The Midlife Reframe

Category: Running With Amy

  • My Last Long Run = One Week Out from Bluenose Marathon Half 2016

    HOW DID THIS HAPPEN??!??!

    Where in the hell did all this time go?

    This time next week I will be done.  Finished.  Full of food and naps.

    Today was the last long training run.  I was given the all clear to run outside as I have been banished to the elliptical as we treated my calf strain flare up.

    My BRF and I did 13km on the BLT here in Halifax.  It was cloudy/sunny and warmish, so the bugs were out.  I probably ate quite a few…unintentionally.  But the coolest part about today’s run:  about 10kms in, two deer came down from across the highway and ran out in front of us across the trail!  They were speedy, so there was no time to grab my phone.  But it was AWESOME.  A sign of good luck for sure!!

    Post 13k – Legs feeling good!

    A nice easy run. A happy Mama 😉

    Of course, the first few kms were gross, as per the usual.  

    So, what is this “walking like JLO” thing?

    Walking like JLO (as per my Chiro’s recommendation) is paying off!  It seems that my glutes were firing AFTER my hammies, not by much, but that is not how it is supposed to work. (I have been saying “Walk like JLO” in my head all week, hahahahaha.)  With the adjustments I’ve been having and my recent massage, I felt really good on my run today.

    What is the game plan for this week?


    This week will be all about the gym and the elliptical.  I want to be proactive with this calf of mine.  So I am living in my compression gear today, possibly tomorrow if I find myself a little tender.

    It will also be the mental game this week.  Need to keep myself on the ball.  Fighting the inner doubt machine will be a struggle, even on race day.  I just have to remember that it is just like every long run.  Enjoy it.  Feel it.  And run MY race.

    So keep your eyes on this space next Sunday/Monday.  My race review will be here, with lots of pics and vids.

    Run happy!


    @crazymamaruns
     

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – In Limbo

    Limbo looks like that…

    If you read my last post, you know my last run ended with a pull and some pain.
    Thankfully, I have not torn anything in my calf.  I have some tib post and some pulled muscles.
    My PT did an assessment, some ultrasound, dry needling and TENS with heat.  I was given home exercises and I have been sticking to them.  I was told NOT to stretch until Friday (this was on Wednesday) and when I did start, it was to be gentle stretching.
    No running.
    No running until I see her Tuesday.
    I know I’ll be fine for my training.  She assures me I am fine.
    But.

    (There is always a but, and you can’t tell me you didn’t see it coming.)


    I am very indifferent towards this situation.  I think I have to be.  If not, my depression and anxiety would be all up in my business.
    Don’t think it hasn’t been lurking.  It has.  I have just been keeping myself busy.  Core work, reading, crocheting, and meditation.  The less time I have to sit and think, the better.

    That is crucial for me.  The more time I have to think, the worse the situation will become (in my mind, anyway) and I will start to obsess over my calf and I would research the injury and think of all the ways I could get better faster, or how I could improve my stride.  THEN, well then I would think while I was running.  Overthink.  That is not why I run.  I run to clear my mind, not fire it up into overdrive.
    The one thing I have done is order compression sleeves.  I plan on wearing them during my runs.  A little proactive measure on the advice of an experienced marathoner 😉
    So, cross all available body parts that I am up and running again soon! 

    Anyone else injured out there?  If so, I hope you too are able to lace up and head out again in the very immediate future!




     

  • Post Plague, Burger Week, and a Pulled Calf

    Running


    Post Plague Amy had a couple of runs during the week with some gym time. Easing back into it.  I am loving my new Brooks Glycerin 13s 🙂


    The weather has been dicey here, but I lucked in with my timing.  Lots of core work and some legs/glute work (deadlifts anyone?).

    Ahhhhhh Burger Week



    The week when restaurants in Halifax, Nova Scotia, make some delicious burger offerings for us food lovers.  There are also burger combos with a portion of the combo donated to the local food bank!  TeenThing and I have had 3 so far.  I’ve been posting them in Instagram.  So good. Sooooo gooooood.


