Running Commentary

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January 31, 2007

Taking it in "stride"

I had an okay run this morning, but my hamstring was tight enough when I got back so that I could feel it pulling behind my knee again. It seems to be the second of two runs in a row that still bothers me. I understand that I have to progress slowly, but I have been at this for a few months now and my ultimate goal is to be able to run back-to-back days like I used to. I will even pledge to cross train once a week if I can run the other days.

When I saw my reflection in a store window this morning, I noticed that I am barely picking up my knees. I'm pretty sure I always had a tendency to shuffle (my running partners can verify) but I also have a hunch that I started doing it more when my hamstring started bothering me, most likely subconsciously. It's possible that this is altering my natural stride in such a way that it is not allowing the hamstring to get fully healthy again...or at least I think it might be. I am going to start doing some drills, even though I suck at them, to see if I can change my muscle memory and start picking up my legs more.

It was freezing when I first left this morning--the wind was whipping right through my non-weather-appropriate gloves and even my shoes. But miraculously, the wind died down about halfway through the run and it was much more comfortable after that! Strange that the weather can change like that so suddenly.

I biked/lifted tonight but didn't do too much because I was getting the hunger shakes. After doing my lower body strengthening, my hamstring feels better walking around. I think the fact that I sit for so long right after I run (on the bus and at work) makes things worse. In any case, tomorrow will be a cross-training day for sure!

Posted by becky at 8:44 PM | Comments (1)

January 30, 2007

Getting into a routine

I have always had this habit of getting into a routine with my running routes--doing a certain route on Mondays, another on Tuesdays, etc. It wasn't like that when I had Alison as a running partner in Boston; every run was preceded by the "Where do you want to go today?" discussion. So now that I've been in a fairly regular running pattern, I have a Tuesday route--my downtown/Convention Center loop. It felt really cold when I first stepped outside today, but it wasn't too bad. My hamstring didn't bother me, really, but I felt better on the weekend and I'm not sure why. One additional annoyance is a big shaving cut on my ankle, which I feel when I walk (and run, I guess). I am a horrible shaver and I just cut a chunk out of the back of my ankle on Saturday. It bled until Sunday and is finally scabbing, but it hurts. I guess I only have myself to blame for that one! In fact, I have an identical scar on the othe ankle--you'd think I would have learned to be more careful.

I lifted during lunch today because I have after-work plans to see The History Boys with a friend. I don't know too much about it but my parents enjoyed it and it is only playing in one theater in the area, so I figure I better hurry up and catch it. It any case, lifting during lunch was nice because I could hog whatever equipment I wanted. I will report on the movie tomorrow, in case anyone is interested.

Posted by becky at 4:23 PM | Comments (0)

January 29, 2007

Back on the elliptical

My hamstring had definitely loosened up by this morning but I knew it was still a good idea to go to the gym. It was hard to get out of bed because it was cold. When it gets windy, our room is especially cold, because we have a glass door and a pretty big glass window. I even put on one of my warmest jackets to walk to the bus, and I was glad I did. But I will take this over unseasonably warm conditions any day, just to make that clear.

My workout was not too exciting, just the usual ellipticalling with some harder intervals mixed in and about half the time I allowed myself to read my book. I think the heat must have been cranked up, because I was sweating even more than usual. I am trying not to wipe my face too much with the towels they have in the gym because they cause my face to get all red and splotchy. It's harder when it's sauna-like in there. My legs have also been getting really splotchy and chapped, even though I've been good and not worn shorts outside unless it is truly warranted. In any case, I just bought some Aveeno lotion which is very thick and soothing. I hate the feeling of cream on my skin but it looks and feels awful!

My day was quiet today. We did not get any media calls and in fact, my phone only rang once or twice with any calls at all! Maybe everyone was pretending it was a long weekend or something. I was kind of loguey (sp?) from staring at the computer all day when I went to the gym to lift, but I perked up pretty quickly. I didn't get in everything I wanted because I was aiming to catch a certain bus...and of course it pulled away right as I was getting there. At least there was somewhere warm to wait.

This is totally off the subject, but my goggles broke the other day so I need to get new ones. Do any of you triathlete types have any suggestions? My old ones were pink Speedos.

Posted by becky at 8:35 PM | Comments (1)

January 28, 2007

Trying not to push it

Congrats to Shalane Flanagan on a new American Record in the 3K last night! When I came home and read about it, I was so bummed that this didn't happen when I was living in Boston the past couple of years...I loved going to the Boston Indoor Games (and other big meets at Reggie Lewis) so I definitely miss that.

There was no record-setting pace for me today, but I did make it through another run feeling pretty good. I met Camille in Georgetown and we did our usual route. It was kind of rainy but not too cold so not too uncomfortable. I could tell that my hamstring was tightening up after we stopped, and it's pretty much stayed that way for the rest of the day. I have used the foam roller and I'm definitely cross training tomorrow, so hopefully it won't get tighter and cause pain behind my knee. I hate being so worried that I pushed myself too much, but that's how it goes when you are babying something.

Right after our run, I sped home to shower and get ready to meet our friends for brunch in Bethesda. We went to a French cafe-type place that has been around for ages but is always overlooked by some of the newer, trendier places up there. It was fun especially since Matt and I hadn't seen these friends in several months. After brunch, Matt went to his office a few blocks away and I went food shopping and then came home.

