I had been looking forward to this week for a long time, because at the end of it was the first trip back home since Christmas! Yay! I really miss being able to take off a few hours early on Friday afternoons and have a nice weekend at home before heading back to Kansas City. This whole living in Colorado thing is simply not conducive to that.
Monday
Shoulders and legs. After I had gotten dressed in the women's locker room at work, I realized I had forgotten my shoes. Meh, I lifted anyway. The other guy that lifts hard at the same time I do seemed to have forgotten a t-shirt, because he was lifting in a zip up hoodie. What a pair we were. At least neither of us forgot pants.
With my pedometer I use for work health incentives, I have found myself trying to get to 12,000 steps each day (80 points!). I have been pretty good about it. Last night, I was at 11,500 and just couldn't bring myself to get those extra 500 steps. I took that as a sign that I kicked ass in the gym.
Tuesday
Remembered all of my gym attire and so did my "lifting partner", who really isn't my lifting partner, but definitely drives me to not slack during my workouts - which I frequently want to do.
Pulled 110 pounds on the V-Cable row.
60 pounds barbell row.
Strength gains every day.
Wednesday
The plan was another day in the weight room, but I decided to head east to Iowa a day early.
Drove 5.5 hours of the 9.5 hour trip, stayed overnight at a pet-friendly hotel that assigned me a non-pet room, so Jeff had to stay in the car :( . Apparently, you need to specify that you have a pet. I didn't get in until midnight and was up at 5, so he was ok. No storms and a low of 65*, so he really was ok. I was probably more not ok than he was about the whole thing.
Thursday
Stopped in Omaha because a bunch of cousins were in town that I never get to see. Planned on spending an hour or so chatting; stayed for 5 hours. Still had 2 hours to go before I finally made it to the family farm, where I passed out hard core on the couch until Momma came home from work.
Another day without a workout; totally worth it. This was the first day since I had gotten my pedometer that I didn't get at least 7,000 steps. That was a little annoying, but all the family time was definitely called for, so I will call it a fair trade.
Friday
Combined two days of Shortcut to Shred (sort of) and used an exercise band since I didn't have easy access to a gym. Worked out outside and enjoyed every minute of it.
Saturday
A run! Run/walking is definitely helping my hip a lot - I believe that was the problem with the return to running program I was trying; it was simply too much. I suppose that is also a sign that surgery probably is the best option for me if I want to toss out the walking.
The trail I was on said I had done 5 miles; Tjom called 4.83 in 1:01. I'll take the 5, ha!
Sunday
Nothing. Enjoyed my last day at home with my parents. Rested up for the long drive the next day, which I knew would be hard on my hip anyway.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Week of June 15
Monday
Day 2 of Shortcut to Shred: Shoulders and Legs
55 minutes and I wasn't dripping with sweat, but my shirt was pretty damp, so I'll call that a win. And my hip felt pretty good, too.
Win-win.
Got in the final episode of season 4 of Friday Night Lights.
SPOILER:
I was screaming in my head, "No, Tim, don't take the blame for everything!"
And I was super happy when East Dillon beat West Dillon.
YEAH.
Tuesday
Day 3 of Shortcut to Shred: Back, Traps and Bis. As a woman who isn't doing any type of fitness competition, I'm not sure of the point of focusing on traps, so I only did 2 sets of 12 shrugs instead of 4x9-11.
I never realize how much progress I make with my lifestyle change (and getting off those pointless migraine meds) until I do before and after photo comparisons. I'm amazed at how much better (and happier!) I look now as compared to this time last year:
A friend I sent this photo to said she was jealous of my thighs. I never thought someone would be jealous of any part of my body, let alone my thighs. My ego is heavily inflated right now.
I never realize how much progress I make with my lifestyle change (and getting off those pointless migraine meds) until I do before and after photo comparisons. I'm amazed at how much better (and happier!) I look now as compared to this time last year:
 |
| Left, 1st weekend of June 2014, right, 1st weekend of June 2015. |
After dinner, did my hip and core routine. Really didn't want to, but knew it was important. So I did it. During an episode of Friday Night Lights.
Try as I might, I can't figure out what college Julie ended up going to. Did I miss something or did they not say? The ambiguity is killing me, especially since I know where everyone else went!
Wednesday
Day 4 of Shortcut to Shred: Chest & Tris. I'm getting more and more confident on the cable machine. This, of course, is in my work gym where most people use the cardio equipment, but there is one super intense dude that works out the same time as me and he is intimidating!
Follow up appointment regarding the results of the MRI. Details here.
I totally spoiled the last season of Friday Night Lights for myself trying to figure out where Julie went to college. I don't know the outcome of the team's season, though, so don't tell me, AB!
Thursday
Shoulders and legs. I feel like this program should be renamed from "Shortcut to Shred" to "How to kick your own Ass". Still not dripping with sweat at the end, but nice and stanky, so that is a welcome change.
Decided to sign up for a run over the 4th of July. Oddly excited. Have no idea what to expect so I'm just gonna plan on having fun.
