My shoulder is so much more... functional these days. I've had six visits with the physiotherapist so far (soon I'll actually have to start ponying up my own money for it instead of relying on insurance -- bleh). After my last visit, I was shown three specific shoulder strengthening exercises which were to be done with a 3-lb weight. Ten reps times three. Which is why I found myself at the gym during my lunch break today. I wasn't sure how much time these exercises would take but I managed a real short 16-minute warmup on the treadmill. That'll be the running for the day, although if it cools off enough in the early evening, I might just go back out there for a real run.
My endocrinologist yelled at me today. Okay, if I have to be honest, she's just dishing out the tough love -- she firmly reminded me that I do not have my blood/sugar levels under control yet as my sugar log revealed. Exercise is part of diabetes management!
Wednesday, July 30
Sunday, July 27
Um... 9 weeks to go.....
It dawned on me, rather suddenly for some reason, that with nine weeks to go til the Scotiabank half-marathon, I have some work to do.
Good thing is that when I woke up this morning, I immediately felt the urge to run. I don't know where this was coming from, but I didn't question it. Before I let this moment pass, I was dressed, stretched, and mentally calculating how much I could do after taking half the summer off. Go for time, not distance, I reasoned (again). Thirty minutes was the goal time. I walked to the corner and as soon as I took my first few running steps, I felt like I hadn't had such a long hiatus.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not in the best cardio shape, but the whole experience today didn't suck (just as it hadn't 10 days ago during the fun run). I'm not breaking any records by covering 2-1/2 miles over 30 minutes, but it's done. For the next nine weeks, I hope to just ramp it up until race day. No taper. There's just no time!
Good thing is that when I woke up this morning, I immediately felt the urge to run. I don't know where this was coming from, but I didn't question it. Before I let this moment pass, I was dressed, stretched, and mentally calculating how much I could do after taking half the summer off. Go for time, not distance, I reasoned (again). Thirty minutes was the goal time. I walked to the corner and as soon as I took my first few running steps, I felt like I hadn't had such a long hiatus.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not in the best cardio shape, but the whole experience today didn't suck (just as it hadn't 10 days ago during the fun run). I'm not breaking any records by covering 2-1/2 miles over 30 minutes, but it's done. For the next nine weeks, I hope to just ramp it up until race day. No taper. There's just no time!
Saturday, July 19
Safe at third, but on the DL?
I don't know what came over me. We're leading in the softball game, a pretty rare occurence so far this season. In fact, we're crushing our opponenets 15-0 or something like that. But I've decided that I'm going to run from first to third on a long ball hit to left center. I knew the throw was coming in and I've already committed myself to that base. I slid, something I haven't done since, say 1993. I still have it in me, I guess. SAFE!
I scratched up my knee pretty good, and in the process I think I earned a boatload of respect from the team. I took a picture but I don't want to post gory pix here. I'm able to walk, but unsure if running, outside of bases once in a while is a good idea. It's just a nasty scraped knee but it's in the process of healing, where the skin feels really tight especially where it's scabbing over. I'm still going to play in the softball tournament this weekend. Won't be put on the disabled list, that's for sure. But no more sliding. I also ripped a hole in my favorite running pants. Pffffft. I'm hoping the polysporin will help and I'll be able to get a short run in sometime tomorrow.
I scratched up my knee pretty good, and in the process I think I earned a boatload of respect from the team. I took a picture but I don't want to post gory pix here. I'm able to walk, but unsure if running, outside of bases once in a while is a good idea. It's just a nasty scraped knee but it's in the process of healing, where the skin feels really tight especially where it's scabbing over. I'm still going to play in the softball tournament this weekend. Won't be put on the disabled list, that's for sure. But no more sliding. I also ripped a hole in my favorite running pants. Pffffft. I'm hoping the polysporin will help and I'll be able to get a short run in sometime tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 16
20-minute challenge
Before heading down to the running shop for the 20-minute challenge, Frankie phoned. He had some news to relay, but before continuing asked if I was busy.
