June 12, 2013 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Running! Are you grumpy when you can’t run?

June 11, 2013 by Darlene

Spirit of the Marathon II…tomorrow!

From the filmmakers who brought you the award-winning documentary Spirit of the Marathon comes the highly anticipated sequel: Spirit of the Marathon II.

This new film features the personal journeys of a new cast of 7 athletes (amateurs and veterans) as they run the iconic streets of Rome, Italy. The film also includes interviews with marathon greats such as Stefano Baldini, Paula Radcliffe, Frank Shorter and many others.

An entirely new running adventure, Spirit of the Marathon II expands on the first film looking further into this legendary event, its significance in people’s lives and ultimate impact on society.

The movie’s producers, NCM Fathom Events and movie theater circuit partners AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group—will donate a portion of the proceeds from the “Spirit of the Marathon II” event to The One Fund Boston, assisting families affected by the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon on April 15.

The film premiers in the US for only one night: Wednesday, June 12, 2013.

Click here to find a list of participating theaters.

Here’s the official trailer for the movie! I wish I could go see it…

Happy Running! Are you planning on seeing this movie? Did you see “Spirit of the Marathon?”

June 9, 2013 by Darlene

The Starfish

A Starfish or actual a Sea Star as they are often called (since they are not really fish but animals) has the ability to regenerate an amputated limb.

First it must first undergo a repair phase to heal the exposed wound.
Once the wound is healed, the sea star can begin to generate new cells, which in turn, sparks new growth.
Regeneration can take anywhere from several months to years.
Cell proliferation that results in the growth of the new limb occurs in the final phase.
If the final phase is interrupted, the resulting new limb may be deformed.

So what does a Sea Star have to do with my broken foot?

No, my foot has not been amputated. But I cannot use it. It is useless.

First, my foot must go through the repair phase to heal the broken bone.
Once the bone is healed, I can slowly place weight on the foot.
Slowing I will be able to walk, bike, run short distances, play tennis…
Returning to running form could take weeks to months.
Increasing speed and distance while running pain-free is the final phase.
If I am not patient and run too soon, too fast, too long or ignore any pain, the result may be a stress fracture or another injury. My return to races and tennis will be interrupted.

When I was cleaning out a jewelry box, I found this star fish necklace. It is just costume jewelry (not even sterling silver) but I am wearing it in hopes that my running will get regenerated at some point in my future.

heal foot heal

Happy Running!

June 8, 2013 by Darlene

One Week Post Injury

One week ago, I was excited to run my favorite race of the year.

me, Courtney and her aunt MaryPat my friend)

I am smiling not knowing what would happen next.

I had a great first mile which is the hardest part of the race because it is uphill and crowded. Then there was that misstep but I continued to run (through the pain.)

crossed at 29:41 and met my under 30 minutes goal.

A visit to the xray machine led to this for at least the next TWO weeks (but most probably 8 wks.)

A lot things happen the first week of an injury:

feeling that I should give up running
feeling that I will never give up running
trying to stay busy watching TV and reading books
difficulty navigating a 2 story house on crutches
trying to be self-sufficient by cooking, doing laundry and emptying the dishwasher
realizing that I need help by having groceries delivered to my home (Shoprite – free delivery if you spend over $100 & you get flowers)
going to a funeral and realizing that breaking my foot is not the end of the world
realizing that I have a lot of friends who care
knowing that my non-running friends will never understand when I say that I will run again
feeling that maybe I should give up running
knowing that I will try to run again
feeling sorry for myself
realizing that the world of hard to open doors are not made for crutching persons
being not embarrassed to crawl around on my hands and knees.
matching my sneakers to my outfits
being happy when it rains
everything takes longer when on crutches
watching the muscles in my leg slowly disintegrate
my hubby is a saint (hope he stays that way when he realizes boating maybe difficult or impossible)
reading EVERY website about a broken fifth metatarsal
~~hating~~ jealous when I see people running
trying to eat healthy and not eat ice cream more than once a day
feeling grateful that I am not in any pain
feeling glad that I can drive to work and do most of my tasks at my desk
feeling lazy, inactive (no yoga, walking, biking, tennis, RUNNING) and fat

And so yes Ryan, I will try… to be more positive.

Happy Running!

