When I was 18 years old and in my freshman year at Penn State, I was working out on the stair stepper and slipped a disc in my L5 S1. Ever since then I have had a lot of problems doing any kind of distance running. When I run I get a sensation of my "back going out" meaning that I have a pain in my lower back, my butt and hamstring get incredibly tight, and I can no longer swing my left leg forward at the hip. It is a really weird sensation that is hard to describe, but it completely hinders my forward momentum and I HAVE to stop.
This is really not a recipe for good running, and was making it difficult to enjoy my favorite sport for years. I was really frustrated that I would be out on a run and BAM all of a sudden my back would go out, and I would lose all chance of successfully finishing my run. It didn't necessarily happen every time I ran, but was more likely to happen in a race where I was pushing myself harder and running faster.
The first time I ran the Broad Street 10 miler this was a HUGE issue and I was miserable the entire second half of the race. The next day at work I could barely walk at work, and my co-worker forced me to visit his Chiropractor, something I had always been reluctant to do (for some reason I hadn't heard positive things about the process.) I only wish I had gone SOONER and I am so grateful that he pushed me to attend that first time.
I am here today to change your opinion on Chiropractors if you are worried, or convince you to try it if you have been on the fence. Of course, I think it is important to find the RIGHT Chiro, mine is extremely knowledgeable and has also worked in spine centers in hospitals. He is also really interested in exercise science and what helps to strengthen the back and core. Just like with any doctor or professional, not every office that you find is going to be ideal, but if you do research and ask around to others for recommendations, I absolutely think it is the BEST option out there for back pain!
My Chiropractor is able to keep my back adjusted so that everything is in place and where it should be. This means that my slipped disc is less likely to push on my sciatic nerve and cause the pain in my butt and hamstring. He is also able to help adjust my hips. My hips are frequently out of place and uneven, which is also a huge hindrance to running. I can feel a huge difference in my hips, and therefore my stride, when my back is adjusted correctly.
My favorite part of the Chiropractor, besides how much it helps my running, is that it is all NATURAL. When I had gone to "real" doctors before they had prescribed steroid shots in my back, muscle relaxers, pain killers, etc. None of these things ever helped, and if anything just masked the pain, instead of fixing it. Not to mention the steroid shot made my face blow up and get puffy--NOT GOOD.
The office I use combines both spine adjustments and massage to help the back to be both loose and straight. They also offer an exercise regimen that is designed to help stabilize the core region, another important factor in keeping everything in place. The massages really help to loosen up the muscles and allow the spine to more easily move into place. The exercises are for strengthening and stability, which helps keep everything where it should be.
In summation, if you suffer from sciatica, tight hamstrings/butt, or any other lower back ailments, try finding a Chiropractor--it might completely change your running experience!
Does anyone else suffer from sciatica? Does anyone else have any good (or bad!) stories about Chiropractors?
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Monday, March 24, 2014
Last Week's Workout Re Cap
March 17th - March 23rd
Monday-Wednesday
My left big toe and now my right big toe had been bothering me from the 7 mile run on Sunday so I ended up taking Monday through Wednesday off from training. I decided to give it a rest in an attempt not to irritate things TOO much before the Hot Chocolate 15k on April 6th. Not to mention, it was also snowing on Monday, cold on Tuesday, and POURING rain on Wednesday.
Thursday
Still having pain in my toe so I decided to just do a short, short tempo run. I ran a mile out, then did a FAST mile, pushing the pace down to around a 7:30 at times, then cooled down with a slow jog. My toe was still bothering me, but after doing 7 on Sunday, doing only 2 1/4 felt like nothing even with the speed. It was definitely a cold, windy evening though, only about 44 degrees by the time I got out there. Not the greatest first day of Spring--but much improved from earlier in the week.
Friday:
My new passion (besides running): Barre class! I am actually hoping that this class might improve the strength in my toes, besides the obvious core and leg benefits. The class was tougher than the previous weeks, and I REALLY felt like I got a great work out. It was a warmer evening too, so the hubs and I were also able to take the dogs out on a walk afterwards.
