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October 31, 2006
Balmy Halloween
I must say, I've never had candy bars thrown at me before on Halloween, but that's what just happened on my walk home. Kids today, I tell you...but I just tried to mind my own business and keep walking. I like the candy part of Halloween, but not the let's-go-crazy part.
In any case, my walk TO the bus was much more calm. It was already very warm and I laughed (inside) at all the people I saw wearing scarves and heavy coats. Don't they read the weather? I dropped my stuff off in my locker and then went for my run. Thinking about how my leg was feeling for the first few minutes depresses me, so I'll just say it took me a while to warm up. Eventually I got into a good rythym and ran over the Key Bridge and out and back on the Custis Trail in Virginia. I came back and ellipticalled as usual.
I don't think my hamstring is getting worse, but clearly something is still going on in there and it is probably affecting my stride. I am stretching and stretching and strengthening and hoping something will finally help. Considering that weeks and weeks of just swimming didn't help it, I'm reluctant to give up running again. It is something biomechanical and I am trying to trust the exercises Barb has given me. But I hate getting up from sitting at my desk and noticing that my hamstring is super-tight.
I did a few new stretches when I was lifting at the gym tonight so we'll see if that makes a difference. Cross your fingers...and Happy Halloween!
Posted by becky at 8:24 PM | Comments (1)
October 30, 2006
Another Monday
As predicted, it was much easier to wake up and walk down to the bus this morning with the sun already out (or at least almost out) than it was in the dark. That didn't mean I was awake, but it helped. I was going to run today but I decided as I was walking that I would just cross train and run tomorrow and hopefully Thurs. and Sat. My Brooklyn summer running partner, T., also recently returned to running after some injuries and sickness, will be here this weekend for work and has proposed a Sat. morning run, so I am shooting for that this week. Thus, I found myself on the elliptical today. Nothing too exciting to report; I did my usual thing of allowing myself to read for about half the workout. I did see a girl who I could have sworn I noticed running Marine Corps yesterday who was pounding on the treadmill. Although I have been known to run the day after marathons, there is no way I could keep up that pace. So I hope I was just confused (or jealous??)
Let's see, what else...My day was fine. It was very warm (and supposed to be in the mid-70s tomorrow) so it felt nice to walk around at lunchtime. Ironically, I got my first bloody nose of the fall season today. I went through a period years ago where I had terrible nosebleeds all the time and the only thing that helped was having it cauterized. Since then it's been a few times a year, generally right around the time of the season when the heat gets turned on. It's not a big deal since my years of experience have taught me all the tricks to make it stop.
I lifted tonight but I think the time change made me hungrier than usual and I felt like I was rushing to get it done. Now it's almost bedtime but I am glad to have a little while to relax, at least!
Posted by becky at 9:54 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2006
Wishing I was out there
I was glad to have the extra hour this morning because I got up early to ride my trainer so I would be all done in time to catch the leaders at the 6-mile mark of the Marine Corps Marathon. I would rather have ellipticalled, but the gym doesn't open that early. I watched a silly movie where Reese Witherspoon's character has to figure out a way to convince her family not to pull the plug on her comatose self, and it was mildy entertaining.
Matt and I walked about 3/4 of a mile to the closest part of the marathon to our apartment. I ran MCM twice (in 2000 and 2001) but I don't remember if the course was exactly the same then as it is now. In any case, we were standing at the spot on Rock Creek Parkway where the runners make a sharp turnaround and head back down the Parkway and downtown. They literally have to go around a cone, which turned out to be most treacherous for the wheelchair racers and the lead vehicle, which was--don't ask why--one of those stupid duck tour boats. It was ridiculous and it almost took us out as it tried to negotiate the turn!
I ran into someone else from my club down there who I hadn't seen for awhile, so we caught up. I didn't know too many people running but it was fun to see the leaders and yell out for the club people and top locals who I can still recognize. Once it started to get really crowded, we headed back, since it was nearly impossible to pick anyone out. Interestingly, I recognized the lead woman as someone I met through my club back in 1999--she has since become a really good triathlete, I think--and just looked her up to find out she was on pace for a 2:59 at 23.5 miles but didn't make it to the finish. That sucks! I hope she's okay.
It was fun to watch the race but of course it made me wish I could be out there, too. It's amazing--I feel so far removed from the person I was only a few months ago, someone who took it for granted that there would be a marathon each season to run. Then again, I'm sure I will have more marathons in my future.
I did some body circuit stuff this afternoon and attempted to bike, but ran out of energy so I read my book instead. Speaking of energy, I must go get things ready for dinner as we have a few friends coming over!
Posted by becky at 6:14 PM | Comments (0)
October 28, 2006
Short day
It was really nice to sleep in this morning, although I woke up with a start at about 7 and couldn't figure out why my alarm hadn't gone off yet! I fell back to sleep for another hour or so and then got ready for today's workout: running and biking. I was trying to think of somewhere mostly flat that I could run from my apartment, but everything is pretty much up and then down or the other way around. I ended up going uphill for awhile (sucking wind) and then coming back down. My hamstring felt okay today, although it's tight again now. I felt stronger cardio-wise (at least after crawling up the hill) but I just wish my legs/hamstrings were completely back to normal.
I biked for about an hour (watching one of my favorite shows, Felicity) when I came home. I couldn't stand much more than that due to a combination of hunger and sore butt. I was also really hot--the weather changed from cool and rainy last night to warm and humid this morning (and now it is sunny but windy.)
