« October 2007 | Main | December 2007 »
November 30, 2007
Yay for Friday
I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. It was so nice and warm in there, and I just didn't feel like getting started with the day. Eventually I stopped pressing snooze and got ready to run. I checked the weather and Accuweather listed a "real feel" of 25. I already had shorts on though and didn't feel like changing, so I tried to find a hat. The only one I could locate is too small--I really need to give it to someone who can actually use it. I started out wearing it but it came right off. It turned out I didn't really need it, though--it was chilly, but certainly not real feel of 25.
I did my Friday loop although it felt like the first time in awhile that I had done it. I was thinking about going through the Zoo for the last couple of miles, but I changed my mind at the last minute because I couldn't face the hill. I do need to start doing that weekly like I used to back in the day. I felt pretty decent today, actually, which always kind of worries me the day before I am planning to do a long run. I'll try not to read too much into it!
I was in meetings for most of the day, which always means that not much real work gets done. I got back to my desk at 4:30 and tried to write a summary of one of the meetings, but I just was not motivated. I also have had a headache all afternoon, despite taking Tylenol. Maybe Aleve will help. I think it's from not drinking enough water (too many meetings). In any case, I am very ready for the weekend. After being away, things have piled up--literally and figuratively--around the apartment.
Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2007
Pain in the neck
I woke up with a sore neck/upper back this morning. It was only on one side, so I'm sure it occurred in the gym yesterday and was probably compounded by sleeping funny. I tried to massage it on the foam roller but I didn't want to hurt myself by putting too much pressure on it so it didn't really loosen anything up. It's been getting better throughout the day but I had to stop and physically turn my body to make sure no cars were coming when I was running this morning. Actually, my knee felt okay for most of the run today, although I did take Advil for the neck. I overdressed a bit because Washingtonpost.com said 41 and yesterday's 41 felt cold, but I think I need to remember to look at the "real feel." But it wasn't too bad because once I got up the hill that leads to the National Cathedral, I started going downhill and it seemed colder there. One of my former DC running buddies used to have this theory our running routes had valleys because the temperature always seemed to change depending on where we were! I always think of that when I have that sense.
I went to the gym during lunch today so I could have more time to just chill out tonight. I always feel like the extra hour or so helps immensely. I only biked and did abs though, because my neck was still hurting and I didn't think it would be a good idea to lift heavy--or even not so heavy--objects. It was the right call since it has been continuing to feel better.
I am intending to watch "Grey's" tonight, but the ending last week was so digusting that I am a little worried. I am not generally squeamish about things that normal people are squeamish about, but this one got me. Anyone who watched will surely know what I mean!
Posted by becky at 7:39 PM | Comments (1)
November 28, 2007
New shoes (can I get new knees?)
I was glad to see that my new sneakers (same as always, the Gel Evolution) arrived in the mail yesterday. I don't know how my other pair got so worn out in the past couple of months, but they did. I've always been one to wear out shoes quickly. I laced them up for this morning's run and set out. Unfortunately today was not a great knee day. I did my Howard U-hospitals loop and it was pretty chilly. My long-sleeve shirt was long enough to keep my hands inside so it didn't really matter that I didn't wear gloves, but I think that tactic made my skin really dry. My legs are even worse after a couple of colder runs in shorts. In any case, my run today wasn't terrible, I just had some inner knee pain. The run went by quickly, though, so that's a good sign.
I don't have too much else from the day to report. I went to the gym after work as usual and found a bike and got my lifting in. Tonight Matt brought home fresh pasta from an Italian deli near work, so we had a nice dinner together--definitely a highlight of the day/night!
Posted by becky at 8:48 PM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2007
Warm indoor morning
Even though I was inside on the bike today, I could tell it was still mild outside. I opened the window and having the breeze helped somewhat, although I was still sweating it up. I watched a movie I had missed when it came out a few years ago--"Something New," about a black woman who falls for a white man despite her professed attraction only to black men. I actually need to watch the last few minutes. It was cute and perfect for watching on the bike. My leg felt like it could handle the reintroduction of some hill climbs, so I did do a few of those, but not throughout the whole ride like I was doing a few months ago. I think it puts too much stress on my kneecap.
My day at work went by quickly today. I had a lunch meeting that first seemed like it was going to only last a short time but ended up being 90 minutes, and then another long one in the late afternoon. The gym was less crowded today and I was also less hungry because I had some oatmeal before I left the office. When I was biking, I overheard someone saying that classes for undergrads end next week, so maybe people are starting to hibernate. I know we say it every year, but I can't believe it is already almost December. Time flies when you're waiting for the weather to get cold!
Posted by becky at 8:34 PM | Comments (0)
November 26, 2007
Back in Boston
It is very weird to me that I ran in Boston this morning and still got in a pretty good day of work at the office. And I didn't have to be out a whole lot earlier than normal, just a little bit. It was raining a little this morning when I left the hotel but it was very mild. Our hotel was near Mass. Ave. and Boylston St., so I ran up Mass. and over the Harvard Bridge (I always get the names wrong, and even did when I lived there) and then down to the Science Museum bridge and back along Storrow Drive and Beacon Street. It took a few minutes for my knee to warm up--I think all that dancing in heels last night was not so good for it--but after that things went pretty smoothly. I forgot how flat Boston is and was quickly reminded. The run definitely made me nostalgic...it really seems like those two years went by in the blink of an eye.
