Quick Update

Sorry for the lack of posts... a few quick updates

• I followed doctor's orders and didn't run for 2.5 weeks. 
• I went to physical therapy -- it's amazing how much that helped.  They gave me the green light to run.  It sounds as though my pain is not related to arthritis in my SI joint, but rather from a disc issue.
• I finally finished the directed study hanging over my head from last semester - DONE!   Now, I'm attempting to focus on this semester.  Realizing last night, I overlooked a MAJOR deadline for next Wednesday & need to crank out an 8 page paper this weekend.
• I spent this past weekend at Atlantic Beach for the Crystal Coast 5K.  I'll try to post an update on that soon.
• Still doing boot camp on M-W-F mornings & walking (but now can go back to intervals) on T-Th mornings.

That's it for now -- just wanted to let you know I'm still around just busy!

Doctor's Orders...

First of all, I LOVE my doctor.  More than anything it seems like I am chatting with a friend who is genuinely interested in my well-being.  Outside of my annual physical,  I've maybe been to the doctor 3 times in the past 10 years for a concern.  I'm grateful for my health. 

BUT... I've been dealing with some back pain since Labor Day of last year.  The college I take night classes at was offering free sessions with a personal trainer.  It happened to be on a night - I had class and had free time, so I decided to take advantage of it.   I don't remember specifically what she asked to do, but I realized as soon as I did the movement I had a "catch" in my back.  It didn't hurt that day, but for about two weeks after that I was miserable.  I sucked it up and went on.  Since then, I've had intermittent back pain.  It's mainly worse at work where I sit for most of the day.  It hasn't been bothering me when running or at boot camp.  Anyway, this week it has been quite unbearable, so I had an appointment with my doctor today.

She's not 100% on what the specific problem is but we think it is related to my SI joint or lower back (sacral/lumbar area).  We are hoping it is just inflammation (that would be the easiest of possible problems).  I had some x-rays done this afternoon.  I'm taking high doses of Naxproxen (like Alleve) twice a day for two weeks.  And, I'll be doing some physical therapy.  Sigh -- she's also asked me not to run on my "run days", but agreed that I could walk.  After some back and forth discussion about boot camp, she agreed I could continue as long as I don't run, jump, or do any activity where I feel it in my back.   So, I'll continue to go and modify the best I can. 

Have you had a back injury?  Did it set you back?

Popsicle 5K Recap

It's probably a good thing meteorlogists don't get fired for wrong forecasts.  :)   The last night, today's forecast was mostly cloudy with rain rolling in this afternoon.   Well, we definitely woke up to mostly cloudy skies, but the rain wasn't far behind.  Brandy and I met around 7:30a to drive out to the Popsicle 5K.  It was the first ever Popsicle 5K and it was well-organized, great volunteer involvement, and not a bad showing for the "first ever".

My reflections:
It was a great, but challenging course. There was alot more positive self-talk today :) I jogged the first mile and intended to do intervals, but ended up trying to listening to my body more. I think I ended up running more than I would have - had I chosen just to do intervals. Anyway, it was great. I was hoping to come in under 40 mins, but as I turned the corner I saw 40 min on the clock - for a split second I felt defeated. Then, I could hear our boot camp instructor's voice inside my head "Finish Strong" - so gave it all I had up the small hill to the finish line. I finished just over 41 minutes (41:30 I think - waiting on official times to be posted)- a new peronal best for me!!!! Both of my November/December times were right at 46:10 (5K) -46:15 (5.5K).


So, how was the rest of my day?   Well, I've been looking into spring races.  I'm already planning to do the Crystal Coast 5K (Feb 25th) and the St. Leo's 5K (March 17th).   Today, I discovered an 8K in May about 45 minutes from here.  It would likely be a challenging race as it's in the mountains.  A challenge will only make me stronger right?  :)   And, I found a half-marathon that offers a 4 person relay in June.  Both races sound really cool - just need to convince Brandy to come on board with me.  :)

Are you ready for your next race?

Quote of the Day

I intended to post this yesterday, but completely forgot - so hear ya go!

It's been unseasonably warm here this winter - 50s & 60s this week - crazy huh?!  Wednesday evening it started raining and rained for most of the night.  I woke up early on Thursday morning and thought I heard rain - but it was really just rain falling off the trees. I peeked out the window and saw it was misty, fogging and just plain yuck.  I went back to bed & waited for the alarm to go off.  The alarm went off at 4:55a and I thought "I should hit snooze.  Text Brandy.  It's wet."   HELLO!

 "Athletes don't hit snooze"

So, I jumped up, got dressed, and headed out to meet Brandy.  When I got to meeting spot, there were already 2 other groups of runners on the street.   I've noticed these two groups before - I can tell they are more advanced (longer distances and times).  I'm inspired and motivated by them.   If I want to run with the "big dogs", I gotta get up outta bed.   :)

I'm so glad I didn't hit snooze & so glad Brandy was there to meet me.  Our run was a little slower than Tuesday - but we got 2 miles of intervals done with a .25 warm-up and .25 cool-down.  Slow doesn't matter because while someone was hitting snooze, we were hitting the pavement.

New Recipe

Happy Thursday!

I hope everyone is having a great week.  I trying to get back into the groove of work/home/school.  It will take me a week or two to get the right balance.  I wanted to share a new recipe I tried on Tuesday night.  Super easy!

Roasted Broccoli
(source: Food Network)

1 lb broccoli, rinsed & trimed
2 TBS Olive Oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced  (I'd even go for 3 next time)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/3 c. panko bread crumbs
1/4 c. parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar (we used cheddar this time, but I think parmesan would probably be better)

Directions


Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Cut the broccoli florets into bite size pieces. Cut the stalk into 1/8-inch thick, round slices. Place the broccoli into a mixing bowl and toss with the olive oil, garlic, kosher salt and pepper and set aside.

Spread the panko into a 13 by 9-inch metal cake pan and place into the oven for 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove the panko from the oven and add to the bowl with the broccoli mixture. Toss to combine. Return the mixture to the cake pan, place in the oven and roast just until the broccoli is tender, 8 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven, toss in the cheese and serve immediately.

SO, It was fabulous on Tuesday night - great low calorie side dish!   Super-husband was late, so it was not the best warmed up.  Tonight, I had one serving left - I hate to be wasteful, so I put on my resourceful hat.  :)   I took 2 eggs; 1 TBS of hormel bacon bits; 1/4 c. shredded cheddar & the leftover roasted broccoli and made an omelet.  And, let me tell you --- it was the absolute best (if I do say so myself!) add a side of center cut bacon and orange juice and dinner was complete.  You could definitely eliminate the cheddar cheese to reduce calories.

I'll be back with a weekly wrap-up on Sunday night!