and the nominees are ...

Saturday I went for another short run just to get some miles in. The hip pain is still there but now I think I know what the problem is. I'm not a doctor nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night, but I think my hamstrings are too weak and because [weak hamstrings] my quads and flexors are overworking. Thats my theory so on my recent short runs my focus has been on my posture and using my hamstrings and not just pushing myself forward with my quads. I guess I will know for sure come December 1st when I go to the doctor.

Later Saturday my club, The Atlanta Triathlon Club had an end of the year gathering ... in a bar. I swear my clubmates are gonna make me a better athlete and a much better drinker. Like I suspected I won an award. Most improved for 2009, which is really motivating. It sucks that I was late and didn't have time to prepare a speech like I intended to do. I really did missed my chance in the spotlight. After the awards were given out I was talking to my buddy Todd and he ask "how cool would it be to win that award 2 years in a row". I don't know if thats possible but that would be really cool, and the idea is really motivating. It's nice to be in a group and to receive motivation, encouragement, and just positive vibes from others, because at the end of the day this really isn't that important in the grand scheme of things. That was truly the perfect thing to say when he said it though. Like true endurance athletes the banquet started at 2 and the group didn't end up leaving til sometime around 12 that night. Sorry to my homie I sold out that night, I really didn't think it would last that long.

Today after dropping off a phone and picking up some milk, I was ready to be a bum all day until I turned on the stream from Ironman Arizona. Watching the coverage actually pushed me to break out the trainer. So for the first time since September 12th I sat on a real bike. Watching people give their all is so motivating. Probably not a good thing to take 2 months off the bike but after Thanksgiving I plan on picking it up (every journey starts with a step). Tomorrow I get to head home and see my family (hooray to being off work a complete week) and get some amazing food. I have feeling it will be a couple of weeks before I have ramen again.

Sometimes you want to go ...

Yesterday after struggling through what was suppose to be a swim workout I decided I would use the weight room at the Adamsville Rec. It's always funny/weird going to new gyms for me. Gyms are sorta like corner bars, sure you don't know many (if any) of the people in them on a personal basis, but you sure feel like you do. I think it's that feeling that keeps a lot of people from taking the first step of going to the gym, and that keeps some people in the routine of going but i'm no psychologist. No one likes being the new guy/girl, especially the new out of shape guy/girl, after getting into a routine you soon realize nobody cares how weak or strong you are. I can remember when I first started working out and being afraid to go to the gym. By the end of the summer it was one of the few places I felt completely comfortable.

It's funny how you learn to remember people by what they do or don't do right or random characteristics (I would think i'm Mr.takeswaytoolongbetweensets ... I think). Well Adamsville was full of characters. There was the guy who feels he has to talk to all the girls and tell them what they are doing right or wrong (who knows if he's right). There was the girl who looks like she came to Gym looking for a man, just sayin. There was the guy who was probably a phenomenal athlete in school but always took remedial classes and still looks like he's a phenomenal athlete (could end most arguments with "this ain't what you want" or does). Mr. Thats way too much weight and I don't know how you don't hurt yourself, but he's been doing it like that for years so he's probably not going to change. Can't forget everyone's friend, this person could hold a conversation with a wall and not figure out that the wall isn't talking back. Sadly there weren't many girls. The requisite Miss Damn she (insert complement) did not show her face (don't act like you don't know what i'm talking about). In between people watching I did actually workout. I think i'll be using that gym a little more often to take advantage of the hamstring curl machine (thats way better than the one at my gym) and the convenience of lifting right after swimming (ash and all).

I'll have the Ramen, Chips and Salsa, and something moderately healthy

Yesterday I showed my face at spin class for the first time in about a month. I originally didn't plan on going but I left my gym shoes at home, the one draw back about going to the gym at work is once I make it home i'm not coming back even if it is only 10 minutes from home (it's just the principle). So I went home got some shoes and some bike shorts and headed to class. My plan for the gym that day was to get my final 26 miles (flat easy miles) on the spin bike for the Gym Challenge thing and work out afterwards. So I thought I would stay at spin through the two classes for however long it would take me to get 26 miles. Somehow I forgot that spin class is all about climbing and fast paced and any other kind uncomfortable sequence that can be thrown into the worst experience possible on a fake bike. Needless to say it took almost the entire two classes for my little computer to read 26 miles, but it was a great workout. The instructor was giving so much energy, it was impossible not to push yourself. As much as I get bored with spinning class, the instructer makes the entire experience. I think everyone left thinking "that was a good workout" which is cool. After punishing myself for those two hours I had the craving that I just do not understand.... Ramen.