I was too lazy to go back to Georgetown to the gym this afternoon and I didn't want to ride my trainer in case it would make my hamstring tighter. I feel like kind of a wuss, but my main goal is to be able to run more than 2 days in a row, and risking it for 40 minutes of biking is just dumb. So I have been cooking instead--I made a beef stew and Matt's cousin and her boyfriend (we haven't seen them since New Year's Eve) are coming over to help us eat it!

Posted by becky at 7:05 PM | Comments (0)

January 27, 2007

An awesome way to spend the morning

I had a really fun morning today. It was hard to wake up, because we got home after midnight from our dinner last night, but once I did, I felt okay. Leilani had invited me to come down to her house in the 'burbs and run from there. I invited another friend, so first I went to her house to pick her up and then we drove to Lei's. We did almost ten miles, out and back on a trail system near her place. A year ago, ten miles would have been nothing, but currently, it is the longest I have run so far post-injury. My leg felt very good during the run (although my hamstring is sore now), the weather was cool but not frigid like the past couple of days, and we talked the whole time. I kept thinking I was so lucky to finally be able to run with my friends again.

After our run, we went to get something to eat at this new, incredible Whole Foods about a mile from Lei's house. In addition to all the normal Whole Foods stuff, they have different made-to-order hot food stations, a coffee shop, etc. I got an omelette and a few fried plantains on the side--it was great. They have every type of food you could want, including a sushi bar. It is a good thing I do not live near there, because I would find an excuse to go there every night instead of cooking!

All in all, it was a really fun time. Matt had gone to the office by the time I got home, so I spent the rest of the day doing chores/errands and reading. I am slightly worried about my hamstring, but it really is sore, not hurting. I will foam roll once again before I go to bed because I am scheduled for my usual Sunday run with Camille tomorrow. It's so hard to keep myself in check when I'm feeling better!

Posted by becky at 6:16 PM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2007

I pick good days to stay inside

It was the coldest night of the winter so far last night and still in the teens this morning. Luckily the wind had died down some but I was still glad I had planned to work out in the gym. I also had planned to drive, which was also nice! I had a pretty good workout on the elliptical and then did a treadmill mile to end the workout. I felt fine on the treadmill but I did not want to do more than that because of the extra stress it puts on the hamstrings and because I have not run even a mile on the treadmill in quite some time. Eight-minute pace on the treadmill did not feel fast, exactly, but not as comfortable as it does when I'm in shape!

I don't have anything else too exciting to report from today...I'll be at work a while longer and then Matt and I are going to our friends' house for a Shabbat dinner. They just had a baby a few months ago so this is really the first time we've seen them in quite some time. Should be fun.

Happy weekend to all!

Posted by becky at 2:06 PM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2007

In search of my hill legs

Another "normal" run today, hooray! (Normal means I may have had some usual heavy legs, tiredness, etc. but no injury pains.) I thought it would be colder than it was and I ran with my hat tucked into my tights after about a mile. I also ran without music because my shuffle needed to be charged. I'm starting to be able to do some hills again, and I am just so pokey on them. I am pretty confident that the more I run on them, the more normal my pace will get, but it is so frustrating to be moving along one minute and the next feel like I am grinding to a halt. I had a big one--that was always hard, even when I was in good shape--at the end of the run and boy was it humbling!

I had a work lunch at a popular place on the edge of the Georgetown campus today and we saw TWO baby roaches on the table during the meal! Luckily we were not a squeamish bunch, and it certainly didn't keep me from eating my ahi tuna salad (yum!) but it was pretty gross. The manager came over and told us he wasn't going to charge us for any of the lunch! I think he is hoping that we keep quiet about it!

I just got home from lifting (and a little biking) and it got really blustery and cold out. Luckily I caught another bus after the first one so my time outside was minimal. Matt and I are planning to meet for falafel shortly, and I'm dreading going outside. And I'm the one that likes cold weather. Not the wind, though. Brrr!

Posted by becky at 8:27 PM | Comments (0)

January 24, 2007

A spin and a swim

As planned, I went to the gym this morning to cross train. The better of the two spin bikes was free, so I grabbed it and did a bit of warm up/easy biking and then a bunch of intervals. None of the intervals were very long or very hard, because I think it stresses the hamstring a bit, but I was able to get in a good workout. The gym was extremely crowded this morning, especially for the middle of the week. I think that some fall teams are doing conditioning-type stuff in the mornings, because there seem to be big groups of people around.

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly. I was busy and had a couple of meetings, which always eats up time (but it is good since I like to break up the monotony of sitting at my desk all day). I wanted to get a hair cut tonight so I went back to the gym at lunch instead of after work. But I decided on a quick swim rather than lifting since I wanted to mix it up. I have not swum in ages and I sure felt it. I was happy to note that kicking is no longer bothersome to my knee but I am so much stronger when I pull that I mostly did that.

