Day 145 - Ouch

Alcohol Units: nope
Running Units: 2 1/2 miles
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: Yup

First practice with the group tonight. Wow was it ever hard. How am I going to do 20 miles this weekend? HOW??????

Day 144 - Long trip home

Alcohol Units: nope
Running Units: nope
Other exercise Units: walking in the airport to kill time
Stretching Units: nope

Spent the entire day making my way back to reality. Sadly I had to come home. I really really really really wish I didn't have to.

Day 143 - Inland

Alcohol Units: 2 glasses of wine
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: yoga moves, lunges, squats, arm work
Stretching Units: Yup

We hit the grand canyon on Kauai today. It was nice but I got a little too sick to enjoy the trip.

Exercising tonight was kept to stuff I could do in the house as it was dark when we finally made it home.

Day 142 - Beach Time

Alcohol Units: Cocktail with lunch - Cocktail with dinner
Running Units: 30 minutes of run/walk
Other exercise Units: Beach time (swim/walk)
Stretching Units: Yup

We headed to the northern part of the island today to spend some time on Hanalei Bay. It was stunning. Came home in time for a nap and then a run. On the way back I spotted 2 whales having a tale flapping contest. Crazy!

Day 141 - Next Island

Alcohol Units: Far less than the last 3 days but still more than I'm used to
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: Unfortunately No
Stretching Units: Yup

Now begins the resting part of my trip. Between the late nights, early mornings and massive amounts of alcohol I'm spent. 100% out of energy.

I took a nap today but did not do ANY exercise.

Day 140 - Here comes the bride

Alcohol Units: Far too many
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: 1 hour of cardio and weights in the gym
Stretching Units: Yup

Woke up early today and hit the gym. Had to be quick about it in case the bride needed me.

Hit the spa for a few hours with pre-wedding primping.

Then the wedding which was beautiful and the reception which was fabulous. I did wear heals which did not do my legs any good but looked good (I hope).

Wedding was almost on this spot:

Day 139 - Bridesmaid Duties

Alcohol Units: So very very much
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: Long hilly walk along golf course and beach
Stretching Units: Yup

Long day of wedding events but all tons of fun. Bridesmaid luncheon then bar then rehearsal then bar then luau then bar. Are you picking up on the theme here?

Day 138 - Welcome to Maui

Alcohol Units: Too much
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: Dancing
Stretching Units: A bit

Vacation began today. I arrived and immediately started drinking. Girls night tonight which means dancing which is a form of exercise - right?

Day 137 - Packing

Alcohol Units: Nope
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: Does shopping count?
Stretching Units: Yup

Finished up the errands, and the laundry and the packing. I leave bright and early tomorrow. Emphasis on early.

Day 136 - Magic Hands

Alcohol Units: Nope
Running Units: Nope
Other exercise Units: 1 hour of pilates
Stretching Units: Yup

woke up still stiff and sore so I called LA Sports Massage and asked for a 1/2 hour with Raoul. I went over at lunch and we worked on my calves for about 45 minutes. It hurt but in the best way possible. Raoul told me that the damage I did to my calf last summer may very well be contributing to my problems. Grrreat. He said it was like I poked a hole in the muscle. Sheesh.

this evening i did some pilates which was super duper hard. one move: killer abs. it's killer

when i walked down the stairs this evening i could do it without pain. how amazing is that?

Day 135 - Popping

Alcohol Units: Hell No
Running Units: Hell No
Other exercise Units: Hell No
Stretching Units: Sadly No

Popped my first blister tonight. It was large and pussy and hurting a lot so I stuck a big needle into it. Nothing happened. So I stuck the needle in again and nothing happened. At that point I just left it there.

No stretching or exercising today as I'm totally exhausted. Not sure if you readers are aware that LA is in the midst of a massive heat wave. My apartment is like an oven so sleeping isn't going so well.

I'm heading to bed early tonight - early early.

Oh and status of muscles - pain

Day 134 - 15 Miles

Totally forgot - took my first ice bath today due to the pain from today. as hard as it was it felt go-oo-ooo-oooo-d

Alcohol Units: Hell No
Running Units: 15 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Woke up at 5:45. Okay actually woke up at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30 and 5:30 worrying I'd sleep through my alarm. Made my way down to Palos Verdes for our 7AM meeting time. Leg status: painful. Left leg still super tight.

