« January 2007 | Main | March 2007 »
February 28, 2007
Mall run
I woke up in a better mood today because I knew I didn't have to go to the dentist. I had to run fairly early and noted that it was still pretty dark even though it was going to be a nice, sunny day. Now that we are changing the clocks forward in only two weeks, it is going to be even darker out in the mornings (I think--sometimes I have a hard time rationalizing the effects of daylight savings time/standard time in my head.) I don't mind running when the sun is on the way up, though, instead of the way down.
It was in fact a very mild morning and I had a decent run. I ran downtown, mostly on 17th and 16th Streets, and then cut over to the Mall. I did a little experiment with some 30-second pickups (only about 5). The faster parts felt okay, but I noticed that my knee was kind of achy for the rest of the run. I have never taken more than a week or so off of doing speed/track work, so I'm not really sure how to re-introduce any semblance of fast running. I also am not sure if I'm ready, and judging by today's experiment, I guess I'm not.
I lifted at lunch and it was nice and uncrowded in a Spring Break preview (although I found out today that the Medical School has a different Spring Break). Tonight I had a quick work event to honor a professor with a new Chair, and then I had a nice visit to my waxing person (MUCH less painful than the dentist). Matt just called to say he thinks he is coming down with a cold or something, so I am going to go see if I can dig up some soup in the neighborhood.
Posted by becky at 7:29 PM | Comments (0)
February 27, 2007
Anti-dentite day
My whole day has been marred by an extremely uncomfortable visit to the dentist this morning. I feel bad complaining about the dentist when a good friend of mine is donating bone marrow this week...but that's the way it goes. Anyway, my run was pretty good (pre-dentist). I continue to feel stronger on strength hills although they tire my legs out. I did what I call my "AU loop" because I sort of run to American U. and then head back. I usually see some AU men doing their morning run, and today was no exception. It was very nice (Becky) weather for running...in the high 30s, I think. Lately, my leg starts to feel sore toward the end of runs...which is better than the beginning! I sort of feel like I haven't made any vast improvements in the last couple of months, but I haven't regressed, either (knock on wood).
So then there was the dentist. I was already starting below average because I didn't get to have my coffee (wanted to brush my teeth before leaving the apartment and I usually walk with it). I got this dentist reccomendation from someone in my office, and after I made the appointment, she told me he was "kind of mean." Great! Actually, his personality was okay--he was sort of gruff but kind of sarcastic in a funny way. But then he did some sort of periodontal probe where they take stock of the condition of your gums by poking in between each tooth, front and back. And I have sensitive gums--it was not pleasant. THEN he did some gum work/cleaning with the supersonic pick thing. I was about to kick him and I kept thinking I would so much rather have my teeth fall out than bear another minute of this horrible pain. I can still scare myself by thinking about it hours later. On top of all that, I have several cavities (not including the ones in the 2 wisdom teeth I did not yet have removed) and may need a crown on one of my teeth because some dentist years ago did a crappy job.
Stay tuned as I am going back March 16 for more fun and games. Is this what being a healthy and responsible adult is like?
So you can see how the rest of my day paled in comparison. Actually, I was pretty busy and then did get in a decent lifting session tonight. Next week is Georgetown spring break so I will have the gym all to myself again!
Posted by becky at 8:50 PM | Comments (1)
February 26, 2007
Post-Oscars sleepy day
Matt's flight didn't get in last night until almost 11, and I was still up when he got home because I somehow believed it was important for me to stay up until the end of the Oscars. It was fun at the time, but I paid for it today. I actually felt okay when I woke up and even during my elliptical workout at the gym, but I was fading fast. I listened to the soundtrack of the show we saw on Saturday during my workout and it was great--it's kind of rock/popish for the most part so I'm glad I added it to my iTunes collection! (It is just too easy to purchase music these days...) Anyway, I was so into my music that I didn't even start my new book, which was actually written in the early 80s, so it's not exactly new!
Not much to report from the rest of the day, since I was mostly trying to stay awake. I am stubborn, though, so I did go to the gym to lift after work. It was okay but definitely not my best day.
We just finished dinner and I checked the score of tonight's Georgetown game against Syracuse...I had a bad feeling that they were going to lose to an unranked team and in fact they did. Boo! They better win this weekend at home as we are planning to go to the game!
Posted by becky at 8:40 PM | Comments (1)
February 25, 2007
Weather woes
It is supposed to be snowy and icy here in New York starting shortly, so I'm headed to the airport in a few minutes to catch an earlier flight back to D.C. Of course, the weather in D.C. is not too great, so we'll see what happens. In any case, I figured I might be rushing around later so I'd update my blog now.
