Year in Review

Well, as the year draws to a close, its time to look back.  It has definitely been one hell of a year!  Lets look at the Annual Mileage:



According to Daily Mile - 352 miles is what I ran this year.  I don't think that is all that bad considering over 6 months of that was spent NOT running!  I do have to admit, my goal was a bit.. higher.  Since I am both starting and ending the year able to run, I'm not going to spend any time complaining about the mileage in the middle!

[caption id="attachment_1056" align="alignleft" width="176"] Running in the cold![/caption]

January - Probably the most remarkable aspect of the year's beginning - is I ran outside!  No treadmill, just the road, layers of clothes and me.  In the interest of Honesty, I do have to admit that my first run of the year in upstate NY was 50 degrees...  Mother nature made up for it, with my 12 degree run 3 days later...  I also got my fantastic Angry Birds hat.   I logged 46 miles.

Janathon... To do or not to do.. THAT Is the question.

[caption id="attachment_2016" align="alignright" width="200"] To Janathon, or not Janathon. THAT is the question.[/caption]

So I was going through the wordpress blogs under the "Running" category - and found Lengthorn's Blog about Janathon. It seems back in 2007 a a blogger came up with "Junathon,"  which expanded into Janathon in 2011.

So what is Janathon? Simple, you run every day and blog within 24 hours about it.  Now, I think anyone who has blogged in the running community for over a week has seen countless different "run every day in a month/week/year" blogging groups and thought they were idiots about joining one.  This one is not a  competition with prizes (Although it seems Junathon was when it began,) but simply a group of people agreeing to do it - and supporting  one another.

I have thought about these, but I only ever seem to find out about them after they are already started, and while the "rules" of this one say you can start even part way through - I think the whole time period would be much cooler than jumping in at the end.

Janathon is nice also, in that it doesn't require running every day - but just some form of exercise.   In addition, you also get to display the cool badge to the right (but without the question marks. I added those since I haven't decided whether or not to run it.) to display on your blog.

I'm on the fence, but thinking that I will do this.. I have plenty of time to decide after all - the beginning is only 2 days away..

Stupid jeans.

The dryer shrunk my jeans....  How many of you have said this at some point?

Well, over the last 5 years or so, I have... umm.. gained in awesomeness (around the waist primarily) which has led to several of my favorite pairs of jeans not fitting.  Now most guys would simply get bigger ones, rub their belly and move on.  But you see, I bought these at the Salvation Army in Corning NY for a song.  They are name brand ones from (kinda name brand) Aeropostale up to Abercrombie and Fitch.  (Yes, I own a pair of Abercrombie jeans.  I paid 6 dollars for them.)  They sit in the side of my closet, and I periodically tell them that some day - I'll be back for them.

I post things here like "I want to lose 25 pounds next year" - but what I'm really saying - is that I want to be skinny and able to wear my skinny-jeans again.

New Years Resolutions

[caption id="attachment_1986" align="alignright" width="193"] 2291 Calories right here - Xmas dinner. That doesn't count seconds. Or More wine. Or dessert.[/caption]

I have always found News Years resolutions to be a bit... Annoying.  In one way, it makes an immense amount of sense.  What better time to have a "new beginning"  - than an actual new beginning?  Personally, I see some major flaws in that idea.  We have just finished our most gluttonous time of the year.  We (on average) in America put on two pounds of weight - on Christmas day alone.  This doesn't even consider all the Christmas Cookies (Yum! Peanut Butter Blossoms!), The Candy, the office parties or left overs. Then 7 days later, we move into New Years Eve.  Another day dedicated to gluttony.  We eat more horrible-for-us food, and wash it down with an endless supply of alcohol.   Do you realize how many calories are in most alcoholic drinks?  Miller Lite is on the low side of the calorie count (And taste count) at 96 calories per can.  Sierra Nevada Pale Ale moves up to 175, and Pit of Guinness (mind you all the previous drinks have only been 12 oz) is 210 Calories!  Wine, isn't much better with a 6 oz glass of Merlot (147 calories), Riesling ( 144 Calories) or Champagne (159 for 6 oz) still leave you with high calorie counts in a several hour party.

