tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88915619134559659052024-03-13T02:46:00.427-07:00Designed2RunMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-29167716462374522992019-12-17T08:40:00.001-08:002019-12-17T08:40:16.110-08:00Overdue Life UpdatesMy left PAO hip is post op by 2.5 years now and doing well. Only time it ever really hurts is if I overdo it A LOT...or it gets really cold outside. Right hip is mostly OK unless I overdo it so hoping to hold off for a THR in my 40's.<br />
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Brady is doing well and 6.5 YEARS old now! I wish he would stop growing up! :(<br />
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I'm still at the same job and doing OK. Hubby is still at his job and finally getting some good raises to help us pay off some debt.<br />
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Nothing much else new...just realized I hadn't updated this in a VERY long time!<br />
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Hope this post finds any of my old readers doing well! :)Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-83558319815908142292017-07-27T07:50:00.001-07:002018-01-17T18:33:57.068-08:00Finally...PAO date set!<p dir="ltr">I am LONG overdue for an update so I will try to make it short and sweet.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After having my labrum repaired last June, the pain in my hip never improved. I was finally able to get an MRI (of both hips since the right one has started to become symptomatic) in April. The scans showed a labral tear in the right hip (the one that started to show symptoms, but still remained my "good" hip) and 'no evidence' of re-tear in the left hip. However, the one labral tear was enough to get me a referral from my family doctor to the hip dysplasia specialist that I've been trying to go see for 9 months now -- Dr. Ira Zaltz in Royal Oak, MI. After last year's scope (with another ortho) failed, I began doing research on hip dysplasia and who specializes in it. I was lucky enough to find Dr. Zaltz, who is well-versed in hip dysplasia as well as the surgery to address it...and he was only an hour away from home!</p>
<p dir="ltr">My appointment with him was on May 18th and went exactly as I expected. He looked over my MRIs and did his own set of x-rays. He told me I do have bilateral hip dysplasia and that the left (the one I had repaired last year and that is the most painful) is worse than the right. He said I have minimal arthritis and said that I was a reasonable candidate for a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). He did caution that since I had the repair on my labrum done last year and that had failed, that my cartilage would not be as hearty as it would've had I not had the scope done, however, he thinks the PAO should help my pain and put off the need for a total hip replacement for a long time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">He seemed surprised that I had so few questions and was ready to go ahead and set my surgery date that day. I explained to him that I have done tons of research since my scope last year and had already made the decision that this was the route I would need to go. So the appointment ended up setting up a date pre-op for a CT scan (done at his hospital, Beaumont Royal Oak, his preferred place because he likes the equipment used there) as well as a surgery date, pre-op and first post-op appt.</p>
<p dir="ltr">CT Scan @ Beaumont - July 12 - 12:30pm<br>
Pre-Op Appt. - July 31 - 1:45pm<br>
Surgery - August 8 - will get time the night before<br>
First Post-Op Appt. - August 28 - 1:15pm</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now I'm just finishing up work - my last day before surgery is Friday, August 4. I think I've got all the things I need for post-op, including Mobilegs Ultra crutches, shower chair, ice machine, toilet seat riser, etc. I'm just ready to get this behind me and start recovery already!</p>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-64414720229715085142016-11-18T08:31:00.001-08:002016-11-18T08:31:30.145-08:00I Miss RunningI have been horrible about keeping this thing updated. With work and personal, I've been so busy and just have not had the time.<br />
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I'm now 5 months post op from hip arthroscopy and most days, I can hardly tell I had surgery. And by that, I mean that I'm still having issues. While my hip has little to no pain, all the areas around it are inflammed, tight and causing pain. I had an SI joint injection on Nov 1, as well as one on the side of my hip for bursitis. The injection itself didn't take long, but man was it painful. They numbed it first but honestly I don't think it made much of a difference. It was SO much pressure I wanted to chew my arm off. It felt like she was putting all her body weight on the needle. I'm still traumatized just thinking about it. The bursa injection was easy peasy compared to the SI.<br />
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The first couple days after the injections, the pain got worse. But after that it seemed to slowly improve. After 2 weeks, my pain levels in my SI joint were down. However, now I seem to be having pain from tight piriformis and glute muscles (on op side). Due to that, I decided it was time for another massage (on Monday, Nov 14). Again, that flared things up for a couple days, but now I'm getting some relief. By the end of the day, the pain usually returns, but for the most part, foam rolling and stretching are making a difference. I've also requested to go back to PT, which I start next Wednesday, Nov. 23. Hoping to make more progress and reduce pain even further.<br />
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In addition to all of this, I'm really starting to miss running. I see all of my running friends on Facebook posting all their workouts and fun races, and I'm so jealous. Something that I loved doing so much and that was such a stress reliever, and I honestly don't know if I will ever be able to run again.<br />
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Goal #1 right now is to be able to do normal daily activities without pain.<br />
Goal #2 would be to eventually be able to run/walk 5Ks.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-29299070365800072302016-08-31T10:42:00.000-07:002016-09-12T10:53:25.239-07:00August 2016 Highlights<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 1</b> - Fear this may be causing my low back pain:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://www.houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/where-does-it-hurt/lower-back/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/">http://www.houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/where-does-it-hurt/lower-back/sacroiliac-joint-dysfunction/</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 5</b> - Olympics in Rio start! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 6</b> - We had a garage sale - which I fell asleep during! Garage sales are hard work, ok?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 7</b> - Visit to ER. Revealed a UTI and ovarian cyst but I still believe my pain was from an abdominal strain from PT (one legged bridges)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 11</b> - Dr. Farjo follow-up from hip surgery. He said my range of motion is good and so far everything is going fine. Also went to urgent care - UTI wasn't clearing up. New antibiotic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 13</b> - lower abdominal pain returns making PT virtually impossible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 16</b> - My bday :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 17</b> - Family doc appt at 11:20. UTI still not clearing. Got another new antibiotic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 22</b> - A rare good day.<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"> 9 weeks, 5 days post op and minimal pain in morning. PT when got home and did 0.5 mile walk with two 35 second jogs. Step count is best I've had in a very long time! 6,197 steps.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 23</b> - Walked again with two 30 second jogs. Went 0.5m in 10:45. 1m on recumbent bike as warm-up and also PT exercises.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><b>Aug 24</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Finished with PT exercises and recumbent bike (1.8m). Did 0.5 mile walk with two 30 second jogs again since it didn't hurt after Monday. Feeling amazing this week! My left leg is still smaller than right but I know it will catch up eventually. Eek, progress!!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 29</b> - Went to have a massage and also tried cupping. Interesting!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Aug 30</b> - My originally surgery date. Instead I am almost 11 weeks post op!</span></span><br />
