Sunday, October 27, 2013

Stepping back & bouncing forward all in one week.

Well this week didn't go quite as planned but I would like to think that I made the best of it that I could. I was very worried this week was going to break me, I was in need of a serious pick-me-up with my training and after an 'off' week during the week- though a strong weekend brought me back to myself again.

The Run-down
Monday: 45 minutes Elliptical
Tuesday: 5 mile morning run
Wednesday: 60 minutes Elliptical
Thursday: 60 Minutes Elliptical
Friday: 4 mile run
Saturday: Pumpkins in the Park 5k
Sunday: 15.4 mile progression run

Total Running Miles: 28.9 miles
Total Cross training time: 165 minutes

I was so proud of getting my bum out of bed early Tuesday morning to run, especially considering it was cold dark and raining! I got myself ready and was out the door before 6, felt really good for first half mile and then I started feeling my right foot. By feeling, I mean it hurt...pretty bad. I forced myself through the miles and got back to the house teary eyed and very frustrated.

I took action as quick as possible. I took Ibuprofen, iced it while I was getting ready for work and put my ankle brace on even while wearing a dress to work (good thing I work with some runners). I iced on and off all day (again, grateful for working with some runners who keep ice packs in office), and stretched every once in a while. I decided very quickly that my Wednesday/Thursday 8 mile runs were going to be turned into Elliptical workouts. As much as I want to run, I knew that a break from the pounding would do my joints some good. It's not worth making an 'issue' and 'injury'...I'm trying to be smart about this.

I did deal with a little ankle pain (in my left ankle) while training for Wineglass and the whole elevation, ice, stretching, etc did help it and I was able to move past it quickly. Fingers crossed that gets me through it this time as well. I did also get my new shoes in this week (yes, another pair of Kinvara's!) so I know my feet are grateful and this will helped.

As the week progressed I could tell my actions were helping and I was slowly feeling better with my ankle. Which is good because I was in such an 'off' mood all week that I really wouldn't have handled it well if it has gotten worse.

Weekend Silliness
This weekend was pretty much everything that I needed. Friday after work I did a test run on my ankle in my new shoes and it was definitely improving. Friday night was some girl time with a friend for dinner and last minute costume shopping. Saturday's 5k was fun and definitely felt good to get some speed in my legs, the rest of Saturday was some family time and going out with friends at night for some fun. Definitely helped to let loose a little and just destress.

This mornings run was amazing. I knew I was going to get the miles in whether it was the last thing I did....but I had no pace expectations. My ankle felt good, and my head was just where it needed to be. It was one of those runs where everything clicked and I just could have kept going. This is where the light in my head went on- I finally feel like me again. It's been weeks since I had a run where I just really felt good physically and mentally and man did I need it! I have an incredible renewed sense of motivation, drive and general well-being. Funny how running can do that to you.

My mini goals for this week were:
1. At least 2 morning workouts
2. Real breakfast every day
3. Run 35-40 miles with 3 non-running workouts

I hit all of these except #3, obviously my running miles were down during the week from my ankle- but I am not going to punish myself for making smart decisions. Running those miles would have made things worse and I at least did the elliptical for the miles that I missed.

This coming weeks goals:
1. Meal prep for the week: I have a VERY busy week and this will be a huge help (this goal is already done, because I did the prep tonight!)
2. Sugar-free week, no sweets (splenda in coffee is acceptable)
3. At least 3 double digit runs and 2 non-running workouts


How was your week?

Do you cross train while injured or facing possibility of injury?

When was the last time you had a serious runners high?


28 comments:

  1. Being smart is the best thing to do. My knee injury happened so sudden that I didn't even get the chance to be cautious. You have such a strong base coming off Wineglass that this little hiccup won't matter at all.

    Love the picture in the glasses :)

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    1. I got lucky- I know that we don't always have the chance with injuries. I'm glad your knee is doing better though. You are going to have so much fun this weekend at NYC!!!

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  2. Oh boy, no sweets week :(

    I'm not great at cross training, just started trying to incorporate it some more recently with the elliptical and rowing.

    I've had a pair of great runner's highs lately; my first marathon 2 weeks ago and then again today when I smashed my 5K PR.

