Tuesday, 6 June workout

Here are the stat's on this morning's workout:

• Total distance: 1.5 miles
• Format: 5R/3W/8R/3W/6:06R
• Perceived effort: Very easy

The ankle continues to feel good. I'm probably over-sensitive to how that right foot is striking. I found myself forcing my foot to pronate a bit before foot strike, trying to 'fix' my moderate under-pronation. I really think this is dangerous. I bought the Nimbus VIII because of it's neutral form. I need to let the shoe do the work and relax. When I did that, when I relaxed and stopped thinking about how my foot was striking, it felt really good and natural. I also need to continue to stretch a lot. Especially my calf and soleus.

Another awesome workout

I had another comfortable workout on Sauturday. I was at Memorial by 5:50 and ran 1.5 miles at a 5R/1W interval. Felt great. I'm so thankful to God that I can be back out there.

Afterwards, I dropped by the Heights 5K to check out the scene and hopefully visit with some friends. I planned to meet up with Jon before the race and did. It was great to see Jon and Waverly. Jon has been such an encouragement to me and I value his friendship.

Guess I'll keep plugging away.

Out on a limb

Ok, I'm going out on a limb and say, "I'm back!" This morning sealed it for me. It was 6:30 am and I arrived at Memorial Park in my new Nimbus VIII's feeling pretty chipper. For the past year and a half, I've been skeptical of feeling this spirited, knowing that my ankle joint would soon put all my feelings in perspective. But lately, for the past few weeks, my ankle has failed to rear it's ugly head and I have managed to get through several beginner workouts without much bother. I've been piddling around with intervals of 1.5 min run followed by 1.5 min walk. Well, this morning, I decided I'd really get a good workout in. So, I did 1.5 miles with intervals of 5R/1W. I ended up doing 4 reps, finishing my last interval with a 5:39 run.

Finally, since I can't remember when, I feel like I wasn't working on my ankle today. I felt like I was working on my running. The ankle felt stable and was completely pain-free, even after the run and during the day.

So, this new positive turn has led to many thoughts today. One of the most scary but also exciting thoughts I entertained today was the thought of possibly training to run the Houston Marathon in '08. That's only about 7 months away and I'm currently only able to run about 1.5 miles at about 15 min/mile pace. Still, I do have some running experience. I know the importance of staying injury free. I know when to push and when not to. I know the difference between good pain and bad pain. So, even though I wouldn't be at the ideal 1 year away mark, I think I still may be able to do it and stay conservative. I know this may not be the best place to seek advice as many of you are nothing but encouragers, but I really need to know what you all think. I would certainly go into it knowing full well that 7 months is tough to start from scratch and that I may have to dial it back to the half. Still, I'd like to give it a try. I feel so cheated by my ankle. I was really doing well back in Jan/Feb. '05 and I feel now, one year after my surgery, that I have a new lease on life (my running life, anyway). I guess it's a few more weeks until Katy Fit starts so I may just see how it goes over the next two or three weeks, taking care not to overdo it. Comments welcome!

Daddy's got a new pair of shoes (certainly not an original title)

Made it over to Luke's Locker on Monday (Memorial Day) for a new pair of shoes. I really lost track of the mileage on my last pair. So, partly because I wanted to start over keeping track of my shoes' mileage, partly because I'm at ANOTHER starting over point, and partly because I wanted to avoid injury by possibly running in shoes that were broken down, I bought these new Nimbus VIII's.

I really intended to buy a new pair of the Nimbus VII's as before but these new models were out so I went for it. Asics seems very responsive to feedback from their customers. The new VIII's have a bit more snug toe box as the previous VII's had really gone to far in the 'roomy feel' department. Also new to the VIII's is that the Nimubus now comes in various widths. Guess they didn't want to disappoint the few who like the roomyness of the VII's. The last BIG difference is that they closed up the mesh material around the toe box. To be more breathable, the VII's basically just had a 'net' mesh around the toe. You could actually see your sock through the top of the shoe. Although it was cool and very breathable, the holes were big enough for pebbles to get into. So, they closed the shoe back up. It's still very breathable, though.

I ran in them for the first time this morning and they felt great. I really feel like I'm 'in' this shoe. It feels like it's really part of my leg, ankle, and foot. Not like I'm fighting it. The cushioning is great as expected from Asics.