Saturday
I decided that it would be smart to do our long run in the same basic area as the Hot Chocolate 15k, so I decided to head down to the city. Kelly Drive was closed for tree removal, so I headed over to MLK drive. I believe the Hot Chocolate course is going to be on that side of the river anyway. I parked near the Roosevelt Bridge, and ran down to the Art Museum, around, and back for a total of 8.44 miles, 9:23 average pace. Unfortunately, my toe hurt so bad by the end I couldn't even stand it. I also had to stop and stretch for a quick second at 6 1/2 as my back had gone out and I was no longer able to move my left leg at the hip. I am a total mess. I am hoping that my body magically just feels good and pain free for the Hot Chocolate 15k and the other various races I have coming up. I know that isn't how it works, but I'm still wearing my Correct Toes as often as I can hoping they will work!
Sunday
This was supposed to be my cross training day, but my feet were not feeling up to much after the run the day before. I took the dogs for a walk at the park, but other than that just took it easy and did some errands and things around the house. Shifting cross training to Monday since it is too cold (for me) to run anyway!
Total Miles in March (so far): 44.5
Monday-Wednesday
My left big toe and now my right big toe had been bothering me from the 7 mile run on Sunday so I ended up taking Monday through Wednesday off from training. I decided to give it a rest in an attempt not to irritate things TOO much before the Hot Chocolate 15k on April 6th. Not to mention, it was also snowing on Monday, cold on Tuesday, and POURING rain on Wednesday.
Thursday
Still having pain in my toe so I decided to just do a short, short tempo run. I ran a mile out, then did a FAST mile, pushing the pace down to around a 7:30 at times, then cooled down with a slow jog. My toe was still bothering me, but after doing 7 on Sunday, doing only 2 1/4 felt like nothing even with the speed. It was definitely a cold, windy evening though, only about 44 degrees by the time I got out there. Not the greatest first day of Spring--but much improved from earlier in the week.
Friday:
My new passion (besides running): Barre class! I am actually hoping that this class might improve the strength in my toes, besides the obvious core and leg benefits. The class was tougher than the previous weeks, and I REALLY felt like I got a great work out. It was a warmer evening too, so the hubs and I were also able to take the dogs out on a walk afterwards.
Saturday
I decided that it would be smart to do our long run in the same basic area as the Hot Chocolate 15k, so I decided to head down to the city. Kelly Drive was closed for tree removal, so I headed over to MLK drive. I believe the Hot Chocolate course is going to be on that side of the river anyway. I parked near the Roosevelt Bridge, and ran down to the Art Museum, around, and back for a total of 8.44 miles, 9:23 average pace. Unfortunately, my toe hurt so bad by the end I couldn't even stand it. I also had to stop and stretch for a quick second at 6 1/2 as my back had gone out and I was no longer able to move my left leg at the hip. I am a total mess. I am hoping that my body magically just feels good and pain free for the Hot Chocolate 15k and the other various races I have coming up. I know that isn't how it works, but I'm still wearing my Correct Toes as often as I can hoping they will work!
Sunday
This was supposed to be my cross training day, but my feet were not feeling up to much after the run the day before. I took the dogs for a walk at the park, but other than that just took it easy and did some errands and things around the house. Shifting cross training to Monday since it is too cold (for me) to run anyway!
Total Miles in March (so far): 44.5
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Cross Training: Barre Amped Classes
I really don't like cross training. I like to run...and that is about it. This is also why in the winter I tend to gain weight since I'm never motivated to go the gym. I don't like the elliptical; I don't like the bike; I don't like lifting weights. I will do all of the above things, but it really takes some effort on my part to do these things. I totally understand that cross training is important, especially strength training, but that doesn't mean that I have to LIKE IT. I've also tried doing yoga, which I do like, but have never been able to get as fanatical about it as everyone else seems to be. Then about a month ago I tried something new that has TOTALLY changed my thoughts on cross training: Barre classes!!
I had been hearing good things about Barre classes from various sources. Everyone was saying that it was a great work out and a lot of fun. After a horrible, cold, snowy winter/spring that was making it difficult to run consistently, I finally decided to try it myself and bought a package of Barre classes at La Maison in Wayne.
I love it.
No really. I absolutely LOVE IT. I'm not sure if I expressed accurately how much I hate cross training normally, but something about Barre is just different for me. The class that best fits my schedule is one on a Friday afternoon. This means that I am willingly and consistently going to the gym on a Friday afternoon to take a class. I WANT to go and look forward to it. If you know me, this really is incredible.
