The Long Weekend

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend! For me it’s really just like any other weekend. In fact I’m working all weekend and then some, 7 nights in a row to be exact. The actual holiday is always up for grabs on my unit and I certainly don’t mind the extra pay. Working nights seems pretty strange to most people. I happen to love it. For whatever reason I’m a bundle of energy throughout the day (most days) and I don’t let work stand in my way of enjoying the day with my family.

This weekend has been just Carlos and me since my husband had to work yesterday to make up for the holiday. He is a mason and the school his company is building at the moment seems to be on a serious deadline so he’s been doing a little Saturday overtime here and there. He also does some side work so he’s working today too. We are used to busy working summers which is why we tend to vacation in the winter when my husband is often laid off.

Anyway Carlos and I enjoyed a very tranquil hike yesterday. At the end we made some new friends who were fishing nearby and they graciously let Carlos have a try. He absolutely loved it. Below are a few photos from the day.

The Navigator

Hiking the trails at Mt. Tom in Holyoke, MA

Up we go

View from the tower

Catch of the day

A new friend

The weather here in Western Massachusetts is summer like. I left work this morning and had a fabulous run. My shin is feeling great. I have taken it very slow and was finally ready for a longish run.

Still trying to get my 10K under an hour. Almost there!

This afternoon we are going to a birthday party for one of Carlos’ friends. It’s at a local gymnastics center. Thank goodness my little guy has so much energy.

Hope the weekend is fun, safe and relaxing. I am saying my prayers that all of our military serving both in the U.S. and around the globe are also safe. Many thanks to the men and women who serve our country in the armed forces and also a heartfelt thank you to their families who sacrifice so much so their loved one can protect this nation. Thank you very much.

Friend Makin’ Mondays on Tuesday: Three Things

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I tried to stay up to get this post up for Friend Makin’ Mondays, but after a busy weekend with a friend visiting, soccer games and work Saturday and Sunday nights, by 9pm when I finally settled down into bed with my laptop I had been awake for 23 hours and my eyes closed within a few minutes. I’m not going to post this to Kenlie’s blog because we are well into Tuesday by now. However, I really enjoyed reading everyone’s answers and hopefully you will enjoy mine too. If you have never taken part in Friend Makin’ Mondays check it out and join in next week.

1. Three of your favorite movies:

  • Overboard
  • Notting Hill (kind of an inside thing between Orlando and I)
  • Miracle on 34th Street

2. Three of your favorite things to drink:

  • water (I drink it more than anything else)
  • tea (right now I’m on a Twinings Chai tea kick)
  •  spinach smoothies (I am telling the truth. I really do love them!)

3. Three of your favorite songs:

At this very moment my 3 favorite songs are:

  • The Other Side by Bruno Mars featuring Cee Lo Green
  • Bailando por el Mundo by Juan Magan (featuring Pitbull & El Cata)…Love me some Pitbull. I just can’t help myself.
  • Pound the Alarm by Nicki Minaj

My music tastes change like the wind though. These are fun running songs which is mostly what I listen to right now.

4. Three people who have recently been a positive influence on your life (outside of your family):

This is a really tough question. Sadly I am around a lot of negativity especially at work. I try to lead by example and be a positive force amidst all the negativity. The positive influences on my life are always my son and my husband. I find that I am the most positive influence on my life.

  • My friend Kerry who also runs. She is one of the only people I can really talk to about running and races. She is super speedy but always very encouraging to me.
  •  Arthur Boorman, the man who was told he would never walk again, but through yoga and incredible determination he is not only walking but running. If you haven’t seen the video check it out here.
  • The blogs I read are a also a positive influence. I am inspired and motivated constantly by the amazing things people are doing to improve their health and levels of fitness.

5. Three things you to do keep yourself entertained:

  • I have a 5 year old so I’m always entertained.
  • Reading books, blogs and recipe websites
  • Do something active like go for a walk or a hike.

6. Three things you’re attracted to in the opposite sex:

  • I’m attracted to my husband’s body (yes I am!!), his beautiful teeth that never saw a dentist until he moved to the U.S. and his charming smile.


7. Three things you love about yourself:

  • I am very loyal.
  • I have nice shoulders (random I know).
  • – I have a very strong work ethic.