We had a 9am flight and the airport was definitely crowded, but luckily we didn't have any delays. I slept from the time I got into my seat until the time we landed. Matt went right to work and I went home with the bags and drove in to work. The day went by quickly after that and soon it was time to go to the gym. It was more crowded than ever--I could barely get a bike, which hardly ever happens! I guess all those students were making up for missed workouts over break. I did what I could but it was definitely not the most efficient lifting session.
I still need to unpack and I don't really feel like even getting up off the couch. Wish me luck with that.
Posted by becky at 9:42 PM | Comments (1)
November 25, 2007
Long way to travel for a wedding
Today was a pretty long day, but despite a travel snafu, all ended up okay. We had a great time at the game last night, although Cornell was totally overpowered by BU. I actually ran into a bunch of tracksters that I hadn't seen in years, which was really neat. I hope this game becomes a new tradition!
This morning was much milder than yesterday morning. I did what I like to think of the "neighborhood" run I do from Matt's mom's house, although it really goes through two parks (one that borders the LI Sound) and ends up on a main road. The "neighborhood" part is gorgeous, though. Each house is different, all are pretty big, and many have a view of the water. My legs were pretty dead today, probably from the hills yesterday and the faster pace at the beginning. I just tried to stay relaxed and keep a normal stride because that always seems to help my knee aches and pains.
We were supposed to take a 10:30 train to Boston for this family wedding we had tonight. When we got to the train station, we found out that it was quite delayed. It was more than an hour delayed, and we didn't get to South Station until about 4 and the wedding was called for 4:30. Two quick showers and a cab ride later, we were at the ceremony on time and didn't miss a thing--I don't know how we did it. The wedding was actually a lot of fun and my whole family--including my Boston grandparents, who I haven't seen in months--were there. It's too bad we can't stay longer but we are going back tomorrow first thing. I hope to get in a quick run along the river since we are right in Copley Square...so I better go to sleep!
Posted by becky at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2007
Rockefeller nostalgia
I fortuitously got an email yesterday from my Cornell running friend Becky announcing that she and her family had moved to Sleepy Hollow, just blocks away from my favorite trails in Rockefeller Park. I haven't seen her in a few years, actually, so I volunteered to drive over there this morning so we could run. I set out at about 7:30 since she had to be back for something and it was freezing--25 degrees out or so. Becky loaned me a hat and we set out. I am so jealous of how close her new house is to Rockefeller--it is amazing. I was hoping I wouldn't be too slow for her and I think I overcompensated by starting out too fast because I could barely catch my breath at first (the cold didn't help). We settled into an okay pace though. I noticed my pes a bit but it wasn't too bad...it was probably good for me to be on the trails, too. I showed her my old cross country course loop and we incorporated that into the run. We were chattering pretty much the whole way since we hadn't caught up in ages so it was a lot of fun. When we got back to her house, I waited around a bit because her parents were coming over with Becky's son, who I hadn't met before because he was spending the night with his grandparents. He is a very cute kid. Since my college friends live kind of all over, it's always great when I get to meet their kids when they are actually still little.
So that was my morning, and I spent most of the rest of the afternoon reading and trying to solve a printer problem (unsuccessfully). I also did a little ellipticalling for the first time in ages and remembered why I don't do it--something about the angle bothers my pes.
Tonight we are going to a Cornell-Boston U. hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Both schools' alumni associations have been hyping it up for months and the game is actually sold out. It should be a fun night!
Posted by becky at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)
November 23, 2007
What a (weather) difference
I started writing this blog entry hours ago and my mom accidentally navigated away from the page (I was using her computer) so it's taken me a while to get up the motivation to continue. Now that the day is almost over, I'll try to remember the beginning of it. Right, it was much colder than yesterday when I headed out to run, probably about 25 or 30 degrees colder than yesterday. I dressed almost properly so it wasn't really a problem. It was more my tired legs that were problematic. My pes was also a little sore (again) but I managed to get through a shortish loop. I was planning on doing my Leatherstocking Trail run but there are so many leaves on the ground right now that I just didn't think it would be safe, especially with my track record. I stuck to the roads instead. No major hills to speak of, but a couple of gentle climbs. All in all, a decent but not amazing run.
I actually met my parents a couple of hours later at the gym for some more exercise (mostly lifting for me) just because they were going to be there then and could get me on the guest list. It was definitely busier than a typical Friday there! I biked and lifted and gave my parents some pointers. Whether they will be heeded or not, I'm not sure, but I tried.
I spent the rest of the afternoon with my mom, having lunch and getting our nails done. Then I went to meet Matt at a restaurant where we were having dinner with his dad and grandparents. I don't think anyone felt too much like sitting down for another big meal 24 hours after Thanksgiving, but we managed to have a good time. After that, Matt and his sister and I went to see "American Gangster." They liked it a lot more than I did, but I think I was just antsy since it was so long. And after a full day of activity, I am definitely tired, so I think that was part of it! On that note, time for bed.
Posted by becky at 11:35 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2007
Thanksgiving in Prospect Park
It was already about 60 degrees this morning when I woke up in Brooklyn and set out for my run. I hadn't been back to Prospect Park since the summer of 2005 when it was my regular stomping ground. My leg/knee was kind of tight when I started running--and I got hot right away--but things did loosen up and I just tried to keep a nice, comfortable pace. It was only about 2 miles to the entrance of the Park and I was glad to get into the shade (it actually was a lot cooler in there). I was out pretty early since we needed to head up to Westchester at about 10, and I was shocked to see how many people were in the Park on Thanksgiving morning! There was actually a 5-mile race set to start at about 9 so many people had numbers on and seemed to be warming up. I had never been in there when the leaves were fall colors so it was really beautiful. I was also seriously shocked when I finished the loop because I remembered it as being so much hillier! I don't know if I was just running faster then and working harder on the hills or it was always super hot and humid. But it was a nice surprise!