Last night's show was awesome. It was called "Spring Awakening" and all the music was written by Duncan Sheik. We sat on the stage, intermingled with cast members, because my parents thought that we would think that was cool (it was). There were about 15 audience members with seats on stage. Dinner was great too and it was a much too short visit with my sis.
This morning I slept in a bit and then went out for another hilly run, although this time the hills were at the end. My hamstring/back of knee has been pretty sore but it did not bother me during the run (but has been since I've been back--hopefully a cross-training day tomorrow will help). The run was pretty good but there happened to be a lot of traffic on the roads, strange for a Sunday morning. I also saw two dead skunks and a dead squirrel--gross!
My parents are ready to leave for the airport, so that's it from me. I am looking forward to the Oscars tonight so hopefully I'll get home in time for that!
Posted by becky at 2:21 PM | Comments (0)
February 24, 2007
Fun times in New York
Today's weather in New York was a little too similar for my taste to yesterday's in D.C.! It was nice and sunny, though, so the gusts of wind didn't bother me quite as much. It is always a challenge running in Ardsley, where my parents live. All of my routes are hilly and my legs were feeling it by the second mile. Aside from crawling up the last, steep hill--which has always been hard for me, even when I am in great shape--the run went pretty well overall. My leg is always a little more sore after relatively hilly runs than after relatively flat ones, but I don't feel too bad.
When I came back, I showered and put on my gym clothes so I could coordinate with my parents, who were headed to their gym. I ate a banana and a Powerbar in the car and had some coffee to ready me for my next workout! I biked a little and then lifted. After that, my mom and I went to have lunch and do a little shopping in Bloomingdale's. It was fun but tiring.
Now we are all getting ready to go into the city--we are meeting my sister and her boyfriend for dinner and then we are going to see two different plays. The three "kids" are seeing one my parents saw recently and liked a lot, and my parents are going to one that just opened. I don't know much about either of them but am looking forward to the evening.
I just caught the end of the Georgetown-Pitt game on CBS and was psyched to see the Hoyas play great and beat a top-ten team and claim the regular season Big East title. I am so excited for the postseason!!
Posted by becky at 4:13 PM | Comments (1)
February 23, 2007
I still hate wind
Matt had to get up early again for a flight--he's off to Las Vegas with a friend this weekend--and I heard the wind howling outside when his alarm went off. It was not easy to get out of bed (when my own alarm went off) knowing that I would have to battle the wind during my run! The temperature wasn't that cold but I bundled up more than normal because I know I hate the wind. It died down a bit toward the end of my run but it was almost hard to run in a straight(ish) line for awhile! I did my usual Friday route (16th Street Heights and Rock Creek Park) which was much easier now that all the snow and ice has finally melted.
Work has been busy today and I am rushing around trying to get out of here early so that I can take care of a few things (like my very dirty apartment) before I need to catch my flight to New York. I'm looking forward to a weekend of hanging out with my parents and sister. It is rare that we are not shuttling back and forth between families in New York, so I can't wait!
Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 2:30 PM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2007
Tired today
If I'm tired today, Matt must be sleepwalking. He left Miami pretty early yesterday morning and worked until he got home at 10 p.m. and then did a few more hours of work at home and THEN had to wake up for a 7:30 a.m. meeting! I don't know how he does it. I didn't get home too late from my girls' night (is it still a girls' night if there are only 2?) but we shared some sangria and that always makes me sleepy. I was not happy when my alarm went off this morning...thankfully it wasn't very cold on my walk down to the bus (today was a cross-training day) so that at least helped me ease into the day.
I expected to wake up some when I got on the elliptical, but unfortunately that never happened. I felt like I was climbing uphill the whole time even though I was doing the same thing I always do--just one of those days. I could only make it an hour on the elliptical and then I biked for the rest of the time (only 15 or 20 minutes). I am pretty into my new book, The Memory Keeper's Daughter, so I was happy to just sit and read on the bike.
A big iced Americano coffee helped me through the next few hours (lifted at lunch again) but now I am fading fast. I have to cover a work event tonight and then I will be rushing home to eat dinner, watch Grey's (can't wait for the conclusion of last week's episode) and pack for my weekend trip to New York.
Posted by becky at 5:29 PM | Comments (1)
February 21, 2007
Warm but slippery
It was warm enough to wear shorts for my run this morning, but heavy rain last night mixed with remaining icy/slushy patches made for some slippery sidewalks! I almost fell a couple of times but saved myself, luckily. My legs were pretty tired today and I had a little niggle in yet another place in the knee area but my hamstring felt okay (I'll take what I can get). I did my downtown/gentrification run and tried not to have to stop at too many lights, but I did get caught at a few where it wouldn't have made much sense for me to just cross the other way to avoid the wait. (Plus, sometimes I like a little stretch break here and there.) I was in a bit of a hurry this morning because I had a doctor's appointment, but I got in my run just fine and made it home with plenty of time to enjoy my shower.
