Amy's "BUT I'M NOT A RUNNER" Journal

[toystoryduo]

Amy,

I am so sorry to hear that the pain is continuing in your leg. I hope the doctor can pinpoint the cause soon. I know that it is hard right now, but with your positive attitude Amy, you will get through this bump in your journey and come out with a VICTORY!

Thanks for sharing those quotes with us! I so appreciate the words of inspiration that you share that help us get through the bumps on our journeys.

Please be sure and take extra special, good care of you.

 

[keenercam]

Hi, sweetie! Thank you so much for your kind words in my journal. I have been thinking of you so much and worrying about your leg pain. I really, really want you to take it easy so that you don't overdo it and de-rail your training efforts. I know that you are so disciplined and determined and that makes it hard to do anything less than what you have already seen you are capable of doing. But you have to drop back and think of the long-term goal.

Does any of that make sense? And who asked me anyway, right?

Seriously, I am really looking forward to seeing you in about 100 days, so you have to take good care of yourself. So, as much as you like to challenge yourself, the real challenge may be in having the courage to take it easy until the sports ortho tells you what is going on. When is your appt?

Sending you a huge and : kiddo!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Visited the doctor yesterday. Post Tibial Tendonitis is the verdict...at least as of right now. I need physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication....and i have to scale back the running a bit. I'm also getting fitted for orthotics from a podiatrist that specializes in running orthotics. I'm trying guys...I really am. I was told I could run today and quite possibly had the worst run of my life. I'll admit that I'm feeling a bit defeated. I was hoping for 8....planning on 7.....willing to settle for 6. I could barely finish 4 and was in really bad pain. I won't bother with the splits because they aren't worth discussing. It was another failure in a string of bad runs that is getting tougher to deal with. I know that I have some stuff going that could possibly help...but if there's no improvement in 3 weeks I'll be going for an MRI and bone scan. Tomorrow is a rest day....Monday I'll be back out there trying to finish with less pain...perhaps the meds will help with that. I've only had one so far.

I truly long for the runs where the endorphins would kick in and give me lots of positive energy for the rest of the day . I miss the sense of accomplishment you get from an awesome workout. And I really miss seeing the improvements made week to week and feeling part of something bigger and better. I'm sorry to be such a downer. I'm going to try really hard to regain some positive energy so I can tackle this injury head on. Hmmm...maybe "tackling" isn't such a good idea. How about baby this injury head on LOL.

Anyway...I wish everyone out there training loads of pixie dust to stay injury free! It's so awesome to see so many people running strong and long! Way to go guys .

So here is my mantra quote for the day....(hang in there Amy )

"What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists...and it becomes available only when you are in that state of mind in which you know EXACTLY what you want...and are fully determined not to quit until you get it." ~Alexander Graham Bell

 

[kimwim8]

Well, it's good to have a diagnosis, right? Please just listen to the doctors and to your body. Don't push it. You'll still be there at that marathon and still will finish, whether it's by running or run/walking or walking. You'll be accomplishing something you never thought possible just a short time ago. There are going to be more marathons. Just promise me you'll listen to your body, ok?

Please keep us posted on how you're doing....good or bad. Because even your "bad" runs are more than some of us are doing....and you're an inspiration through ALL of this!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy!

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with the ankle/foot issues! I know that the run on Saturday was a miserable one for you, but let's see how it goes today. The anti-inflams have now had a chance to kick in a little and with the swelling down and your ability to walk on it...here's hoping for a less painful run today. A little magic wish pixie dust if you will...

I know you miss those endorphins, and the feeling of success after a good run...but your feeling of accomplishment is gonna be so huge when you battle through this injury and get back on track

So look...take it easy today...get the steps in but do NOT worry about speed. Try not to run your normal pace...back it off a bit...i know it's hard but it's something you have to do.

I'm proud of your attitude and drive. It's really inspiring. Have a great day today!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Thanks for the support guys!

Coming off that awful run experience on Saturday....I decided to really take it easy on Sunday. Spent the day shopping with my youngest DD and really had an enjoyable day. I had really made the decision to stop whining about my stupid ankle and just try to move forward .

BTW...by sunday afternoon I realized the anti-inflammatories were really kicking in as my pain and swelling had decreased tremendously! I was still curious about how it would feel when I got back out there to run...