Started out walking to try to warm up the calves. The scenery was beautiful. The legs never really loosened up. I tried to run for a few minutes but my legs went on lock down. Eventually the pain radiated from my calves to my knee. It was not a fun day. Instead of 18 I ran 15 but that was a massive accomplishment. I'm not really able to move at the moment.

Blister update: the calluses on my heels mean that I don't feel the blisters anymore - yay! Unfortunately I have a new blister location which is UBER painful at the moment. Pictures of biggest blisters below.

Pants update: LOVE them! Go Lululemon!!

Regular Blister

New Blister

Way Out

Way Back

Day 133 - Let's work it out

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Woke up unable to walk - again. Seriously unable to walk. Had the massage.

Couple interesting things came from the massage. The right calf had all kinds of build up - masseuse said it was "mad" at me. Which is what I say! The left calf is just bad. Hammies are tight. Shoulders and back have all kinds of knots. Hopefully this will help tomorrow.

Most interesting thing is that this bruise I got last summer - right after I got my cast I was on my way to spin class and I closed the door on my leg. HUGE bruise and it's still there - anyways turns out I ripped/tore/took a chunk out of the muscle. The masseuse said he could feel it was missing. Asked if I went to the doctor. You know with all my doctor appointments you'd think I would BUT I'e been assuming it was a bruise. Here's a photo from when I bruised it:


I did get new running tights today from Lululemon. They said they'd keep me cool on my run tomorrow (supposed to be h-o-t).

Day 132 - Trying to walk

Alcohol Units: Champagne
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

So the problems from last night have extended into today. Walking isn't going so well with my calves.

I have an appointment for a sports massage tomorrow. Cross fingers it helps.

Day 131 - Lock Down

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 1 + miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Started out at group practice tonight running. Very very quickly the little calves clamped down. Like locked down and would not release. I tried to stretch it out. I tried to walk it off. I ended up limping to the car.

The drive home I was almost crying my legs hurt so badly. Yes - almost crying. I would like to state for the record I have a high threshold for pain.

I slathered my legs with icy hot when I got home. I'm hoping I'll be able to walk or stretch tonight before I go to bed.

Day 130 - Wind Advisory

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 3 + miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Went on a run tonight. It was hard. The wind didn't help matters. Neither did my calves. Oh and the fact I tied my shoes too tight for the first mile or so. I did stand in the freezing cold ocean for 5-10 minutes. Good times!

Hopefully I'll get to bed early tonight. I tried last night but stayed up reading.

I did get my blister back after my very short run:

Day 129 - Early to bed

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of red wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Nope

It's 8:30 and I'm heading to bed. Exhausted.

Day 128 - Foam rollin

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of red wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: some arm work in the home gym
Stretching Units: Yes

I'm finding some VERY good spots to foam roll. What this means is that it is extremely painful. The butt and my calves are feeling the foam roller love tonight.

I've been thinking a lot or actually wondering why I decided that I should sign up to run a marathon when I've never run before. Why a full marathon???? Practically speaking I should have signed up for a 10k. Really that would have been far better but at the most a 1/2 marathon. That I could do right now - it would still be a huge challenge but I feel I could finish without collapsing into a heap with miles to go. The full marathon is terrifying to me.

That's my deep thought for the day.

Day 127 - Taper?

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 11.5 miles
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

Woke up and every inch of my body is sore from yesterday.

Today was a taper day. Considering the team did 16 miles last week I can see how this was considered an "easy" run. I had barely passed my 8.5 limit last week so this week wasn't exactly easy.

I started before the rest of the group today because I'm sick and tired of being the last one in. I walked the first 1/2 mile to warm up the old calfies which seemed to help a little. I then set about my intervals. It was going okay. I guess considering how bad things have been the last 4-5 weeks it went well. The route we took went uphill for the first 4-5 miles. It's a gradual increase but still up... up... up. The way back my hip started hurting pretty badly. Hmmm why is my hip hurting? Took me a good mile to recall all the exercise I did yesterday. 1 1/2 hours of tahitian dance definitely made my hips sore.