I took the car in before my appointment to get the side mirror fixed (I can't remember if I mentioned my incident with the garage and the side mirror) but the mechanic said he did not have time today nor did he have room to park my car. Very annoying since I don't have easy parking at work. Luckily, Matt was coming from the airport later in the morning so I asked him to swing by and pick up the car (he has free parking near his office). That worked out well and he finally got to see my office after all these months.
I lifted at lunch because I have plans to meet a friend after work. The Georgetown sprinters and jumpers were working out so that is always a treat for me while I do my situps and lunges!
Posted by becky at 5:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
It doesn't feel like winter so much anymore
It was still slushy this morning, but definitely much milder than it's been in days (weeks?). It was kind of nice, but of course the warm-up means that the hazy, humid days of summer are not too far behind. But I'll try and enjoy comfortable temps, which for me on a run are high 30s and 40s! I'm glad to report that I felt pretty good today. I am starting to have more regular loops now that I know how long things take me. Today much of the first few miles were uphill, but I didn't feel like I was totally dying--I still feel like that on steep hills, but these were gradual. When I got to Massachussets Ave. (which I still can't spell despite having lived in the state for two years), I was shocked to learn that neither sidewalk was clear--this is a major thoroughfare near American University. Not good...I admittedly had to run in the road a little bit, which I try to avoid on weekday mornings. I made it home unscathed and although I wasn't cold like I've been recently, was still glad to get into a hot shower.
I was busy at work today after the three-day weekend and I kept thinking I was glad it was already Tuesday! My intern and I had a good long conversation about last week's Grey's Anatomy, since I hadn't seen it when we last spoke. How can they kill Meredith? I'm sure it won't happen, but I sort of want to be surprised so I haven't done too much digging on my gossip/TV sites.
I am really sore from doing squats yesterday with more weight than usual, so I didn't do too much in the gym tonight. I also had some errands to run on the way home and didn't want to get home too late. Matt is in Miami tonight and he is missing a good dinner of blackened salmon (marinated by Whole Foods and cooked by me), salad and fresh bread!
Posted by becky at 8:37 PM | Comments (0)
February 19, 2007
Sunday-like Monday
As usual, I enjoyed being able to sleep in on a Monday and take my time getting to the gym instead of rushing around like usual. We had a weird snow squall last night that put less than an inch of snow on the ground, but caused the usual traffic problems so it was slow goings getting over to Georgetown (and finding a parking spot, since the hospital is never closed). The gym was packed, too, but I got one of my preferred ellipticals. Even though I had eaten before I left my house, I just didn't feel like I had a lot of energy today. I made it through the workout and then did my usual afternoon lifting routine (only in the morning). I brought a Powerbar with me and that definitely helped since I am not used to doing all of that gym stuff in one "sitting".
The rest of my day was pretty quiet--I did some errands on the way home and then spent most of the afternoon reading and napping (I can't help myself--if I am on the couch, I fall asleep, even if I'm not particularly tired!). I rode the trainer for about a half-hour while I was waiting to find out what Matt wanted to do for dinner (he was at work). We ended up meeting at a new bar/sandwich place for a quick bite and it was actually pretty good. Matt is scheduled to go to Miami for the next couple of days and I have a busy week myself, so it was nice to start it off that way.
Posted by becky at 9:52 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2007
The ups and downs of my leg
I'm at this point with my leg where I have good days and bad days--none of them are that bad and even when it hurts behind my knee after I run, it doesn't seem to be getting worse (of course, I'm probably jinxing it by writing this). So the main source of my frustration is not being able to move past this point. It's nearly March and it will be about a year in April since the injury started (although I only stopped running at the end of May). It is unimaginable to me that I haven't returned to even 5-6 days a week of running and speedwork, etc. yet. I am depressed at how far I have to go to get back to the shape I'm in, but I'm willing to put in the work if my discomfort goes away.
So that was my rant for the day, probably spurred on by the fact that I just noticed a friend of mine in the Austin Marathon results (didn't know she was running) which I'm sure she was just doing as a training run for Boston or another spring marathon. I'm also feeling guilty because I didn't even feel motivated to do a second workout today after my run in the morning. I know it's not a big deal but sometimes I get into these funks!
