I have a confession to make: I haven't run in 3 weeks.
After my first race - the Capitol Hill Classic 10k, I was so sore I limped for two days. In the weeks preceding the race, I'd started to experience pain on the inside of my lower right leg. By the time I finished the race, I knew I couldn't ignore it anymore. But... I did. I gave myself a week to rest and let the pain subside, and then I took to the road again. I only got in a few more sporadic runs before I admitted defeat and made an ortho appointment.
The appointment was awful. I waited an hour to see the Dr. and finally picked up my bags to leave - I had to get back to work. As I walked out of the door, annoyed and upset that I was leaving without an answer or remedy for the pain, he walked in. He spent a grand total of 5 seconds looking and feeling my leg. I'm not exaggerating. And the first question he asked me was, "Do you have to run?"
He didn't order an X-Ray or an MRI. Instead, he told me in a monotone, rote way that I have a stress reaction, should take time off running, and that if I don't want to stop running, I need to take anti-inflammatory medication, ice it after every run, and see a physical therapist. I left nearly in tears - feeling as though he gave me a generalized diagnosis, not one specifically for me.
That said, I researched stress reactions, talked to other runners, and I feel confident that the diagnosis was correct. I learned that stress reactions are most often caused by taking on too much mileage before your body is ready and running hills before your body is ready. Guilty on both charges, I'll admit. (And if the pain returns, I'll definitely be seeing another ortho!)
While my leg heals, I've taken on swimming, and I love it. I've also gotten back into yoga. I plan to pick back up running this week or next week, and this time around, I want to be more disciplined about incorporating swimming and yoga in my cross-training routine.
I had planned to run two races this summer - the Biggest Loser 10k this upcoming weekend and the Annapolis 10-miler in late August. I won't even attempt the BL10k as Is haven't trained at all, but I still want to run in Annapolis. Honestly, I'm terrified. Building up to 10 miles wasn't as scary when I was running 6, but after nearly a month off running, with only 6-7 weeks to train, is it possible for me to be prepared? Annapolis is hilly, and I plan to primarily train this time around on tracks and trails. I'd love any advice from runners out there!
In preparation for Annapolis, and in the mindset of wanting to feel healthy all over - mind, body, and spirit - I've decided to take on the Whole30 challenge. Essentially, it's 30 days without sugar, processed foods, alcohol, grains, and dairy in your diet. Zander and I are doing it together, and I'm excited for it. We tend to eat only meat and vegetables during the week so that won't be too difficult. But the weekends! That'll be my trouble spot. Help keep me accountable?
I plan to blog about my Whole30 journey at least once a week and share a few recipes. Today, I'm going to share my favorite breakfast on-the-go recipe: a crustless quiche. It's easily made Paleo/Whole30 friendly. Enjoy!
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steps
1. lightly grease a 9" pie pan
2. preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C)
3. heat a skillet over medium-high heat
4. cook bacon until golden brown and crispy - drain excess fat on a plate lined with paper towels
5. drain all but 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease & lower heat to medium
6. saute onions and spinach until the spinach is wilted and the onions are translucent and aromatic
7. beat your eggs in a medium mixing bowl. add milk and spices
8. once cool enough, chop the bacon into small pieces
9. stir the bacon, onions, spinach, and diced tomatoes into the egg mixture
10. pour into the pie pan and bake approximately 30 minutes - until the eggs have set. If you plan to reheat pieces for work, feel free to remove from the oven 2 minutes early (slices will be reheated in the microwave)
After my first race - the Capitol Hill Classic 10k, I was so sore I limped for two days. In the weeks preceding the race, I'd started to experience pain on the inside of my lower right leg. By the time I finished the race, I knew I couldn't ignore it anymore. But... I did. I gave myself a week to rest and let the pain subside, and then I took to the road again. I only got in a few more sporadic runs before I admitted defeat and made an ortho appointment.
The appointment was awful. I waited an hour to see the Dr. and finally picked up my bags to leave - I had to get back to work. As I walked out of the door, annoyed and upset that I was leaving without an answer or remedy for the pain, he walked in. He spent a grand total of 5 seconds looking and feeling my leg. I'm not exaggerating. And the first question he asked me was, "Do you have to run?"
