Where have I been? I've been contemplating a damn entertaining post, that's where. And, I've come up with: nothing. But, I do have some news to share.
If you follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook, then you already know. I'm running the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 2.
Before you start heckling me for my decision to run a marathon when I haven't quite recovered from 2010 (and my foot still hurts -- ouch!), let me explain:
1. I want to run a marathon. Marathon-ing is in my blood.
2. I've felt lousy during years I haven't run a full marathon.
3. I love the Twin Cities Marathon:
--It has a small field, beautiful course and spectacular support. Fans line the entire course. They put the nice in Minnesota nice.
--Since I'm moving back to Minneapolis, this race is a cheap, convenient option.
--I know the course like the back of my hand having raced it twice and trained on it multiple times.
--I'm hungry for another PR. It's time to break 4 hours, baby. Wouldn't it be fun to do that with friends and family watching in my home state? Yes, I think so.
--One of my fondest memories in racing comes from the Twin Cities Marathon. I ran it for the second time in 2008. It poured for the first 13 miles. Around mile 8, my shoelace came untied. I was so cold from the rain that I couldn't operate my fingers well enough to tie it. I was ready to start crying when I walked up to a spectator and kindly asked him to tie my shoe (double knot, please). He bent over and tied my shoe -- in the rain -- without hesitation. I will never ever forget that.
So, I'm returning to the Twin Cities Marathon for the third time, and I couldn't be more excited. Please be happy for me, too -- and pray for my foot.
UPDATE: Some of my favorite #runnerds @bikerly (#1 Top Monkey), @alekbabel and @fiftyforbilly will also be running the Twin Cities Marathon. They are awesome people. I heart them.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
My Hips Don't Lie
A year ago, I didn't listen to my body -- and the outcome stunk. I was benched from running for over two months, and I had to rely on crutches to get around for weeks.
I swore then that I would treat myself better. By no means have I acted perfectly. But today, in a demonstration of maturity, I went to the doctor over growing discomfort in my heel. I'm really glad I did. To find out why, you'll have to keep on reading.
The Source of My Pain
After three months of agonizing pain in my left hip, I made an appointment with a sports medicine specialist at the University of Illinois for Feb. 18, 2010. I honestly didn't believe my hip pain had anything to do with running, because it only hurt during prolonged sitting or getting up from sitting. But, since I was a runner, I opted for a sports medicine specialist over a general physician.
On Feb. 14, I went out for a planned 14-mile run with a friend. I had experienced minor discomfort in my foot in the days leading up to the run, but thought nothing of it, or, at least, not enough to hold me back from a training run for the Flying Pig Marathon. Several miles in, my foot started hurting to the point that I didn't want to put any pressure on my heel. I made it to mile 12 before throwing in the towel. By the time I got home, I could hardly walk.
Four days later, I limped into the doctor's office. Long story short, the doctor diagnosed me with IT Band syndrome in my left hip and a bad stress fracture of the right heel. I spent nearly two months in a walking boot and on crutches. I was allowed to bike in my sock, which I did religiously. I also switched to lighter, neutral shoes. And, I started seeing a physical therapist so I wouldn't lose mobility in my foot/ankle and so I could strengthen my left hip.
By May, I was able to start running. In June, I began an 18-week training program for the Chicago Marathon. I continued seeing my physical therapist until July. I still experienced pain in my hip -- so intense at times that I desired strong pain killers (but never requested or used them, of course) -- but I saw no point in continuing to pay $50 per visit for a problem that wasn't disappearing. My therapist was disappointed, but I was pissed.
I subsequently ran the Chicago Marathon, and, six weeks later, the Philadelphia Marathon, where I achieved a PR of 4 hours, 7 minutes.
In December, I reduced mileage by about 50 percent. I received protests from my husband and friends to take the month off, but I just couldn't.
Back to Square One, Almost
A few weeks ago, I started to feel slight discomfort in my right heel again. It wasn't awful pain, but it was enough that it threw up a red flag that something might be wrong. About eight days ago, I confessed to my husband, Ben, that it was time to see the doctor again. He saw dollar signs; I saw potential for re-injury.