Friday
S2S day 6: back, bis and traps. A lot of work on the cable machine I was the only person in the work gym Friday from about 4:15 until I left at 5. It was really nice, actually
Saturday
35 minute swim at the gym. Haven't done that in a long time.
It was also reward day, so I made banana protein pancakes and then had lemon gelatto later in the day. Then, I managed to force myself to do core and hip stuff. Or was that Friday? Can't remember.
Finished Friday Night Lights. I was so happy that Coach Taylor made the decision he did. Makes me believe that my job will be important to my future husband, as weird as it seems.
We need a show about Eugene, Oregon, that's what.
Sunday
Trail run in the Front Range. I drove 2 hours round trip to be late to meet the running group and only run for 50 minutes, because what I really ended up doing was hike out and run back, for a total of just under 3 miles. Time going out: 30 min. Time coming in: 20 minutes. Let's hope the trail run in Breckenridge has a lot more down hills, because my strategy is going to have to be hike the ups and run the downs. Also, running down steep trails in the mountains is sorta scary.
Day 8 of S2S: Chest, tris.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
The Hip Chronicles: Well, that was unexpected
I had scheduled an appointment to get the results of my MRI the following Wednesday. I was told I was scheduled with the surgeon, but when I got the confirmation call, the appointment was scheduled with his PA instead.
Whatever, everyone's qualified. Fair enough.
Based on my last appointment, I expected to be told the MRI showed some anomalies, and that the next step would be to do a cortisone injection to be sure that the cause of the pain is indeed what I think it is.
Instead, I got told, yup there is fraying of the labrum and combined with the pincer impingement, this is something they can treat one of two ways, with cortisone shots, which tend to be temporary and can cause degradation of the cartilage over time or, surgery.
I'm pretty sure all I did was blink blankly at him.
I even asked if their standard was to do one cortisone shot first and I was told, nope in my case it's not necessary. The x-rays and MRI are enough.
They know what's up. With my hip, I mean.
All I could do was stutter that I didn't expect him to just come out and say that surgery was a good option.
After being told their standard of care post-surgery (3 weeks in a brace and motion machine, maybe up to 6 weeks in crutches, 4 months before I can even think about running), the PA said it was up to me, that it wasn't going to put my hip at 100%, nothing ever does, but it could improve day to day life.
All I could say was, "I just feel like I can't do what I want to do and it's making me miserable."
And he said, "Well, I think that is your answer."
So, surgery is scheduled for September 10. I have a dear friend who I haven't seen in 12 years visiting home Labor Day weekend and there is no way I am missing that. Plus it gives my momma plenty of time to arrange things before she comes out and deals with me when I will likely be the worst person possible.
... I don't really like being dependent on people ....
Honestly, I'd rather be able to do this at home in Iowa, but with work, it would be awful to try to drive back to Colorado when I'm ready to go back into the office and the surgeon here ... well ... he's good. Like, really good. And I've already established a relationship with at least his fellow and his PA. I don't really count the 3 minutes I actually spoke with the surgeon as establishing a relationship. I guess that is what happens when you find someone who is good at what they do in the medical world. They don't really have a lot of time for you because everyone wants time with them.
In the meantime ... let's beat the crap out of this so I can get my money's worth in September, hehe.
Honestly, I'd rather be able to do this at home in Iowa, but with work, it would be awful to try to drive back to Colorado when I'm ready to go back into the office and the surgeon here ... well ... he's good. Like, really good. And I've already established a relationship with at least his fellow and his PA. I don't really count the 3 minutes I actually spoke with the surgeon as establishing a relationship. I guess that is what happens when you find someone who is good at what they do in the medical world. They don't really have a lot of time for you because everyone wants time with them.
In the meantime ... let's beat the crap out of this so I can get my money's worth in September, hehe.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
The Hip Chronicles: Arthrogram and MRI
Appointment #2 was an MRI with a hip arthrogram, which is essentially a fancy word for contrast.
Regarding what I think I will eventually need (hip athroscopy), there are tons of blog accounts of surgery and recovery, but nothing about the diagnostic process. And because I have a small (re: ok maybe not so small) phobia of needles, I thought I should document my experience.
The day before my appointment, I googled "MRI with contrast hip" and found this video:
That's when I freaked out a little bit and sorta screamed in my head, "WHY DID EVERYONE GLOSS OVER THIS PART LIKE IT WAS NOTHING?!?!?". And that's also when I got a little envious of the person who was so not freaked out that they videoed the whole thing.
For me, the arthrogram process was a little rough. One of the major tendons connecting my hip and my leg is incredibly inflamed because of this whole injury and it was apparently making it really difficult for the doc to get the needle in the right place. It took extra numbing drugs and three or four runs on the CT scan to make sure the needle used for injecting the contrast was in the right spot.
Since my hip is so inflamed already, even the numbing injections were pretty painful, as he kept hitting the tendons, and before I knew it, there were tears streaming down the side of my face.
