19 Days

So nice to see the sunrise!

It has been 19 days since my last run.  I woke up at 4:30 this morning unable to go back to sleep.  After messing around on my phone, which usually puts me right back to sleep, I decided since it was Monday and I planned on starting my running routine again that it would be a great time to get up and go!  My shin pain has all but vanished, so I figured I'd at least try it again :-)

I'm just now realizing that my last run was Week 4 Day 1 of Couch to 5K.  I thought it was Day 3.  So today, despite my hesitation due to lack of running lately, I did Week 5 Day 1.  The run wasn't so bad!!  I did get a little fatigued towards the end and had to cut about 2 minutes of running off (still walked for those two minutes).  I did, however, run the full 7 minutes which is the long run of this particular day in the program.  I know it sounds crazy to think 7 minutes is an achievement, but when I started running I could barely run for 1 solid minute.  My average pace today was 12'39"/mi.  That's including a 5 minute walking warm-up and 2 minute walking cool down.  I'm pretty impressed with myself today ;-) and it feels great!

2012 Specialized Hardrock

I purchased a new mountain bike from Capitol Cyclery a week ago.  It's a 2012 Specialized Hardrock.  It's nuts how different a bike can be when you spend a little extra money getting one that's made well.  I'm still considering upgrading to the 29er though.  Carly and I went trail riding at Sam Houston Jones State Park on Saturday.  Her bike hasn't come in yet, so she rode my bike and I rode Layton's which is the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 29er.  Before I decide to upgrade I'm going to go back and do the trails on my bike to make sure.  Carly had problems with my tires slipping, but that could've been because I had too much air in the tires.  I had ZERO problems on his bike and I think a lot of it had to do with the wheels, but we shall see.  The 29er also has disc brakes which is different than my bike.  I'm going to give my bike a good chance before I make my decision.  Trail riding is SO much fun!!  I can't believe I hadn't tried it sooner.  It's also such a good workout that's not as hard on your joints as running is.

That being said, I'm not going to stop running.  I love it and I love the way I feel when I'm constant with my routine.  Gives me MUCH more energy!  Anywho, hope you are all well and have a fantastic day!  I know I will :-)

My motivational pic today!  Click here to read the blog about it.

Missing It, But Needing Recovery

I haven't ran since Tuesday :-(

Who would've thought I'd ever be the person to say that I miss running!?  I miss the feeling I get after I exercise and the energy I have while staying on track.  I have been so busy with Brody having soccer and housework piling up.  I also had a fainting incident Saturday that was totally out of the blue, never happened to me before, nothing different in my day that would've warranted fainting.  I passed out while in line for the bathroom at Cheddar's in Beaumont.  One second I was leaning against the wall waiting for a free stall, the next minute I woke up on the floor with people standing all around me freaking out.  Knocked the hell out of my chin, shoulder, and knee on the way down.  My friend Laura and her little boy was with us luckily, so she drove me home.  When we got to Lake Charles and I was waiting in my truck for my mom to come and get us I almost passed out again just sitting there.  So she took me to Urgent Care where they did some blood work and a urine analysis.  Everything came back normal, so we still have no idea what caused it.  My report said possible vasovagal attack which the doctor said he's seen a couple cases of recently in younger women.  If it ever happens again I'm just gonna have to investigate further, but for now I'm gonna just assume it was a one time thing and move on.

So for now, since I have already had several days of recovery time and my legs are starting to feel better I'm going to just not run for a little while longer until my legs feel back to normal.  I may get my bike out and do that just to keep my cardio up without putting so much pressure on my legs.  Gotta do something!  Not willing to start from scratch!  Maybe while I'm waiting on my legs to heal I can focus more on my eating habits.  Definitely need to improve on that.  I think that would greatly benefit me in my running endeavors!

First Run After 5K

I ran my 5K on Saturday and today is now Tuesday.  You would think that would be enough recovery time, but this run was not cool.  My legs burn SO bad!  I did week 4, day 1 of Couch 2 5K today which was 2.37 miles at a pace of 13'57"/mi for a total of 33:11.  I'm thinking maybe I need longer recovery time to completely get rid of this shin pain, but I don't want to have to start over with my running.  Woe is me :-(

First 5k

Before the Race

I COMPLETED MY FIRST 5K!!!  It was held at Water's Edge on June 2nd at 7:30am, as mentioned in my previous post.  I was SO nervous that I wouldn't be able to run at all because of my shin splints being so bad.  I did a lot of stretching and a little jogging before the run started which I think greatly contributed.

The run started off great!  It's SO different running with such a large group.  It distracts you from the fatigue and/or pain which makes you want to just keep going.  This particular 5K path was up one road, turning around half way, and running back past the other joggers to where it began.  The last mile, for me anyway, was rough.  I started to get a little fatigued and wondered if the finish line was anywhere near...lol!

After the Race

I'm TOTALLY satisfied with my performance being my first 5K and only have been running for about a month at this point.  I ran 3.12 miles in 37:50 minutes at a 12'07"/mi pace.  For those of you reading this thinking "Oh I'd never be able to keep up with my friends or my friends would never be able to keep up with me."  THAT'S OKAY!  I didn't keep up with Amy as she's been running for a year now and has already done a half marathon.  Even though I was surrounded by people I ran the run by myself at my own pace.  I had my headphones in, rocking out to my favorite music and it was great!  We started together and met again at the finish line.  If you're thinking about trying a 5K then DO IT!  I didn't run the whole time and I certainly wasn't last.  Even if you were to come in last, at least you're out there doing it and trying!

After the race there were complimentary massages!!!  Talk about spoiling me right off the bat!  I was told that's definitely not the norm at these runs though :-(

I'm so happy I tried the 5K and am very much looking forward to my next one!