"Oh, I'm getting ready to go for a run," I said casually, but eyeing the clock.
"Excuse me? Who am I talking to? Jelly doesn't run," he said.
"Ha ha. Funny guy! But I am doing this. Hat run," I said.
I got to the store, thinking I was late for the group run. Turns out I was half an hour early. I collected my green hat, one to add to my rainbow of running caps -- the reward for participating in this annual running event. Bonus reward attached to the hat was a save-20-percent coupon off next purchase (now, that's clever marketing), so maybe I'll think about one of those running skirts that are really gaining popularity lately.
I ran for 20 minutes without stopping! It was a very steady, leisurely pace. I was in better shape than I thought, and considering this was my first run since May, I'm fairly pleased overall. My breathing was labored during the final few minutes, so it'll take a little bit of work to get that stamina going again. My cousin looked strong as ever (though she wouldn't think so) and my sister seemed to do well too but still needs to work on strengthening her ankle. This was our first run together since the Cincinnati Flying Pig. The run today was exactly what I needed. For the next week or two, I'm not going to focus on distance. I'll look for timed outings. Maybe I'll get another 20 minutes in tomorrow; stretch it to 30 minutes on the weekend.
"Oh, I'm getting ready to go for a run," I said casually, but eyeing the clock.
"Excuse me? Who am I talking to? Jelly doesn't run," he said.
"Ha ha. Funny guy! But I am doing this. Hat run," I said.
I got to the store, thinking I was late for the group run. Turns out I was half an hour early. I collected my green hat, one to add to my rainbow of running caps -- the reward for participating in this annual running event. Bonus reward attached to the hat was a save-20-percent coupon off next purchase (now, that's clever marketing), so maybe I'll think about one of those running skirts that are really gaining popularity lately.
I ran for 20 minutes without stopping! It was a very steady, leisurely pace. I was in better shape than I thought, and considering this was my first run since May, I'm fairly pleased overall. My breathing was labored during the final few minutes, so it'll take a little bit of work to get that stamina going again. My cousin looked strong as ever (though she wouldn't think so) and my sister seemed to do well too but still needs to work on strengthening her ankle. This was our first run together since the Cincinnati Flying Pig. The run today was exactly what I needed. For the next week or two, I'm not going to focus on distance. I'll look for timed outings. Maybe I'll get another 20 minutes in tomorrow; stretch it to 30 minutes on the weekend.
Tuesday, July 15
Tagged by Sonia
Okay, I'll play!!
Better late than never. But I'm not tagging anyone else. You can play along if you want to.
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Limited to running for the closing subway doors (yes, I'm one of those noobs that rush the doors, and invariably miss and end up trying to look like I wasn't rushing for the door).
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: Crossing the finish line at my first (and only, so far) 26.2 miler, the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Second best: crossing the finish line with my sister at the Flying Pig this year.
Worst: Hill training following the "fun run". Seriously, this is the run early in the marathon training that nearly broke my spirit. I think about that from time to time. Relive it with me, you know you want to.
3. Why do you run?
At first, it was because Yumke was doing it. Then it became something enjoyable, thinking time, Me-time. Occassionally, it's a way to lose weight. In the past year, it's been about bonding with family and friends, the best therapy that costs only sweat and personal motivation (okay, and a freaking nice pair of shoes will set me back a couple of C-notes).
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve been given about running?
Best: Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide". Two items, in particular: 1) Have faith in your training plan. Because even if you miss the last three weeks of an 18-week training schedule before your first marathon because of some godawful sickness, know that the preceding 14 weeks of long runs prepared you. And they did. 2) REST, that word is gold.
Worst: Eating a pound of wings the night before an 8K race is a okay. That's not so much advice given to me as it is real-life learn-from-experience (Yumke was there. He knows). Some might argue that there is no need to dole out this advice. I mean, it's self-explanatory.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
The story behind the nickname Jellypepper. I'll tell you in person if you can find me.