The pools opened this weekend, running, life

Fortunately for our youngn's, the community pools opened this weekend. Unfortunately, it was such a busy weekend, we only got to visit the pool for a couple of hours on Sunday. Between my mom's retirement party (no kids allowed), company over for lunch on Sunday, church on Saturday night, and time spent driving in and out of town from Fairfield, I kind of felt like the kids got put on hold this weekend. On second thought, they really have it made. I just wish THEY knew that. Kids today just want to be entertained 24/7.

Running has been going well, all things considered. I still have a lot of weakness/stiffness in the anterior part of the ankle but no 'bad' pain to speak of. I've done 2 weeks of 10x(1.5 run/1 walk). I think this week, I'm going to do 3 days of 2 reps of the following:

• Jog 90 seconds
• Walk 90 secods
• Jog 3 minutes
• Walk 3 minutes

This is coolrunning.com's Couch-to-5K program. It's just a program. The only thing I don't like about it is the sometimes odd and complicated intervals. It makes it hard to program my chronograph.

I'm still not crazy about where I am running. I'd really like to find some crushed granite or dirt trails to run on. Still, as I progress into the late spring and especially summer, I'm going to plan on running "in town", either before or after work. Also, soon I want to add a Saturday or Sunday morning, before-the-crack-of-dawn romp around Memorial Park. That used to be one of my favorite outings of the weeek.

So, slowly but surely, I'm getting back into the swing of things. I don't want to overdo it as I am inclined to do.

Things are looking up

The past few days have been a lot of fun for me. I was able to run on Saturday and on Monday. Besides stiffness and weakness, the ankle feels pretty good. I've lost about 12 lbs. in the last few weeks bringing me down to 328. That's about where I was halfway through PIM in the Fall of 2004. I remember that time because it was the first time I could fit into any kind of running apparrel (e.g. running shorts, singlets). I think I've finally turned the corner with the ankle problem and am ready to start the real work of getting back to where I left off in the spring of '05. WOW!!! It's really been that long since I've run. It seems like an eternity.

I'm still not ready to really set out my short and long term goals, particularly my dream of running a marathon. I think for now, I'm just going to continue to watch what I eat and gradually increase my running over the next weeks. If I had to publish any goal, it would be that I hope to be able to run for 30 minutes continuously by 10 weeks. That gets me to the first part of July. At that time I'll probably look at a formal 5K training program and continue to progress, taking it very slow. Of course, the most important goal is to stay injury free.

Thoughts on my first marathon...it's hard to imagine the fact that I'm even able to entertain thoughts of running a marathon. I was sooooo pumped back in '05 and well on my way to running a marathon in the late Spring or definitely by last Fall. It really is not realistic, given my ankle problems (continuing to heal) and my weight to shoot for Houston '07, or is it? We'll just have to wait and see. That's basically 9 months. If I were advising myself, I'd say NO but we'll just have to wait and see. One day at a time.

Quick report

Ran this morning in the pre-pre-dawn hours. It was a beautiful morn and I felt great. I did 8x(1w/1.5r).

Going into my surgery last May, my podiatrist said that recovery time was 12 weeks. After my surgery, he said it may be more like 1 year. As I approach the 1 year mark, I'm starting to believe that the 1 year timeframe may be about right. My ankle is just now starting to feel normal. I hope this is a good sign and that I can progress and get back to where I want to be. If I get through the next couple of weeks without any setbacks, I'm going to get serious again with my goals and dream of running a marathon one day. For the time being, though, I'm taking one day at a time.

Feels Grrrrr8!!!

Just have to post that today my legs are sore. My thighs are tight. My calves ache. I feel GREAT!!! No, really, no joke! It has been soooo long since I felt like I've worked out and now I can remember why I love running so much. Hurts so good! :) The great thing is that my ankle feels pretty good. I can definitely tell that I'm weak there but no "bad" pain in all the oh so familiar places.

Rest today. Probably do a little yard work. I'm running again in the morning.

I ran today!!!

Never thought I'd see those words again on this blog!!! I've been walking 3-5 times per week but decided today to do a little running. IT WAS AWESOME!!! I did 8x(1 min run/1.5 walk). I was breathing hard, sweating, feeling a little fatigue in the legs, all the signs that I acutally worked out!

I'm not too sure about my new running trails out here in Fairfield. Actually, they are just sidewalks. Boy, I really miss Memorial. Wish I could find some crushed granite or dirt trails out here somewhere. Well, if I really start to get motivated, I'll start running at Memorial Park in the pre-pre-dawn hours before work. I just need to find a place to shower.

On a more serious note, my brother-in-law was murdered last week in his trailer in Lousiana. He was 44. It has been a tough week or 2 for my family so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers

Great news!!! I've had the flu!

