Well, this is the post I should have written last Wednesday! I decided that even though I still felt a twinge in my foot, that I was ready to start running again. So I went out for a short run of 4 miles. Though I felt fine during the run (I was aware of the twinge in my foot), the plantar fasciitis really bothered me for the rest of the day. Every time I walked, I was just gimping around! Luckily it wasn't as bad as the first time round, and by the next day it was back to a twinge. I realized that I had tried running too soon.
So, my new plan is to not run until I feel no twinge in my foot, probably 2 -3 weeks (I was off running for about 10 days before, but I was doing some quick walking). Instead, I will be going to the 9:00 a.m spin class 4 days per week (that is how often it is offered) and revisit weight training (something I have not been doing but know that I should).
This means that there is no way that I can do the Snake River Half Marathon on March 7, especially since there is a good chance that I will just barely be back into my running by then. It also means, that when it comes to the Spokane marathon, that I will probably have to settle on doing the half instead of the whole 26.2 miles.
This is tough, I want to somehow justify doing the full marathon, but realize that my injury was from a combination of too many miles too soon, and bad shoes. I have new shoes, but if I train too hard to do the full marathon, I may find myself injured again and not doing anything! (Though, to be honest, I am still wondering if I can do the full 26.2 miles if I do a run/walk program!)
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Correctly Fitted Running Shoes - What a Surprise!
Well, I finally did it. I went to a specialty running store and got fitted for the running shoes that are best for my feet.
The last time I bought running shoes, I went to Tri-State and bought comfortable shoes, though I had it in mind that I wanted Nike Plus shoes for my Nike Plus system, though I was willing to get other shoes and just use my shoe pouch. But, I did find a pair of Nike Plus shoes that were really comfortable that I bought. They are Nike Plus Air Pegasus. I put about 400 miles on them and knew it was time to get a new pair (evidenced by my heel pain).
We went to Blaine, Washington this past weekend to visit my parents, plus it was my birthday. Before going I searched and discovered a running store in Bellingham, WA called Fairhaven Runners and Walkers. My Mom and I went there on Saturday where I was helped by an extremely friendly clerk named Jeva.
She had me walk back and forth a few times so she could see how I walk. She said that I was a fairly neutral walker with a slight over pronation, which she confirmed with another clerk and the store manager. Total I tried on about 10 pairs of shoes, slowly narrowing them down. Some were obviously not good, others were borderline. I finally got it down to two pairs, and I wore them outside for a short jog. And guess what type of shoe I ended up with?
NIKE+ AIR PEGASUS RUNNING SHOES! The same pair I had purchased previously just based on comfort.
This is highly unusual. I would still definitely recommend going to a specialty running store. If nothing else, I now know that I am in the best shoes for me.
And for the shoes, I would like to say, "Thanks Mom & Dad!"
The last time I bought running shoes, I went to Tri-State and bought comfortable shoes, though I had it in mind that I wanted Nike Plus shoes for my Nike Plus system, though I was willing to get other shoes and just use my shoe pouch. But, I did find a pair of Nike Plus shoes that were really comfortable that I bought. They are Nike Plus Air Pegasus. I put about 400 miles on them and knew it was time to get a new pair (evidenced by my heel pain).
We went to Blaine, Washington this past weekend to visit my parents, plus it was my birthday. Before going I searched and discovered a running store in Bellingham, WA called Fairhaven Runners and Walkers. My Mom and I went there on Saturday where I was helped by an extremely friendly clerk named Jeva.
She had me walk back and forth a few times so she could see how I walk. She said that I was a fairly neutral walker with a slight over pronation, which she confirmed with another clerk and the store manager. Total I tried on about 10 pairs of shoes, slowly narrowing them down. Some were obviously not good, others were borderline. I finally got it down to two pairs, and I wore them outside for a short jog. And guess what type of shoe I ended up with?
NIKE+ AIR PEGASUS RUNNING SHOES! The same pair I had purchased previously just based on comfort.
This is highly unusual. I would still definitely recommend going to a specialty running store. If nothing else, I now know that I am in the best shoes for me.
And for the shoes, I would like to say, "Thanks Mom & Dad!"
Saturday, February 7, 2009
So close and yet so far ... & Heel Pain - Plantar Fasciitis?
I ran 5 miles yesterday, and felt really good as I pushed to finish it in under 44 minutes. As I listened to my final stats, I was hoping to hear a "Congratulations! You have just completed your fasted 5 miles ever" blip. But it did not happen. I checked my stats, and missed beating my fastest five miles by 3 seconds! I finished in 43 min. 53 sec, and my best time was 43 min. 51 secs! Man, what a bummer! It wouldn't have taken too much to push just a little bit harder, if I had only been aware of the time to beat.