I actually didn't mean for this post to turn into a calorie-intake posting!  Woops!

So Christmas has come and gone...

Christmas was here and visited with its mass amounts of children's toys - and has moved on!This has affected my running (And my weight), but I can't complain - only two pounds up.

We headed up to my folks (apparently its now "The Neidhardt Center" - and I had every single intent of running up there. Honestly.  I even posted on Facebook that I was going to - so that means it has to be true (Everything on the internet is true right?)  The family was definitely happy to see each other!

[caption id="attachment_1970" align="aligncenter" width="490"] Sigh. Gotta love Gramma.[/caption]

But (don't all the best excuses for why we didn't run - start with "But?") with all of the "Must See" people - it wasn't meant to be. Saturday and Sunday were reserved for the final Christmas Shopping, with my son's Maryland State Boychoir Concerts on Saturday and Sunday.

Treadmill Speed Work (I'm too dumb for the Kinect.)

Every now and then, something happens that opens my eyes.  Yesterday's recurring theme was speed-work.  Half-athoner mentioned it in a blog posting I read and responded too.  My friend Jeremy (he doesn't have a blog) and I talked about it on Facebook.

[caption id="attachment_1965" align="alignleft" width="298"] My feet at 9 mph.[/caption]

After a while (and in re-reading the Curvy RoadRunners Treadmill Workout From Hell), it occurred to me that I didn't have any speedwork going on.  Bad enough I am being lazy cautious and keeping my speed down, and only increasing it by .1 mph a week - but no speed work?  How is that going to make me any faster?  As I thought about it, I also realized that with this workout, I can't watch TV - so I don't have to worry about the fact that I haven't made a choice on a new show to watch while running.

So, off I went.  I figured I'd start slower to let my legs get warmed up.

Christmas Running Survey

I love Christmas.. This means that when Half-athoner posted her Christmas Running Survey, I couldn't resist bringing it here!

1.Favorite Christmas Album/CD/Song? Totally Cheating with my response.  But I am partial to my Youtube Channel of my son's last Boychoir - the Parlor City Boy's Chorus (Ignore this years band/orchestra entries.. those are a bit painful)- it has some great Christmas Music!  The most amazing one is Hope for Resolution that was done with the Binghamton Madrigal Choir.  It is, to this day, the most amazing musical experience of my life.  (My son is the third from the left in the first row)  The true amazingness starts at around 5:0o in - but to get the whole experience you need to see it all (or at least start at 2:30)

2.Run on Christmas morning or take the day off? Run. I hope. Though I don't think it will be in the morning.

3.What do you usually eat on Christmas morning? Too much.  My mother makes a breakfast ring that is really a cinnamon roll in a different form.  We have that, sausage balls and usually fruit.

Other great blogs

Today I'm going to post a little differently than normal. I thought it might be fun to stop and look at some other blogs I read.

While she is on a post-marathon, going into the holidays Hiatus right now, I truely enjoy reading "The Curvy Roadrunner."  She has been an inspiration to read, when I first started following her blog back in 2010, she was doing 5ks.  This year in October, she was on the starting line for the Marine Corps Marathon.   She is a great inspiration, especially if you are worried that you CANT be a runner!

To Jump over to one of those blogspot bloggers, Caution Red Head Running is a great read!  She is definitely a far better runner than I!  She unfortunately suffered a stress fracture, and continued to blog, discussing the aggravation and how she dealt with it.  Reading her story, and how she kept her eye on the goal at the end - someday being able to run again  - kept me checking back every day to see what the latest was.  She chronicles the ongoing items in her life - from her injuries, to her wedding and even discussing her husband (also a runner.)  Oh, and she got to run to the Eiffel tower in Paris while on her honeymoon. How cool is that?

The Running Sunflower is a blogger out in New Mexico, that has a very REAL way of writing.  When you read her blog, you can't help but get where she is coming from.

Many of the blogs I used to read have really ramped down unfortunately.  Will Run For Maragaritas used to post regularly, but lately has mostly been guest posts.  I suspect that since getting her dream-job for Brooks, she is simply to busy!  The guest posts are still good.  The Running Thriver has been quiet since she ran "the Ultra Beast" - but I suspect she will be back before too long.

