September 5, 2011 by Darlene

This & That and a Virtual 5K

This was a busy week:

Monday I had dinner with a running friend that I haven’t seen the infamous heel injury. Tuesday was my last tennis with my Tuesday tennis group so we went out to dinner after. Wednesday, I spent the day at the US Open.

with my friend Catalina at the Open

We watched some amazing tennis matches – some veterans, some up and coming players, some upsets, some predictables- all in all, it was a long HOT day (got up at 4:15 am and went to bed at 11:00 pm).

Since I hadn’t run since Monday, I forced myself to do 4.5 miles after work on Thursday- it wasn’t pretty and I finished & got in my car seconds before the rain came down.

Saturday for the 2nd time this summer, I stayed home from the lake to do my LONG run. I ran 6 miles which was my longest distance since April 23 (my half marathon). It was tough – it took me 1:11 to do it with 2 water stops & some walking. (My friends kept texting me: we miss you…what are you dong home on such as nice day?…They are NOT runners!!)

Then I rewarded myself with a movie – I saw Sarah’s Key. I read the book and I must admit, it was very true to the book. A sad story but I highly recommend it.

Sunday am, I headed up to the lake with my friend Cheryl. My hubby & other friends were already there waiting. It was the annual Christmas in September on Log Bay. Everyone hangs out on the lake. There’s a band, a parade & fireworks at night.

with Cheryl & Kathi

going for a ride

Unfortunately, it started to rain in the evening and the parade & fireworks were canceled. We headed home.

This morning, I decided to enter my own 5K – Darlene’s Virtual 5k.

I finished in 33:38. No water stops. I ran straight through for the first time since my last 5k on June 11 (which I finished in 27:45!!!!!). I placed 1st in my age group. In fact, I came in first overall. It was incredibly humid. I was drenched in sweat (I am not a sweater) when I was done. It started to rain as soon as I finished too.

I can’t tell you how hard this was. I felt that I needed to run without stopping & stretching & worrying about my heel. The pace was slow but I couldn’t do it any faster. I felt so out of shape, so tired… I wanted to stop a hundred times but I wouldn’t let myself.

Now I know I can do it. I think that in a real 5K race I will have more adrenaline & will eat better the day before so hopefully my time will get back to where it was before the injury.

Afterwards, my hubby & I headed back to Lake George for a great lunch with friends at a restaurant overlooking the lake.

Happy Running! Happy Labor Day!

September 1, 2011 by Darlene

Where has the summer gone?

The end of August always makes me sad. The days get shorter. The temps get cooler. We start thinking about putting our boat away for winter. This year, however, I’m hoping that the fall brings healing to my heel and more pleasant running conditions.

August update: My goals were…

I am hoping to be pain-free! Nope! But not worse…

I am hoping to start running again! Yup but slowly…

I am hoping to gradually increase my mileage. Yup up to 16.5 miles weekly and a long run of 5.5 miles…

I am hoping to start training for Half Marathon #4. Sorta …see above…

I am hoping to run a 5k before the end of the month. Nope…not until I am pain-free!

More in August:

I have played tennis.
I finished my PT sessions.
I’ve ordered orthotics.
I have continued yoga.
The weekends on Lake George have been great. 🙂
My mentee had a baby boy!!!
We survived Irene & a mini quake

So what’s in store for September??

Hope to run pain-free
Continue tennis & yoga once a week
Spend a few more weekends on Lake George.
Run 3-4 times a week
Increase weekly mileage by adding longer runs
Prepare for Half Marathon #4 by doing 4 & 5
Survive Half Marathon #3
Run a 5k or 10K race (only if #1)

Happy Running!

August 29, 2011 by Darlene

Hurricane’s Over. Back to Normal.

Update on Last Week:

I almost met my goal of 17 miles. I ran Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat. for a total of 16.5 slow miles (with some walking as part of each run).
I played Tennis once but did NOT do Yoga
0 lbs lost

Goals for this Week:

run 18 miles
play tennis
It’s week #3 of Half Marathon #4 training (week #9 of Half Marathon #3 non-training)

This Week’s Schedule:

Mon: dinner w/ running friend after work
Tues: tennis after work
Wed: all day trip to the US Open
Thurs: dentist am
Fri: Mah Jongg
Sat & Sun – at the lake (weather permitting)

Running for the Week:

Mon: 4 mi before work
Thurs: 4 miles after work
Fri: 4 mi before or after work
Sun: 6 miles in BL (Bolton Landing)

Happy Running!

August 27, 2011 by Darlene

The Best Laid Plans…

Plan #1: Run a Half Marathon in April and then cut back on mileage and work on speed until July. Start training in July for a Half Marathon in Sept. Run another in LA in November.

I ran the Lake George Half in April and then reduced my miles. I ran several successful 5ks – several under 28 minutes!! Life was good. Then on June 12…pain in the heel!

Plan #2: Stop working on speed and running 5Ks until pain goes away.

I rested and then ran slowly and did not run any races…pain persisted so I went to the doctor. X-rays revealed no fracture or bone spur. MRI showed inflammation & swelling where the heel bone meets the Achilles tendon. PT & rest prescribed.

Plan #3: Stop running all together and go to physical therapy until you are allowed to run again. No 5k races or training for Half in September.

I did not run or play tennis for 4 weeks. I went to PT 2x a week. Did all the stretches, took anti-inflammatory drugs and iced several times a day. Gained 8 lbs.