A part of me wondered whether I was overreacting. Yesterday I mentioned to friends and my sister that maybe I didn't need to see a doctor. It was too late to back out, in my mind, so I decided to go.
So, today, I saw a new sports medicine specialist. He examined my feet and put me on the treadmill to watch me run. Based on my symptoms and my running form, he determined that I'm in the danger zone for another stress fracture. My left hip is still abnormally weak, too, and it seems to be the source of my problems.
I will nip this foot and hip problem in the bud. Here's how:
1. I'm switching my shoe make and model, again. Thanks to my friend Fabian, I was able to buy the new Kinvaras, a super-light, neutral shoe, at an incredible discount. They're supposed to take me off my heel, and they're due to arrive in a few weeks!
2. I will invest in gait analysis and a running coach, so I can learn better form. The way I'm currently running threatens re-injury. It may only take one session, so says the doc.
3. Meanwhile, I will run minimally and slowly, with 5 miles being a "long" run. I will also work extra hard at strengthening my left hip. If anyone reading this has suggestions about how to do that, I'm all ears.
4. Finally, if my hip pain persists, I may have to consider further testing. When I received my IT Band Syndrome diagnosis last year, no imaging was done on the hip. It's possible the real reason for the pain is a muscle tear.
Waving the White Flag
Eleven days ago, I was looking ahead and forming running goals for 2011. I'm already re-evaluating.
Based on the doctor's advice, I will sit out the F^3 Half-Marathon on Jan. 29. I feel badly, since I convinced a lot of friends, including my husband, to brave the cold and run it. I'll be out there cheering...unless it's really cold :)
I'm also going to take the back seat to the Flying Pig Marathon for the second time. The doctor doesn't think 16 weeks is enough to rehab the hip/foot and properly train for the marathon. This hits me in the gut, but I agree with him. In fact, I was already surrendering to that idea last Wednesday. I told a very small group of my close friends that I wouldn't run the full, and they all backed me. I won't ask for another deferral. Instead, I'll apply to switch to the half marathon. A lot of my friends from across the country are running the full, and I'd like to be there with them, even if it's just for 13.1 miles. Maybe I can achieve a major PR (personal record). Someday, I will run The Pig.
I swore then that I would treat myself better. By no means have I acted perfectly. But today, in a demonstration of maturity, I went to the doctor over growing discomfort in my heel. I'm really glad I did. To find out why, you'll have to keep on reading.
The Source of My Pain
After three months of agonizing pain in my left hip, I made an appointment with a sports medicine specialist at the University of Illinois for Feb. 18, 2010. I honestly didn't believe my hip pain had anything to do with running, because it only hurt during prolonged sitting or getting up from sitting. But, since I was a runner, I opted for a sports medicine specialist over a general physician.
On Feb. 14, I went out for a planned 14-mile run with a friend. I had experienced minor discomfort in my foot in the days leading up to the run, but thought nothing of it, or, at least, not enough to hold me back from a training run for the Flying Pig Marathon. Several miles in, my foot started hurting to the point that I didn't want to put any pressure on my heel. I made it to mile 12 before throwing in the towel. By the time I got home, I could hardly walk.
Four days later, I limped into the doctor's office. Long story short, the doctor diagnosed me with IT Band syndrome in my left hip and a bad stress fracture of the right heel. I spent nearly two months in a walking boot and on crutches. I was allowed to bike in my sock, which I did religiously. I also switched to lighter, neutral shoes. And, I started seeing a physical therapist so I wouldn't lose mobility in my foot/ankle and so I could strengthen my left hip.
By May, I was able to start running. In June, I began an 18-week training program for the Chicago Marathon. I continued seeing my physical therapist until July. I still experienced pain in my hip -- so intense at times that I desired strong pain killers (but never requested or used them, of course) -- but I saw no point in continuing to pay $50 per visit for a problem that wasn't disappearing. My therapist was disappointed, but I was pissed.