    Pulled Calf??


    Yes, at the end of my 5km run on Sunday I felt a pull.  By the time I got out of the bath I was limping *insert large sad face emoticon here*.  I pulled on my compression socks and put that calf on ice. Good thing:  no bruising.

    Today I can walk without limping, but I am getting this looked at.  Still a good amount of time out from my race, so I am not freaking out.  Yet 😉

    (Note:  When I saw the Doc last week, she gave me a note for physio.  Just in case.  Blargh!)

    So, March and I aren’t getting along right now, lol.


  • Those 10 Days I Didn’t Run

    Yes, 10 Days…

    I came down with what is being called “The Plague”.  Chest/head cold and lethargic.  Just downright GROSS.


    It all started with my Mom….then TeenThing…..then ME.
    Kicked my ass. 
    There was no way I was running.  None.  Especially with the chest cold.  So there really isn’t much more to say about the week that wasn’t 😉  I stayed home for the worst and then introduced myself back into the work environment.
    I am lucky that I started my training in January, and that my base has been built.  My training plan has afforded me the opportunity to run easy for a week after The Plague and then jump back into my schedule.
    Don’t get me wrong, I was anxiety filled the whole time.  I mean it’s MARCH.  I run my half in MAY.  It may seem like a lot of time, but it really isn’t.
    I am still not 100% heading into week 2, but feeling so much better.  Since I was done with the coughing and the hacking, I designated today as “get back to it day”.  I ran approximately 3kms.  A little too fast, but I was glad to lace back up, especially in my NEW KICKS!


    *Insert Angelic Music Here*
    I picked up my Brooks Glycerin13 sneakers on Friday during my long lunch.  I also picked up some Smartwool and Balega socks 🙂  I have run in Swiftwick socks before, but needed to try out some other options.

    Today I ran in my Smartwool socks (and capris!) and really enjoyed that my feet were not cold, nor did they get super hot.  Will try out the Balega socks later.
    That’s really it for this week my friends.  Come back next week for something a little more exciting!

    Run Happy 🙂

  • Running and Pink Ice Energy

    A Little Fitting.  The Weather, That Is…

    For those who follow me on Instagram, you’ll remember a post I made earlier this week, about running in warm weather.
    This is Mother Nature’s Revenge.  But very fitting to go along with my review this week.
    I haven’t run since Thursday.  I am in the “in between” with a head/chest cold (thanks Mom and TeenThing).  Fighting it as hard as I can.  So today’s weather didn’t really cause me any issues.  I have my base built, so missing some days is not going to derail my training.

    Okay, so what is this Pink Ice Energy?

    I was contacted a week ago and offered some samples of Pink Ice Energy to review.
    I am an information hound, and was provided with the details of what is in Pink Ice Energy, and happily accepted the opportunity to test the product out.
    I received a fantastic package in the mail with some extra goodies 🙂  (Thanks guys!)
    I am loving the hat AND the infuser!
    When it came to testing the product out, I tried to NOT think about it.  I took it as it is, a dietary supplement.  The packages are great to throw into your bag.  I am bad for remembering my vitamins, so it was great to have one of these around 🙂
    [As always, before taking any dietary supplement, read the liner sheets and get the advice of your doctor.  This product is for ages 18 and over.  You take 1 packet per day.]
    When I had my first packet, I was like, “Pop Rocks!”.  It snaps and pops once you have it in your mouth!  You let it dissolve and it gives you some minty breath afterwards 😉  
    (The pop rock sensation did take me back to my childhood, lol.)
    I carried on with my day, worked my regular 9-5, did my run at lunch and headed home.  Had supper, did my puttering around the house.  Felt good!
    The next day was my long run day.  I went through my usual morning routine, having a packet of Pink Ice Energy after breakfast.  I did 12ish kilometres (11.9, lol) that day and after I stretched, showered and snacked, we headed out to the Mall.  Usually I would require a nap on long run days, like not too long after I get home.  I made it until after supper before I got a little nappish, lol.

