Frosty Moon

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 12, Day 4

Planned Run: 5 miles
5.03 mile  58:05  11:33 pace
5:00 am 45 degrees
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 44

It seems like this full moon is lasting more days than others I've noticed.  Maybe it's because my...

...morning runs are earlier.

...patience has been tested by possible lunatics more often than usual.

Or something else.

Anyway.  This morning I broke my flashy LED light-up blinkie thingie that tells drivers not to run over me when I'm out on the dark roads.  I was all bundled up in a sweatshirt and running tights.  Good thing my sweatshirt had reflective letters spelling out "KANSAS MOM" on the front.  I didn't see more than 4 cars but I'll buy another light before my 12 mile run Saturday morning.   With this schedule, I'm waking up before 6 everyday - even when I don't have anywhere to go.  I'm sure I'll be up and running before dawn.

I'm thinking a massage is in order.  I've switched up my running stride a little (not entirely on purpose) and I'm feeling it in my shoulders and hips.  I'll add it to the To-Do list.  Under First World Problems.





©Michelle Scofield, Nov 29, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Mid Week - Ramping Up

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 12, Day 3

Planned Run: 8 miles
8.05 miles   1 hour 34 minutes    11:41 pace
4:20 am 41 degrees
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 45

Cool air.

Felt great.

Foot is better.

Happy Wednesday.






©Michelle Scofield, Nov 28, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Planning For the Weeks Ahead

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 12, Day 1

Planned Run: 4 miles
4.02 miles 44:36 11:06 pace
5:02 pm 78 degrees
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 47

It was a little warm and muggy but a run was not a bad way to end an afternoon and start an evening.  The thing is - my schedule says my miles are going to add up and the days are getting shorter.  I'm trying to figure out how to get it done.  It's the 8 miler in the middle of the week that will be the real challenge.  I need to think about it.

Planning seems to be the secret.  I went grocery shopping yesterday and was happy to have the ingredients for a healthy dinner on hand when I finished my run tonight.  I'm going to make it a point to keep the refrigerator stocked because I feel much, MUCH better when I eat to run rather than run out to eat.  My budget feels better, too.

©Michelle Scofield, Nov 26, 2012 All Rights Reserved

10 days off - sort of

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 11, Day 7
Planned Run:  What's a Plan?  5 miles
5.05 miles   58:32    11:35 pace
8:40 am  53 degrees
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 48


I arrived in Seattle with the knowledge that my hotel had a fitness room and that the weather wasn't going to be a fun little drizzle but, rather, a downpour for several days.  I didn't feel so bad about being on a doctor-ordered rest from running. 

My brother and his wife (who I feel is very much a sister) met me at the airport and we went to dinner the first night.  I enjoyed more family the second day when they drove into the area near my hotel and my daughter and her husband (yep, like a son) met us for a walk through the market. 

During the time I had on my own, I got in a couple of stair climber/elliptical workouts.  I also walked around downtown Seattle - a lot.  There are so many beautiful buildings, art galleries, museums, and interesting venues.  Never mind the rain.  There are also hills.  Epic hills.  I felt like I got my exercise.

I moved out to Everett to spend the holiday with my brother's family.  We took two long walks together.  Really nice.  We also ate fantastic seafood and toured the wine district.

Wow.

It's a good thing I'd given myself permission to relax and enjoy the trip because that's exactly what I did.  The thing is, my brother and sister-in-law are also now in the mindset of taking care of themselves so even though we indulged in delicious wine and tasted some yummy food, we were thoughtful in our choices.  We went to a restaurant for breakfast and I was so proud of us for the way we each ordered.  We had half omelets with veggies instead of fatty fillings and fruit instead of potatoes.  It's not a struggle to make these decisions.  We've developed habits and I'm excited to think of us growing past middle age, into being old folks together.

So it was with real sadness that I checked my bags at the airport and started my journey home.  I love my family and I need to find a way to be closer to them.  It was a wonderful trip and this notion of me not wanting to live in a city without family only gets stronger each time I'm with them.