Mom Runs Faster than Dad (like you don't want to read this one - just because of the name) has a great facebook page, although there haven't been many updates on the blog itself.

Blogs I have just started reading - the Half-athoner - Who has chronicled her journey from a walker, to her first half marathon (Disney last year) and her goals toward more Half Marathons!  Not only is she interesting, but funny as well!  Randy Sandberg is out there trying out the Hal Higdon Plans - while posting some great inspiration pictures.  I also just started reading kates Fantastic queen sized bed

On a total not-running type of blog, I am just started reading "So I went Undercover" -  It seems her husband's Ex-Wife found her previous blog and was threatening legal action, so she had to stop blogging.  Well, she couldn't give up the addiction so she has "gone undercover."

Peanut... Peanut butter! Blossoms!

[caption id="attachment_1940" align="alignright" width="280"] Picture from Hersey's Website[/caption]

Ok, Seriously.  I think the person that invented Peanut Blossoms was attempting to figure out how to give people the same warm feeling inside as THAT activity (if you know what I mean.)   I totally think they came as close as humanly possible.

Everyone loves a peanut butter cup - but somehow with these delectable cookies, you get the joy of peanut butter AND chocolate - combined into a wonderful treat that takes multiple bites to eat (multiple bites extends the enjoyment time!)  To top it off, they are ever so easy to make!

I may have mentioned a few times (and I'm sure I will mention it many more times as well,)  But my son is in the Maryland State Boychoir.  One of the things that my ever-so-lucky child gets out of this, is a 9 day cruise to the Bahamas where they are performing.  THis doesn't come cheaply of course.  Well, they offer various opportunities to help make a little bit of money toward the cost of the tour (anyone want to buy a raffle ticket?) - one of which was being able to bake cookies that could be sold at the concert. 

Racing in 2013

Looks like it is going to be a GREAT day!  I checked my email this morning, while laying in the warm comfort of my own bed, and found this:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Once and Future Runner (obviously I changed this):

Congratulations! You have been chosen in the lottery and are officially registered for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run on April 7, 2013. We are looking forward to a spectacular day in the Nation's Capital.

If you haven't already, you'll receive an additional email from Marathonguide.com, our registration provider, outlining your credit card charges. Please note that the charges will show as being from "Marathonguide.com" on your statement.

If you did not enroll in our free ten-week Online Virtual Training Program for the 10 mile or our On-site Training Program hosted by Potomac River Running, you will have an opportunity to sign up in January.

No Additional Purchases
During registration you did not opt to purchase the shirt upgrade, finisher medal or packet delivery. You may still add a shirt upgrade, medal or packet delivery to your registration by visiting the Purchase Additional Items Form.

There was obviously more to the Email, but it seemed silly to post the whole thing.  But, this has confirmed that I WILL be racing in 2013, come hell or high water!  It also means, I need to figure out what I my race schedule is going to look like this coming year. 

Disaster strikes (no, not that)

Last night, a true disaster occured.  Before I go further into it, let me reassure you - I am not injured so its not THAT sort of disaster.

I was running on my treadmill after deciding that five miles in my Sauconys would be nice, watching Battlestar Galactica on the tablet... And then.. It happened.  I suddenly realized, I didn't really care what happened.   It seems I have over-done it on the show, and I am sick of it.  I must have felt it coming on as I wasn't as excited as usual to get running.  Now, I am faced with the disaster of not knowing what to watch while I run.



You see my friend, if I don't have something engaging to watch - then it goes back to being the "Dread Mill."  My warmup, five-mile run and cool down will be come the longest hour of my day. IT might even be longer than that last hour, spent tossing and turning in bed just wishing I could sleep.

This is where you, my friends and readers come in.  Please, help suggest shows that I can watch on Netflix/Hulu to stave of the eternal boredom that a treadmill represents!

The pig has awoken and put on his Vibram Five Fingers again.

