So my recovery today has involved looking ahead to the events I’ve signed up for and thinking about my plan to prepare for them successfully. I have been coaching a few ladies to complete a 5K, and its really affected the way I view my own fitness. I realize how fortunate I am to have had healthy role models in my life and that I’ve never deviated (too much!) from a healthy lifestyle. I have been running so long that I take for granted that I can go run 3 miles on any given day. I’m finding peace in the fact that I am fit and can choose my activity any given day. I’m trying to be nicer to myself, in other words. My tendency to berate myself relentlessly for not pushing super hard through each workout has caught up with me. After my foot injury while marathon training, I started trying to refocus on endurance  through mountain biking. No matter what, though, I felt as though my legs were constantly worn out and fatigued. I pushed harder. I told myself I was blah from not running the marathon, that the holidays and all their unhealthy foods had taken their toll. In reality, a visit to my doctor confirmed that I was anemic, or extremely iron deficient. Immediately I felt shame that I spend my days telling others how to live and eat healthy and here I was lacking in nutrients and feeling like crap. Though I pushed others through workout sessions as a trainer, I was barely able to motivate myself to do anything. I have been taking prescription iron supplements for about a month now and can say I feel a huge difference. My motivation has returned, my legs no longer feel as though I’ve ridden a century before my workout begins, and I am looking forward to training every day.

On the agenda for this year: a fun adventure race next month with my husband, maybe an Xterra triathlon, a century,  multi day bike ride with my dad and husband at the Outer Banks, and the Off Road Assault on Mt Mitchell.  Yesterday we ran a mile with the kids – another goal of mine is to go out for a mile with my kids at least once a week. Whether its on foot, bike, in a boat – whatever, just not riding in the car staring at ipods and phones – I think it would be great for us as a family to make this a priority! My plan this year  is to have fun, enjoy the training and the people I’m with, not be too seriously competitive, and really just be ok with challenging myself and no one else!!

This year I registered for the Running for the Bay marathon in Apalachicola, Fl. It is one week from today, and I am told to wear a walking boot for the next two weeks to calm down the sudden and extreme case of plantar inflammation that came on during my last long run, 3 weeks ago. I have a confusing case, being that my plantar fasciitis didn’t gradually come on; in fact, I’ve had ZERO foot issues during my training. I was just out on a 16 miler, and somewhere around mile 7 noticed a little PF tenderness, which I have had before and recognized. I have run over a year with PF before, so I kept on, and then out of nowhere I had a more searing pain that hurt with each step. I hobbled the rest of the run, doing all 16 miles, but almost crying with each step.  Two weeks rest and a dr. visit told me to go run the Destin Tri, it was just inflammation and I wouldn’t risk more damage. I did the run ok, taking 4th overall, but limped the rest of the weekend and it hurt from step 1 to the finish line.  Back at the dr, an MRI showed no fracture or tear of tendons, just LOADS of inflammation. Thus, the boot and instructions not to run for 2 weeks. But also the statement that I wouldn’t hurt anything any more than it was, and I could get a shot to numb things up if I was hellbent on running the 26.2. My decision to make is:  how hellbent am I? I am so disappointed; my training runs have been great. A pace I’m happy with that I think could qualify me for Boston.. although thats not a goal I’ve set forth for myself, it would be nice to mention that I did qualify! We have a family vacation wrapped around being in FL, and I was looking forward to pushing hard in the marathon with a relaxing week afterwards. So, do I start my vacation early and chill out, watching my husband run the half and my mom do the 5k? Try it and see what happens – either I’ve got 4 weeks of taper under my belt and will be feeling great, or I’ll hobble and walk through over 4 hours of pain. Or, back off the full and try for the 10K or less? Suck it up and be a volunteer at an aid station??? I’m no good at everyday decisions, much less ones I’ve thought were set in stone for the past 4 months.