We did some chores around the house and then took a walk to get some lunch, and now I am about to get ready to go to a fancy benefit for our cancer center. My boss and our intern and I are working the press table. I have to get all gussied up because this is a black-tie event. I'm lucky because it is at a hotel only about a 5-minute walk from our apartment. I'll definitely be wearing sneakers for the walk down there!
Posted by becky at 4:01 PM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2006
Fast Friday
Now that it is almost over, I can say that today went by really quickly. I thought it would be raining when I woke up, but it wasn't, so I was able to get to the gym without getting wet like I did everytime I went outside again throughout the rest of the day! Today was an elliptical day. I felt like my hamstring had loosened up somewhat and ellipticalling didn't bother it at all. I did some "hill" intervals for about half the workout and then read for the rest of the time. This week's book is particularly silly, but it's a good mindless read, I guess. I wish we could download audio books from our library here in D.C., like other people who live in Boston can. Although I just read that the D.C. library system is getting an update starting next year, so it's not hopeless!
I had lots of stuff going on at work so my day flew by, which is always particularly good on a Friday, as I'm sure I've said before. After work I went to meet Matt up near his office in Bethesda, partially because there is an Apple store there too. I begrudgingly purchased an iPod Nano to replace my big (30G, I think it was) photo iPod that just died. Everyone who has an iPod agrees: they are great and you get hooked, but they break a lot. Actually, I've had the best luck with my oldest one. It's three years old and doing great (Matt uses it now.)
We are both beat so I am going to set up my iPod to charge and then head to bed. Happy XC conference/Marine Corps Marathon weekend!
Posted by becky at 10:51 PM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2006
A decent run
I sucked it up and wore tights (half-tights, also known as capris but I hate that term) this morning for my run because Barb mentioned yesterday that I should be careful about my hamstring in the "cold." I was surprised that I didn't get too hot, actually. It wasn't quite as windy as it has been the past couple of days, but it was still on the chilly side, especially before the sun was fully out. My run started out uphill (a hill I have always hated, even before I was out of shape) and then I looped back to campus via my old friend, the Glover-Archibold Trail. My running partners and I ran there several times a week back in the day but I haven't wanted to try an uneven/rocky trail until today--I was feeling bold. I felt awkward and clompy on the trail, but I was able to maintain my (not fast) pace without too much trouble, which was good.
I could feel that my hamstring was looser immediately when I started running. Unfortunately it started to tighten up again when I was almost done and that tightness has lasted throughout the day. I tried to stretch as much as I could before I got on the elliptical (after I ran) but nothing seemed to help. It's not any worse than it has been, but because I am so sensitive to any potential for pulling on those tendons around the back of the knee, I'm worried.
I got in a decent lifting session at lunchtime, but I still didn't do a whole lot of the lower-body stuff. Squats don't bother my hamstring, though, and I'm already feeling stronger after doing those for a few weeks. It was nice to get everything out of the way so that I could run some errands tonight.
Speaking of tonight, I am in the middle of cooking dinner so I must get back to that!
Posted by becky at 7:57 PM | Comments (1)
October 25, 2006
My flexibility is improving
It was chilly and dark again this morning when I woke up but I got to drive today so it wasn't too bad! I even got a parking spot close to work (and the gym)--of course, parking in Georgetown means paying the meter all day, but I only do it once or twice a week. Anyway, I had a good elliptical workout today. After trying about 3 different machines that appeared to be broken or lacking a power source, I finally found one that worked. I knew I would finish my book if I read the whole time, so I just listened to music until I was about halfway done and then rewarded myself.
My hamstring was tight at first and then loosened up, which is pretty typical. I saw Barb and told her I was worried about the tightness. She assessed my flexibility and felt around in my hamstring and said that that's exactly what it is--tightness--and not another or a re-injury. She did some work on my hamstring in the exact spot where it hurts and said to keep stretching as much as possible. I was surprised to hear that she thinks my hamstring flexibility has improved "dramatically" since I was first injured. I've never been very flexible to begin with, so I was glad to hear it...and glad that Barb thinks I can keep running a few days a week.
I lifted tonight but did less of the lower body work (at Barb's suggestion) to see if that makes a difference in the tightness. The problem is that I've been adding in a lot of stuff lately so I'm not sure exactly what's good for me and what isn't--but I'm working on figuring that out.
My project tonight is to do some research on iPods since the hard drive on mine just died (just over a year after I got it, and it was a wedding present from a friend who passed away last October). I still have my Shuffle, but I like walking around with all of my music, or at least most of it. Apple gets you hooked on the iPod and then you just have to replace them when they break...predictable!
Posted by becky at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2006
Relatively well-rested
I did get to bed early (for me) last night, and I felt much more alert when I woke up. It was still pretty windy outside when I left for the bus and I was walking extra-fast to keep warm. I had a run planned and I wondered if I had brought enough clothes. (I think I am less tough than I was in Boston.) I ended up wearing the wind pants I wore to walk to the bus over my shorts for the run. They kept me warm, but I got really chapped legs from the sweat and the fabric (not to mention the wind). I can't win!
So the run...my upper hamstring seems to be getting tighter again as I am running more (and maybe a little bit faster, although it doesn't seem that way). Foam rolling and stretching don't seem to do anything, and obviously four months of not running didn't do much either. I don't feel it in the back of my knee when I am running, but it is starting to get tight enough so that I am worried that my old pain will come back. I will ask Barb to focus exclusively on that for a couple of weeks, but I am sort of tired of paying for PT if I'm not really getting better. I can tell that the knot in my hamstring needs to be released...but how? I actually got a suggestion of acupuncture today, which reminded me that I did that for my achilles a couple of years ago. But I'm not convinced that was what really helped me get over that injury--I think it was being forced to take time off because Matt was recovering from his appendectomy. I would be willing to try it again if it was covered by insurance, though, so I'm looking into it. In the meantime, I'm sitting on a heating pad as I type this since that has helped loosen up my hamstrings in the past.
