Month: October 2012

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A Case of Deja Vu

A chilly morning but the sun is shining.  And it’s Saturday.  Nothing is on my schedule.  Perfect for a long run!  So I get dressed and have breakfast and while reading the paper, I decide that the Nisky bike path would be a good place to go.

Oh wait!  I forgot.  I can’t run!!!

I’m not going to let a sunny day go to waste.  I ask my hubby to put the bike rack on his truck and I make plans to go for a long bike ride.

This was the scenario last spring.

last April at the Nisky bike path

Now this fall, it’s deja vu!!!

My last long run was on the Nisky bike path… on Dec 29.  And now I’m back – injured…not running…but biking!!

6 months later in the same place

A few differences:

In April, the trees were bare because they hadn’t bloomed yet.  Today, many were bare because the  leaves had fallen to the ground.

In April, the broken bones in my left ankle had healed and biking was a way to get mobility back.  It was a way to recover so that I could run.  Today, biking may or may not be good for my ankle since I don’t know if  it is a stress fracture or tendonitis.

In April, I was so happy to be biking because I was able to .  Today, I was biking only because I couldn’t run.

Anyway, it was great to be outdoors.

view of the Mohawk R.

I sweat which is good too.

check out my t-shirt (Sweat Pink)

I love the fall colors so this was another opportunity to take it in.

pumpkin field

I saw some deer and even a fox.

the deer are at the top of the hill, the fox is heading up the hill

My legs were tired.  I needed the exercise.  And my right foot only hurt when I got off the bike on it or started to pedal  with it (I am so used to favoring the left one that I kept forgetting.) and when I walked on it.

another view of the path

I think this injury is making my left foot stronger so maybe in the end when I run again, I won’t be favoring either foot.  And that’s a good thing! (I’m trying to be optimistic!)

Tomorrow I will not be biking but I plan to be watching AJH in a duathlon!  Keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn’t rain.

Happy Running!  Enjoy your weekend!

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Running Pop Quiz

I saw this on a blog last week and when you are not running so there is nothing to blog about and all you can think about is running, you do things like this!
 
So here are my answers! 🙂
 
1. FUEL: Shot Bloks, GU, Energy Chews, Candy or Other?
 
I have only used Gu and it works for me so I’ve been afraid to use another.  Vanilla is favorite, followed by Chocolate Outrage.  I just bought Espresso and am anxious to try it.
 

2. Race Length: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon, Marathon, Ultra or Other?
 
5K is my favorite because there are so many to choose from and they don’t involve a lot of training. I do like half marathons too because I don’t feel pressured to be fast and you get a medal!
 
Helper’s Fund 5K


3. Workout Bottoms: Skirts, Running Shorts, Capris, Pants or Other?

 
I prefer skirts.  They are more comfortable.  I think I look thinner in them.  I do occasionally wear shorts.  When it is cold, I wear a skirt over my capris or tights.
 

Camp Chingachgook 10K in a skirt

 
4. Sports Drink: Gatorade, Powerade, Cytomax, you stick to water when you run or Other?
 
Water!  I don’t like sports drinks.
 
hydrating with water after a 5K


5. Running Temperatures: HEAT or COLD?

If I have to choose, it would be hot. I hate to wear layers.
 

90 degrees & racing

 
6. Running Shoe Brands: Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, Brooks, Asics or Other?
 
 
That’s difficult because I have tried them all.  I started with Saucony, then NIke, then Asics, Mizuno, Brooks, and now I have both Brooks & Mizuno.  I actually haven’t found my perfect shoe.
 

in Mizunos


7. Pre-race meal: Oatmeal, Bagel, Banana, Eggs, Cereal or Other?
 
Always oatmeal and coffee.
 

pre-race meal

 
 
8. Rest Days: 1x per week, 2x per week, never ever ever or other?  
 
Well, when I am healthy, I don’t run 3x per week but on one of  those days I may be playing tennis.
 

not running

9. Music: Have to have it or go without it? 
 
During a race, I always go without it.  The other runners are my distraction.  When I am alone, I usually have my iPod nano.
 

running with music

 
10. #1 reason for running: stress-relief, endorphins, you love to race, so you can eat all the cupcakes you want, weight-loss, love running for social reasons or other?
 