Also, towards the end of my run yesterday, I felt a little pain in my heel. This got worse towards the end of the day, and this morning it feels like plantar fasciitis, which I read can be caused by over pronation. I know that I do have too much movement in my feet while running and that I do over pronate, I think it is time to get new running shoes ;-) and make sure that I get some specially designed for over pronation. I was reading too that some good insoles can also make a difference. Meanwhile, I guess I just need to ice it, take some ibuprofin and take it easy (i.e - minimal - if any- running) for a week or so. :-(
Also, towards the end of my run yesterday, I felt a little pain in my heel. This got worse towards the end of the day, and this morning it feels like plantar fasciitis, which I read can be caused by over pronation. I know that I do have too much movement in my feet while running and that I do over pronate, I think it is time to get new running shoes ;-) and make sure that I get some specially designed for over pronation. I was reading too that some good insoles can also make a difference. Meanwhile, I guess I just need to ice it, take some ibuprofin and take it easy (i.e - minimal - if any- running) for a week or so. :-(
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Where's Dad?
I got home last night after picking up Erika, and Jeff was nowhere to be found. None of the kids knew where he was, so William and I went all over the house looking for him. Was he playing hide and seek? Something he may have done when the kids were really little, but now? Not likely! To confirm our bafflement, I even looked in the small front closet and William hollered out the back door. Finally, I told Will, "he must have gone for a walk."
So I went out to the front porch to watch for him and immediately saw a dark figure come jogging down the cul-de-sac. It was Jeff! On a whim, Jeff decided to go out and see how far he could run, and said that he turned around at the point where he figured he could make it back. He had gone a mile! Now, for those of you who do not know Jeff, this is a guy who has not run in years (like 20), and has perpetual feet and back problems. Sometimes just walking is painful.
Now I would like to say I am just total inspiration, but I think it was watching The Biggest Loser. Seeing people in way worse condition, people in pain, just push through it and endure for the hopes of a healthier life, people like Dan.
So, kudos and three huzzahs for Jeff:
HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
I am proud of you honey!
To end this blog with the words of John "The Penguin" Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start."
So I went out to the front porch to watch for him and immediately saw a dark figure come jogging down the cul-de-sac. It was Jeff! On a whim, Jeff decided to go out and see how far he could run, and said that he turned around at the point where he figured he could make it back. He had gone a mile! Now, for those of you who do not know Jeff, this is a guy who has not run in years (like 20), and has perpetual feet and back problems. Sometimes just walking is painful.
Now I would like to say I am just total inspiration, but I think it was watching The Biggest Loser. Seeing people in way worse condition, people in pain, just push through it and endure for the hopes of a healthier life, people like Dan.
So, kudos and three huzzahs for Jeff:
HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
I am proud of you honey!
To end this blog with the words of John "The Penguin" Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Personal Trainer Watching
Personal Trainer watching is similar to bird watching, but, in my opinion, a bit more entertaining. Like birds, personal trainers tend to flock in small groups of 3 or 4 in the corner of the gym. There they chit-chat and lift weights and just generally look cool.
Then comes a client and one breaks away. She commences to inflict pain upon another human being, walking casually along as the woman is doing walking lunges across the gym while holding a bar over her head. Back and forth, then to a machine, and then back to lunges. And all the while she is charging about $60.00 and hour. That is my kind of job!
Now, I have to admit, that client handled everything fine, is obviously used to working with a personal trainer, and didn't seem in too much pain. About 45 minutes later the same trainer was putting another lady through the same paces, and she was having a tough time: red in the face and struggling to hold up the bar. The P.T's grin was just that much bigger!
In between clients, the trainer returns to her corner with the rest of the flock. Most are there every morning, not only is it their job, but it is there identity. Most are women, some are young, others are thirty something with kids, they are all in great shape. I wished my arms looked so good!
Now, I wasn't just sitting around watching the flock of P.T's, but I was on the balcony doing my 9 mile long run. The balcony overlooks the weight floor, so Personal Trainer watching is a great thing to do for over an hour and a half.
The next morning as I left spin, I saw a lady in her early sixties on a row machine with her trainer. You could tell that lifting weights was a recent endeavor in her life. The personal trainer said "just one more" as she leaned over and helped with the last rep. The client was grinning ear to ear with her new accomplishment! It must be those small moments that make being a personal trainer rewarding.
