I Am Not A Princess

The time has come.  After much thought, deliberation, back-and-forth, and not running, I have decided that I am not a Princess.  I am not going to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February.  I tried to psych myself up for it and failed miserably.  I follow Jessica's incredible journey and stand in awe of her determination.  But for me, the cons outweigh the pros.  So there will be no Princess medal for me.

I trained.  I ran a half marathon at forty; I even PR'd. 

And now?  I am not running at all.  

There are many, many reasons why I haven't laced up my running shoes.

1. I don't feel like it.
2. It is COLD outside.
3. Each run I have done since the half results in two days of icing my hip.
4. My right foot has plantar fasciitis.
5. It's very COLD outside.
6. The Christmas tree is blocking the treadmill (that might have been deliberate).
7. The thought of running more than a 5K fills me with dread.
8. Did I mention that it is COLD?

I admit it.  As much as I tried to overcome it, I am a fair weather runner. 

Still, I am a runner.  I am going to be flexible.  If we have a nice day, and I have the time, I will head out for a short run.  Maybe instead of running farther, I will try to run faster.  Maybe instead of running with dread, I will run with peace.  

Eventually, and soon, the holidays will be over and my treadmill will be accessible.    There will be warmer days.  The joy of running will return.  Until then, maybe I'll Zumba.  

The Case of the Jilted Jog Bra

After a week of pie and sloth, I sat at my computer last night and deleted an email for a Jingle Bell Jog Registration.  I felt a little guilty about my lack of running, so I shared an inspirational running video on my running group's Facebook page.  Then I turned off the computer and headed upstairs for bed.

I was digging around in my drawers for a t-shirt to sleep in when, there in the back corner, I saw it:  my purple job bra sat forlorn and accusing.  Riding high on the inspirational video, guilt, and the knowledge that there was nothing on my schedule the next day, I pulled it out and placed it on top of my sweats.  I would put it on first thing in the morning and be ready to go for a run.

Morning came early.  Brian was up to take my parents to the airport so they could catch their flight back to Colorado.  As I got up to tell them good-bye, I stumbled past that purple jog bra without a second thought.  Heading downstairs, I took inventory. My throat hurt; I was getting sick.  When I blew my nose, it was all bloody.  I curled up on the couch with my coffee and a plan to crawl back into bed ( I had left my electric blanket on) as soon as I dropped the kids off at school.

Once the kids were gone, I didn't crawl directly into bed.  First, I grabbed my book club book off my nightstand, ignoring the accusing glare of my jog bra, and headed downstairs to finish my book before I had to return it to the library.  

Coffee finished, toast eaten, book read.  Now I crawled back into my nice, warm bed.  

Oh, sweet, sweet morning nap.  

A short while later, I woke up feeling much better.  I figured I should take advantage of an empty schedule:  rake leaves, clean the house, detail my car.  As I got out of bed, there is was again.  My purple jog bra, discarded and ignored, lying on the floor.  Before I could change my mind, I put it on, got the rest of my running gear on and headed out the door.

And I ran. No intervals.  I ran slowly, but I was running.  
I was also freezing; I had underestimated the temperature outside.

But I kept running.  During the last half of the run,  my upper abs were really hurting.  I thought this was just a sign of my recent laziness.  As I turned another corner and the biting wind hit me, I realized it wasn't muscle soreness, it was the beginning of frostbite.  My rib cage was the area without double layers and it was taking the full brunt of the wind.  There was nothing to do but to keep running.  So I kept running.  

My watch was still beeping, but I just ran a bit slower during the "walk" interval and tried to pick it up a bit during the "run" interval.

I was very glad to see my house.  Even knowing I would soon be scooping poop did not lessen the joy I felt at the end of my run.

I put on some gloves, grabbed a drink, and took Carley for our walk.  I scooped her poop.

I haven't showered yet.  I have plans to cross a few of those aforementioned chores off my list before I crawl back into my pajamas and my nice warm bed.  

Today's Run:  2.6 miles.  31:28minutes.  12:08 min/mile pace

Dedication?

