I wasn’t going to write much about 9/11 because I believe that the way we grieve, remember, honor, etc is personal and something so much more than I could ever put into words. But this morning I experienced the most amazing and emotional spinning class that I couldn’t not mention it. The ride was dedicated to those affected by the attack and all proceeds from the class were donated to charity. The music was uplifting, moving, sometimes angry, and simply perfect. As silly as it may sound, I was even moved to tears at one point. It was the best way I could have honored those who fought for our freedom that day 10 years ago. I’m so glad I went. If you haven’t tried Psycle in Westlake, you NEED to check it out. The instructors and studio are GRADE A, a class act all the way.

I also went to spinning this morning to flush out my legs from the 8 MILES I ran Saturday morning!!!

Baller.

The eight miles went by so quick due to some kick ass running partners. Seriously, they ran 10 miles before I joined them.

Kimi thought she was freakishly amazing running those 10 miles before I even started (but to be honest, she kinda was):

p.s. Check out my new ride in the background.

They quickly refilled their water bottles and we were on our way. Everything was going great. It was new scenery, I had people to talk to, the rain was holding off, and then we got to mile 6. I swear the first step I took after we hit 6 miles was when my ankle started to hurt. And then my calf was cramping up so bad. I have a hard time stretching my calf because I don’t have the full range of motion in my ankle yet. But then we hit mile 7 and I felt good again. Weird, yes, but what else is new?

Kimi and Christie totally rocked their 18 miles – I was secretly jealous I only ran 8.

But no matter how many miles we ran, we were all a sweaty mess when we were done. It was 96% humidity that morning!

Gross, sweaty legs. You are welcome.

And then, as Kimi refueled with her beloved chocolate milk,:

She came up with the best idea ever:

Why did I never think of that? The perfect way to ice my ankle after a run. So simple, but completely genius!

And to celebrate the 8 mile milestone?

Champagne!!!!

Kimi bought this for me way back at the beginning of summer (she knows I have a not so secret love affair with the bubbly goodness). She told me that each bottle represents 5 miles. So I’m supposed to drink one after my first 5 mile run, the second after 10 miles, etc.

I broke out the first one tonight.

Yeah, I may or may not have chugged that bottle. I’ll never tell.

As I look back on my day, I’m so glad 9/11 was full of remembrance this morning and celebration tonight. A good balance if I may say so myself.

What’s your favorite post-workout drink? Chocolate milk, water, gatorade, champagne??

Hey guys!!

I have a dilemma. You see, I’m starting to run again. But it’s hard. Sure, I knew it was going to be hard coming back from my ankle injury, but nothing prepares you for the reality of it until you’re in the middle of a run struggling to catch your breath and keep a decent pace.

Yesterday I ran 4 miles. But they were painfully SLOW. Slower than I’d like to admit (and probably the slowest 4 miles I’ve ever run!) but I felt GREAT. I had no idea what my pace was until I got home, J connected his Garmin to the computer, and I saw an average pace of 10:46 (ouch). My heart immediately sunk and I was so disappointed in myself (I still am). I’m not gonna lie – it really affected my mood.

I think you can see the disappointment in my face here:

I know some of you are going to say “But you haven’t trained and are coming back from an injury!”. I know, I know……….but it’s really hard to accept.

So today I was determined to redeem myself. Four miles, 40 minutes or less, or bust.

I ended up with a time of 39:37, an average of 9:54/mile.

I wanted to be happy with this, but man I STRUGGLED!

Kinda happy, kinda not.

Happy because I met my goal. Not happy because it was HARD. Ten minute miles used to be cake (9 min/miles used to be my average for shorter runs)! Sigh……

So here’s my dilemma:

• Do I run at the much slower, more comfortable pace and try not to let it affect my mood (and my pride!), or…
• Do I push myself for the 10:00 min/mile pace I really want right now?

I don’t have the option of speed training right now since I have to be careful with my ankle. I’m just focusing on getting the miles in. Period. I need to build up my nonexistent base.

To be honest, NYC seems like it’s unattainable at this point. Doubts run through my head every other minute of every day. I’m going to do all I can do, but it’s not going to be pretty. My guess is there will be many tears through the next 10 weeks…………send your prayers to J.

So I don’t end this post on such a depressing note, there is one real good thing in my life right now. I’m pretty sure I have the cutest, hippest 4th grader in Lakewood:

Baller, right?

So, weigh in……..what would you do if you were me?

…………..I RAN THIS WEEK!! Holler!!!!!!!!

When I was at the beach I went walking a few mornings and was so tempted to test out the ankle but I decided to wait. I didn’t want to push it.

But enough was enough. I couldn’t take it anymore.

So Sunday afternoon I put on my neglected (but still loved!) running shoes:

And just did it.

