planning ahead

i realize it's tuesday, and that i haven't posted my plan for the week yet, but it's been a busy couple of days.   i finally have a few minutes, so i am posting my plan for the week.

looking back at last week: 
monday: 12 days of christmas challenge.
tuesday: ran an easy 4.5 miles did the 12 DoC challenge and did Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 3. run felt ok, and other workouts felt really nice.
wednesday and thursday: took a couple of days off to try to let my heel heal.  didn't do any workouts these days.
friday: met up with a group at sharon woods to try to do 2-3 laps (8-12 miles).  ended up only being able to do 2 laps...heel was really bad.  felt a bit disappointed, but this made me resolve to do everything in my power to get this better FAST! did the DoC challenge and Chalean Extreme Burn 1.
saturday: really wanted to run a 5k race that a running friend of mine had organized, but didn't to risk making the foot worse, so opted out of it.  instead, i did an incline workout on the treadmill about 4 miles.  set the incline up high and did a fast walk/really slow jog.  this didn't seem to bother the foot as much, so felt good about it.
sunday (christmas day): took today off.

plan for this week:
monday: run 4-5 miles easy and Chalean Burn Circuit 2
tuesday: run 5-6 miles easy
wednesday: meeting up with a big group of running buddies for a bRUNch.  going for a 10 mile hilly run and then back to the hostess's house for a yummy brunch.  
thursday: either doing Chalean burn circuit 3 today or wednesday
friday: run 3-6 miles easy
saturday: (new year's eve): easy 3 miler and chalean burn circuit 1 (beginning of week 3)
sunday: if i can pull it off, i am going to try to do a new year's race.  we have to be up at cleveland stadium by 3:30 or so, so it might be pushing for time.

still on the hunt for the push cd in the chalean extreme workout video series.  i have misplaced the dvd since i bought it a few years ago.  anyone know where i can find it??  only have a couple more weeks before i begin that part of the circuit!

i am wearing my boot whenever i possibly can.  i have also found a great taping technique.  i am taking my anti-inflammatories like clockwork, and stretching whenever i can.  i am happy to say that i am feeling progress. on my run today, i felt discomfort, but not pain.  that is definitely a step in the right direction!  hooray.  :)

i got a second sole gift card for christmas and i am going to buy a pair of trail shoes....i really want to get the brooks pure grit. has anyone tried these?  the reviews i have read so far have been positive.

going to write a couple more posts this week.  one about christmas and one about reflecting on the year.  hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are able to reflect on your journey through the last year!!  

rough day

so, i went to the doc yesterday for my foot.  after a quick exam and looking at some X-rays, it was pretty evident that it is PF again.  this time is about 10 times worse than the last time i had it.  it never gets better... in fact during a run, it gets progressively worse.  she gave me a cortisone shot (ouch!) and i am back to wearing the boot at night, taking some prescription anti-inflammatories, stretching....and not doing much running.

i met a group of my running friends up at sharon woods today for an 8-12 mile run.  after the first loop, i could tell that 2 more loops was not going to happen.  forced myself to do one more loop, and then had to stop.  the pain with every single step was too much to bear.  i got home and put my boot on for a while and took a nap.  got up and the foot felt ok.  after getting some gifts wrapped, i decided to try to go finish the 12....only needed to do about 4 miles.  after a minute into the run, i had to turn around and admit defeat.  i found myself crying as i faced the fact that i may have to lay off running for a while.  as most of you that are runners would understand, running is my sanity, it keeps the darkness away, and keeps me feeling good about myself.      without running, i am terrified that the depression will sneak back in.

i decided to to go ahead and do my chalean extreme workout.  i am hoping that i can keep on doing these workouts....and maybe some shorter runs for the next couple of weeks.  i've gotta get through the worst of this and then i can get back to my training.  i know that my training needs to really begin for canton sometime in february...so i have some time to get this healed.

on a more positive note, i just need to get some more gift wrapping done and maybe make some cookies tomorrow and i will be ready for sunday and monday.  i love this time of year, but the way i have been feeling has left me grumpy and moving my focus from where it should be this time of year.

have you ever had to take time off from what you love?  how did you get through it?