My will to run has waned lately.  I finished my half marathon.  I ran a PR.  And then...not much.  I have run a handful of times since then.  Short runs; just enough to remind myself that I am a runner.  

One of those runs was over this bridge.  Signing up for that race in advance, made sure I kept running.  It would have been very easy to stay in my cozy bed and sweats on Veteran's Day, but I didn't.  I got up with my husband and two of three children and lined up on the Jamestown side of the bridge. 

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  It was a beautiful morning to be a runner.  I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in six months.  We ran (not run-walk) most of the way together.  When my son needed to walk, she went on ahead for a great finish.  I walked with my son.  We had a great finish, even though the little stinker sprinted at the end and left me behind.

The post-race breakfast with the Princess gang at The Hungry Monkey was pretty great too.  Thanks, ladies!

Run. Food.  Run. Food.  Food.  Food. Food. Food.

Yeah.  It's time to get back to the run part of the equation.  I know myself.  I won't run until after Thanksgiving.  And that may get pushed back until December 1st.  

My daughter is dancing in the Nutcracker at Rosecliff.  She has a show everyday.  I am working in the show everyday.  The last performance is November 30th.  With the late show, the cast party, and striking the set, it will be a late night.  

So really, December 2nd.  I have a scheduled  5 mile run with my running partner on December 2nd.  

Now I have to go for a run:  on December 2nd.    

My Morning run

When I woke up this morning, I wasn't sure if I was going to go running.  Sure, it was on my calendar, but really, that's more of a suggestion. Right?  

After a night of less than stellar sleep (read, woke up with TWO kids in the bed), I got up early--before the coffee started brewing-- to a chilly house.  Getting out the door was not looking promising.  I made breakfast for the kids and then the moment of truth arrived.  I went upstairs to "get dressed" to take the kids to school.  I use the term  "dressed" loosely.  I usually take them to school in whatever I pulled on so I don't freeze in the morning.  This morning it was sweat pants; some days it's pajamas.  I do, however, put on a bra.  So the big question on this cold Monday morning was:  regular bra or sports bra?  Well, the sports bra went on and my hopes of snuggling on the sofa with a book went out the window.

When I returned home to really get dressed, I had to dig to the bottom of my drawer for my cold-weather running pants and a long-sleeved Virginia is for Lover's 14K running shirt.  Undaunted by the howling wind, I laced up my shoes and headed out the door.  

As soon as I started, I was glad I went.  Even though my feet felt heavy as I started out, there were no shooting pains in either foot.  Dressed as I was, the temperature was actually perfect.  I even got a nice tailwind up the first hill.  I had a vague idea of where I wanted to run.  I was hoping it was about 3 miles.  

Running by East Ferry next to the Narragansett Bay with the Newport Pell Bridge in the background is just beautiful.  I passed a lot of runners, bikers, and dog walkers.  I ran by an elderly couple walking, holding hands.  I ran by an old lady walking down the street.  She was so hunched over, she was practically bent in half; but very cheerful in her "Good Morning". (I stood a little straighter and vowed to take my calcium vitamins regularly.)  Most of the cars driver's were friendly and waving this morning.  It was a great way to charge up for the week ahead.

I came back home, picked up Carley and headed out for our walk.  She needs to get out, too.

Today's Run:  3.3 miles.  38:345 mins.  

How do you start your week?  What gets you going?

Feelin' Groovy

The half marathon is over!  It's time to get serious about this running thing.  By serious, I mean getting back into the groove; running regularly.  

I started today.  I went for a short, 2.5 mile run.  I wanted to get back on my M-W-F schedule.  I needed to check out my body, to see how it was doing after Sunday's long, long run.

Hamilton Ave.

It was a bit damp and windy out, but the thermometer said it was 60 degrees.  It was just right to try out my new short-sleeve half marathon shirt I got in my race goody bag.  This shirt has the added benefit of being nice and soft; blowing my nose on it was so, so comfortable. (My nose sweats a lot while I run.)  