Which brings us to today! Spent a good portion of the morning and afternoon hitting the links with my mom. Lovely day to be outside. Great day for golf. Although I'm pretty sure you wouldn't call what I do golf...maybe I should rename it to something like "divot digging" or "woods ball" (yeah...aren't I supposed to pretty much stay on the fairway? or how about "how far can I throw my 9 iron". Anyway...was nice to be with mom. But one missing pair of prescription sunglasses later AND a tragic round of golf made me wonder how well the rest of my day would go.

Decided to run after my husband returned home from work. It was getting dark....but I just had to get out there and try again. I just can't quit...needed so much to have a decent run today! I started off strong and felt much better than I have for the first 3 miles....the final 2 were painful but not excrutiating and definitely tolerable . Overall it was a successful run. It was a scheduled 50 minute run. I managed to run 5.38 miles in 50 minutes for an overall pace of 9:17 I believe (or something like that). Ended up running in complete darkness...but I was determined to finish the 50 minutes tonight! I ran faster and longer than I should...but I needed a victory! My ankle was aching like crazy when I finished....but after another dose of medicine and some ice...it feels fine tonight .

Tomorrow is yoga perhaps....and some scheduled Physical Therapy. I'm moving forward. Feeling more confident and hopeful! Trying hard to remain positive . Thanks again for all the support you guys .

 

[kimwim8]

Congrats on the great run, Amy! Please don't push yourself too hard. Listen the doctors. But I am SO glad you had a good one, to help keep your spirits up. I'm sure you needed that.

How awesome that you had some quality time with your DD and then with your mom (no matter how the golf game was ). I love your nicknames for your golf game! I've never attempted any more than mini-golf - since I'm so bad at that!

It's great to hear from you! Take care and keep that chin held high...you ARE always an inspiration!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy!!

So glad to see that you got some quality time with your daughter! I bet that shopping trip was a lot of fun..and I bet she looks great in all of the new stuff you got for her, she's such a cutie!

Nice to see you got time with your mother too!! I'm a fan of divot digging myself and glad to see that you had a good time out there (assuming you still have that 9 iron in your bag). With golf...it's not so much the score as it is the quality time with the people you are playing with. But hey...if you ever need a lesson....look me up

So GREAT to see you running again!!! Can't believe you did the entire 50 minutes (weren't you supposed to cut back 10%?)..but I'm so proud of you!! Even with some pain there at the end, it had to feel good to be back out there training. And...um....how on earth did we end up running the exact same distance?? Unbelievable! We couldn't have even planned something like that out...weird, weird stuff.

Hope the PT goes well for you today...and nice to see you back with the yoga as opposed to the KBX. I know how you LOVE KBX and how great it is for your conditioning...but I think it's just too strenuous on your body when attempting to train for a marathon.

Glad to see your spirits are up! Your drive and determination always amazes me.

Have a great day!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

I have been wondering how you are doing. I just have not had time to get to the boards and check. I am sorry for that. Glad to hear that the doctors at least have some sort of idea what is going on. I hope that they can get you all fixed up and you are back to normal. I am sure that with just a little rest and relazation, you will come out of this just fine. Stay postive and keep your head up!

Glad to hear that you and DD had a good time shopping. Two girls only days...that sounds nice!!

You're doing a great job, just heal....

Have a great day!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi guys! Thanks so much for stopping by my journal!!!! I appreciate all the well wishes and support!

Yesterday was yoga for my XT. LOVE this class. It's challenging in a much different way than KBX...and yet I still feel that it is ultimately helping my running. However I do miss the cardio . But I've been given fairly strict orders from...ummm....about 4 people (doctors, PT, etc) to stop KBX while I'm in training. So...it's not an option. The running takes precedence right now .

I also had my first PT session yesterday. I will be going 3 times per week...for approx 6 weeks . It was helpful...we did stretches, had some ultrasound heat thing , ice and laser pulses . I don't know actually what all happened . BUT....my ankle felt great when I left so I know it helped . I just feel good about taking control of the situation and realizing that there are solutions and ways to make the pain subside!!! The anti-inflammatories are doing their job. I'm icing up several times per day. AND I'm cutting back on the running...a bit .

