These past couple of weeks have definitely been frigid. I have had every intention of logging some LSD miles but when the windchill is -15, a 90 minute running outside window is all my legs can take. On top of that cold air seems to have a stiffening affect on my OA. I noticed it a bit with the OA in my finger, but the knee is a much larger joint and demands attention whether you like it or not.
SO...what to do? I tried wearing layers around the knee to help keep it insulated but that is seriously annoying and limits my range of motion. Ugh. So then I tried running the indoor track. And then I discovered runner's-rage when every.single.time. I went to run there the skating group would use half of the track for land training, literally forcing everyone else on the track to slow down and navigate around them. So, wanting to embrace my runner-zen, I decided to dust off my treadmill at home and give that a whirl. Last week I logged 32 of my 38 kilometers on the bloody thing. It hasn't been since I trained for my first marathon and my first ultra that I used this thing that much. But hey, it's free, it seriously cuts down on how long I take to get ready for a run and when I'm done I can get cleaned up immediately. It also lets me worry about my pace instead of worrying about slipping on ice or how mechanical my knee feels in the cold. It's a win-win until the warmer weather hits. My dog though, he just sits beside the treadmill looking disgusted.
So for now I'm getting totally caught up on my Netflix action movies and trying to embrace the drudgery of the treadmill. I have also resigned myself to the fact I very likely will never run that Arctic marathon. Ah well, plenty of warm-weather races to run! Yesterday was a 5 year PB on treadmill distance for me; a whole 7 miles. And no, I didn't die of boredom or go totally nuts. At least I'm staying consistent.
Monday, March 13, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Trust the plan
So I've been following my trusty marathon training plan and my new bodybuilding program. So far it's been going well. I'm into week 5 for the bodybuilding program and week 6 or something for the marathon training. The issue I'm facing now is that the marathon training hasn't really started, as in I'm just in the build up stage so I feel like as long as I get in 40-45km a week I'm doing fine.
I'm trying to be smart about it, but that's led to stupid mistakes, haha. Take this week for instance; Monday I'm feeling tired (I did run 28km over the course of the weekend) and sluggish so instead of enjoying the sunny (albeit windy) day I did an indoor HIIT workout, telling myself Tuesday would be a longer run day so I should conserve my legs. WRONG. I did my usual lunchtime back and biceps weight training and after work decided instead of running the indoor track I would run the local trail. (Honestly, it wasn't the track per say, but the fact the skating group has decided to take over one lane of the track to do land training for 30 minutes, thus forcing a cluster effect on the only other track lane-for half of the track length. I get a bit rage-y when people aren't actually running or walking on the track I've paid to run on.) So anyhoo, I get to the trail but it's still really snow-filled and icy. I plug through, determined to get in at least 6km even though I managed to forget my spikes (they would have helped a lot!). I ended up taking to the country road at one point to finish off a total of 8kms. Not exactly a longer run in my books, I didn't even hit double digits. So yeah, I "saved" my legs for nothing. Ugh.
Today, my usual cross training day is taunting me. Should I jump on the dreadmill when I get home to grab a few kms or stick to my routine of cross training? Deviating from the plan this week doesn't seem to be working well for me, so perhaps I will stick with my cross training. There's always my run commute home tomorrow and Friday!
I'm trying to be smart about it, but that's led to stupid mistakes, haha. Take this week for instance; Monday I'm feeling tired (I did run 28km over the course of the weekend) and sluggish so instead of enjoying the sunny (albeit windy) day I did an indoor HIIT workout, telling myself Tuesday would be a longer run day so I should conserve my legs. WRONG. I did my usual lunchtime back and biceps weight training and after work decided instead of running the indoor track I would run the local trail. (Honestly, it wasn't the track per say, but the fact the skating group has decided to take over one lane of the track to do land training for 30 minutes, thus forcing a cluster effect on the only other track lane-for half of the track length. I get a bit rage-y when people aren't actually running or walking on the track I've paid to run on.) So anyhoo, I get to the trail but it's still really snow-filled and icy. I plug through, determined to get in at least 6km even though I managed to forget my spikes (they would have helped a lot!). I ended up taking to the country road at one point to finish off a total of 8kms. Not exactly a longer run in my books, I didn't even hit double digits. So yeah, I "saved" my legs for nothing. Ugh.
Today, my usual cross training day is taunting me. Should I jump on the dreadmill when I get home to grab a few kms or stick to my routine of cross training? Deviating from the plan this week doesn't seem to be working well for me, so perhaps I will stick with my cross training. There's always my run commute home tomorrow and Friday!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Feeling frustrated but determined
Cuba was lovely and everything you expect. I certainly wouldn't call it a culinary capital of the world though, but aside from the food, the resort and the weather were awesome. I managed to run almost daily before the sun got too hot and took the rest of the day to recover by the pool or beach; it was glorious.