I planned a new route this morning.  I wanted to get out of my rut and into my groove.  The only concession to upcoming races was the hill I added to the route.  There are a lot of hills here on Jamestown.  This is the hill.  I deliberately avoided this hill on every other run.  Today, I ran up Hamilton.   No problem.   But this is the next race:  

Newport Pell Bridge

So, there will be hills.  I will welcome them.  They are good for me.

Overall, today's run felt great.  No aches and pains during the run.  I enjoyed it.  I do think it helped that I knew I would be done in less than half an hour.  

Injury report:  On practically THE LAST STEP of my run, my left foot started to really hurt.  This is a new spot for spikes and twinges.  I iced it immediately.  I hope this isn't going to be a recurring theme.

Today's Run:  2.25 miles.  26:38 minutes.  

How do you get back in the groove?

Happy Birthday To Me

An early birthday present to myself.

Happy Birthday to me!  Hello Running at Forty-One!

My plan was to get up and start off this year with a short run, but that didn't quite work out.  

My eldest daughter started off my day with a full breakfast at 6:20 this morning. It was very sweet and very good, but very early.

Then she took my much needed beeping watch with her to school for cross country today (I have to pick her up early).

Lastly, to use my husband's phrase, my plan was OBE (overcome by events).  I had a lot of volunteer/computer stuff that needed to be taken care of this morning and I pretty much have been stuck on my laptop since I dropped the kids off for school.

Yes, I could go run later in the day and yes, I could run without my interval watch. 

But why? 

I have an invitation to go eat sushi with my friend and I will take that over a run any day. Even today, maybe especially today! 

Today's Run:  OBE

13.1 and Done!

Newport Half Marathon                   October 14, 2012                                         3 days before I am Running @ Forty-One!

Brian and Jen

Today's Run:  13.1 Miles  Newport Half Marathon  2:47.38 (unofficial time)  12:47 min/mile pace.

Race Prep

Jen and Brian pick up race packets at
the Newport Yachting Center.

My running hat reads, "This seemed like a good idea three months ago."  Truer words and all that.  It's here.  

Today, we went into Newport to pick up our race packets.  We got our pretty pink bibs, our nice blue t-shirts (I needed a short sleeve technical shirt), and all the goodies that come in the bag. My son, Noah, documented the event with a quick picture. I also picked up some of the watermelon GU Blocks which I have convinced myself will help ward off the dreaded migraine.  

Easy-peasy right?  My running partner was also there picking up her stuff.  She wanted to know what I was wearing, what time I was going to get there, and other information pertinent to running a successful race.  I didn't have any of the answers.  

Now that I have thought about it:

• My plan is to wear what I usually wear, with my long-sleeve running jacket on top.  It is forecast to be cold and windy tomorrow.  
• Since Brian is also running tomorrow, albeit way ahead of me, I figure it's a safe bet that I will just get to the race when he wants to get there.  It will probably be way early because that is just the way he is wired;  I tend to show up just in time to hit the Porta-Potty before the start of the race.  
• I have packed what I consider post race essentials (a Vitamin water and a banana--also part of the anti-migraine campaign) into the bag Brian will check at the race start/finish.  He also reminded me to throw in some sweats so I won't freeze in the wind and rain. He will have plenty of time after he finishes to get his post-race food and drink, pick up the bag, and be waiting at the finish line.  
• Everything is laid out:  My bib number is pinned to my "13.1 because I'm only half crazy" tank shirt.  My running clothes are prepped next to my shoes.  My running water bottle is filled, the pocket is filled with GU Blocks.  My watch, source of the all-important interval beep,  is sitting with my water bottle.  My hat and sunglasses are waiting to be picked up as I head out the door.  The sun should be up by the time we get to the start line.
• The timer is set on the coffee pot (Thanks, Brian!). My muffin and peanut butter are ready to be assembled.  (Really, they are just sitting in their normal spots, but I know they are there).

I think I got everything.  If not, I'll figure it out the hard way.   Good Night!