And then my sadness turned to frustration when I realized that my flight was cancelled.  Sigh.  What are you gonna do?  This is what I did.  I stood on a long line and waited silently while a lone smartass agent repeatedly told us that he didn't want us looking so angry, making cracks, or asking him any questions.  (I didn't hear one person in that line say one word to that man at all.  He was trying to be funny but we just wanted to go home.)  I felt bad for the elderly people and the people trying to get to Mexico City who didn't speak English.  I only had to get to Houston.  I waited an hour and a half to get a seat on a flight that got me home 4 hours later than planned.  Not that big of a deal, really.  Did I thank the smartass agent?  Of course.  Did I smile at him.  Not on your life.

Will I let United Airlines know about his behaviour when I go to their customer satisfaction website per this morning's email invitation?   Gladly.




©Michelle Scofield, Nov 25, 2012 All Rights Reserved

We Interrupt This Program...

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 10, Day 4

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 58


Following Doctor's orders:   No running for a week.  NSAIDs.  High Dose Vitamin D.  I can walk, bike, swim, even use the elliptical. 

I will behave.  My attitude is good.  My mood is upbeat.  I'm going to run that marathon.











©Michelle Scofield, Nov 15, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Sleep Rocking

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 10, Day 3

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 60
Planned activity: 4 mile run
5:00 am  51 degrees
4.1 miles 46:11 11:16 pace


Now I know how a rock feel when it sleeps.   I needed rest. 

Monday night was one for the records.  My well-deserved, post-run slumber was interrupted somewhere around 2:30 by a slamming headache.  The rest of the night was spent in a stuporous wave of confusion, back and forth to the bathroom, thinking maybe I should go to the emergency room because (seriously) this was possibly the worse migraine I've ever experienced in my life.  I've been lucky to have a break from bad headaches for about 5 years.  I'm on medication to prevent them and I think being "of a certain age" and hormonal status is a blessing in disguise.

I didn't go to the emergency room.  I rationalized that if I went, I might be given some medication that wouldn't allow me to drive myself home.  I rationalized that if I went, I wouldn't be able to work the following day.  I rationalized that if I went, I might have a scan of my brain that would find something DIRE and FRIGHTENING.

I didn't go to the emergency room.  I stuck it out and managed to drag myself to work with a few spoonsful of oatmeal, a couple of Tylenol and half a cup of coffee in my belly.  I dragged through the morning.  (Thank goodness I didn't have a clinic schedule.)  My office mates were very kind to me and by noon I was feeling much better.  I drank copious amounts of cool water and hot herbal tea all day.  After work I was back to my old self.  I went to the library and then came home to dinner and early bed.  Early.  For sure.  I was asleep by 9, maybe 8:30.

It wasn't so bad to have a 4:30 wake-up today.  The run felt good.  My foot is still aching, minimally.  I'll see my doctor today and get a verdict.  The air was cool and crisp.  I was trying to think of the source of my headache.  Maybe I got dehydrated, that's all I can guess.  I drove an hour each way to work Monday, ran 7 miles in the evening (instead of the morning), and dinner was kind of a catch-all.  Hopefully it was an isolated thing and I'm over that.   I don't want an encore.  No way.




©Michelle Scofield, Nov 14, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Sweet Thoughts

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 10, Day 1

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 62
Planned activity: 4 mile run
7.07 miles   1 hour 19 minutes      11:10 pace

I'm going to do my best to fit it all in this week.  That includes rest days, doctor's appointments, work, driving an extra 4 hours total to get to work at clinics I'm covering, and a long flight.  I also have these runs on my schedule:

3 miles.  7 miles.  4 miles.  15 miles.

This is all contingent on my Doc allowing me to continue to run.  I'm not in as much pain.  I saw the MRI report.  The sprinkles missing from the top of the caramel sundae are his eyes reading the films.  (I LOVE me a caramel sundae!)

So...I'm going to adapt, adjust, fit-in, make-do. 

Tonight I thought I'd shake off my "it's-eight-in-the-morning-here's-your-first-consult" day with an easy 4 mile run.  The weather is beautiful.  I was feeling pretty good, except for being hungry.  (I didn't plan so great today and I ended up grabbing a turkey sandwich at a hospital cafeteria but didn't have any snacks to ward off afternoon hunger.) 

