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April 30, 2007
Reunion run
Oh, the joys of meeting friends for a morning run! This morning I bounded out of bed (not really), looking forward to meeting my old Cornell teammate and friend for a run. I ran down to the hotel where she and our other friend (they are both in grad school at Penn State) are staying during their meeting here in D.C. Another grad student--a former collegiate runner, so I was nervous--tagged along too. I took them up to the National Zoo and then a bit of Rock Creek before we looped back to my neighborhood and they ran back to their hotel (with explicit directions, of course!) The pace wasn't torrid, exactly, but it was faster than I was used to going on pretty tired legs. And a lot of uphill. I could really feel it in my quads when I got home, but my knees were for the most part okay. We chatted away the whole time, catching up and gossiping, so time definitely flew by. It put me in a good mood for the rest of the morning!
Work was busy today. I snuck out at lunch to lift and was somewhat disgusted at how hot it had gotten (it was warm but not too bad in the morning when we ran). After work, I met the Penn State girls at their hotel and we went to dinner. Between all the exercising, walking and socializing I did today, I am wiped out!
Posted by becky at 9:50 PM | Comments (0)
April 29, 2007
Outdoor day
For the first time in a long while, I spent most of the day today outside. It was much less humid than yesterday and really a beautiful day. I met Camille and Leilani in Georgetown for a run in the morning; there were definitely lots of runners, bikers and walkers out, especially on the Canal, where we ran for about 3.5 miles. I didn't feel too tired from yesterday's run but I did feel a little sore behind the knee at first; consciously picking up my knees helped a bit. Actually, I felt better after I finished (leg-wise) than before I started. Weird but I'll take it.
Matt had a hair cut appointment around noon so I walked down with him and then we went to the Farmer's Market that they have every Sunday at Dupont Circle. Despite all of our years here, neither one of us had ever been. It was pretty much shutting down by the time we got there, but Matt picked out some tulips, asparagus and lettuce. I was pretty hot on the walk home, but we stopped at a cafe that has good smoothies, and that helped.
We spent the rest of the afternoon reading and napping (me) in the park across the street from our apartment. It was very relaxing. Late in the afternoon, my friend Liz stopped by--she (and another Cornell runner friend) are in town for the Experimental Biology conference. She still has another year to go before she is done with her Ph.D., but it looks like she and her husband will be moving back to D.C. as well--exciting news!
Tonight is dinner with the cousins/Sopranos night. Although it is a perfect night for barbequeing, I am making a stir fry. But hopefully we can all fit on our balcony to eat it outside!
Posted by becky at 7:32 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2007
Somewhere you don't run every day
I had a hard time getting up this morning. I was confused when my alarm first went off, thinking it was a weekday and I had overslept. But I actually left on time to meet the group at Iwo Jima (all of the club's Sat. long runs start there) and was doing well until I realized the exit I usually take was closed. I was already cutting it close, so that made me late. By the time I parked and sprinted to the starting point, the group had just left. Luckily, Emily knew I was coming and waited for me. After a bathroom stop and being behind to begin with, we were pretty much on our own.
Today's route was an unusual one. Most of our runs stay in Northwest DC or go into Virginia. This one (we would never have found our way if it wasn't for a cue sheet we brought along) took us to the Washington Monument, then across L'Enfant Plaza, and then to the Southwest waterfront, where there are a bunch of restaurants and fish markets, but it is still not a real "destination" for most Washingtonian. Then the route took us next to Ft. McNair, which I guess is an Army base, and then across the Anacostia River near the site of the new Nationals baseball stadium (still several years away from development.) The last 5-6 miles of the run were along Pennsylvania Ave. to the Capitol and then we just came back along the Mall.
It felt really long, although it was about 13 miles, the typical length of my long run these days. Part of it was being in an unfamiliar area, and it was also super humid so I think that made us drag more than usual. I drained my water bottle and have been thirsty all day. Leg-wise, I felt all right during the run, but coming up the last hill to Iwo Jima, I could feel my hamstring tightening up and it is still pulling a bit behind my knee. I stretched and foam rolled and hopefully it will feel better tomorrow.
Today I did my usual stuff (cleaning, errands) and also got a pedicure. Matt was here most of the day watching the NFL draft. And tonight we went to the Nationals-Mets game here at RFK. It seemed like there were more NY fans than Nationals fans! The game was pretty long because it went into extra innings, but we had good seats (someone gave Matt the tickets) and it was a lot of fun. It seemed like it was going to rain all day but it pretty much held off except for a few sprinkles. This was the first time either of us had been to a Nationals game, too, so it was a somewhat new experience. Good, wholesome fun for a Sat. night!
Posted by becky at 11:40 PM | Comments (0)
April 27, 2007
Another rainy Friday
The only reason I know it's rained on several past Fridays is because I've also had dentist appointments on those Fridays and I have had to bring an umbrella almost every time. I never really mind running in the rain, but today it started coming down pretty hard when I was about a mile from home and I had not thought to put on a hat because it seemed like it was done raining when I left. Oh, well. I did my usual Friday loop--felt good, not great; some heaviness/soreness in the legs and a little kneecap soreness--but got a surprise at the end when I ran into one of the girls from the MIT track team. She graduated last year and we planned to run together in D.C. but never got around to it with my injuries and her traveling for work. Oddly, we "ran" into each other on a road that I hardly see any other runners on...anyway, I hope we can figure something out for a weekday or weekend meet-up run.