Uninspired

I haven't been running as much as I was this summer.  I haven't been running as much as I should be running.  I haven't been running as much as I WANT to be running.  

My running mojo left.  It became too hard. Not the running itself.  The run was easy.  It was empowering.  It felt great.  

The run prep was a pain.  It took something easy and made it work.  The possibility of a post-run migraine took a great stress-reliever and made my run the most stressful part of my day.  Not want I wanted out of my running.

I am signed up to run the Newport Half Marathon.  It is next Sunday.  I have to sign up for races to keep me going.  If I didn't have this run looming ahead, I would have quit running completely weeks ago; knowing I was going to be trudging around the streets of Newport kept me running.  I kept up with at least the pretense of training.  I got in enough long runs that I know I can finish the race.  But my running was uninspired.

Today I was inspired.

•   I read a post this morning by my sister-in-law and felt I needed to keep the rhythmic drumming in my day.  
• I have a friend ( a fellow Newport Princess) that is undergoing major, life-altering surgery RIGHT NOW in her quest to live a healthier life.  How can I not go for a run?
• Jessica (another Princess) runs regularly.  Her life is just as hectic, if not more so, than mine.
• I see the changes I have made in my life slowly slipping backwards as I let my running slip away.  I do not want to go backwards.

This morning, I put on my running clothes.  I was going to run.  First I had to drive the kids to school:  in the rain.  Oops.  I forgot to look outside.  But it didn't matter.  Today I was inspired.  Today I was going to run.  I also have very little room for excuses.  I went to the corner of the room and plugged in the treadmill.

It was not a "fun run".  Treadmills are not fun.  So monotonous. On the plus side, my footfalls made a nice hollow sound, very much like a drum.  

I tried to visualize my regular route, but I must have missed an interval or two because when I was almost home in my head, I still had a mile to go.  No problem.  I just did a quick rewind in my head and finished my run.   

The rain had let up a bit during my run.  It was down to a light drizzle, so I took Carley out for our regular post-run walk.  

Today's run:  2.6 miles.  32:18 minutes.  12:25 min/mile pace.

Next stop, Newport.

Not Quite A Long Run

It's fine. I ran today...just not as far as I had planned to run. Yesterday's long run (11 miles) was postponed due to rainy weather and my running partner being sidelined with a foot injury.  

Still, I thought I should get out there today.  After I dropped the kids off at school, I headed out intending to do yesterday's long run.  

Unfortunately, I spent too much time in my head.  I had all kinds of excuses:

• I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and I was hot. (It was 53 degrees.)
• There was a high pressure system moving in (this afternoon) and I didn't want to maybe, possibly get a migraine.
• It was boring running that long by myself.
• This was really supposed to be my short Monday run.

And then it was very easy to turn left instead of right.  I bypassed Mackerel Cove.  I skipped the loop around Ft. Getty.  I just turned left and headed up the hill to the end part of my run.  At least I didn't head straight home.   

But it's fine.  I ran today.

Today's Run:  6.5 miles.  1:17:54   11.54min/mile pace

What are you doing for exercise today?  How do you talk yourself out of shortening your runs?

9.5 Done

Yesterday's long run was long.  9.5 miles.  In addition to the prerequisite pre-run routine, I also made a quick drive to the halfway point and dropped off a pitcher of water for refills--a mini water stop, if you will.  

It was a beautiful morning.  My running partners showed up and off we went.  The run was uneventful.  One foot in front of the other and then we were home.  We finished, as had become our routine, with a post run walk to a local eatery for a big plate of yummy goodness.  I had a Denver omelet.  I know, not very original.

When it was over I was tired. I didn't feel like writing in my blog.  My Facebook post, "9.5 Done", was about all I could manage.   I didn't get a migraine.  I had some aches and twinges, especially in my right foot (ice, ice, baby).  

None of it was as painful as the Bronco game that afternoon.

