Updates

Where have you been?

I know, I know. Worst blogger ever. One thing is certain, this blog does not write itself. Everyday I think, "oh, I should put that on the blog!" And for the last month (who's counting?!) it has not gone anywhere. Blogging has definitely taken a back-seat over other priorities.

So, here's the latest. Training for a marathon, doing the Insanity workouts, trying to be a good wife and mom, Christmas shopping, parties, etc....Is a full-time job. Fun, but busy. Who's not busy, right?

I also had a slight set-back over the last 4 weeks or so. My left foot was really starting to hurt and I pinpointed the problem to plantar fasciitis. I've had some experience with this in the past and I knew what I needed to do. Rest, ice, stretch, take some time off. Instead of doing what I should, I just kept running and tried to ignore it as much as possible.

I had originally signed up for the Dallas White Rock Marathon so that I could have another chance at a BQ before the Houston Marathon in January. However, I decided about a week before Dallas that I would use it as a "training run" because clearly I was in no shape to race it. It was also really rainy and cold, I was trying out a new, hand-held water bottle and as it turns out I had a wardrobe malfunction during the race as well. All the runners were soaked and the rain made my running skirt heavy. So heavy that it actually started to roll down at the waist. This was incredibly frustrating and increasingly annoying. From miles 13 to 17, I was pullling at that darn skirt about every 3 steps! UGH! I contemplated dropping out, but finally found a medic and had him wrap tape around my waist to make a belt. Ahh - relief. I felt like I had a spring in my step after that and then the plantar fasciitis kicked in. I finished my "training run" marathon in 4:15 and hobbled home.

Last week, was the Sugar Land 30K. The final race in the warm-up series leading up to Houston. I had another decision to make - race it or take it slow and easy. I was reading my Runner's World magazine and a key workout suggestion was to do 6 miles at 10 seconds faster than race pace, 10 minute recovery jog, then another 6 miles at 10 seconds faster than race pace. Great idea! That's what I'll do! A 13 mile workout crammed into an 18.6 mile race. I decided the best thing was to start out slow - a 5 mile warm-up. I did the next 6 miles fast (8:05 pace), took a 10 minute recovery jog, and attempted the next 6. And that's where I ran out of gas. My foot was cramping up again and I could not pick up the pace. I ran the last 6 at about 8:40 pace.

Over the next 4 days, I saw my opportunity of BQing limp out the door.

I was already implementing aggressive icing strategies - ice massage, ice baths, more and more ice. I wondered how close I was to frost bite. I went for a slow run on 12/15 and could hardly walk after I was done. More icing. More praying. After lots of ice and lots of prayer, a breakthrough happened Thursday night. I could feel earlier in the day that the tension was becoming smaller or more localized (if that makes sense). Even though I could hardly walk, I could tell it was changing somehow. Then (after a particular intense icing session) I was able to work out the kinks. Miraculous! It was a glorious feeling and almost instant relief. I have continued to ice and take it easy, lots of stretching and resting. But at least now, I'm able to walk again, dare I say RUN!

Through it all, I've continued with Insanity - sometimes only on one foot. The results are showing and I'm pleased with my progress. Only 2 weeks left of the 60 day challenge! Only 4 weeks until the Houston Marathon! Just a few days ago I was doubtful that I could even walk it, but now I have renewed hope that I will be able to race it.

So, here we go again. To all of my 5 blog readers: I know you didn't want to read about injuries and ice, how much it hurts or how worried I have been everyday. I also didn't want to be a big 'ol whiner! I'm on the road to recovery and the Christmas cards are in the mail!

Houston Half Marathon

I ran in the Houston Half Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 23. This is the first of three races in the Houston Marathon Warm Up Series. The next is the Texas Metric Marathon on Nov. 13, then the Sugar Land 30K on Dec. 11.

I really enjoy these races. They are all spaced about a month apart and are the perfect distances for training for the Houston Marathon on Jan. 15, 2012. It is a great way for beginners to get a large race experience with 2 of them including a drive into downtown Houston. It is also a good way for runners to get a feel for their fitness level, to try out different race strategies and just practice hydrating and re-fueling.

I traveled along with my girlfriends Nicole and Vickie and her husband, Mike. It is such a fun atmosphere heading to the race, laughing and talking about our goals for the day. It's Houston, so of course, it was hot and the mosquitoes at the start were fierce. I couldn't wait to get out of there and get running. I made a rookie mistake at this race last year and after I drank a whole mug-full of coffee was in the port-a-can when the gun went off. I knew better this year and was at the starting line in plenty of time and enjoyed the buzz of the crowd.

My good friend Michelle came out to cheer me on at mile 6 and 9. It was a boost to see her at mile 6 then I looked forward to seeing her again over the next 3 miles. I didn't finish as fast as I wanted to, but it was a good race, I felt strong and enjoyed it.

The post-race atmosphere is just as sweet. Lots of laughing and talking, loud music, beer (at 9am?) - I opted for the massage. I won't be running all three races of the warm up series this year. I have another meeting with the half marathon in San Antonio.