Back in the neighborhood!

I ran yesterday in the neighborhood and it felt so good! I was nervous about my knees but was careful to stay near the center of the road. It seems my exercises and cross training are paying off! I'm so happy about it!

I am struggling with stamina and I think may be a breathing issue. It has been over three months since I quit smoking but I found the following information so it may just take more time:

According to the American Lung Association, it takes two weeks to three months for lung function to begin to improve after giving up smoking and up to nine months for shortness of breath to decrease. But regular exercise, a healthy diet and continued smoking cessation will help improve the health of your lungs and increase lung capacity over time.

I'm going to try to get back to running every other day but listening to my body. Next Sunday is the next 5K. Red Brick Run, here we come!

Pirates of Penzance

Thinking I'm calling myself a "Slave of "Duty?" No. I'm actually referring to a quote from "Pretty Woman" but I'll get back to that.

My return to Cook Field was another success. This time I brought water (and drank plenty before) so I wouldn't get so dehydrated. I put my water bottle in front of my parked car so I could grab a drink while running past. My goal was to complete Week 7 Day 3 of my 10K app (yes, I updated my app to strive for a 10K) which required a 25 minute run. I'm almost back to where I was before my knee problems and I feel confident that I am on track for my race next weekend.

I made it for 25 minutes, all on the asphalt, but there was one problem. During the last couple minutes I started to need to pee. As soon as I finished and stopped running to slow down and walk the flood gates opened. Thank goodness no one was around and I proceeded to sit down in the grass and get it over with. Thus the title for this post. If you don't get it now then you must not remember "Pretty Woman."

Tomorrow is my 28 minute run although I'd like to stretch to 30 if possible. But I'm watching my water intake this time!

Coming Back and On Track (and on the track...)

I ran with Marie on Monday at the Rec Center and it went really well. We ran 15 minutes, walked 5, ran 10, walked 5, ran 5 (with a 5 minute warmup walk before and cool down after). I was amazed and happy that my knee didn't hurt afterward. So the solution may be that I need to be more aware of my running surfaces. Also I believe my cross training and stretching exercises help a lot.

I spent the next few days contemplating a Rec membership. The cost isn't bad for employees but is it the right thing to do. It is a big commitment to get a year membership right as the weather is getting nice.

I really want to be an outside runner but I feel like the sidewalk and roads in the neighborhood are very unforgiving. So on Thursday, via IM, Andy and I talked about it (and I asked some coworkers) and came up with the plan to try running at Cook Field. There is an asphalt track and half of the field is turf. It is a half mile and half of the time I can run beside the track on the asphalt. So off to Cook I went on Thursday after work. And the results were great!

I have to admit I was a little intimidated since I rarely go to that part of campus and I knew there woulda be a lot of students but I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was. There were a few things I didn't think about ahead of time but know now (like to not bring my huge set of keys, be sure my vitamin water is cold for after my run, and a water bottle for during running might be nice until until the water fountain starts working ).

I ran 20 minutes, walked 5, and ran 5. Next time I plan to run 25 minutes (or more if I can) so I feel like I'm on track again, ready for the next 5k on April 21st!

P.S. Stopped by to see Lia today to tell her Mark, her husband & the PT I saw a few weeks ago, helped me so much and I'm following his instructions religiously and doing great!

Cross training to move forward...

Since the Shamrock Shuffle, I have been working to get my knees in shape.  I was in terrible pain after the race but kept walking around to keep from getting stiff.  I did however sign up for the Red Brick Run on April 21st.

First of all I went to see a physical therapist (my hairdresser's husband) for a consultation.  He told me that my hips need to be stronger which is a common problem women have with running.  He gave me exercises to do and told me to cut back to running twice a week.  Bummer!

I have an elastic band he gave me and ankle weights to use for the exercises and I do them almost every night.  I have been cycling three times a week at Phillips Gym on campus.

Also I'm taking vitamins and trying to eat large amounts of protein.  I have been trying to lay off the Ibuprophen as much as possible.

I tried to run a couple times and had so much pain in my left knee that I decided to just wait until there was no pain.  I gave myself almost two weeks off, every day feeling like I was getting behind.

So yesterday I ran!  It felt so good!!  I used my app and ran 10 minutes, walked 3 minutes, and ran 10 minutes (but I accidentally reset timer and ran about 15 instead).  Today my knee hurts but not as bad.  I went to the gym at lunch to cycle and do some upper body weights.

So, all in all, I am discovering all the possibilities for exercising that Miami offers employees.  The weight room at Phillips is free and they also offer classes.  My goal is to also add Yoga Class on Wednesdays at noon.

And fingers crossed... I'm hoping to run again on Monday at the Rec with Marie.  Track running might work out well.  Stay tuned!

WE DID IT! FIRST 5K

Tomorrow is the big day!

It is finally the culmination of all my efforts! Tomorrow is race day!!

Although I haven't run since last Thursday I feel really good. Everyone says I can do it and I want to believe it. I will say I am hopeful!

Vic picked up our packets last night and everything is on the kitchen table. I'm loading up on carbs ( pasta for dinner) and water this evening I have my list of things to remember... tissues, headphones, Chapstick.

We are leaving here at 7am tomorrow and the race starts at 8:30. No coffee for me (or maybe a little), lots of water, vitamin water and a couple granola bars.

I'm starting to mentally prepare and visualize what it will feel like! So excited!!

Beat up

Between my sore right ankle and the excruciating pain in my left knee, I cannot walk and could not work today. I can barely get around on crutches, just enough to go to the bathroom.

I talked to Andy who made me realize that the pain is a muscle issue that is just part of my growing pains after years of being sedentary. He explained how muscles tear and rebuild themselves. I'm concentrating on eating a lot of protein and using ice, heat, and ibuprofen. I'm not sure when I'll be able to run again but I'm hopeful all will be well by next Saturday.

It's fun keeping up with the Shamrock Shuffle Facebook Page. From the new runners to the seasoned ones, everyone posting seems really excited. I am too!