Sunday's run:  9.5 Miles.  1:52:43    11:51 min/mile pace

Monday Mornings

As I sit here writing this, my right foot is getting a massage on my son's baseball.  I know tennis balls are more the ball of choice for this activity, but tennis balls release the crazy in my dog.  I am not doing this because I injured my foot, but as a preventative for the plantar fasciitis that keeps trying to make an appearance.  After I massage it a little more, I will switch out the baseball for a frozen water bottle and ice it for a little while.

I did head out for what was my usual Monday run.  2.6 easy miles.  I have been missing it for a few weeks because of the migraine drama.  Today, I decided to get over it.  I want to run.  So I will.  I will do everything in my power to minimize the risk of a migraine, but after that I will run.

It is getting light here later and later.  Without the sun coming through my bedroom window, I am once again relying on my alarm clock to wake me up.  Nothing crazy, I get up about 6:15.  This gives me half an hour to myself before I need to wake up the kids to get ready for school.  Part of the getting ready agenda this morning was my pre-run routine.  Then I  dropped the kids off at school and headed out for my run.  

It was a beautiful morning to run:  crisp, cool, sunny.  It would have been perfect if my pants didn't keep slipping down.  [Note to self:  Do not buy running pants unless they have a drawstring waist!]  As I ran, I got nice and sweaty.  This solved the pants problem; they just stuck to my skin and stayed in place.  After that it was smooth sailing until I came to the second to last turn and saw the road blocked by construction equipment.  As a creature of habit, this threw me for a second, but then I just kept going to the next street and went home the back way.  It wasn't a big change.  I doubt it changed the mileage.

When I got home, I grabbed a banana, a drink, and the dog and headed out for a walk. The walk down to the waterfront and back took longer than this morning's run. Carley and I both enjoyed it.  

Now, my run is behind me.  Even if nothing else on my to do list gets crossed off, I will feel like I had a productive day.  Happy Monday!

Today's Run:  approx. 2.6 miles.  31:15    12:01 min/mile.

What are you doing to start the week off right?

Just Go

This has long been one of my favorite running quotes.  I even had the bumper sticker.  I covered it up when I was no longer going.  It was just awkward to drive around in a car with a running mantra on it, knowing that I would not be going for a run anytime in the near future.  I'm thinking about getting a running shirt with it (but they have so many cute slogans, I can never decide).  

Today I did not go fast.  I did go.  I went long.  My run today was almost 8 miles.  I have been increasing my long run by a mile each week in a fast workup to 13.1 in October.  I usually add the mileage onto the front of my run.  Today, I planned on adding a little bit to the end of the run in order to make it an even 8 miles.  However, once I neared the end of the run (battling a side cramp), I kind of forgot about the extra bit at the end and went home on auto-pilot.  Oh well.  Close enough.  It's not rocket science.

In addition to the beautiful weather we are experiencing here on Jamestown, I also had company on my run!  Last weekend I was joined by a fellow Princess. (I'm not sure I can forgive Jessica for that name, but to be fair she has three boys; she never has and never will be inundated with Disney Princess stuff).  My running partner is another Jen!  It's really great to have someone to run with on the long runs.  It was especially great since I am experimenting with running without music again.

Why would I do that?  Well, it seems silly.  I like listening to tunes while I run; sometimes it gives you a little push.  But...I was looking over my runs and, coincidentally or not, I have only had migraines after runs that I had the music going.  When I started training, I was running without music, just enjoying the quiet.  And as I wrote about here , I really do enjoy the quiet.  Also, I am willing to try anything that will prevent a headache.

As part of that, our new Sunday ritual is to meet up (each Princess does her own thing:  walk, run short, run long), then fuel up with a delicious breakfast at one of the  local eateries--to avoid the post-run blood sugar drop, of course.  Today's fuel of choice was a Denver omelette (green chilies!) that was delicious.  Natalie and Jen also had omelettes (one Greek, one Santa Fe).  It was a trio of yumminess.  We earned it.  I wonder what's on the menu after next week's 9.5 miles?

Today's Run:  7.81 miles.  1:35:40    12:14 min/mile

How do you treat yourself after a run?

A Run to Remember

Today's run was a group run.  My husband said over 1000 people had registered for the free race, and many others (like me) would just be showing up for the run.