My work day went by quickly as I was very busy. I dashed out in the morning for the aforementioned dentist visit (neverending supply of cavities) and then worked hard for the rest of the day. I took a break at lunchtime to go see the Georgetown Day festivities--an end of semester campus-wide celebration--but it was inside because the weather was still iffy and it was very crowded.
Now I'm home and waiting for Matt to come home with some sushi as is our Friday tradition. Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:36 PM | Comments (0)
April 26, 2007
A little of this and a little of that
I decided to do a quick run (only about 3 miles) and then ride the trainer for whatever time I had left until I had to get in the shower. The run part was okay; I felt a little stiff starting out, probably due to the combination of speedwork and leg lifting yesterday. It was a lot cooler out but still very humid, so I was dripping as usual even after a short run. Then I came back and hopped on the trainer while flipping the channels through the usual morning shows. I felt fine, just hot and sweatier than usual on the bike because I had already been sweaty when I started. All in all it was a fine workout (very descriptive, I know).
My day at work was pretty hectic because I had a bunch of stuff to take care of in the morning, then one of our friends from Cornell (who now lives in Seattle) called to ask if I wanted to have lunch since he was in town. I haven't seen him in more than a year and it was great to catch up. We tried to make a plan to meet Matt for dinner tonight, too, but Matt was working too hard to be able to make it. He was actually supposed to go to L.A. tonight but the trip got postponed, so I'll be glad to have him around.
I lifted after work but not too much. I was tired and sore and not really in the mood. Yes, sometimes even I am unmotivated. What I am motivated for is TV tonight (Grey's and ER). I want to zone out as a treat before yet another dentist appointment tomorrow morning. My cavities are neverending.
Oh, this is random, but I was having trouble finding Penn Relays results today on their site but did find them here, in case anyone else is looking.
Posted by becky at 8:20 PM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2007
Mini-workout
As usual, I woke up late and pretty much had to rush to get out the door and through my run, but I managed to get in a little bit of "speedwork." Before I make my (probably not triumphant) return to Wed. night track, I am going to try to do some pickups or tempo stuff once or twice a week, provided my leg behaves. (It is somewhat sore after today's run, actually.)
Today I ran down to the Mall, where there is a (flat!) sand/dirt path running from the Washington Monument to the Capitol, probably about 3/4 of a mile long. I could be totally off on that distance. Anyway, when I got there, I did 10 one-minute pickups, just to get my legs moving. I noticed that the recoveries (another minute) were getting slower and slower, but I felt pretty strong on the "fast" parts. I had to extend out past the Mall path a bit and then turned back the other way. I was surprised that I did not feel too tired on the way home, which was mostly uphill, but as I mentioned, the back of my knee has been slightly sore ever since.
I had a busy day, between meetings off campus, an event on campus, and catching up on work. Matt's boss was supposed to hots a barbeque tonight but the forecast called for rain and his office just went out to dinner up in Bethesda. I skipped it because I couldn't leave work in time and then lifted (legs) when I escaped. Everything felt pretty good, but I think I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow.
Posted by becky at 9:15 PM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2007
Welcome back, humidity
It was officially humid out today--not only by my standards--even normal people at work were talking about it! I could tell right when I started running that it was not going to be that great. Despite yesterday's positive report from the chiropractor, my kneecap was aching for much of the run, and the humidity made me feel really slow, especially on the hills. I felt better in the last couple of miles--maybe owing to endorphins? My leg/back of knee felt fine all day although my hamstrings are both kind of sore after all the poking, prodding and stretching that I was subjected to yesterday. Hopefully I'll feel better in a couple of days.
Nothing too exciting to report from the rest of my day. It seemed like it might thunderstorm, but it never did. But I walked to a sandwich shop at lunch and sat in the shade and read, and that was fairly pleasant. I lifted after work and got everything I wanted to done--always something that makes me feel accomplished. Now that I am home, I realize I am even more drained/tired than usual. It's my humidity feeling...and I am not ready for eight more months of this (okay, probably 6-7)!
Posted by becky at 8:22 PM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2007
Another assessment
News alert: I forgot to mention that yesterday's blog entry was #1,000! I can't believe I've had that much to say in the past 2.5 years.)
As promised (to myself), I went to the gym this morning instead of running. My quads were a little sore, but nothing too bad. The time on the elliptical really dragged, and I'm not sure if I was just tired in general or it was just one of those days. Not much else to report about my workout; it was pretty by-the-book and my leg/knee felt just fine.
At lunchtime, I went to see a chiropractor/PT guy that my friend Emily recommended. She has been going to him for years and is impressed by his ability to spot muscle imbalances and gait problems. He accepts my insurance, so I thought I'd give it a try. He was really nice and personable and I felt like I clicked with him right away. He is a triathlete and understands how important running is for me. (I told him the story of the Boston chiropractor who basically told me I was "an injury waiting to happen" back in 2004 and I could tell he understood how traumatizing that experience was.)
Anyway, he analyzed my (walking) gait and saw that I pronate a lot more with my right foot and that my left knee rolls in with each step. Since my left leg has been the one that has traditionally been my weakest/most bothersome, I'm not surprised. Then he tested my strength and prodded all my muscles and tendons. Surprisingly, he said everything felt good. My hamstring and quad strength is great on the left side and "4 out of 5" on the right side. He did a few adjustments (mostly on my feet--who knew?) and taught me a few new strengthening exercises. But he said overall things look good and to come back if and when my knee or hamstring is bothering me again. So I think it was all good news.
