Don't feel Sorry

Source: google.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

I've been playing it safe lately.

In fact, I actually took 2 weeks off from running after TRX saw lunges + long run on sore legs = more knee pain. Sunday was looming with plans of a long run, which ended up on the treadmill because I'm still scared of the cold. 11 miles was the goal.

Those 2 weeks? They paid off... my knee felt great for the most part, with a couple small breaks for stretching and a couple walk breaks near the end. I do have to admit, it made me feel a little better about the upcoming Half Marathon (RnR DC). It also gave me a chance to test drive my race day outfit which is a Tough Chik, fabulous combo (preview pics soon).

Problem?

My shin/calf started acting up monday night. Even after using my Stick and foam roller, I was limping the next day, and put myself at the mercy of my coworkers (How great is having an army of physical therapists to help you?). One did some mobilizations and positioning at my ankle, and thinks it may be coming from there. So I'm taped up into position, and guess what? It actually feels better! I'm crossing my fingers that maybe this is the fix!

This morning I woke up for TRX class.

Do I want to go, or not want to go?

I sat on the couch, avoiding a decision. What if it hurts my knee, I feel lazy, I have a million other things to do. But I knew I'd feel sorry tomorrow, so I got my things together and got my butt to class.

And you know what?

I'm glad I did.

Week 7.... and tons of winners!

Source: Uploaded by user via Annie on Pinterest

The knee pain won't give up.

The pain was edging me on during Sunday's long run, trying to get me to stop. I slowed down, but pushed through and got all 10 miles in. 

You only reach your limit when you can go no further.

Shelley and I talked on our run about the importance of getting our training runs in. She said she was afraid of not being able to finish the marathon. I told her that it wasn't an option. No matter how tired we are, or how much pain we're in on race day, we will finish. When we cross the finish, we may not be able to go any further. We may have reached our limit. But running, walking, crawling, we'll make it to the end.

I have been stretching, foam rolling, and hoping that it will disappear.

Go away knee pain!!

Marathon training week 7 recap

Monday- remember my 14 mile long run that I added to last week's update

Tuesday- With still no power, and sore legs from monday, I skipped my speedwork.

Wednesday- Headed to TRX. Only me and 1 other girl. Luckily power had come on at the studio the day before so we had lights to workout in. After TRX, I came home to a cold shower (worst decision ever), then went to work to get ready.

Thursday- The gym got power, yay!! planned 8 miles tempo, but only got 7 in with the time I had. Nice hot shower at the gym, fabulous!

Friday- After sleeping at my mom's house (she got power), I went to TRX and was the only one for the first 15 minutes until 1 other person showed up. Headed back to mom's house to get ready.

Saturday- Worked all day, then cried when I came home and the power still was not on. In the middle of my cryfest, my neighbor offered the electric guys weed & beer, and the power came on shortly after. No workout, but I CRANKED up the heat!!

Sunday- Long run with Shelley. We ran in South Hadley for 10 miles on a route she mapped with killer hills. Unfortunately killer hills, killed my right knee/leg, and I hobbled toward the end. The last half mile, Shelley finished up while I did laps around her condo complex to get to my 10. 

Nutrition- Went to hell this week. Being unable to eat my regular foods, and keep on track threw me way off. Even though I ate healthy, I'm thinking I may show a gain this week.

Not only did I FINALLY get my power back saturday, but I got cable & internet back today too!!

Shutterfly winners....

Cat B @ Chasing K(m)s

Elle @ East Run Sail

Robin @ Everymom to Ironmom

&

New Sparkly Soul winner (old one didn't get back to me)

Penny @ Pink Hat Runner

email me to collect your prizes!!

sgrigely at hotmail dot com

Hartford Half Race Recap

I wasn't super pumped for this race, since it was really just a long run for my marathon training, but I was excited to see my brother finish his first Marathon!!