[caption id="attachment_1911" align="alignleft" width="300"] Too tired to run.. or move.. gimme some pizza.[/caption]

So, here we are past the hump day and on the down ward slide to the weekend.  (Yay Weekend!!!!!!!)  I am afraid that I have to admit something.   Despite the best of intentions,  I didn't get back to running until Weds.  While this may not seem like a big deal - it means that I took FOUR Days off in a row.

I feel like a slovenly pig.

While I know its impossible to add 10 pounds of fat in 4 days (and my scale says it didn't happen,) I certainly feel like it. I used to like just sitting around doing nothing - but last night while resting right after dinner (I have to wait about 30-60 minutes before I run after a meal), I felt horrible. I knew that I hadn't r

(And here it comes....) I've been exhausted - not sleeping at night, tossing and turning, etc.

[caption id="attachment_1913" align="alignright" width="225"] I think I have these standing poses down well.[/caption]

I don't use this as an excuse, it's just... well.. an excuse. Last night I admitted that to myself, grabbed my tablet (yay Battlestar Galactica!) and hopped on the treadmill.  I had previously  decided that my next run was going to be back in my Vibram Five Fingers.  In the interest of avoiding "too much too soon," this meant I was going to be taking a short run, which was probably a wise move after so many days off.Once my feet started moving... I wanted to go for miles and miles. My right calf was a little tight in the VFFs, but the knee pain was (unsurprisingly yet happily) missing.  I started talking myself into maybe doing 3 miles instead of 2.. After all, 3 isn't that far - right?  

Blogger in Binghamton... And some other stuff.

What an odd week. This morning's bizarreness started (not counting the odd dreams) with reading the morning blogs... Not unusual - except one of them actually mentioned my old home town - Binghamton, NY - and the Santa Run 5K that I would have run had I still been living there (it was totally worth missing it - to be living in a better place!) IT seems "fueledbylolz" had driven down there - Crazy!

[caption id="attachment_1895" align="alignright" width="300"] fueledbylolz is in the pink - Picture courtesy (stolen from) Vince Kelly - posted on TCRC Facebook page[/caption]

Did a total double take as I had been reading about the race on Facebook, and looking through the pictures of the race! One cool part - I was able to post a link to two pictures of her running from the Triple Cities Running Club face book page.

I expect to see my friends posting about the formerly "local" races - but not another blogger!  Awesome!  This picture was actually taken about 5 houses down from where I lived.  All she would have to do is take a quick right and she could go say "Hi" to the people who bought my house!   Small world!

Mr. Potato Head.

Getting out of work early means I can get some of that exercising in BEFORE it is 8 o'clock at night!  Now really, I don't mind (most days) working out at night.. its kind of nice to exercise and do yoga (followed by a MUCH needed shower of course) to end the day out.  It really does let me go to bed stress-free. (Well, except when my wife was hoping for a back rub, and the reason she didn't get one was the treadmill and yoga...)

[caption id="attachment_1888" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Random Picture - with a Random Fact![/caption]

I decided I wanted to see if the Yoga was making any immediate difference.  As you are no doubt aware, I have been using it to stretch out after my runs.  Last night, I didn't. I did my usual calf-stretch, but immediately jumped through the shower afterwards - no Yoga in sight. 

An influential person, running on a treadmill

[caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignleft" width="300"] If the treadmill is good enough for George Jetson and Astro...[/caption]

Last night I got four miles in on the treadmill.  I have been running at 6 mph, with a goal of limiting the pain to my feet.  This seems to be working pretty well, but as I train toward longer and better things I don't want to be doing it at a ten minute mile.  As such, I am increasing the treadmill speed, I have gone up .1 mph per week  for two weeks.  (For the math challenged that is up to 6.2 mph.)  I have also been running exclusively in my Sauconys, also with the goal of limiting foot pain.  This has led to some slight knee pain, though not much. 

Calories

I happen to work next to a Dunkin Donuts.. This has been very convenient (I love coffee), and not nearly as dangerous as I had feared - as long as I bring food with me.  On those days that I have forgotten to bring my greek yogurt, or that I have run out... Its dangerous.

Today is one of those days.  As such, I took a look at their nutrional information before heading over.   I find myself staring at a very definite first world issue, but an issue none the less.  The calorie count.