I lifted after work and it was fine except it was very hot in the gym. (It was hotter outside today than it should be in April, but the weather is so wacky these days that I'm just taking in day by day.) Anyway, I am falling asleep at my computer so that's all for now!
Posted by becky at 8:42 PM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2007
Best personal worst ever!
This could be a fluke, but I'm really psyched to report that I felt *good*--almost great at times--during my ten miler today! I definitely felt my hamstring tighten up a bit around the 7 mile mark, but I reminded myself to pick up my knees and it got better. The back of my knee was a little sore at the end, but definitely amazingly okay for an effort a bit harder than my usual long run. I am going to reward my legs for a job well done with a cross-training session tomorrow (instead of a run).
I left the house a little bit after 6 this morning to head down to Alexandria. Emily called me to say she was there about 10 minutes after I left, and she could see the spots filling up around her so she had some ideas about where I could park. As soon as I had gotten there and parked, Camille called to say she was lost. We got her back on track, but we got in line for the buses without her just in case she didn't make it. The bus ride to the start felt like it took forever--the same psychological torture that you get with any point-to-point race. But we got there with plenty of time to wait in line for the bathrooms, stretch, etc. And Camille made it just in time.
The race organizers made special Virginia Tech rememberance bibs available for a $1 donation, so while we were waiting for the start, we saw tons of tributes, either to individuals or the whole group who lost their lives on Monday. It was really a nice touch--people wore them on their backs so they were visible throughout the race.
We started out pretty far back in the pack and there was no chip mat at the start, so I think I might have been off on my time by a bunch. But I decided to take mile splits so I would have some idea of how I was doing, since at this point I don't even know my pace. I wanted to run under 1:20 but I honestly didn't know if it was possible.
All of us agreed that we were going to start out pretty easy and then maybe make it a tempo-type effort if we felt good. Our first two miles were all together, and were rolling hills. (The course is beautiful; it follows the Potomac River from Mt. Vernon to Old Town, Alexandria.) The first mile was slow, over 8 minutes, but we were in traffic. The second one was about 35 seconds faster and I was a bit concerned because my legs already felt it. I decided to just maintain at the current pace even though Emily had gone ahead. My legs started to feel better and my body stronger at about mile 5. I realized I had gotten ahead of Camille and I could see Emily up ahead. I passed her at the water stop after 6 although she was never too far behind. The middle miles are flat and downhill and I was just doing 7:30s and it felt really easy. I promised myself I would just keep the pace until the 8th mile and then I could try to race a little. Unfortunately the 8th mile had a huge hill and I got discouraged when I saw a slow split. I tried as hard as I could to race the last mile, which was a straight shot down one street, but this is where I am lacking, having done no speed work for a year now.
I finished in about 1:16-something on my watch, 1:17 on the main clock, I think. So somewhere in between there. My slowest 10-mile time in a race by about 5 minutes, but I was smiling because I felt good! I immediately stretched my leg after I was done and while it was a bit tight, it wasn't as bad as it's been after other long runs, so I'll take it.
As humbling as it is to have slowed down so much, I'm trying to think of this as a starting point. If I continue to feel good, leg-wise, I will slowly add in some speedwork and hopefully be back on the track in time for the humid weather that I love so much. But we'll see.
After having brunch with Matt outside on our balcony and going grocery shopping, I proceeded to fall into a deep sleep for several hours on the couch. I guess waking up early and worrying about the run took more out of me than I thought!
Posted by becky at 7:26 PM | Comments (0)
April 21, 2007
Sunny and warm, for once
Tomorrow's ten miler will require getting up very early (it is a point to point course and we have to be on the buses at 6:45 and it will take me a good 20 minutes-half hour to get there) so I was glad to sleep in a bit today. I didn't have any inspired ideas about where to run, so I ran yesterday's route but in the opposite direction. It's weird how it seems completely different, mainly because all the uphills and downhills and vice versa! I took two Advil when I woke up because I've had this sinus headache that won't go away, but that also could have helped my knees some because I felt pretty good today. (Of course, that kicked off an internal dialogue about how if I felt good today, I won't tomorrow, but I will try to shut myself up.)
When I got back, I was excited to try out my new waffle maker. The old one was on the verge of breaking for a long time and it was super hard to clean. The new one doesn't make waffles that are as big (Belgian style), but it controls the temperature better and the waffle grids are removable. I've been into this multigrain waffle mix that I found at Whole Foods. Slightly healthier than Bisquick or something and quite tasty.
This afternoon I went back to the eye doctor to pick up my new glasses and then cleaned my apartment. I am heading out shortly to pick up my number for tomorrow in Old Town, Alexandria. I haven't been there in ages but one of my friends is coming with me since she has been wanting to go to a wedding shoe store which is also near there. And tonight we have dinner plans with Matt's aunt, uncle and cousin who are in town visiting the other cousin who lives here (their daughter/sister). It should be fun but I hope I get a decent amount of sleep!
Posted by becky at 3:24 PM | Comments (1)
April 20, 2007
Spring is back
Even I, lover of winter, had to admit that it was nice to be able to run outside without even thinking about gloves or a long-sleeve shirt and to be able to go to work without a jacket. I did get a little hot running (when don't I?) but all in all it was a nice temperature. I did my usual Friday loop except I think I cut it short by about a quarter of a mile at the very end by turning down one street instead of another. My kneecap was a little achy (again, when isn't it?) but I'm glad to say the back of my knee did not bother me and it wasn't too sore when I got back. Owing to the warmer temperatures, I saw several runners (and a biker) on my route and I hadn't in the past few weeks.