8. The last three people who text messaged you:

  • My friend Nancy. Our sons are in school together. We were planning a coffee and chat session for tomorrow morning before the school carnival.
  • My Dad’s girlfriend, also Nancy, texted to confirm dates so I could book airline tickets for Carlos and I to visit them in Florida in July.
  • My friend and former Peace Corps site mate Amelia. I miss her even though I just saw her and her beautiful baby boy a few weeks ago when we were in Vermont.

9. Three things you’re looking forward to this week:

  • Running
  • I’m in the midst of 3 nights off and it is rainy and relaxing so far.
  • A manicure (hopefully)

10. Three wishes specifically for yourself…What are they? (Be selfish, and be honest.)

  • That my son grows up healthy, happy and successful
  • That I live long enough to meet my grandchildren and have all my wits about me as well as continued good health.
  • That my husband and I grow old together and retire to our beach property in Mozambique (it’s just a plot of land with a cement wall right now, but someday there will be a house overlooking a beautiful lagoon.)


11. Three of your favorite quotes:

  • “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” Nelson Mandela
  • “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

12. Three of your biggest fears:

  • death scares me
  • that I will always struggle with emotional eating and extra weight
  • I fear financial distress from forces outside of my control like an injury that keeps me out of work or identity theft.

13. Three of your favorite TV shows:

  • How I Met Your Mother
  • The Amazing Race (though I missed the last season. I’ll catch up online)
  • House Hunters International

14. Three of your favorite things to purchase when you’re shopping.

  • shoes
  • food (I love to grocery shop, no surprise there!)
  • beauty products

15. Three things that you enjoyed last week:

  • Watching my son’s soccer games. He scored a goal which was exciting.
  • A visit from a Peace Corps friend we haven’t seen in about a year.
  • A pedicure…finally!

16. Three things that you always have in your bag or close to you if you’re not a purse kind of person. 

  • iPhone
  • a Fruitable juice box or two for the little guy
  • minty gum

17. Three types of food that you wouldn’t want to give up.

  • Peanut butter
  • Peanut butter
  • Various other nut butters

OK fine I wouldn’t want to give up Mexican food, fruit or dark chocolate.

18. Three things you do to enjoy burning calories:

  • Running
  • Hiking
  • Zumba

19.  Three things you dislike about blogging:

  • I find it difficult to strike a balance between keeping the blog about running and making it more personal.
  • It is sometimes disappointing that it will probably always be behind the screen. Does that make sense? Probably not. I often read a blog and I think “that person would totally be my friend in real life.”
  • There are some aspects of blogging that remind me of high school. I once disagreed with a blogger in a very nonthreatening comment and I was berated by the rest of her “followers.” There seems to be a lot of ass kissing.

20.  Three ways blogging has changed your life:

  • I really love the encouragement and motivation that comes from those who stop by and comment, especially the people who do it regularly.
  • I have become less camera shy. I’m not so ashamed to show myself in pictures anymore.
  • By documenting my fitness journey I have been able to look back and see how far I’ve come. In many ways it pushes me to keep going further.

Color Me

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I haven’t run in almost two weeks. Two days after the half marathon I set out for a short run and was met with pain in the left shin again. I decided to rest it indefinitely until it feels healed and I can run with no pain or discomfort. I have been doing a lot of strength training and elliptical for cardio, but truth be told I’m miserable. As the weather improves around here I just want to run. I feel so much more productive when I’m running. My mind is clearer and my mood is calmer. I’m trying to make the best of it though.

What do I do when I can’t run? I think about running and I sign up for races. The race I signed up for today is going to be one of the most fun and most special races I’ve ever done. Carlos and I will be running our first 5K together in Boston on July 26th. We are the running duo of team Four Feet Fast (Carlos made it up!) in the Boston Color Me Rad 5K!!

If you haven’t heard about the Color Me Rad races check out the link and watch one of the videos on the site. It is guaranteed to be a blast…of color. We will be donning our whitest t-shirts at the start and by the end we will be more tie dyed than a Grateful Dead concert.