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-23332499922419418882016-07-31T10:21:00.000-07:002016-09-12T10:42:05.484-07:00July 2016 Highlights<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 1</b> - Can lay on left (operative) side for a limited period of time WITHOUT pain</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 2</b> - Went out with D using crutches. Then he pushed me around in wheelchairs - antique shop, mall, Five Guys, Best Buy, Coldstone :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 4</b> - Complain about fireworks...a lot! And turn all of Bradys car seats forward facing...yay we made it 3 years!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 5</b> - 2:24 on my recumbent bike</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 8</b> - Walked around house with no cane, but sore later. Back to the cane July 9.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 9</b> - Went to see Finding Dory with D at the theatre. Upright seats were not nice to me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 11</b> - First PT visit at Optimal. Should've started sooner but took a while for insurance to approve. Mostly just tests and measurements today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 13</b> - 4 weeks post op - walked into PT without a cane. 10 mins bike, 10 mins treadmill walking 1.4mph, 30 mini squads, 3 types of leg raises 30 of each both legs, 5 mins bridges, 5 mins clamshells with resistance band, 5 mins heels slides, plus hamdstring and calf stretches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 15</b> - <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Felt better after than when I went in. 0.46 on the bike 10 mins, hamstring and calf stretches, 30 mini squats, leg raises 3 types 30 of each for each leg, 5 mins clamshells with band, 5 mins heel slides, 5 mins bridges, 10 mins treadmill walking 0.26 miles. Still some soreness now so I'm icing. But I'm seeing progress.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 18</b> - Feeling hopefully and pain much less. <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">Third PT today. Was sore when I got home but iced again and better for now. 10 mins 0.50 miles on bike, hamstring and calf stretches, 30 mini squats, 30 toe raises, 3 types of leg raises 30 of each for each leg, 5 mins bridges, 5 mins heel slides, 5 mins clamshells with resistance, 4 laps around room side steps, 10 mins treadmill 0.32 miles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 19</b> - First PT at home and finally got to use my Garmin again! 0.4 walk in 10:05. Recumbent bike for 5:06 for 0.67m.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 20</b> - First day back to work - only half days this week. Walked a total of 2,362 steps today. Hurting a lot by time I got home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 24</b> - <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">5.5 weeks post op, 10 mins on bike (1.44m), plus all my PT including 30 mini squats, 30 wall sits, leg raises, bridges, and walked around the block. First time hitting 0.5 mile (12:53).</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 25</b> - Full work day + PT. 0.6m walk in 14:40. 6 mins on bike 0.93m. Also did all PT exercises. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><b>July 27</b> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;">I'm 6 weeks post op today. It's been the longest fastest 6 weeks ever. If that makes any sense. I have been off crutches for 3 full weeks now. Haven't used the cane in 2 weeks. I've been back to work for a week now and am capable of working for 8 hrs a day but haven't worked a full 5 days of 8 hrs a day due to appointments. I am still in PT 3x a week and improving. I can walk 0.6m at one time in 12:30 minutes and even walked 5,000 steps that day (5.5 weeks). Most days I average 3,000 steps. I'm still experiencing some pain but mostly muscle soreness and tightness, most of which can be helped by icing. Looking forward towards lots more improvement and less and less pain! Signed, hopeful hippie</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>July 28</b> - Started watching Stranger Things on Netflix!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Late July</b> - lower back starts hurting even though hip is improving</span></span></div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-33813876506998330732016-06-25T10:02:00.000-07:002016-09-12T10:06:06.399-07:00Brady's 3rd Birthday 6/27/13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I knew this day would be tiring since I'm only 10 days out from surgery, and it was, but I had a lot of people helping with everything. My dad and step-mom came up from Tennessee for the weekend. All the other grandparents came over, as well as one of D's best friends and my brother, his girlfriend and her son. It was a beautiful day...a little hot, but beautiful. We just did a backyard gathering...put up a large tent and had a cookout.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHKu5Jrfv8MJHPutzpi96GcgPAFJpR-3MCbeOVfEaEYFNXgR1EYbGr4XrIYAeYUAIMAyDlqB4XgQKei_nOPRWD3Wrrp6cDm2xObjvBZJokCW8FuYsr8u256dyX3cczVNm3a_mF4dNc3ii/s1600/tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHKu5Jrfv8MJHPutzpi96GcgPAFJpR-3MCbeOVfEaEYFNXgR1EYbGr4XrIYAeYUAIMAyDlqB4XgQKei_nOPRWD3Wrrp6cDm2xObjvBZJokCW8FuYsr8u256dyX3cczVNm3a_mF4dNc3ii/s320/tent.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father in law, step mom, dad and hubby setting up</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8coy2L3I6W9NYFdU9-k6bfzWxayD-M_TmF2UfGjoVmmMcZWaQ7pBuNNxC5g2RU9JCGhig0D5iF8G_n1C-DYCgEmkn1FDziQTsZ2YbvGBrqnA6betukw79XzIeo-QFs5o_TKxiaHdhDOp/s1600/bean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8coy2L3I6W9NYFdU9-k6bfzWxayD-M_TmF2UfGjoVmmMcZWaQ7pBuNNxC5g2RU9JCGhig0D5iF8G_n1C-DYCgEmkn1FDziQTsZ2YbvGBrqnA6betukw79XzIeo-QFs5o_TKxiaHdhDOp/s1600/bean.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I hung out with the dog :)<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWkBDmJvYL3mdo_NcU9yHc_6LGusOvDUAOS0K1Kd4c27nOEsERh520IYxzgZezgiLv3-F2SdHzXyiHABcgK97pYGdIWf_DoPHBIRS7fRp6mds0rMc5ufYGFZgt4oSFU4y5AUBTUKXAneS/s1600/brady+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWkBDmJvYL3mdo_NcU9yHc_6LGusOvDUAOS0K1Kd4c27nOEsERh520IYxzgZezgiLv3-F2SdHzXyiHABcgK97pYGdIWf_DoPHBIRS7fRp6mds0rMc5ufYGFZgt4oSFU4y5AUBTUKXAneS/s320/brady+bday.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">The birthday boy before the party</td></tr>
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I managed to use my cane for the most of the day, but was pretty sore by the time the day was over!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWoBjI1SEOd5w7ngmsbm4nvwn3GSas1_C6QuelM8scqVGEMbLVPs0BujJ_p4viwhnKajCa9lwdAidTKIE3PtTEln-ujCRENP4w4d0KPMYsbXb54DG6U6Qcj27bUFC7RdzGLK_y904d60e/s1600/present.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWoBjI1SEOd5w7ngmsbm4nvwn3GSas1_C6QuelM8scqVGEMbLVPs0BujJ_p4viwhnKajCa9lwdAidTKIE3PtTEln-ujCRENP4w4d0KPMYsbXb54DG6U6Qcj27bUFC7RdzGLK_y904d60e/s320/present.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o0PzPo5gxjP6vTQ_5RH8s_8-pHsAFEPPxdP4UmkKrA5fe-Wv7VZeaTwYqKu8rdHQ2VD8rxbWpZwWsgaZ5VvqCabP77UGDEk8tOdEzSaUOW5dLbGOcdjuHN4ve8j8BQzoA6f9g0M1QHY9/s1600/us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o0PzPo5gxjP6vTQ_5RH8s_8-pHsAFEPPxdP4UmkKrA5fe-Wv7VZeaTwYqKu8rdHQ2VD8rxbWpZwWsgaZ5VvqCabP77UGDEk8tOdEzSaUOW5dLbGOcdjuHN4ve8j8BQzoA6f9g0M1QHY9/s320/us.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with his new bubble machine</td></tr>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-36097286558213260782016-06-22T09:55:00.000-07:002016-09-12T09:57:24.019-07:00Week 1 Post-Op<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Lkyw4ftfg2W_y7aJX1EwdAUhR4vK171DTQ_-quMnj4F7kOgx7N0GWrb9hhaKFWz7DHlSBWUQY5ZxGXftdkcKkhf0TGXVL8xllpD5VT71kSOvRFtTR525dJoTzxNxG2h9C0csaLlTBlZP/s1600/6.18.16+bandage+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Lkyw4ftfg2W_y7aJX1EwdAUhR4vK171DTQ_-quMnj4F7kOgx7N0GWrb9hhaKFWz7DHlSBWUQY5ZxGXftdkcKkhf0TGXVL8xllpD5VT71kSOvRFtTR525dJoTzxNxG2h9C0csaLlTBlZP/s400/6.18.16+bandage+off.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6/18/16 Large bandage off, just bandaids now<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Here are links to the procedures I had done. This one is not me but it is my surgeon:<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=2U09w1dFM6s&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPmJq07kYOl8%26feature%3Dshare">https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=2U09w1dFM6s&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DPmJq07kYOl8%26feature%3Dshare</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ugL4-KMQuJc&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIruDHmSnhQ0%26feature%3Dshare">https://www.youtube.com/attribution_link?a=ugL4-KMQuJc&u=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIruDHmSnhQ0%26feature%3Dshare</a><br />
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<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aDcTPQF8rY8">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aDcTPQF8rY8</a><br />
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<b>June 22, 2016 - 1 Week Post-Op Appt</b>Got my stitches removed. Met with Mike, one of the PA's. Not much to talk about he just said I could start weaning off the crutches. I tried this later when I got home, but it was too much pain :( Still taking pain meds every 4 hours (and mostly thru the night still too).<br /><br />This week I spent A LOT of time watching the US Olympic Trials!<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DhCJta3EJFEW6c5yPMr9uf14OOa16AehyphenhyphenI30ocmFhomMLU52_dM-eU5cGUWWaBfxZPwoxfV8Iv8r2Ubqe1VgfJvnE3O-NsV9ni7n1bKYDuyxyYcNklmlb4Wolyg69SL5qJyy-k9UkWeX/s1600/diving+trials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DhCJta3EJFEW6c5yPMr9uf14OOa16AehyphenhyphenI30ocmFhomMLU52_dM-eU5cGUWWaBfxZPwoxfV8Iv8r2Ubqe1VgfJvnE3O-NsV9ni7n1bKYDuyxyYcNklmlb4Wolyg69SL5qJyy-k9UkWeX/s400/diving+trials.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-164743350809709742016-06-15T09:12:00.000-07:002016-09-12T09:48:11.777-07:00Surgery DayWell today is the day of my surgery. I didn't really have time to be nervous since I just scheduled it yesterday. It was supposed to be August 30, but yesterday (June 14) I got a call that there was a cancellation but it just happened to be June 15, the next day. I freaked out a little at first, but figured I'd rather just go ahead and get it over with. I talked with work and family and agreed to go in for surgery the next day.<br />
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So, I got up fairly early as I had to be at the surgery center in Novi by 730am. Doug and Mom went with me, and we took my father in law's van as I figured it would be easier to get in and out of afterwards.<br />
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They get me set up in pre-op fairly quickly, and Doug and Mom talked to me for almost an hour straight until it was time to go back. This was good because it kept my mind off of the surgery. Just before, Dr. Farjo came in and marked the correct hip. Off we went. I remember there being 6-8 people in there setting up...and was only awake for about 30 seconds before they put me under.<br />
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I was later told by my husband that surgery only took about 45 minutes, which is pretty fast for all the work I had done - labral tear repair with one anchor, femoroplasty and shaving of bone spurs, bursectomy and IT band release.<br />