Before I set out on my run, I ate a handful of mini pretzels and drank half a glass of Gatorade. 

It really WAS a beautiful fall day.  I love the sound and feel of leaves crunching under my feet.  As I came up on 2 miles I realized that I could go another 1.5 miles, turn around and I'd have 7.  Not a difficult sell.  I finished in the dark but, hey, I run in the dark most mornings.

As I finished up (around mile 6), I realized that my mindset about distance has shifted.  I now consider a 12 or 15 mile run a long run.  6 or 7 isn't such a big deal.

I'm about to tuck into the sweet potato I baked last night.  I have a feeling it's going to taste extra sweet after an hour plus of running.  Not as good as a caramel sundae.  I'm not going to lie to you.  A root vegetable doesn't hold a candle to ice cream.  I may be obsessed with running but I haven't lost my damned mind. 








©Michelle Scofield, Nov 12, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Out of the Darkness, A Child's Voice

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 7
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 63
Planned activity: Cross Train
9:45 am  Hatha Yoga Class


I had to admit it.  I had very little to wear.  My one pair of dress pants looked more like jodhpurs - ridiculous.  After I wore them to work Wednesday, I washed them and put them in the donate section of my closet.  I had to go shopping. 

I read a lot of fashion magazines.  I watch fashion shows on the net.  I read fashion blogs.  I go to live fashion shows when I get an invite and I've been known to crash an opening or two.  I love fashion.  I've been thinking a lot about how to replace my wardrobe and I came up with one word. 

Black.

I walked toward Nordstrom's with resolve. I scolded myself.  I'm too easily drawn to the red dress, the green skirt, the gold blouse.  Good God, I just described myself as a Christmas tree.  I cajoled myself.  Black is slimming.  I've come so far in my fight to regain my former body.  Wearing black will only make me look better.  I coached myself.  I can do it!  I talked to my rational (read: frugal) self.  If I'm going to spend money now, I'm going to purchase a few quality pieces and they're going to be black. I have black boots (too many to count), black leather jackets (yes - that's plural), and black coats.


However.  But.  On the other hand...

I was also feeling mellow and gooshy on the inside from my yoga class.  I'd blissed out during the Savasana and was finding myself receptive to everyone I came across this afternoon.  I'd chatted with sales people and fellow shoppers as if we were old friends.  I was walking out of the department store with a bag full of black t-shirts, black sweaters, black tights, and black pants when a little girl shrieked in delight and shouted to me, "Elmo!" 

Maybe a little color in my life isn't such a bad thing. 

I'd worn my Sesame Street t-shirt on my shopping trip.  Hey, at least I'm not the only one who likes it.  




©Michelle Scofield, Nov 11, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Thinking about Peppers and a Peck of Other Things

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 6

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 64
Planned activity: 12 mile run
5:15 pm 61 degrees 12.02 miles    2 hours 25 minutes   12:04 pace

I've never liked peppers.  Let me qualify that.  I've always despised bell peppers.  I couldn't stand the taste of them:  raw, stuffed, roasted, any way they were presented to me.  I still won't eat one raw but I've prepared three meals for myself this week that included bell peppers.  I'm eating scrambled eggs and peppers as I type this entry.  Yum!  My point...tastes change.  Mine did.  If you haven't tried something lately, do.  You might be surprised.

I'm still in awe at how my diet has changed over the last year.  I have to go to the grocery store every few days because of the need to restock my produce bin.  I feel very fortunate to have the resources available to me to be able to purchase such a wide variety of fresh and nutritious food.  I'm painfully aware that I'm in the minority of people that enjoy this ability to eat what I want, when I want. 