Today was a scheduled 4 mile run. I went out there knowing that I could scale back if I had any discomfort. I can't be as fast as I used to be. But at least I'm putting the steps in! Unfortunately the run did not go well. HOWEVER...it wasn't due to my ankle issue! My ankle actually felt REALLY GOOD! The best it's felt in a long time . So in that regard it was a successful run. The problem today was that I had a complete lack of energy. I literally felt zapped...drained...wilted...you name it. My breathing was labored. I was instantly tired. Go figure , ankle feels good, but the rest of my body is like "not today girl". So...I settled for 3 miles in 30 minutes. But I did begin the new 10 minute ab and arm routine that we are going to incorporate into the schedule now 3 times a week! That was challenging...but felt good to get one under the belt .

So that's it for today. Tomorrow is a scheduled rest day...but b/c I've scaled back the mileage I think I might throw in an easy 30 minute nordic track session and perhaps some light arm weights. I just don't feel like I need a complete rest day based on the fact that I didn't hit 9 miles last weekend AND I'm missing the extra cardio I used to get from KBX. We'll see....I'll just wait and see how the body feels tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy exercising and healthy eating to all!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Amy,

I'm glad to hear that PT went well and that your ankle felt great on your run! I hope that everything heals quickly for you, Amy.

Have a great Thursday!

 

[kimwim8]

Hey Amy!

I'm SO glad to hear your ankle is feeling better! You truly amaze me. You have an injury, people tell you to slow down...and you find other ways to remain in the game. I don't know that I'd have the drive you do. I'd like to think I would...but when it comes down to it...I don't know. You are a STRONG, resiliant, powerful woman....and my daily inspiration!

Keep taking care of yourself...and let yourself have a rest day. It'll only make you stronger on your workout days.

Take care!

 

[keenercam]

Kim said it perfectly, Amy. You are amazing! I am so glad you are being smart about training the right way so your ankle can heal. And remember that sometimes our bodies know better than our minds or our wills what we can handle at any given time. Keep up the great work, Amy! I cannot wait to meet you in January. You are such an inspiration to me.

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy!

Sooo awesome that your ankle/foot didn't bother you yesterday during the run!!! I'm sorry about your lack of energy though....maybe you just need to catch up with some sleep...and how's your eating coming along?

I know the type of competitor you are and how much drive and determination you have....and I think it's absolutely amazing that you are able to see the overall picture so clearly and pull back your training and runs as necessary. I really admire you for that and am very proud of you!! I know you want to be out there running 7mpm's...but recognizing the overall goal of crossing that finish line in January and adjusting your training to accomplish that goal is very inspiring. You would make a great personal trainer, ever thought about doing something like that? I'd sign up in a heartbeat Of course, I think I already have with the advice you're giving me all of the time

Hope PT goes well again for you this morning, with all of the lasers, thermonuclear scanners and ice shock therapy

Have a great day!

 

[eeyore25]

Hi Amy,

Glad to hear that the PT went well and your ankle didn't hurt for your run. PT might just be the key!!!

Keep up the good work and don't push it too hard!!!

Happy Friday

 

[AmyBeth68]

WARNING: LONG POST ALERT

Seriously guys...don't feel obligated to read this one. However, today during the relaxation phase of yoga the instructor read us this story. Oddly it was incredibly appropriate to me today. Sure it can be applied to anything...but today it really struck me on a deeply personal level....gave me pause....and so I want to post it here so I have it in my journal and can refer to it when needed. Maybe some of you will enjoy it as well. Namaste . As we say in yoga (look at me going all zen on you guys)!!!

Oh...and in case you guys are wondering...I really feel like a carrot but aspire to be a coffee bean . One day at a time...one step at a time.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
ARE YOU A CARROT, AN EGG, OR A COFFEE BEAN?
by Mary Sullivan

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as if as soon as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen.

The mother filled three pots with water.

In the first, she placed carrots.
In the second she placed eggs.
And the last she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil without saying a word. About twenty minutes later, she turned off the burners.

She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she said, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. (You known the tone of voice.)

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they felt soft.

She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg inside.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, "So, what's the point, mother?" (Remember the tone of voice.)

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid center. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its insides had become hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water...they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your
door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot , an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt
and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat?

Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial
hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my outer shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water - the very circumstances that bring the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor of the bean. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you instead of letting it change you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle Adversity?

 

[kimwim8]

*applause*

That was AWESOME!! I, like you, aspire to be the coffee beans...but don't know if I'm currently a carrot or an egg (maybe a little of both).

