Training Updates

Last week was finally the first week where I was able to get in two (very short) training runs and a couple stints on my new recumbent bike. I'm happy with my progress and finally starting to feel like myself again from my car accident a couple weeks ago. I managed to go the entire weekend without my wrist brace, and even put my bike together all by myself.

Monday:
Day off work (MLK Jr Day) - Dr. appt. at 10:40am to check on wrist. Repeat x-ray - no breaks, just a sprain. Got a spica splint that supported my thumb more.

Tuesday:
Physical therapy started again - no ankle weights. 3 sets. Leg lifts (on back and side). Bridges and clamshells. Resistance band side steps. Stretching. 10 squats.

Wednesday:
1 mile - 4 min walk / 1 min run intervals - 15:27

First day running in 2 weeks.
Still feeling little twinges in left hip, but started to let up when I got warmed up.

Thursday:

Physical therapy - no ankle weights. 3 sets. Leg lifts (on back and side). Bridges and clamshells. Resistance band side steps. Stretching. Foam rolling. 10 squats.

Friday:

Home sick - rest.

Saturday:

1.5 mile - 3 min walk / 2 min run intervals - 21:01
Still twinges in left hip, but stopped about a mile in once warmed up.
Put bike together - 1.5 hours.
1 mile bike - 7:00

Sunday:

3.5 miles bike - 21:00

Physical therapy - 1.5 lb. ankle weights (each ankle). 3 sets - usual. Stretching. Foam rolling. 20 squats.

Run (/walk) total = 2.5 miles

Bike total = 4.5 miles

Next week's goals: Increase run/walk mileage by 0.75 miles. Increase bike mileage by 2-5 miles.
PT 3 days + foam rolling at least 3 days.

Training Derailed

As if dealing with hip flexor tendinitis wasn't enough, it seems my running has to be put off for even longer now. I got in a (somewhat minor) car accident last Friday. A co-worker and I went to lunch with a friend, and on our way back to work, got t-boned. I was at a somewhat blind 2-way stop. I stopped, looked both ways, and saw nothing coming. But the second I started to pull out into the intersection, I look to my passenger side and see his blue car coming right at me...and I knew he was going to hit. I managed to swerve left at the last second, but he still hit me right on the front passenger tire. A cop just happened to be nearby and was at the scene within a minute of the accident. After filing the police report, I managed to baby my car the 2 miles back to work, however, I knew it wasn't really driveable.

I had my husband pick me up from work and take me to the hospital because my wrist and neck were sore. Luckily it wasn't busy and we got in and out within an hour. No broken bones, just a sprained wrist and whiplash in my neck. I got some muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory pills, then we had to drive back to my work to meet the tow truck driver to give him the key. Very long night...and luckily the muscle relaxers helped me get thru the first 72 hours of post-crash soreness.

*Update: $2,400 to fix car :( New struts, bumper and fender

Now it has been a week since I've ran and I just did my first round of physical therapy for my hip yesterday. I felt fine while doing it, but my left hip is a bit sore today. I have a feeling it's going to be a LONG road to full recovery.

I did tell myself last Wednesday that I was going to take 2 weeks of running no matter what. Going on 8 days now and I feel like I'm about to lose my mind. I'm looking into buying a recumbent bike to start to work back up to running.

This bike from Target

Exerpeutic 900XL High Capacity Stationary Recumbent Bike

Hoping that this bike along with PT and starting with walking will help me work back up.

The marathon is still on my radar but it's looking less and less like that's a good idea, so I may end up spending the year focusing on 2-3 half marathons and some shorter distances. Only time will tell.

Favorite Gear from 2015

As a runner, I feel like half the fun of it is purchasing new gear to use!

Those that know me know that I lean pretty heavily towards lululemon for clothes, but my interests are beginning to expand a bit as I discover other brands that I am starting to love. And I am all over the board for things unrelated to apparel.

So, let's start with apparel...

Crop
Lululemon - Rebel Runner Crop
I purchased them in this fun striped pattern. I like them for moderate compression. No having to fuss with them during a run and they hold everything in.

Tight/Pant
Lululemon - Wind Runner Pant
I've only tested these out once so far, but they are amazing. Weather resistant on the front and super soft on the inside, these are perfect for cold weather running.