I did get my hair cut tonight, but just a trim. In nearly six years of being in DC, I have not found a person I really like to cut my hair--I just go to a walk-in, cheap place. (Matt goes there too but he has a specific stylist.) I really liked the person I found in Cambridge (Mary's recommendation)...oh well. I don't like to go to a real salon because I never do anything but trim my hair, and it's not worth $100! As long as I don't get too many comments about my thick hair and curls, and I can still wear it in a ponytail when I leave, I'm happy.

Posted by becky at 8:24 PM | Comments (0)

January 23, 2007

Good one

I noticed it was very cold in our bedroom when I woke up, and Matt was complaining that he was cold, too. I put my running clothes on and went into the hall where the thermostat is. For some strange reason, Matt spaced out and turned the heat off when he went to bed (I was already asleep) instead of turning it down. No wonder we were cold!

It actually wasn't too bad outside, but I overdressed because I was so cold from being inside! I had some watch problems--the start/stop button on this watch is not sensitive enough, or too small, or something--so I'm not sure how long I ran for, but it was a good one. I wound my way downtown, letting the lights dictate which streets I took, and ended up near the Mall. I went a little further east (I think that's the right direction) on the Mall and eventually turned up 3rd or 4th and made my way back to my neighborhood. I had only a little bit of discomfort behind the knee on first "pushoff" when starting up again after being stopped at a light, and I was not very sore at all during the rest of the day. All good signs, but I will not get greedy and will bike tomorrow.

I did notice that my legs were sore (in a good way) walking around today, but I think it is because I did a lot of lower body stuff yesterday, including some step-ups. I had stopped doing those when I was running higher mileage because of the soreness on top of heavy legs, but I want to do them about once a week or so because I know it is good for my coordination and my hips.

I biked a little and lifted after work but did not do any legs! Matt went to a Wizards game tonight so it's me and a frozen pizza again (Trader Joe's is good for a quick meal). I had a pretty healthy lunch so it is okay.

I only had a chance to glance at the Oscar nominations at work this morning so I am going to do a little more in-depth examination!

Posted by becky at 8:32 PM | Comments (1)

January 22, 2007

Slip-sliding my way to work

It was definitely fortunate that today was a cross-training day. The freezing rain on top of the inch or so of snow made for some really slick conditions on the roads and sidewalks. I almost bit it walking down the steps from our townhouse and had to walk, carefully, in the street all the way to the bus stop. And even when I got to Georgetown, the area near the gym had not been salted/shoveled. It was really, really dangerous on the steps that you have to take to get to the fieldhouse. I just took my time and tried to be extra careful because it would be so typical of me to fall and cause further injury!

Once I was inside I was ready to get moving, and I had a good elliptical workout. I just felt like I had a lot of energy for some reason. I started a new book about halfway through the workout, though, that is kind of heavy for a workout read. It is Jerome Groopman's "The Anatomy of Hope", a nonfiction book about how people prevail in the face of illness. Dr. Groopman is one of my favorite writers (he writes many of the medical stories in The New Yorker ) and we are hopefully going to organize an event at work where he will come and read from his new book, which I read last weekend. It reads quickly but the subject matter--death and serious disease--is a little much first thing in the morning. I think I will finish this one off of the elliptical!

I had an event after work so I was back at the gym to lift a couple of hours after I left--not my favorite scheduling, but I do what I need to do. I definitely got a funny look from the guy at the desk! The event turned out to be really good--a panel of people talking about their experience with online media ventures on small budgets. One of the people on the panel was also from Georgetown but I had never met him. They provided "dinner" but definitely not up to my standards so I made some waffles when I got home!

Posted by becky at 9:19 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2007

Finally, some snow!

There was no sign of snow until many hours after I had finished my run today, but at least we got something. It was definitely chilly this morning although Camille, who loathes wearing tights more than I, was still in her shorts. But she had oiled up her legs pretty well and seemed okay. We met in Georgetown as usual and did the same route as last week. My knee (top) was a little sore at first but overall I felt pretty good. Since it was about 20 degrees colder than last weekend (maybe more?), we had the trail almost to ourselves. It was a nice run.

Afterwards, I was glad to note that my usual post-run soreness/stiffness behind my knee wasn't too bad. I was close to the gym so I went there to do a little bit of lifting and stretching. Then I picked up some groceries on the way home (you could tell it was going to snow because the parking lot was packed!). By the time I did some cleaning and sat down to read the paper and finish my book, it was almost 3 (and snowing, yay!). I had contemplated riding my trainer this afternoon, but I didn't end up feeling like it.

We had an early dinner and then went to a theater we like a lot to see a production of Neil LaBute's "This is How it Goes." It didn't get the greatest reviews when it was in New York a few years ago, but we have seen other LaBute plays and he is always provocative, at least. It was pretty interesting, a story of an interracial couple and an old friend who comes between them (sort of). By the time we got out of the theater, the snow had turned to freezing rain and we were glad we had a quick drive home. Now we are watching the end of the Pats-Colts game...I know who my grandparents back in Boston are rooting for!

Posted by becky at 9:32 PM | Comments (0)

January 20, 2007

Stuck in the zoo

Brrr! It was very cold and windy out this morning and I probably wore one less layer than I needed. My leg did not feel as good as it did on Thursday, but it wasn't too bad. I did kind of random loop through a neighborhood off of 16th St. that I like a lot and then dropped down into Rock Creek Park. I decided to try a new way to go through the National Zoo--one that would bring me much closer to my house--and got to the top of a long hill that dead-ended in a locked gate. I stood there for a few minutes and tried to figure something out, but I ended up going down the hill and back the usual way. That really sucked, but at least it lent some excitement to the run.

