On Monday, March 15th I ran 3 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
With a busy work schedule, I knew Monday would be my only day to get some extra mileage in. I went to the gym at night and planned to run three miles. I was able to complete that, doing a six minute run, one minute walk interval. About half way through my foot really started to hurt on the bottom, and I didn't really know what it was so I just kept running.
The next day my right foot continues to hurt, mostly around the arch and on the outer side. It was really awkward to even take simple steps. I also realized the pain may be self-inflicted. I went from running seven miles on Saturday, wearing flip flops to Spring Training on Sunday, and sporting high heels in the office on Monday. The change in footwear was certainly not helping my pain. I asked around the office and I was diagnosed by some of my co-workers that I most likely had plantar fasciitis. (No, this is not a fungus of any kind. It means some of my muscle tissue in the foot is torn and damaged) I remember hearing to roll a golf ball on the bottom of my foot, and I was also given the advice to freeze a water bottle and put that on the bottom of my foot to ease the pain. I would continue these during the week, only to find out more on Saturday by my Team In Training mentors and coaches.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in my fight against foot pain...
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Vacation Island and Honored Teammates Picnic - March 13th
On March 13th I ran 7.1 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
Last Saturday was my first day running in ten days after being sick. My throat still kind of hurt, and I wasn't sure about running a long distance, but I felt like I couldn't miss the festivities. After our run there would be a picnic with our Honored Teammates - those we are running to support in their fight against blood cancer.
It was very cold in the morning when we gathered, and I was forced to add a sweatshirt to my running attire, although I would of course regret that later. When I got there I expected to run 6 miles which I was nervous about, but to my surprise our distance was 7.1 miles.
I decided to go at a slower pace than I have previously had before getting sick, so I ran with the interval group that was doing 4 minutes run, 1 minute walk. We started at Vacation Island, went past Sea World, and headed toward Fiesta Island before turning around and going back to our staring place. It was amazing to look back and seen how much distance we had covered!
After our run, we had our Honored Teammate Picnic. Everyone brought food, and we were ready to eat after a long run!!! While we enjoyed each other's company and had a hearty "brunch" we were able to meet some of the Honored Teammates that are fighting blood cancers. It is very humbling to have people thank us for running, when their families are fighting to keep their loved ones healthy (and sure makes 7 miles seem like an easy task). It was a great memory to be a part of, and I will think of those teammates as I cross the finish line June 6th.
Now some pictures from the day...
Last Saturday was my first day running in ten days after being sick. My throat still kind of hurt, and I wasn't sure about running a long distance, but I felt like I couldn't miss the festivities. After our run there would be a picnic with our Honored Teammates - those we are running to support in their fight against blood cancer.
It was very cold in the morning when we gathered, and I was forced to add a sweatshirt to my running attire, although I would of course regret that later. When I got there I expected to run 6 miles which I was nervous about, but to my surprise our distance was 7.1 miles.
I decided to go at a slower pace than I have previously had before getting sick, so I ran with the interval group that was doing 4 minutes run, 1 minute walk. We started at Vacation Island, went past Sea World, and headed toward Fiesta Island before turning around and going back to our staring place. It was amazing to look back and seen how much distance we had covered!
After our run, we had our Honored Teammate Picnic. Everyone brought food, and we were ready to eat after a long run!!! While we enjoyed each other's company and had a hearty "brunch" we were able to meet some of the Honored Teammates that are fighting blood cancers. It is very humbling to have people thank us for running, when their families are fighting to keep their loved ones healthy (and sure makes 7 miles seem like an easy task). It was a great memory to be a part of, and I will think of those teammates as I cross the finish line June 6th.
Now some pictures from the day...
Nina, RJ and I enjoying the picnic after our furthest run...ever!
Team in Training Teammates!
Honored Teammate Jason O'Hara (you've been introduced to him on my blog before!), his little sister, and his mom Jane, who spoke to us about our journey. Jason, who has been fighting leukemia, is doing well and is even playing on an all-star basketball team! Jane herself has run many marathons for the cause!
The is a green team member Adam who has shared his story regarding his five year old son's fight against blood cancer. Adam is an inspiration...he has won our spirit award, is completely dedicated to training, and always has his son's health as top priority.
I wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU to those of you who have donated to my webpage to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
You are making a difference in the quality of life of our honored teammates!
Thanks to you I am almost 50 % towards my fundraising goal!
Friday, March 19, 2010
My apologies...
As I'd been getting over my bronchitis and competing with a busy work schedule, I've gotten a tad behind on my blog. I apologize, and hope to catch you up on my journey. Although I have been running less, I am more excited than ever to be a part of a great cause.
Thank you for your patience! Your support makes all the difference in my success!
Thank you for your patience! Your support makes all the difference in my success!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Out of Commission
If any of you have wondered about my workouts this week, or why I have gone missing on my blog - I've unfortunately been very sick this week. It started on Tuesday with a high fever and chills, and I have since gone through a plethora of symptoms including headaches, sore throat, missing voice, etc. I'm disappointed that after a weekend of rest, I'm about to start another week still feeling about 60%.