My leg and knee held up okay; they both started to get sore after about half the loop of the Park because the path is sort of sloped and I don't think I'm strong enough to stabilize my knee if there are any unusual circumstances like that. When I got out of the Park, I was broiling and did the (very urban) last few miles in my sports bra. It felt good, but I couldn't believe how warm it was on Thanksgiving.
We drove up to Matt's mom's house and hung out there for a few hours, then went to my parents' for Thanksgiving lunch/dinner. Since we usually spend family Thanksgiving in Boston with our family friends and my grandparents, this was actually the first Thanksgiving that I have had there. My mom (and dad) worked really hard and it was very nice. My grandmother, aunt, uncle, cousins, my sister, her boyfriend and his parents made for a packed house but also good conversation!
I hope everyone had a great and relaxing Thanksgiving!
Posted by becky at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2007
Wacky Wednesday
I am really glad that we got out of work early today (around 2pm)! Matt and I don't fly to New York until 9:30 tonight, but I am glad to have the extra time to relax since I have been feeling really tired today. The day started out with a decent run, for once! It was much warmer than it has been in the past several days even in the morning, but I will overlook that. My knee felt like it was tracking better, although I'm not sure why. I haven't been able to do my strengthening stuff that helps my knees because of my pes, but this week I've added a few more things back in (knock on wood). Or maybe it was just reverse psychology after my doctor's appointment yesterday. I did my downtown loop and realized I hadn't done that one in ages--time to bring it back into the rotation.
A bunch of us pitched in at work to help put together binders for an upcoming board meeting and our reward was we got to go home early. I went to the gym, but I could tell I was going to be dragging. I have some sort of infection in my gum (it's been hurting and swollen for three days) and I am getting paranoid that I am feeling crappy because of that. This one isn't even due to dental work; I nicked it when I was flossing. Hopefully it's just a coincidence. Anyway, I didn't have much energy and did what I could and then came home.
Safe and hassle free travels to all who might be making their way "home" for the holiday!
Posted by becky at 5:26 PM | Comments (1)
November 20, 2007
Built badly
It seemed very dark out this morning, even though I wasn't up much earlier than usual. I guess it was the clouds. But it wasn't cold--it is warming up for Thanksgiving as has been the trend in recent years and it is supposed to be around 70 tomorrow here. I was thinking about my knee a lot (too much?) when I ran because I knew I would be going for that second opinion later in the morning. It basically bothers me on and off throughout runs depending on whether I am going uphill (better) or downhill (worse). It's very weird because while walking, it's going up the stairs that bothers me. I felt pretty good on the flats and uphills today, but I had one longish downhill that hurt.
I was actually on time today getting back from my run and was even ten minutes early to the doctor, which is almost unheard of for me. However, after filling out my paperwork, I did not see the doctor for a full hour! And there were tons of people in the waiting room, so I wasn't the only one. Isn't that terrible? I can understand 10 or 15 minutes but that is so disrespectful of people's time! Luckily I had my BlackBerry and I could tell things were quiet at work.
Anyway, when the doctor finally came in, I showed him my MRI report and told him that he was a second opinion (he could obviously tell since the report had my other doctor's name on it). He took a couple of new x-rays (of BOTH knees this time, at my urging) and basically told me that both my knees look awful in terms of kneecap tracking--the "good" one actually looks worse--and I am headed for knee replacements. I know he does see runners (I got his name from the club medical directory) so I was a little taken aback when he seemed surprised that I was still running and wanted to continue. He said I should probably do the lateral release surgery sometime down the line on both legs to re-align the kneecaps and correct my tracking. (This is the drastic IT band release surgery that I am scared of for several reasons, mostly because my PT told me he's seen a lot of people worse off afterwards.)
So my second opinion basically concurred with my first, but Dr. K at Georgetown also has another option, these Synvisc injections. As long as I can run some right now, I am going to try the injections (they are natural and increase the viscosity of the synovial fluid, lubricating the joints). I just have to clear it with my insurance company.
And the saga continues.
So after all that, I was kind of down, but not willing to give up. If it comes to surgery, I love running that much that I will do it, but I am trying to be as conservative as possible for now.
The rest of the day was pretty quiet and because of that I was quite productive. The gym was gloriously empty of undergrads so I sailed through my routine with few roadblocks. Tonight I need to pack for our trip to New York (mostly) and Boston (a wedding on Sunday night). I am a terrible packer to begin with and with the fluctuating temperatures and lots of different events to plan for, I am extremely stressed!
Posted by becky at 9:17 PM | Comments (0)
November 19, 2007
I love CSTV
Since I watched "ER" on the bike yesterday, I had to find something else to watch this morning for my longer ride. The On Demand movie selection lately has been pitiful. I chose "Georgia Rule," a Lindsay Lohan movie, if you can believe it. It was pretty long so I haven't finished it yet, but after watching most of it, I will say that it is a typical Lindsay Lohan movie! The premise is that she's a spoiled California kid who is sent to live with her grandmother in Idaho. I don't think the spoiled part was a dramatic stretch. In any case, it did pass the time and I threw in a few climbs, but I've been avoiding them because I think they do put extra pressure on my knees. So it was a pretty standard Monday bike workout.