He didn't order an X-Ray or an MRI. Instead, he told me in a monotone, rote way that I have a stress reaction, should take time off running, and that if I don't want to stop running, I need to take anti-inflammatory medication, ice it after every run, and see a physical therapist. I left nearly in tears - feeling as though he gave me a generalized diagnosis, not one specifically for me.
That said, I researched stress reactions, talked to other runners, and I feel confident that the diagnosis was correct. I learned that stress reactions are most often caused by taking on too much mileage before your body is ready and running hills before your body is ready. Guilty on both charges, I'll admit. (And if the pain returns, I'll definitely be seeing another ortho!)
While my leg heals, I've taken on swimming, and I love it. I've also gotten back into yoga. I plan to pick back up running this week or next week, and this time around, I want to be more disciplined about incorporating swimming and yoga in my cross-training routine.
I had planned to run two races this summer - the Biggest Loser 10k this upcoming weekend and the Annapolis 10-miler in late August. I won't even attempt the BL10k as Is haven't trained at all, but I still want to run in Annapolis. Honestly, I'm terrified. Building up to 10 miles wasn't as scary when I was running 6, but after nearly a month off running, with only 6-7 weeks to train, is it possible for me to be prepared? Annapolis is hilly, and I plan to primarily train this time around on tracks and trails. I'd love any advice from runners out there!
In preparation for Annapolis, and in the mindset of wanting to feel healthy all over - mind, body, and spirit - I've decided to take on the Whole30 challenge. Essentially, it's 30 days without sugar, processed foods, alcohol, grains, and dairy in your diet. Zander and I are doing it together, and I'm excited for it. We tend to eat only meat and vegetables during the week so that won't be too difficult. But the weekends! That'll be my trouble spot. Help keep me accountable?
I plan to blog about my Whole30 journey at least once a week and share a few recipes. Today, I'm going to share my favorite breakfast on-the-go recipe: a crustless quiche. It's easily made Paleo/Whole30 friendly. Enjoy!
Whole30 week 1: Crustless Quiche
ingredients
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk (whole30: substitute almond milk or water)
half pound bacon
large handful fresh spinach
one small diced tomato (or 1/2 large)
1/2 diced medium onion
pinch salt
teaspoon pepper
optional: cayenne & shredded cheese of your choice (omit for Whole30)
steps
1. lightly grease a 9" pie pan
2. preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C)
3. heat a skillet over medium-high heat
4. cook bacon until golden brown and crispy - drain excess fat on a plate lined with paper towels
5. drain all but 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease & lower heat to medium
6. saute onions and spinach until the spinach is wilted and the onions are translucent and aromatic
7. beat your eggs in a medium mixing bowl. add milk and spices
8. once cool enough, chop the bacon into small pieces
9. stir the bacon, onions, spinach, and diced tomatoes into the egg mixture
10. pour into the pie pan and bake approximately 30 minutes - until the eggs have set. If you plan to reheat pieces for work, feel free to remove from the oven 2 minutes early (slices will be reheated in the microwave)
If I were you, I'd ease back into it, but I definitely think you can be ready for Annapolis by Aug 25. Start slow. I would try this plan if I were you: http://halhigdon.staging.racersites.com/training/51127/15-K-Training-Guide-Novice-Program I'm currently running 5-6 every weekend (usually early Saturday am on the mall) - let me know if you want to join! You can do it. Also consider ordering some compression socks to wear post run.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I have looked at that training plan. It's set up for 10 weeks of training, and I'll only have about 6 (maybe 7). I do think I can condense it some and make it work, though! I need to get compression socks... or generally try compressing. I haven't at all :/ And I'd love to run together on the Mall for some longer runs!
DeleteI'm excited to hear more about the Whole30 Challenge. Seems like a great goal that could also help reduce inflammation! I'm hopeful that you can meet the goal for the August 25th run, but it's great to see how you're continuing to pursue health and fitness in a way that responds to your body's needs and still challenges you!
ReplyDeleteanother blog i read did the whole 30 back in january, i think, and is pretty much still on it, and she raves about it. i've been tempted, but also terrified. i'm interested to hear what you think of it (and i know i can trust you to be honest!)
ReplyDelete