I did, at least, have a nice--albeit icy--run with Camille this morning. We met at my apartment and did one of our old loops up 16th St. and down into Rock Creek Park, but one of the roads (actual road, not a trail) leading to the Park was not cleared at all. We pretty much shuffled down it and both managed to stay on our feet. My hamstring bothered me off and on, and again I noticed that concentrating on my form and picking up my knees helped.
I have the day off for Presidents' Day tomorrow, but luckily the Georgetown gym is still open as I am in need of a cross-training (and lifting) day. At least the little things still make me happy!
Posted by becky at 6:51 PM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2007
Main roads run
After yesterday's attempt on trails (and it was only very brief), I decided to stick to the main roads today, the ones with sidewalks that I knew would be clear or mostly clear. It was actually really nice out--I didn't need my hat or my windbreaker jacket. I tied my jacket around my waist after about 10 minutes and enjoyed the sun as I had remembered to wear my sunglasses. I ran on Connecticut Ave. and then turned up one of the streets that connects it to Wisconsin, another main drag, and pretty much came back that way. Not too scenic, but I was right in assuming that the sidewalks would be pretty safe. I underestimated how low the run would take and I was really dragging at the end. As for my leg, it felt great for about 2/3 of the run and then started to get tight behind my knee. I find that concentrating on my stride and really picking my knees up makes me feel better.
After securing tickets to a just-announced Indigo Girls concert at a neat venue in Baltimore this morning, I made us waffles and then we both pitched in to help clean up the apartment. We also watched the end of the Georgetown-Villanova basketball game on ESPN since I am now officially a fan. It was a nail-biter but Georgetown got the W. I read (and napped) for the rest of the day and tonight we are heading to yet another 30th birthday party.
Posted by becky at 6:09 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2007
Another early release day
I am relaxing at home right now because our office closed early to get a head start on the three-day weekend. Woo-hoo! Since Fridays are my one workout day and I already ran this morning, I went to get a manicure and now am hanging out at home in my freezing living room. I am under a couple of blankets and waiting for it to warm up, although it has been very uncomfortable at night in our apartment because it has been so cold and windy and I doubt that the insulation is very good. Brrr!
I ran this morning for the first time since the "storm" and saw for myself why the condition of the running trails and sidewalks in D.C. has its own thread on letsrun. (I'm not going to link to it because letsrun threads inevitably disintegrate into ugliness.) The packed ice/snow is a few inches high on most sidewalks and it was almost impossible to get over bridges that had tons of footprints. I did my best and I think all that jumping around made me more sore than I might have been. I also had more of the knee achiness, which continues to mystify me, so I'm going to just ignore it, a very mature decision.
I'm going to watch last night's Grey's (which I taped) and then hopefully meet up with my friend who is only in town for a few hours. Happy (long) weekend!
Posted by becky at 4:58 PM | Comments (1)
February 15, 2007
Misbehaving knees
Both of my kneecapsare still sore....arrgh! I can't catch a break here. Thus, I was back in cross-training mode this morning--on the elliptical. I started a new book but only read for about 20 minutes (total) of the workout because I was in a better rhythm when I was just listening to my iPod and not holding my book. There's no rhyme or reason; sometimes I do fine when I'm reading and other times it annoys me. It was pretty chilly out this morning so the heat was on full blast in the gym, just how I like it.
My day seemed to fly by today--I think that's what happens when the university closes for a day in the middle of the week, everyone is just playing catch up. I don't mind being busy at all though. I lifted when I could, in the early afternoon--actually I mostly biked and did some lower body stuff because my neck/shoulder is still bothering me.
I'm running out to a sneak preview of the new movie about Robert Hanssen, the CIA (or was it FBI) spy who lived in DC...
Posted by becky at 5:46 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Valentine's snow day
It was starting to sleet when we went to sleep last night, so I was even more sure that I would be riding my trainer in the morning. When I woke up, I checked Georgetown's operating status just to make sure because I had heard that DC public schools were closed when my alarm went off. To my surprise, Georgetown was also closed, meaning I had the day off! I was really not expecting that especially since the federal government only had a delay and most workplaces around here follow their lead. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment so I called and canceled that and then happily got back into bed, all dressed in my biking clothes. Matt went to work normal time but it took him a long time to get there.
I woke up around 8:30 and finally got on the bike. I've definitely got a little niggle in my calf/behind the knee lately, basically the same thing that seems to act up in different ways each week. It didn't hurt while biking although standing up in the saddle was uncomfortable, so I didn't do much of that. I watched a really dumb movie about a mermaid who gets legs so that she can try to find true love, and it barely held my attention! It was slim pickings as far as the On Demand free movies were concerned.