We actually have an action packed weekend that weekend of the race. The day before we are going to see the live show How to Train Your Dragon based on the movie. It sounds wild with 23 flying, fire-shooting, smoke-breathing dragons. I get to experience some very cool things alongside Carlos. Things I never realized I would enjoy until he came into my life.

With that said I’ve got some jumping to do! Orlando finally got Carlos’ birthday present from December assembled in the yard.

Trampoline Finally

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Friend Makin’ Mondays: All the Single Ladies

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If you have taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s questions on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so others can see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers by posting your own FMM post and commenting on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: All The Single Ladies (and Gents)

1. What is your current relationship status?  Are you happy with that status?  I’m married and very happy about it. I’ve been married for almost 11 years.

2. Do you find it enjoyable to take care of someone in addition to yourself, or do you prefer to be responsible only for yourself? I think anyone who knows me would say that I’m a caretaker by nature. I do like taking care of my family, but I refuse to enable people. My husband is very independent and fully capable of caring for himself. I am teaching my son to do the same. There is nothing worse than a man who needs to be cared for.

3.  What’s the most important physical characteristic in your mate/potential mate?  A nice smile.

4. What’s the most important (non-physical) characteristic in your mate/potential mate?  Loyalty tops my list.

5. Is it important to you that your significant other have the same hobbies and interests as you?  Not necessarily. I think there should at least be some willingness to try some of the activities that interests your partner. My husband isn’t a runner, but he has run a couple of races with me. I am not an avid soccer fan, but I have gone to watch games with him.

6. If you could go out on a date with a celebrity who would it be?  I would like to go out with either Bob Harper or Dolvett from the Biggest Loser. I would insist on a last chance workout!!

7. What’s your idea of a good first date?  Something that allows the opportunity for conversation like dinner, out to a park, an easy hike or just out for coffee. Honestly I’m not even sure my husband and I had a proper first date. Dating in rural Mozambique is quite a bit different from dating here in the states.

8. Are there any traits/habits that you’d consider a deal breaker?  Prior to meeting my husband I didn’t have a “type” like many of my friends, but there are of course the obvious things that should be a turn off like proven track record of infidelity, substance abuse, currently married and laziness.

9. Okay ladies…Facial Hair: Yes, or No?  My husband doesn’t seem to grow facial hair and I love him as he is so I’ll say no.

10.  Would you marry someone who is opposed to diamond engagement rings?  Yes of course. My husband is from southern Africa, a region notorious for the so called “blood diamonds.” I never cared too much about having a diamond anyway. I’d love to share my ring story but it would make this a bit too long.

11. What do you wish you could do differently in your next relationship?  A relationship is ever changing. My husband and I are constantly working on things to make our marriage better. Right now I am really making an effort to be more mindful of how hard my husband works, be more patient (in general) and stop feeling guilty when I take time for myself.

12. Is there anyone from your past that you’d like to date again now? No because I couldn’t be happier with the person I married. However, if I absolutely had to choose the only person I would ever consider dating again would be the man I dated while studying abroad in Mexico. He was extremely nice, cute and very intelligent. Once I returned to the U.S. the distance made it very difficult to continue our relationship, but for a long time I wondered…what if?

13. Describe your worst first date story ever.  I once went on a blind date. My friend and her boyfriend set it up as a double date. I was still in high school, very awkward and self-conscious. The guy was very sweet, but it was clear almost immediately that he wasn’t interested. It made for a very long and uncomfortable night.

14. Describe the perfect date with your significant other. It would be an all day date while our son is staying at my sister’s! It would start a delicious breakfast followed by a long walk or hike somewhere scenic. The afternoon would be spent by the water relaxing, swimming and boating. In the evening we would enjoy a quiet romantic dinner. -Clearly I never think about this!!

15.  Would you date someone shorter than you? I doubt it. I’m 5’2″ so it would be rather difficult to meet someone shorter.

16. Share one (or a few) bonus traits that would be fun to find in an significant other (even if they aren’t as important as other traits.)  It would be great if my husband could massage my head like my hair dresser. Also it would be a bonus if he could sew and do alterations on my clothing.

17. What’s one thing you’d like to do with a significant other that you’ve never done with another?  I would like to cook together.

