A Not So Marathon Weekend!

Well, my Fargo Marathon running weekend has come and gone. I decided it would be best to get out of town that weekend and have some fun, as to not dwell on the race I would have been running.  Instead, my friend Jen #2 (as mentioned in the 4/27/14 blog) and I spent a weekend camping at Crow Wing State Park.  Maya was even lucky enough to venture along on the trip!

We arrived at the park Friday afternoon and set up camp. Saturday we drove to the Paul Bunyan Trailhead in Brainard and headed off on a 44 mile adventure. We rode trail all the way to Pequot Lakes and then turned around. Our lunch stop was at Rafferty's in Nisswa for some delicious pizza!  We couldn't have made better use of one of the first georgeous days of the year!

Once we returned to camp, a long hike was in store for Maya!  Needless to say we called it an early night after all the days activities. The next morning I took a couple pictures of the nearly completed trail extension that will connect Crow Wing State Park with the Paul Bunyan Trail!  How convenient!  Can't wait to camp here again to enjoy two of my favorite things...Minnesota State Parks and cycling!!

Cycling It Is!

Here is a little update on my injury. I had the clear from my doctor to try running this past Monday and see how things felt (he thought I was improving quite well).  However, during my brief run, I was still having pain in my ankle and shin. I called it quits at one mile, as my body was obviously trying to tell me something.  Physical therapy is being worked into my schedule twice a week in order to strengthen my ankle and surrounding muscles.  Tomorrow I will meet with my doctor again to followup on my progress.

THANKFULLY, I can participate in non-weight bearing activities such as swimming and cycling. This past week cycling has been the winner with a total of 127 miles!  On Easter Sunday I rode 16 miles solo.  Earth Day brought about a 41 mile ride with my good friend Jen #1 (she continued on to complete an early season century ride).  Friday evening brought a spontaneous ride with friends, Jill and Jen #2, leading to a great new bike route.  We dubbed the ride the "Trickle Stream Trek".  Finally, on Saturday I completed my first half century ride of the season (with the same friends I suckered into riding on Friday evening).  At our halfway point we stopped and had a lovely breakfast at the Albany Resturant.  During the last half of the ride we fought some excruciating winds, almost bringing us to a standstill on the bike. And of course now matter which direction you rode, the wind was in your face!  I have to give a shout out to Jen #2 for completing her first ever half century ride. Way to go!  Your next half will be a cake walk after biking in those winds!

Celebrating Earth Day with views of the Blanchard Dam!

Post Friday evening ride selfie!

Injury Decisions

I am a week and a half into my injury and hoping the healing has begun!  I have also made some decisions regarding my marathon and upcoming multisport season. 

1.  I will not be participating in the Fargo Marathon, and more than likely there will never be a full marathon in my future.  The body mechanics of my right leg and foot are the limiting factor for me. Even with orthotics, my foot pronates and puts too much stress on my ligaments.  Therefore, my leg muscles are required to support my foot pronation over long distances and injury follows. The decision was made together with my doctor, and I have come to terms with it.  I would rather heal then push through my marathon and more than likely throw away my multisport season. 

2.  I will now be starting physical therapy twice a week to strengthen and heal the damage that has occurred in my lower leg and ankle. 

3.  I have the go ahead to participate in non-weight bearing exercises, including biking and swimming!  I am certainly happy to still be active while healing.  However, I am already missing my crossfit community at Crossfit Fast Factory. 

4.  Yesterday I rode 11 miles (my first bike ride of the year) and came across the photo above at my half way point. Yes, it was April 12th and ice fishermen were still on the lake. YIKES!  I hope the fish were biting at least. The ride felt great and I'm not having any additional pain today.  I am excited to bike and swim after three months of running.

5. Unfortunately, I am throwing away registrations to three races which I was going to use as training runs for my marathon.  However, my health and healing are way more important than the registration fees!

Happy Spring!

Injured Reserve

Yes, you did read the blog title right, I am officially injured. My marathon which is a month away, that I have been training for the past three months, may not become a reality.  Everything seemed to be going well, and I pounded out an 18 mile training run a week and a half ago. Then injury hit.  I ran a short 6 mile run (a short run compared to my 18) and proceeded to limp on my right leg for the next two days!  Anyways, to cut to the chase, I was on the verge of a stress fracture.  My doctor is confident that I caught it in time, and I now am on 10 days of rest (I like to call it bed rest as it sure feels that way)!  I will meet with my doctor a few times over this period for therapy, to determine how I am healing, and to decide if I can continue with my marathon.

I loved keeping track of my progress on my training plan (coffee stain and all)!  I was so close!