Matt and I both had "interviews" with Cornell applicants this afternoon, so we went up to Bethesda to meet our candidates and so Matt could go to the office. Everything went fine with the interview and then I did a little shopping up in Rockville. Somehow all of our activities ended up taking most of the day. We were considering going to a movie tonight, but it looks like we are just going to go out to dinner instead.

Posted by becky at 8:00 PM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2007

Lackluster workout

I tried really hard not to press the snooze bar so many times this morning, but I once again got up at the last minute. I decided to drive since I thought I had to pick Matt up at the airport tonight. We share a tandem spot with someone and when I got in their car to move it, it wouldn't start. Luckily, the spot next to ours was empty, and I was able to make it out of the garage. (It turned out that someone left the lights on last night and the battery died.) So I was a little frazzled when I got to the gym, and I never really got into a rhythm with my workout. I rode the spin bike again, although I was using a different one than I did earlier in the week. Even though it's brand-new, something must be loose because the seat does not tighten all the way and I felt like I was sliding around. Whatever it was, I didn't even sweat as much as usual. It was not a good workout--but you take the good with the bad.

I also had a little niggle in the back of my knee, different from where I usually feel it, which started when I got out of bed. It's not really too painful, but it's annoying and I am understandably sensitive to any discomfort in that area. Grrr.

Matt ended up taking a taxi home from the airport tonight because he got home earlier than we thought, so we met at home after I came home from work. He will probably have to go to the office a lot this weekend, so we're staying in tonight (away from the cold win) and just relaxing.

Happy weekend to all!

P.S. This story does not have anything to do with running, but it is a very interesting take on sports injuries.

Posted by becky at 8:20 PM | Comments (1)

January 18, 2007

Finally, a running day

Phew--a comfortable (in the sense that I had no pain) run. The back of my knee has been a bit sore since, but nothing like it was on Saturday and Sunday after I ran. And the weather was great, for me. It was cold enough for me to wear a hat and two shirts and tights, but not uncomfortable or anything. I haven't even unpacked all my real cold-weather clothes since I doubt I will use most of them this mild winter. If I ever start going to the track again, it will probably be springtime and I won't need all the layers you even need here.

I did what I like to call my "gentrification loop" this morning, because it goes through a lot of neighborhoods that were marginal at best when I first moved here in 1999 and are now trendy and artsy. Once I get downtown, I stay on Pennsylvania and cross in front of the White House. As I was running along the closed-except-to-official-vehicles stretch of Pennsylvania, I saw two big black SUVs come out from some garage undernearth the WH and head north up 14th Street. It wasn't the Prez (no motorcade) but probably someone sort of official. I can barely remember what it was like to want to catch a glimpse of our Commander-in-Chief...maybe in a couple of years I'll be more excited to run by the WH. (These stickers are all over cars in D.C. and I am going to get one. Is this a D.C. thing or have other people seen them?)

So that was my run. Then I went to work, lifted at lunch (where I ran into my new friend from Survivor) and all that predictable stuff. Matt's still out of town so I am trying to straighten up the apartment a little bit and then I will get to watch Grey's without any comments from the peanut gallery! Whoo-hoo!

Posted by becky at 7:50 PM | Comments (0)

January 17, 2007

Sweatin' to the oldies

OK, it wasn't the oldies--just my usual folksy, Indigo Girls-dominated iPod playlist. But I was sweating it out in the gym today on the elliptical. The wind had finally stopped so I missed my first truly cold morning of the year. Before I left for the bus, I checked Boston.com for the weather there, remembering that I now think is cold really isn't--and it was 10 degrees. In any case, once I got to the gym the heat was blasting, so it didn't matter. I had a decent elliptical workout; it dragged a bit especially the second half, but I am reading a funny Susan Isaacs book that takes place in some parts at Cornell, so I was occupied.

Nothing much else exciting to report--I lifted after work and had more energy than yesterday. Matt left for a work trip to Miami (just as it is getting cold!) so I will probably be watching some MTV reality show he can't stand tonight. For those of you on the East Coast, stay warm!

Posted by becky at 8:39 PM | Comments (1)

January 16, 2007

Glad to be out of the wind

The weather was beginning to change already this morning as I walked down to the bus...it wasn't that cold yet but I almost got blown away. I dislike running in the wind almost as much as I dislike running in the humidity, so I was kind of glad I was headed to the gym. I brought my bike shoes again to ride the spin bike and did a little more of a workout this time--it really helps pass the time and I did not feel any pinching behind my knee when I "stood up" in the saddle. In fact, my leg felt a lot more fluid today, a good sign, walking around and getting up from sitting at my desk. It's hard to describe, but that's usually the sign for me that I will have less discomfort while running. Still, I think I will cross train again tomorrow to be safe.

Work was pretty busy and I barely had time to lament that there was no time for a nap like I took the past few days. I lifted after work and it was okay, a little blah. Matt had an event in Baltimore tonight that I was too lazy to get dressed up for and go to, so I am awaiting his return and catching up on the gossip blogs, since I watched the Golden Globes but missed most of the Red Carpet drama!