Blister report with new shoes: still have them but not as bad.

After the run I felt great. Lots of energy, hurting in a few odd places but on the whole feeling good. So I came home, ate breakfast, took a 2 1/2 hour nap. When I woke up I felt so exhausted. Then I got a nasty headache. I think the headache was from lack of food. Regardless of the fact I feel like I'm gorging myself on food I don't think I'm eating enough. Weird right?

Day 126 - It's not Aloha in Tahiti

Alcohol Units: 1 glass of red wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 1 hour of pilates, 1 1/2 hours of tahitian dance
Stretching Units: Yes

Despite my extra long nap last night I went to bed and fell fast asleep. I woke up this morning and attended pilates which was excellent. I then had breakfast. After that I had my very first (and possibly only) tahitian dance class. It was a fundraiser for Team in Training and a ton of fun. Hopefully I can use my new tahitian moves in Hawaii (even though it's not the same).

Day 125 - Sleep sleep and more sleept

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

I had today off and had big plans for a nice long run. Instead I took a 4 hour nap. What is wrong with me? I'm getting worried.

Day 124 - Dancing Queens

Alcohol Units: Many (including tequila shot)
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: Dancing for over an hour
Stretching Units: Yes

As I mentioned "yesterday" (totally admitted I'm posting after the fact) I slept in this morning. I was going to get up and exercise but instead slept. Are you seeing a pattern?

This evening we had a "no-host" mixer. There are so many people losing their jobs it was a pure networking event. I had a few drinks, no dinner, and then Tori announced she wanted to go dancing. Normally I'm a dancing girl any day of the week but tonight I was still feeling tired (like all day was tired). So I decided a shot of patron was a good idea. Yup. It was though. We had a fantastic time dancing (minus one VERY smelly guy wouldn't leave me alone).

Oh and I'm officially 29 1/2.

Day 123 - Exhaustion

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

I came home early from work tonight with the good intentions of exercising. Not running because of my calves but at least doing something. Instead I went to bed early (and since I'm writing this days later I can tell you I slept through the night, woke up late the next day and was still tired). I need to get my energy back. I'm getting concerned.

Day 122 - 4 months?

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: 0
Stretching Units: Yes

How have I been doing this for 4 months? How have I been doing this for 4 months and in the last month felt like all my progress stalled?

Still struggling with the calf problems and blisters. Trying not to let it mess with my mind but the mind is focused on other life stress triggers so it's getting to me.

Day 121 - I missed you

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: weights in the old home gym
Stretching Units: Yes!

I came home to my wonderful foam roller tonight. I missed it. We spent some quality time working through some of my issues. The foam roller caused me great pain working through those tough spots but in the end I'll be grateful. After time with the foam roller I moved onto stretching, then some qt with a tennis ball and ended up with a few sets with the free weights.

No running as I was flying in the AM, working in the PM, and collapsing when I got home.

Day 120 - Easter

Alcohol Units: 1/2 Glass of wine
Running Units: does hunting count?
Other exercise Units: let's see cleaning, setting up for party, entertaining kids, hunting, cleaning after party
Stretching Units: Yes plus lots of icing

Wow was I in bad shape yesterday after my run. It was hard not having all my stuff around for post run recovery. I didn't get my normal breakfast which definitely hurt the recovery, didn't sleep well in my post run nap, didn't get enough food (or the food I wanted) the rest of the day. Tonight my Mom asked me if I was normally in as bad of shape as I was yesterday because she's worried about me.

Anyways we had Easter today. I woke up thinking I wouldn't hunt. I was sore, really sore, hadn't slept well AGAIN, and my throat was not in a happy place. I made it through morning chores for the party, church (including happy face for all the little old ladies who get so excited to see me - I swear they're my fan club), and the mad dash to finish everything before guests arrived. By the time everyone arrived I mustered up the strength to enjoy my time with everyone.

The little kids did their hunt which was SO cute!!! They get so excited! This year Allison, who is 5 this week, asked if she could help me. I already knew my hunt performance was hindered from the training so adding her on wasn't too big a deal. I was right that she did slow me down BUT it was much more fun having her help me. Her excitement just added to my fun.