I would have to say, I run for stress-relief, endorphins but mostly that I love to race.
 

happy to be racing

 
 
Happy Running!  Have a great weekend.  I hope it involves running and if not, why not do this quiz.
 
 
 
 
 


 

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Wednesday Hugs

Did you know that a collection of teddy bears is referred to as a “hug”?

Bring your teddy bear and join our “hug” on

Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day, Wednesday, October 10th !

So I did:

Here I am at work helping someone with Excel with my “bear”

With no tennis or running on my schedule…I definitely needed a HUG!

Happy Running!

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Liebster Blog Award

My fellow blogger, I Run For Wine has nominated me for a Liebster Blog Award! Thanks to Gayle for the recognition. This award is a way for bloggers with less than 200 followers who deserve some recognition and support to keep on blogging.

The rules are as follows:

So here goes:

  1. I am an avid Mets fan (even when they are losing which is most of the time). I listen to their games whenever I can
  2. I have been mentoring a young unwed mom for the past 4 1/2 years.  Her 5 year old son Richard is a joy!  I love Amanda like a daughter.  (She also now has a one year old.)
  3. I have NEVER eaten peanut butter. (That means I’ve never had a P & J sandwich. I don’t even eat Reese’s.)
  4. I love to play tennis although I don’t play it as much since I started running 4 1/2 yrs ago. I used to play everyday now it’s only a once or twice a week. I may even enjoy running more!? But some of my best friends are ones that I met through playing tennis.
  5. I spent my junior year of college in Nice, France and taught French for many many years (until I discovered the world of technology – now I’m a geek). I still love anything French and would move to Paris in a heart beat.
  6. I am addicted to Mah Jongg.  I have played it for almost 4 years on Friday evenings.  It’s a game my mother used to play & no one wants to be like their mother but it’s a lot of fun and it keeps your mind young (I hope).
  7. I have seen Les Miserables (the show) at least 12 times and would see it again if it came to town. I have also read the book & seen the movies but it’s the music that I love!
  8. I am a certified “cat lady.”  I have 5 cats: Jerry, Slater, Spooky, Billy, Honey. Honey is the only female. Jerry is my fav but my hubby adores Slater.
  9. I am obsessed with photos.  I take my camera almost everywhere I go.  I post them all online in Shutterfly and a selected number on Facebook.
  10. I love desserts.  I would skip dinner and just have dessert.  Once I even went to the Mariott’s (in NYC) all you can eat dessert buffet instead of having dinner. Apple pie and creme brulee are among my favorites.
  11. I hardly ever watch TV… I am never am home.  I detest reality shows, too.  I do DVR Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, The Good Wife  (but struggle to find the time to watch.) However, my hubby would do nothing else but watch TV if he could.

11 Questions I Need to Answer from I Run for Wine:

1. What is your dream job? Working with kids and teachers on using the computer to enhance learning (my last job)

2. Vacation at the beach or city? Definitely the beach

3. What is your favorite food? Ice cream

4. Red or white wine? Mostly white but red with Italian food

5. What is one thing you have accomplished on your bucket list? Running a Half Marathon

6. Morning person or night owl? Morning

7. If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be?  Paris

8. Favorite holiday and why? July 4th.  I love summertime and I love fireworks.

9.  Favorite TV show? The Good Wife

10. How do you relax? With a good book

11. Who are you closest to in life? My husband

11 Questions My Nominees Need to Answer:

  1. Running, Biking, Swimming or Other?
  2. Dog or Cats?
  3. Favorite Racing Distance?
  4. One Goal for 2012 that you have accomplished?
  5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?
  6. Favorite Race?
  7. Marathon: Done It, Someday or Never?
  8. Favorite Book?
  9. Favorite Movie?
  10. If you won the lottery, what would you buy first?
  11. Worst Fear?

Blogs I am Nominating for a Liebster Award:

  1. Breaking My Runners In
  2. My Journey To Fit
  3. Weez Runs
  4. I Survived and Now I Run
  5. Running races Coast to Coast
  6. Livin’ a Little Life
  7. Fit & Fabulous After 40
  8. Dutch Girl Gets Healthy
  9. Forget Me Not
  10. 50 is the New 30
  11. Any other blogger who wants to….