    With a couple of ladies from Clayton Park Runners 🙂

    Come Monday morning, the regular chaos of the work week resumed.  I forgot to throw a packet in my bag.  I had a lunch run planned and had to squeeze that in as it was a busy one.  I ran.  I hit my old 3:00pm wall. 

    Forgot it again on Tuesday (d’oh!) and hit Spin Class.  Tuesday was busy.  Hit my 3:00pm wall.

    Wednesday was my rest day.  I actually remembered my packet, lol.  Had a busy day.  Did not hit the 3:00pm wall.

    Thursday was my last run this week.  Had a great run, but man it was WINDY.  That was TeenThing’s first day home with the plague. She was full on plague by Friday morning.

    (That’s when I got the heavy feeling in my chest. Friday morning. So a few extra rest days for me!)

    I can say the following about Pink Ice Energy, as a mom and as a runner:

    • Pop Rock sensation.  Took me back to my childhood!  lol
    • Did have a minty after effect.  Cool, fresh breath.
    • I found I had extended energy, not just a boost.  As a working/running mom, this is great.  Usually when I get home (or sometimes on the bus home), I want a nap.  Not so much on the days I had Pink Ice Energy.  Being skeptical of energy products, this was a nice surprise.
    • No “come down” at any point of the day.  No sluggishness at any point later in the evening, and I went to sleep with no issues.
    Want to try it out for yourself?
    You can get your free sample here: http://www.pinkiceenergy.ca/free-sample/ 

    (Please note that when you sign up you will have to wait a few more weeks to receive their samples (The product is launching in Canada in April and they will soon receive their Canadian packaging.  20% off your first order too!).
     
    Come back again next week, because I need to update you on my training!
    #crazymamaruns
     
     

  • Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bar Review!

    A Little Break in my Chronicles…

    So we can talk about Hemp Heart Bars!

    (A little disclaimer here:  I was provided these bars for a review.)

    A while back I wrote about Hemp Hearts.  Which I love. Those little suckers are awesome.
    So, when the opportunity to review these bars came, I was all over it!
    As a mom and a runner, I am always looking for something to “get me by” after my runs or workouts OR something to grab prior to my runs or workouts.  (I am known to grab a quick sandwich or scarf down some raw veggies beforehand.  But both of those are not exactly portable!)

    It just wanted to jump into my gym bag!
    Now, for those of you who have issues with food texture, these may not be for you.  They are compacted bars of hemp heart, which means a bazillion little hemp hearts. If you regularly eat protein bars, then you will notice quite a difference in texture.  Where protein bars are dense, these bars are light and easier to eat.  (Each bar (45g) contains 10g of plant-based protein and 10g of omegas.)
    My “OMG I left it really late to go to Costco” face.
    I was given an apple cinnamon and chocolate as my review bars, and I must say, I enjoyed the apple cinnamon much more than the chocolate (insert shocking music here)!  They are filling, and can get you through the post workout to actual meal time no problem.
    I had my apple cinnamon bar before one of my lunchtime training runs.  It was easy on my stomach and provided me with what I needed to get my kms in without being ravenous afterwards.  I had the chocolate bar before I ran errands and it kept me sane (read:  less hangry) as I shopped my way through Costco!  (Costco can be a scary place!)
    So, if you are looking for something light, but filling, I would definitely recommend these bars.  They can be thrown in your gym bag or in your purse and are great to keep you moving through a workout or when you are out doing all your “mom” stuff!
    Wanna win a box of these to call your VERY OWN?
    Here is what you gotta do – PHOTO CONTEST:
    Tag @manitobaharvest #hempheartbar #fuelledbyhemp #sweatpink @fitapproach on social media for a chance to win!  (A winner will be chosen each month!  Eligibility: Open to US and Canadian residents)
    **If you want to get a discount on your order of bars, use code hhbarlaunch1016 to get 15% off (expires 3/31/2016).
    So, go on, get out there and be #fuelledbyhemp!
    @crazymamaruns   

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 4

    So Far, So Good….