Then comes a client and one breaks away. She commences to inflict pain upon another human being, walking casually along as the woman is doing walking lunges across the gym while holding a bar over her head. Back and forth, then to a machine, and then back to lunges. And all the while she is charging about $60.00 and hour. That is my kind of job!
Now, I have to admit, that client handled everything fine, is obviously used to working with a personal trainer, and didn't seem in too much pain. About 45 minutes later the same trainer was putting another lady through the same paces, and she was having a tough time: red in the face and struggling to hold up the bar. The P.T's grin was just that much bigger!
In between clients, the trainer returns to her corner with the rest of the flock. Most are there every morning, not only is it their job, but it is there identity. Most are women, some are young, others are thirty something with kids, they are all in great shape. I wished my arms looked so good!
Now, I wasn't just sitting around watching the flock of P.T's, but I was on the balcony doing my 9 mile long run. The balcony overlooks the weight floor, so Personal Trainer watching is a great thing to do for over an hour and a half.
The next morning as I left spin, I saw a lady in her early sixties on a row machine with her trainer. You could tell that lifting weights was a recent endeavor in her life. The personal trainer said "just one more" as she leaned over and helped with the last rep. The client was grinning ear to ear with her new accomplishment! It must be those small moments that make being a personal trainer rewarding.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Last day of the month - Again!
Yes, I am continuing my bad habit of blogging on the last day of the month. I have had some good ideas of stuff to blog, but have not made the time to write. But I don't want a month to go by without an entry, so I find myself blogging on the last day of the month. This seems to have been my pattern over the last few months, and is NOT a good one! So, I will try to do better. After all, with the infrequent entries so far, it wouldn't be too hard to double my efforts ;-)
Brief monthly overview: my eating still stinks and my weight is still stalled.
Good news: I am feeling more confident in doing better on my eating habits. I have started my training program for the May marathon (hence, one result is better eating, so the next should be some weight loss!).
I Just completed my first week of training. Overall, I run Mon/Wed/Fri, with my long run being on Monday. Last week, I ran 9/3/5 miles, all on a treadmill which is not exactly great for the scenery! And on Tuesday and Thursday I went to spin class, I have really enjoyed starting to spin again, it is a lot of fun and a great workout.
Well, that is it for today, in the future you can look forward to some different type of posts rather than just the hum drum update. Things such as hairy legs, chaffing, spinning and my favorite health & motivation magazine! Now, I know you are curious, but you will just have to check back later, I promise it will be in less than a month!
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
p.s - I will get a link up soon with my full marathon training program so that you can see at a glance what I am doing.
Brief monthly overview: my eating still stinks and my weight is still stalled.
Good news: I am feeling more confident in doing better on my eating habits. I have started my training program for the May marathon (hence, one result is better eating, so the next should be some weight loss!).
I Just completed my first week of training. Overall, I run Mon/Wed/Fri, with my long run being on Monday. Last week, I ran 9/3/5 miles, all on a treadmill which is not exactly great for the scenery! And on Tuesday and Thursday I went to spin class, I have really enjoyed starting to spin again, it is a lot of fun and a great workout.
Well, that is it for today, in the future you can look forward to some different type of posts rather than just the hum drum update. Things such as hairy legs, chaffing, spinning and my favorite health & motivation magazine! Now, I know you are curious, but you will just have to check back later, I promise it will be in less than a month!
Ciao for Now!
Michelle
p.s - I will get a link up soon with my full marathon training program so that you can see at a glance what I am doing.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Years Goals!
I have basically taken it easy this past month. I have been doing about 2 short runs per week, and nothing Christmas week at all (of course, coming down with the stomach flu Christmas Eve left me with little desire to do much).
We did get totally dumped on with snow, so that stopped my outside running, but I did join the locally owned gym and hit the tread mill. Running on a treadmill is a totally different feeling than the road and I think that I prefer the road! But it is still a good work out.
I have been setting my new running goals for next year, because I know that if I do not have anything to aim towards, I tend to fizzle out. My goals include a half marathon on March 7, the Snake River Canyon Half Marathon, and a marathon in May. I was excited to discover that Spokane will be hosting its first marathon on May 15, it is the Windermere Marathon Spokane. It starts in Post Falls and follows the river into Spokane finishing at Riverfront Park. I am also eyeballing the Boise Half Ironman on June 13th. Since I do not want to run/race/compete on Sunday's, I have been excited to find these different races on Saturday's, and not that far from home!