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I woke up in awful pain but my nurse was so amazing. She was very soothing, kept telling me to take big breaths. She kept trying to give me morphine, but it just wasn't helping. I've had this issue before...it really doesn't work for me. So finally she gave me dilaudid, which finally started to ease the pain. I fell asleep for a few minutes, then woke up again feeling at least a little better. They gave me some water and animal crackers to make sure I could eat and drink without getting sick. Luckily I never had issues with nausea. I was then allowed to get dressed - I brought a heavy sweatshirt long nightgown, which was good because the bandage was so big, I don't think I would've been able to wear pants over it. With help from mom, I finally got dressed and seated in the wheelchair while Doug went to get the van. Getting in the van was easier than I thought it would be, I guess because the pain meds were still working so well. Half the drive home was great - I felt OK. But after about 30 minutes or so, I was ready to be home. Pain was coming on stronger, and I wouldn't wait to crawl into my own bed.<br />
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Once I got home, my mom went to pick up my pain meds from the drug store. Then finally arrived home and I took some. I don't remember most of the rest of the day as I was in and out of sleep. I do remember peeing a lot due to all the fluids I'd been given, which seemed like torture because I kept having to get out of bed and use crutches to get to the bathroom. I couldn't even lift my operative leg without help.<br />
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By the next day, the pain meds just were not keeping up with my pain and I was unable to move my leg without excruciating pain, so I called the surgeon and my mom was able to drive down there to pick up a stronger dose. I started taking those when she returned and that helped a ton. I took them every 4 hours even through the night for a while. I had to stay ahead of the pain and make sure not to miss a dose.<br />
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The next several days were a blur. I had my ice machine on constantly, pain meds in at all times, drifted in and out of sleep and watched the Olympic trials. I would return at 1 week post op to have stitches removed.<br />
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Here are some pics from my surgery:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlN55lQuxBgcJ2bEwajvfNB_jMsTLW8Y8formj_Tn1S3K0x_69m_ScKo3drHYOXT_pHVzzfSZs73nGvjeFWgSDHyNApu7jnLwlwqSQNo8vZ7zGCbuvcmaCPl6kL6SYp2fWLUQm8meOwG3/s1600/femoroplasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjlN55lQuxBgcJ2bEwajvfNB_jMsTLW8Y8formj_Tn1S3K0x_69m_ScKo3drHYOXT_pHVzzfSZs73nGvjeFWgSDHyNApu7jnLwlwqSQNo8vZ7zGCbuvcmaCPl6kL6SYp2fWLUQm8meOwG3/s320/femoroplasty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After bone shaving (femoroplasty)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyX34xex6URwhHKlFrES7EDYlaV0VuVpqUIIuKnqe3t0Cghy8sZbqqZGRHYg-Xzjt7ysU892aZCELAURc_5Swvymzzq0nfv_jiHf0KuYJv2TSxu85WqFPKXGd3YiMzgs26JVpMqjpvfrq/s1600/inflammation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyX34xex6URwhHKlFrES7EDYlaV0VuVpqUIIuKnqe3t0Cghy8sZbqqZGRHYg-Xzjt7ysU892aZCELAURc_5Swvymzzq0nfv_jiHf0KuYJv2TSxu85WqFPKXGd3YiMzgs26JVpMqjpvfrq/s320/inflammation.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inflammation inside the hip joint (before it was removed)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmTMhI1e-3bgeb9BYgk1Kab5dWxqHJQfP3niPGvIjv0ucW1XRAjQtLoXHp-o1iAx0WBHRRVNXw_V9-rcrcMZccPITfUXgYDfPFm1rBJBP7u8Izn5AjiaMbFv6qTpb2Ny1SsHfSMCZzjg/s1600/tear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCmTMhI1e-3bgeb9BYgk1Kab5dWxqHJQfP3niPGvIjv0ucW1XRAjQtLoXHp-o1iAx0WBHRRVNXw_V9-rcrcMZccPITfUXgYDfPFm1rBJBP7u8Izn5AjiaMbFv6qTpb2Ny1SsHfSMCZzjg/s320/tear.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tear repaired</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsQQUOvpnOc6Z3626wXyo7VSi_73enS64LjvMJkYsCLa8Fr6AbPd7zpikZ7t9uxefYxkrDfiGKmEd9-VkV-9H6gig6eegOdVd_vSFqFVShYU5tppTscWRD34DNxKs0PSuEZskLKoDxOul/s1600/6.15.16+hip+pad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsQQUOvpnOc6Z3626wXyo7VSi_73enS64LjvMJkYsCLa8Fr6AbPd7zpikZ7t9uxefYxkrDfiGKmEd9-VkV-9H6gig6eegOdVd_vSFqFVShYU5tppTscWRD34DNxKs0PSuEZskLKoDxOul/s320/6.15.16+hip+pad.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gigantic hip pad</td></tr>
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-81859181616198861442016-06-13T13:32:00.000-07:002016-09-12T09:16:28.723-07:00Hip DiagnosisI realize that my blogging has really been lacking lately. I mean, <i>really </i>lacking. As in my last post was February and now it's June and a lot has happened since then.<br />
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I continued with PT February thru April hoping that it would help. But nothing changed. So finally early May I decided it was time for an MRI. So I scheduled it for a Friday afternoon and waited. On Monday, I was surprised to get a call that they wanted me to come back in because the first set of images weren't conclusive enough. So, I went back in that day and scheduled a follow-up with my primary care doctor a couple days later.<br />
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The time finally came and I was so nervous....yet excited to find out what was finally wrong.<br />
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As suspected, full thickness labral tear of the hip. Great.<br />
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I spent the next several days doing a lot of research on surgeons has hip arthroscopy to repair labral tears isn't too common. There are only a few orthopedic surgeons in the entire US that have done enough of these to have perfected the skill. I finally came across Dr. Laith Farjo of Advanced Orthropedia Specialists in Brighton, Michigan, only about an hour from where I live. I called and earliest appointment was June 13, which I didn't really like, but didn't have much choice.<br />
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Appointment day finally came and they did an x-ray that morning so the surgeon could look at that as well as the MRI I had already had.<br />
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I saw the PA, Chris, first. He did a lot of movements to see what kind of pain I got with each one. He then went over my x-ray with me and showed me that I had a bit of both types of impingements - CAM and pincer - which they could fix with bone shaving. Finally, the surgeon came in and discussed what would be done during surgery. Labral repair, femoroplasty (bone shaving to prevent tear from happening again), bursectomy (remove inflammed bursa) and IT band release (to prevent friction on the trochanteric part of the femur). I agreed and went to the front to set up surgery with the office coordinator. She said the first date she had was August 30 (almost 10 weeks out)...I reluctantly took it and she said I was at the top of the cancellation list...and people frequently cancel. So I left the office with my fingers crossed.<br />
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Here are a few images of the procedures I will have done:<br />
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I will report back after surgery!</div>
Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-32100207006475722372016-02-09T08:44:00.001-08:002016-02-09T08:44:34.088-08:00ProgressSince my last post, my training had to stop completely. I'm not sure if my car accident made things worse, but I'm guessing it did. My body finally reached a breaking point. A point where I HAD to listen to it.
On Sunday, January 31, the weather was nice, so I decided to go out and do 1 mile. 5 minute warm-up on bike, then 3:30 walk / 1:30 run intervals. I felt good even afterwards...until later that evening, when I developed a deep throbbing pain in my left groin/hip. <br /><br />By Monday morning, I decided it was finally time to give in and go to the doctor. I was able to get in early, and then go to the hospital for x-rays of my hip and lower back. Results came back the next day on Tuesday. Hip looked normal and only minor degeneration of L1 (but not enough to really cause pain). It was decided I would wait it out and take pain meds as needed, hoping that it would improve.<br />
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By Wednesday morning, it was not better, so I went back into the doc. I really went in thinking I'd request an MRI, but money is tight right now, so I requested stronger pain meds and left the office again hopeful that time would help.<br />
<br />
Over the next couple days, I took a lot of muscle relaxers and hydrocodone, which helped. Finally, Sunday (Feb 7) I felt good enough to attempt some physical therapy. I stuck to only 1 set (of 10 per exercise) and with no weights (leg raises, side leg raises, reverse leg raises, bridges and clamshells).<br />
<br />
Yesterday (Mon, Feb 8), I felt surprisingly not sore. So I upped it to 2 sets (of 10 per) and 25 minutes of flexibility yoga (Rodney Yee). Slightly sore today after that, so will take today off, then try that again tomorrow. Going to keep doing the PT and yoga until I am up to 3 sets, then add in 1 set of those sets with weighted ankle weights after that - working back up to 3 sets with weights (what I was at previously).<br />
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I'm going to hold off on the recumbent bike until I can get back to where my PT was before! After that, I will eventually get to walking. Running is a long ways off.<br />
<br />
I'm making progress...slowly...Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-932224713448610412016-01-25T08:57:00.000-08:002016-01-25T09:03:13.512-08:00Training UpdatesLast 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 <a href="http://www.target.com/p/exerpeutic-900xl-high-capacity-stationary-recumbent-bike/-/A-13922600?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13922600&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Sports%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Sports_Top+Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9017069&gclid=Cj0KEQiAq920BRC8-efn57XrotYBEiQAlVlMQ4Xpbs_p4k3T6RybqVfr085zPw43S5QYH-aIjhmQv2gaAi7U8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">recumbent bike</a>. 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.<br />
<br />
<i>Monday:</i><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<i>Tuesday:</i><br />
<b>Physical therapy</b> started again - no ankle weights. 3 sets. Leg lifts (on back and side). Bridges and clamshells. Resistance band side steps. Stretching. 10 squats.<br />
<br />
<i>Wednesday:</i><br />
<b>1 mile - 4 min walk / 1 min run intervals - 15:27</b><br />
<div>
First day running in 2 weeks.