Better late than never. But I'm not tagging anyone else. You can play along if you want to.
1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?
Limited to running for the closing subway doors (yes, I'm one of those noobs that rush the doors, and invariably miss and end up trying to look like I wasn't rushing for the door).
2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?
Best: Crossing the finish line at my first (and only, so far) 26.2 miler, the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Second best: crossing the finish line with my sister at the Flying Pig this year.
Worst: Hill training following the "fun run". Seriously, this is the run early in the marathon training that nearly broke my spirit. I think about that from time to time. Relive it with me, you know you want to.
3. Why do you run?
At first, it was because Yumke was doing it. Then it became something enjoyable, thinking time, Me-time. Occassionally, it's a way to lose weight. In the past year, it's been about bonding with family and friends, the best therapy that costs only sweat and personal motivation (okay, and a freaking nice pair of shoes will set me back a couple of C-notes).
4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you’ve been given about running?
Best: Hal Higdon's "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide". Two items, in particular: 1) Have faith in your training plan. Because even if you miss the last three weeks of an 18-week training schedule before your first marathon because of some godawful sickness, know that the preceding 14 weeks of long runs prepared you. And they did. 2) REST, that word is gold.
Worst: Eating a pound of wings the night before an 8K race is a okay. That's not so much advice given to me as it is real-life learn-from-experience (Yumke was there. He knows). Some might argue that there is no need to dole out this advice. I mean, it's self-explanatory.
5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.
The story behind the nickname Jellypepper. I'll tell you in person if you can find me.
Shapes
Funniest sign I saw on the street today: I'm in shape. Round is a shape.
I'm not saying I'm round. But it is clearly evident from the date of my last posting that I've taken another one of my semi-frequent hiatuses -- too lazy to run, and even lazier about blathering on about how lazy I am about running in this space, much less keep up with the running community. Last time I checked in, which was some seven weeks ago, I had just signed up for a couple of races. I have spent ZERO hours training for them. In fact, I am embarassed to say I still haven't taken my running shoes out of the travel bag (although I did take them to San Francisco last month, fully expecting to get at least one run in during vacation. Then I decided I didn't have to, nor need to, nor want to, do any hill training while on said vacation).
But it starts tomorrow. ("Famous last words," as my physiotherapist said today -- I'm getting my right shoulder looked at because I've been having some mobility issues. It's vastly improved after two visits, but by no means repaired!). So training really does start tomorrow. Because I signed up for the annual 20-minute challenge put on by the local running shop (free hat!). The key word is "challenge", I honestly don't think I can put together a nonstop 20 minute run, but that's okay, I have to start somewhere. I've convinced my sister and cousin to also come with me, both of whom also need a little bit of a kick in the butt (but much less than I do).
Thinking maybe I should go and carboload for this.
I'm not saying I'm round. But it is clearly evident from the date of my last posting that I've taken another one of my semi-frequent hiatuses -- too lazy to run, and even lazier about blathering on about how lazy I am about running in this space, much less keep up with the running community. Last time I checked in, which was some seven weeks ago, I had just signed up for a couple of races. I have spent ZERO hours training for them. In fact, I am embarassed to say I still haven't taken my running shoes out of the travel bag (although I did take them to San Francisco last month, fully expecting to get at least one run in during vacation. Then I decided I didn't have to, nor need to, nor want to, do any hill training while on said vacation).
But it starts tomorrow. ("Famous last words," as my physiotherapist said today -- I'm getting my right shoulder looked at because I've been having some mobility issues. It's vastly improved after two visits, but by no means repaired!). So training really does start tomorrow. Because I signed up for the annual 20-minute challenge put on by the local running shop (free hat!). The key word is "challenge", I honestly don't think I can put together a nonstop 20 minute run, but that's okay, I have to start somewhere. I've convinced my sister and cousin to also come with me, both of whom also need a little bit of a kick in the butt (but much less than I do).
Thinking maybe I should go and carboload for this.
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