There were dozens of runners on the road this morning.  We're getting closer to the big Houston Marathon and Saturday morning along Lexington is prime time for long-run training.  I think the majority of the people I came across were with Fort Bend Fit, a running club in this area.  There were a few of us solo runners - running against the stream.  Most of us exchange quick greetings as we pass each other.  I had to smile (with a bit of envy) as I approached a group of three women, obviously running together.  They were running side by side by side, filling the entire sidewalk.  We made eye contact.  I started to open my mouth to utter a chipper "good morning", but they kept coming, and...I was forced to yield to their three-strong sidewalk brigade and to step onto the grass.  So much for running etiquette.  *sigh*  Oh, well.  Such is life out here in Stepford.  And people ask me why I want to move back to Houston.  Three bad peppers may not ruin a peck of peppers but they sure pickle it.

ANYway...

I continued on, finished my run and I'm home with my peppers and eggs.  And a delicious cup of coffee.  My foot is on ice.  It was achy during the run but not too bad.  Oh, I used a pack of Gu energy gel at mile 9.  Wouldn't have finished without it.  It wasn't too bad and didn't have any tummy issues because of it.  I felt like I was starting to bonk and perked up about 10 minutes after getting it down with some water. 

Happy Saturday, Everyone!  Hope your weekend is everything you want it to be.  M

  






©Michelle Scofield, Nov 10, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Runners Will Understand

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 4
Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 66
Planned activity: 4 mile run
4:15 pm   82 degrees  4.05 miles   45:21    11:12 pace

The MRI report is pretty unremarkable.  Bones, tendons, ligaments.  There is some nonspecific edema in the preAchilles fat...it's nonspecific.  Maybe from prior trauma.  The Achilles tendon itself is unremarkable.  My doc is out of town.  I have an appointment next Wednesday.

I run to deal with stress. 

I'm not in any worse pain than I've been in, certainly much less.

I've been experiencing more stress.

This afternoon I ran. 

I'm icing the foot.  If it's edema, that makes sense.

There, I feel better all ready.

©Michelle Scofield, Nov 8, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Waiting Game

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 4

Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 66
Planned activity: 4 mile run

I saw my doctor and two medical students yesterday.   The visit brought back a lot of memories.  First in the room was a young woman who was very happy to hear I'm a PA.  Her demeanor switched from serious and tentative to bubbly and relaxed as soon as I told her I was using a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) to protect my stomach while taking mass quantities of Ibuprofen.  She asked me if I was medical.  I told her what I do for a living and she said, "Oh, great!  We can talk OUR language!"  We did and I felt like she got a lot more out of my assessment than she would have otherwise.  Thing is, that's probably not so great for the 97% (my guess) of other patients she'll see in her career.  I hope she learns to adapt earlier rather than later in her career.  They're not all going to understand what pronation, dorsiflexion, and prostiglandins are.  At least not at first conversation.

When my doc showed up - with another med student in tow - he frowned at me and didn't seem all that bubbly.  He put me through a few minor demonstrations of my athletic abilities.  I walked on my toes, walked on my heels.  He asked me to hop on one foot, then the other.  I was really hesitant to hop on my right foot.  I did it.  It didn't hurt too bad.  But it hurt.

He pressed on my heels.  He squeezed my heels.

He didn't say what I expected him to say.  He told me he wanted to get an MRI.  He talked about stress fracture and calcium supplement and Vitamin D and ultrasound treatment.

My inner PA talked back.

I don't have osteopenia.  I've had a DEXA scan.  I detest taking calcium and Vitamin D.  The side effects are not tolerable to me.  My diet is outstanding.  I make sure of it.  I'd get the MRI.  I want to keep running.  He listened.  So did the students.

Oh, I won't run if I have a stress fracture.  I'm a very smart PA.

I got the test.  It took half an hour.  I did it over lunch and for the last 15 minutes silent tears slid down my face.  I didn't move to wipe them off.  I needed them to clean the morning's anger/fear/worry out of my brain.

Just for torture, I checked the cancellation policy for the Houston Marathon.  It wasn't so bad.  If I have to pull out, I can get an entry into the 2014 race.  I'll only lose my 2013 entry fee and will have to pay for 2014.  Seems fair.  I didn't cry while I read it.

I have the disc of the MRI waiting to be read by my doc.  I'll take it to my appointment next Wednesday.  He'll either give me an injection in my heel OR he'll (in his words) "Shut this down."

shit.