I was starving by the time I got off the bike and I made myself some waffles, which I'm obsessed with lately. Yum. Then I relaxed and read here most of the day, glad I didn't really have anywhere to be. In the late afternoon, I ran (less than 2 miles) over to pick up our car in the shop and then went over to the gym to lift. It was super-crowded because no one had classes today (it was great that it was open!). Now I am off to meet Matt for our low-key V-day dinner at our neighborhood sushi joint. It is freezing out because of the wind and I have wet hair, so I am dreading the ten-minute walk.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by becky at 7:33 PM | Comments (1)
February 13, 2007
One of those days
Today doesn't exactly fit into a "one of those days" category, but close enough. It started out with the fact that I woke up with a stiff shoulder/neck--painful enough that I had to turn my head a specific way until it loosened up a little. This was not too pleasant on my run, and I was overdressed because the forecasters have been calling for this "winter storm" today and tomorrow. It was raining most of the time during my run and then the temperature did begin to drop and it started snowing/sleeting. Luckily it wasn't too slippery but I think I was altering my stride a little bit in anticipation that it would be. My knees were both bothering me today, soreness on the kneecaps, which I haven't had in ages. All of Sunday's run was on pavement, so that could be part of it--the last longer run I did was on trails. I didn't feel terrible, but I knew I had felt better last week so I was kind of bummed.
The weather still wasn't too bad when I left for work, so I decided to take the car to the mechanic on the way and walk from there (it's not far). The mechanic called me at work about an hour later to give me an estimate that was quite shocking (in a bad way). Matt and I both negotiated with him a bit and he did come up with something a little more reasonable, phew.
I was running around doing stuff at work in other buildings and when I came back, I found out that Georgetown was closing at 4pm because the weather had gotten worse. I couldn't leave right then as I had stuff to finish up but I was glad to have the extra time so I could get in lifting and go pick up a Valentine's Day present :)
It is supposed to sleet again overnight so I'm thinking I shouldn't even attempt to run outside tomorrow. The back of my knee has definitely been a bit sore today and it is always hard on the hamstrings to run gingerly. I need to leave from here tomorrow (as opposed to going to the gym at work first) so I guess I will ride my trainer--I haven't done that as a full workout in some time, but I suppose I will survive. I hope it doesn't make my hamstring too tight, but it is probably better than sliding around outside!
Posted by becky at 8:49 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2007
Gym day
I was so proud of myself for getting out the door about 10 minutes earlier than usual, and then the bus was late so I ended up getting to the gym the same time as I always do! The walk down to the bus was brodering on sweaty because the temperature was warmer than it's been probably in the past week, so it was good that I had extra time to wait outside and cool off!
I used a heating pad on my hamstring before I went to sleep, and it did feel a little better when I woke up. Still sore, but not so much behind the knee anymore. I did the elliptical for the whole workout and it actually went by pretty quickly. I started a new book which has kind of a suspensful storyline, so that kept my attention.
The rest of my day was pretty uneventful; just normal work stuff. I don't know why, but I was seriously lacking energy when I got to the gym in the afternoon. I made it through a little bit of biking and a decent amount of lifting, but I was fading fast. I was trudging home from the bus when I usually go as fast as I can. I feel better now having eaten!
Posted by becky at 9:55 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2007
Longer run and nap
I had a feeling that today's run might not be as comfortable as the past two days' runs because it was the third consecutive day and I planned to go a bit longer. I was pretty much on the mark, although I have only been feeling sore in the hamstring and behind my knee in the past few hours, not immediately after I was finished. Anyway, I met Camille in Georgetown and I really didn't feel like running out and back on the Canal, so I suggested a downtown loop. She is usually amenable to anything but didn't want to wait for a lot of lights--I was right when I assumed that wouldn't be much of a problem on a Sunday morning. We ran to the Washington Monument and then around the Tidal Basin (neither one of us had run there in years) and then decided to do the Hains Point loop. Hains Point is a stretch of land where the "Anacostia River and the Potomac River converge in southwest Washington, D.C." (thanks, Wikipedia) and is used for a ton of weekend races. It is also part of the Marine Corps Marathon and there are never any spectators out there, so people hate it. It is kind of boring, although there is a big statue of a hand (The Awakening) at the tip of the point. We were talking but I think both of us were dragging a little.
After Hains Point, we made our way back toward the World War II Memorial and the Lincoln and finally Georgetown. We both need to work on our long run stamina--we only ran about 1:35 but it was a lot for today. As I said, my leg didn't bother me too much during the actual run (I stopped once to stretch my hamstring and calf) but now it is definitely stiff. I am hoping that cross training tomorrow will help.