I was really excited to watch the CSTV live streaming of the NCAA cross country meet today. I had a meeting a 1:30, right when it was scheduled to end, but I got to see everything except the final women's team scores, but I think they took a while to calculate anyway. The men's race was great to watch and even the commentary was fairly good (despite a comment about the "45 mile weeks" the top mens runners do. Try double that. And the women's race was less exciting to watch, but the coverage was great! I hope they do that every year going forward. It's a little weird to be watching in my cubicle, but everyone at work knows what a rabid fan I am. However, my predictions in the Letsrun contest were way off, mostly because of the unfortunate races that Teresa McWalters and Liz Costello had. It always happens to someone, but you never know who it's going to be.
The rest of my day was spent in meetings so it went by pretty quickly. The office is starting to clear out for Thanksgiving and I will be grateful for the extra time to catch up on things this week since we are not leaving for New York until late Wednesday.
After work I went to the gym to bike and lift and it was also emptier there. I was really hungry so it wasn't that pleasant, but I did what I could.
Posted by becky at 9:30 PM | Comments (0)
November 18, 2007
Trying to keep up
Camille and I planned to meet at my place this morning because I couldn't stand the thought of running on the Canal again after doing that yesterday. I could tell that it was "fake cold" out when I stepped outside--much warmer than yesterday when I was mostly hot because I overdressed. As soon as we started running, I could tell that today was going to be one of those days where I was struggling to keep up the whole time. Camille doesn't run on Saturdays because she is a Seventh Day Adventist and spends most of the day in church. I, on the other hand, did a hilly longish run yesterday. Not to make excuses, but not being in great shape, a run like that takes a lot out of me!
I managed to stay with her until we got into the Park, and then she was a few steps ahead of me. Not far enough that I couldn't catch her, but my knee had tightened up on a downhill just before that and I really didn't want to push it. We stopped for the water fountain at the top of the last hill, and after that we stayed together. She hates urban runs because of the sidewalks and the tons of cross streets that you have to slow down for, but at least it slows her down! (The last 2 miles of the run are very much like that.)
Even though I got a good night's sleep last night--we didn't get home too late after the African feast, which was delicious--I fell asleep on the couch after eating breakfast. Once I recovered from my nap, I went to Whole Foods which was crazy with all the pre-Thanksgiving shoppers. I was glad to make it out unscathed and I actually got everything I needed.
I just rode the trainer while watching most of "ER" and now Matt is giving it a try while watching football. It's weird to see someone else on "my" bike!
Posted by becky at 6:25 PM | Comments (0)
November 17, 2007
Overdressed
I got all caught up in the fact that it was chilly out when we came home last night and totally overdressed for my run this morning. (Incidentally, I just heard that it was going to be back near 70 in the middle of the week.) But during last weekend's long run, I wore a shirt that didn't wick well and I was freezing once it got wet. So today I put on one that wicks better, but it is definitely heavier and I was feeling suffocated before the first mile.
I met the DC Road Runners group at Iwo Jima although I didn't know if Leilani or any of the other people I have been running with would be there. It turned out that she was there and we ran in a little group most of the way. The route was really hilly. I've done it before and it's definitely front-loaded with hills since the last few miles are on the Canal. My knee actually loosened up after a little while and didn't bother me too much the first half of the run; it was a couple of the steep downhills that hurt me. But overall it wasn't too bad. Another girl I was running with and I decided to cut the planned 14-mile route by about 1.5 or 2 miles since neither of us are training for anything and the hills definitely tired us out. Although I was warm during the run, I was freezing as soon as I stopped and had to blast the heat in the car on the way home.
Today we have mostly been relaxing and we just got back from doing some errands on foot. Tonight we're invited to a friend's house for an African feast that her mom is cooking up. Not sure what's in store, but it sounds exciting.
Posted by becky at 5:02 PM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2007
Windy Friday
I think the weather was still in the process of changing (i.e. getting colder) this morning when I ran because it was super windy and it definitely seemed to be colder each time I went outside later in the day. I did my usual Friday loop, which I actually don't think I've done in a couple of weeks for one reason or another. It was pretty uneventful and I am not going to say much about my leg because while it was runnable, I had a few more aches and pains than usual. So it wasn't my best run this week, but not the worst either.
I went first to the dentist, since I now knew this was the correct day for my appointment. The whole thing took a long time, first because the dentist was running later, next because it took three shots to get my numb, and then because the filling was "one of the biggest" the dentist had ever seen. So deep, in fact, that it needs a crown, but I am going to wait until January to do that so that I have a new insurance tier. But I must say, after the numbness wore off, I could tell that my mouth already felt better. I think this one must have been bothering me for a while.
I don't really have much more exciting news to report. I am looking forward to following the big post-season cross-country meets this weekend! Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 9:37 PM | Comments (0)
November 15, 2007
Soaked
When my alarm went off this morning, I could hear the rain pouring down and despite my general enjoyment of running in the rain, I really was not looking forward to a downpour like that. I pressed snooze one too many times and the next thing I knew, it was after 7 and I bolted out of bed and managed to get in about 45 minutes of running before rushing off to a dentist appointment which turned out to actually be tomorrow. Sigh. It didn't sound like it was raining all that hard when I went out, but it must have picked up because I was soaked in no time. I hastily grabbed a long-sleeve shirt when I left and it was a good choice for warmth since the temperature was dropping but a poor one because the shirt was cotton. Yuck--a rookie error that I haven't made in ages. By the time I got home, I felt like I was 20 pounds heavier. My knee was all right today; my pes hasn't been hurting me but still some stiffness in the joint. Probably all the moisture in the air didn't help, either.