Then it was back to reality and we got hit by almost a meter of snow in 3 days. It was rough but we all managed to shovel our way out. Then I took my daughter sledding and trudging through the knee-deep snow. This was NOT a good idea. I thought I could handle it but after a few minutes the old familiar twinges of pain in my knee started creeping back. It took me days to admit I tweaked my knee, and even then it hasn't kept me from my running schedule or my lifting. I'm so incredibly pissed at myself for not being more careful but at the same time I don't want this issue to keep holding me back from doing the things I love, with the people I love. So I solider on, and pop a couple of ibuprofens before bed so I can sleep mostly through the night.
Running has been going well, despite my knee. I'm back on track after my vacation and with the help of my treadmill, clocking the miles hasn't been impossible. I still hate the treadmill but if you have a meter of snow outside, there's not much choice.
My weight lifting has been going well too. I used the gym in Cuba which was an interesting mix of broken equipment some things from the 1980s and one or two newer pieces of cardio equipment. The most frustrating part of working out in another country was not having a bloody clue how much weight I was lifting, as everything was in kgs not pounds..and there was virtually no wifi, so yeah I couldn't even "google" it! So I lifted the heaviest weights I could and hoped it wasn't too far off what I lift at home. I was happy to find that I was pretty darn close when I got back!
My diet has been better since vacation. I'm back on track with my morning protein shake and post workout shakes, and I'm trying super hard not to snack at night unless its something like a banana or something with lots of protein. I feel a bit lighter but I'm waiting until tomorrow to weigh myself since I have a couple of calorie-busting runs to do between today and tomorrow, in addition to my leg and abs workout.
So yeah, I'm plugging along even though my knee feels like it did a year ago. Setbacks suck but the most important thing is to continue to move forward, even if they are baby steps.
Then it was back to reality and we got hit by almost a meter of snow in 3 days. It was rough but we all managed to shovel our way out. Then I took my daughter sledding and trudging through the knee-deep snow. This was NOT a good idea. I thought I could handle it but after a few minutes the old familiar twinges of pain in my knee started creeping back. It took me days to admit I tweaked my knee, and even then it hasn't kept me from my running schedule or my lifting. I'm so incredibly pissed at myself for not being more careful but at the same time I don't want this issue to keep holding me back from doing the things I love, with the people I love. So I solider on, and pop a couple of ibuprofens before bed so I can sleep mostly through the night.
Running has been going well, despite my knee. I'm back on track after my vacation and with the help of my treadmill, clocking the miles hasn't been impossible. I still hate the treadmill but if you have a meter of snow outside, there's not much choice.
My weight lifting has been going well too. I used the gym in Cuba which was an interesting mix of broken equipment some things from the 1980s and one or two newer pieces of cardio equipment. The most frustrating part of working out in another country was not having a bloody clue how much weight I was lifting, as everything was in kgs not pounds..and there was virtually no wifi, so yeah I couldn't even "google" it! So I lifted the heaviest weights I could and hoped it wasn't too far off what I lift at home. I was happy to find that I was pretty darn close when I got back!
My diet has been better since vacation. I'm back on track with my morning protein shake and post workout shakes, and I'm trying super hard not to snack at night unless its something like a banana or something with lots of protein. I feel a bit lighter but I'm waiting until tomorrow to weigh myself since I have a couple of calorie-busting runs to do between today and tomorrow, in addition to my leg and abs workout.
So yeah, I'm plugging along even though my knee feels like it did a year ago. Setbacks suck but the most important thing is to continue to move forward, even if they are baby steps.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Off to Cuba!
Tomorrow, in the wee hours of the morning my family and I will be heading off to Holguin, Cuba! My plan is to take each morning and complete my weight lifting and run before everyone wakes up for the day, and then enjoy the beach, sand and surf. I'm just hoping the weight room doesn't open at 10am or something stupid, but we'll see.
So far my weight lifting program is going really well. My arms feel sore but stronger and I've noticed my hill climbs are easier, hopefully thanks to my insanely weighted squats and leg rows. My knee pain has lessened a lot and I think my form has a lot to do with the initial onset, that or my legs were just not used to the weight and caused the soreness.
In any case, I'm going to keep going with my weights and running hybrid program and hope that it doesn't burn me out. On my vacation though my underlying focus will be to maintain consistency. Here goes!
So far my weight lifting program is going really well. My arms feel sore but stronger and I've noticed my hill climbs are easier, hopefully thanks to my insanely weighted squats and leg rows. My knee pain has lessened a lot and I think my form has a lot to do with the initial onset, that or my legs were just not used to the weight and caused the soreness.