For those of you that aren't familiar with Barre, it combines ballet, yoga, and pilates into one class. I love taking a class that combines all three disciplines. This means that what we are doing in class changes and keeps me interested. There is a wide variety of activities and movements that give me a fantastic whole body workout. I can already feel my legs and core getting stronger, not to mention my posture getting better.
If you get bored with group activity classes, or hate going to the gym, I REALLY suggest trying out Barre! I am HOOKED!
I had been hearing good things about Barre classes from various sources. Everyone was saying that it was a great work out and a lot of fun. After a horrible, cold, snowy winter/spring that was making it difficult to run consistently, I finally decided to try it myself and bought a package of Barre classes at La Maison in Wayne.
I love it.
No really. I absolutely LOVE IT. I'm not sure if I expressed accurately how much I hate cross training normally, but something about Barre is just different for me. The class that best fits my schedule is one on a Friday afternoon. This means that I am willingly and consistently going to the gym on a Friday afternoon to take a class. I WANT to go and look forward to it. If you know me, this really is incredible.
For those of you that aren't familiar with Barre, it combines ballet, yoga, and pilates into one class. I love taking a class that combines all three disciplines. This means that what we are doing in class changes and keeps me interested. There is a wide variety of activities and movements that give me a fantastic whole body workout. I can already feel my legs and core getting stronger, not to mention my posture getting better.
If you get bored with group activity classes, or hate going to the gym, I REALLY suggest trying out Barre! I am HOOKED!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Correct Toes and Bunions
I have some pretty serious bunions (genetic) that have been irritated by years of distance running. Starting last June I began to have some MAJOR pain in my left big toe while training for a half marathon that was making it difficult to run at all, let alone long distances. I detailed some of what I have done in an attempt to cure this/avoid surgery in a previous post. Today I wanted to talk about Correct Toes since they seem to be the best non-surgery option I can find through my personal research.
The reviews that are available for Correct Toes are INCREDIBLE and when I first learned about them, it made me want to order them immediately. Correct Toes is basically a spacer that fits between your toes that can specifically eliminate bunion issues. Review after review says that they have straightened people's feet and eliminated their foot pain for bunions and other toe related issues. They seem to be a really great, non-surgery option for a lot of people. I can't even describe how excited I was to order them after reading the reviews this past fall.
I am still wearing mine in the hopes that they will work, but so far they haven't seemed to help me very much. I know this is probably because I can not wear them with my work shoes as any shoes that I own that are "work appropriate" would definitely not allow for the toe spread that is required for this product. Also, I have been unable to run in them since the silicon in my toes hurts me when I run making it basically impossible, not the actual toe spacing, but the product rubbing between my toes pushes and puts too much pressure.
I try to wear them after work and to sleep in every night. Today I wore them when I took the dogs on a short walk. I still haven't seen much progress though. My left toe is definitely getting WORSE if anything. I was on a training run today where my toe hurt so bad by the end I could barely move.
I am SO INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATED because running is my absolute favorite activity and, honestly, a huge part of my personal identity. Am I not using the Correct Toes correctly? I want them to work for me as they did for so many others SO badly! Anyone else try this product? Anyone have any suggestions for how to use them better or to solve bunion related big toe pain? HELP!
The reviews that are available for Correct Toes are INCREDIBLE and when I first learned about them, it made me want to order them immediately. Correct Toes is basically a spacer that fits between your toes that can specifically eliminate bunion issues. Review after review says that they have straightened people's feet and eliminated their foot pain for bunions and other toe related issues. They seem to be a really great, non-surgery option for a lot of people. I can't even describe how excited I was to order them after reading the reviews this past fall.
I am still wearing mine in the hopes that they will work, but so far they haven't seemed to help me very much. I know this is probably because I can not wear them with my work shoes as any shoes that I own that are "work appropriate" would definitely not allow for the toe spread that is required for this product. Also, I have been unable to run in them since the silicon in my toes hurts me when I run making it basically impossible, not the actual toe spacing, but the product rubbing between my toes pushes and puts too much pressure.
I try to wear them after work and to sleep in every night. Today I wore them when I took the dogs on a short walk. I still haven't seen much progress though. My left toe is definitely getting WORSE if anything. I was on a training run today where my toe hurt so bad by the end I could barely move.
