2011!

I think I’ve got this running thing figured out. I FINALLY got up to 5.6 miles! You have no idea how big an accomplishment that is for me, but that’s not where I was going with this…

Why didn’t someone tell me I had to REST every now and then? Well, I don’t mean that I’ve been running every single day or anything like that. What I mean is that I’ve realized I’ve been running for three weeks, and on my last two runs I noticed my calves starting to tighten up again. I’m guessing that after my last recovery period, the muscles in my calves had gone back down, but the past three weeks of running built them up again. So much so that when they start expanding from exertion, there’s no room for them and the compartment syndrome sets in.

The familiar tightness in the calves and numbness and pain on the outside of my shins was still tolerable, but I knew if I continued, it would get worse and I was already starting to feel the beginning of shin splints. So I decided that I would take this week off of running, but actually, the decision was made for me by getting a nasty cold. I was pretty much laid out. It started with what I thought was just a headache on Saturday night. Surprise!

On Sunday, I had done my first Bikram yoga class with my teacher training group (hoping it would alleviate my headache, but it didn’t), and then Monday I did 90 minutes of Spinning. I was pretty tired after the Bikram yoga on Sunday and figured that might be normal, but a couple hours after Spinning class, I started feeling tired and worse and worse till eventually all I could do was veg out on the sofa with no energy to move. By the next day, I didn’t get out of bed except to walk my dog. Of course, he wasn’t cooperating (of all days!) and I had to take him for a walk TWICE because he wouldn’t do his business. All I could think of was, “Wow! What a beautiful day! I wanna go back to bed!”.

So I’m using the rest of the week to recover. I couldn’t even go to Spinning or practice yoga, so what the hell - my body is telling me to knock it off once in a while! When I say I’m recovering, I’m not exaggerating. I’m wiped out so I’m really not doing any kind of working out. It’s all I can do to get in some restorative yoga postures.

Now that I’ve got it ALL figured out, here’s the deal: After this week of recovery, I’m going to slowly increase my mileage. It was unbelievable to me that I actually got up to 5 miles. I’ve never been able to run that far, but I’m secretly training for a half-marathon. I think what I need to do is train for 3-4 weeks, then recover for a week with some cross-training.

I’ll let you know how that goes.

So let me explain what’s been going on. I took two weeks off from ANY and ALL training. Or was it three? No P90X, no weight training, no spinning, no running. I forgot why.

No, really, the reason is because I finished another round of P90X and after I ran my 6K, I decided it would be a good idea to rest my shins and calves. The shin splints were pretty bad and my calves hurt so much I really couldn’t run. So I rested. I didn’t want to do any more P90X, so I didn’t do that either. I really haven’t gotten the results I’ve wanted from that program. I want to drop some weight, and it’s not doing it. I know that muscle is supposed to help burn fat, so why does it not work for me? The only answer can be diet. I’ll give this to P90X - it makes you STRONG! I might start back up just for that benefit alone. More on diet in a moment.

So what else? I continued with yoga sporadically. Why? I keep asking myself that. I always feel sooo much better when I practice yoga daily. So I’ve recommitted to that. Besides, I’ve begun yoga teacher training so I have definitely made that commitment to myself.

Back to diet. I’ve also recommitted to eating foods that only fuel my body. I have to admit I went a bit wayward for a while there. This blog started out as a raw/high raw blog because that’s where I was at the time. I still am high raw, but I have always been aware that it’s as much about the things you DON’T eat as the things you do. So I’m back to banishing those foods that don’t do any good. Besides, I’m back in training! I’m totally inspired by people like Tim VanOrden and Brendan Brazier. I realize I’ll very likely not be in their league, but their accomplishments motivate me.

So here’s what happened during my running this week:

Tuesday - I had half a Lara Bar before I ran two miles. Easy. My calves and shins had plenty of rest (I think) so I started the first mile really easy, stretched a bit and then picked up the pace on mile two. I added a sprint toward the end just because I felt so good. I really wanted to go another mile but decided not to push. I didn’t want to hurt my calves and shins, although I was feeling a bit of lingering pain in my shins. Maybe they’ll be okay.

Wednesday - Spinning - 1 hour. I am SO IN LOVE with Spinning. I seriously think I might look into certification to teach. I really love it. Did I mention how much I love Spinning? I was pretty tired, as in sleepy, the entire day. I think it was from taking that two week break.

