Where's the Beach?

It sure feels like it's been a LONG time since the last weekend occurred. Our household has had some major ups and downs with the pupsters. Last Saturday, Maddie started throwing up then having major diarrhea and then not wanting to eat. After a call to the vet, and some anti-everything meds, she seems to be back on track. She was feeling good enough to eat the most recent bed I attempted to buy for them. Now Heath Man is under the weather. It started the other day when he didn't want breakfast. But he did eat dinner. Then the next day he refused both. He's not acting super listless, but he's starting to be less peppy and not wanting water either. This means another trip back to the vet. And we're pretty certain it has to do with his Gallbladder Mucocele  disease. He's been on medication since his diagnosis and has responded astoundingly well. The vet was actually surprised by how well his levels (whatever all they measure) were at his last visit. Not sure...

Slower Long Run Saturday Saturday morning I made it a point to sleep in. I made it to about 8 am. That's huge for me. It was incredibly foggy out, but not exactly cool. I had hoped to get going for the long run by 9:30 at the very latest. The plan was to drive down to the river trails for this run. We hadn't run near the river since May. Jason (oh and I love him dearly) is not so quick to get going. Ever. So we didn't end up getting started on the run until close to 10:30. That wouldn't have been an issue had it not been getting hotter and hotter....oh and humid as hell. It was about 65 degrees and heavy fog when we got started. But the humidity was literally 100%. Hello sweat factor. The plan was to make this long run a true, slow, training run. My half marathon plans always call for 10+ milers at like 9:30 or slower. I've been doing mine at more like 8:50. So the plan was 9:20. Period. Done. Let me just say that was harder than it sounds. And crazy because ...

This morning Jason and I got up around 5 am for a run. The plan was for him to run the first 2 miles with me then I was meeting up with "A" to run the remaining 5. It's his birthday, so this was a birthday run for him. He was planning on 7 as well, but didn't want to run with the Chatty Cathy Crew ;-) It's funny how at 65 degrees, running, I'm hot. I was still in a tummy revealing sports bra and shorts and sweating like crazy. But, when it's 65 and I'm not running (even 75 to be honest) I'm going to have on long pants and a 3/4 sleeved top at the very least, likely a light long-sleeve.  The humidity was still high with the tail end of a front passing through - supposed to dip into the 50's tonight. So I was sweating like it was 95 out. It was fairly windy though, and that really did help out quite a bit. Of course, it also made for a little bit of a resistance run at times. With the sun not even starting to rise until 6:30, we'v...

Low-Key Weekend This weekend was pretty low-key for us. I should have gotten far more done around the house than I did. I tried to keep up with laundry, sweeping (dead grass + 2 dogs = lots of sweeping), and general clean up/straightening, other than that, I was pretty lazy. I did get in two decent runs. I did 5 miles on Saturday and 3.5 yesterday. Both were hot and sweaty and deserving of pool time. Though, I can justify pool time pretty much any way you look at it. I was pretty happy with Sunday's run. The first mile was pretty slow (9:31 mm) but I hit a good rhythm and was able to pull out negative splits with mile 2 at 8:55 then mile 3 and the last 1/2 mile both at an 8:36 mm. Not too shabby. My first attempt at pool time on Saturday was met with clouds. We desperately need rain so I was more happy than annoyed. Of course, right after I get cleaned up the sun comes out. Jason and I ended up going for a late-ish lunch after he was finished with yard work. By that time the s...

Running & Lifting Let's just say today was a long one. This morning I set the alarm for 5:15. Jason and I were tentatively planning to run depending on the weather. They've been calling for rain all day today. It was not raining at all at 5:15 am (or even at 12:15 pm for that matter). So, no excuses. We got up and got ready and headed out the door. It was definitely cooler (only 70 degrees) but a bit muggy. But, with the sun not yet up, it definitely felt pretty nice compared to my more recent runs. The first mile was a slow one for sure (9:26), but I chalk that up to just waking up. The first mile is usually warming up anyway. Not sure what happened, but we kicked it into gear during mile 2 for an 8:50 pace. Mile 3 was just a tad slower, but we were taking more turns, curves, and crossing roads, but still not bad at 9:11. Mile 4 was 8:58. I felt like we were zooming along, but that was another point where we were having to do some meandering through a park (sharp ri...

New Piriformis Exercises Today wasn't too terrible for a Monday. Of course, I did leave a little early. That always helps huh ;-) I had another round of physical therapy today. My PT has been really researching piriformis syndrome and found an interesting article that discusses the use of McKenzie Exercises - typically used for back pain. I have started adding in low back extensions (one of the exercises) but now have a whole new list of exercises to add into my workout rotations. But, if it helps, I'll do it. I also asked her about dry needling (thanks Sarena ), which is sort of similar to acupuncture, but is more about trigger point and intramuscular stimulation. And I'm glad I asked because the timing is uncanny. One of the doctor's in the clinic happens to be going to get certified this weekend. They both believe that I am a prime candidate for the procedure. So we'll see how that goes. Kind of scared because I hate hate hate needles. Have any of you tr...