I was very ill over the past week and am recovering from either the flu or a really bad cold. The reason this is good news is that I seem to have kind of broken some bad eating habits. Over the past week, I've lost about 8 lbs. too.

Now I'm not naive enough to think that this is the norm in just a week but I am still encouraged that this is the only weight loss I've experienced in many months. So, I want to keep it off and continue to lose more.

My walking regimen has been going so-so. The great thing is that my ankle has felt pretty well. I'm soooooooo weak, though and am going to be very careful building back all the musculoskeletal structure that has not been used in sooo long. I'm walking about 25 minutes at at time now so that's good.

I need to get such more serious about my fitness but am starting to have a better attitude and starting to get more and more motivated.

Started a walking regimen!!

I started a walking program this week and thought I would start posting my progress. First of all, let me show you the program. It can be found at this web site. It is a 12-week, complete beginner program. My hope is that one day, at about mile 20 of my first marathon, I'll be able to think back to the day I started by walking 15 minutes. Man, this really king of takes starting out slowly to a whole new level but I think given my recent weight gain (about 35 lbs.) and my not so recent ankle surgery/recovery, this is the way to go.

Regarding weight loss, I am continuing to struggle with my diet. It really is just a concious decision. Of course, it was easier when I was working out like a dog but since my running is ix-nay, I MUST cut my calories drastically to be a big loser. Wifey-poo has made a recent commitment to join me with helping the family eat better so that will make a big difference.

So, here are the stats today.

Walk: 15 minutes. Stretching: 2 min before/none after (must do better)

EVIL!!!

Evil lurking around every corner!!! These are more sinister than Cassie's PB eggs!!!

SOOOOOO Sorry!!!

I am so very sorry to have dropped off the face of the earth the last month and a half (or more). My sincerest apologies for my rudeness and for ignoring my friends and awesome running community! And thanks so much for checking up on me Cassie and Edwin. Every day, I just kept saying to myself that I was going to get back with you tomorrow but that never happened. I'm sorry.

Good news and bad. More good than bad so I'll start with the good. In a nutshell, I got a new car, started a new dream job, bought a new house, moved into my new house, and am living the American dream. Soooo, where to start?... well guess I'll post some pics of the new house. Here ya go.

It's awesome. The only bad thing about it is that it's pretty far out 290 in Fairfield. But we absolutely love the community and it's worth the long drive in every day. It's actually closer to where J works than where we lived before. And the kids love it.

I got a new car to replace the inferno. I got a great deal from my cousin who is part owner of a dealership in Liberty, TX. It's a Grand Marquis. I know, I know. My wife says it's an old person's car but I love the ride and the price was right.

I started my new job as a Clinical Application Analyst. I'm now in my 3rd week and have sooo much to learn. My boss says it will take me 2 years to learn everything I need to learn. WOW!!! That's job security. Anyway, I love it. It's what I've wanted to do for a long time now. I've been pursuing this job for about 5 years and have finally been blessed with a new career.

Running out of time so I'll make the bad news brief. I've gained about 35 lbs. Haven't run now since May. The ankle is still very stiff but not sore. I think it's still healing and getting stronger. As my life settles down a bit, I'm going to get back the exercise regimen. It's been a stressful couple of months.

Again, I'm sorry for my neglect and look forward to getting back in touch. Later!

WARNING!!!

I've had a couple of friends tell me that they have F-150's that are affected by the recall. All I can say is GET IT TAKE CARE OF IMMEDIATELY!!!

I've never been one to take recalls very seriously. I always think I'll just get it taken care of the next time it's in the shop. Well, the pictures below speak to me and should yell to all others out there. TAKE IT IN!!!

Most importantly, until you can get into the shop to get it taken care of, DO NOT park your truck near your house or near your other vehicles. This fire did not happen while the truck was running. I was in someone's house for almost 1.5 hours before it spontaneously ignited. And by the time I got out to the street, it was already engulfed in flames

Finally, don't keep any valuables in your truck, just in case

Here's what happened....

Some friends and I signed up for a cooking class on Saturday morning through Leisure Learning Unlimited. I arrived at the class on time at 9 AM. The class was at a woman's house so we were all parked in the street around her house in this residential area. At around 10:15, someone was banging on the window yelling, "Someone's truck in on fire!" We all ran out and it was my truck that was on fire. It just spontaneously burst into flames.

Yes, Lisa, this was one of the Ford trucks that was affected by the recall. I was taking off work this week and this was one of the things I was going to take care of. (I also needed new tires but I guess I won't have to bother with that this week.

