Pain and More Pain

In today's workout, I did something to my neck and shoulder.  I was in pain immediately and had to modify the remainder of the workout.  I iced it when I got home but tried to work through it and ignore it.  It was probably an hour into the day that I realized that something was really wrong.  So I called and made an appointment with Dr. Jeff although I was a little scared.  I have heard many stories about how he is really good at what he does but that the process is quite painful.

So when I arrived at the office, I was nervous but I really needed something to be done for my shoulder.  He quickly identified the problem areas and showed me on a chart the muscle that was involved.  Then the treatment began.  I have always believed that I have a high tolerance for pain, but this appointment made me realize that I am really a wimp!  I didn't cry...although I did let out a yelp once.  But when I walked out of his office, my shoulder felt great.  I have a follow up appointment on Friday.

The worst part...no running or gym for a few days.  Ugh.

Green Turtle 5K Race Recap

Sunday was the Green Turtle 5K in West Ocean City.  I didn't hear about the race until a week before so it was kind of a last minute thing for us.  But I was joined by Colleen, Keith and Barry.  Chris and his daughter Jordan also ran in the race.  It was a nice morning, although the humidity was pretty high. 

I was curious to see how I would do.  I do not consider myself in "race shape" right now.  I am feeling good about my workouts at the gym but my runs have been less than stellar recently.  So I didn't go into the race with any high expectations.  I planned to just see how it went.

Here is a picture from the start of the race.  Barry is in the dark blue shirt on the far side of the photo and I'm in the white shirt.  It's hard to recognize me in this picture because my ponytail actually looks normal here!  It was about the only time that Barry and I ran anywhere close to each other.  He took off!

I felt really good at the start and ran the first mile just under an 8 minute pace.  During the 2nd mile I was slowing up a little bit.  The race was an out and back so during the 2nd mile I started to see the leaders coming back towards me.  Chris was in third place and looked really good.  I cheered for him.  There were 3 firefighters running right near me (the race was a benefit for the fire fighters) and they started talking about how Chris runs the Ironman races and how impressive he is "for an old guy".  I laughed and said "hey, he's my age!"  (even though he's a few years older) So of course chatting in the middle of the race doesn't exactly make for a great time.  I have got to learn my lesson...I'm way to social!

Barry passed me looking really strong.  I got to the turnaround and headed back looking for Colleen.  She wasn't far behind me but she didn't hear me cheering for her.  She had her headphones in and was more focused on getting the water at the water stop. 

Once I hit the 2 mile marker, I got more focused on the race again.  There was a lady about my age running right in front of me.  I noticed that she had been slowing her pace gradually for awhile.  So as I passed her, I said some words of encouragement.  I don't remember exactly but it was something to the effect of "you can do it...keep on going".  I don't know my pace for the 2nd mile, but for the 3rd mile I was trying to stay under 8:30.  I really hoped that the lady would stay with me and give me some challenge...unfortunately she didn't. 

As I came out of the neighborhood and realized that there was only about a quarter of a mile left, I picked up the pace.  The finish was in the Green Turtle parking lot.  As we entered the parking lot, I heard footsteps behind me and realized that I was about to get passed...so I sprinted with everything I had.  I did end up beating these girls but they gave me a good run for my money!  Note the bouncing ponytail!  hehe.

My time was 26:46 according to the chip time.  Not my best, but definitely a really good time for not being in "race shape".  I was pleased.  I ended up being 3rd in my age group!  Unfortunately they only gave out awards for the top 2 in an age group.  Oh well...at least I can say I was 3rd in my age group!

Here is Barry's finishing sprint.  He apparently thought the finish line was a lot closer so he literally sprinted full out for the last quarter mile.  He had a good time of 22:24.  I think this picture is hilarious.  Check out the guy in the yellow...he's like "where'd this guy come from?"

Colleen struggled with the humidity but still finished well.  In this picture she's flying...not even touching the ground!  Look at the determination on her face!  That's Chris' daughter Jordan right in front of Colleen. 

Keith completed his first ever 5K.  He entered as a walker, although he ran for the first quarter mile.  Unfortunately the rest of the race he walked in severe pain, as he was suffering with shin splints.  He was not a happy camper when I saw him after I made the turnaround.  Colleen, Barry and I decided to head back out on the course and walk with him to the finish.  I'm so proud of him and I REALLY hope that he doesn't stick to his threat of "never doing this again".  All I can say is YAY KEITH!

It was a great showing for our running group.  We decided to celebrate our accomplishments by going to breakfast at The Angler where Lisa is a manager.  I love races!!!  I can't wait until the next one...