The doc and his assistant were really great and I was trying so hard to calm myself, but all these other emotions that I've been holding back in general just took over. It was sorta like when some people cry from acupuncture, except things really hurt. All my worries about trying to recover from this surgery I'm not even 100% sure I need just popped to the surface and it was really hard to not feel all alone in that moment. It's just hard when you don't feel like you have a solid support network, and even though I know I have family around here that would help me out and good neighbors that would take Jeff for his walks if I needed them to, I still don't feel like I have that network here. That's partly my fault, since I've pretty much decided Colorado is temporary for me, but all of that definitely didn't change how I felt in that moment.
But, I guess the nice thing was the entire time I was covered in a pre-warmed blanket. It felt like it had just come out of the dryer. It was cozy.
When they finally confirmed the needle was in the right place (3 CT scans later), it was time to inject the dye. It was the oddest feeling. Websites that had described this process said that the joint will feel very "full" and I had no idea what that meant until the dye actually was getting put into the joint. There was a lot of pressure and I found myself realizing it did feel "full". The doc was really great the entire time and asking me how things felt when he was adding the dye. I wish I could remember his name, because I would gladly give it to anyone like me who doesn't really like needles and needs someone with excellent bedside manner.
By the time we were ready for the actual MRI scans, I was so exhausted that I pretty much just slept while I was in the tube. They checked on me once and then just let me nap. I have no idea how long I was in there ... maybe 30 minutes? I didn't open my eyes once so I can't even describe what it was like being in the tube. As far as the noise, I felt like I was trying to nap while listening to music and ignoring construction going on right outside my window.
Seriously, with all the advances in technology, I am amazed that MRI machines are still as loud as they are. But hey! Just have a terrible arthrogram experience and you'll be happy to just have to lie there and try to nap.
They literally had to wake me up when it was done and try to get up and walk when my hip was nice and numb was interesting. The way my leg was half moving makes me think they had to numb that tendon - the hip flexor - because half of my quads were not working very well.
Then of course, I decided I needed to go to Target because I really wanted to make tacos and have some gin with lime sparkling water (my skinny G&T). I also really wanted an ice cream cone, but figured I shouldn't be walking or driving around too much.
So, I spent the rest of my Friday night with chicken tacos, Tanquerey, and Friday Night Lights.
SPOILER:
I was devastated when Coach Taylor didn't get his contract renewed with the Panthers.
I really, really don't like Mr. McCoy. And that J.D. needs a good spanking.
Regarding what I think I will eventually need (hip athroscopy), there are tons of blog accounts of surgery and recovery, but nothing about the diagnostic process. And because I have a small (re: ok maybe not so small) phobia of needles, I thought I should document my experience.
The day before my appointment, I googled "MRI with contrast hip" and found this video:
That's when I freaked out a little bit and sorta screamed in my head, "WHY DID EVERYONE GLOSS OVER THIS PART LIKE IT WAS NOTHING?!?!?". And that's also when I got a little envious of the person who was so not freaked out that they videoed the whole thing.
For me, the arthrogram process was a little rough. One of the major tendons connecting my hip and my leg is incredibly inflamed because of this whole injury and it was apparently making it really difficult for the doc to get the needle in the right place. It took extra numbing drugs and three or four runs on the CT scan to make sure the needle used for injecting the contrast was in the right spot.
Since my hip is so inflamed already, even the numbing injections were pretty painful, as he kept hitting the tendons, and before I knew it, there were tears streaming down the side of my face.
The doc and his assistant were really great and I was trying so hard to calm myself, but all these other emotions that I've been holding back in general just took over. It was sorta like when some people cry from acupuncture, except things really hurt. All my worries about trying to recover from this surgery I'm not even 100% sure I need just popped to the surface and it was really hard to not feel all alone in that moment. It's just hard when you don't feel like you have a solid support network, and even though I know I have family around here that would help me out and good neighbors that would take Jeff for his walks if I needed them to, I still don't feel like I have that network here. That's partly my fault, since I've pretty much decided Colorado is temporary for me, but all of that definitely didn't change how I felt in that moment.
But, I guess the nice thing was the entire time I was covered in a pre-warmed blanket. It felt like it had just come out of the dryer. It was cozy.
When they finally confirmed the needle was in the right place (3 CT scans later), it was time to inject the dye. It was the oddest feeling. Websites that had described this process said that the joint will feel very "full" and I had no idea what that meant until the dye actually was getting put into the joint. There was a lot of pressure and I found myself realizing it did feel "full". The doc was really great the entire time and asking me how things felt when he was adding the dye. I wish I could remember his name, because I would gladly give it to anyone like me who doesn't really like needles and needs someone with excellent bedside manner.
By the time we were ready for the actual MRI scans, I was so exhausted that I pretty much just slept while I was in the tube. They checked on me once and then just let me nap. I have no idea how long I was in there ... maybe 30 minutes? I didn't open my eyes once so I can't even describe what it was like being in the tube. As far as the noise, I felt like I was trying to nap while listening to music and ignoring construction going on right outside my window.