I had all these grand ideas of doing lunges and pushups this afternoon and maybe even riding the trainer, but I fell asleep from about 3-6 on the couch. One minute I was reading and the next minute I was out. I didn't even wake up when the dryer buzzed to let me know that my clothes were dry. Wow! We did get home pretty late from the 30th birthday party festivities, so that was probably part of it. I guess I am well rested now!
Posted by becky at 7:02 PM | Comments (0)
February 10, 2007
Hills and hoops
If all goes well, I will try to run a bit longer tomorrow morning with Camille, so today I didn't run for too long but I did try to incorporate some hills. A long hill, in fact--I forced myself to go up Wisconsin Avenue from where it starts in Georgetown almost to the National Cathedral. It isn't particularly steep, but right now I want to just build my hill strength. I felt like I was crawling, but as long as my leg wasn't hurting, I was content as could be. It was pretty windy this morning and I layered enough on top but not on bottom so my legs were cold. But, happily, that was my only major complaint.
Pretty soon after I got back from running, Matt and I went to the Verizon Center for the Georgetown-Marquette basketball game with a co-worker and her boyfriend. This weekend is the big celebration of 100 years of Hoya hoops, so it was an important game with lots of past GU stars in attendance (not the ones currently in the NBA, but Patrick Ewing and a few others whose names Matt recognized). Marquette was also ranked #11 coming in to this game and Georgetown #24 (or 22, I can't remember) so that made it an important match-up too. It was close and pretty ugly during the first half, but Georgetown picked up the pace and blew them out in the second. It was really exciting! We also saw the new DC mayor, who is already popular, and shook his hand. Definitely a fun afternoon.
Tonight we have the first of many 30th birthday parties this month (and year). I am looking forward to it but also hope we don't stay out too late because I'm not used to it. I considered riding my trainer this afternoon but I am just going to skip it and stretch because I am getting paranoid that biking is causing my hamstring to stay tight. Hopefully that is the right decision in the long run.
Posted by becky at 5:15 PM | Comments (1)
February 9, 2007
Happy run
I haven't run on a Friday in several weeks, but today I decided to, and of course I did my typical Friday loop although I changed it a little at the end. I felt very relaxed and did not have too much hamstring discomfort. It was pretty windy, though, so even though the temperature was higher than it has been the past few days, I was colder. There were also a couple of lingering patches of ice that almost got me, but I outsmarted them. Speaking of ice, I watched Sara Slattery talk about her injury on Flocasts, and it is so disappointing that her fall is going to keep her out of the XC national champtionships this weekend. That sucks!
We are having some car issues, so I left work a little early today to make sure that all of our fluid levels are okay (I obviously know nothing about cars). Everything looked all right, but I am going to take it in next week to get the brakes checked, just in case. This car does not have a lot of miles on it but it is a 1996, so it's no spring chicken.
I am going to put our name down at a popular pizza/northern Italian place and then pick Matt up at the Metro...Happy weekend!
Posted by becky at 7:25 PM | Comments (0)
February 8, 2007
Sweating in the gym again
It was another chilly walk down to the bus this morning but at least I had one of my warmer coats on. And the snow is mostly gone so I could walk quickly and not worry too much about slipping. I did the elliptical the whole time and it must have been really hot in there because I was super sweaty, even for me. I started a new book that I read about in my alumni magazine (it is written by a Cornell graduate). She is a neurosurgeon and basically writes about her decision to become a neurosurgeon and the challenges in the field. It's pretty good, actually, although not exactly a jump-off-the-page read.
I am in a rush to get out the door to meet a friend downtown, so I will just add a quick note about my afternoon workout and then be on my way. I lifted and did a lot of lower body stuff at lunchtime and was excited to be able to watch the Georgetown track team doing a workout on the indoor track. They are hard core--I loved it!
Posted by becky at 5:25 PM | Comments (0)
February 7, 2007
Me and the snow
There was a dusting of snow overnight and (shocker) the DC schools were two hours delayed and the suburban districts were closed for the day. I had another early appointment so I was just worried about ice, but it was actually fine. I ran mostly downtown where I knew it would be cleared, well-lit and salted. It was a little slick in some spots, mostly when I was forced to run on the sidewalk instead of the road. I ran a little less than an hour and felt decent. My hamstring is pretty much tight all the time so I have to consciously try not to alter my stride stop picking up my knees. The route was mostly flat so hills weren't a problem. I was a bit tight behind the knee when I got back but it had loosened up by the time I got out of the shower.