The day before the race, my brother headed to pick up everyones packets. My mom was awesome enough to cook us a fabulous dinner. Chicken parm, spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread. Delicious, I wish I had taken pictures. After dinner, I started worrying about the weather... it seemed like it was going to be windy, and I may have to wear long sleeves. booo!

Luckily when I woke up, it was warmer, so I decided to go with my lululemon tank & arm sleeves. My brother rode with his girlfriend, and went to pick up his coach. My mom picked up Kevin and I & we drove the quick trip to Hartford.

After a muddy trip to the porta-potties, we worked on meeting up with our whole crew.

My mom & Kevin ready for the 5K!

Me & Mom getting ready to race

We lost my brother after he went to bag check, so Shelley, Speedy Trooper, A and I headed over to the start. Soon, we lost trooper and A, and Shelley and I were on our own. The start was horribly disorganized. There were pace signs, but it was impossible to get near them. The crowding and start to this race is always awful.

Shelley and I started off at a good pace, we ended up finding my brother on the course. He ran with us until the marathon split. Shelley and I were flying. My knee was feeling great, the hills weren't too bad to start, and we had fun catching up. I even saw a woman from my gym & chatted with her for a minute.

mile 1: 10:35

mile 2: 10:25

mile 3: 10:15

mile 4: 10:33

Then it started. That damn right calf started acting up and the knee started aching. Thoughts were running through my head. I should have stretched more, foam rolled more, maybe ultrasound. Why did I go out so fast? Why did I think my calf was better after the Divas Half? I hope I can keep up with Shelley. But the hills got bigger, and I felt myself dropping back. I told Shelley I had to stop and stretch a little after the 10K. I told her to go on without me.

mile 6: 10:42

mile 7: 11:01

mile 8: 12:11

The scenery was beautiful. We ran through West Hartford neighborhoods and Elizabeth Park. There were lots of bands along the course, and course supports. So many people in their front lawns, and along the roads cheering. Seriously some of the greatest crowd support I've had in a race. I limped along, running when I could and stopping to walk or stretch when I needed to.

mile 9: 12:52

mile 10: 14:09

mile 11: 12:50

Right after the mile 11 water stop, a house was playing a little Britney Spears Toxic and pumped me right up!! For a minute I flew down a hill feeling no pain, but that was shortly loved. I figured I could hold it together for a little longer, and kept plugging along.

mile 12: 13:17

mile 13: 13:36

Right before mile 13, I saw my mom & Kevin waiting for me in our usual viewing spot. I was so glad to see them. I smiled & let them take a few pics. I told them I was hurting, and I'd see them at the finish. I blew a few kisses, then hit the road.

The finish line approached. People cheering everywhere. I was in incredible pain and wanted to give up. I knew I couldn't stop with all those people cheering. I gritted my teeth, and charged through. Normally, I empty the tank at the end of race, passing at least 1-2 people in my sprint to the finish. This time, I limped through the finish. So disappointing.

I headed straight to the Med Tent for some ice. I came out and saw Kevin & my mom. Kevin commented how I didn't seem tired or out of breath, and he was right. My endurance wasn't lacking, my lungs weren't tired, my knee just gave up. After icing I got my medal and headed to meet the fam.

We grabbed some yummy post race food, and headed to the beer tent to meet up with Speedy Trooper and A. Shelley wasn't feeling well, so she took off right after finishing.

A, Speedy Trooper & Me!

After a beer, I headed over to meet up with Kristen @ Bigger Girls Can Run Too after she SMASHED her goal time!

I headed back to the beer tent, then my mom, Kevin & I went to the marathon finish to watch out for my brother. His girlfriend had been following him around on her bicycle all day, but wasn't doing a great job keeping us informed of his miles. Finally she said he was at mile 25, so we thought he had a 1.2 mile window to wait, so we were goofing off, then almost missed him go by! We waved, but missed the photo op, so we caught him after he got his medal and water.

My brother wanted to pose badass for my blog

Me, brother & Mom all race finishers today!