Three Things Thursday

1.  I think I am officially done with my Christmas shopping.  Now all that's left to do is plan the meal for Christmas with my husband's family on Monday, wrap gifts, and wait for the rest of my orders to arrive.

2.  I went to the doc today for my foot. Thankfully, I think, it is PF.  It's pretty bad though...the spur is much larger than it was in spring.  She gave me a cortisone shot and my foot is feeling like it's asleep and in the process of waking up.  Really creepy and uncomfortable feeling.  Hoping it feels better by the morning so I can meet up with some running buddies for an 8-12 miler.

3.  I watched all episodes of Once Upon a Time today on Hulu.  (Since I wasn't going to be able to workout/run, I had to pass the time somehow...) It's a pretty interesting show....I think I am hooked!

Are you ready for Christmas? What do you still have left to do?

Plan for Christmas week....

Last week went well.  I got in what I wanted to, even it it is under the mileage I am used to.  My foot is still hurting, but at least it's only 2 more days til I get to the doc to find out what's up.  It is feeling a little better....as long as I don't do anything. It hurts like the dickens after I run though.  Is that going to stop me?? NO WAY!  :)

Plan for this week:

Monday: Rest day.  (Still had to get in 12 Days of Christmas workout though... day 7)

Tuesday:  Chalean Extreme Burn Circuit 3, run 4-5 miles, 12 DoC day 8.
Wednesday: Run 5-6 miles and 12 DoC  day 9,
Thursday: Burn Circuit 1, 12 DoC day 10.
Friday: Meeting with some running friends for 8-12 miles and 12 DoC day 11.
Saturday (Christmas eve!!): Burn Circuit 2, Run 6, and 12 DoC day 12.  

This is going to be a crazy week.  Just started my Christmas shopping...got most of it done through Amazon.  (I love the internet!).  But still have a few things to pick up in the stores.  Found out today, that I have a 16 transaction limit on my bank card.  I wish I had known that earlier.... had to cut some of my shopping short.  Next year, I am doing all of my shopping online...and in November!  :)  I am not a big fan of shopping.  It absolutely exhausts me and frustrates me to no end when I cannot find what I am looking for!!

However, I did get all of my blog exchanges, and DailyMile exchange stuff done!  Woohoo!  I had a lot of fun with those!  :)  Hope the recipients like what I got them.  :)

When do you start your Christmas shopping?  Are you done?

Three things Thursday

1. Tomorrow is my last day of school and then I am off for 2+weeks!  I think I am more excited than the students.  I made all my students goodie bags...candy, pencil, eraser, stickers, and a cute little christmas bulb.  It's funny how excited high school kids get about these little treats.  It was fun to hand them out and watch their faces light up.  Handing the rest of the treat bags out tomorrow.

2.  Have decided that until I see my podiatrist (next Thursday) and find out exactly what is going on with my foot, I am going to take it easy on running (20-25 mpw instead of 30+) and continue working on building my strength.  I did day 3 of 12 days of Christmas today.  This is turning out to be a really fun challenge.  Then, I dug out my Chalean Extreme videos that I bought a few years back and did the first workout.  I forgot how much I enjoyed these workouts.  This is going to find its way back into my routine.

3. Today, I ate really badly.  I don't want to continue to eat this way...but this time of year is so hard for me.  Sweets are my biggest weakness, and I am trying to resist, but having little success.  Tomorrow is a new day... and a new chance to make good choices.