<br>Still feeling little twinges in left hip, but started to let up when I got warmed up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IT3rkFmPeSfXwmEGZfT_0fG_zSIlTuGHEsmQ8bGpVI-0Nc8NRsC3RILyz6OZQZDjqZ-nV7wHnYzlqm9qEOp_0pT4_jREjO0K-ggJO3wv_IVfSTx1nKt-Uip_GJhw7_wiFaQtthLYx9Gi/s1600/1m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IT3rkFmPeSfXwmEGZfT_0fG_zSIlTuGHEsmQ8bGpVI-0Nc8NRsC3RILyz6OZQZDjqZ-nV7wHnYzlqm9qEOp_0pT4_jREjO0K-ggJO3wv_IVfSTx1nKt-Uip_GJhw7_wiFaQtthLYx9Gi/s320/1m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
<i>Thursday:</i></div>
<div>
<b>Physical therapy</b> - no ankle weights. 3 sets. Leg lifts (on back and side). Bridges and clamshells. Resistance band side steps. Stretching. Foam rolling. 10 squats.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Friday:</i></div>
<div>
Home sick - rest.</div>
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<i>Saturday:</i></div>
<div>
<b>1.5 mile - 3 min walk / 2 min run intervals - 21:01</b><br />
Still twinges in left hip, but stopped about a mile in once warmed up.<br />
Put bike together - 1.5 hours.<br />
<b>1 mile bike - 7:00</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispwjcvQLRVKPRV7-2ztjTX-K77yZivpnIJ5EZSkgvNEqPjBWSRBn8b9flw2VEfHrqxG77G7_LbKsi8EEm_rwq58JDkoUGRj135hJasJw_AShQtg0YiQ36iE_PDJkr-J8E-xP_GBkQW_DI/s1600/12565378_898533760813_7173959812864153815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispwjcvQLRVKPRV7-2ztjTX-K77yZivpnIJ5EZSkgvNEqPjBWSRBn8b9flw2VEfHrqxG77G7_LbKsi8EEm_rwq58JDkoUGRj135hJasJw_AShQtg0YiQ36iE_PDJkr-J8E-xP_GBkQW_DI/s320/12565378_898533760813_7173959812864153815_n.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb383Sz92GUAA5C_wylOcqcP6UOucgOMvjAh1z44S0kdFUN5lDGnJ1fUX8xzDAMx2KmZVm__4OPkj1Y-2Hf37FVDiUZLgzmAilvwdww6VyYuNEE3NwsP0VrRdB3Ns9Ru1R3cmtXvvBoJv/s1600/12400583_898533725883_7048942378167356472_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb383Sz92GUAA5C_wylOcqcP6UOucgOMvjAh1z44S0kdFUN5lDGnJ1fUX8xzDAMx2KmZVm__4OPkj1Y-2Hf37FVDiUZLgzmAilvwdww6VyYuNEE3NwsP0VrRdB3Ns9Ru1R3cmtXvvBoJv/s320/12400583_898533725883_7048942378167356472_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe1YVvbEW4-SWv_UnhdUa9MqytdC3QBadyF6zIfOzg7Ah6yr41JmAuCIGJVzxZCL4_FkSa0clWL7qQK0N-JihdD9mGWSv7l22a-8hyphenhypheneBx9vdUaiR3a88IBMpWPnUeWDvs2gyhw8iVN_6X/s1600/bike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioe1YVvbEW4-SWv_UnhdUa9MqytdC3QBadyF6zIfOzg7Ah6yr41JmAuCIGJVzxZCL4_FkSa0clWL7qQK0N-JihdD9mGWSv7l22a-8hyphenhypheneBx9vdUaiR3a88IBMpWPnUeWDvs2gyhw8iVN_6X/s320/bike.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<i><br />Sunday:</i></div>
<div>
<b>3.5 miles bike - 21:00</b></div>
<div>
<b>Physical therapy</b> - 1.5 lb. ankle weights (each ankle). 3 sets - usual. Stretching. Foam rolling. 20 squats.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Run (/walk) total = 2.5 miles</div>
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Bike total = 4.5 miles</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Next week's goals: </b>Increase run/walk mileage by 0.75 miles. Increase bike mileage by 2-5 miles.<br />
PT 3 days + foam rolling at least 3 days.<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-45833705957276671412016-01-14T06:33:00.002-08:002016-01-14T06:41:18.842-08:00Training DerailedAs 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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<i>*Update: $2,400 to fix car :( New struts, bumper and fender</i><br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.target.com/p/exerpeutic-900xl-high-capacity-stationary-recumbent-bike/-/A-13922600?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=13922600&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Sports%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Sports_Top+Performers&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9017069&gclid=Cj0KEQiAq920BRC8-efn57XrotYBEiQAlVlMQ4Xpbs_p4k3T6RybqVfr085zPw43S5QYH-aIjhmQv2gaAi7U8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">This bike from Target</a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_fkjM3-u5gUQ6xghphqLMod8K9W0vRMKWYQWEZjOJnSWdKXxWKNhZkGJKUeTwaYRO1QHGkR9ah3zwPDNKiUTr1bCBXAK2HRUfcZh9TFqxbJujhsNb-sqtah7L3JHQSiln4yOwbx1wG6m/s1600/13922600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_fkjM3-u5gUQ6xghphqLMod8K9W0vRMKWYQWEZjOJnSWdKXxWKNhZkGJKUeTwaYRO1QHGkR9ah3zwPDNKiUTr1bCBXAK2HRUfcZh9TFqxbJujhsNb-sqtah7L3JHQSiln4yOwbx1wG6m/s320/13922600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exerpeutic 900XL High Capacity Stationary Recumbent Bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Hoping that this bike along with PT and starting with walking will help me work back up.<br />
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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.</div>
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-61429273894481029772016-01-04T11:44:00.001-08:002016-01-04T11:49:34.973-08:00Favorite Gear from 2015As a runner, I feel like half the fun of it is purchasing new gear to use!<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
So, let's start with apparel...<br />
<br />
<b>Crop</b><br />
<i><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/crops-run/Rebel-Runner-Crop" target="_blank">Lululemon - Rebel Runner Crop</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfMskKbXAUJ_XALoqOvFk9CQ9_7uLIEzIg77o7z20t7iBd4gghXVD1PhWVR4bD4OA6LAI5O0wpgkRGrOrbsXybrYXY4dneXfvt_VaD62ElQKs8L-ahXh1VwBGn8cA8YUwlrVpvi_FTvp4/s1600/rr+crop.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRfMskKbXAUJ_XALoqOvFk9CQ9_7uLIEzIg77o7z20t7iBd4gghXVD1PhWVR4bD4OA6LAI5O0wpgkRGrOrbsXybrYXY4dneXfvt_VaD62ElQKs8L-ahXh1VwBGn8cA8YUwlrVpvi_FTvp4/s320/rr+crop.jpeg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Tight/Pant</b><br />
<i><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/pants-run/Wind-Runner-Pant" target="_blank">Lululemon - Wind Runner Pant</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim5B7WCqDx5ngzF6sS-SN0pofUjkwXDDzpmu5-b6eLf7Bx7EyQBfia-EejNwM8WoyaDQbroOd2QQq_ZIdxWzUgUMAYvl0LfnPugBwy_JlEqIqeLfdNt2KXhPhEAd7ZpShh8eTqu7jvxWY/s1600/windrunner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgim5B7WCqDx5ngzF6sS-SN0pofUjkwXDDzpmu5-b6eLf7Bx7EyQBfia-EejNwM8WoyaDQbroOd2QQq_ZIdxWzUgUMAYvl0LfnPugBwy_JlEqIqeLfdNt2KXhPhEAd7ZpShh8eTqu7jvxWY/s320/windrunner.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Shorts</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/running-shorts-and-skirts/roga-short" target="_blank">Oiselle - Roga Shorts</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Jacket</b><br />
<i><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Go-The-Distance-Jacket" target="_blank">Lululemon - Go the Distance Jacket</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Vest</b><br />
<i><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/jackets-and-hoodies-jackets/Down-For-A-Run-Vest" target="_blank">Lululemon - Down for a Run Vest</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<br />
<b>Top</b><br />
<i><a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tops-long-sleeve/Run-Swiftly-Tech-LS-32870" target="_blank">Lululemon - Swiftly Long Sleeve</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomR-Ka0hxqUlNczrRDuFTUxWe-t61hyphenhyphenRs5JTxCnhL3qFwSzBQhHvHpcW9s30TeXyO6n4w-nTR6Bw57njFHB49EJmJPjt7uFbBUXPmWhKET6bt85eAfOTzUhbvqfp_s6mSWBLihQrWO2bz/s1600/swiftly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomR-Ka0hxqUlNczrRDuFTUxWe-t61hyphenhyphenRs5JTxCnhL3qFwSzBQhHvHpcW9s30TeXyO6n4w-nTR6Bw57njFHB49EJmJPjt7uFbBUXPmWhKET6bt85eAfOTzUhbvqfp_s6mSWBLihQrWO2bz/s320/swiftly.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b>Hat</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.target.com/p/c9-champion-women-s-cloche-hat-black/-/A-17353673?ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=17353673&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Women%2BC9%2BShopping&adgroup=C9+Champion&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9017069&gclid=Cj0KEQiAzai0BRCs2Yydo8yptuIBEiQAN3_lFlKJmeCpISDgxISUXmdP5Re7_S4VWKnS8EY6mfeualkaAsqd8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Champion C9 (Target) - Women's Cloche Hat</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Socks</b><br />
<i><a href="http://feeturesrunning.com/index.php/shop-by-product-2/ultra-light" target="_blank">Feetures - Ultra Light No Show Tab Socks</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgVTrQ_9mUFp5m51nvaeqhoeHZ6y5fATCo1LvF8q8p_40Bg79VyC2TpPA8x6Wnh1K3OCpmqCuuxjB13bjxsUelGUmJg6MvL-rZWVVNnS7XWjw-dAM0SK0NkUf89oiCAb4aEiCQUC79oZN/s1600/feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgVTrQ_9mUFp5m51nvaeqhoeHZ6y5fATCo1LvF8q8p_40Bg79VyC2TpPA8x6Wnh1K3OCpmqCuuxjB13bjxsUelGUmJg6MvL-rZWVVNnS7XWjw-dAM0SK0NkUf89oiCAb4aEiCQUC79oZN/s320/feet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Shoes</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hoka-One-Womens-Clifton-Running/dp/B00TYYFWRE" target="_blank">Hoka One One - Clifton</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<b>Headlamp</b><br />