I am SO INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATED because running is my absolute favorite activity and, honestly, a huge part of my personal identity. Am I not using the Correct Toes correctly? I want them to work for me as they did for so many others SO badly! Anyone else try this product? Anyone have any suggestions for how to use them better or to solve bunion related big toe pain? HELP!
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Chronic Injuries: Big Toes and Slipped Discs
Another cold day in Philly has me dreaming of warmer temps! Supposedly it is going to warm up this weekend on Saturday and I am very anxious to get out and get a long run in! For tonight, it looks like I am going to be at the gym doing some cross training. My husband and I attempted to do a run outside yesterday evening, but with the cold and dark, we had to end up cutting it shorter than we originally wanted. Daylight Savings this Sunday should help with the light aspect, now if only we could consistently get some warm temps!
Unfortunately, when it is cold and icy, I have difficulty getting a lot of running in as I have trouble running on the treadmill. I have two chronic injuries that are severely irritated from the pounding on treadmills, far more so than running outside on the roads and trails. I think it is important to describe my injuries as they are chronic and can be detrimental to my training, and I'll probably refer to issues associated with them frequently! Any helpful comments or suggestions are definitely welcome if you also suffer from either of these injuries.
The first injury is a slipped disc in my L5 S1 that was caused by over-exertion on the stair stepper machine my freshman year in college. The slipped disc causes sciatica in my left leg. Sometimes, when I run too far or too fast, I have a sensation of my "back going out" (best way I can describe it) and I will lose the ability to swing my left leg at the hip. I then get numbness in my leg and can no longer extend my leg forward in the running motion. I can actually trip and fall if I attempt to keep moving when this happens. It's hard to describe exactly what it feels like, as it is somewhat painful, but more so just a total lack of movement is what is the most prohibiting. If I stop running and walk, the issue will cease and become less troubling. When this happens, my left hamstring also becomes incredibly tight and painful, and has also caused me to have some chronic hamstring pain and tightness
I used to suffer from this far more; my first Broad Street was absolutely miserable and my time reflected it. By around mile 5, I was having difficulty running forward at all. Afterwards, I could barely walk for a couple of days. One of my co-workers pushed me to see a Chiropractor (something I had always been reluctant to do), but when I finally gave in I wished I had done it years before! I had tried physical therapy and even steroid shots into my spine, but nothing had worked previously. My Chiropractor was able to help the alignment in my back and I have had a MUCH easier time controlling my back pain since I started seeing the Chiro.
I still am troubled by the sciatica, but I have definitely found it to be less troubling than in the past. I need to make time to go see the Chiro more! I tend to wait to go in until it is troubling me again, instead of being pro-active. I am definitely a fan of this NATURAL way to help my back though. If anyone is wondering if they should try it, I would highly suggest it, as long as you can find a good, qualified Chiropractor that you can trust! Let me know if you have any thoughts on sciatica, slipped discs, etc.
My second chronic injury is newer and something I am still trying to deal with on a day-to-day basis. I am currently trying to train through some pain, and hoping I can keep it manageable. I haven't ran since August, but the time off did NOT fix the issue. What I am dealing with now is severe, chronic pain in my left big toe caused by bunions. I have genetic bunions that I have irritated by years of running that have now lead to permanent pain in my big toe.
I first started experiencing the pain in June when I was training for the Oddyssey Half Marathon. When I was on a 12 mile training run I noticed that my left big toe was hurting incredibly bad. I had recently upgraded to the newest version of my Asics, so I thought it might be shoe related. At the time I thought it would be manageable, and actually went online and ordered my previous years shoes in order to go back to what was working. My solution did not turn out to be the easy fix I had hoped, and the pain continued for the rest of the summer, until I finally decided to take a break in August. During this time I also went to a podiatrist who informed me it was bio-mechanical issues in my foot (flat feet and bunions along with weird bone structure) and attempted a steroid shot (once again these shots do NOT seem to work on me--whether it be back or toe). He also attempted some minor adjustments to my inserts. Nothing helped, which is when I decided to take some time off and rest it (usually the cure for all running related injuries!)