I went straight to the dentist from home, found out I had the wrong day, and went to work, where I immediately found out something very sad: a pulmonary medicine fellow had died suddenly playing squash with a colleague in the (Georgetown) gym last night. He was 39 and they don't know exactly what happened, but it sounds like something cardiac because his colleague--also a critical care specialist--and several med students in the gym started CPR right away while waiting for the ambulance but unfortunately could not revive him. Of course this sounds eerily like what happened to Ryan Shay, and it is so terrible. The medical school is having a memorial service for him tomorrow and although I did not know him, I will try and attend just to pay my respects.
It was actually weird going back to the gym tonight knowing what had happened there last night. It was also strange that the gym was completely empty, but then I remembered--there was a basketball game tonight! Unfortunately I didn't have a whole lot of lifting planned after biking a little so I couldn't really take advantage of the free machines.
I'm sure all my fans want to know how "Lars and the Real Girl" was last night. It was definitely odd, and a tad slow, but watchable and enjoyable. I found out afterwards that it was written by one of the "Six Feet Under" writers, and it totally makes sense!
OK, off to stuff my still-wet shoes with newspapers before "Grey's." Matt is on his way back but I will probably fall asleep before he arrives!
Posted by becky at 8:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2007
Halfway to Friday
It was definitely shorts and sports bra (I wore a long one) weather out again this morning. Apparently the people that I saw in heavy winter gear are going by the calendar and not the actual weather! They were probably thinking the opposite about me. Instead of sticking to my usual Wednesday route, I mixed it up and did a figure-eight sort of thing that involved the path along the Rock Creek Parkway and a long but gradual climb up Mass. Ave. My pes did not bother me too much today but I still had issues--stiffness and crackliness--that probably mean there is some internal swelling going on (pretty common with cartilage problems). I actually made an appointment for a second opinion with another orthopedic surgeon who doesn't have the reputation of the one I've been seeing, but who was listed on my running club's "medical directory." I am so tired of running with pain/discomfort virtually every day that I think if I get another pro-surgical opinion, I might just suck it up and go that route in the hopes that rehab will be uneventful.
I lifted at lunch today (a little rushed, but pretty much got in a good circuit) because I have plans with a friend tonight. We are going to see "Lars and the Real Girl." I don't know much more than what I've read in the reviews, but it looks like a quirky independent film and I usually like those. If I remember, I will report back tomorrow!
Posted by becky at 5:30 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2007
Mixing it up
Today's workout was a little different than what I've been doing lately. I have been planning to run with a med student (and former Georgetown runner, actually) that I met in the gym last year--we never got it together then and finally made a plan. She was already going to be at the gym, so I rolled out of bed, grabbed my Pop-Tart, and walked down to the bus. I forgot how crowded it is in the early morning...it had been awhile since I did that. But it is also a quicker ride without the rush-hour traffic.
Once I got to the gym and ready to run (not many clothes were involved as it was kind of muggy and not cold anymore like the past week), we headed out for a brief run out and back on the Capital Crescent Trail. She has mostly been running on the treadmill so didn't want to go to long. My knee/leg felt...okay. Not terrible, but not great either, if that makes any sense. Then we went back to the gym and she ellipticalled while I rode the bike. Then, because I was sick of the bike, I ran a couple of painfully slow miles on the treadmill and remembered why I hate treadmills. The only thing that is good about the treadmill is that I can concentrate on my form a little bit more, and it definitely makes a difference. But I absolutely hate seeing how slow I am right now and the sweat on the belt thing is, as I know from experience, dangerous. So that was my bits-and-pieces workout--breaking it up definitely made it go by fast.
A couple of people at work are sick and my poor sis went home from work with a stomach virus...I am doing my best to stay healthy but I am worried. I happened to get on a bike tonight at the gym that had just been wiped off very meticulously with antibacterial wipes by the girl who was on it before me--a big thumbs up for that. I tried to reintroduce some leg strengthening stuff that I haven't been able to do lately, but some things were more successful (i.e. pain free) than others.
Posted by becky at 9:20 PM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2007
Back on the bike
I had tentative plans to run with someone this morning, but they got pushed to tomorrow, so I decided to be cautious and bike again since unfortunately my leg is still not feeling so hot. I made the poor decision to wear regular--not padded--spandex and the whole ride was just a little uncomfortable. I was all set to order an On Demand movie, but something was up with the system and it wasn't letting me order. So, I listened to music and watched the news on mute. It always bothers me that the local NBC station scrolls about five headlines on the bottom of the screen during the "Today Show"--don't they ever think about adding a few more so that viewers aren't seeing the same ones over and over and over? They aren't even that interesting. I did see that the weather is supposed to be quite warm tomorrow (mid-60s) and Wednesday (70). I knew summer wasn't really over yet!
I think everyone at work agreed that today just dragged. It didn't feel like a holiday, although a bunch of my federal government friends were off, and it was kind of cloudy most of the day. Just one of those molasses Mondays, I guess. By the time the end of the day came around, I was very antsy and ready to go to the gym. It was packed. I nabbed a bike just as someone was getting off and then I lifted after that. Nothing too out of the ordinary there.
Matt is on his way to LA again for most of the week, so I'm on my own again. As usual, I am trying to stick to a good early bedtime schedule since I have no "distractions"!