I am definitely bummed that my marathon goal might not happen, but have also found some positives.

1.  I still ran 18 miles, the longest distance I ever have done. I give that a PR!

2.  I caught the injury fairly early, so I should be able to participate in my multisport season as planned. 

3.  My household water consumption and laundry detergent use is significantly down as I'm not washing running/exercise clothing. 

4.  I don't feel guilty for "being lazy", as it is the doctor's orders. 

5.  I have found more time in my schedule to catch up with friends and family. Normally my schedule is/was dictated by workouts and runs in order to accomplish my marathon goal!

Soooooo, only time will tell what my marathon future will hold. Right now my focus is on healing!

Lucky #7

Yesterday, I participated in the Team Ortho Get Lucky 21K (half marathon) in St. Paul. You may ask why my blog is titled "Lucky #7"?  The answer is that this was my seventh half marathon and why not make it a St. Paddy's day themed run as well!



A little chilly at the race start!

 

Awesome Friends and Supporters!

Team Ortho pulled through for another wonderfully organized race. The half marathon had over 2,000 runners in attendance. I stayed at the Doubletree in St. Paul which made for an easy 4-5 block walk to the race start and stress free race morning!  Even better yet, was the opportunity to take a WARM shower at the hotel after the 20 degree F race before driving home!

I signed up for this race partially because the mileage fit into my marathon training plan perfectly and partially because it looked so fun!!  My intention was to use the race as my long, slow distance run for the week. I also have been fighting an upper respiratory bug for the past week, so I just wanted to take it easy and get the miles in. However, I did end up pushing a little harder than expected. I guess running with thousands of people and race day adrenaline has that affect.  I went out with the 2:20 pace group, but ended up passing them on a downhill a mile into the race. I then ran with the 2:15 pacers for a while before passing them as well. I ended up with a finishing time of 2:14:19!  I was very pleased with my time considering the cold running conditions, wind, hills, and respiratory illness.

Another Finish, Another Medal

Running into a college friend who completed her first half marathon!  Go Beth!!!

I need to give a shout out to Great Steps Orthotics & Prosthetics for making this my first blister free half marathon with my orthotics!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  The problem wasn't such a big issue when my max mileage was only 13.1.  However, now that 26.2 miles is my goal, this is very important!! 

 

In other news, I signed up for my first Disney races (5K and Half Marathon) in Florida!  The races are quite some time away but I am super pumped for the race experience with friends!

Hola From Mexico & Marathon Training Progress

Staring this week, I am entering week six of my marathon training plan. I am proud to say I am staying on track with my mileage and runs thus far!  Yesterday, I completed a 10-miler indoors on the treadmill, ish due to the cold and crappy running conditions outdoors. I felt pretty good, besides the fact that I developed a blister on my inside arch of my right foot by mile 6. I guess it's time to check in with my podiatrist for another orthotic adjustment!

In warmer news, I traveled to the Mexican Maya Riviera over the past weekend and pounded out a couple runs on the beach there.  The first morning, I went approximately 3 miles down the beach to a beautiful blue lagoon area. The second morning, I joined a fellow runner in our travel group, Ken, for a 6 mile run. The third and fourth mornings, I enjoyed basking in the sun and warmth, with a drink in hand. I only ended up two miles short during my crazy week of packing and traveling, which I thought was acceptable.

On Sunday morning, we took a trip into Playa Del Carmen and there was a color run that had just finished up there.  I looked for local races before leaving the states and couldn't find any.  Maybe next time!  Check out this video of the race:  http://youtu.be/yDxrEzgNyTo

 Here are some pictures to warm all my northern followers and myself up!  Enjoy!



Ready for a morning run!!

The Blue Lagoon

It is about 3 miles to the point from here, which we ran beyond the second morning.

Rest and Relaxation!

Must Have Winter Training Gear

After successfully completing my second week of marathon training (17 miles total), I decided to make a list of my must have/favorite winter running gear.

1.  Ice Trekkers Diamond Grip

The best grip on the snow and ice!  Slip them right over your running shoes. 

2.  Salomon Midlayer Swift Hoodie

I love this running top--so much that I own two!  For any day that is above zero, I wear only this hoodie with a base layer underneath and I am plenty warm.  The best part of all is the built in running gloves!  When my hands get warm/hot I can slide my hands out and not have to worry about carrying a pair of gloves with me. I also can't forget to mention the lovely hood with a pony tail hole. 

3.  Buff

A multifunctional face mask that comes in all kinds of fun colors and styles! The buff protects my neck and face from the wind. 

 

Yay for getting in a few outdoor runs this past week!