I think the hardest part of this issue - is that consistency doesn't exist.  What I mean by that - is it is impossible to guess calories on foods - unless you do use a tool like "Myfitnesspal" or "fatsecret" - in which case you aren't guessing anymore.  But back to the donut.

Half way there

Its a milestone we use for so many different endeavors.  When it comes to the work week, we have hump-day, our weekly celebration that we are closer to the coming weekend.  For longer runs, knowing we have passed that half way marker gives us our sense of accomplishing our goal.  If its a rough day, it might even be a sign that we might even finish it!

Happy hump day my friends!  You are halfway there and you can make it!

Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe

Other peoples' stories can be a great source of inspiration.

[caption id="attachment_1780" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Arthur Boorman's Amazing Transformation[/caption]

Some Articles:
Muscle and Fitness Magazine
Huffington Post
Fox News

Monday is Rest day.. Because Mondays aren't bad enough!

So monday is my standard rest day.  Once upon a time, this was simply so I wouldn't have to get up early on Mondays.  My thought was that they were bad enough due to the start of the work week - why make it worse with less sleep?

Since I do the majority of my working out now in the evening, this is obviously not a reason.   In fact, I have to admit that NOT working out, usually lowers the quality of the day on the Bad-------------------------------------Good scale.     The thing is - Mondays remain non-stop running.    In fact, the day runs so hard (which is why I don't) that I have to leave work early in order to get my son up to the Maryland State Boychoir practice in Baltimore!  The kids love it, as it becomes a "Junk Food" dinner - as we do takeout from some where.

Do you have a chosen rest day?  Is it due to scheduling reasons, or some other factor?

Productive Weekend!

Not a bad weekend, especially running-wise, although it was all treadmill based running.

Friday evening I hoped on the treadmill and turned my Battlestar Gallactica on.. Well, it seems it was a season premiere - so it was not the usual 35 minutes in length.  After watching the first half, I decided I wanted to see the whole episode, so my nice 2 mile run turned into a 5 miler!  I will be honest with you (after all, this is the internet and everything on the internet has to be true) - it was not just the show.  I also wanted to see if I still COULD run five miles.  Not only did I run it, but I wanted to go further.  discretion being the better part of valor - I did not.  (That and the fact I was fairly certain walking was going to be a problem on saturday, simply from being a moron and running 5 miles instead of the usual 2.)

I went up stairs and did the first 20 minutes of the Yoga program, just to stretch everything out.   I am VERY happy to report, that I had no out of the ordinary tightness the next day!  GO YOGA! I put out another 3 miles on saturday, followed by a brief stint of yoga afterwords (my wife walked by and accidentally kicked me... Combined with my being a bit self-conscious about doing yoga in front of her

On a Roll with Honor Roll

Last night, I was really torn on whether to run/yoga or take a rest day.  This had actually been on my mind through out the day.  I WANTED to run and then do yoga, but was very aware that my legs (especially my thighs) were really, really sore. I couldn’t see where I would make it through half of the PeoplesYoga Beginner 1 class, let alone all of it!  I alsocouldn't see if it would actually be beneficial to do it,  But I am getting ahead of myself..

[caption id="attachment_1758" align="aligncenter" width="478"] screen shot from peoplesyoga.com[/caption]

From a background stand-point, I think many of the 3 of you were reading this blog back in the July - Sept range, when I started a new job in a new state, and then was (finally!) joined by my family 2 months later.  This of course meant - not only a new job for me, but also that my kids were switching schools.

[caption id="attachment_1762" align="alignleft" width="300"] Their new school[/caption]

They started the school year at Horace Mann Elementary in Binghamton, NY and attended there for 2 entire weeks (you can imagine they weren't paying all that much attention for two weeks...)  A quick weekend move on the 15th of September, one day off as we got them registered and then off to Crofton Meadows Elementary in Crofton, Maryland.  Since Maryland schools start before NY, they were a bit behind.  Combine that with moving  from an "inner-city" school to a National Blue Ribbon school, and I am sure you can see where they might have had some catching up to do.  This was compounded for my son by a 5 day hospital stay as well (As if there wasn't enough working against them already!)