I don't have too much to say about the rest of the day because I spent much of it transcribing a recording of an event that we had this week. Not usually in my job description, but the intern who was asked to do it didn't show up today. I went to a new waxing person at lunch and the results were among the worst waxing experiences I've had (and I've had a lot). I won't go into details, but let's just say I won't be going back there again.
Everyone around here seems excited about the fact that it is finally supposed to be a nice weekend, weatherwise. I think I'm including myself there although I do have that "race" on Sunday so hopefully it won't be too warm. Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:27 PM | Comments (1)
April 19, 2007
Playing it safe
I am glad I biked this morning because my legs have felt pretty good all day—maybe they just want me to listen to them. I'll listen even more closely if they get any of their speed back! I actually got to sleep a little bit later because I had planned to go into work about an hour later than usual. I stayed late for work events a couple of nights last week and I knew I had one tonight. Even getting a half-hour more of sleep is worth it!
I watched the movie "Stick It"—available free On Demand—while I toiled away on the bike. It was really dumb, and I could tell from the first few minutes, but the length was about right and I was too lazy to look through the list of titles again. It is about a gymnast teenager with an attitude, basically, and how she improves once she begins to trust the father-figure coach. I always like watching gymnastics, though, and there were a lot of cameos by real gymnasts (like Nastia Liukin) during the "meets." Hey, it passed the time, so what more can I want?
Things were pretty quiet at work. I chatted a lot with my student worker, who is great. She is going to be working in our office throughout the summer, which is excellent considering she is responsible, mature, and good company. She left around lunchtime and I headed to the gym to lift. I was kind of tired/hungry today and it wasn't the best lifting session—I did what I could.
I just got back from the after-work event, which was a discussion by the three inventors of the HPV vaccine technology (one is still at Georgetown; the other two are now at the University of Louisville). A student group brought the other two back to campus and did not advertise very well for the event, so it was not well attended, but it was still interesting!
Posted by becky at 10:21 PM | Comments (0)
April 18, 2007
Rushed but efficient
After getting home late last night from the awesome Patty Griffin concert (so good!), I just could not get out of bed early enough to run more than about 45 minutes. It was okay, though, because I was focused on the task at hand and actually felt pretty good, at least for most of the run. I did one of my downtown loops. The weather was great, actually--much less windy than the day before, and warmer, too. I was psyched to hear some of the songs that Patty played last night come on my iPod, so that made the run even better. (I can't believe that I am such an iPod runner now. I would of course choose conversation over tunes, but now that I run by myself a lot, I don't often leave home without it!)
Even though I felt pretty good today, I think I am going to ride the trainer tomorrow. I am signed up for this ten-mile race on Sunday and although I will not be "racing" it in any sense of the word, I'm nervous about it because I have not even done any medium efforts since that 12K back in January. I signed up for it quite some time ago, with Emily (and Camille may join us too), thinking that I'd be ready to at least do it as a tempo. Not so much. I'll just do it to gauge my pace on a long run, but I don't want the world to see that I can't even hold an 8-minute pace for 10 miles. Eek.
Work was pretty busy today as our office organized a lunchtime event. It went well, though, and I even got a free lunch out of it. I went to the gym after work and did a lot of lower-body lifting. I felt pretty good and actually accomplished most of what I set out to do. Amazing.
Matt's been working late lately, which is kind of lonely, but I guess tonight I should enjoy the fact that I can watch Real World with no comments from the peanut gallery!
Posted by becky at 9:35 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Pretty good run
I was dreading the wind today, since Washingtonpost.com called the weather "unseasonable" and "blustery" with a real feel of 32, but it wasn't that bad. It was pretty much fake cold, except when the wind blew. I wore a hat partly to keep my hair from getting all frizzed out of my bun, but it actually was helpful in keeping me at the perfect temp (I think I was taking a cue from the pictures of the elite runners I saw at Boston yesterday.)
I did one of my standard Tuesday routes and tried really hard not to look at the ground--an old habit that I've fallen back into recently; a high school coach tried to cure me of it ages ago)--and to lift my knees instead of shuffling. Either one of those helped or coincidentally I had a good run. I saw both the men and women from American University doing their morning runs while I was out there.
I am going to a Patty Griffin concert tonight, so I lifted at lunch. Nothing much to say about that, except that I felt a little rushed because I was hungry. The gym has seemed more crowded at lunchtime in recent days and I'm not exactly sure why. Isn't the semester winding down? Aren't these students supposed to be studying for finals or something?? I actually can't believe that at this time last year, I was about to finish my grad program and hoping to find a job. Time flies!
Posted by becky at 4:46 PM | Comments (0)
April 16, 2007
Virtual marathon
Congrats to all who conquered sub-par conditions and a nasty course even in good weather at the Boston Marathon today! From the moment I got to work, I was logged on to the BAA site and tracking my friends and the elite women. I was very frustrated when the site stalled out and I luckily found out that BBC Eurosport was broadcasting the race too. Phew. I felt bad that Deena had an off day; I think she had a lot of pressure on her, though, and that could have contributed as well. My dad, who does not follow top-level running, asked me today how "that American" did in the race; he had read today's New York Times article about Deena and mentioned that he thought she came off as cocky. (Don't worry, I set him straight.) But pressure can definitely play a role in terms of peak performance, so that could have gotten to her. Who knows? All in all, it was a tough day to be out there racing (and spectating!) so props to all who battled the elements. I wished I could have been out there, too!