<a href="http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/headlamps-and-lanterns/cosmo-BD620614BLYLALL1.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Black Diamond - Cosmo Headlamp</a><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpbLW5pKedT0gQzUiUcQIMO4meawa4x_D6_LfnY_9M-mCrRQ-Gt8gwkQXr8hXsaTwZ4BiyRS2PBgGudKNbh1anHB52MSLTn0zzHTayxgC7KgP2dj_2_1bO6_Hx9S3E3hI2_SIcNm4wk-G/s1600/BD+cosmo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpbLW5pKedT0gQzUiUcQIMO4meawa4x_D6_LfnY_9M-mCrRQ-Gt8gwkQXr8hXsaTwZ4BiyRS2PBgGudKNbh1anHB52MSLTn0zzHTayxgC7KgP2dj_2_1bO6_Hx9S3E3hI2_SIcNm4wk-G/s320/BD+cosmo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Watch</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/06482/garmin-forerunner-235-gps-wrist-hrm/" target="_blank">Garmin 235</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<br />
<b>Headphones</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DKXXGFK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00" target="_blank"><i>Klipsch All-Sport In-Ear Headphone</i></a><br />
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.<br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Gloves</b><br />
<a href="http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/womens-pl-400-sensor-mitts.html" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Women's PL 400 Sensor Mitts</a><br />
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?<br />
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<br />
<b>Hydration</b><br />
<a href="http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/hydration-belts/trail-mix" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Nathan Trail Mix Belt</a><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtawZqd_C0bWdo4saS37XdUTQcbQJHQXg_zFABtdnJVE6w4NwPQbwno_oISv9HpydhdZ_5IFWdo258q8eqwo2aVA9lMpokWhwkgG1Mwb6x11-jFFNUJVWZzUZAcaGJWUwrx9XfTlFR4RwC/s1600/nath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtawZqd_C0bWdo4saS37XdUTQcbQJHQXg_zFABtdnJVE6w4NwPQbwno_oISv9HpydhdZ_5IFWdo258q8eqwo2aVA9lMpokWhwkgG1Mwb6x11-jFFNUJVWZzUZAcaGJWUwrx9XfTlFR4RwC/s320/nath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Miscellaneous</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-90235-Drylete-Neckwarmer/dp/B005GYOGEQ" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank">Saucony Drylete Neckwarmer</a><br />
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.<br />
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<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://saje.ca/muscle-melt-4179.html" target="_blank">Saje Muscle Melt Body Butter</a></i><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzIrjUmYal4hM2hBrptQmWufPqNxQhTZM_-C_edK2sd0f3qwhfleIvfZhsYeMxK6H40lSWlAsQaSfgLRT9aZ24CLVXqmXsNWbEep7Ynzl53GV7I9Todm8vjDUqPa7RCl_lFQKfX84oLFS/s1600/saje.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzIrjUmYal4hM2hBrptQmWufPqNxQhTZM_-C_edK2sd0f3qwhfleIvfZhsYeMxK6H40lSWlAsQaSfgLRT9aZ24CLVXqmXsNWbEep7Ynzl53GV7I9Todm8vjDUqPa7RCl_lFQKfX84oLFS/s320/saje.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h4>
<b>HONORABLE MENTIONS</b></h4>
<b>Socks: </b><i><a href="http://www.smartwool.com/shop/women-socks-run" target="_blank">Smartwool PhD Socks</a></i><br />
<b>Shoes:</b> <i><a href="http://www.salomon.com/us/product/speedcross-3-cs-w.html" target="_blank">Salomon Speedcross 3 CS</a></i><br />
<b>Gloves: </b><i><a href="http://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/kids-pl-sensor-liners.html" target="_blank">Outdoor Research Kids' PL Sensor Liners</a></i><br />
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<b>Mischellaneous: </b><i><a href="http://marmot.com/products/details/windstopper-neck-gaiter" target="_blank">Marmot Windstopper Neck Gaiter</a><br /><br /></i></div>
<b><br /></b>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-6240573013221491952015-12-21T08:14:00.004-08:002015-12-21T08:16:04.638-08:00Why Taking A Few Days Off Running is OKI haven't run in 7 days! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM_JID8pFjbMNvVe1Ym5YUHjdfcBdLrosYb_kAKEDC8e6kxYsFBp-zfm4LeHYcO-X2ypFB1tL7ZbuIpULGvup2HlfEjDJwrTawqnH294ZL7AJsTsnGlkiY9aNio_1k_TxxUC9qN9-4a5p/s1600/50f6e-restday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM_JID8pFjbMNvVe1Ym5YUHjdfcBdLrosYb_kAKEDC8e6kxYsFBp-zfm4LeHYcO-X2ypFB1tL7ZbuIpULGvup2HlfEjDJwrTawqnH294ZL7AJsTsnGlkiY9aNio_1k_TxxUC9qN9-4a5p/s320/50f6e-restday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ran my long run of 6 miles last Saturday, followed by a 2 mile recovery run (ok, mostly walk) on Sunday. Near the end of that 2 miles, I started to get a throbbing feeling in my lower back on the left side. I figured it was from the long run the day before, and I'm not used to doing anything the day after a long run, so my body was likely just adjusting and would be back to normal on Monday. <br />
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I woke up Monday morning with that same achy, throbbing in my back. Uh oh! I did lots of stretching the whole day and foam rolled a couple times thinking that should do the trick. But then Tuesday arrived and I didn't feel any better. My body was sending me a message, so I scheduled a massage for Wednesday afternoon with my favorite massage therapist figuring she would be able to work out some kinks that I couldn't! Thursday and Friday, I was still sore, but not in the same way that I was...mostly just from the massage. Finally, I woke up Saturday feeling great! Sunday I thought maybe I would run if I was still feeling good, but my husband talked me out of it, which was probably a good idea. No need to push it when I was just starting to get better.<br />
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So in light of my impromptu week off running, I learned a few things...<br />
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<b>1. Listen to your body.</b> If you don't, and you just keep pushing through aches and pains, eventually it may lead to an injury that can sideline you for much longer than if you had just listened to your body to begin with.<br />
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<b>2. Enjoy the time off.</b> I know that when you are in the midst of a training schedule, the last thing you want to do is a take a break. However, just taking a day or two off to do other things that you enjoy can be so refreshing. Catch up on TV shows, go shopping, hang out with friends. It's a great reminder that there are other things that you enjoy outside of running.<br />
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<b>3. Read about running</b>. Sometimes when I take a break from running, I like to immerse myself in all things related to running (I am so OCD) - this includes catching up with my favorite running blogs as well as purchasing running magazines or googling things related to running.<br />
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<b>4. Plan ahead</b>. Still trying to figure out your race schedule for the upcoming year? Take some time to sit down and research any future races in which you'd like to participate. If you already have races chosen, start planning out the weeks leading up to these races and how much mileage you need to do in order to accomplish your goals.<br />
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<b>5. Research gear.</b> One of the reasons I love running is being able to shop for awesome new gear! I love contemplating my next new item - whether it be a pair of new crops, a hydration pack, headlamp or anything else, shopping still allows me to think about running but get the rest I need.<br />
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<b>6. Dabble in cross-training. </b>If you are intent on at least some sort of active recovery, try some other non-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, biking. And lest we not forget, foam rolling.<br />
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My 7 days off was much needed - I haven't taken this many days off in a row in over a year. I should've done this in October after the Detroit half...especially since I had to walk downstairs backwards for 2 weeks straight! Now I am ready to get back on track now and begin my next training schedule for the Mini Marathon in Indy next May.<br />
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Sub 2:30:00, here I come!<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-35322723457844909462015-12-14T06:29:00.002-08:002015-12-14T06:50:18.953-08:002016 Race CalendarStill tweaking my race calendar for next year, but here is what I have so far:<br /><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD9Dw3db5NFrCe617kw4bugx0RU6DBfiiOIM4GSv_mBH5Jl5pS2NyMtEf8oBcCSU40EdUt-0o8mdpJZDBFk19dNKNzZMkiIit6WlEdZpa3_rbVtU63VYY0IOMp4cUtV2wutb3fKzkfoPG/s1600/12239320_885317416473_7785494008502401831_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimD9Dw3db5NFrCe617kw4bugx0RU6DBfiiOIM4GSv_mBH5Jl5pS2NyMtEf8oBcCSU40EdUt-0o8mdpJZDBFk19dNKNzZMkiIit6WlEdZpa3_rbVtU63VYY0IOMp4cUtV2wutb3fKzkfoPG/s320/12239320_885317416473_7785494008502401831_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me (on the far right) taken at the Clarkston Backroads 10k, 2015)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>January</b><br />