    Week 4.  23 kms.
    I had some great runs this week.  It is also my last week with Mondays off.
    Saturday was a wash running wise.  It was a day of running errands and yoga.  I don’t beat myself up for days like those.  Especially this Saturday, because I FINALLY got fitted properly for sneakers.  Have to wait for them, but WOOHOOO!  Luke and his staff at Aerobics First are WONDERFUL.
    I keep reminding myself I am not an elite runner.
    I am a runner that has recovered from knee surgery, ran a 5k in the fall and said – Half Marathon!  FTW!
    I stick to my training plan as much as humanly possible, knowing the limits of my body.  Knowing when I need to back off and knowing when I can push it just that little bit over my threshold.

    Sunday was 5 miles with The Goonies!
    Tuesday saw me pull out 3 miles at lunch.

     

    I was able to get outside on Thursday at lunch – had a great run!

    Friday was COLD.  My phone stayed INSIDE for the 3 miles, lol.  These are my feet pre-run 😉

    I have to admit, I am finding it harder these days to get motivated.  This time of year can be hard.
    Depression and anxiety are like little “me” voices in my head.  One telling me “No big deal, you can run another time.  You’re not THAT great of a runner.  Won’t make a difference really.” and the other immediately contradicting that saying “If you DON’T run, you’ll stop and NEVER run again! You’ll fail and everyone will be disappointed.”
    This is partially why I try to run as much as I can outside.  I need the air, to see myself moving forward.  Hibernating in the winter is my first instinct.  Cover myself up and make the cocoon.
    So, even though I may NOT make the miles I need to on the days I run, I take the victory on the days I do.  I also take victories on the days I don’t make it to my training miles.  Why?  Because, I need to be proud of getting out there and DOING IT.
    I’ve said it before in a few posts:  Mental illness hurts.  It can shut your body down.  The more I move, the more I get outside and connect with the environment, the better off I am in the long run.
    I AM running for me after all.
    No one else.
    For MY voice to be heard.
    For MY health.
    For MY sanity.

    @crazymamaruns

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 3

    Some Knotty Glutes!

    That’s right.  My ass was in knots.

    So much so that my lower back hurt.  Quite a bit actually.

    I didn’t run on Saturday.  I did yoga, stretching and some foam rolling.

    TEARS.

    Heat.

    Advil.

    But I Did Have a Good Week!

    Sunday was snowy but I felt AWESOME!

    We’ve had some strange weather.  Snow and then some okay days.

    Tuesday was CRAZY windy! Nice and sunny, but Wooooo!

    Once we hit Thursday, it rained…..and rained until Friday night.  So I opted for the treadmill at lunch.

    Thursday was a 5km run at the gym at work.
    3 miles on Friday….I had a great meal at The Keg later 🙂

    There was a staff event put on by my place of employment.  We have it every year……KEG NIGHT.  We eat and eat.  I had a great meal!  Yay steak!  After I got home the rain had started to change over to freezing rain.  Big mess.

    And Then……Saturday

    When I say I had a knots in my glute, I mean I had KNOTS.

    Nasty.  Foam roller and I had it out.

    Now, if this was me a few years ago, I would have been like….MUST RUN….AT ALL COSTS.

    Now that I am older and wiser.  I knew I had to take care of the situation to be able to keep running without any further issues.

    I am building my base right now, which means a day taking care of my body is not compromising my training.

    So, I was pretty close to running a half this week with total mileage.  I am totally good with that!

    New kicks are in order this week, which means a trip to Luke at Aerobics First 🙂

    C’mon back next weekend, not only to check out my new sneaks, but to see if we really DID get the kickass storm they are talking about Monday night into Tuesday!