Posted by becky at 9:15 PM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2007
Ups and downs
I think my legs were a bit tired out from yesterday's long run, because I felt creaky, flat and achy. In addition to feeling crappy, I could barely keep up with Camille. We met in Georgetown but I suggested doing our usual route in reverse, just to mix things up. We realized it was a lot hillier that way, but it definitely felt different! It was definitely chilly when we got started but warmer than yesterday and a lot sunnier. We had to go down three steps at the beginning of the run to get down to the Canal and my pes was really hurting...luckily it did loosen up but I had a bunch of aches and pains that came and went. Ugh. At least the company and conversation were good.
I spent way too much time grocery shopping this afternoon because of long lines and the fact that I had to go to two separate stores to get what I needed. Luckily there were some good gossip magazines at the register to pass the time! When I got home, Matt and I went for a walk with a little jogging thrown in (his idea since he is trying to be more active). Unfortunately I was not a great companion because my knee was bothering me after the morning's run. But I provided good encouragement nonetheless!
Posted by becky at 7:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2007
A new route, sort of
I was worried about how my leg would feel during this morning's long run since it has been acting up. I took a couple of Advil and did some work with the foam roller before I left to meet the crew at Iwo Jima, and all in all it held up pretty well. Not totally pain-free, but better. There was a pretty small crowd out there this morning since it is the post-marathon season and also kind of dreary out (temperature in the 40s, perfect for me). Today's route was one that I had maybe done once before, several years ago, but I do pieces of it as one of my weekly staple runs, so it wasn't really new. It was about half urban, through the streets of DC, and then the rest was in Rock Creek Park. No major hills but a few longer, gentle hills. I ran with Leilani and her husband and a few other people at a very relaxed pace. I'm not sure on the total distance but probably around 12 miles. Although I was actually pretty warm while running, I was freezing as soon as we stopped and I feel like I've been a little cold ever since.
I met up with my running friend Emily for lunch in my neighborhood this afternoon. She is pregnant (with #3) so I haven't seen her in a few months. It was so great to catch up and we also talked knees since she actually had lateral release surgery a few years ago and did an Ironman 3 months later. It's always good to hear stories like that in case it does come to that for me. I miss running with her but she has always bounced back well from her pregnancies so I look forward to running again with her in the early spring.
Tonight I am going to another concert, Dar Williams this time. She seems to come once a year to a venue I like so I try to go when I can. Should be a good time!
Posted by becky at 4:12 PM | Comments (0)
November 9, 2007
A rainy, quiet day
As promised (to myself), I was on the bike this morning, catching up on some shows. I tried to tape both "ER" and "Grey's" but something happened with "Grey's" so it was channel-flipping after "ER." I did not do any hill intervals, just biked steadily, because I didn't want to do anything that might bother my leg any more. The whole thing was kind of uncomfortable, actually, but only on my butt. I was wearing a pair of bike shorts that not as comfortable as they could be for some unknown reason--I forget every time and put them on again and again.
After that, before going to my office I went to the local CBS affiliate studio (WUSA). One of our genetic counselors was scheduled for a segment with the morning anchor whose pet cause is breast cancer. She's actually very good and has a partership with our cancer center. I had never been to the studio before so it was really neat. The counselor did great and then we got to stay and eat the leftover food from the Thanksgiving meal cooking segment. Sweet! It was only 10am, but I gladly ate some roast beef, vegetable hash, and garlic spinich. It was a neat experience. The anchors are so relaxed despite being live for an hour...very impressive.
The rest of my work day was much more predictable, and it was quiet because several people in our office were out on a trip. Perfect conditions to get stuff done but not feel stressed.
I am waiting for Matt to come home from work so we can eat dinner...in the meantime I think I will try to watch "Grey's" on my computer. Happy weekend to all!
Posted by becky at 7:39 PM | Comments (0)
November 8, 2007
Fun night out with Girlyman
I woke up today and heard strange sounds of cheering and yelling. I seriously thought there was a riot or something going on outside my window (at 6:30 am??) and approached the living room cautiously. As I got closer, the sounds got louder...and then I realized they were coming from my computer. Somehow, the video of a Pennsylvania state cross-country race started playing--I had been on the PA Milesplit page before I went to bed--and it was the cheering fans that I heard! There's a first for everything.
I knew I probably should have biked today but I didn't leave myself enough time. I just decided to try and forget about my pes pain today. It worked for a while but then I went into the woods near Georgetown, where the footing wasn't so great, and things just kind of went downhill. I got very depressed but made it through with a promise to myself that I would suck it up and cross-train tomorrow. I just don't understand how this came on again so (seemingly) suddenly after a very uneventful weekend of running. My mileage has been the same for weeks. Maybe it was my uncomfortable dress shoes on Monday and Tuesday?? Who knows, but I really want to run this weekend, so I hope taking it easy tomorrow will help.
I iced a couple of times today at my desk and by the time I went to the gym at lunch to bike and lift, it was feeling a little better. I ended up running into someone at the gym and talking for a bit, so I didn't get a whole lot of lifting in, but it was a solid attempt. It was actually chilly in there today. [Speaking of chilly, notice how I don't mention the weather when it's cold? Love it.]
Tonight I went with two friends to a Girlyman concert at this tiny venue in Vienna, VA. I first heard Girlyman in August at the Indigo Girls concert and they have great harmony and are like a comedy act between songs--they are great live. We expected bad traffic getting out there, but it was actually fine, and the whole thing was a lot of fun. One of the people there with me is actually a runner who would be just about my speed if I were back to normal--she just ran NY this weekend in my marathon PR. (I've run with her a couple of times before.)