I got up early this morning.  My alarm went off at 4:45am.  I came downstairs and started my super high-maintenance pre-run routine.  It felt a bit rushed because usually, I just step out the door when I am ready.  Today I needed to be out the door, over the bridge, and through gate traffic by a certain time.  

The race was set to start at 6:00am.  I found a parking spot and joined the steady flow of people into Gym 109.  As I walked into the packed gym, I looked around for my husband, Brian.  This wasn't as easy as it sounds.  The gym was packed with military men.  They all have the same hair cut.  I could rule out the NAPS kids, the Marine formation, and everyone in a standard yellow PT shirt.  I found him quite easily because 1) He's tall 2) I saw what he was wearing this morning and 3)  He was looking for me.

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This post has been interrupted by the onset of an exercise induced migraine.  

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Okay, so that was fun.  And after such a great run.  They started the run with the chaplain speaking.  It was very moving.  I was a bit teary and I saw many of the men  (sailors, Marines, and soldiers) around me surreptitiously wipe away tears.   Then we headed out.  It was a pretty good run.  I felt I could have gone faster, but I slowed down to run in with one of the NAPS kids that was dragging behind the formation.  She ran the rest of the way in with me.  So, it was still a much faster pace (which may have contributed to my subsequent migraine).

I have two runs to post today:

Sunday's run:  7 miles.  1:23:23  11:54min/mile pace  

I ran this race with a fellow Princess.  We ran her 2/1 intervals.  It was a great run.  Light drizzle and a big bowl of oatmeal at the Slice afterwards.  And No Migraine!  We plan on doing our 8 mile run together this Sunday.

Tuesday's Run:  2.5 Miles.  25:33   10:13 min/mile pace.

I Did It Anyway

I haven't run since Monday.  It was a short 2.6 mile run (yes, the .6 is important).  I missed two long runs.  I ran 5.5 miles three weeks ago (followed by a migraine).  I have a half-marathon to run in October. The (revised) schedule for today was to run 6 miles. 

As I sat around at Waterfire last night, I had pretty much talked myself out of running today.  My parents are visiting from Colorado.  I didn't want to spend one of the few days they were here knocked out with a migraine.  I hadn't run in so long, I wasn't sure if the long, six miler would be too long--and cause a migraine. And, I really didn't want to have another migraine.  

As I sat around trolling through Pinterest, I came across the picture above.  "If you wait for the perfect conditions, you'll never get anything done."  It spoke to me.  Enough that I changed my mind.  

This morning, I went through my new, high maintenance pre-run routine.  Once it was complete, I told my mom when I would be back and headed out.  The weather was ideal.  There are advantages to living on a beautiful island in Rhode Island in August.  For contrast, check out Jessica's constant complaining about the HEAT down in Virginia :)  Yes, I did enjoy the cool, sunny morning and ocean views on today's run. I did make my run a bit more high-maintenance this morning.  I had a pack of GU Blocks leftover from Brian's last race goodie bag.  I decided to try them in an effort to avoid the possible blood sugar drop that is a possible cause of exercise induced migraines.  That's a lot of possibles, but if it can possibly stave off a migraine, I will try it.

Well, whatever I did today, it worked.  I ran my long run, I didn't get a migraine.  Success.  

Today's Run:  6 miles.  1:14:31   12:25 min/mile pace.

I'll take it.  

Low Maintenance No More

I think I am a fairly easy-going, low key, low maintenance person.  (Feel free to jump in and disagree--I know someone who thinks she is low maintenance, but is actually the most high maintenance person on the face of the Earth.)  I liked how this translated to my running.  I got up, had some coffee, put on my running shoes and headed out the door.  I think those days are over.

Following my back-to back migraines, I had a running break.  I missed two long runs.  It was also a week of decisions and changes aimed at making the kids' lives easier (especially my little Dude who is still having a rough time).  Last week would probably have benefited from a few runs, but I watched the barometric pressure and it scared me off of running. 