On my little run today, I found a new trail, although I'm not sure how safe it is or how long it goes. It runs between a road and the path along the canal--it's a grassy trail that has clearly been used recently as indicated by the well-worn rut, but I didn't see anyone even walking their dog. But it was pretty early in the morning. If I ever do a long run again, I will incorporate it into a route I really like.
I lifted tonight but didn't do as much of the leg/hip strengthening stuff because I'm worried that those exercises are bothering my hamstring. I wish I could figure it out! Anyway, that's all for tonight. I am going to get some stuff done, stretch, and try to go to bed at a reasonable hour again. Two nights in a row would be a minor miracle!
Posted by becky at 9:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2006
Need to sleep
Today was a sleepy day. It was hard to get out of bed, hard to keep my eyes open on the bus and hard to force myself into the cold pool. I felt okay once I actually got in, but I didn't have very much energy and I was just kind of counting down the minutes until my alarm beeped. When it finally did, I jumped into the diving well for a little bit of pool running and that was it. I was very glad to get in the shower and "relax" in there for a few minutes.
I started drinking my usual cup of coffee--which I really needed--and it tasted weird for some reason. I was paranoid that the milk I put in was bad or something, so I dumped it. About 2 hours later, I was regretting that decision, big time. I was so sleepy and that feeling pretty much persisted to the end of the day, despite a few walks outside where it was chilly.
Needless to say, I was not feeling too hot in the gym later on. I wanted to go because I hadn't had a chance to lift this weekend, but it was kind of futile. I did a couple of things, but that was about it.
I'm finally home and planning to go to bed as soon as I finish up everything I need to do!
Posted by becky at 8:30 PM | Comments (0)
October 22, 2006
Tourists in our old home
Today was a running day for me, but I didn't have anywhere too exciting to go since we stayed in a hotel in the 'burbs with my parents. We've actually stayed there many times before in my lifetime, so I have done enough runs there to know where to go. I was a little nervous because my hamstring has been so tight, but the truth is it bothers me more walking around than running (let's hope it stays that way.) My biggest complaint on my 30-minute run was that I got my butt kicked by some big hills and was really tired during the last few minutes. It was also in the 40s, so I was pretty cold at first (but liked it.) When I finished my run I rode the recumbent bike in the hotel fitness room while my dad ellipticalled and sang loudly to his iPod music next to me. I really don't care for recumbent bikes but sometimes you just have to make do.
Matt and I joined my family (including my cousins and grandparents) for breakfast at another (nearby) hotel. This weekend was the Head of the Charles crew races, and there were a lot of tall, muscular athletes eating breakfast there, too! I was impressed by their appetites, which judging from their plates seemed to rival mine :)
We took a few family pictures outside the hotel after breakfast and then everyone headed off. My parents and sister drove back to New York, my grandparents went home and my aunt and uncle and cousins went on a Boston Harbor tour. Matt and I weren't sure what to do, but it was a beautful day so we decided to park near our old apartment and walk to Harvard Square and then down to the river to see some of the crew races. It turned out to be really fun. Neither one of us had ever been to Head of the Charles (unless you count running by) so we felt like real tourists.
Alison ran down to meet up with us a little later in the afternoon. She had just come from the Mayor's Cup races at Franklin Park so she filled me in on those and then we spent the next couple of hours catching up and of course talking about running. It was good to see her and I think we both had fun.
Now we're back in DC catching up on email (Matt) and marathon results (me). It was a fun weekend and made me very nostalgic for Boston (Matt too). Although we seem to be able to get along pretty well in whatever city we are in!
Posted by becky at 9:53 PM | Comments (0)
October 21, 2006
Fall day with friends and family
I woke up early this morning to fit in a workout since I knew there wasn’t a chance I’d have time later. I rode my trainer, pretty much my only option at 5am! I watched an old episode of Chicago Hope to keep myself occupied and it worked well enough. My knee niggle didn't bother me on the bike but I feel it walking up stairs a bit. I stretched as well as I could in the five extra minutes I had between getting off the bike and running into the shower...you do what you can.
After a little bit of traffic, long security lines and getting all my liquids and gels confiscated again, Matt and I made our flight by the skin of our teeth. (As Matt likes to say, we believe in the "just in time" philosophy.) I used the hour on the plane to sleep and then we rented a car and drove to my grandparents' synogogue in Medford where they were having a reception in honor of my grandfather's 85th birthday this week. It was great to give my grandparents hugs after not seeing them for all these months!
We stayed at the reception for an hour or so and then we headed to our next destination: my Boston running partner Mary's new house on the North Shore. It was great to see her (and meet her adorable new baby, Niamh) and her husband and get a tour of their cool 18th century farmhouse. We took a walk to the town center and a clam festival and it really felt like a perfect New England fall day, especially with the beautiful foliage around.
Our next stop was another town on the North Shore where we popped in to see my college roommate. She was preparing for a party for her fiance's 30th birthday that evening but we hung out for a bit and it was nice to catch up since we don't see each other much anymore.