When the doctor was unable to figure out a cure I decided to pursue some other options. Returning to the same shoe I had been using (just newer) had not worked. I decided to try a new kind of shoe that allowed for more toe spread (bunions are irritated by a tight toe box). I tried the Altra Zero Drop shoe that has a much wider than usual toe box. They are also part of the minimalist shoe movement and had some fantastic reviews in various locations. While I like the shoes and the space for my toe, I still had toe pain, PLUS the flatness bothered my foot and I began to have pain spreading all through my arches and across the bottom of my foot. I now try to use them for walking the dogs and cross training though to give my feet room to breathe when I can! I would LOVE to hear if anyone else has tried these shoes!
The other strategy I tried is something I am still currently working with. When reading a running magazine I discovered an advertisement for Correct Toes. Correct Toes is an insert that you put in your toes that spreads your toes and is supposed to cure all kinds of ailments, particularly all the various issues I have with my toes and feet! You are supposed to be able to wear them when running, but I found that it bothered my feet too much, not the spreading so much as just pain from the actual rubber in my toes. I DO try to wear them every night and to sleep in. I have tried to take pictures of my feet and see if they are improving, and I think I might be seeing a slight improvement in my right foot (the one not as bad as off). Too soon to tell, but I am still hoping this works as it would be non-surgical and natural! Again, if you have experience or thoughts on these PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I would love, love, love some feedback!
Ok, this entry turned out to be WAY longer than I planned, but now you have a history of my chronic injuries and I won't have to explain in such detail again in the future ha! I'm hoping for the best when I do my 6 mile run this weekend, as it will be the longest I've run since the 1/2 marathon due to my toe pain. I'm hoping I can make this work somehow and get back to running! Again, please, please, please let me know if you have any thoughts on either injury...particularly the toe issue! I would love some feedback or suggestions!
Unfortunately, when it is cold and icy, I have difficulty getting a lot of running in as I have trouble running on the treadmill. I have two chronic injuries that are severely irritated from the pounding on treadmills, far more so than running outside on the roads and trails. I think it is important to describe my injuries as they are chronic and can be detrimental to my training, and I'll probably refer to issues associated with them frequently! Any helpful comments or suggestions are definitely welcome if you also suffer from either of these injuries.
The first injury is a slipped disc in my L5 S1 that was caused by over-exertion on the stair stepper machine my freshman year in college. The slipped disc causes sciatica in my left leg. Sometimes, when I run too far or too fast, I have a sensation of my "back going out" (best way I can describe it) and I will lose the ability to swing my left leg at the hip. I then get numbness in my leg and can no longer extend my leg forward in the running motion. I can actually trip and fall if I attempt to keep moving when this happens. It's hard to describe exactly what it feels like, as it is somewhat painful, but more so just a total lack of movement is what is the most prohibiting. If I stop running and walk, the issue will cease and become less troubling. When this happens, my left hamstring also becomes incredibly tight and painful, and has also caused me to have some chronic hamstring pain and tightness
I used to suffer from this far more; my first Broad Street was absolutely miserable and my time reflected it. By around mile 5, I was having difficulty running forward at all. Afterwards, I could barely walk for a couple of days. One of my co-workers pushed me to see a Chiropractor (something I had always been reluctant to do), but when I finally gave in I wished I had done it years before! I had tried physical therapy and even steroid shots into my spine, but nothing had worked previously. My Chiropractor was able to help the alignment in my back and I have had a MUCH easier time controlling my back pain since I started seeing the Chiro.
I still am troubled by the sciatica, but I have definitely found it to be less troubling than in the past. I need to make time to go see the Chiro more! I tend to wait to go in until it is troubling me again, instead of being pro-active. I am definitely a fan of this NATURAL way to help my back though. If anyone is wondering if they should try it, I would highly suggest it, as long as you can find a good, qualified Chiropractor that you can trust! Let me know if you have any thoughts on sciatica, slipped discs, etc.
My second chronic injury is newer and something I am still trying to deal with on a day-to-day basis. I am currently trying to train through some pain, and hoping I can keep it manageable. I haven't ran since August, but the time off did NOT fix the issue. What I am dealing with now is severe, chronic pain in my left big toe caused by bunions. I have genetic bunions that I have irritated by years of running that have now lead to permanent pain in my big toe.