 





©Michelle Scofield, Nov 8, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Election Day Workout

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 2





Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 68
Planned activity: 7 mile run
7 miles     1hour16 minutes    10:51 min/mile


I voted early.  Today I ran early.  I set my alarm for 4:30 and got my tired self out of bed, tested the foot, decided it didn't feel so bad and was out the door.  I didn't want to take a chance at missing out on either my vote or my run.  Both matter a lot to me.

Why would voting in Texas (where I'm a tiny blue dot in a sea of red) mean so much?  Because I can't give up.  Same for my running.

My vote is the beginning and the end (and the beginning again) of my convictions around separation of church and state, reproductive choice, gender and race equality, peace, pollution, poverty, education, and energy issues.

My vote represents my beating, bleeding, liberal heart.

Have a nice day.  And be nice to each other.  Damn it.









©Michelle Scofield, Nov 6, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Monday Reboot

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 9, Day 1




Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 69
Planned activity: 3 mile run
3.03 miles 33.04 10:55 min/mile

Didn't sleep more than 2 hours straight last night.  Let's blame it on the time change.  Or the cocktail I had with dinner.  Or the Strassburg Sock.

But about that sock.  I was able to step out of bed without flinching this morning.  Love that!

During my tossing and turning last night, I did a lot of thinking.  I've been using the excuse of not running to eat a little more. All in the name of nourishing my recovering cells.  That's backwards as hell.  That's the kind of thinking that pushed me towards 200 pounds. 

The brakes are on.

The run felt good this morning.  A little sore but not too bad.  I'm keeping my appointment with my doctor Wednesday.







©Michelle Scofield, Nov 5, 2012 All Rights Reserved

Q & A

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 8, Day 7



Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 70
Planned activity: Short run (testing things out) 
4.37 miles    54.08  12:23 min/mile

What follows is a glimpse into some of the conversations I had this week.  The words in italics were only heard in my head - not out loud.  Restraint is sometimes my friend.

Q:  What if you couldn't run again?
A:  I'd get fat and sad - again.  This date is going so bad anyway, I might as well put it all out there. Can I go home now?


Q:  Do you stretch?
A:  Yes.  I do.  No, I don't take care of myself at all.  Those "PT" appointments on my clinical schedule stand for Poly Technic, not Physical Therapy.  I'm looking into a career in defense manufacturing. 


Q:  Does it have to be a marathon?  A half is totally respectable. 
A:  I know. It's my Mt. Everest.  You're the best daughter in the world and I really appreciate your concern.  I'm listening to you.

Q:  Is it time to pull out of the marathon?
A:  Quit talking to yourself, Michelle.  The marathon isn't until January.  You just took a slow test run and felt achy but not acute pain.  You see your Orthopedic Doc this week.  Buck up!  It ain't over 'til it's over.  In the meantime, slow and easy. Now ice that foot and get on with Sunday. 





©Michelle Scofield, Nov 4, 2012 All Rights Reserved

On the Other Hand/Foot

Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Marathon Training Schedule: Week 8, Day 4


Days to Chevron Houston Marathon: 72
Planned activity: 4 miles
Didn't run this week.  Won't run this week.  I limped a bit.  Does that count?

I'm experiencing a lot of emotions.  Disappointment, fear, anger.

On the other hand, I'm trying to tell myself to be patient.  I have an appointment with my doctor next week.  Resting and possibly a cortisone injection might help.

On the other hand, I'm in too much pain to stretch. 

On the other hand, when I stretch - even a little - am I doing more damage?

On the other hand, I resent the hell out of this 52 year old body.

On the other hand, younger athletes get injured.

On the other hand, I looked at the times for Sunday's half marathon and I finished ahead of some younger athletes.

On the other hand, I should find a lap pool.

I only have two hands. 

I found an old lidocaine patch and stuck it on my heel.  I was able to get a decent night's sleep.

Last hand.  I promise.  I'm in a much better place to be able to handle disappointment than I was a couple years ago.  I'll just have to see.  If I have to pull out of marathon training, so be it.   Thanks for hanging in here with me.  I'll keep you posted. 






















©Michelle Scofield, Nov 1, 2012 All Rights Reserved