I subsequently ran the Chicago Marathon, and, six weeks later, the Philadelphia Marathon, where I achieved a PR of 4 hours, 7 minutes.
In December, I reduced mileage by about 50 percent. I received protests from my husband and friends to take the month off, but I just couldn't.
Back to Square One, Almost
A few weeks ago, I started to feel slight discomfort in my right heel again. It wasn't awful pain, but it was enough that it threw up a red flag that something might be wrong. About eight days ago, I confessed to my husband, Ben, that it was time to see the doctor again. He saw dollar signs; I saw potential for re-injury.
A part of me wondered whether I was overreacting. Yesterday I mentioned to friends and my sister that maybe I didn't need to see a doctor. It was too late to back out, in my mind, so I decided to go.
So, today, I saw a new sports medicine specialist. He examined my feet and put me on the treadmill to watch me run. Based on my symptoms and my running form, he determined that I'm in the danger zone for another stress fracture. My left hip is still abnormally weak, too, and it seems to be the source of my problems.
I will nip this foot and hip problem in the bud. Here's how:
1. I'm switching my shoe make and model, again. Thanks to my friend Fabian, I was able to buy the new Kinvaras, a super-light, neutral shoe, at an incredible discount. They're supposed to take me off my heel, and they're due to arrive in a few weeks!
2. I will invest in gait analysis and a running coach, so I can learn better form. The way I'm currently running threatens re-injury. It may only take one session, so says the doc.
3. Meanwhile, I will run minimally and slowly, with 5 miles being a "long" run. I will also work extra hard at strengthening my left hip. If anyone reading this has suggestions about how to do that, I'm all ears.
4. Finally, if my hip pain persists, I may have to consider further testing. When I received my IT Band Syndrome diagnosis last year, no imaging was done on the hip. It's possible the real reason for the pain is a muscle tear.
Waving the White Flag
Eleven days ago, I was looking ahead and forming running goals for 2011. I'm already re-evaluating.
Based on the doctor's advice, I will sit out the F^3 Half-Marathon on Jan. 29. I feel badly, since I convinced a lot of friends, including my husband, to brave the cold and run it. I'll be out there cheering...unless it's really cold :)
I'm also going to take the back seat to the Flying Pig Marathon for the second time. The doctor doesn't think 16 weeks is enough to rehab the hip/foot and properly train for the marathon. This hits me in the gut, but I agree with him. In fact, I was already surrendering to that idea last Wednesday. I told a very small group of my close friends that I wouldn't run the full, and they all backed me. I won't ask for another deferral. Instead, I'll apply to switch to the half marathon. A lot of my friends from across the country are running the full, and I'd like to be there with them, even if it's just for 13.1 miles. Maybe I can achieve a major PR (personal record). Someday, I will run The Pig.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Obligatory 2011 Goals Post
During a chat with a friend yesterday, she asked me whether I had any New Year's resolutions. Goals? What goals? Oh, OK. I might have some for 2011. Without any fanfare, here are my goals for the new year. Career: Secure a full-time job in the Twin Cities area that allows me to achieve social good. As Ben and I prepare to move back to Minnesota, it only makes sense I find a job there soon, right?
Personal: Buy a house in Minneapolis or St. Paul. This is a biggie. Ben and I have looked for houses twice. The first time, we opted to rent because it made the most sense. The second time, the timing was off. Third time is the charm, right?
Running:
1. Break 4 hours in the marathon. My current PR is 4:07:51, which I achieved in November at the Philadelphia Marathon. With some dedicated speed and hill work, I think this goal is attainable at the Flying Pig Marathon on May 1. If not then, I'll try again at a fall marathon. I hold out hope for qualifying for Boston, but I don't think I'm going to improve my PR by 27 minutes...yet.
2. Look like this. I know, I know. It's superficial. But I'd love to have a bod like that of a female athlete who graces the cover of Runner's World. (FYI: Carrie Tollefson, on the Runner's World cover, is from Minnesota. She grew up about 70 miles from my hometown.)