I ran a mile. Just one mile. And it was AWESOME.

Sure, my ankle was tight. And, sure, it was a little uncomfortable. But it was still awesome.

I was itching to try again but that would have been plain stupid. So I took a rest day yesterday.

But then J and I hit up the track today after work.

source

He had speed work on his training schedule so I just tagged along and ran the track. One and a half miles!! Hell yeah, I did.

It’s actually still a little uncomfortable (luckily it doesn’t hurt!), but I really have no choice. I can’t wait any longer. New York is 10 and a half weeks away.

I’m going to take it slow and steady. Definitely slow. I’ve lost ANY speed that I used to have. It’s pretty pathetic, actually. I haven’t even worn my Garmin because I don’t even want to know. I need to focus on my ankle, not my speed. I just want to get through this race. Period.

And since it was such a short run, I took my bike out for quick 11 miler.

(putting on my shoes for the ride – someone won’t leave my side lately!)

I felt a little wobbly at first since it’ s been almost 2 weeks since my last ride, but it went GREAT.

Today was a good day.

How was your Tuesday??

I never realized how many people actually use lists! I have to admit, so far it’s working. I’m right on track for the week. I even had time to take C to the library (after I went to the grocery store, cooked dinner, booked a pedicure for Thursday, and made a last minute trip to Target!).

I’ll have to show you a final draft of the list later this week – it’s even more of a mess now. Story of my life.

Which brings me to this: my ankle. What a mess.

Remember what it looked like 8.5 weeks ago?

Ugh.

About 5 weeks later it was much better, but still pretty swollen (but at least I could get my tennis shoes on):

My physical therapist is awesome and was trying everything she could to help me heal faster. I even have an at home electrode kit that I’m supposed to use 3 times a day for 30 minutes each time (which mostly happens twice a day). I still have some swelling, but it has definitely helped:

Those crazy horizontal lines are from my compression sock.

But when the pain wasn’t getting better my actual doctor scheduled an MRI for last week. She was worried that there may had been a fracture or bone chip that they missed in the initial x-ray. I’ll admit, I was completely and totally freaked out. If there was a fracture I was going to need a cast, and that was just not acceptable (which I most definitely told the doctor).

But luckily this was not an issue because it didn’t turn out to be either of those, just some bad bone bruising! Wahoo!!!!! She said that this level of bruising normally takes 8 to 12 weeks to heal so I’m right on track. My first question to her: when can I run again? Her answer? Two to three weeks. HOLLER!!!!

So, right now my focus is getting my cardio up. I need to be in great cardio shape so that I can jump right into training. Of course, I’m going to have to go slow so that I don’t re-injure myself, but I need to do everything else I can so that I’m ready for when this funny bump on the outside of my right ankle finally goes away:

When I swam yesterday it was the first time I was able to kick without any pain at all (I have been swimming looking like a fool and dragging my right foot along without kicking it!). The last week I’ve really seen some progress and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s been a long 8.5 weeks.

I will admit, thinking about training for the NYC marathon in 10 weeks is scary. Training for a marathon at all is scary, but this limited time frame has me a little more than freaked out. I’m going to be needing lots of running buddies so let me know if you’re interested in running in Lakewood, Rocky River, or the Towpath (and remember I’m going to be SLOW as molasses since I haven’t run since June) and I’ll definitely hit you up!

This injury has definitely taught me to take advantage of my good health. Those days when you’re feeling lazy and don’t wanna work out? Just do it! You’ll never regret a workout. Promise.

What motivates you on those days you just don’t wanna workout?

Oh, and sorry for all the feet pictures!!!!!

Hey! Thanks for all the well wishes on yesterday’s post. I guess I should have mentioned that I was reaching to catch a ball C had thrown and just happened to step back right where the driveway is uneven causing my ankle to roll and me to fall. I fell to the ground so hard and fast that I don’t really even remember it (I’m pretty much the most ungraceful person you’ll ever meet). I honestly thought I’d be much better by today, but I’m still hobbling around with a ridiculously swollen leg and foot. Which brings me to this:

How do you deal?

Right now I can’t teach, I can’t run, I can’t swim, I can’t even walk! Most of the time I have to sit or lay with my foot elevated and ice on it. No exercise = a very crabby and unhappy Heather. It keeps me sane. Even when I don’t have time for an intense workout I at least get a nice walk with the dogs in.

I try to move at least once a day. But now what? Now what do I do?

Sure, I can lift free weights (which I have been doing), but even then I’m limited because I can’t put any weight on my right foot. It’s just not the same.

Things are just out of my control right now and I’m having a hard time dealing. I don’t like not being in control.

So, help me out! How do you de-stress when you can’t exercise? What helps you cope (that doesn’t involve food because, remember, I’m not exercising!)?

How do you deal?