18.  PDA: Yes, or No?  Not really. We are pretty low key though we do hold hands when we are on a date.

19. Do you kiss on the first date? I have but only if it felt right.

20. Who, if anyone, makes your heart flutter?  My husband! He really does even after almost 14 years together.

Lots of questions this week! Now it’s your turn to answer them!  Don’t forget to visit Kenlie’s blog and link up in the comments!  Happy Monday!!

Shelburne Spring Half Marathon

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On Saturday I completed my fourth half marathon in Shelburne, VT. The morning was very cool and overcast which is actually great running weather. I always have to get a pre-race photo with my little guy. So here we are. He is actually really mad that he can’t go play on the huge school playground behind us.

Pre-race Mommy and Carlos shot

There was enough wind to make me put my sweatshirt on at the start of the race even though I knew I would want to ditch it a few miles in. This was a very small race. They cap registration at 450 runners, but only 162 runners signed up this year. It is touted as being one of the most beautiful courses in New England. The race descriptions reads, “The course will run you through some of the area’s most picturesque scenery including a portion of Shelburne Farms, the historic Ti Trail and along Shelburne Bay. ” It was indeed a gorgeous run. It was also an incredible hilly run. I absolutely loved the mix of trail and on road running. Running alongside the lake was so tranquil. The scenery made up for the lack of spectators.

The race started promptly at 7:30. It was extremely well organized from start to finish. There was no lack of volunteer support on the course and adequate water stations. As I mentioned in my last post my plan was to enjoy the race, have fun and run safely so as not to re-injure my shin. I had no pain in my shin as the race began. I started out at a moderate pace to get my breathing under control. Soon I found my groove and I flowed nicely through the first couple of miles before the first big hill.

I never wear my Garmin when I race and there were no time clocks along the way. I felt a bit slow especially with the constant uphill climbs and minimal downhill returns. By mile 8 I was ready to tear off my sweatshirt. I was in need of fuel and there was no water station until mile 10 so I ate my Gu while walking up a steep incline. I changed my bib to the front of my T-shirt and tied my sweatshirt around my waist. That made me feel instantly better and I picked up the pace again. I’m proud to say that was the only hill I walked up.

I played some mental games between miles 9-11. I kept telling myself that it is ok not to achieve a PR (personal record) in every race. I started to feel some discomfort in my left shin, but no pain. For the last couple of miles we were on a quiet trail. I loved it so much. I felt like I was alone on a training run.  I felt my pace quicken naturally and before I knew it I was back on the road. The finish line was only about a half mile away. I turned down the drive to the finish line and as I entered the chute I saw Carlos and Orlando. As bad as I am at taking photos, my dear husband is worse!! He did manage to get this one, just as I noticed the time clock ahead.

Shelburne Half Marathon Finish Line

Tears welled up in my eyes and I felt a surge of energy rise up inside me. I bolted for the finish and crossed with a new, very unexpected PR.

Time clock as I neared the finish line

I know it’s really hard to read but if you squint and hold your computer right up to your face you might notice the 2:14. Here is what my finish looked like in numbers.

Official finish time: 2:14:47 (10:17 pace)

Overall place: 139/162

Gender placement: 85/104 females

Age group (35-39) placement:  8th out of 9

I don’t usually break down all the stats for a race, but the results page for this race made it very easy to do so. I also pulled up all of my half marathons to visualize the progression of my times. They are in order of first to last.

Hartford ING Half Marathon in 10/2010 – 2:21:49 (10:49 pace)

Old Sandwich Road Half Marathon in 6/2011 – 2:16:51 (10:27 pace)

Monson Memorial Classic Half Marathon in 11/2011 – 2:22:57 (10:55 pace) – 1st race after the broken rib saga and super hilly course so I didn’t expect to PR, but I actually did much better than I thought I would

Shelburne Spring Half Marathon 5/2012 – 2:14:47 (10:17 pace)

I am really proud of my time. Despite the shin issue I felt well trained for the race and I am pleased that the speed training I have been doing since the Disney Marathon seems to be effective. I walked around the rest of the day with a huge grin on my face. Running challenges me in a way nothing else in my life ever has. I am in awe of what my body is capable of doing. Running truly makes me feel amazing.