Eventually we made our way back to the hotel where my parents and sis are staying, dropped off our bags and went to the second party of the day, a dinner birthday party for my grandfather. It was really nice and I think he enjoyed himself a lot. I spent most of the evening catching up with my sister, but I also got to see some family that I hadn't seen in a long time. I would write more about the party but I'm exhausted! Good night and good luck to Chicago marathoners!
Posted by becky at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Dead legs this morning
It was so dark and drizzly this morning, but the loud crying coming from the baby in the apartment below us was waking me up anyway. I stayed up kind of late last night watching the end of the Mets game since it could have gone either way until the ninth inning. Although Matt is a much bigger baseball fan than I am, I was much more interested in the playoffs because while he is a loyal Yankee fan, I was just hopeful that any team from New York would make it to the World Series again. (And I had my first crush on one of the 1986 Mets, so I guess there are some leftover loyalties.)
I probably should have gone swimming today. But I'm trying to run every other day now and I would like to run Sunday while I'm staying at a hotel that I've heard through the family grapevine has a crappy gym. Less time in a crappy gym is always good. So I ran today. I think my legs were heavy from doing lunges and other weight-bearing stuff yesterday--whatever the reason, they felt like crap. This is the first "bad run" I've had since I've been having better runs--if that makes sense--so I am just paranoid that I am getting injured again. But mostly I think I'm just sore. It's my hamstrings that ae particularly sore, which is what makes me nervous.Nothing hurt when I came back and did the rest of my workout on the elliptical, and tomorrow I will just ride my trainer so maybe that will give my legs a little bit of a break.
We are going to Boston tomorrow morning for the weekend. This trip has been planned since before we left Boston--it is my grandfather's 85th birthday. I am very excited to see my grandparents after all this time as well as my parents and sister and some other family that will be coming for the party. Matt and I are also hoping to sneak in some time with our Boston friends who we miss very much!
I'm not sure if I am going to bring my laptop on our trip, but I will do my best! Happy weekend to all.
Posted by becky at 2:50 PM | Comments (0)
October 19, 2006
Draggy day
I slept well last night, but I have been tired all day. I haven't been getting that MUCH sleep, which probably accounts for the fatigue! I probably should have forced myself to swim this morning, but sometimes when I'm tired, ellipticalling is inexplicably more appealing than swimming. Plus, I'm pretty into my latest library book (Once Upon a Day by Lisa Tucker) and I have fully perfected the art of reading on the elliptical. So that's what I did. I realized right when I started that I had forgotten to leave the TV on the right channel to tape ER tonight. I ran back to my locker to grab my phone to catch Matt before he left but I don't get reception anywhere in the gym. I guess I'll just have to read the recap (we have a Cornell alumni happy hour tonight and will probably grab a bit to eat after that so I'm not sure when I'll be home.)
I lifted at lunch, although it was more body circuit stuff than actual lifting. I'm enjoying being able to mix up my routine a little. I am absolutely horrible at lunges, squats, all the single leg things but I relish the challenge!
Everything else is status quo, at least for the moment. I'm running off to do some errands before meeting Matt downtown (where I haven't been in ages since I don't work near there) for the aforementioned Cornell event. More tomorrow!
Posted by becky at 5:21 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2006
An actual loop
It was still humid this morning when I left. Very muggy--probably the most uncomfortable weather I've run in since I started running again. (Not like the summer, but I wasn't really doing any running this summer.) Anyway, I had a 30-minute run planned and I was stymied about where to go because there are several factors working against me in terms of route planning:
1) I just moved back here after 2 years away
2) I am running from Georgetown, a place I used to pass in the middle of runs
3) I am slow/not sure about pace
4) I can't go too far
5) I can't go on too many hills
Number 5 is impossible, but I do my best. I was surprised that I actually did a loop today that worked out pretty well time-wise. I stretched my hip well before I started and it didn't bother me. I felt pretty decent and even passed a slow-moving threesome on the canal! (I'll take the small victories.)
I went to Barb at lunchtime and she did a little work on my hamstring but mostly spent the time showing me some strengthening exercises for my hips and core. I wrote them down so I would remember but I am already forgetting them! I will do my best to incorporate them into my daily routine--or at least every other day.
I lifted tonight and overheard a conversation between two tennis teammates concerned about a third teammate's weight loss. I knew who they were talking about immediately because I have seen a very skinny girl with a tennis bag at the gym. All I can say is, I think eating disorders among cpeople ollege athletes are way more common than people assume.
That's it for me, I've got some chores to do...
Posted by becky at 8:35 PM | Comments (1)
October 17, 2006
Gloomy weather again
I feel like we've had about one rainy day a week lately. Not that I mind, really--I like the rain and I'd rather have rainy days spaced out than in a row. It was drizzling but humid (at least according to my internal barometer) when I left this morning. Matt was up early, too, because he was going to Boston for the day for work. That made getting out of bed in the dark a lot easier!
My workout was fine. I did a little bit of core stuff yesterday and I expected to be sore, but I wasn't! Must do more of that. Anyway, today I mostly ellipticalled and then biked with the rest of the time I had. I read the whole time so it wasn't too bad. The gym seemed really hot today, though, so I felt kind of gross in that respect.
Nothing much else to report--I lifted tonight as usual and I hurried through my routine because I was really hungry. Matt's on his way back from Boston so it's just me and the mice hanging out. (No dead ones today, at least that I've seen.) It is supposed to be near 80 degrees for the next couple of days so I'm off to pull the summer clothes back out!
