, will help. It certainly can't hurt anyway. I've also been icing religiously which has also been helping. I'm just a bit nervous for the day that I begin to add hills and roads back into my routine which is where the problem really presented itself. I guess we'll just cross that bridge when we get there. Til' then, I'll keep on enjoying getting buzzed off my slow trots on the treadmill.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-75615672720593895832009-12-04T11:48:00.000-05:002009-12-04T12:47:10.987-05:00An Overdue UpdateNew Years resolution: get better at posting more frequently so as to avoid lengthy "catch up" posts, such as this one.<br /><br />The lack of posting has largely been due to Grad. school's ability to be all consuming. I actually shouldn't really be posting now since I owe 17 pages in a writing, a poster for a conference coming up in a week, and a class project presentation by next Friday but I needed a break and what a better way to take one than to post my running complaints on the interweb?<br /><br />Not much has changed with my running situation, which is another reason I've been MIA from the blogosphere. I did start running again back in August with a couple walk/run "workouts" ~3 times per week. The walk/run routine consisted of 5:00 of walking and 5:00-10:00 of running, depending on how I was feeling. The walk/runs have largely been on the treadmill and slow (~10:00 pace) which was what I needed. Unfortunately, this is still where I'm at. A healthy combination of work, illness, and injury return has kept me from my goal of getting back up to 3 miles 3-4 times a week by the Turkey Trot, which happened last Thursday. I did end up participating in the Turkey Trot but as a jogger/walker. The finishing time? 37:12. My slowest 5K yet! Surprisingly, I wasn't all that bummed and had maybe the most fun I've had at a 5K. The people in the back of the pack are way more fun then the competitive folks up front!<br /><br />The biggest problem injury-wise has been the adjustment of my orthotics. Things felt good right after I first got them in August but after I got them adjusted in October, things went south. Trying to correct my excessive <a href="http://www.eorthopod.com/images/ContentImages/ankle/ankle_peroneal_tendinosis/eversion.swf">eversion</a>, my orthotic guy (what is their proper title anyway?) added extra arch support. This caused me to put all sorts of pressure on the outsides of my foot resulting in a return of pain. I stopped running for a bit but did not see the pain subside. A bout with a nasty virus sidelined me for a little while longer pushing my time from running to 3 weeks. Just recently (literally a couple days ago), I had my orthotics adjusted again this time in the opposite direction; orthotics man added some wedging which corrects the food the other way. This felt good, so I decided to take to the treadmill again for a walk/run (5:00 walk, 5:00 run). So much for improvement. Though the outside of my foot doesn't hurt anymore (plus), the outside of my right leg is more tight and sore than it has been before (minus). And it gets better: no longer is it just my right leg, this week I've notice a similar soreness/tightness on my lower left leg too (double minus). My next orthotics visit is only in a couple weeks so I'm going to ride out the pain and hope that I just need some time to adjust to the changes. I've also returned to the stretching, icing and ibuprofen routine which'll hopefully help keep things from getting out of control.<br /><br />The new goal is to be able to run the Runnin' O' the Green 4-miler in March 6, 2010. I ran this race last year and had a great time and would like to do it again. A super goal would be to beat last year's time of 33:56, but that'll depend on my consistency over the next couple of months. For all you avid ChelsRuns followers (and general Chelsea stalkers) interested in keeping tabs on my consistency, you welcome to view and comment on my <a href="http://www.logarun.com/calendars/cacorr/2009/12">online running log</a>. I started it a couple months back to keep myself accountable. Your feedback is appreciated!<br /><br />The good thing about this whole peroneal tendon fiasco has been that it's given me a somewhat new perspective on running. I've learned to appreciate just being able to run and to not be disappointed in how slow or short I run. I'm hoping I can keep this perspective, since I think it's key for making running a lifelong hobby.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-49298037645742219822009-08-14T11:22:00.001-04:002009-08-14T11:34:04.576-04:00Updated Race CalendarWith the orthotics in place and feeling good (for the most part), I'm going to take my first running steps this weekend. It'll be slow and short; the plan is to do three sets of five minutes of walking, five of running back to back. I'm nervous to start back given that every other time I've started up, I've had to stop again. But with a solid two months of no running under my belt and a plan to get back reeeeeally slowly, this time will hopefully be different.