Injury=Pain

I know it's been a while since my last blog...but I've been slightly pre-occupied in training for my marathon and getting injured in the process! I know that's no excuse, but it's the best I could do. Oh...and I've also been transitioning in to a new job.

With only 3 weeks left of training, I was scheduled to complete a 9 mile run one Tuesday night. This is when I was put to rest, as an intense pain shot through my left leg, almost bringing me to my knees and in tears. By this time, the pain had been settle for the last 2-3 weeks, until I pushed my limits in a 1/2 marathon, resisting the urge to stop and not listening to my body screaming at me. The idea of quitting was not an option, and I just assumed I would rest my leg for the next couple of days, while icing it, stretching and rolling. I somehow muscled through my 4-6 mile runs in the following week, listening closely to my IT Band. Until one evening after work, I was scheduled to run 9 miles. About 20 minutes in to my 9-miler, I decided maybe I should just do 7 miles, as I started to feel heat building in my leg. Well, with 1 1/2 left to go, the pain was more than I could bear and my eyes welled up, as I sat on the hard sidewalk in utter disappointment. I'm still not sure if I was crying because of how much it hurt physically or mentally!

After about 5 weeks of rest from running, I'm still having a hard time sleeping on the left side of my body, because my IT band starts to ache from the pressure :(

My advice to any of you who want to train for a big event, such as a Marathon...TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!! Something I should have done from the start.
Roll and stretch before and after each run. Make sure to warm up properly and cool down. Ice right after long runs, and heat later. Get fitted for running shoes, and don't be cheap. Eat healthy, take Glutamine to help repair muscles, and drink lots of water.

In order to rest my IT Band and let it heal, I'm taking on other challenges in the meantime. Stay tuned :)

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous :)

Shamrock Shuffle 1/2 Marathon

Sunday, March 17th, I ran in the Huntington Beach Shamrock Shuffle 1/2 Marathon! This was a training race for me, to prepare for the big one.

I started off my morning with a banana, and on the way to the race, at 6:30 in the morning, my boyfriend and I stopped for some Starbucks coffee. I took mine black, with a little cream. Kept my breakfast light, and energizing.

This race was much smaller than your average event. With about 29 participants, there was no dodging crowds, or getting stuck behind a group of slow runners. But don't let the size fool you, I was still just as nervous as ever! I think I went to the bathroom 2-3 times when we arrived...I pee a lot when I'm anxious! ;)

Well...the count down began, and before I knew it, we were off. I managed to stay up front, keeping on track with my goal pace (8:30-8:45 min/mile) About 2 miles in to the run, I was averaging 8:32 min/mile. Right where I wanted to be, and was feeling GOOD!
All of a sudden, I started to get warning signs of a side ache. THEE worst!! I'm not sure if it was the coffee right before the run, or if it was my nerves. The only way to completely get rid of a side ache, is to stop. I tried every technique, slowed down my pace significantly, breathing in through my nose and out my mouth...nothing seemed to work. When you keep pushing through a side ache, it starts to hurt so bad, it almost takes your breath away. So...I walked :( I walked for about 3-4 minutes, until I knew it was completely gone. The last thing I wanted to do was pick up the run again, and have it come back.
Once I knew I was relieved of the "ache", I resumed my course! Striving to make up for lost time, I managed to keep a solid 9 min/mile pace for the first 6.5 miles! :)

Lately I've been having these sharp pains in my left buttock. I did a little research and thought it might be my Piriformis muscle. The pain occurs whenever I land on my left foot, it shoots up my left thigh in to my booty. Either that, or it's my IT band...which after running the 1/2 marathon this last Sunday, and identifying the problem areas, I'm thinking that may be the source of my problem.
Here's a blog post from a runner, describing in more detail, the Piriformis syndrome:
http://blog.timesunion.com/running/piriformis-syndrome-a-real-pain-in-the-butt/8122/

Anyway, it's been a struggle to get over. I've taken a couple days off here and there, when it's really bad. I also went and bought a foam roller, now making it a priority to roll out all of my leg muscles every night before bed, and stretch. I trying to stay away from taking too much time off, as it might set me back with my training. So I'm focusing on taking care of my body in other ways.
Long story short...the pain was brutal on Sunday. I really messed up when I didn't take the time to warm up or stretch, especially since it was so cold outside!

Total Distance: 13.2 miles
Total Time: 2:06:40
Average Pace: 9'32"/mi

Here are a couple pictures from my run: (the little Pomeranian in the pics is mine, he was my cheerleader!)

 The night before the race, my boyfriend and I went to his cousin's wedding! It was a beautiful event :) We had a great time. I also cut my hair!!

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Run Like An Animal

Let's face it, I may live in California, but it's COLD outside!! (For those of you experiencing much worse conditions on the East coast, my regards)

Over the weekend, the weather warmed up to a hot 85 degrees...then, all of a sudden, yesterday transformed to rain, cold, and wind! 

Friday night I started to feel feverish, getting much worse the next day, holding me back from my long 17 miler on Saturday :( Rest was all I could do over weekend, skipping every work out. I did manage to squeeze in a quick 4 mile hike with the dogs; just because I'm suffering doesn't mean they have to :-/

Here are a couple pictures from my doggy hike:

As most of you know, Tuesdays are "my" running days. The day I remind myself why I love to run, with no expectations on pacing and time, just logging miles and being mindful. Well...too bad yesterday was FREEZING and I was scheduled to run 9 miles. 

