Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Kicking Negative Nancy's Butt

So last night I went for a run, but instead joined a pity party.  Basically I took about 3 running steps on the treadmill and knew my hamstring wasn't having it.  It was way past that sore pain all the way to that oh my heavens you idiot if you keep running you're going to hurt yourself worse pain.  Since I couldn't run I then had my own personal whine like a brat session on Twitter to all the fabulous people who commiserate with, listen to, and support me.
I whined about:

  • How I'd been injured and had to take 3 full months off, had been running again for 2 months and was starting to feel a bit better about myself, and then pulled my hamstring in a rugby game 3 weeks ago. (Crummy luck!)  
  • The fact that all this puts me way behind the weekly mileage I am normally at - where I had hoped to start my marathon training.
  • My slower than usual running - what used to be 9 or 10 min miles (depending on distance) are now pushing 11 minutes and I am sure the injury has something to do with that.
  • Missing out of the first few weeks of marathon training and feeling behind.
  • Holding back T, my training partner, who is faster than me when I am healthy and dominating me right now, but patiently waiting while I run very slowly.
  • Most of all I whined about how I feel like this is some crazy double edged sword - If I don't run then my distances and times don't improve and I won't be ready for the Marine Corp Marathon, but if I do run when my hamstring is hurting it may never get a chance to heal or even end up worse than it is now.

    Cooper River Bridge (Bridges = Hills in Charleston)
So I stewed, felt depressed, and whined all last night and I realized it did me no good.  Feeling sorry for myself doesn't make me run faster or farther, it doesn't help me along in my training, and it sure as heck doesn't make my hamstring feel better.
Forget it - I had to stop with the negativity.  No point in dragging myself down.
I woke up early this morning and left my crappy butt attitude in bed.  

I headed to the Copper River Bridge for a little 6 mile route I planned out, but you know what - it just wasn't happening.  However, instead of being a crab about it I very slowly jogged 2 miles and then sat down and stared at the beautiful scenery for a while. I reminded myself - (I'm all about that positive self talk.  Don't worry it is an inner monologue, not out loud, you know because I don't want people to think I am crazy.) I ran 2 miles this morning and while that wasn't my goal it is more than a lot of people can say.  Plus even though it was hard for me to stop I made a really smart decision to take care of my body.   

Then I went to a barre class I had scheduled.  It was a great decision because it was super low impact with some fabulous stretching.  I am horrible about stretching so this is really beneficial for me.  (I pretty much completed all of my first marathon training without stretching, owning a foam roller, or compression socks, or using any type of fuel, food, or hydration on any long runs.  I know.  Crazy right?  However, that is a story for another blog.)   I felt really good after leaving the class especially because I stay after and stretched my hamstring out for a few extra minutes.  I think I am going to use this pain as a reason/proof that I need to stretch and make it my new goal to stretch and foam roll every night before bed.  
Tonight my mom and I headed out to dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant called Al Di La.  If you are ever in Charleston it is a winner for sure.  For her birthday I bought her two Groupons for dinner for 2 so we could have mother/daughter nights which I enjoy because I consider her one of my best friends. (Mom- when you read this don't let it go to your head!)  Our Groupon started off with an appetizer so we split the cheese plate.  It was so good I totally forgot to take a picture - Whoops!  Cheese distracts me.  
I let myself have a glass of Chianti.  I usually don't drink because I am not a huge fan of liquid calories, I'd rather eat them all in delicious food form.  However, an Italian red sounded amazing.
 Mom's pasta which she enjoyed.....
but my gnocchi was 100 times better (she may disagree).  I LOVE gnocchi!  Instead of stuffing the whole plate in my mouth at warp speed to enjoy these fluffy little balls of heaven I was good and took half of it home.  Hello lunch tomorrow.
Now if you all know anything about me by now, from this crazy blog, you know I love running and I have a killer sweet tooth!  While I am trying to reign my sugar cravings in and eat healthier so I can get in better shape (I think this while help my running) I believe you must enjoy life with the occasional splurge.  This tiramisu was outstanding.  So deliciously decadent that when my mom only had a couple bites I ate more than my fair share, I refused to let any go to waste.  It was so good I would have licked the plate (had the restaurant not been full and people nearby to notice).  

14 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry your hamstring is still bothering you! Have you tried doing a longer warm up and then running? I had a sore spot on my shin months ago that would bother me terribly until I was a few miles into my run and then it was fine. Also, if the foam rolling doesn't help or if you need more targeted self-massage, try a tennis ball; they work great! Hope your leg starts to feel better soon!

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    1. Okay got a tennis ball, but have not tried it yet. Maybe that should go along with my nightly foam rolling tonight.
      Also, I usually start running right away so you're right a warm up might not be a bad idea for me.

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  2. Start stretching girlie! Super important:) That restraunt looks amazing, I LOVE gnocchi! MMM mmMM.

    -CJ

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    1. It was fabulous.
      I am now making myself stretch and foam roll every night.

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  3. Sometimes you just gotta shake it off. Sounds like the barre class was just what you needed! STRETCH STRETCH STRETCH!

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    1. Really working on shaking off the negativity, nothing I can do to magically fix the leg so why be such a sourpuss.

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  4. I'm sorry Abby :-(.

    Actually, all the marathoners I've been following seem to have a niggle at the moment. I am also really panicky and concerned about mileage and training schedules. You've got great perspective though - and sometimes it's worth dialling it back. Even if it means racing without being as far along as you hoped.

    Good luck m'dear! Thinking of you.

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    1. Thanks honey. I do feel like there is quite the injury bug going around. Hope we are both better soon!

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  5. My PT would say to do dynamic stretching versus static. Maybe some water running until the tenderness is gone?

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  6. I've added hot yoga once/week to my half marathon training. it's so good to stretch all out and the 'hot' gives me a similar feel good that I get from running! and because it's a class I am committed - this way I know I at least get one stetch in a week LOL Good luck with your training and getting back on track once you are healed!!

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    1. I think I may do the same thing and break down and pay for barre once a week. I feel like it is really helping me stretch out a bit.

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  7. Water running as suggested above is a great idea! I have heard wonderful things and you get to try something new. :)

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    1. There is a pool here. Maybe tomorrow morning before it gets to hot and sunny (I am pale as can be).

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