<br /><br />The ultimate goal is to get back for a few fall 5Ks, the first of which falls on the first weekend in October. I don't plan to run any PRs this fall but do hope to get to a point where running is comfortable and painless again; where races aren't disappointing but fun. Hopefully by getting back into it slowly, I'll set myself up for a solid race season in 2010.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-88950140254850345912009-08-01T10:41:00.000-04:002009-08-01T11:16:19.528-04:00The Saga Continues... An UpdateWell, I still haven't run. This, I'm pretty sure, marks the longest break from running since I broke my foot my Sophomore year of college. <br /><br />At the beginning of July, I saw an orthopedist about my foot. He diagnosed me with "peroneal tendon dysfunction" AKA "I-have-no-idea-whats-wrong-with-you-but-know-the-problem-has-something-to-do-with-that-tendon". I was prescribed PT, orthotics, and Ibproufen; no surprise. <br /><br />I have since finished PT where I got rid of some scar tissue. My foot feels better, but whether or not that's as a result of PT or just a prolonged absence from running I think is still undecided. <br /><br />I have been fit for orthotics and will pick them up a week from Monday. I'm hoping they help but am weary. The onset of this whole issue was seemingly sudden leading me to believe that there's an element to the problem that's more than just a biomechanical issue that has built up over time. <br /><br />Both the guy who's making my orthotics and the physical therapist noted that my calves were unnaturally tight and that this may be the root of the whole problem. I would have to agree, which is super frustrating because that is EXACTLY what the guy I saw back in March said. I thought I was stretching enough but the flexibility tests suggest otherwise. This is where the orthotics will come in; by adjusting the way I run, it is hoped that the pressure will be taken off my lower legs.<br /><br />As expected, this whole fiasco has altered my running plan. Things aren't looking good for the Seacoast half because I just don't think I have the time to get my mileage up. I already missed one race I paid for, the York Days 5K on July 26th, and will likely have to miss another, the Fox Point 5-miler in September, for the same mileage-build-up concerns that I have for the half. This is a bummer because I was really looking forward to this races. Racing's kind of why I want to keep running and it just sucks to have the taken away for who knows how long. <br /><br />The plan for now is to start running again a week-ish after getting my orthotics. By that point it will have almost been a full 2 months of not running so coming back slowly is the key. I'll probably start with some run-walk workouts on the track and then go up from there. The good thing is that I have been somewhat good about getting into the gym or pool so hopefully the comeback will be easier and quicker than it might have been had I done nothing. <br /><br />I'm also trying to get into Weight Watchers to start the weight loss which, while I've been told otherwise, I believe has had a role in this whole thing. I think I was running too hard for where I was fitness-wise and just had gotten to a point where my body wasn't able to recover fast enough. I have gained weight and loss a significant amount of fitness and should've been more conscious of this last year. Instead, I focused too much on the watch and the distance leading me to where I'm at today. I really hope this next round I can be better about really listening to my body and being less concerned with speed and distance. <br /><br />Bring on the great return to running part 2.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1321284581987047285.post-13758697695846890502009-06-29T13:42:00.000-04:002009-06-29T14:09:44.657-04:00Biting the BulletDespite hopes that self-diagnosis and self-rehab (i.e., icing and sucking-it-up) would result in pain-free runs in the near future, I am going to see an orthopedic surgeon on Thursday. I was able to ignore the fact that my foot/ankle issue was still very present for the past few weeks since I was only running 2.5 miles every other day. Even then, though, the outside of my lower leg was always tight and the outside of my foot, while not incredibly sore, didn't feel right.<br /><br />Last week I made the daring move up and ran 3.2 miles. The loop was very hilly and hard as hell, but it was my only option at the time. Afterwards, my foot was unbelievably sore and still hurts today. Needless to say, I haven't run since that run (last Wednesday).<br /><br />I could continue to follow my plan of stopping for a week (or more) and then starting up again but something tells me I'm going to just keep ending up back here. I've been avoiding a doctor out of fear of being told not to run for weeks but clearly, I'm not progressing doing things the way I'm doing now.<br /><br />I also have a feeling that the issue may be biomechanical given that it takes barely any running to knock me down. It may just be that running for 12 years and weight gain have left me running funny and in need of orthotics. Or a chiropractor. It'll take a real doctor to make that call though.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03635438487419719442noreply@blogger.com0