Injuries just suck. Plantar Fasciitis can hang on a long time, and thats not something I want. Knowing there is bone marrow edema,which can sometimes be a precursor to stress fracture, also makes me think twice about running any amount.  I am convinced, after reading more about this condition, that its causing most of the searing pain in my heel. Other runner’s experiences with marrow edema sound significant, and not unlike what I’m going through. I dont want to be sidelined for months. I’m thinking a vacation, some margaritas to make me forget the fact that I’m not accomplishing my goal right now, and a focus on riding my bike, swimming, maybe kayaking some, will set me straight again…at least until the next big event pops into my head…

Back to Xterra, it was organized by Dirty Spokes Productions, who did a fabulous job changing the course from previous years.  Instead of the two loop course, the run followed parts of the yellow and red trails, and the new lake section built by BUMP. It is a beautiful part of the park, especially in November. The views around the lake trail are gorgeous. I have to say, though, I was more concerned with finishing the race than enjoying the scenery by the time I hit the lake trail. At this point, I felt I’d never see the finish! My legs were toast, I got passed by a few men I’d left earlier in the race, and my morale was fairly low. It seemed I was on a leaf covered treadmill as I hit the “rattlesnake ridge” trail. The terrain felt boring compared with the rest of the loop. Just finish, I thought. When I finally made my way onto the “Mr Toads” section of the red trail, I was pumped. From here I knew it wasn’t far to the end. Crossing the finish line, I was relieved and happy my pace hadn’t dropped as much as I’d thought. At around an hour and 45 minutes, I was good for 3rd overall, though disappointed the lead woman, who I’d stayed with for about 3 or 4 miles, had gained nearly 9 minutes on me! Wow, what a pace she held as mine steadily dropped!! Congrats to her!

I love the laid back style of the Xterra events, and Dirty Spokes was great on the overall organization and planning of the race. Held in conjunction with a 10K and duathlon, the only glitch I noticed was that my race number was accidentally given to the wrong person. It was made right, just before the race began, and never caused me much alarm. For 3rd place, I was rewarded with a medal, socks, and $35 Xterra gear gift certificates. I think first and second got a pair of trail shoes- Dang!! That would’ve been nice; maybe next time. Yes, there will be a next time with Xterra trail runs; they are one of my favorite events! With the trail series nationwide, look for one near you and give off road a try! Also check out Dirty Spokes online for their races in the southeast.

The race itself was a well organized event, with the folks from multisport.com using the Seascape venue wonderfully. This was my first ocean swim, and I was nervous about the water temperature. It was a moot point, though, once I got going. As I ran in the water, I felt only butterflies in my belly, not the fact that the water was only slightly chilly. Quickly I warmed up, but not before taking in a big mouthful of saltwater! Lesson One: remember that even in the most calm ocean water, there are still swells and waves, and you must lift the head more than in the pool!! I felt great swimming, although slightly nervous. I was happy to see the buoys, and I found my way around them without being knocked off course by any currents. Swim success! I ran across the long sandy beach up towards transition and was pleased to see some red swim caps, meaning I had bridged the 3 min. gap to some of the athletes in the first wave! On the bike, I was much more comfortable and relaxed, as is usually the case! I passed a few folks, but also had a few men blow by me on tri bikes. I also passed a few tri bikes myself, and was happy when I rolled into T2 that no women had passed me on the bike. Heading out for the run, my legs felt surprisingly good, thanks in part to the short, flat bike course. The run was an out and back, and as I ran along, I had a guy run up and congratulate me on my time, and suggest I might be first female. I thought, no way, but as I continued, I noticed no women on the turn around. Finally, I spotted the leaders, and they weren’t that far ahead. I managed to pass two women who had started in the first wave, and then saw the finish line ahead. My Dad and Todd were right there cheering for me, and it was a great feeling to know I had done well. My official time was 57:56 which I’m very pleased with, especially considering the major knot that formed in my right calf during the run! After the race, a great food truck was serving free hot sandwiches, there was gumbo, water, and a pool to hang out at while waiting on awards. Top notch organization!!

This race was very beginner friendly, and is in such a beautiful setting…I highly recommend spending the weekend at Seascape and taking in all it has to offer…beaches, golf, tennis, plenty of walking/jogging paths, and of course, seafood! Its a great location for the family. My kids and parents both enjoyed kayaking and stand up paddleboarding, which you can rent right on the beach in front of Seascape. I am now committed to finding a YOLO board to use on the lake at Oak Mountain!! Maybe I could rent them out????? Anyhow, I absolutely recommend the Destin Triathlon and really hope I can get back again next year!