This was a wonderful race experience and overall a great run. Of course I also used it as an excuse to enjoy a mini family weekend getaway. We stayed in Burlington for two nights. The weather perked up as the sun came out on Saturday afternoon. It turned out to be a very pleasant and relaxing weekend.

Shelburne Half Training – Week 6 and 7

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My half marathon training came to a screeching halt as of last Sunday when I stopped all formal exercise due to left shin and ankle pain. I rested, I took my homeopathic remedies, I iced, I ate healthy and drank lots of water. I did not exercise at all on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday.  I really babied the left leg. By Wednesday I was ready for something but not running. The pain had diminished to a vague awareness that something had been sore. While Carlos was in school I went to the gym and did some upper body strength exercises as well as 20 minutes on the Arc Trainer which placed no impact on my legs. The weather was sunny and cool. I was itching to get outside so I left the gym and headed to the college for a walk around the pond. I ended up walking a very leisurely two miles while reading blogs on my phone and soaking up the sunshine. In my calendar I jotted down that I felt no pain just an awareness of sensation on the inner aspect of my left ankle. The shin actually felt fine, but I still returned home and iced my lower leg and ankle immediately.

Not wanting to push it I took Thursday off completely from exercise. By Friday I was pain free, no twinges of pain or sensations so I decided to run. I didn’t wear my Garmin. I just took off at a slow pace and I ran one full loop around the reservoir. I told myself before I set out that if I felt any discomfort or the slightest hint of pain I would stop running. It was ridiculously windy at the reservoir, but that didn’t stop me. I ran at a very comfortable pace. I was really just happy to be back out there. I walked at times because of the wind pushing at me. There seemed to be no escaping it. I felt like I was in a gigantic bowl and never once had the wind at my back.

This photo doesn't really show how windy it is, but the waves were kicking up with the wind.

After the run I went home and iced. I felt fine throughout the day and into the night at work. However, I decided to take it easy over the weekend and just do strength training and the Arc Trainer at the gym. I’ve discovered the medicine ball recently. Thanks to my Nike Training app and a Tone It Up workout posted by Errign the other day. I know it’s no big discovery but it’s new to me and I like the variation of exercises. Both Saturday and Sunday mornings were spent at the gym doing whatever I wanted except for running. I had no plan, just kind of winged it. It was a welcome change for me.

The weekend was busy but very enjoyable. On Saturday morning Orlando, Carlos and I were on clean up duty at the park where Carlos plays soccer. We raked and packed bags full of leaves and other debris still left over from the crazy fall weather last year. We returned to the field later in the day for Carlos’ soccer game. He scored his first goal and his team won!!! It was so exciting especially considering his team did not win one game last season. Carlos has been on cloud nine since, but not so much about scoring the goal. He is just really loving soccer this season. His new coach is fantastic. Many of the kids are the same and all the parents are super nice so it’s a good time at practice and the games.

My little soccer player

On Sunday Carlos and I played outside all morning into early afternoon. We played catch, cars, lounged on the grass and chit chatted. Later in the day Orlando and I walked along a local rail trail while Carlos rode his scooter. Despite the chill in the air we hit a nearby farm for local homemade ice cream on the way home. I had the honey ice cream. It was delicious. I’ve learned to order a kids size cone so I can enjoy myself without going overboard, plus I try to keep dairy to the bare minimum if possible. We were all exhausted that evening. Everyone chuckles when I tell them that my child goes to bed around 6:45-7pm most nights. It’s true but he’s also usually ready for bed by then. He sleeps really well because he is so active all day.

My precious boy...peeking in on him sleeping never gets old.

Since my longest long run throughout this training was 11 miles I woke up Monday itching to get a longish run in. I had absolutely no intentions of running a double digit run so I settled on about 7.5 miles, half of the half. Again I didn’t bring my Garmin, I just ran at a comfortable pace. I felt great throughout the run and after. I iced and took some Ibuprofen to ward off any exercise induced swelling. Perhaps it did its job or maybe I’m healed. Whatever the case I plan to take it easy the rest of the week. Today I did some strength training at the gym. Tomorrow I will do something, not sure what yet, maybe a walk while Carlos is at school or possibly a light short run. Thursday will be a rest day and Friday a walk.