Posted by becky at 8:57 PM | Comments (0)

January 15, 2007

Quiet day off

It was in the 60s again this morning and about 70 by lunchtime. It's like people don't know what to do with themselves--on the one hand, people are outside saying stuff like, "I can't believe I'm sitting outside on January 15" but at the same time, they are still wearing their puffy coats. I don't get it! I went to the gym sans puffy coat (sans any coat at all, of course) this morning for some ellipticalling. It was a Georgetown holiday, but because the students have only been back a week or so, it was still pretty crowded in the gym. My knee felt less stiff and creaky this morning although my calf was tight and I plan to take as many more cross-training days as I can stand to see if that makes a difference with this latest setback.

I stayed at the gym to lift and then went to the shopping area of Georgetown to do a few errands. I sat outside to eat lunch and that is where I heard/saw the warm weather comments/puffy coats. I didn't spend too much time there and I ended up reading and relaxing (oh, and vaccuuming) at home for the afternoon. I rode my trainer later while watching the E! pre-Golden Globes show--I'm a sucker for stuff like that. In fact, I might actually watch the awards tonight!

Posted by becky at 7:37 PM | Comments (0)

January 14, 2007

Another hot and humid January morning

I think it rained last night, but by the time I woke up it was just foggy and warm (already in the 60s at 8 a.m.) and very humid. I met Camille in Georgetown but I couldn't face another out and back run on the Canal. We went out MacArthur Boulevard, which is a very nice street that kind of parallels the Canal but is slightly above it, and I trusted my instincts that I would remember where the dirt path that leads to the Capital Crescent Trail was. I found it with no problem so the second half of our run was slightly downhill, which felt pretty nice. My leg actually felt better during the run than it did yesterday, but the stiffness in the kneecap has been pretty bad since. I guess what happens when I have kneecap pain is I unconsciously alter my stride which in turn makes my lower hamstring tight. At least I enjoyed the run and Camille and I always find a lot to talk about.

After the run, I went to the gym to do my lower-body lifting and abs and shower. I was absolutely starving when I left and I couldn't wait to get home to have something to eat! The humidity was bothering me during the run and I was probably also a little dehydrated, evidenced by the fact that I've been thirsty all day.

Matt and I were both home most of the day today, reading (me), watching football (Matt) and working (Matt). I decided to skip a second workout and take a nap instead. I really wish I could nap every day. Luckily, I have the day off for MLK Day tomorrow, so one weekday nap this week might just be possible!

Posted by becky at 8:05 PM | Comments (0)

January 13, 2007

More of the same

It was great to sleep late--relatively--this morning. I guess I was tired. I was kind of dreading my run because I just haven't been feeling that great, knee-wise. It ended up being pretty much like I expected. I felt okay while I was running, but once I got home I was sore/stiff. And still am. I ran along Conn. Ave. for about a mile and then made my way up to Wisconsin and then Mass., passing by American University. I hadn't done this route in quite some time so that was nice. I don't have a lot more to say because I continue to be bummed about my leg. I have running plans I'm too stubborn to cancel tomorrow, but after that, I am going to consider taking a full week (or maybe 5 days, anyway) of cross training to see if that makes a difference. I really don't want to but it might be the best option.

I had a pretty quiet rest of the day and Matt was at the office for most of it. I rode my trainer in the afternoon while I watched my tape of ER from the other night. Then I met Matt downtown and we joined two other couples for dinner at a Latin-inspired place. It is Restaurant Week, so most places offer a three-course limited menu for $30.07. The food was actually very good, although one of the friends wasn't feeling that great so that couple ended up leaving a little early. Otherwise it was a great time!

Posted by becky at 11:08 PM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2007

Rendevous with a reality TV star

It was rainy but much warmer when I woke up and got ready to go running this morning. I looked out the window right before I left (like a minute) and could have sworn it was pouring. But by the time I got outside it was only drizzling. I did the Becky Loop with a tiny detour/extension and while my leg felt better than it has recently, my knees were aching and the back of my knee was tight from the beginning. I won't go into the extent of my frustration or the fact that I thought about the not-so-hot run for the rest of the day, because I sound like a broken record.

As usual on Fridays, that was my only workout of the day (and it wasn't a very long run--but I think I'll survive). At work, I spent about an hour with a Georgetown grad student who was a contestant on this past season's Survivor: Cook Islands. Admittedly, I am not a big Survivor fan--despite the fact that I have gotten into many other reality shows--but it was still cool hearing the inside story. It sounds like it was very stressful and competitive (she made it almost to the end) but also a great life experience. I am writing a story about her for one of our internal publications.

Tonight I interviewed a girl from a local high school who has applied to Cornell. Matt and I do these alumni interviews from time to time although we haven't in the past couple of years since it was too busy in grad school. I definitely feel very removed from college, but I have nice things to say about Cornell and am always impressed by these super-high achieving high school kids--this one was no exception!

Happy weekend to all!