Posted by becky at 8:50 PM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2006
First 'non-stop' run
It was quite chilly walking to the bus this morning. I was thinking how much better it was to be a little cold than burning hot like I was in July when I first started work! But the combination of running outside again--even a little--and the cooler, lately windy weather has made my hands all cracked and dry. So there are good things about humidity, I guess!
I dropped my stuff off in my locker and headed out for my scheduled 25-minute run, the first one without walking breaks. I tried to avoid hills but when you start from Georgetown, it's pretty much impossible. I felt okay cardio-wise today but my hip/groin bothered me. I am pretty sure that I need to strengthen my hips and core to work on this chronic problem--and I will check that when I see Barb next--so I'm going to do some research on the best way to do that. It is clearly a problem with my stride as this isn't an overuse injury!
It was freezing in our office suite today, so that made the day feel longer than it was. I sat outside in the sun at lunch reading, and that helped a little bit (but it was also so nice out there that I didn't want to come back in!). I expected to be cold walking home after lifting since I only had shorts to put on, but it seems to have gotten kind of muggy. I think it is supposed to rain.
I've spent way too much of this entry talking about body temperature and weather! The other exciting news of the day is that I came home to find a dead mouse. I guess a dead one is better than an alive one. Our townhouse is still in the "trapping" process of getting rid of our mice. Next they will seal up all of our entry points and see if we can solve the problem for good--I can't wait!
Posted by becky at 9:07 PM | Comments (0)
October 15, 2006
Sunday swim
I got a lot of sleep this weekend, which is probably a good thing! I wasn't in a huge hurry to get to the gym this morning because I had plans to meet a friend at her house in Virginia for lunch, so it was going to be easier to go directly from Georgetown. I eventually made it there and swam. I didn't feel particularly good today and the time really dragged. I swam for close to an hour and then pool ran for a little while. All in all it was a decent workout, but nothing too great.
I met my friend (who I actually met back when I first moved here when I joined my track club) at her house and met her new baby and marveled at how big her other one is getting. We went to lunch at a shopping center nearby and it was really fun to catch up. Since she is just getting back to running after having her baby, we hope that we can help each other get back into shape. (I'm not nearly ready to run with anyone, but maybe in a few weeks.)
After lunch I spent a couple of hours shopping, mostly looking for a dress for a black-tie event I have for work in a couple of weeks. I did find one--not an amazing find, but it will do.
I had hoped to either lift or ride my trainer when I got home this evening but we decided to eat an early dinner and I'm feeling less and less inclined to do so as I sit on the couch! Oh, well, that's what tomorrow is for!
Posted by becky at 7:24 PM | Comments (0)
October 14, 2006
Finally feeling more like myself
I'm glad to report that finally, finally, I felt a little more like my old self on my run today. It was still slow, of course, but it was as if things were working better. Hopefully everything I've been doing has finally been working to get myself back into running shape, or else it was just a fluke that I felt pretty good this morning!
The weather certainly helped. It was chilly but bright and sunny. I optimistically wore a long sleeve t-shirt but took it off after five minutes (or less.) There were a lot of people out walking, shopping, doing their Saturday morning routine and it was nice to have "company" instead of being inside the gym where everyone is staring at TVs. I am still only doing 30 minutes (today it was 20/10 with a 2-minute walking break that turned into mostly standing at a light) so I've got a long way to go, but I was happy to be out there.
I rode my trainer while watching my tape of ER from the other night (and some other mindless TV when that was over.) Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who still watches ER (well, Mary does too) but I do like it!
Matt and I did some cleaning up around here, then some errands and came back to sit in the sun and read. About 5 minutes after we got outside, the sun started to fade behind the building to the west of us. It got kind of cold so we moved inside. I was going to lift or do something like that, but I took a nap instead.
Tonight we're going to watch a movie On Demand. Gotta go help with dinner!
Posted by becky at 7:20 PM | Comments (3)
October 13, 2006
Almost the weekend
[I ended last night's entry saying I was looking forward to watching my shows. The second Grey's started, I could see an appendicitis storyline coming. Those of you who know me probably remember that I am sort of phobic about this condition, even after Matt had it while in an airplane and survived. So I was less than pleased that one of my favorite shows toyed with my one of my deepest fears.]
Today was another quick day. In fact, I left in such a rush that I locked my keys inside our apartment! It was okay, though, because the door locked behind me and I knew I would meet up with Matt later. I decided to elliptical today because I hadn't in a few days and I really wanted to read my book! It wasn't even that hot in the gym, because it was pretty chilly outside (I loved it!) so I had a good workout. The only thing that bothered my was the fact that I kept accidentally pressing the reset button on the machine when I held on to the sides of my book!
Not much to report about the rest of my day. It was fine and I ate lunch outside in the sun, which was nice. Tonight Matt and I met at a friend's apartment for a Shabbat potluck. We met some new people and had a nice time. I am really tired right now and looking forward to sleeping in a bit tomorrow. Happy NCAA Pre-nationals weekend!
Posted by becky at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2006
A very quick day
I feel like today went by very quickly. I swam this morning, even though I just started a new book and I really wanted to read it. My arms felt heavier than they did on Tuesday when I swam, but usually the second swim after not swimming for a few weeks is harder than the first (if that makes sense.) I was sharing a lane with someone not that much faster than me but enough faster to annoy me. And she was in there forever, barely stopping to take any breaks. (I'm a fan of breaks, if I have a little bit of extra time.) The diving well was free this morning, so I spent an extra few minutes (<20) after my swim pool running, just to loosen up the legs.