I think I am the only person with a job, who loves to exercise, and tries to be conscience of what they eat that loves Ramen. I understand some of the reasons some people eat it, but there are actually times where I tell myself "i'd like a bowl of Ramen". I did have a spinach salad and some chips and salsa to go along with it. Such a well rounded meal. Yesterday was just bad meals all around. For breakfast 3 bowls of Fruit loops (cereal for breakfast is actually the norm) and I didn't bring my sandwiches for lunch so ate the dollar menu at Wendy's: 2 Jr Bacon Cheeseburgers, Bowl of Chili, and a value Fry. Tell me that doesn't scream healthy (I did have 2 bananas for a snack though). The funniest part is my buddy, who I talk daily with about health stuff, asked me what I had for lunch and I was too embarassed to tell the truth so I lied and said 3 turkey sandwiches (reputation forever tarnished haha). Most times I just find no incentive to cooking, but I have to eat better. Food is Fuel, theres a reason sport cars take the expensive gas (so i've been told, I think my car could run off water if it had to)

I woke up this morning extremely tired after last nights workout, but it was still early enough to go for a run, of course i didn't. I think i'm going to start taking a protein shake or some kind of vitamin before I go to bed in hopes I wake up more refreshed. I really need that push to go on that first morning run (I know i'm going to like it). I'm close but not quite there yet. I mean the world would probably explode if i did my first run from my house and my first morning run in the same week. Maybe it'll happen next week when i'm at my Mama's.

Same story different day

Today I went to the doctor (who can't type) for my ailing hip, and of course he did exactly what I thought he would do. Take my 15 dollar co-pay and order a x-ray and refer me to the Orthopedic. He did surprise me and actually bend my leg inward to make me say "ow", that was definitely not expected. I really don't understand why he ordered an x-ray when the pain is not in the bone, but I guess it's standard HMO procedure to go cheap and proceed from there. I'm going to the Ortho on Dec 1st so hopefully we can get to the bottom of it.

After going to the doctor I couldn't keep myself away from TNR. 3 weeks was a long time to miss out on these runs. I don't know if I miss the runs more or the hanging out with friends having dinner afterwards. I knew I wouldn't be able to handle the 7 mile loop, because of the hills, so I went out on a flat route opposite of the other runners. It's a good thing I did choose the flat route because the pain is still there. On the flats it doesn't get to the point where I absolutely can't run so I was able to pushed through. I'm in a lot of pain now but it was worth it (we'll see how worth it it really was tomorrow). I'm so excited to be healthy, whenever thats going to happen.

I got a email asking me for some of the highlights from my Triathlon season so it looks like i'm going to get an award at our end of the year party this weekend. I pray i'm drunk enough that there is a speech (I'm assuming it will be a most improved award and I don't think you can win that more than once so this will probably be the only time I ever win an award). Kind of sad that it takes alcohol for me to do it, but it is what it is. Sadly I went from a 100 miles running in October to what looks like it's going to be 20 miles in November.

Now I'm slower and it hurts more

This week not much went down. I spent a lot of time on the spin bike trying to accumulate miles for the Ironman Challenge my healthclub is having, and because I have been giving my hip a rest from running. I ended the week with about 75 miles on a spin bike, still haven't been on my bike since my last triathlon. Thursday after riding for a hour I felt so good that I thought it would be a good idea to run a 5k on the treadmill. Well, a mile into my run my hip began to hurt so I cut the run to 2 miles.

After going out with friends Friday, I woke up Saturday morning motivated to do some cleaning at my place and skipped out on the long run. After not running for two weeks (besides that 2 miles) I figured it would be a good idea to not make a come back on a long run. Saturday night was an "adult beverage" mess, aka a good, drunken, drama-free time, that left me super motivated Sunday to go out and run. So for the first time ever, I walked out of my front door and went on a run. I have always had to drive somewhere to run with other people because I never really liked running it was just a necessary evil. Now I can say that I actually enjoy the challenge. Ran 3.5 miles around Grant Park but the pain is STILL there. I'm now convinced rest hasn't helped at all. So now I'm on plan C, going to the doctor to try to convince him to find out what's wrong with it (not just him saying "you should stop running" because thats not really a option). I'm so anxious to get better and to pick out a marathon really don't want my first 26 mile run to be at Ironman Wisconsin.

Only 10 months to Ironman Wisconsin, and i'm stuck running 3 miles at a time.

Can you forget how to ride a bike?

Sunday ended up being a wash. I hate that I didn't go out for a ride the weather was perfect. On top of not riding, I get to the gym and lock my keys in my car. It's funny the way things work out sometimes. In a weird way, I felt pretty good after waiting on AAA for almost 3 hours (gave me a lot of time to think of how it would have been different if I had rode instead). My half-assed workout didn't even matter. I was just happy I had my keys and it didn't cost me anything. I really need to make myself get on the bike. I haven't ridden my bike in two months. I've taken it to my room to hook it up on the trainer, but of course I haven't. The thought of being on a trainer terrorizes me.