Besides not feeling good, I've been very upset at not being able to train. If you would have asked me a couple of months ago if I would be disappointed to miss an opportunity to run five miles, I probably would've had a different answer, but I've become a different person since starting TNT and have a new goal to fulfill.
Unfortunately, today I missed the Union Tribune's Race for Literacy. I was looking forward to this 8K because I really wanted to feel what it would be like on race day. As much as I wanted to go "no matter how I felt", I took the advice of my body (and about everyone I asked) and knew it wouldn't be a good idea. I guess race day will remain a mystery until June 6th (or the next 8K that comes around!).
My teammates and I can learn a good lesson from our personal health hiccups and training roadblocks:
We are very lucky to be healthy enough most of the time to take on this challenge, and there are many people who do not have that opportunity to train for a half or full marathon. I know I will get better, but those battling leukemia or lymphoma do not...unless we continue to work towards finding the best treatments and cures!
So forgive me for the hiatus in blogging. I will forego tomorrow's Hill Run and hopefully be better by midweek, but will try to keep you posted on all other latest and greatest news in prep for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
Besides not feeling good, I've been very upset at not being able to train. If you would have asked me a couple of months ago if I would be disappointed to miss an opportunity to run five miles, I probably would've had a different answer, but I've become a different person since starting TNT and have a new goal to fulfill.
Unfortunately, today I missed the Union Tribune's Race for Literacy. I was looking forward to this 8K because I really wanted to feel what it would be like on race day. As much as I wanted to go "no matter how I felt", I took the advice of my body (and about everyone I asked) and knew it wouldn't be a good idea. I guess race day will remain a mystery until June 6th (or the next 8K that comes around!).
My teammates and I can learn a good lesson from our personal health hiccups and training roadblocks:
We are very lucky to be healthy enough most of the time to take on this challenge, and there are many people who do not have that opportunity to train for a half or full marathon. I know I will get better, but those battling leukemia or lymphoma do not...unless we continue to work towards finding the best treatments and cures!
So forgive me for the hiatus in blogging. I will forego tomorrow's Hill Run and hopefully be better by midweek, but will try to keep you posted on all other latest and greatest news in prep for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Hills: Episode Two
Tonight I ran 4 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
Tonight was my second hill run and I was looking forward to it. It's a good way to start off the week, and if I can accomplish the hill run, I feel like the rest of the week is a piece of cake.
Tonight ended up being harder than last week. The first part of the run is so hard to get through. My breathing was so incredibly hard, and there is no easing into the hills - they are waiting for us immediately as we start running. But then - there is always a point in the run where I know the worst part is behind me, and I can feel the end is in sight. Thank goodness I was surrounded by teammates who not only encourage me to go on, but show me the way (literally - it is so dark that I couldn't even remember it from last week!)
The last part of the run before we head down hills is when we meet up at "The Three Sisters" - a grouping of three culdesacs. My running partners and I decided to pick one again - but a different culdesac than last week. This week proved to be more steep, and would rate last week's choice as my preferred culdesac so far. In a couple of months, I'll be running all three - hopefully with some ease!
I feel good about my run tonight - and hope next week proves to get easier. One thing is for sure - I am always proud that I show up, and that I'm running for a great cause!
It's time to get my reality TV fix for the evening as I settle down and watch the finale of the Bachelor!
Stay tuned for next week's Episode of "The Hills"...
Tonight was my second hill run and I was looking forward to it. It's a good way to start off the week, and if I can accomplish the hill run, I feel like the rest of the week is a piece of cake.
Tonight ended up being harder than last week. The first part of the run is so hard to get through. My breathing was so incredibly hard, and there is no easing into the hills - they are waiting for us immediately as we start running. But then - there is always a point in the run where I know the worst part is behind me, and I can feel the end is in sight. Thank goodness I was surrounded by teammates who not only encourage me to go on, but show me the way (literally - it is so dark that I couldn't even remember it from last week!)
The last part of the run before we head down hills is when we meet up at "The Three Sisters" - a grouping of three culdesacs. My running partners and I decided to pick one again - but a different culdesac than last week. This week proved to be more steep, and would rate last week's choice as my preferred culdesac so far. In a couple of months, I'll be running all three - hopefully with some ease!
I feel good about my run tonight - and hope next week proves to get easier. One thing is for sure - I am always proud that I show up, and that I'm running for a great cause!
It's time to get my reality TV fix for the evening as I settle down and watch the finale of the Bachelor!
Stay tuned for next week's Episode of "The Hills"...
Running in the Rain
Saturday I ran 5.1 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
It almost seems like tradition for Saturday sessions to come with questionable weather. This weekend was no exception. We met at 7:00am at Liberty Station and it was pouring rain. Everyone was bundled up and huddled under umbrellas - not your usually running scene.