3. Run without getting a stress fracture or other injury. Despite being away from running for 10 weeks, having to wear a boot for 8 of them and use crutches for 7 during 2010, it was still a good running year for me. But stress fractures are zero fun, and I never want to go through that again.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Outside the Comfort Zone
I worry fairly easily, especially when the health of my bones is at stake. So in the days prior to leaving for Aspen, I felt more nervous than excited about the trip.
I had never skied before, not even on the bunny hills at Mount Kato, located about two hours east of where I grew up. The idea of riding a lift or gondola to the top of a mountain only to fly right back down on two waxed sticks made me ill.
Ben and I arrived in Snowmass, which is just outside of Aspen, on Dec. 11. We settled into our condo, which we shared with two other couples. That night we bought groceries, had dinner with friends and picked up our skis, poles and boots. By 10 p.m., I was ready to sleep. I faced a big day ahead.
I woke early the next morning to a nervous stomach. (Are you seeing a theme in this post? And no, I'm not preggers.) I had coffee and breakfast, got dressed, grabbed my equipment and off I went to the Elk Camp gondola, which would take me to my very first ski lesson.
A group of about five of us -- all with zero experience, some who had to borrow winter jackets -- began on the magic carpet. Imagine the people mover at the airport. That took us to the top of a small hill, where I learned the art of falling and getting back up gracefully. I feel, not so much out of clumsiness but because I "sacrificed" myself, as my instructor put it. We spent the morning on the magic carpet. After lunch, our group split up, some advancing to a green (me!) and others staying on the magic carpet.
Oh, the first lift ride. I'd be lying if I didn't write that my legs were shaking the entire time to the top. If you're afraid of heights, as I am, taking a lift is about as frightening, if not more, than skiing. But, once the ride was over, the lift thing was in the bag. Until the third day, when the lift took me down and I went splat, losing both skis and bruising my hip and knee.
We spent the afternoon practicing technique and doing various drills down the light green. My group was awesome. We laughed together and helped each other when we fell. We supported each other. By the end of the day, I was tired -- but satisfied. I had skied! I had plenty of bruises, but no broken bones, which I had feared.
At the end of day one, I found myself telling the instructor that skiing wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. Far too often, I let my imagination run wild. I turn hills into giant, scary mountains. But I've learned... mountains aren't so bad.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Battle of the Pies: The Winner
My cousin reminded me that I failed to update you all on who won the pie competition. Sorry.
But, do I really need to say? We all know it was me. Not buying it? OK. I'll tell you.
Last Wednesday, Ben and I went to our friend's home for dinner. Following a delicious dinner of pork loin, salad, potatoes and garlic bread, the four of us sampled my butternut squash pie and our friend's pumpkin pie.
Our friend baked a ginger crust from scratch. The crust wasn't so different from that of cheesecake. The texture of the filling was good, but it lacked flavor. Our friend used only cinnamon, whereas I used cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves.
No winner was declared. Ben (my own husband!) ruled it a tie. Between us, I think he took a neutral position because he didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings.
In my opinion, there was no competition. My pie was the clear winner. I stand by my pie.
But, do I really need to say? We all know it was me. Not buying it? OK. I'll tell you.
Last Wednesday, Ben and I went to our friend's home for dinner. Following a delicious dinner of pork loin, salad, potatoes and garlic bread, the four of us sampled my butternut squash pie and our friend's pumpkin pie.
Our friend baked a ginger crust from scratch. The crust wasn't so different from that of cheesecake. The texture of the filling was good, but it lacked flavor. Our friend used only cinnamon, whereas I used cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves.
No winner was declared. Ben (my own husband!) ruled it a tie. Between us, I think he took a neutral position because he didn't want to hurt his friend's feelings.
In my opinion, there was no competition. My pie was the clear winner. I stand by my pie.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Battle of the Pies
Today, I got a lesson in what happens when too much beer and testosterone are mixed.
Within minutes of my husband leaving to run errands this morning, I got a call from him. I thought he had: a.) forgotten something or b.) backed into the vehicle that parks across from our garage (icy conditions, you know).