Happy Running! Happy Blogging!

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The Happy Post

This has been going around the blogosphere so I thought I’d give it a try.  Supposedly when thinking of all the things that make you happy, you feel happier.

  • Rainbows

  • Hanging out with my friends

the group minus 2 that had left

  • A good cup of coffee in the morning

  • Reading a good book

  • Winning a tennis match

  • PRing in a race

  • Boating time with my hubby

  • Helping others

giving Amanda a Baby Shower

  • Relaxing by the ocean or a lake

  • Finishing a project such as a quilt or knitted socks

  • A soft ice cream cone on a hot day

  • Homemade apple pie

  • Finding a bargain

  • Sunsets

  • Winning a hand at mah jongg

  • Sunshine

  • The colors of fall

And yes, I do feel “happier.”

Happy Running!  Try this.  Post on your blog or comment here: What makes you happy?

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Injury Update, Race Spectating and Quilting

Last week, Dr Google said Extensor Tendonitis, this week, it says Metatarsal Stress Fracture.

I need to get off the computer or I will go nuts.

Anyway, it felt worse this morning but the more I stay off of it, the better it feels.  At least I still have my boot & crutches, if I need them.

I got a sub for my Monday tennis and my Tuesday tennis.  I do not plan to run all this week.  I will not race next weekend.

If it still hurts next week, I will go to the doctor.  So that’s the plan.  IT SUCKS!!!

This morning, I went to watch the runners finish the Mohawk Hudson Half marathon.  I stood about a 1/2 mile before the finish line.  I saw quite a few people I know.  I was too busy screaming at them to take photos.  I did see the winner of the full marathon.

he finished in 2 1/2 hours !!!

It was perfect running weather and this is a great course.  I so wanted to be running.  My hubby thinks I should quit as do my non-running friends.  I WILL NOT!!!

Then I headed up north again. I stopped off at our marina.  My hubby was there putting our boat away for winter (so sad… but now my weekends are free for long runs… 😦 )

After that stop, I continued to Chestertown.  Several weeks ago, after a race, I signed up for a quilting class.  (Did I have ESP that I would soon have lots of free time…)

Anyway, it took my mind off things for a few hours.

this is the lst of 12 applique blocks (I hope mine looks like this…)

Afterwards, I got myself a pity treat.

pumpkin ice cream – yum!

The plan had been to do a long run on the new loop that I discovered last weekend.  Instead I drove it.

Schroon River

and stopped for a few pics. I won’t be back till next year.

Happy Running! Send some quick healing vibes my way!!

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Komen Race for the Cure Race Report

This my 5th time running this 5K race. My times have been:  32:49, 31:15: 29:10 and 29:49.

But really, who cares?  It is such an emotional race.  Everyone there knows someone who has had or died from breast cancer.  Many are survivors themselves.

the official tee shirt

I feel foolish worrying about my foot.  Tendonitis is not life threatening.  I am fortunate to be healthy.

The weather was pretty dreary when I left my house.  Being on a team, I had to wear the team heavy cotton tee shirt (ugh!).

this is the back – it is blue with pink lettering

I parked my car at work (to avoid the crowds) and walked the mile to where the race began.  After resting my foot since Tuesday, it felt pretty good – not 100% but hopefully it would not get worse.

But as I walked, my foot started to hurt…not a good sign.  It also got warmer and even the sun was peeking out.

I got there early to meet my friend, MaryPat and her niece Courtney.

before the race

We then headed out to the start. I moved to the front (out from under the overpass) trying to get a signal on my Garmin. It took a long time and finally got one seconds before the race started.

I have run this same course 9x. It starts uphill and ends downhill with many inclines around and through the park.

I felt uncomfortable from the start.  I was hot.  My foot was hurting.  But I just kept going.

In fact, I didn’t stop at all.  Not even for water.  This is the first 5k since returning from my ankle injury that I didn’t stop.