So, my winter work outs will include running and spinning, and if I want to do the Half Ironman, then I need to do something about my swimming. This is my weakest event and the one I normally ignore, just figuring that I can flounder my way through (and if you have seen me swim, you know to take the word "flounder" literally). So, to change that I am considering the local Masters club, Chinooks Maters Swimming. But, I am slightly chicken on that, my weight loss came to a stand still in November, so I am a bit self-conscience about appearing in a swim suit!
But, I am rededicating to good eating habits in the New Year, and have a local competition to encourage me. My sister-in-law and her friend have started their own Biggest Loser competition (I had never seen the show before, so went online and watched an episode). It lasts 3 months and there are 15 competitors. Everybody pays $60 to compete, and the person who loses the largest percentage of weight is the winner. That person takes home 2/3 of the stash, and 2nd place gets the remaining amount. So, basically $600 to the winner and $300 to the next person. But, hopefully wonderful results will be better than money to all who participate! Yesterday was the beginning of the competition and it runs through April 7th. I feel good because I am already in the habit of working out, I just need to keep it up and refocus on diet.
Well, overall 2008 has been GREAT! I have established some good exercise habits, I stated running in June and completed a Half Marathon in November, and though having reached my highest weight ever in the spring, as of last Sunday I had lost about 25 pounds! So, not bad, and looking to a better year in 2009 with many accomplishments.
Ciao for Now!
MJ
We did get totally dumped on with snow, so that stopped my outside running, but I did join the locally owned gym and hit the tread mill. Running on a treadmill is a totally different feeling than the road and I think that I prefer the road! But it is still a good work out.
I have been setting my new running goals for next year, because I know that if I do not have anything to aim towards, I tend to fizzle out. My goals include a half marathon on March 7, the Snake River Canyon Half Marathon, and a marathon in May. I was excited to discover that Spokane will be hosting its first marathon on May 15, it is the Windermere Marathon Spokane. It starts in Post Falls and follows the river into Spokane finishing at Riverfront Park. I am also eyeballing the Boise Half Ironman on June 13th. Since I do not want to run/race/compete on Sunday's, I have been excited to find these different races on Saturday's, and not that far from home!
So, my winter work outs will include running and spinning, and if I want to do the Half Ironman, then I need to do something about my swimming. This is my weakest event and the one I normally ignore, just figuring that I can flounder my way through (and if you have seen me swim, you know to take the word "flounder" literally). So, to change that I am considering the local Masters club, Chinooks Maters Swimming. But, I am slightly chicken on that, my weight loss came to a stand still in November, so I am a bit self-conscience about appearing in a swim suit!
But, I am rededicating to good eating habits in the New Year, and have a local competition to encourage me. My sister-in-law and her friend have started their own Biggest Loser competition (I had never seen the show before, so went online and watched an episode). It lasts 3 months and there are 15 competitors. Everybody pays $60 to compete, and the person who loses the largest percentage of weight is the winner. That person takes home 2/3 of the stash, and 2nd place gets the remaining amount. So, basically $600 to the winner and $300 to the next person. But, hopefully wonderful results will be better than money to all who participate! Yesterday was the beginning of the competition and it runs through April 7th. I feel good because I am already in the habit of working out, I just need to keep it up and refocus on diet.
Well, overall 2008 has been GREAT! I have established some good exercise habits, I stated running in June and completed a Half Marathon in November, and though having reached my highest weight ever in the spring, as of last Sunday I had lost about 25 pounds! So, not bad, and looking to a better year in 2009 with many accomplishments.
Ciao for Now!
MJ
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Half Marathon Pics
Crossing Hwy 95, the last 1/4 mile
The Final stretch
My wonderful family supporters
Approaching the finish line
It is important to raise your arms when crossing a finish line!
Crossing the finish line!
3 HUZZAHS!
Happy to be done
I did it!
Presentation of (unexpected) Finishers Shirt
My "official" Finisher shirt
A week as gone by and I have taken it easy (maybe a bit too easy?). I just ran once this week, 3 miles, but plan to be back to 3 regular runs this week. With the weather getting colder (though still unseasonably warm), I plan to start going back to Spin. I really liked Spin when I was going regularly, but haven't gone in about a year. Though I don't think I will go back to the 5:45 am class, I have a bit more flexibility working at home, so I think the 9:00 class is early enough! Well, going to keep this short, here are the pictures from my personal Half Marathon last week. Keep on runnin'!
Oh, side note, I was talking to a friend who started the Couch to 5k running program, and found out that she is up to a mile without walking! Makes me feel good and inspired to keep going when I see someone start running, partially due to my influence.
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