I sent out a few invitations to complete the interview questions for our Wed Winner post... still looking for this week's! Are you out there?? I need a little time to put it together.... Thanks!
Hope everyone had a great weekend, and maybe you have Monday off (I do... woo hoo!). Here's my weekend recap (which leads to the next part!): no*computer*time* (trying to set some boundaries. Kerrie, I'm right there with you, girl!). Instead, lots of quality time with Hubby, old friends we hadn't seen in YEARS (way too long... and had a great time!), and some much-needed on-the-couch-magazine-reading... sweet! Notice what's missing?
What I didn't get to do was r-u-n. Bummer x 1000. Have been dealing with an old neck injury that resurfaces from time to time, and this past week was that week. OMG Instead of adding miles, I was adding meds to my running log notes....FAIL.
It started as an out-of-whack wrenched neck muscle when I woke up Saturday morning a week ago. Uh - oh... I slept funny. Took Ibuprofen. Things went downhill from there. Tried to baby it w/ more Ibu, but to no avail. I was determined darn it, to NOT let it get in the way of my Sunday long run (1/10). Mistake. I headed out for my planned 11 miles, actually completed 10, and the last 4 of those I walked. It was cold for Orlando: low 30s with wind chill in mid 20s, windy, my right knee ached, and my neck, shoulder, and entire back began to scream with pain. Most miserable long run to date... for sure. I cried through those miles, wishing it was done. So of course, the argument in my head began:
First voice: "This hurts so much. I need to quit running and blogging. I can't do this. I'm a failure."
The other voice: "Are you kidding me? Suck it up. Walk. Get yourself home. Quit being a baby. It's only one day and one run. Get over it and remember the OUC run." For those who didn't read the post about one of the most inspirational runners I've ever met, you can check it out here. I swore I'd never complain during a run again. So I silenced the voices and walked into the wind, tears flowing, body aching, and determined to be a Big Girl about the whole crappy situation.
What I didn't know was that those ten miles would lead to more downtime during the week. Turns out, I have logged a grand total of 0 miles for this week (Mon - today). Wow! Now THAT just feels lousy to say! I was hoping for 5 miles on the treadmill today (limited distance and a softer surface). Nope. Not to be. Nada. Stiff neck. Painful back. Only relief has been the Biofreeze recommended to me by Kathy (our Wed Winner last week... just another reason she's a winner in my book!!). Thanks, Kathy. Other than painkillers, which I cut in half and took only three times, the Biofreeze has been the only relief. I'm going to try it on the cranky knees after my next long run which always leaves my knees locked up for the rest of the day, and they get smeared with Ben Gay or other stuff. I smell like an arthritic 85 year old. Chondromalacia. Biofreeze will be my new best friend.
With 23 miles logged for the year, I'm now behind by 7. Since I'm a 'data gal,' this drives me crazy, but I'll get back on track and make up the miles even if it means treadmill city for a softer landing. I will not compromise my first Half in March! The neck pain shows up infrequently, but when it does, wow! So, I will listen to my body and probably log more walking miles than running this week, but when we're smart about our running, we get to make it to the finish line, right? When we don't listen to it.... sometimes we don't even get to show up at the starting line.
On a happy note, one of our Turtles blog friends, Libby, ran her first-ever race Saturday morning. Check out her race recap as she tells how she came away with new bling, her first PR, a lighter wallet, and new epxeriences to share. Way to go, Libby! (Sorry about your keys!)
One more bit of info to share.... I packaged up the giveaway winners' boxes (both blogs) and took care of a Road ID gift certificate for Busy Running Mama and an awesome mag subscription for Becca over at my food blog... yay! Hope you guys enjoy your prizes! I had fun putting them together and look forward to lots more giveaways this year!
My Thankful Three
Today, I am thankful for:
- Great times with old friends(!)
- Quality weekend time w/ Hubby
- Running friends with good advice (sports bras, Biofreeze....you name it)
Happy running, friends,
Robin
17 comments:
This too shall pass friend....you will be up and at'm before you know it!!!!!
Sorry about the neck! That sounds painful and frustrating. I'm sending good thoughts your way. You'll be back on track soon!
You have to take it slow sometimes and listen to your body. I'm a data person too, but if you rush your body, you will be many more miles behind!
Oh, biofreeze is the BEST!
You mentioned to look for an email from you and I haven't gotten one. I will keep my eyes open in the upcoming weeks!
Good luck waiting out this injury! The time you are spending not running now will benefit you in your future running!
Christinaleigh,
Happy Monday! I went back and looked through my notes... I thought I had your e-mail address, and guess what?? Not so much! Thanks for pointing that out - was hoping to hear from you. :-) Would you e-mail? My e-mail addy is on my profile. Thanks, bunches! Looking forward to featuring you!
Sorry to hear you're still hurting girl!!! No bueno!!! :(
Another thing you might try besides Biofreeze is Tiger Balm. Sounds weird, comes in a weird little canister but I tell ya... pure, unadulterated, mind numbing bliss. I slather this on over biofreeze and drool on myself for a good hour when I am dealing with pain. You can find it at Walgreens.
Another thing... Jill from Finishing is Winning and I were talking last night and she really wants to meet you when she comes into town for the Half we're doing Feb 21st. Please mark down on your calendar for us to do lunch the Friday before!!!
Morgan beat me to it but YES YES YES- we must do some lunchin!
I am a data person as well, so I relate with your frustration but the truth is that no miles this week will mean more later. Rest now. Run later :)
Hey guys!
Count me in! I'll put in for a personal day and we'll have a great time chattin' and munchin' right before your big race. Woo Hoo! Thanks for the invite!
Thanks for the words of encouragement, too. I appreciate it. Morgan, I've heard of Tiger Balm... will check it out. Still need to catch up w/ you regarding Tuesdays running. Hope you're feeling better.
Hugs to both!
I hope all the medicating works and that you are back into A++ shape in no time!
Glad you are listening to your body and resting...for me, it's hard sometimes to know the difference between sore and pain. And that's a little worrisome, as I don't want to cause an injury by overdoing it (the former fat person in me cannot believe I actually just typed that!).
Listen to your body. There is no shame in resting and recovering! Better to do that than to risk an injury which could sideline you for *months*.
I got your email on the interview - I just need to sit down and do it :D
Injuries are just your body's way of saying "Hey, I need a break!" Don't worry about the missed miles; you'll make them up, and probably feel better than ever after a little time off your legs.
Sorry to hear you're still hurting. I know that's very frustrating, but you need to listen to your body!! I'm glad the Biofreeze has been somewhat of a relief. FYI - they had it in big pump bottles at the aid stations during the Disney half marathon. I'm sure they'll also have it at the Princess half!! Feel better!!!
Oh man, I know it is so hard when you don't get to run, especially since your working towards a lot of miles this year.
Look forward to the goodies in the mail, I will send you a picture once I receive them in the mail.
Continued thanks, guys!
Lori, thank you. I look forward to 'introducing' you to our Turtles friends. :-)
Shelley, that IS funny/ironic, isn't it? How far we've come..... :-)
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