Seriously, with all the advances in technology, I am amazed that MRI machines are still as loud as they are. But hey! Just have a terrible arthrogram experience and you'll be happy to just have to lie there and try to nap.
They literally had to wake me up when it was done and try to get up and walk when my hip was nice and numb was interesting. The way my leg was half moving makes me think they had to numb that tendon - the hip flexor - because half of my quads were not working very well.
Then of course, I decided I needed to go to Target because I really wanted to make tacos and have some gin with lime sparkling water (my skinny G&T). I also really wanted an ice cream cone, but figured I shouldn't be walking or driving around too much.
So, I spent the rest of my Friday night with chicken tacos, Tanquerey, and Friday Night Lights.
SPOILER:
I was devastated when Coach Taylor didn't get his contract renewed with the Panthers.
I really, really don't like Mr. McCoy. And that J.D. needs a good spanking.
Monday, June 15, 2015
The Hip Chronicles: Initial Appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon
Last week, I was finally able to meet with an orthopedic surgeon in the Denver area about my hip. As I've stated (many, many times), I am pretty sure I am going to need surgery on this cranky hip of mine. Dealing with setbacks constantly, and essentially since I started running, has finally gotten to me and I realized I needed more help than what chiropractic and ART care could give me.
Enter the Steadman Hawkins Clinic and Dr. Genuario. SHC has an amazing reputation in this area, but quite frankly, I chose them because they were the best price among estimates my insurance gave me. So, that was a fortunate accident. And what I mean by amazing reputation is that the doctors in this practice generally at one time or another have been team physicians for the Colorado Rockies or the Denver Broncos. So yeah. I know I'm in good, smart and capable hands.
My first impression of SHC is that this clinic operates like a well-oiled machine. I waited maybe 15 minutes past my appointment time (not too bad for a late afternoon appointment), was taken back and immediately went to x-rays after I changed into shorts.
The last time I had x-rays, they were still using film. So that tells you how often I don't go to the doctor for this type of stuff and how seriously I am taking my insanely slow recovery.
I actually ended up seeing two doctors - the first is a fellow with SHC and did the exam, moving my legs around, doing the usual tests, which my chiropractor has done a million ... or more like 15-16 times (I rounded up).
Surprise, surprise, I have classic signs of FAI and labral injury. The x-rays confirmed a pincer impingement on my hip.
I guess the pincer one isn't as bad as the cam one... the cam one is what causes tears and messes the labrum up really well. Pincer probably means that, instead of being nice and smooth on the end, my labrum looks all scrunched up like an inchworm.
The frustrating part of the appointment:
When I was first told about this, the fellow told me there was a spectrum of care addressing this. The first was activity modification (ie, if it hurts, don't do that) followed by physical therapy and then something else.
Luckily, I had my chiropractor send over a summary of care so they have documentation that I've been doing that since January. And even though they knew that, I sort of interrupted him and said,
"But that's why I'm here. I've been doing that and it hasn't helped."
So then he said next steps are MRI, injections and then surgery if needed. My response was that if surgery was inevitable then I'd rather take care of it now as opposed to just delaying it.
And maybe it sounded like I wanted to schedule surgery that day, which I didn't, but I got this speech about having to follow steps and what not. All I wanted to do was give a speech back about how I wouldn't be here if I thought I could get by with physical therapy and taking it easy and that injections were simply another band aid for something that wasn't going to ever going to completely go away and what's the point of that?
Maybe I'm just one of those neurotic patients who are over-informed on things. I'm a few steps ahead of the docs, and I know that they need to follow specific steps in order to get insurance to cover things, and I know they are very good at what they do and I should trust in them and the process, but for whatever reason, I expected to learn something new at this appointment. and I didn't, so I was frustrated. I left that appointment more upset that I should have been, with an MRI with contrast scheduled for two days later and a follow up appointment in a week.
After a hard workout, I felt a little better about things, but still not happy. I guess I'd have to wait for what the MRI would bring.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Jodi's Run for Awareness 5K: the race I normally wouldn't have done
Those of you that know me know that I tend to err on the side of caution with my running. When I'm injured, I would rather take a DNS than risk doing further damage to my body.
Of course, there was that time I did DNF two half marathons in a lot of pain ....
This race, however, was for a high school classmate (dare I say we are sort of friends, now, Jen??) who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009 at the age of 27. Twenty-seven. That's too young. And earlier this year, she found out the cancer has returned. My heart broke for her and I felt especially like an ass because I had literally just said to her than she had done a "solid ass-kicking of cancer". Foot-in-mouth: 1, Eliz -5000. So, feeling like an ass, I did what any other runner would do: I signed up for a 5K that benefited the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. I asked Jen if I could raise money and run in her honor and she enthusiastically agreed.
I set a very modest goal of $300, with the promised of running yet again as Wonder Woman and dressing my dog up in superhero fashion since he could join me on the run for an extra $5. With my donation made when I registered, we ended up raising $405 for COCA, and the entire race raised over $100,000 by race day. I'm sure the actual race day raised a lot more money.