Shin Splints are the Devil

my

shins

hurt

Luckily I had my sweet baby boy here today to help me stretch them out after my run.

I hobbled my way to my bathroom and took ibuprofen as soon as I got finished with my run.  I also stretched a lot and used my stick before my run as well as after.  Then I iced both shins down which really helped with the pain.  I feel okay now and I'm gonna keep this KT Tape on as long as I can.  Still not seeing a light at the end of this tunnel people...  Experienced runners...how long does it take until I can stop getting these posterior shin splints?

Price Check!

I went to Academy today to try to find a gym bag that was cute and small.  Close, but no cigar.

I did however, find a large selection of running gear that was a good bit cheaper than at Tri-Running.  Today I got some calf sleeves to help with the shin splints.  Crossing my fingers that they help!  They were A LOT cheaper at Academy...hopefully they're not junk.

I also got some Asics socks that have the little, well what I call blister lip, on the back.  I paid $9.99 for one pair at Tri-Running (they weren't asics brand and were a lot better made) and paid $6.99 for three pair at Academy.  I'm all about paying for good quality stuff, but c'mon...they're socks.  I'm sure these will do just fine. 

I found the little belt thing that I wanted to put my phone/chapstick/keys, etc. in while while I run! 

Lastly, a new Under Armour visor to keep the sun out of my eyes while still letting my head breathe. 

So needeless to say I hit the jackpot at Academy today and I'm pretty excited about that!  I'll have my 3rd run in my new shoes tonight during Week 3, day 2 of Couch to 5K.  About to go put on my calf sleeves right now!  Hope you are all having a good day!

<---A little motivation...lol!  Isn't that great!

Mizuno Inspire 8

So Friday I went running with Summer and her friend for the first time.   I also got another pair of new shoes, the Mizuno Inspire 8.  I really think these may be it!!!!  My run on Friday was brutal, despite my new shoes because of my shins still reeling from my past runs.  Summer left me in the dust, but I was able to run a little longer than her friend who has just started running, so that showed me that I am getting better!

I bought some KT Tape and applied it to my legs to help my shin splints before my run, however it started rolling off almost immediately.  This stuff is supposed to stay on for at least 24 hours, so I'm confident incorrectly applied it even though I thought I followed the video exactly.  My shins really felt better while the tape was on there.  I'll have to try that again.

I was given a sample of Biofreeze this weekend.  That stuff is GREAT!!  It's kind of like IcyHot, but stronger I think.  Not sure the logistics, but it feels fantastic.

I took a two day break over the weekend.  Right now I'm still following the Couch to 5K plan so I don't overdo it and hurt myself again.  I did Week 3, day 1 today while in town at my Dad's and it wasn't so bad!  My legs still hurt, but not at all like they have been and when I was doing my cool down I wasn't walking like a duck like I have been!  Lately with the shin splints being so bad I couldn't even walk right after my runs....it has been ridiculous.

I'm hoping all this positivity means my legs are finally getting used to this and they're gonna start working with me rather than against me.  Please Jesus!!  LOL!  I'm doing my first 5K run this weekend at Water's Edge and I'm pretty excited!!

At the Starting Line

My backstory:  I'm a 5'4" 30 year old mother of one son who just recently turned 3yrs old.  I have never been a runner, however 15 years or so ago when I was in high school I was very active in cheerleading, dancing, etc.  Once I graduated the pounds started to stack up!  I've managed to not go over 164 pounds.  Currently I'm at 158lbs and would very much like to reduce that number.  HOWEVER, my journey is not about the number, but about my health and happiness.  I have polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid issues, as well as a blood clotting disorder called Lupus Anticoagulant.  Because of those three things I have miscarried twice before my son and once since I've had my son.  If possible, I would love to fix my medical issues with healthy habits rather than medication.


A female cousin of mine who is almost three years younger than me started running about a year ago.  She has lost a significant amount of weight and her energy level has really improved!  Seeing the she can now run half marathons, I KNOW I can eventually do it!  I want to be able to be in great shape like she is now as well as being able to run with her and have fun at all the events!

I have tried to do C25K several times before and usually two weeks into it my knees are shot.  I have been walking and jogging for the past three weeks or so, all the while trying to find the shoe that's right for me thanks to my local running store, Tri-Running.  I have been using my old UnderArmour shoes for a long time now and until recently haven't even considered that shoes may be my problem.  I have a medium arch and mild over pronation.  I have tried my old shoes, Brooks Pure Cadence, and two days ago tried the Saucony Hurricane 13.  The Pure Cadence KILLED my shins!  I have never experienced shin splints before until now.  I returned the Pure Cadence and tried the Hurricane 13's, which didn't work either.  There is so much rubber on the heel that it feels like my feet clop down like horse hooves!  I went online yesterday and did the shoe advisors for a few different types of shoes.  I intend to try the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8, the Saucony Guide 5, and the Brooks Pure Flow.


I have signed up for my first 5K on June 2nd.  Even if I can't run the whole time at least it's a start!  I also signed up for The Color Run in New Orleans, LA on November 17th!  I should be able to have a good shoe and run the whole time by then right!?  HAHA!

Okay, so my issue right now is my shins.  I'm SO afraid that I have stress fractures instead of shin splints, but aside from going to a doctor I won't know for sure I guess.  I'm going to just keep taking ibuprofen, icing my legs, using IcyHot, and massaging with my "Stick" which was also referred to me by Tri-Running.  Have any of you had similar experiences?  I'd love some encouragement via stories of recovery...lol!  I just need to see a light at the end of this tunnel!!