My own workout was much more temperature-controlled. I went to the gym since my leg hasn't been feeling that great. I ellipticalled (mostly) and biked (a little). My leg felt fine. I kept seeing weather reports of snow in upstate New York and horrible wind in Gloucester, MA, on The Weather Channel so of course I was worried about the runners. That's my exciting workout report.
It was windy here all day and I ended up having to go outside more than usual to do a couple of errands. Brrr! I rewarded myself with a latte for my efforts. The afternoon was definitely marred by the news of the Virginia Tech shootings...VT is very popular for Northern Virginia kids, so it seems everyone knows somebody there. It's a really terrible thing, obviously, and it reminds me that stricter gun laws might prevent incidents like this.
I lifted tonight after work and everything was just fine. I'm waiting for Matt to come home so we can eat dinner and passing the time by reading all the post-Marathon articles I can find!
Posted by becky at 8:55 PM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2007
Soggy Sunday run
It was definitely wet out there this morning, but not too cold and not windy at all, like it is out the window at this moment. I can only hope that wind will not be blowing like this tomorrow in Hopkinton (or Ashland or Framingham or Newton...etc.). In any case, I was lucky to have company this morning as Camille and I did our usual route. We didn't see too many runners but the ones we did pass were friendly since we acknowledged our mutal hard-core-ness. My leg felt better today than it did yesterday, and I really couldn't say what made the difference. It was sore/stiff when I got home but I expect as much these days.
The rain continued throughout the day and it was hard to get motivated to leave the house again to do some grocery shopping. I eventually did and it was super crowded, which kind of put me in a bad mood. I go on Sundays a lot and it is always a zoo there; I don't know why I don't learn my lesson. But once I got home/escaped the crowds I felt better, and even rode the trainer for a bit while watching the second half of one of my all-time favorite 80s movies, Uncle Buck.
Tonight we had Sopranos and Entourage night with Matt's cousin and her boyfriend. I made lasagna in honor of Boston and carbo-loading. Good luck to all running tomorrow, although you are in bed by now, especially Mary and Leilani! Hang in there and remember how tough you are!!
Posted by becky at 10:49 PM | Comments (1)
April 14, 2007
Foxy ladies long run
I was going to meet Emily at Iwo Jima so we could tag along with our club's long run, but Matt ended up needing the car early in the morning to get to his office so she luckily was able to meet me at my apartment. While I was waiting for her, I checked Mt. Sac results and was so excited to read about Shalane Flanagan's American Record!! She is rolling lately and I don't think she has hit her peak yet.
It was sunny when we started out with no wind, and pretty cool but not cold--almost perfect weather for a long(ish) run. We did a loop that I did maybe 6 weeks ago or so. The first 50 minutes of it are in Rock Creek Park, along the road that is closed to cars on weekends, and the rest is through neighborhoods in D.C. Today was not a stellar day for any part of my knee. My kneecap (where the bruise is from my fall) hurt for a few miles, and then the back of my knee got kind of tight. I guess I could take several days in a row off from running and see if that helps, but it's not my first choice. Maybe, we'll see.
We were chatting during the run as usual, and as we were going up this gradual but painful hill, we saw what I thought was a dog dart across the road into someone's backyard. But then I realized it was running too fast for a dog, and figured out it was a fox! I guess it's not that weird since we were near the park, but it was just strange seeing it right on the road there. I've seen foxes running on the trails in Ithaca, but I don't think I've ever seen one here before.
I got my eyes checked this afternoon, something I've been meaning to do for a while now. I don't wear my glasses much but I was due for a new pair because my current ones are annoying even for watching TV. I also am trying out a new type of contact lens which already feels more comfortable.
I am just hanging out for the rest of the afternoon and plan to meet a grad school friend who is in town for the weekend for dinner tonight. This morning, my dad, who hasn't been feeling like himself--very rare for him--went to the doctor and passed out waiting in line to fill a prescription, so we are a little worried about him. He had some dental work this week and could have gotten an infection or something, but whatever it is, I hope he feels better soon.
Posted by becky at 3:59 PM | Comments (0)
April 13, 2007
Pre-dentist bike ride
My knee was a lot less stiff when I woke up this morning, but I went ahead and rode the trainer instead of running anyway. I found a movie On Demand that I had wanted to see--Friends With Money, which I think came out last summer--and that definitely passed the time. Plus I hadn't done a longish trainer ride in a while. The movie was good, although kind of dark, and I always have trouble hearing when I am on the trainer. The trainer is not particularly loud or anything, but I think the combination of that noise plus the sub-par speakers on our old TV make it challenging. But the visual cues help.
My ride was fine. I just road pretty steadily so as not to put any added stress on my hamstrings. The most uncomfortable part of me was my butt--again, that happens when you sit on a bike only once a week or so.
I went to get one of my many cavities filled before work. My usual dentist had a wisdom tooth removal emergency and asked if I minded seeing his partner. I didn't and the partner was much quicker and I think more gentle than my usual guy. I was back at work within a half hour and the only lingering effect was the numbness. I didn't have time for a real breakfast, only a couple of minutes to scarf down some cereal, and I was starving as I waited to be able to eat again.