Since I'm still battling a lingering cough and runny nose, it probably was not the best idea to run outside in cold, rainy weather. So what do I do...I ran on the "hamster wheel". I felt like an ANIMAL! RRrrrrrr!

My boyfriend's mom has a treadmill in her office, with a T.V.!! AWESOME!! So while getting in a sweaty work out, I was able to keep up on my reality show drama...Vanderpump Rules, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and The Bachelor! Whoo!

After all was said and done, I walked outside to drive home, and the sky lit up!! It was thunder storming (a rarity in California). Good thing I opted for the 'mill, I would have died... :-/ 

This once Oregon girl (me), has converted herself to a Cali girl...I don't handle cold and rain as well as I used to.

Incline up, set my pace, T.V. on, and zoned out :)

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Unplugged

It's time to take off those headphones and just run! I DARE you ;)

How many of you miss moments like this, because you had your headphones on?

The other night, I drove down to the beach to log an 8 mile run. It was dark, and I wanted to breath in the fresh ocean air. Just like routine, I packed my reflective gear, armband, ipod, and headphones.

About 2 miles in to my run, I'm listening to a good song, and start to think...

Realizing my lack of purity and gratitude, I took off my headphones and chose to run the rest of the way with no music blasting in my ears. 

Tuesday runs are supposed to "my" day! The day I step back and run because I love running! This is the day, I do not focus on time or pace, and run for ME!

Just so you all know, I LOVE music! I listen to it all of the time, and am always looking and discovering new music. Music for me, takes me to a happy place, and acts as a minor distraction from the pain and fatigue I'm in during a work out. It also works as a motivator. 

Just like I expected, even though I eliminated the tunes, I still heard music! It was a quiet night, allowing me to only hear the sounds of my feet pounding the pavement. and the waves crashing just 20 feet away. Honestly, it was so refreshing!! I instantly went to my happy place of serenity and peace.

I strongly encourage you to look at the pictures once more, I posted above, and just put yourself inside of them! To add some more inspiration, here's another...

Many runners have strong opinions toward running with or with out headphones. I personally, don't care either way. But I do believe there are benefits to each!

With headphones, they act as a distraction, removing you from the fatigue, and "pumping" you up.

Without headphones, increases awareness of your body, pacing, foot strike, and the sounds around you. 

Would love to hear your stories and experiences about a time when you unplugged?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

Heeelllloooo Mr. Gosling

Sight Seeing in Germany

For those of you who don't already know, over the holidays, I spent 3 weeks in Germany traveling around with my boyfriend. We saw many wonderful things, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
The first 5 days I was in Germany, he had to work, so I was left alone all day to do some damage! I squeezed in a great 5 mile run over my 5 days of solitude. Within those 5 miles, I explored much of the city of Aachen, and even ventured outside of the inner-city limits. It's amazing how much ground you can cover in just 5 miles.

Between the cobblestone streets and crowds, it was quit challenging maintaining a consistent pace. Despite trying to prevent myself from tripping over an uplifted brick, I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere! Honestly, I was in complete disbelief...I was on the other side of the world, just going out for a casual run! This doesn't happen...at least to me anyway!! :-/

Red bricks are the bike lane, and brown are for pedestrians. Wish it was this bike/pedestrian friendly everywhere.

WHOA!! Look what I found...a hiking trail!

Cold, Sunny day. My favorite! (And yes, my phone was about to die)

For those of you planning to travel or currently traveling, there is no better way to site see than to go for a run. There is so much to see and discover, that you couldn't do wotherwise. I had no idea, just outside of the city, there were these awesome dirt trails!

Do you have any stories to share about when you went for a run or bike ride while vacationing and your discoveries?

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous

...Why Do I Run?

I don't think I've announced yet...I'm currently training for a FULL marathon! Yes, my very first "Full".

Now that the cat is out of the bag, I can also admit, I'm struggling.

Tuesday, I got home from a long day of work, and was seriously debating skipping my work out. Saturdays and Tuesdays are the only days of the week that I log longer miles. These days are obviously extremely crucial to my preparation.

On this Tuesday, I took my time changing in to my running clothes, still uncertain whether I'd actually run the full 7 miles I was supposed to that day. Grabbed my music, put on my reflective gear, and walked out the door. (Stepping out the door is the hardest part!)

It was dark, late, and seemed like everyone had turned in for the night. I stood there, wondering, "why do I put myself through this?" At this moment, I was thinking of excuses as to why I would not be able to run the full 7 miles.

First things first, music! I put a good song on, and started to pick up the pace. One mile in to my run, I started feeling really good! Suddenly 7 miles did not seem so bad! With about 2 miles left to go, a thought crossed my mind..."why do I run?"

Then I started to think about my blog...and how inspirational it is, not only to my readers, but to me!

I'm sure I'm not the only runner who questions themselves from time to time. However, I might be the only runner that actually admits it... :-/ 

I found this picture, which expresses a runner's thoughts...just a bunch of mumbo jumbo! It made me laugh!

This is what keeps me going...

This is my motivation!!! And this is why I run!!!

Cheers to Being Fit N Gorgeous