I had a lot to do today at work but I fit in lifting at lunch because I love getting it done and having extra time in the evening at least once a week. (I got a hair cut with the extra time tonight.) While I was walking to the gym from my office, a bunch of fighter planes roared past my head (or, at least it felt like that.) Planes landing at National Airport fly over Georgetown constantly, but I haven't seen fighter jets since the days after 9/11. Apparently it was some sort of Homeland Security drill, but I don't watch the news so I had no idea. (And from the looks on their faces, neither did anyone else walking outside at that point!)
It was still humid this morning, so I dressed for summer as usual. But tonight it got really windy and cold and I was freezing walking home. It is stuffy in the apartment tonight but I don't even mind. I love the onset of cooler temps, especially on a night that I plan to curl up on the couch watching my medical shows anyway!
Posted by becky at 8:21 PM | Comments (0)
October 11, 2006
Seeing the sunrise
Although today ended up being a cloudy day, I had the good fortune to see the prettiest part of the day, the sunrise. I dropped my stuff off at the gym and did my run (15/15) on the C&O Canal. Normally, I hate the canal, but for now, when I'm supposed to keep things pretty flat, it's perfect. Georgetown's campus is on a pretty big hill, so when I headed down to the canal, I had a great view of streaks of orange and red across the sky. (I also had a sinking feeling that I wasn't going to be able to make it back up the hill!)
The run was okay. I felt pretty stiff especially in the hip area. All my cross-training has kept me in good cardio shape, but my legs aren't ready to keep up. Actually, I saw Barb today and she mentioned that is how it is supposed to be; she wants me to make sure I'm not running more than 3x a week and avoiding hills. (It's hard to avoid them when I run in my neighborhood, but I'll do my best.) She concurred that my upper hamstring is super-tight and actually had the chiropractor in their practice adjust my hip. Who knows if that will help, but hopefully it can't hurt.
I biked after I ran. I was already pretty sweaty since it was considerably humid out and I was gross after I got off the bike. But I hardly noticed because I was so into my book (The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult). Her books are predictable but I still get hooked! I finished tonight on the elliptical and then went to the library to get another one.
Tonight I had a chance to catch up with a good friend from Cornell who now lives in California. She had a baby in the spring and is now back in great running shape...something to aspire to, at least the getting back into shape part!
Matt is away tonight and tomorrow night on recruiting trips, so I am trying not to think about the fact that I'm alone with the mice. At least it is almost time for my favorite guilty-pleasure MTV show, Laguna Beach!
Posted by becky at 9:32 PM | Comments (1)
October 10, 2006
Week off to a quick start
Four-day weeks always seem to go by quickly at the beginning of the week. So this morning I woke up and thought, It's Tuesday already! I had promised myself I would swim instead of ellipticalling, and to the pool I went. There was a lot going on--swim team practice took up most of the lanes and there was some sort of kayaking class in the diving well so I couldn't have done any pool running if I had wanted to. But I found a lane to split and dutifully did my laps. I'm sure I've gotten slower since my heavy swimming period in the summer, but cardiovascularly I was fine. I stayed in there for about an hour and then I just couldn't take it anymore. I was amazed by the girl next to me who was in there when I got in and got out only a few minutes before I did.
Work was busy as I have a once-a-month deadline approaching. It was so warm and sunny outside that I took my book and sandwich outside during lunch. I didn't want to go back in!
After work I lifted. While I was briefly biking, I noticed a very skeletal girl on a bike in front of me. It was hard to look at her because the bone in the back of her neck was sticking out in a way that looked painful. She happened to be doing abs on the mat next to mine and I tried not to look, but I couldn't help it. She was talking on her cell phone a lot which made me think, She obviously has people in her life who care about her, so why don't they help her? I don't mean to sound all self-righteous, but it just upsets me to see someone so obviously suffering.
So that's my lecture for tonight. Good night!
Posted by becky at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
October 9, 2006
Am I running at altitude?
I felt like I was huffing and puffing up a hill this morning so loudly that everyone around could hear me. Luckily, there weren't too many people around! I slowwwly powered my way through a big hill in the zoo and rewarded myself choosing to go back down it instead of making a loop. Today's run was 3 x 12 minutes. No major complaints; just the usual stuff. My back-of-knee weirdness only bothers me when I contort myself into certain positions, but just to be safe I will swim tomorrow and give it a little time to settle down. I'm also pretty sure that it's lingering because of the remaining knot in my hamstring. I have an appointment with Barb on Wednesday and hopefully she can get it loosened up a bit. I am even willing to go to PT more than once a week again if I can tell that it is gettting better. The good thing is that it does not hurt when I run (knock on wood).
When I finished my run, I rode my trainer. I was flipping channels and came across an E! True Hollywood Story on "The Capitol Murders"--Chandra Levy's case and a couple of other unsolved mysteries of young brunettes killed in my neighborhood between 1998 and 2001. Lovely! I just could not tear myself away.
I had the day off today for Columbus Day, but Matt didn't. I did a little bit of work in the morning and then I went shopping, but unfortunately I didn't find much of anything. I am hesitant to buy too much now anyway because I feel like my body has lost its "runner shape" and I am optimistic that it will return when I get back to running full-time. I kind of have to believe that or I will drive myself crazy. Anyway, I went to the gym to lift up near the shopping area, so at least I was efficient in getting that done.
I am impressed by Katie McGregor's second consecutive win at the Tufts 10K. (I was sad not to be able to watch it in person this year.) I am really curious to see how she will do in her marathon debut!