But I have a half-marathon coming up soon.  I can't afford to miss long or short runs.  As it stands now I am on a steady ramp up to race day.  My first 13 miles will be on race  day.  So last night I made the decision to run this morning NO MATTER WHAT.  Mondays are usually a recovery run, so it's already short.  Just in case, it was also going to be slow.  It was also going to be well prepped; no more low maintenance running.

So now, I am a high-maintenance runner.  Good sleep, fuel, NSAID and allergy medicine, hydrate, go.  I wasn't going to check the barometer, but the weather man said it was high, so I did go check.  It was high, but steady and I decided to head out.  It is usually the changes that are a trigger, so I was going with the theory that high, but steady was okay.  (As I type this, I keep checking for blind spots and "floaties"--so far so good.) 

"High, but steady" was a bit of a mantra today.  And it wasn't just the barometric pressure.  It's now the kind of runner I am:  high-maintenance, but I get out and do it. Slower, but I will steadily get faster.  Low mileage, but it will slowly but surely add up.  

Today's Run:  2.6 miles.  33:18 mins.  12:48 min/mile.

I feel like I am going backwards, but I guess as long as I am running I am making progress.

What is your pre-run routine?  Do you consider yourself high-maintenance or low-maintenance?

Running Scared

I made a deal with myself last night before bed:  if the barometric pressure was pretty steady this morning, I would go out for a short, slow run. 

After two post-run migraines in one week, I wasn't going to take any chances.  I wanted to control any triggers as much as possible.

Sleep: I woke up this morning at 7:30.  Very late for me, but I suppose I got some good sleep last night, so that is one check in the positive column.  

Coffee:  I had some coffee (studies show that coffee before a run can be helpful, and caffeine is supposed to help headaches).  

Blood Sugar:  A possible cause of exercise-induced migraines is a blood sugar drop caused by the run.  To counteract this, I had a whole-grain English muffin with almond butter before my run.  Carb and protein. 

Hydration:  Usually I just drink water.  And for short runs, I didn't really worry about it until I got back from my run when I would drink throughout my cool down walk with the dog.  I have gone back to Vitamin Water Zero.  A past neurologist suggested this for hydration.  She recommended Vitamin Water over Gatorade because Gatorade is high in sodium.  Sodium could raise your blood pressure which could exacerbate headaches.  Okay.  Vitamin Water it is.  I drank 10 oz. before my run.

Barometric pressure:  I have lived all over the United States.  I have had migraines everywhere.  I seem to have more in Rhode Island.  The changes in barometric pressure seem to be more extreme here.  I track the barometric pressure here.  After I have a migraine, I can go back and look at the start and stop times.  They invariably coincide with a sharp rise in barometric pressure.  They end as the pressure decreases.  There isn't much I can do about the weather except be more mindful of it.  Today both the graph and the weatherman on TV said the barometric pressure was holding steady.

So, all systems go, right?  Yes.  I was going to run.  I had no reason not to step out the door.  As I was getting into running gear I thought about all the people who overcome incredible hardships to run.  You want inspiration?  Sign up for a Race for the Cure 5K.  You are running with cancer survivors, with women going through chemotherapy, with family members of those who fought so hard to be there.  Go to that 5K and then come up with an excuse why you can't run.  Runner's World magazine often profiles runners who have overcome debilitating injuries and illnesses.  These stories inspire me.  How can I not go run on the off chance that I might get a headache?  That excuse doesn't hold up.

I went for very, very slow run.  I concentrated on my footfalls.  I didn't run with music because I didn't want it to push me faster than I felt I should go today.  When I got back, I picked up Carley for our cool down walk and a bottle of Vitamin Water.  After the walk, I had a banana and the other half of the English muffin.  

Today's Run:  2.6 miles.   35:45 minutes.  13:45 min/mile pace.

Even though this was not a great run.  It was a run.  I count it as progress for two reasons:  (1)  I did it.  (2)  When I started, this would have been my longest, fastest run.  Today I consider it short and slow.  Progress.

What are you doing for exercise today?

What's My Body Saying?