I got my new goggles today in the mail when I was at work so I decided that I should swim briefly tonight instead of lifting to mix it up. The goggles were good but I think I was a little hungry and I ran out of energy before I was done with the swim. I hate when that happens, but I forgot to bring a Balance Bar today. It was also hard to go out with wet hair, but luckily I did remember my hat and the wind seemed to have died down from the way it was during the day.
That's it for me--I just downloaded the new Patty Griffin album so I am off to give it a first listen.
Posted by becky at 8:33 PM | Comments (0)
February 6, 2007
Half and half
I wanted to both run and cross train this morning, so I did just that. I had to head out earlier than usual for an early meeting and it was really cold, so I decided to drive. I'm not sure if it really saved time, but it was easier in a lot of ways. Once at the gym, I ran about 4 miles on the treadmill and then did the elliptical until it was time to go in the shower. As I've discussed before, I am not really a treadmill fan unless there are no better options. Today it was just the easiest and quickest way to get a few miles in. I didn't feel amazing, but I never do on the treadmill--it is hard (impossible?) to feel like I'm just doing a regular run. My sweat also flies everywhere and irritates my skin, but that's another story. I could feel my hamstring more at the beginning of the run than at the end, so I guess it loosened up. The back of my knee felt a little funky when I got on the elliptical but stretching seemed to help.
I was helping out with the filming of a documentary on dyslexia today (http://dyslexiathemovie.com if anyone's interested) since one of our professors has a big role in it. It ended up being a lot of standing around, but I did get to watch an fMRI scan and watch the areas of the brain that lit up depending on what the subject inside the fMRI machine was doing. It was definitely a break from sitting at my desk all day!
I can't believe it's 9:30 already and I have another early day tomorrow. So I'll just add that I biked a bit and lifted after work and all was fine except for a flood in the bathroom for the second day in a row--gross!
Posted by becky at 9:20 PM | Comments (0)
February 5, 2007
It could be colder
Everyone here is complaining about the "Arctic blast" we are having. I do agree that it is weird that this winter has been one of extremes, both high and low. But as long as you dress for it--I wore my Boston winter coat today--you're fine. When it's 100 degrees outside, it's still uncomfortable when you have shorts and a tank top on. But most people don't agree with that argument, so I just nod when I hear people whining about how freezing it is outside. I guess I also know that we don't have it so bad--Matt's sister said it was 4 today in Cornell-land.
I worked out inside today so the weather was not a factor. I rode the spin bike in my new grey padded butt shorts that I found on sale at Fleet Feet this weekend. They are a little big, but they were on sale and I'm sure they will shrink in the dryer eventually. My hamstring was still a bit tight and I tried to bike with proper form so that I wasn't putting any extra stress on it. It felt much better during the day today than it did yesterday.
I had an interesting experience at work today. I attended the annual mass held in honor of the anatomical donors whose cadavers are used in the first-year medical school anatomy labs. Friends and family members (and med students) filled the auditorium and it was a very moving service. It was a mostly Catholic service though, and it was only my second full mass, so I was a little confused about what to do during it--but I did my best to follow along.
I lifted after work today as usual and it was uneventful save for the fact that it was burning hot in there. (Another thing about hyped-up cold days: overheating.) Now I am trying to stay warm while I wait for our apartment to warm up. It is freezing in here!
Posted by becky at 8:25 PM | Comments (0)
February 4, 2007
Sunny and cold
My hamstring was tight (still, not more) when I woke up and my quads are both equally sore from yesterday's hilly effort. I probably should have cross trained this morning, but I really look forward to my Sunday runs with Camille since it is the only time I get to see her during the week. Plus, I knew she wouldn't mind if we did a flat route. My leg did not bother me during the run, although I was pretty tired. Especially at the end, when I was having trouble keeping up even though I don't think Camille's pace had changed! My hamstring was still sore afterwards, obviously, so I tried to stretch it out well at the gym where I did a little bit of lifting as well. It just feels like there is a knot in my upper hamstring and foam rolling does not provide enough pressure to get it out. I have been emailing with Barb and she suggested a massage would probably help, as long as I was clear with the person about which motions still bother my leg. I am skeptical (and cheap) but maybe I'll look into it.
I stopped at the grocery store on the way back from the gym and it was a complete madhouse. My mom relayed a similar experience in their grocery store to me this afternoon so it is clearly a Superbowl Sunday phenomenon! I also happened to pick the slowest cashier in the store, so needless to say I was a little frustrated when I left there.
I did not do anymore working out today to give my hammy a little extra love. I am trying to finish a book that is way overdue at the library so we'll see if I can accomplish that. We had an invite to a Superbowl party but Matt has been working all day and will probably be doing so after the game so we are just going to stay here. I just made hamburgers and oven fries for the all-American occasion!