I wanted to.  My ankle hurt.  My good foot hurt more.  I saw a friend that I used to work with who has CF and is in and out of the hospital.  She cheered me on in the park twice.  So I kept running.  I ran for her in hope that she will find a match for a lung transplant.

Finally I saw the finish line and I had little left.  I crossed around 30:50 or so.  Not bad considering…

my splits

I waited for my friends to cross.  I didn’t get their pics but got one of someone else from my team.

someone from the AHN team (in blue) heading to the finish line

This is the first race that I have run injured.  It is the first race that I regret running.  After the race, I could barely walk and I had to limp over a mile to my car…ugh!  (The only good thing was that it didn’t start raining until I got to my car.)

Ice and ibuprofen have helped and I feel better but am still bummed about being injured!!!

finished 654 out of 1496 and 12th in my AG

Happy Running! Good luck to all those racing this weekend!  Anyone else stupidly run a race while injured?

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Weather, Injury and Race Goals


It rained all last weekend and most of this week (except today.) The forecast for this weekend is no better.

weekend forecast

Normally, I would be so annoyed … especially since I never run in the rain.  But it has actually been a blessing.  I was not tempted to run.  I rested Wed & Thurs and normally I would have run 3 miles each day.

Today my foot feels much better…maybe because I have not run on it.

Oct 6, 2012 in Albany, NY

I am still on the fence about tomorrow’s race (it is supposed to be rainy and cold!).  But most likely, I will do it. (I joined a team and I am meeting a friend there.)

At this point in my ankle recovery, I would have hoped to run faster… to finish under 30 minutes, etc.

Now with my new injury, I am hoping to run it without pain, not to aggravate my right foot so I can continue my running next week and after that.

So we’ll see how it goes.

Happy Running!  Any racing this weekend?  Good luck to all those SRMs running in the Mohawk Hudson Marathon or Half Marathon on Sunday!!!

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On the DL Again?

I was injury-free for the first 45 years of my life.  That’s because I did nothing (exercise-wise.)

Then I began to exercise to stay active and healthy.  Here’s what happened:

  • about 14 years ago – strained metatarsals on right foot – from tennis
  • about 11 years ago – broken 5th metatarsal on right foot – from waterskiing fall
  • about 5 years ago – frozen right shoulder, spinal stenosis –  from golf
  • about 4 years ago – meniscus tear in left knee –  from tennis
  • about 15 months ago – Achilles tendonitis in right foot – from running and/or tennis
  • 9 months ago – broken left ankle – from an icy fall
  • Tuesday – see below for my own diagnosis:

The extensor tendons come from the small muscles in front of the leg. They cross the front of the ankle, pass over the top of the foot, attaching to the big and lesser toes. These tendons function to pull the foot upward as well as work with the Achilles tendon and calf muscles to pull the foot downward. When they are over stressed they become inflamed and painful. Extensor tendonitis is commonly caused by tightness of the calf muscle, over exertion, or falling of the foot arch. Treatment consists of stretching, orthotics, and oral anti-inflammatory medications. In more severe cases, a removable below the knee cast may be utilized until full healing can occur.

I am trying to not freak out!

I assume that it is from overuse which is logical.  I have been running, walking & biking for the last 4 months with a recovering left ankle.  That’s puts extra stress on my good foot.

I felt fine on Sunday and great Monday evening playing tennis.  In fact, I played my best tennis since returning – even won 6-1. 6-3 with two different partners.

Then Tuesday morning, I got up early to run and the top of my foot hurt when I started to run.  I hoped that the pain would go away but it didn’t.  I tried to walk/run and not make it hurt which was very awkward.  I stopped and iced and took ibuprofen.  I did that yesterday and I plan to continue with ice and ibuprofen. (It does feel a lot better today than on Tuesday..)

I know rest is the solution.

Do I run tonight to test it?  Do I skip my race (for the Cure) on Saturday?  Do I skip my long run over the weekend?  Do I skip tennis next Monday & Tuesday (it is hard to get subs!!)?

Injuries SUCK!

Happy Running!  Anyone experience the same problem? 

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Wordless Wednesday

 

Why didn’t someone tell me that my stomach was hanging out? (I won’t post anymore but all the photos are like that!!)

Happy Running!  Anyone else have embarrassing race photos?