I first started experiencing the pain in June when I was training for the Oddyssey Half Marathon. When I was on a 12 mile training run I noticed that my left big toe was hurting incredibly bad. I had recently upgraded to the newest version of my Asics, so I thought it might be shoe related. At the time I thought it would be manageable, and actually went online and ordered my previous years shoes in order to go back to what was working. My solution did not turn out to be the easy fix I had hoped, and the pain continued for the rest of the summer, until I finally decided to take a break in August. During this time I also went to a podiatrist who informed me it was bio-mechanical issues in my foot (flat feet and bunions along with weird bone structure) and attempted a steroid shot (once again these shots do NOT seem to work on me--whether it be back or toe). He also attempted some minor adjustments to my inserts. Nothing helped, which is when I decided to take some time off and rest it (usually the cure for all running related injuries!)
When the doctor was unable to figure out a cure I decided to pursue some other options. Returning to the same shoe I had been using (just newer) had not worked. I decided to try a new kind of shoe that allowed for more toe spread (bunions are irritated by a tight toe box). I tried the Altra Zero Drop shoe that has a much wider than usual toe box. They are also part of the minimalist shoe movement and had some fantastic reviews in various locations. While I like the shoes and the space for my toe, I still had toe pain, PLUS the flatness bothered my foot and I began to have pain spreading all through my arches and across the bottom of my foot. I now try to use them for walking the dogs and cross training though to give my feet room to breathe when I can! I would LOVE to hear if anyone else has tried these shoes!
The other strategy I tried is something I am still currently working with. When reading a running magazine I discovered an advertisement for Correct Toes. Correct Toes is an insert that you put in your toes that spreads your toes and is supposed to cure all kinds of ailments, particularly all the various issues I have with my toes and feet! You are supposed to be able to wear them when running, but I found that it bothered my feet too much, not the spreading so much as just pain from the actual rubber in my toes. I DO try to wear them every night and to sleep in. I have tried to take pictures of my feet and see if they are improving, and I think I might be seeing a slight improvement in my right foot (the one not as bad as off). Too soon to tell, but I am still hoping this works as it would be non-surgical and natural! Again, if you have experience or thoughts on these PLEASE LET ME KNOW! I would love, love, love some feedback!
Ok, this entry turned out to be WAY longer than I planned, but now you have a history of my chronic injuries and I won't have to explain in such detail again in the future ha! I'm hoping for the best when I do my 6 mile run this weekend, as it will be the longest I've run since the 1/2 marathon due to my toe pain. I'm hoping I can make this work somehow and get back to running! Again, please, please, please let me know if you have any thoughts on either injury...particularly the toe issue! I would love some feedback or suggestions!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
The Broad Street Run Training and Lent
The Philadelphia Region has been hit by the third snowiest winter of all time, which has put a serious damper on my ability to get out and run. I wish I could be one of those die hard runners I see churning through ice, sleet,and snow; but at the end of the day, if it is below 35 degrees outside, I'm probably sitting on my couch with a glass of red wine (one of my other favorite R's!) and my dogs watching Netflix instead of braving the elements. All lazy times must end though, and with the arrival of March, my acceptance into another year of the Broad Street Run, (and the tightening of my pants) I've realized it is time to tie up my laces and get back outside. (seriously, is it ever going to stay above 50?)
For those of that you that might not be familiar with the Philadelphia running scene, The Broad Street Run is a 10 mile race run down Broad Street in Philadelphia on the first Sunday in May. About 40,000 people participate in the race annually, and in the last couple of years, a lottery has been required to select participants due to the high interest level. The race has really become a Philadelphia tradition, and the largest 10 miler in the USA.
This year will be my fourth time running Broad Street, and I am striving for a pretty lofty PR (personal record) this year. My first time in the race I had never run a 10 miler and finished with a 1:43:43. I was suffering from some pretty serious back issues (more on that later) and was happy to finish. My second year I was more mentally and physically prepared for what the race entailed and finished with a 1:30:58 (a significant improvement--though still slightly troubled with back issues). Last year I was determined to break that time and put in a race I could be proud of and finished with a 1:26:10, which I was extremely pleased with.
This year, my goal is to break 1:25, and preferably hit closer to a 1:21 (almost an 8 minute pace). I'm more than willing to put in the training time, but am once again suffering from a pretty crippling injury (again--more on that later). In order to give myself the best possible opportunity to do so, I have decided to do the unthinkable (in my household) and give up drinking, starting around the time of Lent, but carrying forward till the day of the race. I'll make a few exceptions to this, but I am hoping that the energy gain and weight loss associated with not drinking for 2 months, will help me gain the extra edge necessary.