Posted by becky at 8:14 PM | Comments (0)

January 11, 2007

A spin on a spiffy bike

I did try out the new spin bikes in the gym this morning and had a great workout! I am not 100 percent sure I was adjusted correctly, but I played around with it until I felt comfortable and then just started jamming. It is the most comfortable spin bike I've ever been on, and the first time I clipped in to one (not counting my trainer). The ride was very smooth, the resistance easy to adjust, and my butt didn't even hurt that much. I mostly rode at a steady pace with a few short surges thrown in, since standing up to pedal is what works the hamstring (and what I did way too much of in May and June when I was first dealing with this injury). I was getting a few stares for my dripping sweat, but that's what happens when you are in a hot room and riding a bike--if you are doing it right. All in all I wished I had another 15 minutes or so to ride, but it was nice to mix up the cross training and I'm glad I took another non-running day.

Speaking of not running while injured, several of my friends and family members sent me Gina Kolata's article in today's New York Times about a "new" school of thought that says running, or at least working out, through injuries, is actually the best course of action--instead of complete rest. We all know that I never take real rest days unless I am in an airplane or on my deathbed, so this doesn't really apply to me. In fact, it's nothing new to me. In my 9ish years of running through all my aches and pains until I couldn't because they became actual injuries instead of just annoyances, I have found that I generally felt better after the run. That's how I know that I am injured, when running actually makes something worse. This is why my current knee/leg situation is so frustrating: it doesn't seem to follow any particular pattern of when it feels better and when it feels worse. OK, that's my article-related rant.

Back to workout news...I lifted at lunch again. I appreciated the quiet of the gym and the fact that I could use everything I wanted without waiting. I am trying some new, fun exercises in my lifting routine, like throwing a (light) medicine ball against the wall and catching it a bunch of times. I feel like that must be good in the sense that I might actually be increasing my ball-sports-playing skills as well as my strength! Too bad I don't test those skills too often!

Time to get ready for the return of Thursday night T.V....

Posted by becky at 8:09 PM | Comments (1)

January 10, 2007

Actually cold

It finally was cold enough this morning to put on more than a fleece--very exciting, in my book. Of course, I was warm from walking and by the time I got to the bus I stripped, but I was digging it (I like being in the minority). I ellipticalled as planned and am glad since my leg is feeling a little better but I still have a weird niggle when I get up from sitting down, which has become my clue that all is not right with my hamstring. I was very sleepy when I first started my workout, and the blasting heat didn't help, but I soon revived and got more into it. I think my diluted Gatorade helped in that sense. The gym was very crowded this morning as it was the first day of spring semester classes at Georgetown.

The students' return was even more apparent when I was walking around in the student center with my lunch and trying to find a place to sit! It's so strange how in a day, the entire feeling of a campus can change. Despite the crowds, it's more fun when there are people around.

I lifted again tonight and was shocked to get in a bench press set since there were groups of guys hovering around. But I saw an opportunity and went for it!

I think it's a good idea if I do a second cross-training day tomorrow, much as I want to be able to just run. If all goes well, I can run on Friday and that is a good goal. I noticed brand-new spin bikes at the gym today, actually, and you can even clip in with your bike shoes--so maybe I will try that.

Posted by becky at 9:00 PM | Comments (0)

January 9, 2007

Better running weather

I got a much more restful night of sleep last night, so it wasn't quite as difficult to wake up this morning. I was really debating whether I should go running or cross train again, but the ease of just running from home won out. Plus, it was actually chilly out, something that is rare during this moderate winter of 2007. But I was a little worried because my leg is still bothering me--ever since I got the green light from Barb on Friday, it just hasn't been the same. Or, rather, it hasn't been pain-free like I was greedily getting used to. It's not anything terrible, but any kind of setback is upsetting...so I let myself run today but I will cross train probably the next two. The back of my knee didn't hurt while I was running, but the front of it bothered me. I did the same loop I did on New Year's Day last week--Woodley Park to Glover Park and back to the Dupont Circle area. It was great running weather, in the low 40s, I think.

I lifted at lunch so I would be free to meet my friend for drinks and dinner tonight in Georgetown. We forgot that it is restaurant week, though, and the service was horrible once the waiter figured out that we weren't going to be taking advantage of the deal and just order drinks and appetizers. We were completely rushed through our meal and the staff was extremely rude. Whatever! Aside from that, we had a fun time just hanging out and catching up on gossip. And don't worry; we didn't leave a generous tip!

Posted by becky at 5:11 PM | Comments (0)

January 8, 2007

The start of my first full week in a while

I am already anticipating that this week will be a long one, since I have had many three-day weeks recently. I did not sleep all that well last night, waking up a few times, so it was a struggle to get out of bed in the dark and the rain. I rushed out the door, though, so I could pick up a couple of fresh baguettes for a post-holiday lunch that we were having at work, and still make the bus. I made it but I was very wet!

My leg felt okay, not amazing, on the elliptical. I have hamstring tightness that I haven't had in a couple of weeks, maybe from doing too many hills. It is worrying me but I know that I've had these setbacks before and been able to get in some good runs a few days later. I guess I just don't want to be taking two steps forward and one step back all the time...but in any case, I think it was a good idea to cross train today. The students are starting to get back on campus so the gym wasn't nearly as empty in the morning as it's been in the past couple of weeks.