Time to sit down and read my guilty pleasure of the week, Us Weekly. And maybe fold some laundry, but that seems more like a Saturday task. Happy Weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:35 PM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2007
Hamstring hater
I probably should have gone to the gym this morning to bike or elliptical, but my leg felt good after two days of running and at this point, I would like to be able to string together more days. Plus, after getting home late last night, I wanted to be able to sleep in a little, and as we all know, running is just more efficient.
So, I set out on my run and I felt fine for a few miles. I actually ran to work (or by it at least) because the entrance to the Glover-Archibold trail is behind my office. I want to get back into doing these trails more as I used to be in such good shape when they were part of my usual routine! As soon as I turned on the trail, I felt my hamstring tighten. There were a lot of muddy puddles and I did my best to lift my knees and not shuffle (as I've been trying to do now as I am convinced my problems are biomechanical) but I probably wasn't very successful. By the time I got back to the road, the back of my knee was pinching. Aargh! It didn't get worse the rest of the run, but there's basically two phases of it at this point--pinching and non-pinching, so I clearly was in the wrong phase. Every time I feel that pain, I tense up and probably make it worse. Stretching doesn't really help (although I did that with my rope when I got home) and it usually just kind of stays that way for the rest of the day, putting me in a bad mood. I don't know exactly what brings it on, but whatever it is, I hate it.
Since I have always had awkward posture--whether practicing the violin, sitting at my computer or what--it is a no-brainer that I probably have some stride/biomechanical issues. Leilani suggester her chiropractor/ART guy so I probably should consult him. Sometime soon, I swear...
We had another cancer experts panel this evening that I wanted to try and go to, so I lifted at lunch again. I only did upper body stuff and a little biking. I find that my leg always feels better after I have been working out or even just walking around. Sitting is the worst for it, but of course, that's what I do most of the day.
I usually relish my end-of-week, Friday morning runs, but I think I'm going to be smart and ride my trainer tomorrow. I have a dentist appointment before work so it would be hard to get to the gym beforehand.
OK, I'm going to try and get over my hamstring hate so I can enjoy the rest of the night!
Posted by becky at 8:53 PM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2007
Long day
I feel like my blog entries have been rushed recently for one reason or another, and this one will join that club. I just got home after a work event (a panel of cancer experts explained some of their research to the public and then answered questions about it) and then dinner with a friend from work and Matt, since we were right near his office for the event. It was fun but my eyes are very tired.
I was also rushed during my run this morning, so I did about 10 minutes less than I wanted to, but at least I wasn't late to my doctor's appointment! I did my downtown loop and I think I started out too fast because I was definitely hurting the last couple of miles. Since I woke up a little late, I think the adrenaline rush caused me to expend too much energy too early. But aside from that it was uneventful and my legs both felt decent. Same old back-of-knee stiffness when I'm done, but I'm trying to stretch a lot and just do the best I can with it.
I biked and did leg lifting at lunch. The gym was nice and empty compared to the past two afternoons I've been there. I was kind of hungry so I got sloppy during the last couple of exercises, but I got in some decent squats, lunges, etc.
OK, good night!
Posted by becky at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2007
Good run; bad Internet
Our Internet connection at home seems to be on the fritz (I'm hoping it's Comcast and not my computer), so I'll post a quick update now and maybe be able to update later. I am glad to report that I had an enjoyable run this morning. The kneecap pain right around the injury from my fall has gotten a lot better, so now I'm back to just some standard kneecap aches and pains (yay?). Part of my run was gently downhill today, and I definitely felt it a bit there. I did an old loop of mine that involves running up to the Cathedral and then back to the Rock Creek path via Georgetown. The uphill was tiring as usual because I still feel like I don't have the proper leg lift on hills, but mostly I was feeling pretty good. The back of my knee is generally always stiff when I stand up from sitting, and a bit after the run, but I'm willing to deal with it IF it doesn't get worse.
I overdressed this morning and was pretty warm. Since we are having our spring "cold spell," the forecasters are going crazy with their "it's going to be another cold one" comments and it was also really cold in our apartment when I woke up. At least I was wearing shorts, but I took my hat off after about 10 minutes.
I'm meeting a friend for dinner tonight and Matt is in Atlanta until very late, so I'm intending to hit up the gym for a turbo lifting session and then investigate our Internet connection issue once I get home. I hope it's a quick fix!
Posted by becky at 5:11 PM | Comments (0)
April 9, 2007
Cross-training fun
I hadn't ellipticalled as my main workout in a few weeks, so it was sort of refreshing to do that today. It was still pretty chilly on the walk down to the bus, although definitely a lot milder than the weekend. The gym was empty because it is still Easter break for the Georgetown students (why don't we get that, too?) and I got my favorite elliptical. Not much to report; I stretched a lot beforehand and my legs felt fine. I was jammin' to my iPod and didn't even open my book. Bad things happen when I elliptical for more than an hour, so I hopped on the bike for the rest of the time I had at the gym. I read on the bike and didn't even need my music. Overall, a good workout and I was starving when I was done—definitely ready for my (second) breakfast.
Not much else exciting to talk about today; work was fine and I took a nice walk at lunch to a sandwich place I like but is a little far from my office. It was windy but nice in the sun. I lifted tonight and the gym was noticeably more crowded as the students had returned from break. But I managed to do all I need to do and had a good workout.