Plan#4: Start running again. Build up the miles slowly. Continue to stretch & ice. Run some 5k races. Walk/run Half Marathon in September but run the November Half.

I continued PT until insurance stopped paying. I started running at a slow pace with a lot of walking. I went back to the doctor to order orthotics. The pain still persists.

Plan #5: Continue running and building up the mileage. No 5 or 10K races (except the Half in September) until after the Half in November.

I considered stopping running (for a minute.) But it will be hard enough not to race. If I enter a race, I know I will try to run fast, not stop, not stretch. Running on my own, there will be no pressure. So if it hurts, I can stop. Maybe the orthotics will help. Maybe the pain will disappear!!

Plan #6: TBA

4 days old!

Happy Running! Stay safe (if you are hit by Irene)!

August 22, 2011 by Darlene

Two and Eight

2 and 8 are my lucky running numbers so I am hoping for a good week!

Update on Last Week:

I didn’t meet my goal of 15 miles since I was rained out 2x but I did run Wed, Thurs, Sat. for a total of 12.5 slow miles (with some walking as part of each run).
I played Tennis once & did Yoga once
3 low cal root beer floats (diet root beer & lite ice cream – 100 calories)
2 lbs lost

Goals for this Week:

run 17 miles
play tennis
It’s week #2 of Half Marathon #4 training (week #8 of Half Marathon #3 non-training)

This Week’s Schedule:

Mon: dinner w/friend after work
Tues: tennis after work
Wed: last PT
Thurs: hair appt
Fri: Mah Jongg
Sat & Sun – at the lake (weather permitting)

Running for the Week:

Mon: 3.5 mi before work
Wed: 3.5 mi before work
Fri: 4 miles before or after work
Sun: : 6 miles in BL (Bolton Landing)

Happy Running!

August 17, 2011 by Darlene

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

I’m running the NYC Marathon!

Only kidding!

On the same day, I’m doing something almost as absurd.

I’m running a Half Marathon!

In Santa Clarita, outside LA!!

I mentioned this race before and why I wanted to do it.

But that was before I was injured. Now it’s less than 12 weeks away & I’m not fully recovered.

BUT I’M DOING IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish me luck!!

Happy Running!

August 16, 2011 by Darlene

Update on Half Marathon #3

If you remember, I was REALLY REALLY looking forward to this half marathon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My training was to have begun on July 4. It did not. I was injured. 😦

I feel like I am starting all over… and this half is in less than 6 weeks!!!!!!

So now what?

For Half Marathon #3 on Schroon Lake, I plan to:

Enjoy the weekend at my friend’s house on Schroon River.
Go to my 1st Expo.
Meet up with running friends.
Encourage & be happy for my running friends.
Take lots of pics (so I’ll be prepared for next year).
Run/Walk (walk a lot esp the hills) the 13.1 miles.
Not run it and get re-injured!
Cross the finish line running & smiling (without looking at the clock).
Get my finisher medal (so finish under 5 hrs).
Have fun… and not be depressed or disappointed!!

Any advice for entering a race that you haven’t trained for?

Has anyone ever walked a race?

How do I be patient and walk when everyone else is running?

Does this count as a Half Marathon for me?

Happy Running!

August 15, 2011 by Darlene

It’s Monday & I Have Goals Again

Update on Last Week:

I ran Tues, Thurs, Sat. for a total of 13 slow miles (with some walking as part of each run).
No Tennis – rained out
No Yoga (PT appt ran long)
2 root beer floats
2 lbs lost

Goals for this Week:

15 miles
tennis
yoga
week #1 of Half Marathon #4 training (more about that in another post)

This Week’s Schedule:

Mon: PT after work
Tues: tennis after work
Wed: yoga after work
Thurs: PT after work
Fri: Dr appt am & BBQ at the marina (OFF from work)
Sat & Sun – at the lake (weather permitting)

Running for the Week:
Mon: 3.5 mi before work (rained out- moved to Tues!)
Wed: 3.5 mi before work
Fri: 4 miles
Sun: : 4 miles in BL (Bolton Landing)

Happy Running!

August 12, 2011 by Darlene

Orthotics Anyone?

Sean's Run

I was happy! I was running! I was running fast!

That ended on June 11, 2011!

Since then — one month of painful running followed by PT and no running!

Now it’s on to slow short runs…but NO RACING!!!

Everytime I read the newspaper or my e-mails or FACEBOOK, there is mention of a 5K race!!

Summer 5ks are very popular in my area. There’s several every weekend. I used run in them. My hubby is probably happier since we have had more boat time and he doesn’t have to wait around for me.

I am sad!

Wednesday I went to PT and PT guy#1 wants to extend my PT 2 more weeks. He also wants me to continue stretching, walking and running longer.

So I ran 4 miles yesterday in perfect weather. The run was mixed with walking but I ran.

Today, I still feel good and went back to my foot doctor. Since the real pain is gone, he said there’s nothing left to do. (I still wonder if I didn’t go to PT, stretch, not run or play tennis and ice, would the pain still be there???)

He wants me to get orthotics! I pronate and I need arch supports to put less pressure on my Achilles. A mere $350!!

So I have to get a letter from my insurance company stating that they will cover it, then make an appt, get measured, get them made and gradually get used to running in them…just 3 months or so!!!

Yeah, right…I have a half marathon in 6 weeks. Well, that’s out as we know. I WANT TO TRAIN FOR HALF #4 –that means run pain-free and it’s in 12 weeks…

On a positive note:

I’ve seen 2 good movies this week: