I am still a little bit under the weather today. I also had several vials of blood taken for a work screening. I don't do well with blood samples. I nearly passed out. And then on top of that, I had flu and H1N1 inoculations. Poor little Michelle had a rough day.
I went to the gym anyway this evening hoping to put in a 5 mile run. That didn't quite turn out as I'd planned. I couldn't even finish a mile before I felt like I would collapse. If it had been the marathon, I would have kept going; but it wasn't, so I stopped.
The Brooks shoes felt awful. My feet were dragging and I missed the spring in my Asics. Maybe Brooks aren't my marathon shoes after all. I'll have to give them another shot this week before I make a final decision. Right now, feeling like I hate to run. Or maybe, I just hate Mondays.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
41: Meet My iPod, Fritz
My little orange friend has failed. Truth be told, she's been fritzy from the beginning, turning on for no reason, refusing to pause or resume at races, and dying out in an hour despite a full night's charge. I haven't brought her back because, well, I just assumed I was the one doing something wrong.
I suited up to run 10 miles this morning, only to find the iPod just wouldn't turn on. I went to Apple online and tried to sign up for a spot with the Genius Bar but there wasn't a single one available today in the city; so I decided to just go to the store - and beg.
Guess I'm not the only person who's done that because they actually have a no begging policy. I remained super cheerful, offering to stand there waiting, in my running clothes, looking very much unshowered... Or, I could just buy a new iPod, use it today, and then return it when they could help me... They told me they have a 10% restocking fee. Oh, no problem, I can just go over to Best Buy and purchase one there because they don't have a restocking fee... Finally they got the point. I wasn't going to leave.
Someone went in the back and made a call. An appointment at 4:20 PM magically opened at a different location across town. If I wanted it, it was mine. Ahh... an audience with a real live genius! Too good to be true.
When I finally saw his honorable self, he was dreamy. Well, initially he was dreamy; and then he seemed incompetent. My genius took my iPod in his hand, pushed it some magical way, shot a pocket flashlight up its little receptor, and pronounced it sick. There was a new battery in stock that it needed; the exchange was covered under warranty. I signed some papers. We were done.
"Wait!" I said as my genius started to walk to the back. I'd just tried pressing the on button, and it didn't work. "Is it me?" I said, holding it out for him to see the familiar darkness... "It doesn't like me."
The genius grabbed my iPod back, scrunched up his brow, took it to the back, did some tests, and finally, pronounced it completely dead. Out came a refurbished replacement and I had to sign a whole new set of papers. I felt a little bit like I was adopting a pet.
So I didn't get a run in today - at all. Truth be told, I'm coming down with a cold or something. I've felt sick since yesterday morning. I did intenSati in the Park and couldn't stop sweating all day afterwards. Woke up the same way today and while mentally I was ready to go running when I put on my shoes this morning, I'm sort of glad I didn't go. I'm still exhausted from running 18 miles last week. My legs are only now starting to feel like their old selves. I can only imagine now what I'll feel like after the marathon. I'd better clear my calendar. It's going to be heavy!
I suited up to run 10 miles this morning, only to find the iPod just wouldn't turn on. I went to Apple online and tried to sign up for a spot with the Genius Bar but there wasn't a single one available today in the city; so I decided to just go to the store - and beg.
Guess I'm not the only person who's done that because they actually have a no begging policy. I remained super cheerful, offering to stand there waiting, in my running clothes, looking very much unshowered... Or, I could just buy a new iPod, use it today, and then return it when they could help me... They told me they have a 10% restocking fee. Oh, no problem, I can just go over to Best Buy and purchase one there because they don't have a restocking fee... Finally they got the point. I wasn't going to leave.
Someone went in the back and made a call. An appointment at 4:20 PM magically opened at a different location across town. If I wanted it, it was mine. Ahh... an audience with a real live genius! Too good to be true.
When I finally saw his honorable self, he was dreamy. Well, initially he was dreamy; and then he seemed incompetent. My genius took my iPod in his hand, pushed it some magical way, shot a pocket flashlight up its little receptor, and pronounced it sick. There was a new battery in stock that it needed; the exchange was covered under warranty. I signed some papers. We were done.
"Wait!" I said as my genius started to walk to the back. I'd just tried pressing the on button, and it didn't work. "Is it me?" I said, holding it out for him to see the familiar darkness... "It doesn't like me."
The genius grabbed my iPod back, scrunched up his brow, took it to the back, did some tests, and finally, pronounced it completely dead. Out came a refurbished replacement and I had to sign a whole new set of papers. I felt a little bit like I was adopting a pet.
So I didn't get a run in today - at all. Truth be told, I'm coming down with a cold or something. I've felt sick since yesterday morning. I did intenSati in the Park and couldn't stop sweating all day afterwards. Woke up the same way today and while mentally I was ready to go running when I put on my shoes this morning, I'm sort of glad I didn't go. I'm still exhausted from running 18 miles last week. My legs are only now starting to feel like their old selves. I can only imagine now what I'll feel like after the marathon. I'd better clear my calendar. It's going to be heavy!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
42: Marathon Shoes
I think the last time I tried on a pair of Brooks my impression was: feels like strap-on crackers. Dismissed! I've never looked back; but today I set out to find my marathon shoes, so I can start breaking them in, and I decided to keep an open mind.
I went to Jack Rabbit, where I get a nice discount and they never seem to be working on commission, though they probably are. It was busy so I just told the assistant to bring me my size in the new version of the same style of Asics I've been wearing. "Yes, time for a new pair!" the guy said sarcastically raising an eyebrow at my filthy shoes. So what! I've been out running all over the place. Give me a break!
I took the pair for a spin on the treadmill, just to make sure the fit hadn't changed, but it had. My heel popped out. We re-laced and I tried again. Same thing. I was anxious to get out of the store so I considered just taking the shoes and making the best of it but then I imagined my heel popping out of my shoe for 26.2 miles and...
We sat down and discussed what I'd liked about my old Asics. Cushion, elevated heel, wide toe box... but I said I was willing to try something else. The guy was hesitant to let me move away from cushion considering my injury. He seemed stumped. I saw him go talk to one of the other associates and then he disappeared to the back.
When he returned, he pulled out a pair of low tech looking shoes. I'm past caring what color my shoes are (since they get covered with mud anyway after about two runs!) but these didn't even try to be pretty. Grey with blue and some kind of purple inverted Nike swoosh. "What brand is that?" I asked. My stomach sank as his lips formed the word, "Brooks." I half heartedly agreed to put one shoe on, only on the left foot. I took myself to the treadmill, with the Asics shoe still on my right foot, and ran.
Have you ever run in two radically different shoes? Kind of like dating a nice guy and a jerk in the same week. Instant depositioning where previously there might have been some interest. Bizarre!
As flat and un-cushioned as the Brooks was... as low to the ground... as long and narrow... the Brooks just felt more like shoes I'd want to keep running in. They were less cumbersome. I kind of liked that there wasn't so much cushion. I don't know if I'll feel the same way over a longer distance so, with the store's "satisfaction guaranteed" 2 week return policy, I'm giving them a 5 mile test run. If they aren't what I want, Jack Rabbit will let me exchange them. How do they stay in business with such kindness?
I've got my Brooks on right now, just getting used to how it feels to be wearing a running shoe that's so low and flatter footed. Using new information to reconsider something formerly dismissed is one of the greatest joys a person could know. It means there's no end to what I might discover in life. There are no dead ends, and no rabbit holes. Well, only the good kind.
I went to Jack Rabbit, where I get a nice discount and they never seem to be working on commission, though they probably are. It was busy so I just told the assistant to bring me my size in the new version of the same style of Asics I've been wearing. "Yes, time for a new pair!" the guy said sarcastically raising an eyebrow at my filthy shoes. So what! I've been out running all over the place. Give me a break!
I took the pair for a spin on the treadmill, just to make sure the fit hadn't changed, but it had. My heel popped out. We re-laced and I tried again. Same thing. I was anxious to get out of the store so I considered just taking the shoes and making the best of it but then I imagined my heel popping out of my shoe for 26.2 miles and...
We sat down and discussed what I'd liked about my old Asics. Cushion, elevated heel, wide toe box... but I said I was willing to try something else. The guy was hesitant to let me move away from cushion considering my injury. He seemed stumped. I saw him go talk to one of the other associates and then he disappeared to the back.
When he returned, he pulled out a pair of low tech looking shoes. I'm past caring what color my shoes are (since they get covered with mud anyway after about two runs!) but these didn't even try to be pretty. Grey with blue and some kind of purple inverted Nike swoosh. "What brand is that?" I asked. My stomach sank as his lips formed the word, "Brooks." I half heartedly agreed to put one shoe on, only on the left foot. I took myself to the treadmill, with the Asics shoe still on my right foot, and ran.
Have you ever run in two radically different shoes? Kind of like dating a nice guy and a jerk in the same week. Instant depositioning where previously there might have been some interest. Bizarre!
As flat and un-cushioned as the Brooks was... as low to the ground... as long and narrow... the Brooks just felt more like shoes I'd want to keep running in. They were less cumbersome. I kind of liked that there wasn't so much cushion. I don't know if I'll feel the same way over a longer distance so, with the store's "satisfaction guaranteed" 2 week return policy, I'm giving them a 5 mile test run. If they aren't what I want, Jack Rabbit will let me exchange them. How do they stay in business with such kindness?
I've got my Brooks on right now, just getting used to how it feels to be wearing a running shoe that's so low and flatter footed. Using new information to reconsider something formerly dismissed is one of the greatest joys a person could know. It means there's no end to what I might discover in life. There are no dead ends, and no rabbit holes. Well, only the good kind.
Friday, September 24, 2010
43: Rub Down
Finally, I went for a massage. I simply couldn't stand how I felt any more. I had myriad other plans but cancelled them all. My body was screaming for attention.
I think it did me some good. I guess I'll know tomorrow. I might even go back for another one.
Now, to sleep. I am still sooooo tired.
I think it did me some good. I guess I'll know tomorrow. I might even go back for another one.
Now, to sleep. I am still sooooo tired.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
44: Day of Rest
I didn't run today. I would have but I had a long day planned from early to night. I'm still stiff from Sunday, eating bananas, icing, compressing, and I'm back to my orthopedic shoes; but no matter, my energy's back so I'm sure I could have run 3-5 tonight had I had the time.
I will try for 10 miles this weekend, then a half marathon next weekend and another half the following weekend. I'll tack 7 miles onto the second half to make it 20, and that will be the longest single run I'll ever do before the marathon. From there, I will taper down.
I'm beginning to think about marathon weekend itself, organizing, imagining what it will be like. I have a lot of planning to do!
I will try for 10 miles this weekend, then a half marathon next weekend and another half the following weekend. I'll tack 7 miles onto the second half to make it 20, and that will be the longest single run I'll ever do before the marathon. From there, I will taper down.
I'm beginning to think about marathon weekend itself, organizing, imagining what it will be like. I have a lot of planning to do!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
45: High Heels in Hotlanta
I was in Atlanta today presenting at a somewhat formal meeting. I didn't feel comfortable sporting my chunky orthopedic sandals with my short dress, especially in front of new people who would have no idea that I'm injured. They might just think I was a freak. So, out came a pair of my favorite 2" high heeled sandals from the back of the closet. Oh, how I've missed them!
To my surprise, they felt amazing - even after several hours of standing. What's the lesson here? I'm not sure. I guess that wearing heels doesn't have to be categorically bad. It might even be good as a relief to my high arches, which long to be supported.
So, now I'm on the hunt for medium-high heels with a wide toe box that are dressy enough for work and stylish enough for me to be able to cope with. I do genuinely wish I could wear sneakers all the time as they are the most comfortable shoes for me; but sneakers aren't really acceptable footwear for the workplace.
What ever happened to those shoes from the 1980s that had that ad campaign, "Looks like a pump... Feels like a sneaker!" Or was that just a spoof on "Saturday Night Live?" I can't remember. I'm going to have to Google that.
To my surprise, they felt amazing - even after several hours of standing. What's the lesson here? I'm not sure. I guess that wearing heels doesn't have to be categorically bad. It might even be good as a relief to my high arches, which long to be supported.
So, now I'm on the hunt for medium-high heels with a wide toe box that are dressy enough for work and stylish enough for me to be able to cope with. I do genuinely wish I could wear sneakers all the time as they are the most comfortable shoes for me; but sneakers aren't really acceptable footwear for the workplace.
What ever happened to those shoes from the 1980s that had that ad campaign, "Looks like a pump... Feels like a sneaker!" Or was that just a spoof on "Saturday Night Live?" I can't remember. I'm going to have to Google that.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
46: 2M Run & Stretch
I'm still pretty stiff today but I got to the gym this morning and ran 2 miles. I didn't have to start as slowly as I remember having had to start after I ran my first Half Marathon. That seems good. I'll wait another day or so before I run a longer distance, and then this weekend I'll run maybe 10 miles outdoors. I'm starting to get so excited about the marathon! Happy excited, not scared excited.
I don't suddenly think it will be easy, or that I'll necessarily finish; but I know I'll make it past 10 miles, and hopefully even into Manhattan - for the finish line. The last leg of the marathon is on home turf, Central Park, but it's the hilliest section of the entire course, and so will be the hardest for me. I'll be lucky to be walking at that point. And just when I'll be most likely to see friends along the route, too! Isn't life just like that?
After my quick workout this morning, I spent a good 15 minutes stretching. It felt amazing. I haven't done much stretching since the big run. When it was done I just wanted to jump in the ice bath! I'll have to research that, whether one should stretch first and then go to the ice, or ice and then stretch? Always so much to learn...
Today, there was a guy at the gym with me stretching before he worked out or even warmed up. "Amateur," was all I could think. Should I say something? I didn't. I had the sense he was impressed with himself for having gotten to the gym at all. Let him enjoy his moment.
Now, I've got to go find some potassium! And, oh yeah, the foot hurts again... Not worse than before. The same. I'm just going to have to keep treating it and ignoring it. Awesome.
I don't suddenly think it will be easy, or that I'll necessarily finish; but I know I'll make it past 10 miles, and hopefully even into Manhattan - for the finish line. The last leg of the marathon is on home turf, Central Park, but it's the hilliest section of the entire course, and so will be the hardest for me. I'll be lucky to be walking at that point. And just when I'll be most likely to see friends along the route, too! Isn't life just like that?
After my quick workout this morning, I spent a good 15 minutes stretching. It felt amazing. I haven't done much stretching since the big run. When it was done I just wanted to jump in the ice bath! I'll have to research that, whether one should stretch first and then go to the ice, or ice and then stretch? Always so much to learn...
Today, there was a guy at the gym with me stretching before he worked out or even warmed up. "Amateur," was all I could think. Should I say something? I didn't. I had the sense he was impressed with himself for having gotten to the gym at all. Let him enjoy his moment.
Now, I've got to go find some potassium! And, oh yeah, the foot hurts again... Not worse than before. The same. I'm just going to have to keep treating it and ignoring it. Awesome.
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