Followers

Holy Crap. I just noticed I have two followers. What what? :-)

Time to post!

Running is a somewhat depressing and sensitive subject for me (ie, I'd rather not talk about it). But writing.... I think I can manage a few words. My right knee is still on the blitz. I've been trying to alternate strengthening and stretching daily, and I bought a neoprene knee brace that velcro's above and below the kneecap. Basically, my training is on hold until I can foresee a run without pain. It's been over a week since I've run (literally - not even 1 mile), and I've done some P90X leg workouts, yoga & played a few nights of badminton. This better be the correct course of action for me, because healing this thing is really a shot in the dark.

I know that many many runners experience knee pain/ITB trouble, but there are many many who don't. I keep wondering why I have to be one that DOES???? I'm committed to this 1/2 marathon. I really, finally, want to run. My body is able, and my mind is willing, but my knee holds me back. It's really frustrating.

So, while I'm vacationing for the next 12 days, I'm going to try a few short runs here and there. I'm going to hike beautiful mountains and enjoy the companionship of good friends. And we'll see where I end up in two weeks. If I can't manage 13.1 miles on October 17 then I'll have to walk. I'm still going to do the race.

New Fodder, & Laundry

I've found a new blog to read, Running Through Life, doing a giveaway for a sweet sports bra. I've never heard of ALO, but their stuff looks really clean, simple and comfortable with lots of organic fabrics and bamboo! And lord knows I could use a new sports bra.

Failed Muffins posted about smelly workout clothes, and smelly people in general. Most people stated adamantly that they would never recycle workout clothing (ie, more than one use). I do this constantly, usually getting two or three uses out of my clothes. They don't stink, I hang them up to line dry after each use, and when they've had enough I put them in the launder pile. Call me crazy... I simply don't have enough workout clothing to support a different outfit for every day of the week. Plus, we don't have a washing machine at home & laundry is usually a biweekly "event". So any new clothes I can win would be awesome.

Well, I guess that's that

Yesterday called for 7 miles and today called for 2. I managed 4.25 today, but probably ended up walking 1 mile or so of that.

I'm dealing with great disappointment right now. I know that my body is capable of the miles I want it to run for my training. I know that my lungs, my muscles, are in line and ready to go. My mind is also willing. It's amazing how I have really been motivated to run, and have kept so close to my training schedule. My mind is actually willing and will not undermine me.

The ultimate catch-22 exists here: if I rest, my mileage suffers and by October 17 my knee might feel better but my body won't be able to handle 13.1 miles. If I keep running, my knee will get worse and worse but my body will be able to handle the mileage.

I think I made a decision tonight while running. With a healthy dose of run/walk combination I think I can keep my mileage up. This means my runs will sometimes take twice as long, but I must accept this. I want to run the race, I want to finish. I have to let go of my previous expectations of myself and just focus on staying healthy and finishing. There will be other races for me in the future.

Giveaways are Awesome

And lo, I entered another giveaway on Jill Will Run, and I won! Blogging giveaways are so cool. I really appreciate the people who take the time and energy to create giveaways for their readers. Keeps us coming back for more! I've just entered another giveaway on one of my favorite blogs - "Racing With Babes" for a beautiful tank top made by a company called BackPocket Sports. This one is a random drawing and there are already 220 entries (probably will get up to 1000, just like Tonia's yearly milage!).

And holy smokes, another giveaway from "Goals for the Week"! This is insane, people are so generous! I love it. $150 at Athleta is something I can only dream about at this point.

In other non-material news, I have not been on a run since Wednesday. This in an attempt to rest my knee and give me the best chance at returning to running this afternoon. I plan on doing a REALLY SLOW 2 miler up the Haul Road. I've been strengthening, icing, arnica-ing and tiger-balming for a week now. Tightness doesn't seem to be a big part of my problem because I stretch so much. I really really really am hoping for the best today and will check in later.

super-sweet shwag

My lime green tank top finally came in the mail today, and though it looked far too big when i tore the packaging off, it fits great! Super duper light weight, and green enough even for me. I like it. I actually had two slips in the PO box, but only one package, so I'm still waiting for my Nathan water bottle from the giveaway. I keep getting really tempted to buy clothes, but there is no money right now. I still need new running shoes and I know that should take priority over clothes I don't really need. Hopefully our new business plan will add a little cash to the pot for special extras...

This week is basically an entire week off for me. I'm worried about my training, my endurance, my ability to actually run my 13.1 miles in 6 weeks. But I know that this isn't an injury I can run through. I've been icing about twice a day, lots of arnica rubs, and doing my exercises for my gluteus medius. In addition to resting this week, I really don't know that there's anything I can do.