In any case, I'm going to keep going with my weights and running hybrid program and hope that it doesn't burn me out. On my vacation though my underlying focus will be to maintain consistency. Here goes!
Monday, January 23, 2017
Pushing my limits but loving it!
Whoohoo week TWO! I'm psyched to keep my momentum from last week going. So much so I've even scoped out the fitness center at the resort I'm staying at next week. I'll be making sure to get my workouts in before everyone else gets up for the morning. Hopefully I'll be able to strong-arm my brother into joining me on some runs too.
Last week I managed to run 27 miles and completed 5 days of weights. I've not done weights so much since university but it feels good to be back at it! My knee gave me some odd grief while I was asleep this weekend but after a few kilometers of running those weird twinges of medial knee pain would go away. I'll chalk it up to improper foot placement during my runs, or maybe during some squat sessions? In any case, I'll aim for much better form this week and hopefully that makes a difference.
This week's running goals are pretty much the same as last week, with a couple of more miles added. Today I'm aiming to complete my back and bicep workout at lunch and then 4 - 6 miles after work. My protein intake has increased a lot and I think that's helping starve off any intense muscle soreness between workouts. This week my aim is to CUT the SNACKING. It's the one diet killer that's honestly holding me back. I have to stop cheating myself and cut it the damn out, haha.
Last week I managed to run 27 miles and completed 5 days of weights. I've not done weights so much since university but it feels good to be back at it! My knee gave me some odd grief while I was asleep this weekend but after a few kilometers of running those weird twinges of medial knee pain would go away. I'll chalk it up to improper foot placement during my runs, or maybe during some squat sessions? In any case, I'll aim for much better form this week and hopefully that makes a difference.
This week's running goals are pretty much the same as last week, with a couple of more miles added. Today I'm aiming to complete my back and bicep workout at lunch and then 4 - 6 miles after work. My protein intake has increased a lot and I think that's helping starve off any intense muscle soreness between workouts. This week my aim is to CUT the SNACKING. It's the one diet killer that's honestly holding me back. I have to stop cheating myself and cut it the damn out, haha.
Friday, January 20, 2017
A week of change
This week has been one of adjusting to new schedules. My work has adopted a 9/80 schedule so on week one (this week) you work 44 hours, then next week you work 36 hours and get Friday off. I'm sure I'll like next week better ;-)
My running goals have changed slightly thanks to my grandfather in-laws' birthday party in June. As it happens to fall on the same day as the Wasscally Wrabbit ultra I had to find another race to train for. I looked at another ultra but the distance to get there is just too prohibitive. So...I'm going to wait until the end of July and giv'r at the NS Marathon in Barrington and do my first road ultra at the Valley Harvest 52km.
Since I don't need to train hard-core for that just yet, and my next goal is the March 25km Moose Run, I've decided to try adding some lifting to my routine. Currently I'm following a Get Lean program which is pretty rigid in its meal plan and strength routine, but if I get results anywhere close to what others have achieved it'll be worth not eating 6 cookies each Saturday night lol. I've increased my protein intake and started lifting really, really heavy weights (for me). I've been super careful when I'm using barbells as I'm sure it wouldn't take much to tweak my knee. Good form is even more important when you are trying not to anger a certain body part.
So I've been doing my lifting at lunch since I have access to a well stocked gym at work. Then after work I've been running in accordance with a 27 week marathon training plan. I'm pretty spent by the end of the day and I've added a second why shake for after my lunch time lifting sessions to help repair my measley muscles. So far, so good. I do need to find better, more protein rich snack to eat at night. cereal is ok sometimes but it isn't the best thing I could be eating for sure.
You would think with all this work I'd be losing weight, well not quite yet. I'm not sure if that's my body trying to hold onto my rolls of fat or if my nighttime somewhat-healthy snack are sabotaging my efforts. I'll have to curb my nighttime eating to find out I suppose.
The absolute best part of upping my training is the lack of constant pain from my knee. The saying, "Use it or lose it" truly applies to knee function. I think I've taken a pain killer for my knee ONCE in the last month. I wish other arthritis sufferers would push themselves a bit harder and stop listening to that horrid advice to not do anything once you're diagnosed with arthritis. It only made things worse for me, for both my body and mind.
My running goals have changed slightly thanks to my grandfather in-laws' birthday party in June. As it happens to fall on the same day as the Wasscally Wrabbit ultra I had to find another race to train for. I looked at another ultra but the distance to get there is just too prohibitive. So...I'm going to wait until the end of July and giv'r at the NS Marathon in Barrington and do my first road ultra at the Valley Harvest 52km.
