Another Post-Injury Milestone!

Posted on April 18, 2012 Written by 7 Comments

Today I reached another post-injury milestone—I ran three miles! Before my injury, three miles would have seemed like a walk in the park. Today it represented a big achievement. I actually felt really good! Depending on how I feel tomorrow, I may be ambitious and attempt three again!

It’s amazing how much better a good run can make you feel. I know it sounds kind of cheesy, but for me it’s the truth. The hubs is out of town tonight for a business trip, so it was just me and the kids all day. No preschool this week for my older son, so I was anticipating a long and exhausting day (but fun at the same time!).

Running in the morning was just what I needed to get off on the right foot (pun intended). We had gorgeous weather here again today. It felt like summer! The kids enjoyed playing outside in shorts and t-shirts. We had a nice semi-relaxing dinner with friends and then before I knew it, it was bed time.

I relaxed in bed and caught up on all the shows I have DVRed along with a little dark chocolate with coconut. In the words of Coolio, “today was a good day.” Smile

Filed Under: Injury, Training Tagged:

Cautiously Optimistic and Super Pumped at the Same Time!

Posted on April 3, 2012 Written by 5 Comments

I waited a few days to post about this, but here goes. I have run THREE times in the past week pain-free! The orthopedist said that I could try a short run half way through the month and see how it felt.

Since I am taking baby steps, I ran one mile last Wednesday, Friday, and this past Sunday. I am not even looking at my watch—just moving at a comfortable pace.

As I ran, I kept waiting to feel that little niggle, but it wasn’t there. I am crossing my fingers and hoping this is it. I am going to increase my mileage in a painfully slow manner, so as not to reactivate the tendonitis. I am also not overstretching, which I have read can also aggravate tendoinitis,

I was happy to have a few short runs while I was down on the Cape—you simply can’t beat the scenery along the water. I ran the beginning of my usual route along Surf Drive. On Sunday, the water was so glassy and calm.

Later that day, we took a stroll through Spohr Gardens to see if the daffodils were out in full force—not quite yet, but it was still beautiful. Then we hit the Knob for a little hike out to the point. Apparently the morning was so beautiful that a lot of others had the same idea! We passed a number of other people on our way out and back.

I was sad as I headed back over the Bourne Bridge. I miss my sister and grandmother already—I miss the Cape a lot too! Every time I go back, I realize how much I love it there. While I never took it for granted that I grew up in such a beautiful place, I find myself missing it even more lately.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. What did YOU do?

Filed Under: Family, Injury Tagged: ,

Just Call Me Martha Stewart

Posted on March 21, 2012 Written by 10 Comments

Remember when I mentioned that I have started cooking a lot because I can’t run in my spare time? Let me just say, I am discovering a whole new world out there!

Yesterday, I decided to try my hand at baking bread. I have never baked bread before, so I was a little apprehensive about the outcome. My smoke detectors were primed and ready to go to work, just in case! Winking smile

I found a very simple recipe for whole wheat bread and went to work. Since my recipe was for two loaves, I quickly discovered that my KitchenAid mixer was about to burn out. I broke up the dough into two batches, and the process went a lot more smoothly.

I used the rapid rise yeast, because I was simply too impatient to wait for the results. After letting the bread rise, I popped it into the oven for 40 minutes, eagerly awaiting the results.

Surprisingly, it was absolutely DELICIOUS! The boys even gave it their seal of approval. I was shocked at how simple the whole process was, and I will definitely be experimenting with more recipes.

I have been trying a bunch of new recipes lately—tomorrow is Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins and homemade hummus! I have been dying to try my hand at hummus for a while. We eat so much of it in my house and there are so many different types you can make. I am going to start with roasted red pepper hummus. I will let you know how it turns out!

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My First Run in Three Weeks!

Posted on March 13, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

It’s sort of like falling in love all over again—okay, I am exaggerating here, but you know what I mean!

I went out for a short run last night. I figured after three weeks of complete rest (no physical activity other than chasing my kids around) and no discomfort, I could venture out for a mile or two.

Source: www.kaboodle.com

I made a promise to myself that if it didn’t feel right, I would stop. I just went for a short one miler around my neighborhood. The weather here in Providence was so beautiful that it was impossible not to run! It reached 70 degrees, and it was sunny all day long.

It’s crazy how many people come out of the woodwork as soon as the weather starts getting nice again. The park was a mob scene—people walking and running laps, and the playground was packed. It was great to see so many adults and children out being active.

I took it really slow on my run and tried to just enjoy the feeling of running, without over analyzing how my hip flexor felt. I realize how difficult it is to run after an injury—you keep thinking about the injury and whether or not you are “feeling” anything.

Overall, I would deem the run a success. I am trying not to get my hopes up (just in case), but I am so grateful for being able to run last night. It felt good to get the legs working again!

Maybe I will even get to do a short run in Virginia Beach! In the mean time, I have a crazy week of tying up loose ends before my weekend away. I also need to pack and get my St. Patty’s Day outfit lined up. Time for a trip to Target for some kickin’ knee socks!

Filed Under: Injury, Training, Uncategorized Tagged:

Injury Update: Week 6

Posted on March 2, 2012 Written by 18 Comments

I am trying to limit updates on my injury to once a week or every other week, so as not to bore you with the details– this was the first 8 days week of no running, not that anyone is counting! So far it seems to be working; in fact, I haven’t done much of anything in the way of aerobic exercise. I do think that chasing after my two sons counts for some cardio though. :-)

I think the time off running is going to be the best decision I have made in a long time. Yesterday I had an ART appointment, and I am happy to report that the right psoas has loosened up quite a bit. Week of rest: 1 psoas: 0. Rest for the win!

Since I have not been logging any miles, I have been keeping myself busy doing things around the house and with the boys. It’s AMAZING how much time has opened up in the schedule. We have hit the zoo, the children’s museum, food shopping, the active center at the Y, and the list goes on…

The nice thing about the extra time is being able to cook more. I was sorely neglecting kitchen duty, and now with more time on my hands, I have put together some pretty tasty and healthy meals. I am not going to quit my day job yet, but I am pretty proud of myself!

Only 22 days left in my month of self-imposed rest!

Filed Under: Injury Tagged: ,