Thanks SO much for sharing that!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hi Amy!!

Hmmmm....carrot, egg or coffee bean. That's a tough one for me. I have given it much thought throughout the day and have come up with the following answer:

I am rice. Unlike the now soft and mushy carrot, the egg that is all hard on the outside and the coffee bean that tried to show it's superiority...I'm like the rice. You see, the rice went in hard yet plentiful....and when the boiling water showed up, the rice ate it up...kicked it's H2O butt...made it submit to pure carb power...swallowed the water like the evil changemonger that it was trying to be.....absorbed it and became more powerful (dare I say yummier, too?). Bigger, better, dominant....almighty rice grains unite!! LOL

Really....the moral of my story is that when you are faced with change, embrace it and make it a part of you. Swallow it up and eliminate it....don't let it change you (soft or hard) and don't try to change it (silly intelligent wanna be coffee bean)...accept change for what it is. It will make you a stronger person.

That'll be $50 please....when would you like to come back and see me?

LOL

Have a good day Amy...hope this brightened it up a little

 

[AmyBeth68]

Scott...you are too funny!!! And that's pretty good too! I like your addition to my story! Leave it to you. Just can't settle for the coffee bean!!!

So my week shaped up pretty well! I'm really really pleased to have seen so much progress with my injury! Both of my runs earlier in the week were not nearly as painful as the prior weeks . I managed to get an entire week of training in ... with only one minor adjustment (a shorter run on Wed). The yoga seems to be helping me tremendously ALTHOUGH the two days of missing cardio are causing my HR to be higher than normal during my runs . I may need to address that with adding the nordic track into the schedule! The three days of PT last week REALLY made a huge difference in my training. I am still scheduled for five more weeks and remaining on the anti-inflammatories for at least a few more weeks as well. My goal will be to see if I can manage w/out medicine once my orthotics are made! I have that appointment this week with a well-known running podiatrist who even writes for Runner's World!! Isn't that cool???

Thursday was a scheduled rest day and I decided to take it as such. On Friday...which was an emotionally tough day...I managed to do 75 minutes of yoga which I am beginning to just LOVE! As much as I miss KBX...and as much as Yoga is so completely opposite of KBX...I'm finding that it does the same thing for me. Both of those classes are great for clearing the mind. And yoga is healthier for my running as it helps with stretching, strength and balance! All things that KBX did for me only without the strain on my joints. Also...yoga is good in that it really forces me to quiet my mind (as much as that is possible with me)....I'm still and having conversations in my head when I'm supposed to be quieting my mind LOL. But like everything else...it takes time . And it really helped ground me a lot on Friday when I was feeling a bit upset .

So that brings us to yesterday's run! It was a scheduled 6 mile Long Run. For one thing....I really needed to complete a good run to round out a successful week! It was so gratifying to actually make it through a week of training and this would be it! I could finally feel back on track . Unfortunately, I was a bit sleep deprived having maybe 8 hours sleep total over the prior few nights . Yes...I know...I NEED SLEEP. But...it is what it is and I was worried that my lack of sleep would have an impact! But as soon as I started running I knew I could do it. The weather was cool and it wasn't a long distance! So here are the splits!!! Nothing like crazy man Scott's run (OMG...did you guys check out THAT run???). But successful none the less :

Mile 1: 8:20
Mile 2: 9:08
Mile 3: 9:33*
Mile 4: 9:25
Mile 5: 9:12
Mile 6: 8:52*

*in fairness...I did stop my garmin at these points to do a quick stretch. So the accuracy of my time isn't quite fair. But I really need to stretch to keep my ankle from tightening up and I do turn off the garmin so that I can at least get a better idea of my splits. I just like to note that I stopped the timer b/c it does mean an extra minute (total) of rest which sure helps with speed!

The overall run was 6 miles in 54:31, HR Avg. 172, MPM Avg. 9:06

 

[kimwim8]

Ladies and gentlemen.......SHE'S BACK!!!!

What an awesome week for you! You had me cracking up at your internal conversations during Yoga! I think that's definitely a mommy thing...always a million things on your mind! I'm beyond happy for you that you had a good training week and that you're back on track. And BIG applause that you stopped and stretched so that your ankle could hold out. You are the TRUE athlete that knows to listen to and pamper your body while still pushing it hard!!

Here's to another great week coming up!