Waterwench
Date To Go Running
Jan 30, 2010
This Saturday is gray and rainy, but what else is new in Oregon? I am excited because I have a date to go running this morning with a man I met while out running last week. We hooked up at Capitol Highway and Vermont, where he easily passed me. That annoyed me so much that I sped up to tell him that long-legged people have an unfair advantage!We fell into talking and ran the next 2 miles easily, until I turned back. HIS long run was taking him all the way over the bridge and into Northeast, to pick up his car from the shop--about 12 miles. MY agenda for the day was just an easy 3.5, and I surpassed it by an extra mile just to keep chatting. Silly girl, me. :)
On my long run at the beginning of the week, I made the mistake of routing it so the big hills were at the end of the run instead of the beginning. When I got to the 10 mile mark, my IT band on the right leg started to really hurt. I actually had to walk on it for about 5 minutes before I could gingerly jog again. After doing some further research (I am a medical professional, after all!) I discovered that not only should I try to arrange the bad hills at the beginning of a run so my energy is high and my form is perfect, but I also had been running on the same side of the road too much. Since roads in Oregon are cambered to encourage water run-off, it means that my right leg has been lower than my left, and at an angle. So, in the future, when I do road-running, I have to remember to switch sides an equal amount so the iliotibial band isn't injured (IT band).
Another thing this episode taught me is to listen to my body. I have no intention of being a broken-down old bitter ex-runner whose wrecked knees and tendons are the result of overuse and improper care. REST-ICE-COMPRESSION-CROSS-TRAINING-ELEVATION were the orders of the week for me. I cross-trained on the elliptical for 2 days, and made sure to ice and elevate the affected side. I also added two new IT stretches to my pre-run stretching regimen. Catching these things early leads to faster healing and long-term success.
I love the way that running engages my whole body. "Belly-breathing" has strengthened my abs-- I can see the beginnings of a Girl 6-pack under the increasingly thinner skin of my abdomen. And everyone I know is impressed with my "great guns"--which I guess is slang for toned arms. I was completely clueless when someone complimented me on them. :) That comes from toting a 20-ounce water bottle and switching arms when I'm running.
The only slight wrinkle is the amount of superfluous skin on my belly, rear and thighs. I do jiggle when I run, and it used to really bug me. I used to be consumed with wondering "how I looked" to pedestrians or drivers out on the road. That self-consciousness really affected my enjoyment of my runs, and sometimes I would fixate on it when I went to the gym, too.
But after months of mentally arming myself for any insults, heckling, or what-have-you, I realized that whatever went on in someone else's head was completely their own deal and had nothing to do with me. Some people despise it when others STRIVE. It brings to light their own deficiencies.
And my fears were groundless, in any case. There were no shouts, no insulting cat-calls. Instead, there were increasing looks of respect and enjoyment from passers-by, especially walkers and runners on the common paths in Southwest. One doctor, who knew me when I was almost 300 pounds, was so surprised by my fit appearance that he nearly tripped himself up on the trail!
So, rather than imagining derisive comments that might be hurled my way, I substitute more positive thoughts. It's made a huge difference for me.
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About Me
portland, OR
Location
24.0
BMI
Surgery
03/20/2007
Surgery Date
Mar 07, 2007
Member Since
Before & After
rollover to see after photo