Thursday - Yoga first thing upon waking (after walking the dog!), then drove to the park to run. I have a nice course near my house that I don’t have to drive to, but it has a slight hill, and I’m thinking I’ll avoid the hill for a while till I build my calves. Or whatever I’m supposed to do with compartment syndrome. Really, I’m just going slow and easy. And avoiding the hill. So the park I drive to isn’t far at all, but too far to walk/run to. And I have a wide choice of running trails once I get to it. The trail I’ve been running is really flat, is a 1.12 mile loop and has beautiful views of water and some lovely foot bridges. There is a picture of my view on the left.

Had a half a Lara Bar before running and this time had a bit of a harder time in my run. I took the first mile very easy again, then stopped and stretched for a bit of a longer period than Tuesday. Then I was off for the second mile, but had to stop at about 1/4 mile. My calves started hurting a bit and I was just TIRED. So I turned around to head back to my car, but decided to run some steps instead. Did a few rounds of those and was very disappointed in myself as I headed back to my car. I didn’t want to only run one mile! I knew I shouldn’t push myself, but geez! So I turned around and off I went on that second mile. I felt pretty good and probably could have run another mile, but again, I’m being very, very patient. I’m hoping to slowly build my calves to see if it makes any difference on whether or not the compartment syndrome flares up. Just a little at a time.

So that’s where I’m at as of today. I’ve only eaten live foods today, except for one cup of coffee.

More on that coffee later.

So there hasn’t been much to write this time. I’m forced to take a break from running for maybe another week to let these shin splints heal. I’ll start back slowly and hopefully in the process, give my calves a chance to recover. I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as complete recovery for my alleged compartment syndrome, though. I think there are just varying degrees of pain.

Speaking of pain, I was thinking…is it possible the reason that after about 2 miles I don’t feel the stabbing, burning pain in my calves and shins (as badly, anyway!) is because of that endorphin thing? I think it is. Whatever, I’ll take it because it enables me to run. I just can’t seem to get up to 5 miles successfully.

Anyway, I have my eye on a 10K coming up in October…

I know, dear blog, I haven’t updated in a while, but really! A lot has been happening! I promise from here on out to keep you posted!

So what’s been going on? I completed yet another round of P90X. Still not seeing the results I want to see, but geez! I am strong! I’ve seen some progress on my log, but no physical difference. I’m a little disappointed about it, but, hey…I’m not going to bug out about it. I’ve been where I am weight-wise for the past…year (?) and it doesn’t seem to want to go anywhere so I’ll let it hang around for just a bit longer, then it’s outta here.

Running! You might remember I seem to have a problem running. I believe I have chronic exertional compartment syndrome but is it worth going to see a doctor and getting an official diagnosis? I’m not sure. It’s not like I HAVE to run, although I do enjoy it once I get past the pain. It doesn’t always happen, however, sometimes I have to cut my run short because my feet just won’t work anymore due to circulation and nerves being cut off.

Very simply put, chronic exertional compartment syndrome is where the fascia surrounding the muscle isn’t elastic enough to allow the muscle room to expand during exertion. Usually happens in the lower leg or forearm. In my case, of course, it’s the lower leg. Sometimes the muscle can herniate through. If you remember one of my earlier photos after running, I have that very thing going on. I’ve had it for as long as I can remember. I tried running in my 20’s but had the same problem. Of course, back then, I just thought I needed more training, but it hurt too bad and didn’t continue. Back then we didn’t have computers, the internet and Google. I know, hard to imagine. But now, thanks to Dr. Google, I’m pretty sure of what it is.

A proper diagnosis would require an invasive procedure in which needles are stuck into the compartments to test the pressure, both at rest and after exertion. I’ve heard it hurts a lot. Not that I’m worried about that, but if it is compartment syndrome, apparently the most effective treatment is surgery. I’m not sure it’s worth it, although it would be nice to know what it’s like to run without the pain and burning in my lower legs.

So, I’m not writing to whine about it! I’m writing because although I’m not sure I’ll ever be a long-distance or fast runner, I have managed to enter two races: my first one was a 3K just to see if I could do it. My second one was a 6K. That one was actually easier!

The 3K, being only 1.86 miles, had a lot of hills (killer on those outer shins!) and I ended up with shin splints because I didn’t stop to massage my calves and shins along the way. I pushed as much as I could to where I could barely walk, but I finished!