Something else entirely prompted his call. To paraphrase, he said:
"Honey, I might have gotten us into a challenge. You know Peter -- my classmate? Well, he told me last night that he's been spending the last few days trying to master pumpkin pie. He said it's the best pumpkin pie. Well... I told him that your butternut squash pie is better. So, yeah, do you think you might be able to make your butternut squash pie?"
Over drinks last night, they concocted a contest of sorts. And who has to compete? Me. Reluctantly, I've agreed to make my famous butternut squash pie. It's not my recipe, but you can find it here.
Who will win the battle? It's tough to say. But if my pie lives up to its name (see above recipe), I think we know who's taking the trophy home.
Stay tuned.
Within minutes of my husband leaving to run errands this morning, I got a call from him. I thought he had: a.) forgotten something or b.) backed into the vehicle that parks across from our garage (icy conditions, you know).
Something else entirely prompted his call. To paraphrase, he said:
"Honey, I might have gotten us into a challenge. You know Peter -- my classmate? Well, he told me last night that he's been spending the last few days trying to master pumpkin pie. He said it's the best pumpkin pie. Well... I told him that your butternut squash pie is better. So, yeah, do you think you might be able to make your butternut squash pie?"
Over drinks last night, they concocted a contest of sorts. And who has to compete? Me. Reluctantly, I've agreed to make my famous butternut squash pie. It's not my recipe, but you can find it here.
Who will win the battle? It's tough to say. But if my pie lives up to its name (see above recipe), I think we know who's taking the trophy home.
Stay tuned.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I found my way to the kitchen again.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, you might be thinking that Brady only writes about running. And, you'd be right. I've been spending more time along the lake front than in the kitchen.
I started this blog three-plus years ago to show my family and friends that I could master being a domestic diva. Well, at least I tried. This blog has evolved a bit since then because I wanted a forum -- in addition to Twitter and Facebook -- to write about my affair with running.
As I've become more serious about running, I tend to tune out other aspects of my life. I know I need to strike more of a balance. And, I was able to do that Friday when I hung out in the kitchen. Inspired by the holidays and an opportunity to bake for a friend's birthday, I tried my hand at Paula Deen's Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.
I evaluate whether to try new recipes according to the number of ingredients and the complexity of steps. The fewer the opportunities to screw up, the better -- at least when I'm at the stove. I liked the chocolate gooey butter cookie recipe for this reason: they were simple* to make.
Would I make them again? Sure, they're easy to whip up. And, I think my chocolate-loving friends would like them. The recipe made about 18 cookies, and I gave nearly all of the cookies to my friend for his birthday on the chance he might share them at his party. Ben ate the remaining cookies in less than 24 hours -- what a compliment!
*I burned a few cookies. Hey, I'm not perfect. Those cookies remained at home.
I started this blog three-plus years ago to show my family and friends that I could master being a domestic diva. Well, at least I tried. This blog has evolved a bit since then because I wanted a forum -- in addition to Twitter and Facebook -- to write about my affair with running.
As I've become more serious about running, I tend to tune out other aspects of my life. I know I need to strike more of a balance. And, I was able to do that Friday when I hung out in the kitchen. Inspired by the holidays and an opportunity to bake for a friend's birthday, I tried my hand at Paula Deen's Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies.
I evaluate whether to try new recipes according to the number of ingredients and the complexity of steps. The fewer the opportunities to screw up, the better -- at least when I'm at the stove. I liked the chocolate gooey butter cookie recipe for this reason: they were simple* to make.
Would I make them again? Sure, they're easy to whip up. And, I think my chocolate-loving friends would like them. The recipe made about 18 cookies, and I gave nearly all of the cookies to my friend for his birthday on the chance he might share them at his party. Ben ate the remaining cookies in less than 24 hours -- what a compliment!
*I burned a few cookies. Hey, I'm not perfect. Those cookies remained at home.
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| Packaged and ready to deliver to Fabian. |
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