How do ya like that?
Perfect. Juuuuuust perfect.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
I forgot to mention this.....
My baby turned 14 yesterday!!
Why does time have to zoom by? Just when I think I can stop to take a breath I realize another year has passed...
My baby turned 14 yesterday!!
Why does time have to zoom by? Just when I think I can stop to take a breath I realize another year has passed...
FALLING TO PIECES
I feel so discouraged.
There I was, trucking right along, 4 miles were behind me and I had intended on hitting at least 5. Suddenly, the left side of my left ankle began to hurt. Of course I kept running. Just run through it, I kept telling myself. Just run through it. But that ankle kept right on hurting. By the time I hit 5 miles I HAD to stop, for I could no longer run.
I have no idea what I did to the damned ankle.
I hobbled to the shower and while getting dressed and have since returned to my desk. Now I can barely walk. It's not very swollen at the moment, but it hurts like hell if I try to walk at all. I'm using a Zip-Loc baggie (from my lunch) as an ice pack, which I put on the ankle intermittently. Not sure how long to do this, or even if it will help. I also popped 3 ibuprofen.
What is happening to me???????? Is my body going to completely fall apart? This is depressing and discouraging. As soon as one problem improves (knees) another starts up (ankle). I don't know what to do....But if I'm unable to run I'll just die.
There I was, trucking right along, 4 miles were behind me and I had intended on hitting at least 5. Suddenly, the left side of my left ankle began to hurt. Of course I kept running. Just run through it, I kept telling myself. Just run through it. But that ankle kept right on hurting. By the time I hit 5 miles I HAD to stop, for I could no longer run.
I have no idea what I did to the damned ankle.
I hobbled to the shower and while getting dressed and have since returned to my desk. Now I can barely walk. It's not very swollen at the moment, but it hurts like hell if I try to walk at all. I'm using a Zip-Loc baggie (from my lunch) as an ice pack, which I put on the ankle intermittently. Not sure how long to do this, or even if it will help. I also popped 3 ibuprofen.
What is happening to me???????? Is my body going to completely fall apart? This is depressing and discouraging. As soon as one problem improves (knees) another starts up (ankle). I don't know what to do....But if I'm unable to run I'll just die.
Friday, April 4, 2008
I know I whined on Wednesday (my Wednesday Whine posting), but I really must whine once more.
First thing at work this morning, I leave my desk to use the bathroom. (I know, t.m.i., but bear with me). Boss has been out since yesterday morning and wasn't to be in at all today. So there I am using the restroom and my cell phone (in my pocket) begins to ring. Of course I'm not going to talk on my cell phone on the toilet, but I did casually glance at who was calling, to find that the call was coming from the building. Now, we have a paging service, whereby if someone needs you and you aren't at your desk, they can call the reception desk and have you paged (god how I hate being paged). But I hadn't been paged! But there I was being called on my cell phone. So I'm thinking it must be an emergency and I answer it (while sitting on the toilet). It's the boss. "I'm using the restroom," I say, grinding my teeth and biting the back of my tongue. "Good, I'll see you in a minute, then," he responds.
That was first. And that pissed me right off. Where was the fire, you ask? Why, there was no emergency. In fact, I don't even recall what it was he needed.
THEN
I receive a call that some documents I ordered have been delivered and I need to pick them up at the reception desk. So I run right down to get them, and as I'm signing for them the boss calls the receptionist to have me paged. She let him know I was on my way back up and gave me a knowing look.
By now I am positively livid. I arrive at my desk burdened with thousands of cumbersome documents, to which he asks, "What are those?" I'm so mad that I really don't care that he's my boss or how I might sound when I reply, "Boss'sname, I work for other people too." In other words, butt the fuck out and leave me alone and let me do my work. I get another rousing "Good" from him. Again, no fire to put out, and I don't recall that what he had to say to me was of much importance. Certainly nothing that couldn't wait for another minute or two....
He was here only for a few minutes (30-ish) and then left, to take the remainder of the day off. He expected me to be at his beck and call for the short time he was to be here. I am as his indentured servant.