June 5, 2013 by Darlene

National Running Day

National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. Wherever we are and whomever we’re with, we run—fast or slow, alone or with others, all over town or just around the block. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment.

I cannot run today 😦

But I would if I could.

So if you can, please run for ME!!

my “last” race finish but definitely not my LAST race finish…I will run again!!

My colleague at work whom I walk with everyday took pity on me and took me for a ride.

Thanks Sherri. You’re the best!

Happy National Running Day! How did you celebrate it?

June 3, 2013 by Darlene

Injury Update

I just spent 2 depressing days at home. I am already tired of TV and books and CRUTCHES…wah..wah

Today I went my orthopedist. I got an appointment with the same guy that did the surgery on my ankle.

Well, obviously Monday is the busiest day at the Bone and Joint Center. I waited 2 hours to see the doctor. He looked at my foot and said it didn’t look broken but he would look at the xrays. Then he said that he didn’t see anything in the xrays so he ordered another set. Another hour went by and he came back and said: “It’s broken.”

5th Metatarsal

He said the (fifth metatarsal) fracture was stable which is good. I asked if it was a Jones fracture or an Avulsion fracture (I did my Google research and they are the most common) and he said “Neither.”

He pointed to wear the break was and it is mid-shaft. He said it is not displaced and that is why it doesn’t hurt and is not swollen.

This doc is the same guy who replied after I broke my ankle “No promises” when I asked if I would run again.

So he gave me no info on my injury other than, “come back in 2 weeks so I can see if the bone remains in tact.” In the meantime, I have to wear that ugly shoe and use crutches.

It seems pretty senseless to be depressed. Tomorrow, I am going to the funeral of my neighbor who is also a fellow tennis player. He is 63, his daughter just had a baby and his son is getting married in July.

So I have a broken foot and I cannot run. But I am alive.

Happy Running! Thanks for your support.

June 2, 2013 by Darlene

Sad Running Roundup

week-in-review11-1s6ozv2

Last Week:

Mon – rest, boating

Tues – 3.4 mile run (after work)
Wed – 6.6 mile run (after work)
Thurs – 2 walks – too hot to run, Mother Runner party

Fri – walk at lunch, mah jongg
Sat – 5K race and broken foot

I did manage to finish the race – I am the one in blue with black cap

Sun – walking around NYC cancelled due to INJURY

13.1 total miles (hey I ran a half )

This Week:

Monday – O miles
Tuesday – O miles
Wednesday – O miles
Thursday – O miles
Friday – O miles
Saturday – O miles
Sunday – O miles

Happy Running! Feel free to join my pity party!

June 1, 2013 by Darlene

Freihofer Run for Women Race Report and on the DL AGAIN!!

This race is always so exciting for me. (I posted why here.)

This year as I did last year, I walked over from work yesterday to pick up my bib and goodies (shirt, bread & cookies).

It was so quiet on the street. Believe it or not I actually saw Joan Benoit Samuelson running up the hill in the 90 degree heat.

After I picked up my goodies, I struggled up that hill (walking.)

oops I may have bought a pair of compression socks….

It was warm already when I got up this morning. I had my usual running breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) and drove to work where I would leave my car and walk the 1.5 miles to the start.

me, Courtney and her aunt MaryPat my friend)

I wanted to get there early so I could meet friends and take a photo with the other SRMs (the group keeps getting bigger and bigger).

Look at the group in 2010!!

Last year was such an emotional race. This year, I was relaxed about it. I wanted to do well but I know that it is so crowded.

some of the SRMs

Around 9:30 or so, I pushed myself into the crowd. It was so hot that I moved up and it was cool because I got to see the elite runners go by and head to the front. Joan Benoit Samuelson offered a moment of silence for Boston. And then we were off.

I tried to get moving. It was difficult but since it was a hill, going slow was ok.

It was warm and all I wanted was to run the whole race and finish strong.

Mile 1 was great. I felt strong and heat really wasn’t bothering me. I was just trying to save it for the end.

THEN IT HAPPENED!!!

I was approaching the first water stop. It was crowded and wet and I was debating whether or not to stop. Somehow I lost my footing or my weak ankle gave out…I am not sure what went wrong exactly. But in trying to remain upright, my foot twisted in my shoe. OUCH!!!!!!!!!!! (Deja vu! The same thing happened 12 years when waterskiing)

Of course, I did what every smart runner does. Stop so I don’t make it worse.