Today's planned six mile run has been postponed.  Not canceled, postponed.  I am listening to my body.  Two migraines in one week is telling me that I need to stop and figure out what is going on in my brain.   I will be scheduling a doctor's appointment.  I want a referral to a headache specialist.  While I am there I am going to see about some PT for my foot and the plantar whatever it's trying to be-itis.  It is not stopping my running yet, but as long as I am there, I will try to be proactive.

So head to toe, my body is saying wait.  Figure it out.  Then get right back to it.  

What are you doing for exercise today?

Oops! I Did It Again

Good run.  Walked into work this morning and immediately called Brian to come pick me up.  I had a huge blind spot and my migraine aura was beginning.  A frantic search of my purse did not turn up my Imitrex which I am supposed to take at the first sign of a migraine.  I took a Naprosen (Aleve). After sitting and waiting for a bit I thought I might have one stashed in my glove box.  I headed out to my car just as Brian was pulling in.  A quick stop to get the Imitrex out of the minivan and I hopped into Brian's Jeep for the drive back across the bridge.  When we pulled up to the house, Noah was waiting outside.  Brian had called to let the kids know we were coming home.  They had got my bed ready.  Noah let me know that he had put the sick bowl and a cool, wet washcloth on the nightstand for me. My medicine was there too, waiting the second dose.   I took an Ambien.  I changed into a comfy t-shirt and crawled into bed.

I HATE MIGRAINES!  I have never had migraines back to back like this.  I expect I need to go back to a neurologist and see if anything can be done.  I don't want to stop running just when I am beginning to enjoy it.   

Looking on the NOAA site, it looks like the barometric pressure was climbing pretty steadily at the headache onset.  How am I supposed to account for this in my daily runs.  Last time we lived in Rhode Island, I got a lot of migraines due to the weather.  The fronts are more drastic here?  I don't know, but it isn't good for me.

Anyway, this one seems to be over.  I just feel wrung out.  I doubt I will be running six on Sunday :(

I'm Bringing Sexy Back

I go back and forth on the music front.  Do I run with it or without it?  Lately, I have been doing hybrid runs.  I start out without my music, I run down to the beach and listen to my feet on the sand, the waves, and the wildlife.  When the beach is behind me and all of the hills are ahead of me, I put in an ear bud and  keep going.  Today was no different.  

So I thought I would share some of my running playlist.  I know everyone's taste in music is different.  Many of these songs have been on my running list for years; I remember running to them in Monterey and Virginia Beach;  some of them I have added recently:

• Coldplay, Viva La Vida
• The Killers, Human and Somebody Told Me
• Eminem, Lose Yourself
• Green Day, American Idiot, St. Jimmy, and Holiday
• Barenaked Ladies, One Week
• Ozzy Osbourne, Crazy Train
• My Chemical Romance, Na Na Na
• Blues Traveler, Run-Around, Brother John
• Finger Eleven, Paralyzer
• Train, Hey Soul Sister and Drive By
• Justin Timberlake, SexyBack
• Kings of Leon, Use Somebody and Sex on Fire

This morning, as I was running with my music, I turned the corner and faced another hill.  (My husband calls hills "speed work") and I thought "I got this" and pushed up the hill.  Or at least I started to:  my watch beeped, the run interval was over.  I decided that I could up my intervals.  I did the rest of the run in 4:1 intervals.  This was doable.  Small problem was the incredible side cramp that I got a couple of intervals later.  It slowed my time waaay down, but I know from past experience that the best thing to do is put your arms up and try to run through it. It was almost gone by the time I got home.  If I'd had to run farther I feel it would have worked itself out completely.  I will not blame it on the increased interval, however, for the 6 miles on Sunday, I will stick to 3:1 and go back to 4:1 next week.

Today's run:  3.1 miles.  38:51 minutes.  12:30 min/mile pace.

Last week a fellow Newport Princess gave me a fantastic hostess gift--an iTunes gift card.  I am looking forward to adding some new songs to this list.  What songs are missing on this list?  What are your go to running songs?