I think it’s important to have goals and to strive to improve in everything you do, but not at the risk of injuring yourself permanently. I’m not an elite athlete, hell I’m not even an athlete. I cannot afford to hurt myself and risk being unable to work or care for my son. I hope to continue running comfortably for a very long time. I will always set goals and try to get better, but I assure you I will only push so far. If running has taught me anything it has taught me to listen very carefully to what my body is telling me.

Saturday morning is the half marathon in Shelburne, VT. I will be running this one for fun and with complete gratitude to my body for healing itself once again.

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Cooking Habits

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If you have taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s questions on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so others can see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers by posting your own FMM post and commenting on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Cooking Habits

1. What is your favorite meal to prepare at home?  I love preparing anything that be made in one pot or pan like a stir fry or big hearty salads. 

2. Do you like to experiment in the kitchen, or do you prefer to stick to the basics? I prefer to stick to a recipe though once I have the hang of the flavors and consistency of something I might get a little experimental. 

3. What is your favorite cookbook? The only cookbook I own is Sarah Matheny’s (aka Mama Pea) cookbook Peas and Thank You which features vegan recipes for the family. It’s fantastic. Everything I have made so far has received rave reviews especially the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls. 

4. Do you have any tricks to share that help you reach your fruits and veggies goal for the day?  I jam my smoothies chock full of spinach. I buy a huge bag of spinach at Costco and freeze half of it in a ziplock bag. I throw spinach in everything from pizza and pasta to wraps and soups. 

I keep fruits washed, cut up and accessible for all of us. I try to prepare salad fixings whenever possible to make it easy to put a salad together quickly. 

My son eats fruit but it’s like pulling teeth to get him to eat vegetables. I put a bit of spinach in his smoothies. I also chop it really small and put it on tortilla pizzas under the cheese or in a grilled cheese. I add Amazing Grass Kidz Superfood berry flavored powder to his smoothies as well. 

5. What’s the most interesting thing you made last week?  I made an arugula salad with Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn (thawed obviously!!), cherry tomatoes halved, black beans and avocado dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Simple I know, but the flavors were incredible. My husband and I dominated that salad and he licked the bowl clean.

6. How often do you watch cooking shows on TV?  I used to watch them pre-Carlos, now I don’t ever get a chance to watch TV. However, I do enjoy Roni’s Green Lite Bites videos.

7. When you’re hungry, where are you most likely to look first? The refrigerator, or the pantry? The refrigerator. I know that the healthier options are in the fridge.

8. List a few healthy staples that can always be found in your kitchen. I always have on hand nondairy milk, all natural peanut butter, rice, almonds, dates, oats, quinoa, spinach, whole grain pasta, granola bars, dry beans and canned beans.

9. Are you motivated to cook at home even when you’re eating alone? Yes definitely. This wasn’t always the case, but now I enjoy making food at home even just for myself.

10.  How often do you try new recipes? I probably try new recipes 2-3 times a week thanks to all the amazingly generous bloggers who share their recipes and gorgeous food photos. It changed my world. I went from not cooking at all to making really delicious, interesting and healthy meals. My husband was extremely receptive to the changes in our diets and he absolutely raves about my cooking. 

I use Evernote to clip recipes that interest me and I organize them in a recipes folder. Once I make a recipe in my folder it gets transferred to a new folder for taste tested recipes with any thoughts on the dish. Honestly if I didn’t work nights I would probably make something new almost every night of the week.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday. It’s a gorgeous day here. I actually enjoyed a pain free run this morning and I’m looking forward to a little game of catch with Carlos in a few minutes. On the dinner menu tonight is Tilapia, mango salsa, coconut black rice and sautéed green beans. What’s on your menu tonight?

Shelburne Half Training – Week 5

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You might notice in my workout chart that as the week goes on the running comes to a complete stop. I’m officially side lined at the moment with left leg shin pain. The issue was brought on by ice skating not running. My shins were always a little sore after ice skating, but never as badly as when I started taking ice skating lessons. I’m not going to diagnose myself and declare I have shin splints because I really don’t know. I could walk with little pain and I could even run, but the pain after running scared me enough to finally cool it. I thought the elliptical was a reasonable solution, but then the discomfort began to bother me when I wasn’t working out. So I’m currently taking a break from everything.