Saturday Recap Yesterday turned out to be a great day for so many reasons. It was a beautiful, sunny day. Oh and cooler temps in the morning - perfect for a run. Jason and I got in a great 7-mile run. For me, it was ideal because I had zero heel pain during the run. This was the first run since probably November that I can recall having no heel pain. A-mazing. After the run, it was a little tender, but nothing at all like it's been. I truly believe that my plantar fasciitis pain is on the mends. Not just starting to feel better, but definitely healing up. My piriformis is now my main issue to contend with. During the run, it didn't bother me. But anytime I sit for more than about 30 minutes, my sciatic nerve starts screaming at me. And I know this means my piriformis is still very much inflamed and not on the mends. I do have PT tomorrow and she plans to discuss some more invasive options - hopefully just injections. Anyway, after our run, we had to get ourselves ready a...

3-Mile Run I won't brag too much about our weather as I know that some of you are actually experiencing real spring, as in it's gotten cold, or rainy, or cold and rainy again. But it was another beautiful day here. Though, I will admit that 80+ degrees in March does feel a bit wrong. I keep waiting for some freak snow storm now. But, in the meantime, I'll take full advantage of the weather. I won't even complain that it was sweltering for a run at lunch today. I won't have any problem adjusting to running in summer heat at this rate. I'm pretty much already doing it. We set out around 11:30 for a quick 3-miler. The first thing we were hit with was a wonderful headwind for the first 3/4 mile, which also happens to be a nice long, steady, sneaky incline. Let's just say I wasn't a Chatty Cathy today. For the most part (other than standing at street corners waiting on cars that took forever to move along) we kept around an 8:30-8:40 pace. There was a ...

Moving It I had sort of hoped to get in a run at lunch with Jason today. But I definitely needed to rest both my heel and piriformis. So, I hit the gym instead. Since spin is out, the cardio was pretty boring - hello elliptical. I did the elliptical for about 40 minutes then did 3 rounds of a tabata session using kettlebells and body weight. It probably didn't actually help my piriformis one bit, but I couldn't stand the elliptical for a minute longer. It was a super simple workout as I hadn't exactly written it down. I just chose 4 exercises for a circuit that was repeated twice  before a break so each circuit (with break) is 5 minutes. You do each exercise for 20 seconds followed by a 10 second rest before moving to the next exercise. After all 8, you rest 1 minute. Kettlebell swings Kettlebell figure 8's Alternating front lunge holding kettlebell in both hands chest level Squat thrust with pushups Kettlebell swings Kettlebell figure 8's Alternating ...

Spinning Today I went ahead and opted for spin. I did try re-adjusting my bike to try for a better fit. My PT thinks (and I agree) that spin is aggravating my piriformis issues because I can't get the bike adjusted for my height (or lack thereof). I usually go with the seat all the way down because just one notch puts me too high, but I know all the way down is too low. I need someone to drill a middle notch just for me ;-) So, since I can't make the seat height perfect, I did adjust the seat's distance from the bars. I do think this made a little bit of a difference. I did feel my piriformis start to hurt towards the very end of class, but I think that might be because it's already unhappy with me to begin with. For those that spin, do you fight with trying to get the bike adjusted just right? Of course, this is just one more reason in Jason's current list of reasons that I need a road bike. So I can ride outside and we can then rationalize the purchase of a...

Things Explained I know I have probably been a little cryptic about some issues I have been going through. I didn't feel comfortable announcing everything on the blog, especially when I've complained enough about my foot and hip issues.  But, I do think that this is something important, and something many many women will go through at some point. I found a lump. My doctor checked it out and suggested I go in for a mammogram and an ultrasound. This, of course, was worrisome. I had another lump that was diagnosed as a fibroid, but she didn't think it was the same thing. So of course this scared me. Thankfully, everything came out a-ok. But, it got me to thinking a lot about so many others who don't get good news. If you will recall my mentioning the girl I grew up with who had breast cancer and now has a brain tumor. I have several friends who's mothers have battled breast cancer.  There is a fellow blogger that you must check out. She is truly an inspiration and i...

Festively Fall Win So, I had wanted to share this yesterday, but internet issues prevented that. Yesterday I came home to a super fantastic giveaway package waiting for me. I recently won a set of Festively Fall note cards from Lisa @ I'm an Okie . I tried to take a picture, but it doesn't do the cards justice, so I'm not even going to post it. But they're gorgeous fall-inspired pictures. Her mom sells these amazing note card sets, and I finally won! I already know who will get the first one. You really should check out the cards at Card Talk if you have a chance. This morning started off super chilly again at only 53 degrees. I know that's not cold for some, but for me...brrrrr. I pretty much don't like anything below 75 degrees. I am a total wimp. I am usually one of the first people to start wearing a coat, not even a light jacket mind you. I cannot stand to be cold except for when I sleep. How are you with the weather? Do you prefer warm or cold cl...