My take is this: I have a price. Everyone has a price. I'll be his effing slave, but what he's paying me is NOT my price.
I'm assuming that this morning just completely screwed my day, because I was having great difficulty today on the treadmill during my lunch break. I just barely hit 5 miles, and it certainly wasn't a cardiovascular problem - I wasn't even really breathing hard. I just hit a wall. I ran out of steam and had no energy to run on...5 miles was truly all I could do.
Sigh. Happy friggin' Friday.
First thing at work this morning, I leave my desk to use the bathroom. (I know, t.m.i., but bear with me). Boss has been out since yesterday morning and wasn't to be in at all today. So there I am using the restroom and my cell phone (in my pocket) begins to ring. Of course I'm not going to talk on my cell phone on the toilet, but I did casually glance at who was calling, to find that the call was coming from the building. Now, we have a paging service, whereby if someone needs you and you aren't at your desk, they can call the reception desk and have you paged (god how I hate being paged). But I hadn't been paged! But there I was being called on my cell phone. So I'm thinking it must be an emergency and I answer it (while sitting on the toilet). It's the boss. "I'm using the restroom," I say, grinding my teeth and biting the back of my tongue. "Good, I'll see you in a minute, then," he responds.
That was first. And that pissed me right off. Where was the fire, you ask? Why, there was no emergency. In fact, I don't even recall what it was he needed.
THEN
I receive a call that some documents I ordered have been delivered and I need to pick them up at the reception desk. So I run right down to get them, and as I'm signing for them the boss calls the receptionist to have me paged. She let him know I was on my way back up and gave me a knowing look.
By now I am positively livid. I arrive at my desk burdened with thousands of cumbersome documents, to which he asks, "What are those?" I'm so mad that I really don't care that he's my boss or how I might sound when I reply, "Boss'sname, I work for other people too." In other words, butt the fuck out and leave me alone and let me do my work. I get another rousing "Good" from him. Again, no fire to put out, and I don't recall that what he had to say to me was of much importance. Certainly nothing that couldn't wait for another minute or two....
He was here only for a few minutes (30-ish) and then left, to take the remainder of the day off. He expected me to be at his beck and call for the short time he was to be here. I am as his indentured servant.
My take is this: I have a price. Everyone has a price. I'll be his effing slave, but what he's paying me is NOT my price.
I'm assuming that this morning just completely screwed my day, because I was having great difficulty today on the treadmill during my lunch break. I just barely hit 5 miles, and it certainly wasn't a cardiovascular problem - I wasn't even really breathing hard. I just hit a wall. I ran out of steam and had no energy to run on...5 miles was truly all I could do.
Sigh. Happy friggin' Friday.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
An old butterfly reemerges from a new cocoon
Mon mari et moi n'avons jamais le sexe. Il me rend triste et solitaire.
Regarding yesterday's post, yes, Mr. Know-it-all is quite the jackass. I long for the day that I can tell him so. It will, of course, be my last day to work for him. Thanks for the book title, Mary. I think I might run to Border's this weekend and pick one up - and casually leave it on his desk....
My knees were feeling a bit achy this morning after yesterday's long run, so I decided to give them a rest and go for the elliptical instead. I'm amazed at how quickly the human body can adapt to rigorous exercise. A few months ago it was painful for me to work the elliptical for 45 minutes; it took a great deal of willpower. Now, even at a high resistance, it's child's play. In fact, I had to work hard just to get my heart rate up to a respectable bpm.
Hopefully this adaptation is a sign that the old me, that is, my "old" body is beginning to emerge. I'm beginning to see my "old" legs, though my ass and abs are lagging behind somewhat. I want it, though, and I'll continue to push hard for it. And once I reach that/her/me I will never again take that/her/me for granted.
Scout's honor.
Regarding yesterday's post, yes, Mr. Know-it-all is quite the jackass. I long for the day that I can tell him so. It will, of course, be my last day to work for him. Thanks for the book title, Mary. I think I might run to Border's this weekend and pick one up - and casually leave it on his desk....