Date

Scheduled Workout

Actual Workout
Sunday, 4/15/12 3m with speed intervals, 15 minutes on elliptical
  • .50 warmup at 5mph
  • 6×400(7.0, 7.0, 7.1, 7.1, 7.2, 7.2)
  • Total miles = 4.10 includes warmup and 2min cool down in 45 minutes
  • Elliptical for 15 minutes – 2.10 miles
  • Some strength training
Monday, 4/16/12 5 mile pace run No workout. Went to Boston to cheer on the marathoners.
Tuesday,  4/17/12 60 minute tempo run 60 minute tempo run. 6 miles was done in about 1:01:30. I continued on and ran a total of 8 miles.
Wednesday, 4/18/12 Speed Training – 11 x 400 meters
  • 11×400 mostly at 7.0 but with some 8.0 and 7.5 thrown in on the last 3.
  • Total miles 5.10 in 54 minutes
Thursday, 4/19/12 Plyometrics Rest Day
Friday, 4/20/12 3m + strength
  • 6.55 miles on elliptical in 45 minutes
  • upper body strength exercises
  • 1.5 hours hike with Carlos
Saturday, 4/21/12 12 mile run
  • 8.70 miles on the elliptical in 1:05
  • 3.30 miles on recumbent bike in 22 min.
  • Total = 12 miles

I’m trying to look at the bright side of things. I have 11 days until the half marathon in Vermont. I feel a marked decrease in discomfort today. I am listening to my body and hopefully doing the right things to ensure a speedy recovery.

I have stopped ice skating. I was disappointed to have to cut the lessons short, but I am 100% certain that it is what initiated the problem. I hope to return to the lessons next year because I really enjoyed them and learned a lot in just a few lessons.

As with my rib injury last fall I have reached out to my local herbalist. I’m taking a Complete Tissue & Bone supplement and a calcium supplement. I’m also drinking a mineral tea 2-3 times a day. I haven’t exercised since Saturday. Today is the first day I’ve felt a real improvement. I have had almost no pain. However, I am really feeling a strange apprehension toward running. I miss it a lot. I am anxious to start running again, but there is a whisper of a voice inside of me telling me to wait a few more days. So I’m going to listen to my body.

I plan to go to the gym in the morning while Carlos is at school. There are plenty of other activities I can do without aggravating my shin. Whenever I take time off from planned exercise it is difficult to get back into it. Losing momentum seems to make me lose motivation. I think just being back at the gym tomorrow will help my mood.

If the pain was increasing with the addition of my home remedies then I would make an appointment to see my doctor and have the leg X-rayed. My goal is to be active in the most healthy way possible. I do not intend on doing anything that will cause ongoing injury or additional injuries. I welcome any comments on shin injuries, shin pain or helpful treatments.

*I am not a doctor. I am writing about my personal experience. If you are experiencing pain, running related or other, you should seek medical attention.

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Q & A

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If you have taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s questions on your own blog then add your link in the comments section at: http://www.alltheweigh.com so others can see your FMM questions and answers. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers by posting your own FMM post and commenting on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Q & A

1. Share one thing that has changed about you since you began blogging.  I’ve discovered a genuine network of support and encouragement which has motivated me to continue setting fitness goals and keep trying to accomplish my weight loss goals.

2. If you were forced to give up chocolate or potato chips for an entire year which one would you choose to live without? I don’t eat potato chips so that would be the easier of the two to give up, but realistically I should give up chocolate. I really love chocolate.

3. What’s more attractive?  A man in a suit, or a man in uniform?  I love a man in uniform! However, my husband does clean up quite nicely when he has to wear a suit.

4. If you could be a guest star on a reality show which one would it be? The Amazing Race. My husband and I would make a great team plus we have a cool story of how we met and we tend to disagree about things like directions and instructions which would lend just the right amount of bickering to the show.

5. What is the last meal that you prepared for yourself?  Rice and beans Mozambican style.

6. Is your hair colored, or is it natural?  I started going gray at age 25 so my hair is colored as closely to my natural color as possible.

7. If you could leave town today and go anywhere, where would you go? Anywhere would be fine! I always love visiting Mozambique. Life is slower there. I can actually shut myself off to technology and relax.