Today was a busy day at work and I was extremely happy to have my student intern back, both for her help and her company! We had the aforementioned post-holiday lunch to break up the day a bit, and some of my co-workers made some really good stuff (crab bisque and corn casserole were two of the more interesting dishes).

I lifted after work and was very excited to see that they finally got the kind of bench press benches and bars that are not attached to the pulley thing. I'm sure there is a formal name for both types (is one a Smith machine?) but I am just glad they got the kind I like. And not too many people have discovered them, yet, so I even got a chance to bench.

Matt is still in New York and I'm debating watching TV or just getting into bed and reading. Both sound like enticing options, so I will most likely do a little bit of both!

Posted by becky at 9:12 PM | Comments (0)

January 7, 2007

Just an okay run

This week has been full of up and down runs. In particular, I feel like my knee/leg has been bothering me since I saw Barb for the final (I hope) time...most likely it is just tiredness and doing a little bit too much running and too many hills, and I'm hopeful that cross training tomorrow will help. I met Camille in Georgetown this morning for what is becoming our traditional Sunday run on the C&O Canal. There were tons of runners out today--the weather was mild (but thankfully not as hot as yesterday) and forecasted to turn colder throughout the day, so I guess that explains it. I didn't feel any major discomfort during the run, just heavy legs, but my knee stiffened up almost immediately afterwards. I did my lower-body lifting afterwards since I was so close to the gym, and that helped a bit (it tends to in a strange way) and I iced later in the day. I hate feeling anything at all so I'm a little bit down about it...but hopefully it will just be a temporary setback.

We spent most of the rest of the afternoon reading the paper and watching the Jets unfortunately lose to the Patriots in the playoffs. Oh, well, Matt says they should be better next year. He is going to New York tonight for a couple of days of work-related stuff, so we are eating an early dinner and then I will drive him to the train station. I don't relish the thought of being alone here on a dark and rainy Sunday night, but it looks like there is some mindless TV on that should be distracting!

Posted by becky at 5:50 PM | Comments (0)

January 6, 2007

June or January?

It was already very warm (about 60) when I woke up this morning, and humid, too. It goes without saying that I was really looking forward to my run. But luckily I had plans to meet my friend Emily at her house so we could suffer together. She has a baby and a toddler so things in her house were already jumping at 8:30 a.m.! She lives in Arlington and there are a lot of bike paths around there, so we did one of her staple loops. There are a few hills but a lot of flat and much of it goes through neighborhoods, which both of us like. It really was uncomfortably hot, though. I took off my shirt in the middle of the run and tied it around my waist, and when we got back, I wrung it out several times. In June: fine. In January: weird.

After the run, I rushed back home to quickly shower and then Matt and I went to a Georgetown basketball game. My office has season tickets but this is the first game I've been to. The (unranked) Hoyas beat up on #17 Notre Dame so it was a lot of fun! We ended up walking all the way back home (the game was at the Verizon Center downtown) since it was so warm and we wanted to stop at Whole Foods along the way. The long walk tired me out (it was hot) and I needed a refresher nap when I got home!

We just had a leisurely dinner and will be staying in tonight. I look forward to catching up on today's track results as this was the first weekend back for most NCAA athletes.

Posted by becky at 7:52 PM | Comments (0)

January 5, 2007

An early, wet run

The only thing that motivates me to get out of bed when it is still dark for a run is knowing that I am meeting someone. (Well, that's not true. I'll usually do it alone, too, but it helps immensely to know someone is waiting!) I met T. at about 6 and I took him on the "Becky loop", which I knew would be a good distance since he had to get back for a meeting. I didn't think about how dark it would be on the Rock Creek Park part...it's been a long time since I've had to go that early. I was wearing my headlamp, but it was raining and there are absolutely no lights down there. To complicate matters, T.'s glasses were fogging up. I prayed that we would make it back to civilization without a fall. Thankfully, we made it, but not without a close call. At T.'s request, we finished the loop by coming up through the Zoo--a big hill--and my leg didn't really like that. I've been kind of sore ever since, which I'm attributing to the hill, lower-body lifting yesterday, and the fact that I wore boots yesterday and walked around a lot. In any case, it's always fun to run and catch up with T., so no complaints from me about today's run!

I actually had a physical therapy appointment today since I was still having some stiffness/discomfort the last time I saw Barb (a few weeks ago). I am pleased to report that Barb told me that things felt good and not to come back unless I feel I need to! I am psyched, but I know that I will probably want to check in with her periodically to make sure my alignment isn't off (it was again today). But it was great to hear. Of course, she cautioned me to be careful...and I'm doing my best.

Matt is on his way home with some sushi, so that's it for me. Happy weekend!

Posted by becky at 7:35 PM | Comments (0)

January 4, 2007

Another late night

Boy, am I glad that I had an extra two days of rest this week. We had fun at dinner last night but didn't get back until around 10, and tonight we had dinner out again with Matt's office (a belated holiday/new year party) and just got home. And I am supposed to meet T., who is in town for the same meeting that Matt's mom is here for, for a run at 6am tomorrow morning! So I'll just give a quick recap of today's workouts.

I had a hard time starting out on the elliptical when I got to the gym this morning because I was very congested. I was coughing a lot when I was trying to sleep last night and still not feeling great when I woke up. But actually, once I got started with my workout, I felt better. My leg felt fine, too.