Starting last weekend (we decided to start Lent a weekend early) my husband and I did two training runs: one on Saturday and one on Sunday, both at slightly over 4 miles, running a 9:17 and 9:05 pace. We were definitely feeling out of shape and are just attempting to build back some endurance currently. For the first time, we were able to use the new Chester Valley Trail between Chesterbrook and Malvern. The trail is nice and flat and was clear and had been treated for snow. We will definitely be using this again and are thrilled about this new addition to our running routine. We're hoping to get in a week night run this week (can not WAIT for daylight savings time this weekend) and are planning on bumping up to 5 miles this weekend.
2 months EXACTLY till Broad Street! Enjoying a Shamrock Shake for my Fat Tuesday treat tonight!
**Note 1. I want to mention: No, I am not an alcoholic. I do not drink every night, and I will not have the shakes from giving up booze for a couple of months. When I say I am giving up drinking, I am referring to the fact that my husband and I drink socially with our friends a couple of times a month, or enjoy a bottle of red wine on Friday (or maybe Tuesday?) night. This will not be the running form of AA, simply an extended Lenten Resolution that I am hoping will provide me with that little extra endurance in mile 8.
**Note 2. I am 100% Irish American and I will be having a couple of drinks on St. Paddy's Day. Sometimes exceptions must be made in the name of green beer and Irish tradition.
**Note 3. I'll see everyone at Xfinity Live post-race for a couple of beers to celebrate my new PR and to compare race times. :)
For those of that you that might not be familiar with the Philadelphia running scene, The Broad Street Run is a 10 mile race run down Broad Street in Philadelphia on the first Sunday in May. About 40,000 people participate in the race annually, and in the last couple of years, a lottery has been required to select participants due to the high interest level. The race has really become a Philadelphia tradition, and the largest 10 miler in the USA.
This year will be my fourth time running Broad Street, and I am striving for a pretty lofty PR (personal record) this year. My first time in the race I had never run a 10 miler and finished with a 1:43:43. I was suffering from some pretty serious back issues (more on that later) and was happy to finish. My second year I was more mentally and physically prepared for what the race entailed and finished with a 1:30:58 (a significant improvement--though still slightly troubled with back issues). Last year I was determined to break that time and put in a race I could be proud of and finished with a 1:26:10, which I was extremely pleased with.
This year, my goal is to break 1:25, and preferably hit closer to a 1:21 (almost an 8 minute pace). I'm more than willing to put in the training time, but am once again suffering from a pretty crippling injury (again--more on that later). In order to give myself the best possible opportunity to do so, I have decided to do the unthinkable (in my household) and give up drinking, starting around the time of Lent, but carrying forward till the day of the race. I'll make a few exceptions to this, but I am hoping that the energy gain and weight loss associated with not drinking for 2 months, will help me gain the extra edge necessary.
Starting last weekend (we decided to start Lent a weekend early) my husband and I did two training runs: one on Saturday and one on Sunday, both at slightly over 4 miles, running a 9:17 and 9:05 pace. We were definitely feeling out of shape and are just attempting to build back some endurance currently. For the first time, we were able to use the new Chester Valley Trail between Chesterbrook and Malvern. The trail is nice and flat and was clear and had been treated for snow. We will definitely be using this again and are thrilled about this new addition to our running routine. We're hoping to get in a week night run this week (can not WAIT for daylight savings time this weekend) and are planning on bumping up to 5 miles this weekend.
2 months EXACTLY till Broad Street! Enjoying a Shamrock Shake for my Fat Tuesday treat tonight!
**Note 1. I want to mention: No, I am not an alcoholic. I do not drink every night, and I will not have the shakes from giving up booze for a couple of months. When I say I am giving up drinking, I am referring to the fact that my husband and I drink socially with our friends a couple of times a month, or enjoy a bottle of red wine on Friday (or maybe Tuesday?) night. This will not be the running form of AA, simply an extended Lenten Resolution that I am hoping will provide me with that little extra endurance in mile 8.
**Note 2. I am 100% Irish American and I will be having a couple of drinks on St. Paddy's Day. Sometimes exceptions must be made in the name of green beer and Irish tradition.
**Note 3. I'll see everyone at Xfinity Live post-race for a couple of beers to celebrate my new PR and to compare race times. :)
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