Before we went running we heard a "Mission Moment" from a teammate of ours who had lost her brother to leukemia. She mentioned that if it wouldn't have been for brother's memory she wouldn't be out running in a rain storm, and thanked us for being out in the miserable weather as well. This is what makes our runs worth it. Besides just training for a marathon or half marathon, we are working towards the common goal of beating blood cancers. My Mentor JP reminded me "Unfortunately, there are too many cancer patients out there who only wish that they could have run in the rain with us. But one day, because of LLS and our fundraising efforts, they will!!"
After a quick stretch we were off on our run. The rain pretty much washed away our running maps, so I was glad that I was running with a group and had many people in front of me that I could follow. We ran around NTC Park and into the Point Loma area around Nimitz Boulevard. I had about four layers on, and quickly I warmed up even though I was soaking wet. Every week I make the mistake of over dressing!
I am happy to say I completed 5.1 miles, and jogged the whole distance! This was a first, and I contribute it to the weather and trying to run faster than the rain. Getting to our check point seemed to take forever, but once we turned around from that point, the trip back went quickly, and the rain took a hiatus. What is so cool about TNT is you have people cheering you on at every point. Even in the rain, they give you a smile and a "Go Team!"
I was proud to have completed a less than comfortable run! Our coaches are right - we will look back on this day and laugh, and be glad we were a part of it when we are crossing the finish line on June 6th. I leave you with some soggy photos taken at our Saturday session (thank goodness I'm not in these - I looked like a drowned rat!)...
It almost seems like tradition for Saturday sessions to come with questionable weather. This weekend was no exception. We met at 7:00am at Liberty Station and it was pouring rain. Everyone was bundled up and huddled under umbrellas - not your usually running scene.
Before we went running we heard a "Mission Moment" from a teammate of ours who had lost her brother to leukemia. She mentioned that if it wouldn't have been for brother's memory she wouldn't be out running in a rain storm, and thanked us for being out in the miserable weather as well. This is what makes our runs worth it. Besides just training for a marathon or half marathon, we are working towards the common goal of beating blood cancers. My Mentor JP reminded me "Unfortunately, there are too many cancer patients out there who only wish that they could have run in the rain with us. But one day, because of LLS and our fundraising efforts, they will!!"
After a quick stretch we were off on our run. The rain pretty much washed away our running maps, so I was glad that I was running with a group and had many people in front of me that I could follow. We ran around NTC Park and into the Point Loma area around Nimitz Boulevard. I had about four layers on, and quickly I warmed up even though I was soaking wet. Every week I make the mistake of over dressing!
I am happy to say I completed 5.1 miles, and jogged the whole distance! This was a first, and I contribute it to the weather and trying to run faster than the rain. Getting to our check point seemed to take forever, but once we turned around from that point, the trip back went quickly, and the rain took a hiatus. What is so cool about TNT is you have people cheering you on at every point. Even in the rain, they give you a smile and a "Go Team!"
I was proud to have completed a less than comfortable run! Our coaches are right - we will look back on this day and laugh, and be glad we were a part of it when we are crossing the finish line on June 6th. I leave you with some soggy photos taken at our Saturday session (thank goodness I'm not in these - I looked like a drowned rat!)...
Counting the minutes until our run...
My Mentor JP (on the right) braving the rain with a smile. Thanks for your support JP!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Busy Week, but the Blogging Continues...
This week was a busy week at work, and I worked very odd hours. I'm sorry to have not updated my blog - but I'm sure you have figured out that's what I spend my weekends doing!
I did take an extra day off on Thursday, because I frankly ran out of time to exercise, but I do have a Wednesday night run to report.
Wednesday I ran about 2.2 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
I got home late from work, but the great thing about having a gym close is I have a free, safe outlet to exercise - even when it's dark out. Clint has "taken a few weeks off" from being my Wednesday night workout partner, but it doesn't mean he doesn't encourage me to go...even when it's 8:30 at night and I'm in a food coma from dinner.
I ran 2.2 miles, jumping up to 7 minutes running, 2 minutes walking. This is a very comfortable pace for me, and I think I could manage to go a long distance at this interval - but I'm sure I will challenge myself to kick it up a notch!
Although next time I exercise after dinner I will wait a bit longer. Stomach cramps are not a nice distraction while you are jogging.
I did take an extra day off on Thursday, because I frankly ran out of time to exercise, but I do have a Wednesday night run to report.
Wednesday I ran about 2.2 miles in Preparation for the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon!
I got home late from work, but the great thing about having a gym close is I have a free, safe outlet to exercise - even when it's dark out. Clint has "taken a few weeks off" from being my Wednesday night workout partner, but it doesn't mean he doesn't encourage me to go...even when it's 8:30 at night and I'm in a food coma from dinner.
I ran 2.2 miles, jumping up to 7 minutes running, 2 minutes walking. This is a very comfortable pace for me, and I think I could manage to go a long distance at this interval - but I'm sure I will challenge myself to kick it up a notch!
Although next time I exercise after dinner I will wait a bit longer. Stomach cramps are not a nice distraction while you are jogging.
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