When I was in so much pain two weeks ago, I was really worried about being able to do this shorter distance. I knew I wasn't going to back out of it, but I still wanted to be able to run just a little bit. It's so hard to do less than what you know you are capable of. The competitor in me always thinks, "I could beat most of these people!"
Thankfully, for most of last week, the pain was back to the familiar dull throb. I also kept up the Aleve to make sure it didn't get any worse.
One of the things I really like about this race was that it was held in City Park, which means there is no reason to start it super early because you aren't re-routing any traffic, so I didn't even need to get to the Park until about 7:45 for the 8:30 race.
Jeff and I had plenty of time to wander over to packet pickup, get my bib and t-shirt, bring it back to the car, get in our Wonder Woman and Superman gear and head back to the race. Jeff stole the show, but the race photographer was nice enough to include me in pre-race photo with him:
Then, it was time to start. Before the gun went off, there were very many moving stories about the woman for whom this race is held, Jodi, who passed away from ovarian cancer at 33 years of age. That's only a year older than I am now. That really sucks, especially for the husband and daughter she left behind.
Apparently, this guy was also at the race, so that's kinda cool.
My personal race plan was to walk 3:30, run 1:30 and run at a 5K effort. Screw the hip, screw being conservative. I wanted to sweat. Thanks to the unusually humid (for Colorado) morning, sweat I did. Jeff tried to get going right out of the gate and everyone around us was giggling at how hard he was trying to run.
When it was time to run, I tried to push myself. I tried to keep my form in check as to stress my hip as little as possible. And it felt good - hard, but good.
There were water stops every mile, which were very much needed, considering how humid it was. And yes, I realize it's hilarious for me to be talking about it being humid in Colorado, and I'm sure to a visitor it wasn't that bad, but hot damn. My upper lip was sweating and that's a big deal. It takes a lot for me to have upper lip sweat. In any case, water stops took a little longer than usual since I had to hold a water cup at an angle for Jeff to drink.
The route of the race was such that at one point, I was coming back towards the start and running or walking by teams of walkers who hadn't reached the turnaround yet. It was amazing to see all these people decked out in teal (the color of the ovarian cancer awareness ribbon) and showing their support for a very specific loved one. There were teal t-shirts, headbands, tutus, and socks, teal facepaint and handkerchiefs tied around dogs' necks. There were giant signs of love and support. Want goosebumps in the middle of a race? Just go to one that supports a cancer organization.
When Jeff and I were about a third of a mile from the finish, I decided to blow that popsicle stand and just run it in. I guess Jeff was a little tired, because instead of running in front of me and dragging me along, it was more like I was dragging him. I few people that I passed found it rather amusing. I chuckled too. I'm sure it looked pretty funny.
Crossed the finish line in 37: change. Not anywhere near my best, but it was the best I could do on that day, given my health. And I guess that is all anyone can really ask for.
Post race, we walked around and got tons of giveaways, and that was lots of fun. This was a really special race and the people that organize it really make an effort to make your time out there worthwhile. I mean, for post race food, volunteers were putting peanut butter and bananas on bagels for you! Amazing.
I sorta had hoped to come up with more inspiring words for this race, because the reason I ran it meant to much to me, but I can't. So, I apologize for that. But I am glad I did it, I'm glad I gave what I could within the context of being smart with my injury and I'm glad I got to show some support for Jen.
Jen, I hope I made you proud.
Of course, there was that time I did DNF two half marathons in a lot of pain ....
This race, however, was for a high school classmate (dare I say we are sort of friends, now, Jen??) who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2009 at the age of 27. Twenty-seven. That's too young. And earlier this year, she found out the cancer has returned. My heart broke for her and I felt especially like an ass because I had literally just said to her than she had done a "solid ass-kicking of cancer". Foot-in-mouth: 1, Eliz -5000. So, feeling like an ass, I did what any other runner would do: I signed up for a 5K that benefited the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. I asked Jen if I could raise money and run in her honor and she enthusiastically agreed.
I set a very modest goal of $300, with the promised of running yet again as Wonder Woman and dressing my dog up in superhero fashion since he could join me on the run for an extra $5. With my donation made when I registered, we ended up raising $405 for COCA, and the entire race raised over $100,000 by race day. I'm sure the actual race day raised a lot more money.
When I was in so much pain two weeks ago, I was really worried about being able to do this shorter distance. I knew I wasn't going to back out of it, but I still wanted to be able to run just a little bit. It's so hard to do less than what you know you are capable of. The competitor in me always thinks, "I could beat most of these people!"
Thankfully, for most of last week, the pain was back to the familiar dull throb. I also kept up the Aleve to make sure it didn't get any worse.
One of the things I really like about this race was that it was held in City Park, which means there is no reason to start it super early because you aren't re-routing any traffic, so I didn't even need to get to the Park until about 7:45 for the 8:30 race.