8. Do you prefer to exercise at the gym, at home or outside? I prefer to run outside, do strength training at the gym and the occasional work out DVD at home. If I could only do one it would be outside.

9. Have you ever asked someone out on a date?  No, but my husband would disagree and say I pursued him. He lies!

10. How many cups of coffee do you drink on an average day? I only drink coffee at work and usually I drink 2 small cups per shift.

11. Do you pack lightly, or do you over pack?  Well b.c. (before Carlos) I packed lightly. When my husband and I go away just the two of us we strive to bring only one carry on each and are usually successful. This is very rare though. Generally we are traveling with Carlos and packing lightly is nearly impossible. First it was diapers, wipes and formula and now it’s electronics, gigantic stuffed bunny and a million changes of clothing because boys get dirty very quickly! I keep trying to pare it down though.

12. What color are your nails now?  Clear polish in need of a manicure. Light pink on toes in desperate need of a pedicure.

13. If you could have lunch with one notable (living) person who inspires you who would it be?  This is the most difficult question for me. I am inspired by so many amazing people. I am particularly inspired by young people who are motivating change in their communities and beyond. I would have lunch with any one of the kids mentioned on the Kids Are Heroes website including its organizer 13 year old MaryMargaret who launched the website in 2008 with the help of her Dad, Gabe.

14. Who is your favorite professional athlete? Papi David Ortiz! Go Red Sox!!

15. Gum or mints?  Mints. I really hate hearing people chew loudly so I try not to offend. If offered I will take a piece of gum because I worry the person is trying to tell me something. Gum on a plane is a must also.

16. Have you ever eaten crawfish? Yes in Mozambique they have giant crawfish (though I called them crayfish and after a few google searches learned they are essentially the same thing).

17. List one or more human characteristics that are a complete turn-off.  Just one?! Laziness is at the top of my list. Move it!

18.  What is your favorite season? I adore fall. I love the smells, the colors and the cool crisp air.

19. Do you prefer to shake hands or hug?  I’m very affectionate with my husband and son, but outside of family I prefer to shake hands.

20. Can you quote lines from Saved by the Bell from memory?  If so, what’s your favorite?  No I never  remember lines from anything. I admit that I did watch the show.

Biggest Twist

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I’m only 5 minutes into the most recent episode of the Biggest Loser and I want to punch the TV. Ooohh yes I am actually watching it on the TV instead of the computer. My husband just left to go to Home Depot, Carlos is in bed and I realized I hadn’t yet seen Biggest Loser this week. The sofa is all mine right now.

Anyway, what is the deal with these people? They are all pissed off that previously sent home contestants are returning to compete for a spot in the final three. They actually had to bring in a lawyer to review the contract signed by all contestants. Of course the contract made provisions for such a twist in the show.

The show is known for its twists and turns. Ultimately it is a game. The final five contestants don’t think it’s right that they worked so hard to get to this place and they don’t think it’s fair that they should have to go up against people who had the same chance but blew it. I get it, sort of, but at the same time these people were given an opportunity of a lifetime to lose weight, get healthy and come to terms with what caused them to gain the weight in the first place. Game or no game, at the end of this everyone wins if they have accomplished significant weight loss.

These people have made it to the final five and two of them just left the ranch. WTF?! I have never seen such whiny, entitled people in my life and believe me in my line of work I see a lot of whiny, entitled people. It’s been like this all season. When they had to switch trainers there was so much bitching and moaning it was almost unbearable to watch. In the real world you’re lucky if you can afford a trainer.

Oh what I wouldn’t give for 2 weeks on that ranch. Seriously it would be just enough to kick my butt into gear. I would do whatever Bob and Dolvett wanted me to do! In fact I would welcome the opportunity to pull an SUV around the ranch. Bring it Bob and Dolvett!!

The finale is only two weeks away. I have been very uninspired this season. There has been too much bickering, game playing and drama. If I had to vote for someone to win right now I would have to vote for Kim, the former professional wrestler. She has worked very hard each week. Damn girl lost 15 pounds this week to weigh in at 147! Amazing.

Clearly I have strong feelings about this tonight. If you watch the show feel free to share your feelings in the comments.