I have a bunch of things I should do before I go to bed, but I am tired and thinking they will wait until tomorrow...
Posted by becky at 10:29 PM | Comments (0)
Ryan Shay article
In the past few years, I have been really impressed with the New York Times' coverage of elite running. This article, written by one of my favorite sports feature writers, Jere Longman, is a more in-depth piece about the aftermath of Ryan Shay's death than I ever thought I would see: "Small Town Mourns a Running Marvel."
It is a must read.
Posted by becky at 11:11 AM | Comments (0)
November 7, 2007
Mad at my pes
I am having a bad knee week again, or more precisely, a bad pes week. There must be something I am doing to tighten it up, I just can't figure out what it is. I think it has something to do with my hamstrings because they are tight too (especially my bad one) and I admittedly haven't been the best about stretching with my rope. Or icing...as everyone knows, you get lazy when you are feeling better.
So this morning I knew that I would probably have some pes discomfort, and I was right. It was chilly enough this morning for half pants (I don't like them because they are fashionable, but I think of them as longer spandex shorts and they are actually really comfortable, too) and a long-sleeve shirt. I'm sure this cold spell will break soon, but for now, I'm enjoying it. I did my "Sketchy Loop" and the sketchiest part came at the beginning of the route. I was running near the U Street Metro station and I heard this weird screaming. As I got closer, I realized it was this woman wailing for one reason or another (she looked homeless). I tried to ignore her but as soon as I passed her she started running after me! It was really scary for a second, but I was quickly way ahead of her. You never know what people--especially crazy people--might do to you! The rest of the run was much less eventful. When I came back, I stretched my hamstrings as much as I had time for...and hope to do more tonight if I can stay awake long enough.
It was strange being back in the office today after two days of meetings. I kept thinking it was Monday, so now maybe the week will speed up! I spent most of the day catching up on stuff and trying to clean out my email inbox. After work, I biked (takes my pes a long time to warm up on the stationary bike, actually) and lifted. I was ambling to the bus because I thought I had plenty of time and then I saw it pull away--my watch somehow got to be about 2 minutes slow. Luckily a city bus came along shortly after, because I was starving.
Matt is in New York again tonight and although I miss him as I always do when he's traveling, I am going to try use his absence to my advantage and get to bed early!
Posted by becky at 9:37 PM | Comments (0)
November 6, 2007
Is it Friday yet?
This week is seeming long already, and it is only Tuesday! I think it's just that I have had a lot going on, but hopefully it will slow down for the rest of the week. This morning I did not have to be out the door quite as early as yesterday for the APHA meeting although it was still dark when I left because it was also pouring. It stopped about 2 miles into the run and got pretty nice out, but the damage was done and I was wet. It was sort of windy so the temperature that I checked before I left wasn't exactly accurate and I spent a lot of the run trying to warm up. In general, I was just dragging today and tired, I'm not sure why. Maybe my legs were tired from the bike? I was glad to get back, it was one of those runs. And although it didn't bother me while I was running, my pes was hurting the rest of the day, especially when I went down the stairs.
The tired legs situation was complicated by the fact that the shoes I was wearing today KILLED my feet, especially my toes. I think they will be okay to wear around the office, but I did too much walking around in them yesterday and I was suffering today. It prevented me from walking to a session I was somewhat interested in but that was further away from the Convention Center. Ah, well...you live and learn.
The sessions I did go to were good and I had a lunch meeting with work people downtown too, so it was convenient. I did get a chance to go to the gym and lift this afternoon and that was a good stress reliever, especially before sitting for two more hours at (my last) Mini-Med School class. My orthopedist actually lectured tonight, although more so about ACL tears and more common "impact" injuries. I still enjoyed it and judging from the questions he got, I don't think I'm the only one who's dealt with a frustrating sports injury.
Posted by becky at 9:51 PM | Comments (0)
November 5, 2007
A long one (day, that is)
Boy, I forgot how tiring it is to go to scientific meetings--I can barely keep my eyes open. I was on the bike by about 5:30 this morning so I could make it to registration and an 8:30 session at APHA. It would have been more efficient to run but I am trying to be good about keeping a cross-training day in my weekly routine. Plus, I had both an episode of "ER" and and the season finale (I think) of "Tori and Dean: Inn Love" to watch. I did a bunch of "hill" intervals and noticed that my "good" knee was pretty sore when I got off. It didn't bother me the rest of the day, but I didn't do any more working out because--for once--I did not have any time.
I went to sessions until lunchtime and then met up with a classmate (and good friend) from grad school. We had lunch and then went to more sessions and then met at the Harvard School of Public Health alumni event. The food was sub-par, but there were a lot of people from our class there and a few good networking opportunities. I thought I would feel guilty because I wasn't able to work out again, but I just feel...tired!
Posted by becky at 9:42 PM | Comments (0)
November 4, 2007
Good marathon weather
Even though I wasn't in New York this morning OR running a marathon, I thought about those who were and was grateful for what must have been almost perfect marathon weather, since it was pretty close here in DC. I was also grateful for the extra hour of sleep--I actually woke up without my alarm and was on time to meet Camille in Georgetown. We did our usual Sunday loop although by my calculation, we were about 2 minutes faster than usual today. I had tired legs from yesterday's hills and was hurting a bit at the end, but my other aches and pains were silent, for once. It was a nice run.