Posted by becky at 7:40 PM | Comments (0)
October 8, 2006
A beautiful day to run...or cross train
All the rain we've had the past couple of days finally moved out of here last night and we woke up to a bright and sunny 75-degree day. Even though I like running in the rain, cross training on these types of days bums me out too! But, that's life. I ellipticalled mostly and then biked a little, pretty much finishing my book in the process. The gym was pretty busy for a Sunday morning, but I got there right after it opened so it was no problem for me. I decided not to lift today because I was hungry and just wanted to get back home.
Matt wasn't feeling 100% today, so we just hung out here. We spent a couple of hours reading in the sun on our balcony, which was really nice. I was about to fall asleep in the chair I was sitting in until Matt mentioned that there were a bunch of bees swarming and we went inside. He started watching football and I joined him for a little while while I rode my trainer.
Now we're making dinner--it is a perfect night to grill. I have the day off tomorrow but Matt doesn't. I'll try not to gloat!
Posted by becky at 6:56 PM | Comments (0)
October 7, 2006
Feels like progress
It was still wet and chilly this morning, and today was a running day, so I got to take advantage of my favorite kind of weather (for running, at least). I did part of a loop I used to do from our old apartment that involves a pretty big hill up and then a slightly longer one coming back down. At this point, I'm not really worried about my pace. That's not something I can change. I just care about being healthy. So I plodded along for 10 minutes, took a walk break (about 90 seconds), ran for another 10 minutes and then 20 (!) after a second 90 sec. break. All in all, I felt pretty good, until the last couple of minutes when I sort of hit the wall. As for pain, my hips felt much better than earlier in the week, hopefully due to Barb's work and my increased stretching. I still have a twinge in the back of my knee not when I'm running but when I turn it a certain way, and I'm not sure what to think of that. It's not getting worse, though, and it feels like a sore muscle. It's not the same pain as before, thankfully, but the back of my knees are notoriously injury-prone because of my weak and tight hamstrings. But it still worries me.
When I finished my run, I biked on my trainer. Luckily one of my favorite cheesy movies, French Kiss with Meg Ryan, was on TV. When I was done working out, I rushed off to meet some people from my running club for brunch. I absolutely hate being the one who didn't just run 20 miles, but I sucked it up and had fun despite my hesitation. It actually wasn't a big crowd today, probably because of the Army 10 Miler tomorrow and the holiday weekend, but I spent a couple of hours catching up with Leilani and that was great.
Matt and I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon at "Taste of Bethesda" in, obviously, downtown Bethesda, where Matt's office is. I mistakenly envisioned free food, but there were a lot of good deals and we got a bunch of yummy treats. It was pretty chilly and a little wet but I'd much rather walk around in that than in 90 degree heat! When we were done with that we went up to Rockville for awhile and ended up seeing The Departed at a theater up there. It was very good but a little too much blood for me.
I've been away from my computer all day so it's time to check up on all those weekend XC results!
Posted by becky at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)
October 6, 2006
Cold, wet and rainy
We slept with the window in our bedroom open and I could feel the cool air and hear the rain when I woke up. I knew I would have enjoyed putting on a long-sleeve shirt for the first time and going out for a wet but satisfying run...but I was headed to the gym today. We somehow misplaced our second umbrella so I left Matt the one we had since I knew he would be walking to the Metro and I took the car and an extra windbreaker to hold over myself. Unfortunately it was raining pretty hard and I got pretty soaked! But luckily there are plenty of towels at the gym and I dried myself off and got to work on the elliptical. I am reading a silly book this week about a woman's trials and tribulations while she is confined to bed rest during her pregnancy (I picked it because it had a cute cover) but surprisingly it has held my attention on the elliptical, making the time pass fairly quickly.
Today was the kind of day at work where I was busy but didn't accomplish that much. But, that kind of day is okay for a Friday. I don't have much else exciting to report--I am about to look online for a dinner suggestion on this cold and dreary night. Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:42 PM | Comments (0)
October 5, 2006
Unexplained tiredness
Today was one of those days where it was cloudy outside and I was totally dragging on the inside, too. Matt had an early flight to New York this morning so he and I were able to leave the apartment together to walk down to the metro (him) and bus (me.) I felt kind of tired right when I woke up, but on the bus, I got really sleepy and it never really lifted. I felt like I was on the elliptical forever since time was crawling by. Yuck. As for my hip, I made sure to stretch out well today and it seems to have loosened up some. The back of my knee felt a little weird walking up hills today, which could be due to the fact that yesterday was the first time in months that I "ran" uphill. I hope it's just lingering soreness from returning to running.
I managed to wake up a little bit by noon, so I got a lot of work done in the afternoon. I lifted in the middle of the day and the gym was blissfully empty and not too hot. Tonight I will be watching Grey's, of course, but first all of the tenants in our townhouse are meeting to discuss the mouse problem. Yes, I continue to be terrorized by something that can fit through a quarter-inch hole. I just can't help it, they freak me out!
Posted by becky at 7:20 PM | Comments (1)
October 4, 2006
The great stretching challenge
As I have gotten older, I've gotten tighter--I mean, my muscles have. My faithful blog readers know I have lots of aches and pains even when I'm not injured, and most of it, especially the groin stuff I dealt with this winter, is most likely due to ongoing muscle tightness. I always do a little bit of stretching before I get on the elliptical or go out for a run (or even get in the pool) but Barb reminded me today that since I am prone to such tightness, I should really be stretching for 20 minutes or so a day. Now, that's a lot of time, but she showed me just a couple of hip and groin stretches that helped loosen up some stuff, so I know I owe it to myself to get in a good stretch most days after I work out. I will make it a priority for the next few weeks and see how I feel.