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<b>February</b><br />
7 - <a href="http://www.runsuperbowl.com/" target="_blank">Super 5K Roadrace</a> (Novi, MI)<br />
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<b>March</b><br />
6 - <a href="http://www.konashamrockrun.com/" target="_blank">Kona Shamrock 10K</a> (Plymouth, MI)<br />
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<b>April</b><br />
9 - <a href="http://martianmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Martian 5K</a> (Dearborn, MI)<br />
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<b>May</b><br />
7 - <a href="http://www.500festival.com/node/88" target="_blank">Mini Marathon Half Marathon</a> (Indianapolis, IN)<br />
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<b>June</b><br />
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<b>July</b><br />
TBD - <a href="http://www.geneseecountyparks.org/pages/huckleberryhustle" target="_blank">Huckleberry Hustle 5K</a><br />
16 - <a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/chicago/schedule/rock-n-roll-chicago-5k/" target="_blank">Rock 'n' Roll Chicago 5K</a> (Chicago, IL)<br />
17 - <a href="http://www.runrocknroll.com/chicago/schedule/rock-n-roll-chicago-half-marathon/" target="_blank">Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon</a> (Chicago, IL)<br />
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<b>August</b><br />
26 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrimFestivalofRaces/" target="_blank">Crim - Michigan Mile</a> (Flint, MI)<br />
27 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CrimFestivalofRaces/" target="_blank">Crim - 10 Mile</a> (Flint, MI)<br />
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<b>September</b><br />
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<b>October</b><br />
9 - <a href="https://www.chicagomarathon.com/" target="_blank">Bank of American Chicago Marathon</a>*<br />
*if I can't get into this one via lottery - <a href="http://www.richmondmarathon.com/" target="_blank">Anthem Richmond Marathon</a> (Nov 12) or <a href="http://www.monumentalmarathon.com/marathon/" target="_blank">Indianapolis Monumental Marathon</a> (Nov 5)<br />
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<b>November</b><br />
7 - <a href="http://crim.org/races-events/run-like-a-deer/" target="_blank">Run Like a Deer 5K</a> (Linden, MI)<br />
8 - <a href="http://clarkstonbackroadshalf.com/" target="_blank">Clarkston Backroads 5K</a> (Clarkston, MI)<br />
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<b>December</b><br />
I will likely do some sort of local 5k but undecided on which one<br />
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<br />Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-66185533969769409442015-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:002015-12-11T10:22:15.248-08:00New Garmin 235 & Heart Rate TrainingI recently upgraded from a Garmin 220 to the <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-235/prod529988.html" target="_blank">new Garmin 235 in frost blue</a>. I've had it for about a week now and so far, I am really liking it. Still getting used to all the features, especially the heart rate function and trying to tailor my runs based on HR training zones, which is really hard if you haven't tracked your heart rate before.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKeVDLmppofr7ZnyGQ5T4_IgH6bTdB26gvYoYMrp6rl5IZofefras9osCDEHke1nGiVrPTN2M2nMA8Q0TNuF25eHohqogULyN1qA5xRQ4dHdxCZhxrBwznAtDO-M8gacqAe55-XcVcRMO/s1600/143262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKeVDLmppofr7ZnyGQ5T4_IgH6bTdB26gvYoYMrp6rl5IZofefras9osCDEHke1nGiVrPTN2M2nMA8Q0TNuF25eHohqogULyN1qA5xRQ4dHdxCZhxrBwznAtDO-M8gacqAe55-XcVcRMO/s320/143262.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
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Trying to do a recovery run at 70-75% of max heart rate and I feel like I'm barely moving. And at times, I can't even run slow enough to get my heart rate in the right zone. I have to add in more walk intervals in order to get it low enough.</div>
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In an effort to better understand what exactly I should be doing in order to train in certain zones, I googled to get some basic information.</div>
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<a href="http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/08/heart-rate-training-for-clueless-people.html" target="_blank">This post</a> from Shut Up + Run has been the best explanation I've found so far.</div>
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To sum it up, you need to calculate your <b>max HR</b> and your <b>resting HR</b>.</div>
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Best way to calculate your <b>max HR</b> is to do a mile warmup, followed by running as fast as you can for 1-2 minutes, then 1 minute jog/recovery. Repeat this 3 times and take the highest HR.</div>
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Then calculate your <b>resting HR</b> before you get out of bed in the morning. The 235 calculates it for you...just make note of it after you wake up.</div>
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<i>I've calculated my max HR at 195 and resting HR at 55.</i></div>
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Use these simple formulas to figure out percentages of your max HR for training runs:</div>
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<h3>
<b>Recovery & long runs should be done at 70-75% of your HR Reserve</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>(Max HR minus Resting HR) x 0.70 + Resting HR</li>
<li>(Max HR minus Resting HR) x 0.75 + Resting HR</li>
</ul>
So for me: (195 - 55) x 0.70 + 55 = 153 and (195 - 55) x 0.75 + 55 = 160<br />
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<i>I should do my recovery and long runs with an avg HR range of 153-160</i></div>
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<h3>
<b>Tempo runs should be done at 85% of your HR Reserve</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>(Max HR minus Resting HR) x 0.85 + Resting HR</li>
</ul>
So for me: (195 - 55) x 0.85 + 55 = 174<br />
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<i>I should do my tempo runs with an avg HR of 174</i></div>
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<b>Interval/speed workouts should be done at 90-95% of your HR Reserve</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>(Max HR minus Resting HR) x 0.90 + Resting HR</li>
<li>(Max HR minus Resting HR) x 0.95 + Resting HR</li>
</ul>
So for me: (195 - 55) x 0.90 + 55 = 181 and (195 - 55) x 0.95 + 55 = 188<br />
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<i>I should do my interval/speed workouts with an avg HR range of 181-188</i></div>
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<b>Here's more info on the method used to calculate these: <a href="http://www.topendsports.com/fitness/karvonen-formula.htm" target="_blank">Karvonen Method</a></b></div>
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For best results and to allow for recovery, alternate hard and easy days. For example, do a recovery run on Monday, followed by a speed workout on Tuesday, Wednesday may be another recovery run or cross training, etc. </div>
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It may feel slow at first. Painfully slow. I even had to walk at times to keep it in the correct zone. <b>BUT </b>I noticed that I was not sore afterwards or even the next day. I enjoyed the workouts a lot more because I wasn't going all out all of the time.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpRA2DoRXen7QplAPSxf_YIDedzAotw_JyzkwLVAOChmy5HoCIv80N7OCMilUDtPufECHCBK-vfibF3BnWw-DZHzya-noy1g6TUCPO75hdYyVIeEw3EluhlDgSjsf4S09y6lFyi6_VHTS/s1600/zones.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpRA2DoRXen7QplAPSxf_YIDedzAotw_JyzkwLVAOChmy5HoCIv80N7OCMilUDtPufECHCBK-vfibF3BnWw-DZHzya-noy1g6TUCPO75hdYyVIeEw3EluhlDgSjsf4S09y6lFyi6_VHTS/s320/zones.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #666666;">The Garmin 235 even shows you how much time you spend in each zone, and on Garmin connect, will give you your average HR for each run</span></span></td></tr>
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It's still a work in progress for me and I think it will really be useful in my marathon training this coming year!</div>
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<i>On that note, so far this week's workouts have followed the plan:</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Monday: <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/977220467" target="_blank">Recovery run</a> - 2.38m - 36:05 - 74% of max HR</li>
<li>Tuesday: <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/978183969" target="_blank">Tempo run</a> - 3.18m - 40:02 - 3/1 run/walk intervals - 83% of max HR</li>
<li>Wednesday: OFF</li>
<li>Thursday: <a href="https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/979632711" target="_blank">Speed run</a> - 2.13m - 24:01 - 6 min warmup, 1/1 intervals, 6 min cooldown - 90% of max HR</li>