What are your strategies for continuing to eat healthy this time of year?

hello, my name is melanie, and it's been 7 days since my last run.

well, in an attempt to heal and recover, i took a whole week off.  this was tough for me to do....i even think i developed a twitch..  :)  my foot is still hurting, but at least it is localized a bit more, and not the entire foot/ankle.  i decided to go out today for a test run.  kept it nice and easy (right around a 9:30 pace) and short (4 miles).  the run was ok, but i am waiting to see how it feels tomorrow.  

so...my plan for last week fell apart completely.  i didn't do any cross training either, really wanted to try to completely rest.  boy was it nice to get back to it today.  when i got home, i did a twelve days of christmas challenge. today was 100 jumping jacks.  i added 5 sets of 20 sit ups and 5 (on my toes) push ups.  i was glad to be able to do all my push ups today on my toes!!

  

my plan for this week is: 

monday: rest

tuesday: run 4 easy and 12 days of christmas #1 (100 jumping jacks) plus sit ups and push ups. 

wednesday: run 4-5 easy and 12 DoC #2 (100 jj and 2 x 1 min plank) plus sit ups and push ups

thursday: run 2-3 easy and 12 DoC #3(100 JJ, 2 x 1 min plank, 3 sets of 10 lunges each leg)

friday: 12 DoC #4(100 jj, 2 x 1 min plank, 3 x 10 lunges, 4 x 30 sec jump rope) plus sit ups and push ups

saturday: run 8-10 easy  and 12 DoC #5(100 JJ, 2 x 1 min plank, 3 x 10 lunges, 4 x 30 sec jump rope, 5 burpees)

sunday: run 4-5 easy and 12 DoC #6 (100 JJ, 2x 1 min plank, 3x10 lunges, 4x30 sec jump rope, 5 burpees, 6 toe touchers) plus sit ups and push ups. 

of course, all of this depends on how my foot is feeling.  i know that i may have to hold back on the runs if my foot is not up to it....really don't want to, but i will.  i made an appointment with my podiatrist, but the earliest she could see me is next thursday.  hoping i can make it until then!  

some time this week, i need to start my christmas shopping. :)  

how is your week going?  

not the best week

i have been having issues with my left foot/ankle over the course of the last couple of weeks.  at first i thought it was PF, because it was mostly on the bottom of my heel.  but since then, i have been having pain in my ankle, both in the back and front, and in the top of my foot along the outside.  if it were just PF, i could still run and the pain would not be too bad.  however, after every run (and during some of them), i have been having increased pain.  so, i decided to rest this week...i am a bit depressed about this decision.  and i am starting to get twitchy.  this is the longest i have gone without running in a long time...last run was on tuesday.  i am going to call my podiatrist on monday and try to get in to have some x-rays done to be sure it's nothing serious.  i am really hoping that just a bit of rest is all i need.  running helps keep the depression at bay and without it, i can feel it starting to try to push it's way back into my life.

i want to try to find something to do to keep on keeping on, but anything that puts pressure on my foot is out.  even push ups....  any suggestions?


what do you do when you are hurt and have to change your routine?

Weekly wrap up future plan

Last week was a great week!!  My training went pretty well and for the most part I feel great.  Other than my left foot really bothering me, I have no complaints.  (I think it may be Plantar Facitis...ugh).

What I did last week:
Monday:  Rest day...took it easy...watched some Monday Night Football.
Tuesday: 3 miles easy;
                 strength training that included 3 sets for a total of 90 squats; 60 pushups (17 on my toes); 3 sets of 45 second
                 planks; 60 sit ups; 3 sets of 30 seconds of flutter kicks; 75 toe raises.
                 Took T out for c25k week 5 day 1.
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 1 mile w/u; 6 x 50 second repeats with 50 second recoveries.  1 mile c/d (repeats were anywhere from 6:30 pace
                   to 7:00 pace)
                  CrossFit workout: 3 rounds for time: 10 burpees, 20 squats, 30 sit-ups.  My best time was 2:20 (last set).
                  C25K wek 5 day 2 with T.
Friday: 3 miles easy
Saturday:  Jingle Bell Run with the family!  Can you say 36 second PR?????
Sunday:  Half mary at an easy pace.

Total mileage for the week: 32 miles.
Total cross training sessions: 2...I really want this to be closer to 3 or 4.