Shorts
Oiselle - Roga Shorts
I got my first pair of these in the fall not thinking I'd be able to test them out until spring, but due to Michigan's warm streak during November and December, I actually got to wear them outside 2-3 times. They are amazing - comfortable, wide waistband, 4" insesam, soft, no fuss material. I've since ordered 3 more pair...and have begun to purchase a few other Oiselle items.

Jacket
Lululemon - Go the Distance Jacket
Every runner needs a lightweight, weather resistant shell as an outer layer - and this one is lovely. I was lucky enough to snag it in the beautiful blue color. Perfect if it's drizzly or snowy out.

Vest
Lululemon - Down for a Run Vest
A down vest is a necessity for every runner - and Lululemon hit it out of the park with this one. Very lightweight but warm. The fit is spot on - snug but not tight. And the rulu side panels help make this possible and also provide 2 super deep pockets for storing lots of stuff for your run.

Top
Lululemon - Swiftly Long Sleeve
One of my favorite staple base layers - it fits close to the body and is essential for wicking away sweat on cold days and keeping you dry. The thumbholes to keep the sleeves down are a definite bonus.

Hat
Champion C9 (Target) - Women's Cloche Hat
I looked all over for a beanie hat with a ponytail hole and small brim - this one did the trick - and at a great price. The brim is great any time there is any type of precip - keeps it out of your eyes - and also for a headlamp in which to sit. It is ever so slightly loose, but doesn't bother me when wearing - just gives me a little room to pull it down over the tops of my ears.

Socks
Feetures - Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks
These are my favorites - lightweight, no show with tab, and super breathable. Only time I don't wear them is if it's really cold, in which case I prefer a thicker sock with more wool. These are L-R socks with a snug fit - no adjusting - perfect fit.

Shoes
Hoka One One - Clifton
I have to admit, I hated these shoes upon first glance. It looked as if I would trip over myself in them. But once I tried them, I just didn't care. They are like running on clouds. I have since worn my pair of Clifton's out and branched out to the Challenger model, which is also amazing and versatile as a road shoe as well as a standard trail shoe.

Headlamp
Black Diamond - Cosmo Headlamp
This is my first headlamp, so I really have no basis for comparison. However, it has performed exactly how I need it to - stays on head with minimal bounce, easy to adjust for fit, dimming feature, and easy to work.

Watch
Garmin 235
I upgraded from a 220 (which I loved, btw) to the 235 mostly to utilize the wrist-based heart rate function. So far I am loving this watch. It also tracks steps, sleep, and gives detailed stats for all your runs (including pace, time, distance, custom alerts, V02 max, recovery time). Worth every penny IMO.

Headphones
Klipsch All-Sport In-Ear Headphone
I searched a long time to find earbuds small enough to fit my ears. I tried Yurbuds as well as the very expensive PowerBeats and nothing matches up to these Klipsch ones. They are comfortable and stay put. I also like the in-line buttons to control volume and skip/pause songs.

Gloves
Outdoor Research Women's PL 400 Sensor Mitts
I've always hated mittens in the past...until I tried wearing glove liners on a run below freezing. Keeping my fingers together for warmth in a mitten did the trick. Dare I say these are too warm at times - but really, is that something to complain about?

Hydration
Nathan Trail Mix Belt
Perfect for me for runs of 3-6 miles. Any longer and I need a belt with more bottles or a hydration pack. This one is lightweight and easy to get a perfect fit. The storage pouch is also quite roomy...I can even fit my Samsung Galaxy S5 phone on it (sans case) plus a couple gels.

Miscellaneous
Saucony Drylete Neckwarmer
I love this because it keeps the cold out but is breathable enough so that you don't overheat. Also, it's easy to adjust up and down with the cinch cord on the back.

Saje Muscle Melt Body Butter
There's a reason this stuff is frequently out of stock. The smell is refreshing and it feels so amazing to rub this stuff on after long runs.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Socks: Smartwool PhD Socks
Shoes: Salomon Speedcross 3 CS
Gloves: Outdoor Research Kids' PL Sensor Liners

Mischellaneous: Marmot Windstopper Neck Gaiter