So Monday I really pushed myself. Started with sleeping through a 6:45am spin class. Whoever said it gets easier to wake up with the time change is a lie. I made up for my slacking later in the day with a 50 minute yoga class at lunch. After work I wasn't done, I went to the pool and swam 1500m in a freezing cold pool (nothing like a little teeth chatter). What's up with all the pool heaters breaking at the same time? Then to finish things off I went to Bikram Yoga for another 90 minutes. It's was a lot but pretty low impact which is nice for recovery. Though i'm still pretty tired. I hope I can pull off multiple work outs like that (that actually improve my endurance or speed or something) when in-season training starts back up. So now I sit here tired, maybe dehydrated, and disinterested in doing anything but sleeping in this gloomy weather. Tropical Storm Ida wasn't really feeling the idea of me getting back to running today so I will try again Wednesday or Thursday (after last Saturday's debacle, you couldn't pay me to run in the rain). Maybe i'll get a second wind later that will push me to the Gym, but right now it looks like rainy Tuesday is going to be a lazy day.

Namaste

Saturday evening I stuck to my word and went to Bikram Yoga. This is Yoga done in a room that is about 105 degrees. Yes it is insane, but I’ve heard that it’s good for stretching, and I’m down for trying new things in the name of fitness (hopefully it’ll get me back to running). So I get to BYD about 30 minutes early and register and until about 10 minutes before there was just me and another person. Apparently the appropriate thing to do at this Studio is to change, go in the hot box and lay down, and not speak a word. Felt very cult-ish. With about 10 minutes to go til the class started the place became packed out, and every one of these people would come in perfectly quiet and lay. This is about the time I start asking myself what the hell am I doing, while laying perfectly still being quiet trying not to look like a newb. I even managed to finish one of my water bottles before the class started (they had a water fountain to refill them though). If Hell is hot, Bikram Yoga is either preparation, or an awakening to live right, just sayin.

Finally the instructor comes in to the room and everyone hops to their feet, it was like the President walked in the room. Of course I was slow to get up, not knowing the cult-ish routine. He says a few words, announces I’m a newb and off we went. By this time I’m soaked. It’s funny, about 30 minutes into the class my body went into panic mode and began to shut down. I’m 99% sure the instructor could see this as he issued the “if you need to sit down, that’s fine” call, he didn’t say my name by I know it was directed directly at me. Sat down only one set and jumped right back into it. I feel like the difficulty level of the class was shaped like a parabola, not too bad in the beginning and end and tough in the middle with a bunch of standing postures that I never stood a chance at. Overall it was definitely a good experience. Wish there was talking to get insight from other people, but I guess it’s about one’s own journey and all that good stuff.

This studio sold a first time user 10 day unlimited pass for about the cost of two classes, so I jumped on that deal. I plan on going back Monday night after swimming, hopefully preparing me for my return to running on Tuesday. I wish there was a there scale to see just how much I sweated. I’d guess I left about 5 lbs in my soaking wet towels. Anyway, now I need to find the motivation to go out for a ride and the Gym on this Beautiful Sunday.

Yep

Yesterday I finally made it to the gym and actually did some lifting, after getting beat up in a couple of games of racket ball. (Nothing like being reminded that I make horrible quick decisions, but a pretty good warm up non-the-less) My two week hiatus was quite evident when it came to doing the leg exercises. My last set on all the exercises were my previous first sets, though it probably has something to do with my hip too. Everything just felt so heavy. The back exercises were definitely easier. I have to make it a habit to make it to the Gym twice a week to lift.

I also got my wetsuit in the mail yesterday. With 30 days to test it out with the option to return it, I’m very tempted to jump in a lake. If only someone was willing to take the plunge with me. If I can’t find someone to do the lake thing, then I guess I’ll have to find a salt water pool somewhere to be “that idiot” testing out his wetsuit. I really think the idiotic thing would be to not test it and be stuck with it.

I still have pain in my Hip and I don’t really know if it’s getting any better (I honestly don't think it is). After popping Ibuprofen since Sunday I can't do it anymore (I hate taking medicine). I’m going to try my best to make it to a Bikram Yoga class this weekend. I was talking to friend Wednesday night and he said when he first started out he had some issues and the hot Yoga really helped him, so we’ll see. It also will be a good detox from the alcohol consumed tonight. Here’s to a good weekend. I hope I actually make it to the yoga class and not procrastinate until Sunday night.