After another beer at the beer garden ( and missing meeting Kari because of her crazy vertigo), we headed for home with a new piece of bling to add to the wall.

Official Time

2:36:22

11:56 avg page

261/330 Athenas & Clydesdales

493/554 Females 25-29

Update: The knee is feeling much better!

Christmas wrap up

It's snowing! Even though I really can't stand snow, from inside my house it looks nice and I really can't complain since this is the first big snow of the year. Not typical for us New Englanders! They say we're getting between 8-12 inches, which means I cleaned my house, avoiding going anywhere.

The past 2 days have been wicked busy. I made it to the gym Friday morning, which was my first workout since the horrible 12 miler last weekend. I got out of work early, and even had time for a much needed nap. I went to Kevin's house & we made pizza with his family before heading over to his aunt & uncles party. After there, we went to my house to exchange presents. Good news? He got me the running skirt & triathlon bag I wanted. Bad news? When I told him I wanted a size 5 running skirt, he didn't buy me the running skirts size 5, he got me the womens 4-6 which is a running skirts size 2. Never in my life have I been that small!

Kevin laughed at me, because I bought him the same pair of pants I had bought him a few months ago. But he did love the snowboarding gear & red sox cycling jersey I got him. We went to midnight mass, so I didn't get to sleep until almost 1:30am, which means....

No morning ride on the trainer like I was hoping. I had to be at Kevin's at 9am for breakfast & presents. Somehow I ended up making the breakfast for everyone, when I was invited as a guest. Not sure how that happens, but oh well. After that we headed to my mom's house for breakfast round 2 (or lunch) and more presents, then to my dad's house for dinner & presents. We were exhausted, and relieved to finally make it home at the end of the night. It was great to see all of our families, and spend time with some we don't get to see too often.

I even did all my errands & shopping in my
running skirts ensemble!

Today, I was scheduled for a 10 mile long run. I'm not gonna lie, I was nervous. I hadn't run all week. When my long run partner called to confirm for today, I told her I was nervous about my knee. I wasn't sure if I'd make it, and didn't want to hold her back. We decided to do our own thing. The next part for me was to decide treadmill or outside? The snow had started, but I was really itching to run in it for some reason. But I was nervous that my knee would start acting up & I would be stranded, or worse yet, I could slip & fall and hurt my knee even more. I decided on the treadmill, and headed to the gym. I decided to wear a christmasy outfit, since it's only the day after. My plan was to run 3 miles to start. If the knee started acting up, I would get off, do a little lifting, then do 3 more miles. I really wanted to make the 10, but I told myself I'd wait & see how I felt. I hit 3 miles, and had no knee pain. I really tried to pay attention to my form. I hit mile 4, got off to get more water, then back on, and I just kept cruising until I made it all the way to 10. My knee never hurt. A couple times I felt a little pulling in my calf, but I slowed to a walk, and it never made its way to my knee. That run was the best christmas present ever!

Today I've been going crazy cleaning, throwing crap away, and putting stuff in bags for goodwill. I think so far I've managed 3 full bags of trash & 2 bags for goodwill, and there's still more work to be done! I have the day off tomorrow, so my plan is to keep up with the cleaning, make some muffins, and get a fabulous workout in. I hope this snow stops soon!

Don't forget my giveaways!

The Bondi Band & sports beans one ends tonight! Enter HERE

My Ryders giveaway ends tomorrow! Enter HERE

My new toy... & Rev Abs winner!

Last week my mom called. My christmas present was delivered. It came in too big of a box for her to want to wrap under the tree & she thought it was too heavy to lift. So.... she called me & told me to pick it up, I could have my christmas present early!

You know what that is!!! My new bike trainer!

I was so excited & with the drama continuing between Kevin & I, I decided to take a shot at putting it together myself yesterday.  Decided against figuring out the whole how to put a bike on it part until today.

my beautiful white & pink specialized dolce elite!