Since I don't need to train hard-core for that just yet, and my next goal is the March 25km Moose Run, I've decided to try adding some lifting to my routine. Currently I'm following a Get Lean program which is pretty rigid in its meal plan and strength routine, but if I get results anywhere close to what others have achieved it'll be worth not eating 6 cookies each Saturday night lol. I've increased my protein intake and started lifting really, really heavy weights (for me). I've been super careful when I'm using barbells as I'm sure it wouldn't take much to tweak my knee. Good form is even more important when you are trying not to anger a certain body part.
So I've been doing my lifting at lunch since I have access to a well stocked gym at work. Then after work I've been running in accordance with a 27 week marathon training plan. I'm pretty spent by the end of the day and I've added a second why shake for after my lunch time lifting sessions to help repair my measley muscles. So far, so good. I do need to find better, more protein rich snack to eat at night. cereal is ok sometimes but it isn't the best thing I could be eating for sure.
You would think with all this work I'd be losing weight, well not quite yet. I'm not sure if that's my body trying to hold onto my rolls of fat or if my nighttime somewhat-healthy snack are sabotaging my efforts. I'll have to curb my nighttime eating to find out I suppose.
The absolute best part of upping my training is the lack of constant pain from my knee. The saying, "Use it or lose it" truly applies to knee function. I think I've taken a pain killer for my knee ONCE in the last month. I wish other arthritis sufferers would push themselves a bit harder and stop listening to that horrid advice to not do anything once you're diagnosed with arthritis. It only made things worse for me, for both my body and mind.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Hop, skip and a JUMP!
Little steps, baby steps, then JUMP! That was pretty much my mantra during yesterday's run. The sidewalks were a mix of hard packed snow, ice and mounds of slushy snow. I realized pretty fast that it was the perfect day for Yak Tracks, but alas, mine were sitting at home, not on my feet. So I made my best effort to take small little steps so I could control my center of gravity as best I could. The odd little leap over mounds of snow felt like cross training lol. It took forever to cover 7km (a little over an hour) but I got it done.
Once I stopped running though the full effect of the -18C temps shot right through me. When I finally got home I tried something new to try and warm up, I exercised. I threw on one of Livestrong's Stronger HIIT training sessions and after 5 minutes I had warmed up enough that I didn't need 10 blankets on my shoulders. I finished the workout, because, you know, Type A personality and all, then chowed down on salmon and salad and watched Aftermath (after I made everyone else's supper, packed lunches and did laundry ;-).
Today it is supposed to warm up to a balmy -6C so I brought both my outside running shoes and my track shoes. I hate the thought of running like a hamster around a track but it's also much safer and warmer than outside. I have 2.5 hours to kill though so I certainly have the time to drive to the other gym's track if I want. Decisions, decisions.
Speaking of which, I am still trying to figure out where I'll do my ultra this year. I am doing the Moose 25km on March 18th but after that my kid's dance competitions get in the way of the regular marathon season. I could do the Bay of Fundy International 52km Ultra, or try to complete two loops at Brookvale in August (BRUTAL 50km) or I could wait until the fall and run the Valley Harvest Ultra (snore fest but much easier than Brookvale with cooler temps). UGH. I just wish I knew if my favorite ultra was out of the question or not but as of today the RDs haven't picked a date in June. Wait and see I guess, but until then I'll keep training for the Moose Run!
Once I stopped running though the full effect of the -18C temps shot right through me. When I finally got home I tried something new to try and warm up, I exercised. I threw on one of Livestrong's Stronger HIIT training sessions and after 5 minutes I had warmed up enough that I didn't need 10 blankets on my shoulders. I finished the workout, because, you know, Type A personality and all, then chowed down on salmon and salad and watched Aftermath (after I made everyone else's supper, packed lunches and did laundry ;-).
Today it is supposed to warm up to a balmy -6C so I brought both my outside running shoes and my track shoes. I hate the thought of running like a hamster around a track but it's also much safer and warmer than outside. I have 2.5 hours to kill though so I certainly have the time to drive to the other gym's track if I want. Decisions, decisions.
Speaking of which, I am still trying to figure out where I'll do my ultra this year. I am doing the Moose 25km on March 18th but after that my kid's dance competitions get in the way of the regular marathon season. I could do the Bay of Fundy International 52km Ultra, or try to complete two loops at Brookvale in August (BRUTAL 50km) or I could wait until the fall and run the Valley Harvest Ultra (snore fest but much easier than Brookvale with cooler temps). UGH. I just wish I knew if my favorite ultra was out of the question or not but as of today the RDs haven't picked a date in June. Wait and see I guess, but until then I'll keep training for the Moose Run!
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