After the hunt I iced and counted my loot ($30 in quarters) and all the little kids decided to try the pool. They were not pleased to learn how cold it was.

The day was excellent. I hunted in my flip flops due to the blisters which was a bad idea - right now my feet are HURTING. I'm stretching now so that tomorrow it's not too awful for my plane ride.

Day 119 - New Shoes New Group

Alcohol Units: 1/2 Glass of wine
Running Units: 9-10 miles
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: Yes plus lots of icing

I found the Sacramento TNT group and arranged to meet them at 7:30 in the morning. Because my legs were still causing issues I woke up early to ice my legs. I made a note in the summary that I'd iced them yesterday. Let me explain how I do this. I stand in our freezing cold pool up to my knees. The pool is around 40 degrees this time of year. Yeah not kidding. So this morning at 6:45 AM I ate my breakfast with my legs in the pool watching my breath float upwards in the bitterly cold morning.

I'd like to make a special note that I woke up with the ickiest feeling throat. When dad looked there were white spots all over it. Not good!

The Sacramento group is a different one than the one I ran with last winter. They were all super super nice. Dad dropped me off and I knew I couldn't run. While the icing allowed me to get my calves to a point I could walk the calves were still super tight (I did spend all of last night rubbing a hard plastic ball up and down my calves trying to break up the tension/scar tissue). So we started out on this big loop thingie - straight up hill. Super hill. The American River 50 mile race was going on so we kept out of their way.

The road took us up a hill, down a bit, into a nieghborhood, up and down and down and up and then we're in the wilderness. Like straight woods. I'm freaking out I'll see snakes or something. We're on straight trails. It's crazy! The new shoes are barking at me - but in different places. I just kept going. I ended up walking (fast walking though not like strolling) with a very nice lady named Tammy.

Okay so we complete our loop and we're at 6 1/2 miles and I'm supposed to change shoes. So I take my new shoes off and there are the blisters!!!! Back again. They aren't really hurting and there is no way I'm giving up after 6 1/2 because really I don't feel badly. So I snap a photo of the blister with my phone to show Fleet Feet, put the new shoes on with more glide, bandaids and head back out.

Honestly I could have gone for the full 16 if it weren't for my blisters. I was doing great out there but had to turn back. It was so frustrating.

So I broke through the 8 1/2 which was really good. I took the shoes back to Fleet Feet and hopefully they'll work well now. I really liked the Sacramento TNT group - they were much more of a group than mine. They all brought food after wards and hung out and waited for each person to return. Very very cool.

Day 118 - Spring Time

Alcohol Units: Glass of wine
Running Units: 3 miles
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: Yes plus lots of icing

I started the day bright and early working remotely before I was told to stop. Confused I followed commands and stopped.

I decided it was the perfect time to go for a run through the neighborhood. Let me lay out a few factors that day:

1. I'd worn heels for 14 straight hours the day before
2. The central valley is chock full of pollen and this is the worst time of year for it. I'm not sure if anyone doesn't know I'm deathly allergic to many of those green things called plant life
3. Lack of sleep over the past week due to work stress and traveling
4. The blister/calf issues preventing mid week runs over the past few weeks

All in all it was an okay run (taking into consideration those factors). My not running during the week is definitely catching up to me.

I did go to Fleet Feet and spent a good hour getting new shoes. Cross fingers they work tomorrow.

Day 117 - Go go go

Alcohol Units: Glass of wine
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: sadly no

Let me just break down my schedule:
5:30 wake up finish packing
6:30 off to airport
8:00 Flight to Sacramento
9:30 Start working remotely from Sacramento
12:00 meet business associate for lunch
1:30 attend conference for work
4:00 finish conference and begin working remotely again
7:00 finish working
7:15 dinner with parents
9:30 crawl upstairs to bed

no time for running, no time for stretching - well maybe, but not time for exercise and i am beyond wiped out.

Day 116 - Still on the priority thing

Alcohol Units: 0
Running Units: 0
Other exercise Units: nope
Stretching Units: sadly no

sitting here having finally finished packing for my trip tomorrow. worked late so no running. have early flight so i'm not going to stretch. i'm being bad. very bad.

good news is new shoes tomorrow - yay!