No one was hurt. The only thing of value that was in the truck was about $7,000 worth of software that a friend of mine had given me...stuff he was no longer using...development stuff. Also some books, a shirt, a child seat, a coffee cup...really no big deal

Hopefully my insurance company will pay me the value of the car and I'll be looking for something else soon.

Sorry I missed the marathon, but...

Well, my plan was to be on hand to cheer all my HRB buds on but something kinda happened on Saturday that threw a wrench in my plan. Rather than try to explain with words what happened, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Well, that's my ride. Enough said.

Look what I did!!!

I know, I know, Sarah!!! It's not the space shuttle. But it's really me and I'm really flying!!! Dream come true for Christmas!!!

Great news!!!

Many of you may not know this about me but for about 4 years now, I have been intent on breaking into the healthcare informatics field. I've worked in a hopital laboratory now for about 15 years and became interested some years ago in how technology can be used in healthcare to save money, reduce medical errors, and save lives. I went back to school about 3 years ago and have been working on my BS in computer science, all the while attending conferences, meeting people, learning all I can about the field.

Well, all my hard work had unbeliveably paid off as I just received my first job offer in my new career last friday. My new position is Clinical Applications Analyst and it's with the same company I currently work with. The money is a whole lot better but more importatly, it's doing something I love to do.

Now that all the initial excitement has subsided a bit, it's a bit surreal to be changing careers. As I said, I've been doing the same thing for about 15 years now so to totally switch careers, although it's exactly what I've been working towards, is a tad bit scary. I'm soooooo ready though!

Thanks to my family for helping me get here. It's been a tough road, going to school, working odd shifts, going to conferences. Also, thanks to God for giving me this opportunity.

I start the first of February!!!

Long overdue!!!

To start off, let me say that my ankle recovery and my fitness in general have not progressed as I had hoped. A week or so ago, I posted a little about my frustration as well as a plan for getting out of this funk on HRB.com. I wanted to post the plan (not the frustration) here on my blog, too. Rather than a 1, 2, 3 step-by-step plan, I've set this up as a list of priorities. Here they are:

1. When I first started this list, this #1 priority was relegated to the end of my list. I had to put it back at the top. My #1 priority is to get my spiritual life in order. I know there are a lot of views out there and I'm not one to push my faith on anyone but as a matter of record, I must state here that without God, I can do nothing. Health and fitness are spiritual issues for me. For me, health and fitness allow me to serve my God, my family, and my community in a way that's just not possible in my current condition. So, I must 're-connect' to the Source of my strength and my discipline and my inspiriation.
2. Secondly, I MUST decrease the pressure and stress that I put on my ankle with each step. In other words, I've gotta lose this weight. I was reading that lbs/foot pressure increase exponentially with total body mass. If that's the case, then it should also decrease just as fast. I think this is the number one reason that my ankle has not healed. I'm not making excuses but it's kind of a catch-22 for me. I need to exercise to lose weight but I can't exercise because my weight keeps my ankle from healing properly. I am going to have to figure out and implement a strict weightloss regimen that frankly does not include running or walking. This will require even more discipline and planning. I can't splurge and then go out and run 6 miles like I could last winter. I'm going to have to work.
3. I need strength. The muscles that hold my ankle together and the muscles that support those muscles are in bad, bad shape. So, exercise-wise, I am going to start a 12-16 week concentrated strength training program. I dont' know what or where or how but I think this is a priorty that will get be me back to running with a good foundation.
4. I need flexibility. I MUST start back to stretching. Tight muscles don't help my gait and posture and in turn probably do more harm to my ankle.
5. I must re-engage my awesome community (Striders, HRB'ers, family). I've gotta get back on the blogs and boards and stay inspired. Most of all, I want to chronicle this comeback for others to draw on.
6. Lastly, and this may be the hardest. I'M NOT GOING TO RUN AT ALL!!! Until further notice, running is off-limits. I've got to break the cycle of 'well, I feel a little better... I think I'll go run...injury...take time off...feel a little better...I think I'll run...injury...take time off...' You all know the drill. Patience, patience, patience!!! I think if I take care of 1-5, I'll be ready to come back strong in April or May. Will that put me in a position for Houston '07? I don't know. I hope it does but I've got to do this first. And if I have to put my first marathon off 'till later in spring '07 or fall '07, sobeit.

Updates to follow!!!

December's Starting Line Article in Stridelines

Please check out this month's [PDF] Starting Line article in Stridelines, the newsletter of the Houston Striders.