The plan for this week:
Monday: CrossFit WOD from Spartan Race, and MYRTL exercises.
Tuesday: 6 miles easy and take T out for C25K W6D1.
Wednesday: 4 miles easy and Cross train
Thursday:  1 mile w/u, 4x400 repeats with 400 recoveries, 1 mile c/d and CrossFit and take T out for C25K W6D2.
Friday: Off
Saturday: 11 miles easy and CrossFit and take T out for C25K W6D3.
Sunday: 5 miles easy

Goal for mileage: about 30-35.

I am feeling much stronger.  The last couple of weeks of strength training has made a difference.  It motivates me to keep at it.  I have also lost about 1.5 pounds last week.  My goal is to lose 15-20 pounds over the course of the next 3 months or so.  As hard as it is to avoid snacking, I feel I am doing well and hope to continue to see the number on the scale continue to drop!

What are your goals for this week?

Jingle Bell Run 2011

Jingle Bell Run 2011.

My sis in law came down from Kansas, OH and spent the night here. We got up early and got ready and then waited for the rest of the crew to get here. My sis in law dropped off my nephew at around 7:50. My mother in law was here by 8:00. My mom, dad, and 80 year old gramma got here at about 8:10. Everyone got their numbers on and got jingled up, and then we were off. didn't realize the exit we normally take was closed, so had to make some last minute adjustments and got there a bit later than i would have liked, but still in plenty of time. 

me, mom in law, and sis in law

met up with my good friend elaine....got some pix, and chatted for a bit, then everyone hit the bathroom.

elaine and i

kayla and elaine (her "columbus grandma")

mom and steph all decked out!

the troublesome twosome!  ready to go!

dad and i pre-race

the whole crew...even kyle, who just had to wear his sunglasses inside!  

my dad and i then went out and did a quick 1/2 mile warm up and got in line. he and i ran together; my sis in law and mother in law ran together; and my mom, dad, gramma, nephew, and both daughters walked it together. 

dad and i took off and had to do some weaving for a bit, then just decided it would be easier to just run on the sidewalk for a bit until it cleared out. my dad took off! he was running at a 6:30 pace for the first half mile. i kept him in my sights, because i knew he would eventually level out. my goal was to pr, and try to break 23:00. my dad just wanted to be somewhere in the 23-24 minute range. this is his first official race, and i was so excited for him. 

dad and me at the start

he walked this last year with my oldest daughter and decided that he wanted to train to run it with me this year. i am so proud of him! he and i stayed together for about the first 2.5 miles. then i started to pull away a bit. i was feeling amazing, but was afraid i was going to run out of gas, so i held back just a bit....wishing i hadn't, because i was only 20 seconds or so away from breaking 23!

getting ready to walk the streets of columbus. 

i crossed the finish line, and a woman hands me a ticket that says i was one of the top 50 women, so i got a medal! i almost told her to shut up! i was pleasantly surprised, and mighty proud of that medal. i am not sure of my exact placing yet, because the results are STILL not posted.... but i am very excited about this race.

me and my sis in law (steph) after the finish...notice my medal?? :)

my dad came in about 40 seconds behind me...right around 24:00. i am very proud of him!! my sis in law and mother in law came in right around 31-32 minutes. my brother in law (who has not run more than a mile or so) and his girlfriend came in around 39:00. my dad and i and my sis in law went back out to meet up with the rest of the crew and dad and i ran the two little ones in. 

can you tell the little ones were ready to run??

they just sprinted to the finish. it may have been one of my favorite parts of the day!! they were just too cute. running to the finish, holding hands.

they look like they are flying!

 the rest of the crew (including my 80 year old gramma) finished in about an hour!

gramma, mom, and kayla crossing the finish!

what an amazing day spent with family. this was a fun event, and everyone in my crew had a blast!!

 these two were inseparable.  

she was calling this abuse.  :)

some of the crew after the race.

kayla and i walking back to the car.

i can see this becoming a family tradition... does your family have any fun and unusual traditions?