<li>Friday (today): I will be doing elliptical at recovery speed (20 mins)</li>
<li>Saturday (tomorrow) I will be doing 6 miles at long run pace</li>
</ul>
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For those that are interested in comparing the looks and size of the Garmin 220 vs Garmin 235, here are a few pics:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3cRm7o5mz7U8Vq6FvwygysdedptLSJ8o_AHWNig2gXPnF57yVTWQ5C8Aqab1FWte1x0H1dLII7HfaXL-0PLkt09jAQB7rkpV6Issul1JQHf5aRZFEmcxcYUfDmiFeaSsrvo4rze9Oz9H/s1600/12289518_888222524613_4470278099745388711_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3cRm7o5mz7U8Vq6FvwygysdedptLSJ8o_AHWNig2gXPnF57yVTWQ5C8Aqab1FWte1x0H1dLII7HfaXL-0PLkt09jAQB7rkpV6Issul1JQHf5aRZFEmcxcYUfDmiFeaSsrvo4rze9Oz9H/s320/12289518_888222524613_4470278099745388711_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIgvQ0Nhf3ScNNa6TKAzzei0XoaVOVnewNTBV_vo5EJ9SPVZjJ_yuH38ylNXmF_HF6TqFD5_RSm9lvk5Iys7xHzNwuEIC7Ipr63VQEisCQ-76rx_3OrqmZjxmUiKcjXRZpxOFCS_Ubw8P/s1600/12310491_888222554553_7734940012006431233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIgvQ0Nhf3ScNNa6TKAzzei0XoaVOVnewNTBV_vo5EJ9SPVZjJ_yuH38ylNXmF_HF6TqFD5_RSm9lvk5Iys7xHzNwuEIC7Ipr63VQEisCQ-76rx_3OrqmZjxmUiKcjXRZpxOFCS_Ubw8P/s320/12310491_888222554553_7734940012006431233_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJUOnvwYp7F6n-EKFMpb-GO2QFvqtyaBM5ouIYxcX1QFSl2ChcBGzwf2kXyIxVT_e2K2VcKdq7L_MBn-TryPsggJpGwVl_4aczx0lKDyhwMEhmcsiedZTx4QaZ04OH-4VWFjgpMqi87hl/s1600/12316153_888222489683_3211431155313055443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJUOnvwYp7F6n-EKFMpb-GO2QFvqtyaBM5ouIYxcX1QFSl2ChcBGzwf2kXyIxVT_e2K2VcKdq7L_MBn-TryPsggJpGwVl_4aczx0lKDyhwMEhmcsiedZTx4QaZ04OH-4VWFjgpMqi87hl/s320/12316153_888222489683_3211431155313055443_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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Also, 55 degrees yesterday in Michigan means shorts weather - woohoo!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GHDMGQeBN7kCgAIM1NP7SgOukN-D54295sUuUaVrQlK1JLaL_SCBHml_ewzENtSz8qcTlYvfouOQGC20y4MKGyGPMQaoXARciaYrB2VaHlJie3kTPekxxsMfQuRksTCa3SJooE7d8mPX/s1600/12313581_889957911883_2263992191424828267_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_GHDMGQeBN7kCgAIM1NP7SgOukN-D54295sUuUaVrQlK1JLaL_SCBHml_ewzENtSz8qcTlYvfouOQGC20y4MKGyGPMQaoXARciaYrB2VaHlJie3kTPekxxsMfQuRksTCa3SJooE7d8mPX/s320/12313581_889957911883_2263992191424828267_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
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Training Gear<br />
<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tops-long-sleeve/Run-Swiftly-Long-Sleeve-Crew" target="_blank">Lululemon Swiftly LS</a> <a href="http://www.oiselle.com/shop/running-bottoms/running-shorts-and-skirts/roga-short" target="_blank">Oiselle Roga Shorts</a> <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tanks-no-support/Cool-Racerback-30193" target="_blank">Lululemon Cool Racerback</a> <br />
<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/bras-medium-support/Energy-Bra-32925" target="_blank">Lululemon Energy Bra</a> <a href="http://feeturesrunning.com/index.php/high-performance" target="_blank">Feetures Socks</a> <a href="http://www.hokaoneone.com/womens-trail/challenger-atr/1007973.html" target="_blank">Hoka Challenger ATR</a><br />
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Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-10308818394101266002015-12-10T11:39:00.001-08:002015-12-10T11:57:42.643-08:00Running Survey<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Fun run survey that I got from <a href="http://www.werundisney.com/" target="_blank">We Run Disney</a> blog!</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">1. Would you rather run along a beach path or on a mountain trail?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Definitely trail! I love being out in the wilderness and discovering beautiful, new scenery!</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">2. If you could choose the flavor of gatorade at your next race's aid stations, what would it be? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I tend to choose the blue and purple flavors :)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">3. If I gave you a $100 gift card to a running store, what would be the first thing that you would purchase with it? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Well, hopefully it would be to <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/" target="_blank">lululemon</a>. And I'd have to agonize over what to purchase - either a new pair of crops or a couple pairs of shorts, or a couple tops.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">4. Do you prefer to follow a training plan or wake up and decide then how far and fast you want to run? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I am definitely a planner so I like following a plan. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">5. Would you rather start your run with the uphill and end on the downhill or start your run with the downhill and end on the uphill? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I would so much rather do the hard part first so I would rather do uphill first. The Detroit Free Press half had the up of the Ambassador Bridge at the beginning, so it was nice to get that out of the way before my legs were shot. But the up getting out of the Windsor Tunnel around mile 8 is no picnic either.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">6. When you can't run, what type of cross-training do you choose to do? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Elliptical, weights and yoga. But usually end up obsessing over when I can run again.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">7. What's your preference --> out and back or point to point or loop runs? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">For a race, I prefer a point to point or loop, as long as there are no repeats. For training runs, I try to mix it up. Just depends on how I am feeling on a particular day. Some days I just leave from the house and do an out and back. Other days, I feel more adventurous and drive to a different starting point or a different place altogether.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">8. If you could recommend ANY running related item to a new runner, it would be a...?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">That's a tough one. Getting fitted properly for shoes is probably the top priority. But beyond shoes, if you are going to do any distance, definitely some sort of hydration belt or pack. Hydration is important!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27vosoHohPe4t6Ji3fCRR14uNa1_Eqx5ZtWyDC72BMY0Z-Q6NpfGvnIM-kZfZOZef95DOR2Peic3Z9dpK5btOcM8Pq2VlnnVSMMzbcMn7q6vQzjKucU46z7DNbJxrOZgrcHck65Xhd7c8/s1600/4625NB_TrailMix_Black_Back_NW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27vosoHohPe4t6Ji3fCRR14uNa1_Eqx5ZtWyDC72BMY0Z-Q6NpfGvnIM-kZfZOZef95DOR2Peic3Z9dpK5btOcM8Pq2VlnnVSMMzbcMn7q6vQzjKucU46z7DNbJxrOZgrcHck65Xhd7c8/s320/4625NB_TrailMix_Black_Back_NW.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/hydration-belts/trail-mix" style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Nathan Trail Mix Hydration Belt</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">9. Do you ever see any wild animals while out on your runs?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Nothing more than deer and squirrels so far.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">10. Ever gotten lost while out on a run? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Not sure where I was exactly - yes. But a quick check on my phone of the surrounding neighborhoods, and I made it home safely.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">11. If you could have one meal waiting and ready for you each time you got home from a run for the next 30 days, what would that meal be?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Hmmm...definitely a fizzy soda...beyond that, I don't think I can narrow it down to just one food. Just depends what I am in the mood for. A big sandwich, spaghetti, donuts...mmm, hungry now!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">12. Capris or shorts...what do you run in most often?</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">I live in Michigan, so it really just depends on what season it is that particular day. The saying here goes "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes." Summer is usually shorts, fall, spring and winter are capris or tights.</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">13. At what mile (or how many minutes) into your run does your body start to feel like it is warming up and ready to go? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Generally about 1 - 1.5 miles.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">14. What do you do with your key when you run? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">If I am wearing my hydration belt, it goes in the pouch on there. If I don't have that, it goes in one of many pockets that I usually on my shorts/tights/vests/jackets. I've also been known to put it in my lululemon stuff your bra, which has built in pockets :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj2yK952TAIWWm_isqP7ZwjZaqQIZ-dcBbrtn9Uf1XdR9jTEo-tPgSJyIuNPekJtzuTkI01pzKNTS9OnIYiU15-KwG67MTfIoGNTTQm6vW5Q47wWyIeOeCCifjvEr0Y2TD6SvfOHBBlmk/s1600/2012+0413+Lululemon+Stuff+Your+Bra+Tank+Fossil-Flash+Close+Up+Front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijj2yK952TAIWWm_isqP7ZwjZaqQIZ-dcBbrtn9Uf1XdR9jTEo-tPgSJyIuNPekJtzuTkI01pzKNTS9OnIYiU15-KwG67MTfIoGNTTQm6vW5Q47wWyIeOeCCifjvEr0Y2TD6SvfOHBBlmk/s320/2012+0413+Lululemon+Stuff+Your+Bra+Tank+Fossil-Flash+Close+Up+Front.png" width="257" /></a></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">15. If you could relive any race that you have done in the past, which one would it be? </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Probably my 3rd half marathon (my 2nd Mini Marathon in Indy). I was injured many weeks prior to the race, so I really didn't expect much of myself time-wise. I just wanted to finish. The first few miles were rough, so I just took it easy and walked a ton, but eventually I warmed up and was able to run the final 5 miles and PRed by 15 minutes!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oEWmXve0KbTvB6Sy1Gt1nUishSkZcUXdYmlJAN8-odxQjM2ZSoY3eMVJBa_ETqFnfh80ixD5w_A_vLAC2_hCHXESKfJG7bNsAoEhrrzBD8aUqmbJ3G9TcyJhdwIHJmpBU8bLpbngMQUE/s1600/226517_545139246253_1296883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oEWmXve0KbTvB6Sy1Gt1nUishSkZcUXdYmlJAN8-odxQjM2ZSoY3eMVJBa_ETqFnfh80ixD5w_A_vLAC2_hCHXESKfJG7bNsAoEhrrzBD8aUqmbJ3G9TcyJhdwIHJmpBU8bLpbngMQUE/s320/226517_545139246253_1296883_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><b><i>Feel free to copy and fill out the survey!</i></b></span>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8891561913455965905.post-2205511273441515722015-12-09T10:27:00.002-08:002015-12-09T11:38:04.080-08:00Marathon BugFirst, a little background about me. I am a 33 year old mother of one very spirited 2 year old son, and I've been married for 12 years. I am a graphic designer (hence the blog title Designed2Run). I recently started running again after gaining back baby weight and dealing with post partum anxiety and depression. The first year of my son's life, I put the baby weight back on slowly and was eager to get it off. So my initial goal was weight loss, and I signed up for a half marathon in August 2015 as a finish line to my goal. During that time, I began with walking and worked up to run/walk intervals. The weight slowly started to fall off and my love for running grew. I made it to my goal that August and completed the half marathon.<br />
<br />
But, let me back up a little bit. I've always been athletic. I was a tomboy growing up and loved playing basketball and football with the boys. In fact, I almost always beat my older brother in any athletic endeavors. Then, freshmen year of high school, the track coach distributed flyers to all the freshman girls. This sparked my interest as I had always been deemed <b>fast </b>by my friends...so, I joined!<br />
<br />
It became a good extracurricular activity, as well as something in which I was good. And of course, I enjoyed the competition! As track season wrapped up that year, my coach (who coincidentally was also the cross country coach) encouraged me to join the cross country team, promising me that it would improve my track season. So as a sophomore, I dropped out of band that fall to join the CC team (I was in flag corps freshman year). At the beginning, it was hard. Harder than I imagined. But as the miles piled up, I got better. Faster. Stronger. And although I never made it past JV and most certainly was not the fastest, I learned that although I was a much better sprinter than distance runner, I could still do it.<br />
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Sophomore year, I joined track again...as well as junior year, and also senior year. I was a 100m-200m sprinter freshman year, but after that I was moved to mostly 400m and still some 200m. I'm guessing because we had very few 400m runners. Sophomore year, I was on the 4x400m relay team with all seniors. I pretty much HATED the 400m because it's too short to be able to run a slow steady pace, but almost too far to be an all-out sprint. I particularly remember the first time I ran the 400 in a meet. I sprinted about 2/3 of the way around the track, then barely made it to the finish because I had used up all my energy too fast. At the time, if it was too hard, I didn't like. Looking back, it was more of a challenge and I should've just rose to it.<br />
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Junior year, I did not join cross country. Just like the 400m, it was hard and I didn't feel like I was fast enough. I was a middle of the pack runner and being JV instead of Varsity was sort of crushing for me. Senior year, I was coaxed into joining CC again by my coach, but I ended up injured and only competed in one meet.<br />
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Post high school, the running stopped for quite some time. I got busy with college and work, and it just sort of fell of the radar. Until I had worked a few years in the corporate world, and the desk jobs took their toll on my weight. I gained a few pounds (ok, 30 lbs) and by 2009, I was laid off and finally had the time to actually do something about it. This was the first time I decided to set a goal of losing some weight and signed up for my first half marathon (Mini in Indianapolis 2010). Hubby was also laid off at the time (long story but this time in our life was rough, mentally and financially, but that's another story altogether), so I had him sign up for the race with me (even though he's not a runner at all).<br />
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By May 2010, it was time for my first half. I hadn't trained smart...in fact, life got in the way so much that I only got up to about 7 miles for my longest run, so the race was difficult and painful, but, I finished. That instilled in me that I could channel my inner strength to accomplish great things. BTW, I also lost that extra 30 lbs. I talked about above. After the initial pain of the race subsided (weeks later, mind you), I decided I would continue with running and set my sights on another race - Disney World half marathon in January 2011. Again, with minimal training (oops, someday I will learn), I completed it 2 minutes faster than the Mini. <br />
<br />
After this, I still wanted more. Didn't I learn the first 2 times?<br />
So I signed up for the Mini again in 2011.<br />
<br />
At this point, all this lack in training caught up to me, and I got side-lined with hip bursitis and took many weeks off running prior to the race. The rest definitely helped because I smashed my half marathon PR by 15 minutes!<br />
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A month after this, I got pregnant, had 2 miscarriages in a row, then spent a year in infertility hell before finally falling pregnant with my son in October 2012.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to August 2015 where I had lost the baby weight and completed my 4th half marathon in Vancouver, then signed up for my 5th half in Detroit, MI.<br />
<br />
Now that I have 5 half marathons under my belt, I've decided that I am setting my sights on a FULL marathon in the fall of 2016.<br />
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My race calendar for next year looks something like this so far:<br />
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January<br />
February - 5K race<br />
March - 5K or 10K Race<br />
April - 5K or 10K Race<br />
May - Mini 1/2 Marathon - Indianapolis (3rd time doing this one)<br />
June<br />
July - Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon - Chicago<br />
August - Michigan Mile, Crim 10m<br />
Sept<br />
Oct - Bank of American Chicago Marathon (providing I get in lottery-style)<br />
Nov<br />
Dec<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaByHUIn4J1I0z79QzCvl_lcxNZXQioYXmjn2mwIRFzV0Jb5sIUBStS3h9CGu482NApYtLYOkhSZ9UZCwGgtKThs71Im7JmmG8BBH3rwDY51_5BLkIKdl94Xif173dYf1GAtHmR0RZLV9H/s1600/Marathon-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaByHUIn4J1I0z79QzCvl_lcxNZXQioYXmjn2mwIRFzV0Jb5sIUBStS3h9CGu482NApYtLYOkhSZ9UZCwGgtKThs71Im7JmmG8BBH3rwDY51_5BLkIKdl94Xif173dYf1GAtHmR0RZLV9H/s320/Marathon-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicago Marathon - Fall 2016 - Fingers crossed</td></tr>
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I want this blog to serve as a reminder to how far I've come, how far I still have to go, and a diary of my running/racing adventures.<br />
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<b>Now that I have this goal to become a marathoner, tell me...what motivated you to start running?</b><br />
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<i>d2r</i>Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05280061087511172875noreply@blogger.com1