I was very proud of myself for finally cleaning the oven today. And it is a self-cleaning oven, so it didn't require too much work. I spilled something in there a few months ago and was waiting for a cool day to clean it since it makes the apartment hot. It worked and I was able to finally use the oven again tonight! (I made lasagna.)
In addition to the oven cleaning, I also read and did a tiny bit of work this afternoon. Then I went to the gym to lift since I am going to a public health meeting tomorrow and Tuesday and getting a second workout in will be really challenging. (The meeting is downtown.) I am looking forward to the meeting but, as always, I am stressed out by the thought of breaking out of my routine. I think I'll survive, though!
Posted by becky at 7:32 PM | Comments (0)
November 3, 2007
Quintessential fall run
I debated going to the club's Saturday morning run today, but I have been feeling tired so I slept in a bit and ran on my own with my iPod for company. I thought the wind was going to be really annoying, but it actually wasn't too bad. I haven't done a solo "long" run in a long time now, and it is always hard to get out the door, but once I did, it was pretty nice. I love talking on a run, but it is also nice (once in awhile) to just zone out and just think.
I did a similar version of the run that I did last Sat. with T., but added on a bit. It was finally brisk enough to wear a long-sleeve shirt the whole time and I loved feeling a little chilly and actually enjoying the sun instead of trying to hide from it. The total time on the run was about 1:50, basically my max right now. I was very tired toward the end and my knee had its usual aches and pains, but I was quite happy with it overall.
When I got in the door, I went right to the computer to see who won the Trials. I couldn't believe it when I saw that Ryan Shay had died. It totally overshadowed several great races by Ryan Hall and others. It is devastating and yet I can't stop reading about the circumstances surrounding his death, I guess to just figure out why it happened to someone so healthy, and seemingly so out of the blue. It is also incredibly sad that Ryan only just got married...the whole thing is horrible and the Shay family--and the elite running community--are definitely in my thoughts.
I just got back from 5 hours spent at the annual benefit for Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Most of it was spent people-watching, but I got a good meal (and a great dessert) out of it! We were there to escort press, but alas, none showed. Tony Snow was one of our awardees so we thought we might garner some press, but it's hard to get reporters to come out on Sat. night. I want to take advantage of tonight's extra hour, but I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I think it'll just be an extra hour of sleep!
Posted by becky at 1:42 PM | Comments (0)
November 2, 2007
Early run
I didn't go to bed too late last night, but it was a struggle to get out of bed and out the door by 6ish. It was a little chilly but as we all know, I prefer that. (Except it is less pleasant when you first start running and you just want to get back in your nice, warm bed.) My choice of routes today was not the smartest. I knew I didn't want to do my usual Friday route because there is a part that would be dark, but I ended up running in another part of Rock Creek Park that was dark. More than anything else, I was afraid of falling. I went very slowly and carefully on the few parts that were extremely dark, and breathed a sigh of relief when I made it back to the lighted world unscathed. I was actually pleasantly surprised today that running up Mass. Ave. (a gradual hill that I definitely run down a lot more often than up) was actually comfortable. The run actually went by quickly and I even made it to this breakfast seminar on time.
The seminar was really good--and sponsored by the organization I worked for right out of college--so although it took all morning, it was time well spent. My co-worker and I were excited to be downtown and grabbed lunch at one of my old haunts before we had to head back to the boonies of Georgetown. I spent the rest of my day working hard and trying to get stuff done in anticipation of my being out of the office half the week at a public health meeting (here in town).
My tiredness is definitely hitting me now. We are going to dinner with Matt's aunt and uncle and cousin who are in town visiting his other cousin (our usual Sunday night dinner guest) in a little while so that should wake me up.
Happy Trials/NYCM weekend...I can't wait to see what happens!
Posted by becky at 7:34 PM | Comments (0)
November 1, 2007
Feeling more like myself
I really wanted to try and head out earlier for my run this morning--I need to start doing that if I am going to be able to try and increase my mileage--but it is so dark and also so comfortable in my bed! Maybe it will be easier after we change the clocks back this weekend, but I won't hold my breath. But once I did get out the door I felt a lot better than I did yesterday. It was cool but humid out today, so I was sweaty but pretty comfortable, if that makes sense...I did this newish route that on the plus side only has one traffic light at the beginning and one (quick one) in the last half-mile, so it doesn't require a lot of "idling." But there is a sketchy part coming out of Rock Creek Park and heading back to civilization where there is a lot of traffic and no sidewalk for a bit. I was wearing a bright orange shirt today so I felt like I stood out more than I have on past runs when I am wearing a black sports bra and black shorts. I just try to be aware, but that doesn't mean that the sleepy drivers are.
So all in all it was a pretty good run--some knee/pes soreness toward the end and a bit walking up and down stairs later on. I went to the gym at lunchtime because I wanted to be able to work a little later without getting antsy, and I tried to stretch my hamstrings and adductors. It actually feels a little less tight now.
I am getting excited to see what happens in the Olympic Trials marathon this weekend. I will be super psyched up for the women's race in Boston, but maybe I will figure out how to go and watch. I can be a good fan since I will know many of the runners' names (just from following the sport). We are hosting a big journalism conference at work around that time but I hope I can work it out to go.
I am going to a breakfast thing that starts at 8 tomorrow, so I better start moving in the direction of bedtime. Eating dinner would be a good first step!
Posted by becky at 8:23 PM | Comments (0)