Posted by becky at 8:57 PM | Comments (0)
April 8, 2007
Another chilly run
I think it was actually colder this morning than it was yesterday when I left the house to go running. Brrr. I met Camille (brave in shorts) in Georgetown and we did our usual loop which goes out along a residential neighborhood (MacArthur Blvd.) and back on the Canal. I was looking forward to the Canal part today for my sore/bruised knee. It actually felt better today, at least after the first few minutes of the run, although that could have been the Advil I took before I left. Either way, it was a very enjoyable run and it wasn't really cold once the sun was fully shining.
This afternoon's excitement was a mouse sighting in the apartment. We (I) found a dead one in a trap this week, but I was taking a nap on the couch and Matt woke me up to say he had just seen one run by in the living room. I covered my head with my a fleece blanket and Matt took care of the situation (I will not go into details in case there are animal lovers who don't want to read about it.) Suffice it to say, I went out later and got a whole bunch of new traps, which Matt set around the apartment.
Matt's cousin and her boyfriend are coming over for dinner and to watch the premiere of the final season of the Sopranos. I am making a roast chicken for the first time. It is currently in the oven and I am very nervous about how it will turn out!
Posted by becky at 6:57 PM | Comments (0)
April 7, 2007
Snowy blossoms
I blinked a few times this morning when I woke up and actually saw snow coating the trees. It's gone now, of course, but it was definitely out of the ordinary for April, and everyone was talking about it.
My running club planned a new "Cherry Blossom Viewing" route for today, not knowing that most of the CBs would be long gone after Wednesday's rain. But the distance (about 12) was perfect for the many Boston Marathoners heading out for their last long run, so no one really minded. I met Leilani, two other girls doing Boston who I've met before, and Emily for the run...and we ended up getting started a little behind the group because two of us (not me, for once!) were late. We saw everyone again though going around the Tidal Basin because apparently we were going the wrong way.
We ran at an easy pace and were chatting it up most of the time, my favorite part of long runs. I was jealous when I heard that the Boston forecast is looking like 50s and maybe 40s! The one year I'm not running...oh, well. Anyway, back to today's run. My biggest complaint (since I always have one these days; believe me, I wish I didn't) was my kneecap from the fall. We looked at it afterwards and everyone agreed it seems inflamed. I think I have been using expired Neosporin and have since switched to a more current version, and it'll eventually get better. But I think I am shortening my stride because of that knee pain and the back of my knee has been sore since I got back. I iced both the front of my knee and my hamstring this afternoon; not sure if that will make a difference but I guess it can't hurt.
Matt and I stayed in this afternoon, catching up on the piled-up newspapers and magazines. We're going to go out to our sushi place for dinner tonight instead of bringing it back home like usual--so it'll be a real date--and then maybe watch a movie. I'd like to go to one in the theater, but there are honestly no movies I want to see right now!
Posted by becky at 5:05 PM | Comments (1)
April 6, 2007
A 'good' Friday (so far)
Matt had work today, so of course I woke up a little when he got up to go in the shower this morning, but I knew I could go back to sleep for as long as I wanted. I woke up around 8:45 although I felt like I definitely could have lounged around for longer. But I like to run/work out first, then lounge.
Washingtonpost.com said the real feel was 23 or something, and I could hear the wind blowing. I put on a hat and gloves and actually ended up keeping the hat on for most of the run. It definitely doesn't feel like April, but it didn't feel like December this year either, so I'm getting used to it. It actually wasn't as windy as I anticipated, so that was good. I did my usual Friday route and today the most bothersome thing was the very top of my kneecap, exactly where my biggest cut from Tuesday's fall is. I'm pretty sure it's a bruise and will go away, but why does it have to be on my knee, where all my other problems are? I am also feeling pinching on both legs behind my knee on the very outside of my leg, where the knee bends. That's today's injury report.
I stayed home most of today, cleaning and relaxing, and then went to get my nails done and go grocery shopping. I am meeting Matt downtown in a little bit for drinks/dinner with a couple we know from business school. They are in town for the weekend, along with many other tourists who are probably freezing their butts off walking around looking for cherry blossoms that have disappeared!
Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 6:23 PM | Comments (0)
April 5, 2007
Ready to relax a bit
This is the earliest I've been home and done with dinner in a long time! I lifted at lunch so that I could make an eye doctor appointment this evening and then missed the bus that I needed to take and missed the appointment! I feel like I have the whole night before me to do whatever I want, especially since we have the day off tomorrow for Good Friday!
Although the side of my leg thing has been acting up today--it feels like a muscle cramp that I can't get rid of--the back of my knee felt fine today walking down to the bus and then on the spin bike. I didn't feel like I got as great of a workout on the bike as I did last week, but I think it might have had something to do with tired/sore legs from lifting a bit more than usual yesterday. I just didn't have that extra gear (no pun intended) and felt like I was going through the motions. But it was a workout nonetheless, right?
Grey's is a repeat again and ER continues to be mysteriously absent from NBC's Thursday night lineup. But I am reading a very interesting book so maybe I will just put in some quality bookworm time tonight.
Oh, a P.S. weather note: it was very chilly today! But I couldn't even enjoy it because it was windy.
Posted by becky at 8:11 PM | Comments (0)
April 4, 2007
Staying on my feet
No falls today, and I actually felt better than I thought I would. I bandaged up my knee last night with gauze and stuff and it did actually look a lot better when I woke up. I actually was awake a few times during the night because we had really loud, violent thunderstorms and heavy, pelting rain. I kept dreading the fact that I was going to be outside in it in a few hours. But the rain had mostly stopped when I woke up for real. I kept my run fairly short given the fact that I am still having my usual aches and pains but felt okay. The roads were pretty wet but I took extra care to stay on my feet! It was much cooler than it had been the day before--I guess the thunderstorm swept all the summery air away.