Today was a running/biking day. I ran 3x8 minutes with about 2-minute walking breaks. Aside from feeling horribly out of shape and like all my running muscle memory has been erased, I also felt very tight (see above) especially in my hips and groin. My hip was hurting when I came back, although not in an injured way, just in a sore way (I know the difference). Biking seemed to be okay, although I didn't do it for that long.
When I saw Barb, she checked out my hip and said everything looked okay and the tightness was probably in my inner hamstring and glute. BOY was she right--it was quite uncomfortable for her to work on me there. And then she moved on to my (?)TFL, which is very close to where I think of as my IT band. Whatever it was, it was so tight and tender that I kicked Barb's massage cream out of her hand (accidentally) when she started to work on it. Needless to say, she didn't get very far, but we will work on it next week and now I know where to put the foam roller (although that won't do half as much.)
The rest of my day was uneventful and my hip felt better right after leaving Barb's. I swam tonight for a little while just to mix things up, and it went by really quickly for a change. It was quite warm out today so I wished I could have been swimming outside. Hopefully the fall weather will return soon!
Posted by becky at 8:23 PM | Comments (0)
October 3, 2006
Back to the grind
Waking up today and knowing it was Tuesday and not Monday certainly helped! I am surprised I slept as well as I did, considering that I had such a long nap yesterday afternoon. But maybe that also contributed to the fact that getting out of bed wasn't as hard as it usually is. I made it down to the bus stop about 10 minutes earlier than usual, but the bus was late so it didn't really end up helping me out too much. I ellipticalled at the gym and as usual read for about half my workout. I overheard a conversation between two people near me about how they could never read on the elliptical and I realized how well I've trained myself over the past couple of months!
The student who works for me in our office went apple picking in Bucks County this weekend and brought me some awesome apples! One of them is humongous. I was so excited--I love just-picked apples and I ate one with my lunch. I also ate some candy corn with my lunch. I've been really bad with the stuff this year...but there are worse vices, right?
I biked briefly and then lifted tonight after work. I can't believe it's after 10pm already. I have been meaning to call a couple of friends for more than a week now...but I don't have much planned for the long weekend so it's more realistic that I'll get to it then!
Posted by becky at 10:03 PM | Comments (0)
October 2, 2006
Repentance run
I always struggle with the decision to work out or not on Yom Kippur. When running wasn't a big deal, I just did 3 miles and took the rest of the day off. This morning, I didn't really have much time to go to the gym and I hadn't done much running in the past few days, so I ran from my apartment for the first time since we moved back. I did about 20 minutes total (plus about 90 seconds of walking.) It was slow goings, but it felt good to be out there. Thankfully the back of my knee did not hurt, but I realized that my hip soreness is coming from a tight glute which I'm sure is connected to the tightness in the upper hamstring. It seems to be under control if I stretch a lot when I get back, but I miss the days of just going out and not overanalyzing every ache and pain.
We spent a good four hours at Yom Kippur services this morning. I was falling asleep for the first hour, but then I woke up and the rabbi's sermon was actually pretty inspiring. We were sitting with another couple we know from Cornell (although they are several years younger) and Matt's cousin who we hang out a lot with here. Being with friends helps you forget about how hungry you are! On the way home from services, we all discussed what our ideal lunch would be if we weren't fasting. Good times!
The rest of the afternoon went by pretty fast between finishing my library book and napping for a couple of hours. We went to a "break-fast" at our friends' apartment in Bethesda and my kugel was a hit. I stuffed my face but there is only so much you can eat in a short period of time and now I am hungry again and looking forward to the other kind of breakfast!
Posted by becky at 4:53 PM | Comments (0)
October 1, 2006
Chillin' on a sunny Sunday
I guess it rained last night, because I thought I heard something on our balcony, but I was surprised because it was brilliantly sunny when I woke up. When I went down to bring in the New York Times, it was lying underneath the gutter/roof drip that we have in the townhouse we live in. (The other tenants have pointed out that the front steps get very treacherous in the winter, so we're all hoping it gets fixed before anything has a chance to freeze.) So despite the lovely weather, I rode my trainer. Matt's mom watched Fever Pitch, the Red Sox movie with Drew Barrymore, with me while I rode. Matt woke up about halfway through the movie and couldn't believe we were watching--when it came out, he boycotted it, being a Yankee fan and all. I thought it was cute--the perfect movie to watch while you are working out.
I spent an hour or so this afternoon making a noodle kugel to bring to our friends' house tomorrow evening when we break the Yom Kippur fast. I used my grandmother's recipe and it made me miss being near them in Boston a lot. Tonight we're having an unconventional pre-fast meal of sushi and then we will go to services at the same place we went for Rosh Hashana last weekend.
I am fasting tomorrow so I will not be lifting, so I made sure to get to the gym this afternoon. I actually ran down there and back (it is very close, a total of 7 minutes!). The lingering thing with me remains my upper hamstring. I haven't had it worked on in a few weeks because I missed my PT appointment this week when I was sick and last week Barb worked on the front of my leg, so maybe that will help. But I don't know why it hasn't ever really gone away. I'll talk to Barb about it this week when I go.
All right, we are about to leave for dinner so I'll sign off here!
Posted by becky at 5:19 PM | Comments (0)