Jeff and I had plenty of time to wander over to packet pickup, get my bib and t-shirt, bring it back to the car, get in our Wonder Woman and Superman gear and head back to the race. Jeff stole the show, but the race photographer was nice enough to include me in pre-race photo with him:
Then, it was time to start. Before the gun went off, there were very many moving stories about the woman for whom this race is held, Jodi, who passed away from ovarian cancer at 33 years of age. That's only a year older than I am now. That really sucks, especially for the husband and daughter she left behind.
Apparently, this guy was also at the race, so that's kinda cool.
 |
| Not a Broncos fan, but I would guess the mascot is a hot commodity at events. |
My personal race plan was to walk 3:30, run 1:30 and run at a 5K effort. Screw the hip, screw being conservative. I wanted to sweat. Thanks to the unusually humid (for Colorado) morning, sweat I did. Jeff tried to get going right out of the gate and everyone around us was giggling at how hard he was trying to run.
 |
| Proof I crossed the start line. Jeff is in there somewhere. |
There were water stops every mile, which were very much needed, considering how humid it was. And yes, I realize it's hilarious for me to be talking about it being humid in Colorado, and I'm sure to a visitor it wasn't that bad, but hot damn. My upper lip was sweating and that's a big deal. It takes a lot for me to have upper lip sweat. In any case, water stops took a little longer than usual since I had to hold a water cup at an angle for Jeff to drink.
The route of the race was such that at one point, I was coming back towards the start and running or walking by teams of walkers who hadn't reached the turnaround yet. It was amazing to see all these people decked out in teal (the color of the ovarian cancer awareness ribbon) and showing their support for a very specific loved one. There were teal t-shirts, headbands, tutus, and socks, teal facepaint and handkerchiefs tied around dogs' necks. There were giant signs of love and support. Want goosebumps in the middle of a race? Just go to one that supports a cancer organization.
When Jeff and I were about a third of a mile from the finish, I decided to blow that popsicle stand and just run it in. I guess Jeff was a little tired, because instead of running in front of me and dragging me along, it was more like I was dragging him. I few people that I passed found it rather amusing. I chuckled too. I'm sure it looked pretty funny.
Crossed the finish line in 37: change. Not anywhere near my best, but it was the best I could do on that day, given my health. And I guess that is all anyone can really ask for.
Post race, we walked around and got tons of giveaways, and that was lots of fun. This was a really special race and the people that organize it really make an effort to make your time out there worthwhile. I mean, for post race food, volunteers were putting peanut butter and bananas on bagels for you! Amazing.
I sorta had hoped to come up with more inspiring words for this race, because the reason I ran it meant to much to me, but I can't. So, I apologize for that. But I am glad I did it, I'm glad I gave what I could within the context of being smart with my injury and I'm glad I got to show some support for Jen.
Jen, I hope I made you proud.
Week of June 8
This week started slow and pretty tiring - 9 days of dog sitting for a pup that is used to the freedom of a fenced in backyard is surprisingly hard work when you have a little apartment. Mostly, I just got woken up earlier than I would have liked on the weekends, and poor thing didn't understand my afternoon weekend naps.
Oh well. The week went pretty good, despite feeling a little extra tired.
Monday
Upper Body workout. Used this workout template - my goal is pretty awesome arms by the 2nd week of July. I do skip the middle front cable raises because the cable machine doesn't work too well for that exercise. Also, someone always seems to be using it when I want to.
Tuesday
Long walk with Jeff. Just didn't have the energy for a hard workout, and with the hip appointment the next day, didn't want to push it too hard. Although, in hindsight, that probably would have been a good idea. Get it nice and messed up for the docs.
Wednesday
First appointment with the surgeon. Didn't really learn anything new, x-rays confirmed a pincer impingement on my right hip. I plan on writing in more detail about that first visit.
MRI scheduled for Friday.
Hit up leg day because I was frustrated with my lack of new knowledge on my hip. Figured since I had negative energy to burn, might as well! Also did some HIIT - 1 min hard, 1 min easy x 10 on the rower.
Friday Night Lights: I cried (again) when Tyra got into UT.
I really, really, really don't like Mr. McCoy.
Thursday
All week I've had the best intentions of getting in a run or some kettlebell swings or a swim, but the snooze button has won every darn time. I think it's the longer evenings - makes it harder to want to get to bed early enough to wake up at 4:30 am all bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Felt super run down and tired this week. Managed to get in hip and core work, which is not getting any easier (surprisingly) but definitely getting more boring.
Friday
Really should have gotten up for a swim, but sleep won again. I really have no idea where all this tiredness is coming from.
Hip arthrogram and MRI took up most of my afternoon. Again, more detail in a separate post will follow. After the MRI, my hip was so numb, I had to ask my neighbors to take Jeff for a walk. Luckily, they are former dog owners and super nice people, so were happy to help me out. I really started to worry about how I was going to manage recovery if I have this surgery when I live on the third floor of an apartment building with no elevator.