I lifted at lunch. Actually, I mostly biked and then lifted legs because my arms are super sore from something I did yesterday (I have no idea). It was fine. I have been slacking off with legs and am trying to build back up again.
It was a dreary day until it was almost time to go home, at which point the sun came out. I met two friends from grad school--one who was just in town for the night--for a bite at a Spanish place in Dupont Circle after work. Although I had it in the back of my mind that Wed. night is track workout night, the fun time outweighed the guilt.
Posted by becky at 9:34 PM | Comments (0)
April 3, 2007
Splat
Since Matt ended up driving to my parents' house last night, I decided it would be nice of me to go in the car back with him to D.C. instead of on the plane (you can use Delta Shuttle tickets anytime if you pay a fee). But he wanted to leave at 7. I set my alarm for 5 so that I could get a quick run in and it was almost impossible to get up. Luckily, I haven't had to get up that early in ages.
Once I got outside, I woke up and felt better. It was misty out but pretty humid and very dark. I think that is one of the main differences between the suburbs and the city. In the city, it is pretty easy to find well-lit main roads to run on in the morning. In the suburbs, there isn't much traffic, but there aren't that many street lights, either. And since I didn't know I'd be running early, I didn't have my headlamp or reflective vest, so I was kind of paranoid.
I was doing okay until I was on one of the busier roads about 2/3 of the way into the run and a car's headlights blinded me. I figured it would be safer to jump off the road onto the shoulder for a second than risk not being able to see the traffic, so I did that. But there was a dropoff that I didn't remember and the next thing I knew, I was on the ground with a badly skinned leg and knee. It was bleeding, so I tied my shirt around my knee, cursed a few times, and finished the run. I was very shaken up and once I got going again, my sweat was making the cuts sting even more. I was never so glad to get home.
Matt actually hadn't heard his cell phone alarm and wasn't up yet, so he was spared the sight of my bleeding leg. (And my parents were sleeping.) I cleaned up and bandaged it and it has been doing okay ever since, although a little oozy. (Sorry.) I think I'll live, but it is definitely gross to look at, especially since it was warm today and I wore a dress.
I slept through much of the car ride today but was still tired during the day. We made great time with little traffic on the roads and I was back at work by 12:30 or so. I went to the gym after work but it was a little tough with my wound. I avoided anything with legs or where my leg would have to touch a pad or something. I'm going to sleep with it all gauzed up and Neosporined, so hopefully it will feel better in the morning.
Posted by becky at 9:31 PM | Comments (1)
April 2, 2007
Foggy run
My leg was feeling better when I woke up this morning, so I decided to do a short run and then go to the gym with my dad in the afternoon (still in NY). It was super foggy out this morning, but kind of chilly. Humid and cold, a weird combination. I did one of my old high school routes around here and actually felt better than I anticipated. Most of my hometown routes are pretty hilly and this one was no exception. But I just took it really, really easy on the uphill parts and I was fine. I added on a little bit--maybe a mile--in the woodsy trails behind this convent that are a fairly recent addition. It was muddy but soft so it felt good on my old, achy knees.
I was home for a couple of hours and then did end up going with my dad to the fancy gym. I had been on the elliptical for about 25 minutes when all of a sudden I got this weird pinching in my left (better) leg. It wasn't going away so I switched to the bike. I got a decent but not really complete lift in, but I was ready to leave by that point anyway.
Now my mom and I are getting ready for Passover and my sister and her boyfriend, my grandmother, and Matt are on their way (Matt decided to drive up at the last minute). I'm looking forward to a nice evening!
Posted by becky at 5:02 PM | Comments (0)
April 1, 2007
Running with the race
When I left my apartment this morning to meet Camille and Leilani in Georgetown, I thought to myself that the Cherry Blossom runners were lucky with such great weather! It did turn out to be a little breezy, but the world-record time by the women's race winner certainly validated my weather assumption.
The three of us wanted to run and catch part of the race, so we ran alongside the route for a bit. It was easy until the sidewalk ended and we kind of had to run on the course for a bit! (We were careful.) We saw the women's leader, who really was flying, and all the elite women, many of whom I recognized and cheered for. Then we saw all the locals we had been waiting to see, which was great, although I was a little jealous of the people who were having great races :) I saw one of my former MIT runners, who I knew was in the area (she looked great at mile 6 and ended up running about 1:05, not bad for someone who probably hasn't done too many ten-milers), many current DC Road Runners peeps, and a couple of former running parters/track buddies who I hadn't seen since coming back to D.C.
Once we finished seeing everyone we knew, we continued our run up toward the Cathedral and then back to our cars via the Glover-Archibold trail. Both my knees were on the achy side and the back of my knee is still sore. Ugh.
I got home a little later than planned and rushed to get ready and eat breakfast before I left for the airport. I am in New York at my parents' for a couple of days for Passover. Matt will hopefully join me tomorrow but he has a lot going on at work so it might not be possible.
I had a fun day with my sister. My parents picked me up at LGA and then dropped me off at her apartment because they had theater tickets. We had lunch and then did a bit of shopping at Bloomies and Niketown before coming back downtown to meet my parents for dinner. It was a little rainy but we were undeterred and had a great time. It was a long day though and I am pooped!
Posted by becky at 8:22 PM | Comments (0)