My knees were feeling a bit achy this morning after yesterday's long run, so I decided to give them a rest and go for the elliptical instead. I'm amazed at how quickly the human body can adapt to rigorous exercise. A few months ago it was painful for me to work the elliptical for 45 minutes; it took a great deal of willpower. Now, even at a high resistance, it's child's play. In fact, I had to work hard just to get my heart rate up to a respectable bpm.
Hopefully this adaptation is a sign that the old me, that is, my "old" body is beginning to emerge. I'm beginning to see my "old" legs, though my ass and abs are lagging behind somewhat. I want it, though, and I'll continue to push hard for it. And once I reach that/her/me I will never again take that/her/me for granted.
Scout's honor.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Slithering scary snakes
I dreamt that my family was visiting Thailand. We, along with what seemed to be dozens of others, were wading belly-deep in muddy water. The water was punctured at various spots by tall, thin trees, and I could see many buildings, eateries, businesses, etc. surrounding the water in which we were wading.
As we continued wading, I began to notice that there were big black snakes everywhere. They appeared to be floating atop the water alone or in groups. There were hundreds of them, and some of them looked to be truly huge. I recall that everyone was simply walking around the snakes, nonchalantly dodging them, and that the snakes didn't seem to be lunging at anyone. I was terrified, however, certain that I would walk right into one, causing it to strike me.
Finally we were out of the water and walking up narrow, dirty, rickety stairs, which ended in a small restaurant/cafe of sorts and we sat down to eat.
Odd, no?
So, Dr. Freud, I wonder what your take on this dream might be?
In other news, the results from my 5k are in. *drum roll* I was 38th out of 129 in my age group. Not too great, but hey, I wasn't last - far from it! And I had a truly shitty time, so my results can only improve. I'm planning on another at the end of April and another near the end of May. I have a goal, something to work toward.
I am a woman on a mission.
WEDNESDAY WHINE (it's been a while, so bear with me)
My boss caught the tail end of yesterday's run. (Grrrr) He decided it was appropriate to approach me at my desk later to critique my running form, criticizing me for "running on [my] toes instead of [my] heels." Of course, I actually hit mid-foot, which I half-heartedly attempted to explain.
Well, he argued, his high school running coach (of over 50 years ago - he's almost 70) told him to always strike heel-toe for proper form and maximum efficiency. So that's it, then. That must be the only correct way of running.
I told him that many of the world's best and most elite runners, the kenyans and ethiopians, train barefoot and that barefoot running makes heel-toe strike nearly impossible. It causes one to run more lightly on one's feet, thereby decreasing the shock absorbed by the knees. I told him that I too run barefoot from time to time to help correct my stride, and that since I had changed my running style my knee problems had vanished and my speed had increased.
He replied rather haughtily that he would "be watching the kenyans and ethiopians at the Peachtree Road Race to see what they do." (In 2006, the top 6 places in a row were Kenyans as well as places 9, 12, 13, 15, 18 and 20. No Ethiopians in the top 20 that year. In 2007, places 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 were Kenyans and Ethiopians took places 10, 14 and 15).
So Mr. know-it-all strikes again. I felt instantly angry. I know I shouldn't have been, but I was. I wanted to yell and curse at him and quit my job, just walk right out. Right then.
I want to do that a lot these days......
Apparently 5 years of shit from him is all I can take.
As we continued wading, I began to notice that there were big black snakes everywhere. They appeared to be floating atop the water alone or in groups. There were hundreds of them, and some of them looked to be truly huge. I recall that everyone was simply walking around the snakes, nonchalantly dodging them, and that the snakes didn't seem to be lunging at anyone. I was terrified, however, certain that I would walk right into one, causing it to strike me.
Finally we were out of the water and walking up narrow, dirty, rickety stairs, which ended in a small restaurant/cafe of sorts and we sat down to eat.
Odd, no?
So, Dr. Freud, I wonder what your take on this dream might be?
In other news, the results from my 5k are in. *drum roll* I was 38th out of 129 in my age group. Not too great, but hey, I wasn't last - far from it! And I had a truly shitty time, so my results can only improve. I'm planning on another at the end of April and another near the end of May. I have a goal, something to work toward.
I am a woman on a mission.