I lifted at lunchtime again and did not need to wear even my blazer over my short-sleeve blouse for the walk to the gym. It was spring-like all day and even tonight, as we were driving home from dinner in Bethesda, the temperature was around 60. It's crazy, I tell you...but I'll save my complaints for this weekend, when the real heat wave comes through.

Posted by becky at 10:11 PM | Comments (0)

January 3, 2007

Back to the grind

My cold has been the worst when I wake up (despite two pillows) so it is hard to get moving quickly and get out the door--especially today, after four days off! I had to return a DVD to Blockbuster so I incorporated that into my run. It felt really cold when I first opened the door, and I even wore my hat. But, of course, it was fake cold again, and I was carrying it within a couple of miles. Anyway, after watching the Ford processional on television yesterday, I decided to do a downtown/touristy run. I don't do that enough and the monuments are really beautiful when the sun is just coming up. After I dropped off my movie, I headed down to the Washington monument (lots of runners out) and then got on the dirt path that runs along the Mall. I had actually forgotten about that path and it is both flat and soft, so I should learn to incorporate it into my runs more! At the Capitol, I got onto Pennsylvania and snaked my way back home from there, turning when I had to because of lights. I am happy to say that although I slowed down some on the way back up, I felt really good! (Except for my cold symptoms. But I am talking legs here.) Only a smidgeon of soreness afterwards.

My work day went by quickly today as I was catching up on stuff and answering a lot of backlogged emails. I went to the gym at lunch to lift. I managed to get through a pretty decent lifting session, but I was starving throughout and afterwards. I felt much better when I got back to my desk and ate the leftovers that I brought.

Tonight Matt and I are going to dinner with his mom, who is in town for a law schools conference. We are going to a Spanish place where I went about 7 years ago for the holiday party at my first job (and haven't been back since). It should be a nice time.

Posted by becky at 5:29 PM | Comments (0)

January 2, 2007

Final day of vacation

Lots of people in DC had the day off today because of President Ford's funeral, but we actually were scheduled to have an extra day anyway, another university holiday. I woke up when Matt's alarm went off and could hardly croak a word out because of my cold which I suppose is progressing from my chest to my nose. I slept another couple of hours after Matt left for work, realizing that extra rest might help my cold go away. It's not really a bad one, just a little bit of an annoyance.

I felt a little better when I woke up and got ready to go to the gym. My gym was still closed today but I needed a cross-training day and I have my secret ways of getting into other gyms :) It was very windy on the walk down there so I was kind of glad to be inside (don't get me wrong--it's still not very cold and people are already talking about how temps are supposed to be near 70 this weekend). I ellipticalled and then lifted. I caught some of the coverage of Ford's funeral/procession from the Capitol on TV and thought it was so strange that all of these VIPs from the last 35 years of history were only about a couple of miles from me. My leg/knee felt fine on the elliptical but I noticed when I was doing my squats and lunges that both of my legs are still tired.

I did some errands in the afternoon and then spent a couple of hours cleaning the apartment and finishing a pile of ironing, two things I've been meaning to do but just haven't gotten around to. (Boston running partner/friend) Mary surprised me with a phone call in the early evening and that was really nice, it was great to catch up! She was on her way to Vegas for a business trip and wanted some book recommendations, which I was glad to give. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to hear which one she chose...

I biked for a bit tonight while watching "The Upside of Anger" on cable. It was one of those movies that isn't very good but kind of sucks you in. But I was done by the time Matt came home from work and we just finished dinner. Too bad it's back to reality tomorrow!

Posted by becky at 9:30 PM | Comments (1)

January 1, 2007

First run of the year

We didn't end up staying up too much past midnight last night, so it wasn't too hard to get up early-ish and get my run in. This was the first time in a several weeks that I have run three days in a row, and it went pretty well. I could tell right when I started that my legs were a little heavy from my longer run yesterday, but I didn't have any pain, so that was good. I only ran about 45 minutes and none of it was too speedy, especially on the hilly portions of my loop (through some neighborhoods to Georgetown and back via Dupont Circle) but it was super-humid so I was very uncomfortable, sweat-wise. I think it rained all night and it was not raining at the time I was out, but it might as well have been! I was a little sore/stiff when I got back but I think that is to be expected on my third consecutive day running.

I was psyched that Matt agreed to come with me to help out at my club's New Year's Day race. I assured him it was not raining and we opened up the door to leave and saw...pouring rain. Luckily it was warm enough so that it wasn't freezing standing around and getting people registered and making sure they knew where to go when they finished. It is a very low-key race (out and back 5K) but more than 100 people ran it even on this rainy day. I reconnected with a bunch of club people I hadn't seen in a long time and that made it very worthwhile!

This afternoon I prepared a beef stew for dinner tonight and let it cook in the oven for a few hours while we watched a movie ("The Great New Wonderful" which was not, in fact, wonderful). It still wasn't done after the movie so I rode my trainer for a little while. My butt always bothers me on my trainer when I haven't been on there in a long time, and today was no exception.

The stew turned out great and I look forward to a quiet night finishing my latest library book!

Posted by becky at 8:34 PM | Comments (0)