Saturday
Took it easy again. Spent most of the day with cousins, getting ready for a birthday celebration and then the actual celebration. Ribs, wings, cake, and wine. A great day.
Sunday
Started a bodybuilding.com program called shortcut to shred. I'm figuring I have 6 or so weeks to do the best I can before I have this surgery (if that's the way the docs decide to go) so this 6 week program is a good fit. I'll have to modify some of the leg exercises, and can't go as hard on that, but happy to have some structure for the next 6 weeks - and it involves minimal cardio, which is great for me right now.
Sigh. I wish that part wasn't great for me right now, but sadly, it is. Still trying to figure out if I can pull off a 10 mile trail race in a month. I guess we will see what the docs say when they look at the MRI scans on Wednesday.
Oh well. The week went pretty good, despite feeling a little extra tired.
Monday
Upper Body workout. Used this workout template - my goal is pretty awesome arms by the 2nd week of July. I do skip the middle front cable raises because the cable machine doesn't work too well for that exercise. Also, someone always seems to be using it when I want to.
Tuesday
Long walk with Jeff. Just didn't have the energy for a hard workout, and with the hip appointment the next day, didn't want to push it too hard. Although, in hindsight, that probably would have been a good idea. Get it nice and messed up for the docs.
Wednesday
First appointment with the surgeon. Didn't really learn anything new, x-rays confirmed a pincer impingement on my right hip. I plan on writing in more detail about that first visit.
Hit up leg day because I was frustrated with my lack of new knowledge on my hip. Figured since I had negative energy to burn, might as well! Also did some HIIT - 1 min hard, 1 min easy x 10 on the rower.
Friday Night Lights: I cried (again) when Tyra got into UT.
I really, really, really don't like Mr. McCoy.
Thursday
All week I've had the best intentions of getting in a run or some kettlebell swings or a swim, but the snooze button has won every darn time. I think it's the longer evenings - makes it harder to want to get to bed early enough to wake up at 4:30 am all bright eyed and bushy tailed.
Felt super run down and tired this week. Managed to get in hip and core work, which is not getting any easier (surprisingly) but definitely getting more boring.
Friday
Really should have gotten up for a swim, but sleep won again. I really have no idea where all this tiredness is coming from.
Hip arthrogram and MRI took up most of my afternoon. Again, more detail in a separate post will follow. After the MRI, my hip was so numb, I had to ask my neighbors to take Jeff for a walk. Luckily, they are former dog owners and super nice people, so were happy to help me out. I really started to worry about how I was going to manage recovery if I have this surgery when I live on the third floor of an apartment building with no elevator.
Saturday
Took it easy again. Spent most of the day with cousins, getting ready for a birthday celebration and then the actual celebration. Ribs, wings, cake, and wine. A great day.
Sunday
Started a bodybuilding.com program called shortcut to shred. I'm figuring I have 6 or so weeks to do the best I can before I have this surgery (if that's the way the docs decide to go) so this 6 week program is a good fit. I'll have to modify some of the leg exercises, and can't go as hard on that, but happy to have some structure for the next 6 weeks - and it involves minimal cardio, which is great for me right now.
Sigh. I wish that part wasn't great for me right now, but sadly, it is. Still trying to figure out if I can pull off a 10 mile trail race in a month. I guess we will see what the docs say when they look at the MRI scans on Wednesday.
Monday, June 8, 2015
Week of June 1
Back to Weekly Workout Logs! Remember those?
This month, I've recommitted to continuing the hard work I did over the winter. I let a lot of frustrations with my hip take control and both my training and diet have not been as good as they could have been. Luckily, bodybuilding.com is sponsoring a 6 weeks No Limits transformation challenge ... and while I've no intention of completely transforming my body in 6 weeks, it's a good thing to keep me motivated and accountable.
For anyone curious, I'm following a carb cycling diet plan that (I feel) is a lot more flexible than the diet plan I followed over the winter. Less pressure = a happier me, and it gives me a healthy relationship with food, which has always been hard, as I've been that person that turns to food when I'm feeling bad. That is not going to be the case moving forward!
With that, here's what I did this week:
Monday -
Leg day, using a routine I put together myself. It works all the muscles that need extra attention and allows me to build my butt :)
Here's what I did (all exercises times 2 until I get my hip figured out)
Superset 1:
Clock lunge 10lbs x 5 reps
Split squat with dumbbells 10lbs x 8 reps
Butt lifts on bench 15 reps
Low bench step ups: 10lbs x 10 reps
Superset 2:
side leg raises 10 reps
single leg cable kickback 30lbs x 10 reps
Short HIIT on exercise bike:
4 minute warm up
6 x (1 min fast level 10, 1 min slow level 4)
3 minute cool down
STRETCH!
Tuesday -
Was feeling good enough to try a run, so took it easy with a 5 minute warm up walk, then
6 x (3:30 walk, 1:30 run)
and a 4 minute cool down
Total time: 39 minutes and about 2.57 miles
Wednesday -
Didn't want to push my luck, so took a rest day and officially got myself addicted to "Friday Night Lights" - it only took getting through most of season 1.