WEDNESDAY WHINE (it's been a while, so bear with me)
My boss caught the tail end of yesterday's run. (Grrrr) He decided it was appropriate to approach me at my desk later to critique my running form, criticizing me for "running on [my] toes instead of [my] heels." Of course, I actually hit mid-foot, which I half-heartedly attempted to explain.
Well, he argued, his high school running coach (of over 50 years ago - he's almost 70) told him to always strike heel-toe for proper form and maximum efficiency. So that's it, then. That must be the only correct way of running.
I told him that many of the world's best and most elite runners, the kenyans and ethiopians, train barefoot and that barefoot running makes heel-toe strike nearly impossible. It causes one to run more lightly on one's feet, thereby decreasing the shock absorbed by the knees. I told him that I too run barefoot from time to time to help correct my stride, and that since I had changed my running style my knee problems had vanished and my speed had increased.
He replied rather haughtily that he would "be watching the kenyans and ethiopians at the Peachtree Road Race to see what they do." (In 2006, the top 6 places in a row were Kenyans as well as places 9, 12, 13, 15, 18 and 20. No Ethiopians in the top 20 that year. In 2007, places 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 were Kenyans and Ethiopians took places 10, 14 and 15).
So Mr. know-it-all strikes again. I felt instantly angry. I know I shouldn't have been, but I was. I wanted to yell and curse at him and quit my job, just walk right out. Right then.
I want to do that a lot these days......
Apparently 5 years of shit from him is all I can take.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Run, AtlantaMom, run!
I've started a pattern of barefoot running on the treadmill. Half my daily mileage (sometimes more) is run barefoot. I begin shod, but after about 2 miles (though sometimes I can make it 3) my shoes begin to bother my feet, so I toss the shoes to the side and resume running barefoot. The difference in my stride is amazing, and it's lovely to run without pain in my feet from shoes, no feeling of too-tightness and no knee pain. Truly the only pain is from my lower calf muscles. They always know I'm running barefoot, and remind me throughout the day afterwards.
I really have a hard time running more than 5-6 miles on the treadmill. I find it terribly boring. Even breaking up the mileage by mph bores me. I've begun to change it up to help increase my speed. My natural stride seemed to be 5.2 mph and I could run at that speed for miles and miles without even getting winded really. 6.0 mph is more of a push for me and 6.5 mph gets tough after about .25/mile. I fully realize that in order to really perform in a 5k or 10k I need to be hitting 7.5 mph easily. I'm trying to be patient and work up slowly. It's hard. I like to see progress YESTERDAY, but my aging body won't let me push it any harder or faster than I am right now.
Still, I remain dedicated and I run on the treadmill M-F without fail, 3 miles being my minimum. On some of those days I also run after work, depending on how hard I pushed on my lunch break.
Several 5Ks are coming up and I'd like to run at least one per month, with my real goal of the Peachtree Road Race (10k) on July 4. That's a huge one, with thousands of runners and over 150,000 spectators each year.
I need to be running 10+ miles a day, though, to really do any justice to myself and my age group in that race.
I really have a hard time running more than 5-6 miles on the treadmill. I find it terribly boring. Even breaking up the mileage by mph bores me. I've begun to change it up to help increase my speed. My natural stride seemed to be 5.2 mph and I could run at that speed for miles and miles without even getting winded really. 6.0 mph is more of a push for me and 6.5 mph gets tough after about .25/mile. I fully realize that in order to really perform in a 5k or 10k I need to be hitting 7.5 mph easily. I'm trying to be patient and work up slowly. It's hard. I like to see progress YESTERDAY, but my aging body won't let me push it any harder or faster than I am right now.
Still, I remain dedicated and I run on the treadmill M-F without fail, 3 miles being my minimum. On some of those days I also run after work, depending on how hard I pushed on my lunch break.
Several 5Ks are coming up and I'd like to run at least one per month, with my real goal of the Peachtree Road Race (10k) on July 4. That's a huge one, with thousands of runners and over 150,000 spectators each year.
I need to be running 10+ miles a day, though, to really do any justice to myself and my age group in that race.
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