Its fall again, already. The kids are in school- BOTH of my kids are in school now, and things are looking good. It was a rough summer in my household. Lost a grandmother, got very sick, missed a triathlon I’d hoped to do with my mom (neither of us did it), kids were stressing me out along with other things, and I lost some motivation. Truth be told, thats not so bad compared to what many people deal with on an ongoing basis, so I am trying hard to focus on the positive parts of life and understand that I can’t control anything other than my mood and my reaction to situations. Thats huge…its a struggle to remember to react in a positive way to circumstances and focus on the present.  Its easy to feel that life is pushing you around, and blame others for how crappy you might feel on a given day. No one else can make you feel bad, though….its your choice to feel bad or not react. So those are the times I go running, or ride my bike, or take a yoga class. Focusing on what my body is capable of doing has a way of bringing things back into perspective.

Now,  I vow to use this site the way I really want to use it…I want to share my training experiences, races I’m doing, what I’m eating, how I’m feeling, pass along good healthy info and some random thoughts along the way. As of today, my race plans for the next 3 months include a sprint triathlon this weekend in Destin, FL. Its at Seascape Resort and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have a last minute end of season race! I’ve backed off from racing due to feeling like it was a money drain, but my husband presented me with this race and I couldn’t say no. This will be my first ocean swim!! I can’t wait! After the Destin Triathlon at Seascape, I may do a few cyclocross races here and there. Its good fun and good people but I just can’t make myself take cross too seriously. I don’t think you are supposed to….It does wonders for your fitness though. I am also going to do a few trail runs. Hopefully I’ll do Xterra half marathon and then a 50K in December. Good way to end up my year. Hopefully my body, or I should say my tendons, cooperate! ]]> http://www.fitnessoutside.com/2010/10/starting-over-in-october/feed/ 0 http://www.fitnessoutside.com/2010/02/what-are-your-goals/ http://www.fitnessoutside.com/2010/02/what-are-your-goals/#comments Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:31:53 +0000 mary http://www.fitnessoutside.com/?p=351 Spring is quickly approaching, along with more opportunities for outdoor activities. Get ready to feel great this spring by contacting me today. I will assess your current fitness level and work with you to meet your goals. If your idea of a goal is simply in the gray area of  “lose weight” or “have more energy” then start thinking in more black and white terms!! With a concrete, measurable, and realistic goal in mind, you are more likely to stick with exercise.  Rather than focus on losing 10 or 20 pounds, or fitting in a bikini, channel your inner competitor and pick an event that both challenges and interests you. Work towards completing and doing your personal best at whatever that event may be… if you are a new exerciser, we’ll start with baby steps. Running a mile, walking a 5K, completing a charity bike ride. More advanced folks might think ahead to triathlons, duathlons, trail runs and longer distances. Perhaps you know you want to lower your marathon time. The point is to set a goal and focus on working towards that goal. Weight loss will happen in the process. Cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength will be byproducts of your hard work and effort towards reaching that goal.

If you want to channel your inner competitor, there are hundreds of events happening in this area that are within your reach! From running a 5K to cycling a century, I can help you find that target that helps you get the most from your workout. I am working on an events calendar that highlights some of my favorites in the area…most are ones I have participated in myself and found to be a great experience. I am particularly looking forward to Powerman Alabama at Oak Mt. March 27-28. I have never competed in PowerMan before and hope to be ready this year to participate in one of the many events scheduled for that weekend. These will include various distance trail running, an offroad duathlon (run/mtn. bike/run) and on-road duathlons of varying distances….choose to compete individually or join a relay team…there is an event for everyone from beginner to professional athlete. The premier event will be the elite duathlon race which is only for professionals but promises to be a great spectator event. Really, how often do we get to watch elite level athletes compete in Birmingham?? Powerman weekend also offers a PowerKids duathlon race with distances for youth from age 4 and up. This is a chance for your whole family to enjoy an active weekend and cheer each other on. My firm belief is that the family that plays together stays together!

Lets get busy working to meet your personal goals… you may just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy the challenge and competition!! Call me at 205-999-4067 or email mary@fitnessoutside.com

In addition to the gala at CHIS, I am excited to be on the PTO board at my son’s school, Chelsea Park Elementary. I originally signed on as Grounds Chairperson because I have a real love for gardening and plants, and I grew tired of seeing the landscaping around the school go neglected. But, I’ve benefitted this year by being on the PTO board with a dynamic group of individuals who really care about the needs of our children’s school. This year the PTO has tackled the challenge of organizing the FUN RUN at CPES. It will be called the BUZZ at CHELSEA PARK! Of course I am totally on board with anything that motivates kids to move and be active…especially outside! CahabaWeb, Inc. will be helping with the website and marketing of the event. We are hoping it is a huge success and will grow each year. Look for the event to kick off soon!!