Marathon Mom

About a month ago I was asked to try Runner's Choice which is a mix of essential oils made just for runners or those who spend a lot of time on their feet. I was hesitant, I need evidence and have backed away from the whole oil thing so far but why not try it. Of course I did my research and found evidence that wintergreen, eucalyptus and peppermint are good for muscle aches. Besides running (when I'm not injured!) I spend most of my work day walking around, today I managed nearly 4 miles at work! No wonder why I'm tired for my evening runs. Lately my workouts haven't been running but I honestly think the elliptical is tougher on my feet. I tried it a few times after work and evening workouts and was impressed. The cooling feeling was great! I will admit that I'm not that big on minty things so the scent was a little strong but others who like mint loved the smell. I did love the ease of use and that unlike other oils it was so easy to apply. Once I get back t...

You know how earlier this week I had that great attitude abut not running...well it has disappeared! I'm now frustrated and annoyed as I pass the halfway mark of the 4 weeks off. This is my favorite time of year to run and I'm missing it. I'm tired of being stuck inside staring at walls or the TV while I do kickboxing, elliptical, etc. I'm tired of the elliptical...IT IS NOT RUNNING. Then I start t doubt my future as a runner, the what ifs come flooding in. Will I achieve my big goals or just keep sliding backwards, will I run a marathon again, will I heal from this. What if I don't?! You know how as a kid you'd just scribble, okay I've done this as an adult plenty of times when I'm stressed, frustrated etc. I'm in the midst of a huge decision and change ahead and I need a run to get to my best answer but I can't. The elliptical or a walk just don't provide the clarity a great head clearing run do. Deep breath and time to focus on o...

Another week of no running, busy work and now cold, rainy weather. I’m almost halfway through my 4 weeks of no running. Luckily this week I was able to focus on fun with friends and family; a few dinners out, AMR Book Party and more. I even tried a new workout and went back to spin for the first time in nearly a year! Our Memorial weekend has been full of rain and clouds meaning I got lots of organizing done. Last month I decided to quit being a Beachbody coach, I love the programs and have built a great collection for myself but I hate the way Shakeology is pushed as the greatest thing ever and can fix anything. I tried it, it is okay but I have found much better options that agree with my body much better. I will continue to share my experience with the workouts and how great those are and would be happy to share my opinions and advice on the workout programs if anyone has questions. Monday:  BB Legs (this is the last time since 1 hour of legs causes too much hamstring p...

Right after O was born I won the book Run Like a Mother to be honest I have still only read parts, not because it isn’t a good book but because I can’t sit long enough to actually read a book! A few months ago when I heard the authors Dimity and Sara were heading to Minneapolis to promote their new book I was excited. Last night was that book party and so much fun to go with my mother runner friends (Moms Run This Town). At first I thought it would just be a fun night out with friends; dinner, wine and running…what more do you need?! We all left with a great bag of run goodies including 4 pairs of socks!! All my goodies! Then Kara Thom read her essay from the new book Tales from a Mother Runner and I related a little too much! She spoke on her life as a runner and Ironman and then how injury after injury changed her perspective. Next she mentioned her background as a dancer and how the damage probably started years earlier and now I was really wondering if I had written thi...

Last Wednesday my week took an unwelcomed yet not fully unexpected turn when I was told no running for 4 weeks by the sports MD. So with this my plans were changed bigtime. O had her dance recital on Saturday and it was amazing to see the difference in the past year, she has a blast on stage, knows her dances and looks natural on stage. Monday:  BB Chest/Tris and Core Tuesday:  BB Legs and 6 mile run Wednesday:  BB Back/Biceps and core Thursday:  4-6 mile run and BB Shoulders kickboxing Friday:  BB Cardio in morning, Shoulders and Abs evening Saturday:  Run and yoga , 1:36 elliptical and 15:00 rowing Thank you Netflix and old Friends episodes Sunday:  8 mile run 35 min walk with Cooper and BB Chest/Tris Post walk treats! This will be week 2 of no running, it has been 6 days since I last ran and I think the toughest part is that my leg feels pretty good. I’ve done nitroglycerin since Friday and wow even at a super low dose I h...

Well I had my appointment with the sports doctor on Wednesday and it went as I had hoped it wouldn’t but had thought it might. Still dealing with this hamstring that started 2 (maybe even 3) years ago. I stupidly kept running, took a few days off, felt better, hurt again..you get the cycle! Finally last spring I got smart after terrible pain at Boston. I took 6 weeks off worked with PT, strengthened my core and glutes, worked with a postural restoration specialist, worked on changing my gait. I changed my focus to yoga, strength training and more cross training. I decreased my weekly mileage and running days and had a decent although not great marathon last fall. Then somehow did something to my foot/ankle and took another 6 weeks off and once back trained for my last marathon 3 days a week. Despite all this 6 weeks before the race the hamstring was angry! And we all know how the marathon went … After a full assessment he doesn’t think my back is causing any of the issues,...

This week has focused on recovery, enjoying my days, sleeping in, spending time with O and Matt and focusing on some big changes ahead. I finish grad school in 2 ½ months. O starts kindergarten in 4 months… The best part of running an easy marathon is the aftermath. Monday my legs were sore, especially after sitting through a 90 minute meeting! But by Tuesday I was fine, ready for an easy run with a group of new runners, even ran an easy 10 miles on Saturday! Lots of yoga this past week too. And got to  volunteer at a water stop for our local half marathon! Then I got to spend the day with O getting her dance trophy. Such a little math girl, she sent the ride home figuring out how old she’ll be when she gets the big trophies! Back to focus on strength and super excited to start Body Beast today! I love P90X and X3 but breaking up with Tony for the next few months and trying something new. Monday: BB Chest/Tris and Core Tuesday: BB Legs and 4-6 mile run Wedn...

I’ve started and restarted writing this recap multiple times, partly because I feel like I didn’t really race the marathon and party because despite not racing I’m frustrated with my running over the past years. I know I haven’t always been the smartest but I’m the most frustrated by the fact that I have tried so hard over the past year to be smart, take time off, do PT, run less, etc and still this. I know it is likely because we didn’t fully address the problem but still, ugh! Okay enough, on to the part you’re here to read… Saturday we drove 2 hours to Wisconsin so I could cross another state of my quest for 50 states. Hit the “expo” (okay really a few tables in a mall), check in to our hotel in the midst of a crazy influx of guests, 20 minutes in line to check in, crazy! I then got out my trusty Find Me GF app and searched finding only 3 really safe options with vegetarian meals too: Chipotle (probably not a smart pre marathon choice), Noodles (again my usual Pad Thai not ...

May is here and I’m ready for this month which means longer days, running weather and a break from school! May is packed with lots: dance recital, gymnastics show, marathons, etc and only leads to summer! On Wednesday I talked with my PT again and he is fine with me running the marathon based on the past couple weeks! I don’t hurt after I run and during it is only a slight tightness for about 10 minutes. I can’t push my pace at all but I can run! Pre-Marathon Today I will be relaxing with acupuncture and a little yoga to get my legs ready. Plus my focus has been anti-inflammatory foods. Then I need to prep for our drive tomorrow and pre-race meals in a hotel room. And the fun part figuring out what to wear! Marathon Goals Based on  his recommendations and my goals for this year I am not racing, no PRs, probably not even a BQ but that’s okay I am running and I will have fun. Plus the forecast is low 80s so not great weather for someone who trained in highs of 20 the m...