Thanks, Netflix.
Thursday -
Had planned a full body workout, but the hip was bothering me a lot, so I stuck to my runnersconnect.com Bia Hip and Atlas Core Routines.
3 more episodes of Friday Night Lights.
Friday -
Hip felt good, so went ahead for full body day. Was going to do some HIIT afterwards, but I honestly forgot. Oops.
The workout:
3 sets of each superset
Superset 1:
Russian Twist 8 reps, 20 lbs
Two arm kettlebell swing 12 reps, 20 lbs
Single arm cable row 10 reps, 20 lbs
Superset 2:
Side plank hip abduction 8 reps
Single arm overhead lunge 10 reps, 15 pounds
Cable sweeps 10 reps, 40 pounds
Superset 3:
Close grip dumbbell press 10 reps, 15 pounds
Russian deadlift with bar 8 reps, 45 pounds
Superset 4:
Body hollow holds 15 seconds
Medball slams 10 reps, 12 pounds
Kettlebell snatch 10 reps, 20 pounds
Saturday -
Jodi's Race for Awareness 5K. Plan was to walk 3:30, run 1:30 and do the running portion at an honest 5K effort. Screw the hip. I was running for a high school classmate who is about to undergo cancer treatment for a second time for ovarian cancer. If she can take that on a second time, I can push through this. And I did. It was awesome.
Total time: 37:18
Finished season 2 of Friday Night Lights.
Sunday -
Hip and core strengthening, long walk with the dogs. Yes, I said dogs, plural. Dog sat this week.
More Friday Night Lights.
SPOILER ALERT:
I cried when Smash got the walk on position at Texas A&M.
This month, I've recommitted to continuing the hard work I did over the winter. I let a lot of frustrations with my hip take control and both my training and diet have not been as good as they could have been. Luckily, bodybuilding.com is sponsoring a 6 weeks No Limits transformation challenge ... and while I've no intention of completely transforming my body in 6 weeks, it's a good thing to keep me motivated and accountable.
For anyone curious, I'm following a carb cycling diet plan that (I feel) is a lot more flexible than the diet plan I followed over the winter. Less pressure = a happier me, and it gives me a healthy relationship with food, which has always been hard, as I've been that person that turns to food when I'm feeling bad. That is not going to be the case moving forward!
With that, here's what I did this week:
Monday -
Leg day, using a routine I put together myself. It works all the muscles that need extra attention and allows me to build my butt :)
Here's what I did (all exercises times 2 until I get my hip figured out)
Superset 1:
Clock lunge 10lbs x 5 reps
Split squat with dumbbells 10lbs x 8 reps
Butt lifts on bench 15 reps
Low bench step ups: 10lbs x 10 reps
Superset 2:
side leg raises 10 reps
single leg cable kickback 30lbs x 10 reps
Short HIIT on exercise bike:
4 minute warm up
6 x (1 min fast level 10, 1 min slow level 4)
3 minute cool down
STRETCH!
Tuesday -
Was feeling good enough to try a run, so took it easy with a 5 minute warm up walk, then
6 x (3:30 walk, 1:30 run)
and a 4 minute cool down
Total time: 39 minutes and about 2.57 miles
Wednesday -
Didn't want to push my luck, so took a rest day and officially got myself addicted to "Friday Night Lights" - it only took getting through most of season 1.
Thanks, Netflix.
Thursday -
Had planned a full body workout, but the hip was bothering me a lot, so I stuck to my runnersconnect.com Bia Hip and Atlas Core Routines.
3 more episodes of Friday Night Lights.
Friday -
Hip felt good, so went ahead for full body day. Was going to do some HIIT afterwards, but I honestly forgot. Oops.
The workout:
3 sets of each superset
Superset 1:
Russian Twist 8 reps, 20 lbs
Two arm kettlebell swing 12 reps, 20 lbs
Single arm cable row 10 reps, 20 lbs
Superset 2:
Side plank hip abduction 8 reps
Single arm overhead lunge 10 reps, 15 pounds
Cable sweeps 10 reps, 40 pounds
Superset 3:
Close grip dumbbell press 10 reps, 15 pounds
Russian deadlift with bar 8 reps, 45 pounds
Superset 4:
Body hollow holds 15 seconds
Medball slams 10 reps, 12 pounds
Kettlebell snatch 10 reps, 20 pounds
Saturday -
Jodi's Race for Awareness 5K. Plan was to walk 3:30, run 1:30 and do the running portion at an honest 5K effort. Screw the hip. I was running for a high school classmate who is about to undergo cancer treatment for a second time for ovarian cancer. If she can take that on a second time, I can push through this. And I did. It was awesome.
Total time: 37:18
Finished season 2 of Friday Night Lights.
Sunday -
Hip and core strengthening, long walk with the dogs. Yes, I said dogs, plural. Dog sat this week.
More Friday Night Lights.
SPOILER ALERT:
I cried when Smash got the walk on position at Texas A&M.
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