NOT!

I continued to run…my gait was way off and my foot hurt with every step but I ran on….. until I crossed the finish line.

And I did meet my goal. I finished at 29:41!!!

Splits:

mile 1: 9:17 (even going up that hill in the crowd)
mile 2: 9:35 – it hurts
mile 3: 9:40 – it hurts more
.17 – 7:53

After I finished, I headed to the Medic tent to ice my foot. The doctor there suggested I get an xray (not what I wanted to hear) Many women were throwing up, passing out, and staggering in so I limped out of there.

I tried to find my friend but there was SO MUCH SECURITY. I could not get to where we agreed to meet.

So I limped 1.5 miles back to my car.

I was still in denial but my foot was starting to turn purple and I knew what that meant.

Xray results: clean break of the fifth metatarsal

good thing I kept those crutches

Non- weight bearing for…. a long time. I have to now see my ortho.

There are no words to express how BAD I feel……………..

Happy Running! Enjoy your weekend! Anyone ever break their 5th metatarsal??

May 31, 2013 by Darlene

Mother Runner Party

Run Like A Mother- Milwaukee, WI

Ladies, ditch your running shoes for some party shoes and kick up your heels with wine, sweets, mingling, amazing giveaways, drool-worthy swag bags, and a little reading by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, the authors of Run Like a Mother and Train Like a Mother.

This (free, no-hidden-gimmicks) party is a way to celebrate and connect women runners: Dimity and Sarah are founders of Another Mother Runner, an aid station for active, vibrant women that takes the form of a lively website, highly engaged Facebook page, Twitter feed, and weekly free podcast. Yes, our books and tees will be for sale, but this shindig is about hanging out with and meeting other runners. Bring along some running pals or attend solo: We know you’ll have a great time!

How could I resist?

It started at 7:30 pm and of course, I was tempted to run before. But it was 90 degrees and I had run 10 miles in two days so I thought better of it.

Karyn, Tami (who is running the Freihofer’s 9 mos pregnant with her 10th & Melissa

There were so many runners I that I knew or recognized from our SRM Facebook group. (I even met someone from Binghamton who recognized me from DailyMile.)

First everyone just hung around chatting, eating & drinking wine.

I am on the right

That’s me holding the wine glass (kinda hidden)

Then Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea read excerpts from their books and gave away awesome raffle gifts (gift certificate for Saucony sneakers, running water belt, sunglasses, Garmin watch and much more.)

Felice who started the SRM group

some SRMs listening intently

I unfortunately did not win anything. But we did take home a goody bag.

Finally we all went our separate ways hoping to meet again at a future race.

some of the group

Happy Running! If this event is in your area, I recommend attending.

May 30, 2013 by Darlene

May Update and June Goals

Unfortunately, this was a low mileage month.

MAY GOALS UPDATE —

Continue to run regularly (outdoors unless it is raining then on the treadmill at work). YES! 3-4x each week for at least 3 miles

one of my favorite routes = Washington Park

Continue to fit in tennis & yoga in my schedule (once per week). YES (did yoga weekly except when on vacation & then I played tennis)

played tennis for 7 days in a row!

Take a lunch break – we get an hour but I eat at my desk – now that the weather is nice I should go for a walk – Not exactly but I have been walking 1 mile in the morning and 1 mile in the afternoon with a co-worker (on some days). She is diligent about taking her breaks!

Get up early and do some runs before work. YES I have been running once or twice a week before work – prefer it, too.
Eat healthy & keep a reasonable weight. Not exactly – birthdays, vacations, etc.
Don’t let my running schedule take over – make time for family and friends (and mentees). YES.

Add longer runs on the weekend with the goal being a 10 mile race in June. Not exactly – I only ran more than 3 once and that was last weekend (6 miles).
Run at least one race. YES. Ran two 5ks.

Mother’s Day 5K

Run several times during my tennis vacation in Florida. YES, Ran 3x!!

during one of my 3 mile runs

De-clutter the running gear – go through clothes and get rid of those tops & shorts that don’t fit or I don’t wear. Yes. I could do some more but it was a start.