After a few tears, and a u-tube video search I managed to get my bike on the trainer, without the man! HA, take that! I then rode for 43 minutes while watching my DVRd Desperate Housewives from Sunday night. This thing is gonna be awesome. It wasn't too loud, it was a nice smooth ride, and will certainly make improving my cycling over the winter much easier! One question, am I supposed to be shifting gears to make it harder at times? I can't wait to actually try out one of the spinervals dvds i have!

Running? I didn't go again today. The knee is starting to feel better, but my anterior tib is tender. I've been wearing my compression socks and it seems to be helping, oh and using that foam roller. I'm going to aim for my tempo run tomorrow, hopefully all goes well!

As for the Rev Abs

Lucky girl is.....

Amber @ This is the life!

She will get the complete Rev Abs package! Amber please email me your address to sgrigely at hotmail dot com & I'll ship it right out to you!

Don't forget Mike's giveaway at 26.2 is my cooldown for an Ipod shuffle HERE

You can fix my plumbing any time!

On sunday, my kitchen ceiling seemed to spring a crack and a nice water mark. Just what I need a leak in my barely over a year old home! My mom called our contractor friend for a plumber referral, and lucky me, I got the HOTTEST plumber ever! The bad part is he said they did a crappy job on the plumbing for my house, the good part, he fixed it. Wish I knew the scoop on him since he was such a hottie and super nice to boot. I know he's a firefighter too, so my firefighter friend is going to see if she can get the scoop... wonder if he is single?

The knee? Well, it hurt like a bitch yesterday, I foam rolled until I cried. I skipped my run today, the rolling felt a little better. Today, I didn't have to go to work, hooray! I was at Springfield College playing patient for the physical therapy students for their practical exams. A couple of girls who were also playing patient, were talking about wanted to run the disney half marathons and asked me what I thought. I told them how much fun it was and encouraged them to do it.

I need to go out to finish my christmas shopping, but I'm lazy since sitting around watching my DVRd lifetime movie marry me. Made me even think that I could dump my commitment phobic boyfriend for a dream relationship with the plumber. ok, back to reality. Shopping, then possibly a new ride on my toy that I'll share later!

Mike at 26.2 is my cooldown is having a fabulous giveaway for 3 I-pod shuffles, so check it out HERE!

Don't forget my Road ID giveaway HERE!

The knee that just won't quit!

Thursday I got a totally badass 7 mile run done on the treadmill.... before work!

I had a tempo planned, but at around 3.5-4 miles, the knee started acting up. seriously??!! I knew I had to push through, I wanted to get all my mileage in. The last mile turned into a run/walk, but I made it. Sometimes I am disappointed that I get injuries, when I feel like I should be able to prevent them, being a physical therapist and all. Right now, I have decided my pain is due to 2 things (possibly 3). My IT band & piriformis are ridiculously tight and in spasm. I have been foam rolling, and even had a deep tissue massage, but it is being a bitch. My lumbar spine and sacrum were out of alignment. I could just feel the slight shift, but luckily a coworker fixed that today. The last possible one is that I should probably switch out to a new pair of running shoes.

Skipped a workout today, but have been foam rolling before & after work. I've been craving pizza all week. I ate like crap & too much wed night since I wanted pizza and didn't get it. I should have just ordered a pizza, I probably would have done less damage. I asked Kevin if we could order pizza tonight, he wanted to make hot dogs at his house (vomit), so I made toast and an egg. He calls me 30 min later to say he burnt his hot dog & now wants to order pizza. Go figure. Oh well, I'll have a piece of that too to satisfy the craving. I better get on track tomorrow.

Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow. My long run is scheduled for sunday but is only 8 miles. My running parter is still on vacay, and I am nervous about possible snow, so it may be on the treadmill.

My mom also told me I could come pick up my bike trainer from her house because it is too big to wrap. Sweet!! I can't wait to hopefully try it out this weekend.

Dont forget my Rev Abs giveaway HERE! enter by 12/14

There will be another giveaway this week, and christmas giveaway surprise coming soon!

Happy running!