Purple is a fruit, just like Orange

Not running has been much worst than running. Most times I think I’d rather just suffer through the run in pain, than not run at all, but my conscience and my sister don’t hesitate to tell me how stupid it is. So I’ve just been eating junk food since Sunday, also dumb on my part (why do Swiss Rolls have to taste so good). Not to mention, the bought on clearance Halloween Reece’s cups I’ve destroyed. I’ve been reading through blogs to pass the time, and I’m noticing a trend of people talking about their healthy foods. While I would love to eat healthy, I’m kinda lost on where I should start. Currently I’m on a steady diet of Penne, Marinara, Pesto, and the occasional Spinach salad. I don’t think that’s a horrible meal but being that it’s the same thing about 4 or 5 nights a week, its pretty clear why I go on my junk food binges. Another thing why is the healthy stuff so much more expensive, that doesn't help frugal me at all. This week I did cook a stew in my crock pot but sadly it didn’t last as long as I would have liked. So for the rest of November I am vowing that I will not buy anymore Little Debbies Snack Cakes. I also need to figure out how to add some tasteful quasi healthy foods in the rotation.

Monday I got in a swim workout that went pretty well considering I’ve only been swimming one day a week (2200m). I also got to use the techniques I was shown in the Dr. G testing last week, which was cool. I woke up the next morning sore in my neck/traps, letting me know I was using muscles different than normal which I think is a good thing. There was another club member there who hasn’t stopped swimming since the season ended so it was nice sharing a lane with someone who was really pushing me. I feel like I should try to swim at least twice a week now, though I haven’t quite figured out how that’s going to fit into my schedule (schedule of slacking, albeit still a schedule).

all Tricks no Treats

After planning on taking the rest of the week off after Tuesday, I needed something to do so I ate. A lot of Junk food. Birthday Cake, Chips-A-hoy soft bake cookies, and chips and salsa was my poison. This probably wasn't the best food to aide in recovery, but an idle me quickly turns into a bad decision machine. I did make a stew in the Crock Pot Friday (inspired by Chef-boy-O'keefe) which came in handy for my Sunday morning Halloween recovery. Hopefully sometime Sunday I can make a big pot of pasta for the rest of the week.

Also this week, I got the awesome opportunity to work with Dr. Genadijus Sokolovas, former swim coach with USA Swimming. This Guy's resume is stout. He's worked with swimmers Michael Phelps, Dara Torres, and Natalie Coughlin to name a few. In short, having the chance to work with him was really not something someone like me, who taught myself to swim, could ever imagine. It was really special because it wasn't him standing on the side of the pool giving instructions, he used an underwater camera to film me then gave feedback while watching the different aspects of my swim stroke. It was really cool to see myself swimming on an underwater camera. Having him break down what I was doing wrong with the visual aide was really helpful and impressive. He really illustrated all the power I've been losing with wasted movement and really poor rotation. I can't wait to get the DVD and the list of exercises he suggest to strengthen my swimming. I guess it's right on time.

Which takes us to the rest of the week. After hurting so bad on Tuesday night run, my plans for the rest of the week was to not doing anything but Yoga and Pilates, with the hopes of recovering in time for Saturday's long run . Well I woke Friday morning and the tightness was gone so I was looking forward to pushing the distance on Saturday. Saturday gets here and one of my running mates came up with a new route, which was cool to change things up, but it wasn't the two smaller loops which are so convenient for inclement weather and water stops. So off we went from Piedmont Park on our way to Decatur, and of course it begins pouring raining. That was probably the sign for me to turn around, but of course adrenaline made me feel like it would be alright. This run was pretty hilly and I think the hills are a big part of what's bother my hip, but I didn't know just how hilly it was until we did it. Sometime around the 6 mile mark I began laboring up and down the hills and realized there was no way I would mke it 20. With the run becomming a lot more physical and less mental around mile 8, I had to announce that i was going to head back to park. The next 2 or so miles or walk/running were miserable. Not only was I in pain, I was also soaked and the temperature was steadily dropping. So at about 10 miles I made the decision I should just catch a Cab back to my car. Walking soaked and cold and hurting wasn't worth the chance of being sick and hurting. While it would have been nice to push the last 3 or 4 miles I just absolutely couldn't do it. I was completely tapped mentally and physically. Now I am taking a week off (hopefully only a week) to give myself a break in hopes that I can push through these hip flexor problems. That gives all my running buddies a week or so to come up with some decent jokes.

Talking tomy fellow runners, everyone seems to think i've added too many miles too fast. That definitely could be the case (didn't start til MFHP though just saying). I have never ever ran as exercise before March. While extremely motivated by my dream of completing the Ironman nex tyear, I have to be more patient and smart about listening to my body. I'm still very hopeful I can complete two marathons before the Triathlon season picks back up, but we will see. Hooray for clearance Halloween Candy (not as good as easter but i'll take it).