    @crazymamaruns

  • The Chronicles of Half Marathon Training – Week 1

    And so, it begins…Run #1

    My training weeks go from Sunday to Saturday.
    I was down for 10kms broken down between Thursday and Saturday.  I ended up doing close to 9km.
    Thursday was a GREAT run!  It was cold as all get out, but I was layered sufficiently and had a route planned out.
    It was my very first run outside, post December,…EVER.
    I was hella tight on Friday, using muscles I haven’t used and not used to running in the snow….with some dodge and weave action, lol.  Running with snow….interesting.  Note:  More stretching required.

    No, I was NOT robbing any stores…

    Also, first run with my Garmin!

    It was snowing – so pretty

    Saturday: Run #2

    Well, today wasn’t as awesome as I wanted, close to 4kms.
    I was too fast out of the gate. Ran hunched over.  That made my lower back sore.  Just not my best run.
    But, I ran.  Better than no run.  (There was a break just before I ran up the trail to stretch out my back.)
    The difference between now and from years past was that I knew when I was done.
    I didn’t push it.
    Got home and had a good stretching session.
    Then came coffee and a hot shower. 
    Sweat Frost!  Woop!

    I love my Garmin!

    Clear sidewalks make awesome runs 🙂

    All in all, I am pleased with the first “week” (aka: two days, lol).
    Tomorrow starts a full, action packed week of running awesomeness.
    C’mon back next Saturday for a play by play of how a full week of training may or may not have killed me 😉

    @crazymamaruns

  • When Two Sentences Bring Back a Memory So Vivid…

    It’s Funny….

    You would think that having a mental illness would make one steer clear of reading or immersing one’s self in the topic.

    But being who I am I need to learn more.  Not only about my illness, but about other mental illnesses as well.

    I am reading Fast Girl right now by Suzy Favor Hamilton.  I had heard about this book while listening to my Another Mother Runner podcast where Suzy was the guest and spoke so candidly about her Bipolar Illness.

    After I heard her speak to Sarah and Dimity, I needed to read this book.

    I got to page 84 on my iPad.

    I read this:

    “When my doctor walked through the door and smiled at me, I immediately started weeping uncontrollably.  She sat down really close to me and made me look at her.”

    Then I started to cry (and not for the first time, this book is a tear jerker).

    This was EXACTLY what happened the day I went to see my doctor in 2011.  Exactly.  I’ve known my doctor forever.  She delivered my daughter.  We’ve always had a great rapport.  So when she walked in and smiled, I broke down.  

    It was so surreal reading those words.

    I never want to forget that day, and I know I never will.  It is permanently etched in my psyche.

    It was the day I couldn’t run away from what was happening.  The day I hit the wall and fell right back on my ass.

    But at some point, that ass has to move.

    I remember finally getting the courage to get out and run one morning during my recovery.  I had been on my meds for a few weeks and was feeling okay.  I pulled on my gear and went out the door.

    I failed.  So bad.

    My body was still broken down.  My body was still suffering from depression.  I didn’t realize how mental illness affected your whole body.  Not being able to just suit up and run was very devastating to me at the time.

    I walked, a lot.  I worked with my trainer for a bit.  I focused on getting better mentally.  I realized how much running helped me centre. 

    It’s why I cherish every run I have.  Even the bad ones.  Because I know there will be days that I just can’t get out there, and I have accepted that.

    It is a struggle when you are batting depression to get moving.  So the days I do move, I celebrate them.

    I know that having a training plan will force me to move come mid-January.  This time of the year I need something to push me forward.  

    The shorter days with longer periods of darkness are hell.

    I just want to come home and sleep.

    So to those of you who struggle:  

    Keep on keeping on.  Any movement is good.  Walking, yoga, cycling, a gym class.

    And if you can’t do it today, it’s okay.  There is always tomorrow.  

    @crazymamaruns