The 6K was much easier because after about 1 mile, I stopped to massage my shins and calves and it was a mostly flat course in downtown St. Louis. And after 2 miles, my shins and calves quit hurting! A miracle! Like I said, some days are good runs.

Here are a couple videos about the races.

This one is the 3K:

This one is the 6K:

Yes, it’s been a while, but it’s also been a while since I’ve worked out. Technically, that is.

I’m just going to make this easy and start by saying that I finished 90 days of P90X. I didn’t see the results I wanted, however, I did feel much, much stronger, which came in handy for our move. I didn’t accomplish my running goal, however. More on that in a minute.

I didn’t mention the move before, did I? Not here on the blog, anyway. Well, hubby and I have been moving for almost a month(!) Who does that??? We do. We’re still moving as of this writing. We’ve been slowly moving from our house an hour away, just a bit at a time every weekend. Mostly because my husband is a pack-rat, but don’t tell him I told you so. I was going somewhere with this. Oh, yes…

So I did finish my P90X, but now that we’re somewhat settled in, albeit still moving, I am starting another round today. And I started running again last week. I’m becoming familiar with my surroundings and have been running in the neighborhood with my dog and it’s been good. I love it here.

Now about the running. This time I decided to just start running in my Vibram Five Fingers. The problem with my calves hasn’t been nearly as bad as the last time I started running, and so far I’ve not gotten any shin splints. Yay! That’s a bonus right there. I actually LOVE to run in my Five Fingers! However, I’m still having a bit of a problem with my calves swelling and the anterior compartment, although last week it wasn’t too bad, but I increased my run time this week and my calves were a bit more of a problem.

That being said, I even have a problem with them when I walk. It’s not just running, but although the problem does eventually go away the more I train, I noticed a couple days ago when I wore a pair of Skechers sandals, I didn’t have the problem AT ALL! The sandals are very ugly, but one of the most comfortable pair of shoes I’ve worn. The bottom of the sandal looks like a running shoe, while the top looks like a neoprene thing over the top of the foot with a thong-thingy for the toe. Anyway, not practical for running, but man, do I love to walk in them because it’s pain free! Why can’t I find a pair like that to run in???

So here I go again, training, training, training. Week 2 of running, week 1 of P90X and this is my attempt to document my progress.

I forgot to mention that I started actually working out last week with weights. I went to a gym, which I hate to do, but I went out of necessity and even though I hadn’t technically worked out in a month or so, I was just as strong as ever. No soreness afterward, either. I’m pretty sure all the moving, carrying stuff up and down these steep steps has contributed to helping me stay fit, but I still want to SEE a difference.

Tomorrow I’ll be talking about diet in all this.

So I’m off to see if I can find some 5k events to set my sights on. Talk to you later.

Seriously. I don’t know how much more I can get sidelined with running. First it was shin splints, then what I think might be anterior compartment syndrome, then I go and drop a weight on my toe. Ouch. is. right.

I have honestly forgotten what week I’m suppposed to be on for my running training. I think I’m supposed to be on week 5. Or was it 4? Either way, it doesn’t matter, because it’s not happening. I tried to run this past Monday, but had to stop. Much as I hate to do it, I have to go have a doctor look at my toe this week, because it’s not really getting better. The bruising is gone, but it hurts worse now than it did in the beginning.

Anyway, last Monday, after finishing P90X, I was moving my weights around and by this time, I was cooled down and had kicked off my shoes. That was not smart. I picked up a 5 pound weight, tossed it onto the sofa, gathering all my weights together, and look out!!! It bounced right off the cushion and landed right on my toe. It looked like it was moving in slow motion but I couldn’t seem to get out of the way fast enough. So a little 5 pound weight had the inertia of a bounce behind it, making it more like 50 pounds. Not really, but it felt like it.

So where was I? Oh, yeah. I can’t remember what week I’m supposed to be in running, but I do know I’m in my 8th week of P90X. This is my recovery week, where my muscle starts to rebuild itself after all the tearing down I’ve done to it. Unfortunately, I’m forced to recover from running, too.

Did I mention I’m now the proud owner of a brand-spankin’ new pair of Vibram Five Fingers? Yeah, but I can’t wear them because of that toe. I even bought them a few days after the weight dropping incident. I just didn’t try the left one on.

More on that later.