Friday Fun

This morning's workout was:

100 meter Sandbag Waiter Walk
20 Sandbag Squats
200 meter run
5 DB FTOH (heavy)
-6 rounds-

I started the workout with Jeff, Ross and Barry.  Daina, Colleen and Keith started a few minutes behind our group.  I noticed right away that I was waiter walking much faster than the boys.  Could it be that I have more practice???  LOL.  Anyway, it ended up that once again I smoked the boys in the workout and finished almost 2 full minutes faster than Jeff who was the next fastest!  Wow.  I guess some days I have it and other days I don't. 

Colleen and I decided that we are definitely running the Green Turtle 5K on Sunday!  And we convinced Barry and Keith to run it with us.  I am nowhere near race shape but I am excited about having a race in the near future.  I love racing even if I know I won't get a PR.  Depending on the turnout, maybe I'll get an age group award...not much longer for me to be in the 30's age group! :(

Have a great weekend everyone!  Keep on running!  Look for a race recap and hopefully some photos early next week.

Mental Challenges

Saturday I had a tough run.  From the first step of the run, my head was not in it.  I convinced myself to keep running at the one mile mark...and at the 2 mile mark...and keep going to the turn around.  By the time I hit mile 3, my head was actually doing OK.  I guess I had hit my "stride" so to speak.  But then at mile 3.5 my back seized up.  I have never felt anything like that before.  It just wouldn't let me run any more.  I walked thinking that if I walked for a few strides I would be able to run again.  The walk lasted a few steps...then a half mile...then 1.5 miles.  I couldn't run any more so I had to walk back to the Bagel Shop.  What a disappointing day.  My back stayed sore and had several spasms throughout the rest of the day but it has felt fine since then.  What do you think is up with that?

The Bridge

In almost 100 degree heat on Wednesday, the running group met at the Assateague Bridge.  Lisa brought plenty of water...she literally dumped an entire jug on her head by the time we were done.

We split up and some of the group did the repeaters and others did a distance run.  I decided to do a combination of both.  I did 4 repeaters.  On the way up the bridge, I kept my pace under 8:30.  The photo doesn't even show how steep this bridge really is!

On the way down the bridge, I kept my pace as close to 9:15 as I could.  The downhill was supposed to be the recovery but I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going TOO slow. 

After my 4 repeaters I ran to the car and got my phone.  I ran/jogged for the rest of the time and enjoyed the scenery.  The cool thing about running at Assateague is seeing the horses.

The worst thing about running on Assateague is having to avoid the poop.

Despite the heat, it was really good to get out there and run.  It was also good to run around with my phone taking pictures.  It's a beautiful place to be...I'm a lucky girl.

Hot, Hot, Hot

It's really hot out there.  I have always been the kind of person who LOVES summer.  I don't mind the heat and humidity.  I'll take that over sweaters and shivers any day.  But running in the heat is something different.  Last summer I trained for the Baltimore half marathon throughout the summer.  With 2 half marathons planned for the fall, I am starting my training now.  IT'S HOT!!!  Yesterday I did a workout that involved 400 meter runs.  Normally I work out in the mornings, but yesterday Ryann and I went to the gym in the afternoon.  So it was really hot when I was running.  It definitely affected my performance.  I could feel that I wasn't at my normal pace.  Today the running club is meeting at the Assateague Bridge.  I'm sure Lisa will have something horrible planned for us considering it's our speed workout day.  I'm hoping that the sea breezes will be blowing and keep us cool!

I will try to find my camera and take some photos.  As Dave has reminded me, I haven't posted any new photos recently.  Sorry!  They are coming.

I'm BAAAAAACK!!!

So my ponytail needed a break and my blogging fingers needed one too.  But I am back with a vengeance!  I am so excited about some great ideas I have for this blog!  Keep your eyes open for special features and fun things to come!!!

I am also very excited about some races coming up.  I would still like to find a few 5K's this summer to hopefully add to my age group awards before I hit the big 4-0 and have to compete against FAST 40 year olds like Lisa!  Ugh...I dread competing with them!  But I have decided to run the Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon in September and I think Colleen is running it with me.  Then the running group is targeting the Baltimore Half Marathon in October...although last year's race is still fresh in my mind so I haven't committed 100% to that one.  The half training has started and I'm going to blog about my training plan to keep myself accountable!  I did skip a run this weekend...not a good way to start, but there's plenty of time to make up for it!  If you have any thoughts about some good summer races, please let me know!

PLEASE do me a favor...I have not done much to promote my blog but I will be doing that in the coming months...SOOOO, please share my blog with your friends and family who might be interested.  While this blog focuses mainly on my running, I would like to be able to use it to help get and keep other people involved and interested in running.  The more readers I have, the more interactive this blog can be.  I love feedback so feel free to leave a comment on any blog post!  And if you have ideas on how to make this blog better, I'm open to suggestions!