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    1. No sweets week is going to be easier than no caffeine week...(in a few weeks).

      You definitely had some awesome reasons for runners high lately, you have been on fire!

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  3. I'm so glad your ankle was feeling better by the end of the week. It's good that you stopped to take care of it. Love your goals too!

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    1. Thanks Danielle!! You must be getting so excited for NYC this weekend!

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  4. Just so you know...Sunday does not count next week for no sweets!

    I'm glad you were able to get up and out before work. I'm so proud! The 15 miler sounded like it was so good and the pace just floored me (I was pretty jealous!). Anyways good luck with SF as you know I am too for the marathon so we can suffer together and then eat all the things on Sunday.

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    1. I'm not including NYC in my sweets or meal planning. Shit just wont' fly... I'm well aware.

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  5. Wowzers girls, you have got some motivation with your weekly goals! I feel your up and down pain though, as I have had a similar pattern over the last several months. Just started feeling better about things in the last couple weeks. I hope things continue to go well for you and your ankle continues to heal and feel better.

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    1. glad things are going better for you as well! Fingers crossed we are both on the upswing for a while!

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  6. So glad your ankle is feeling better. I've been in an off mood since I got back mid-September. My biggest goal is getting my mood back to where it should be..

    It has been way too long since a runners high has happened for me. But hope they'll be coming around soon once I get my cardio fitness back :)

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    1. You'll find that runners high when you least expect it... I have a feeling its coming soon for you!

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  7. Okay, this post gives me hope. Fingers crossed that my cranky ankle will cheer up with a few days rest too! Awesome 15 miler!

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    1. Everything is crossed for you- cranky ankle just needs a little TLC!

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  8. Love what you said about not wanting to turn an "issue" into an "injury"... so smart. And it clearly did the trick. Keep staying positive :)

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    1. Thanks Amy! Sometimes stepping back a little is smartest thing we can do!

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  9. I'm glad your ankle is feeling better and that you had a great run. I definitely cross train when dealing with an injury. I like to keep myself conditioned and it helps improve my mood as well.

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    1. Agreed- cross training keeps mood from serious nose dive when we cant run!

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  10. Ummm I have to echo Hollie's sentiment here and say no sweets week better exclude at least part of the weekend. I will eat ice cream in front of you. I don't want to ... but I'll do it if that's what it comes down to.

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    1. you will NOT eat ice cream in front of me, because I will be eating all the damn ice cream I want lol. NYC does not fall into the meal planning or no sweets category. Not in the least.

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  11. Real breakfast. I think I need to make that a goal of mine too! I find that I'm starting to crash hard in the afternoon due to not eating a real breakfast and sometimes skimping on lunch due to work. Not good for me or my runs!

    My last runners high was today - ran 2 miles quicker than normal even though it was after a long work day!

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    1. I'm really bad about eating 3 meals a day. I snack a lot but don't eat 'meals' like I should so I am trying to get better about it!

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  12. I love breakfast! It's my fave meal of the day. It's always real ;) It wasn't before when I didn't care about my overall wellness though. What a difference a lifestyle makes ;)

    My last runner's high was when I ran 29km :) What a day!

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    1. Definitely a great day for runners high!!

      Lifestyle changes...huge differences!

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  13. Very smart of you to take the rest!! And see how well your ankle did with it? Hoorah!! Those are the kind of runs that make you SMILE!!
    That pic of you two in sunglasses is adorable :D

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    1. Thanks Raina! Sometimes its hard to hold back but it paid off!

      Its probably my new favorite picture of us:)

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  14. I should really follow suit and take care of my ankle the way you did with yours... if only icing at work wouldn't put me further into an icebox than I already am (I wear a blanket and scarf at work... so cold at my desk!)

    Glad you had a great run to top off the week, though! You're going sub 3:15, I can feel it!

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  15. I am so inspired by your weekly mini-goals. I am going to follow your lead and try making some of my own!

    I had my last runner's high this past weekend when I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon. I was so overwhelmed, and proud, and accomplished-feeling. I almost did the ugly-cry!

    PS: Proud of you for playing it smart with your ankle!

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