Posted by becky at 4:05 PM | Comments (0)
February 3, 2007
A hilly "race"
I met my friend Emily at her house this morning and we jogged over to the start of this club race nearby. The club has both a summer and a winter series of races that vary in distance and location and they are scored cumulatively by age group. Some people get really into them; I never have, mostly because the summer ones are largely during the week after work and because the winter ones are on Saturdays when I would normally be doing my long run. Anyway--today's race was a 12K and it started where a bunch of bike paths intersect, so I was thinking it was on a flatter one when it was actually mostly on a very hilly one. (I obviously did not read the course description!)
Emily wanted to just keep it pretty easy for about three quarters of the distance and then pick it up after that. I just wanted to start out easy and test my leg by putting in a little more effort than usual but nothing crazy. I have never started so far in the pack (on a narrow bike path) and it was an eye-opening experience. We basically ran the first mile pretty easy but passing a lot of people. Then we kept up a pretty steady pace for the rest of it and never really picked it up because I think we were both running a little harder than we had intended. It was very weird seeing the lead woman, who I ran the D.C. Marathon with last year, on the out and back and realizing how out of shape I am. But mostly I enjoyed myself. My hamstring did not bother me for the first few miles but once we hit the hills (which I SUCKED on--Emily would beat me up every time and then I'd catch her) I could feel it getting tight. On the last (steep) downhill, I actually backed off because I started to feel it behind my knee and I did not follow Emily's sprint to the finish line--no point. It is quite sore now but surprisingly my legs feel fine otherwise. It is to be expected as I haven't pushed my hamstring in any sense in probably nine months. But of course I would rather have no discomfort at all.
Emily and I jogged back to her house after socializing a little bit post-race. I also ran into another friend I hadn't seen in ages and met her fiance, which was nice. We had waffles and coffee back at Emily's and eventually I came back to my place and Matt! This afternoon I did a couple of errands--including getting some new running socks because mine all have holes--and took an apparently much-needed nap. We are going to try and catch a movie on TV or OnDemand tonight as the air outside is predicted to turn quite chilly (a big deal for us Southerners).
Posted by becky at 6:30 PM | Comments (1)
February 2, 2007
Groundhog Day workout
I always forget about Groundhog Day, but my mom teaches first grade so it is a pretty big deal in those circles. I spoke to her earlier in the week and she reminded me. It was also supposed to be icy and potentially snowy this morning, but luckily it was only wet, since I was driving. However, the back stairs leading to our garage were definitely a little scary.
I made it to the gym unscathed, but running late. It was pretty quiet there, since it was a dreary Friday morning and exam time for the med students. I ellipticalled for most of the workout and then did an easy mile on the treadmill to work on picking up my knees a little bit. No major complaints about the workout and I almost finished my current book.
I am watching the Millrose Games on TV now, although they keep interrupting the 3,000 with memories of previous Millroses. Matt's dad actually invited us to go this year but we decided it would be too hard to get there on a Friday by the time we needed to. Anyway, that's it for me, so happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 1, 2007
Hey, that's my bike!
I got all decked out in my padded-butt bike shorts and bike shirt to go to the gym this morning, and when I finally got there after the walk and the bus, both spin bikes were taken! How rude. At MIT, there was actually a sign-up sheet for the next day's machine schedule, but at Georgetown, the only thing I can do to guarantee a bike would be to get there when they open at 6. That's not happening anytime soon and it certainly didn't happen today. All the other stationary bikes were taken as well, so I had to suck it up and show the world my padded butt while I was on the elliptical. Luckily after 15 minutes a bike freed up and I ran over to claim it.
I think it was extra hot in the gym this morning, but I was sweating up a storm. The niggle in my hamstring was gone and I didn't have any pinching even when coming up out of the saddle. I still think I will cross train tomorrow though especially since my friend asked if I want to run (not race) in a low-key club race on Saturday on the bike path near her house. I can't just think about doing it for the company, though...it still makes me feel competitive and embarrassed that I will have such a slow time for a race. I am leaning towards doing it, though, as long as I promise myself that I will not go hard for more than a mile. (Can I even go hard for a mile? No.)
I worked out at lunch (a little biking and lifting) so that I could get home in time for Thurs. night TV. ER is back after a couple-week hiatus, and Grey's is new again, so I will at least watch one and potentially tape the other. Matt will probably be at work for the next couple of hours, so I am happy to settle in on the couch with a Whole Foods pizza!
Posted by becky at 7:42 PM | Comments (0)