Needless to say, this first quarter was more than a bit rough on the kids.  When you add in a two-week attempt of doing no homework by my son (and hiding all evidence from us - such as notes from the teacher) you can imagine what our expectations were for report cards.



Sometimes life hands you pleasant surprises instead of the "knock-your-teeth-out" kind... :)


Seriously? With everything that went on this quarter - they both pulled Honor Roll? WTF??? I have GOT to have two of the most Amazing Kids (and yes, I capitalized that on purpose) ANYWHERE!!!!

After posting these to Facebook (Remember, nothing really happens unless it is posted to Facebook,) gushing over how amazing the kids are - to the kids (never forget to tell how awesome people are TO the awesome people!) - we HAD to go celebrate!


Since this was their celebration, it only made sense that the kids picked the celebration location and it seemed that big ice cream was in order.  We ended up at Cold Stone Creamery, and while we hadn't been to the local one, these two were very familiar with it from Binghamton, NY. So, two peppermint celebration "I Like It" size ice creams later, you can see our two very happy children with my lovely wife!

So how is this pertinent to my wanting to run, and deciding whether or not to take a rest day?  Well, after half of a cold stone Creamery ice cream (mine is the one in the picture with no one currently eating it), I certainly needed to exercise!  I was after all 98 calories over my daily limit (seriously... After eating Ice cream I was only 98 calories over.. I thought that was remarkable as well!)  I knew how sore my legs were, yet I still was set to go run on the treadmill due to being over-calorie.  (My wife thought I was foolish and couldn't wait to hear if I had managed to keep the ice cream down after running.)   My son? I think he may have saved me.

[caption id="attachment_1714" align="alignright" width="320"] Not Just for Dad's anymore[/caption]

"Dad, When we get home, can I run on your treadmill to burn off some of the energy that the ice cream is going to give me?"

So home we went, and I showed him how to use the new-to-me treadmill. He wanted to start our running, but I suggested a walk so he could get used to it.  So last night he did a fast walk , while watching TV - and stuck it out for an hour!  I may have a chance at turning him into a runner yet!

Thanks to my son, my choice was  made and yesterday was (Wisely) a day of rest.  I know that tonight, when I do two miles followed by Yoga - my muscles will be much happier since they were given a day to recuperate! !  I am not sure if I am interested in doing it the same time as my wife though (and I think she returns the thought.)  I suspect I would feel a bit awkward doing it the same time as her - I'm not comfortable in the poses, and I remain as flexible as a board.  Have any of you worked out with your spouse/girl-boy friend? (I mean when you were both OUT of shape, not two athletes working out together!)  How did it go?  Any advice if we do?

In regards to the Kids? I think they are adapting well and are on-a-roll (see what I did there?) toward a much better life than we had in NY.  I know my wife and I are as well!

(Unrelated side note.. One of the "recommended tags" for this post - is "Barack Obama" - how did they come up with THAT one?)

What's the point?

Originally I started this blog as a way to keep track of my running, and to give me a place to review and summarize what was going on.  In that time I gained 3 or 4 followers that occasionally read my posts - and it would make me feel like I had to keep a very direct focus on running.



The problem is, I don't always have much to say about running.  As an example, Right now I am running 2 miles on a treadmill when I run.  How many different ways could I say that?
- Did two miles today on the old treadmill...
- Ran on the treadmill today, two miles!
- The Belt on the Treadmill goes round and round... For two miles!

Ok.. seriously?  Not really a terribly interesting post.. Especially if I am saying it over and over every day.

The last two weeks summarized in one post...

So, I've been quiet for a couple of weeks.  Let me reassure you, this is not because I went back to not exercising... Well, not for much of the two weeks.

It started because our best friends came down from NY and spent a long weekend with us.

Still able to walk down stairs!

It sounds like such a simple thing!

Yesterday, I could feel my plantar faciitis bothering me still, but the pain was much, much lower than the previous two.  This of course meant I was game to try running again.  I hopped on to the treadmill, put my earphones in and started up Battlestar Galactica on the tablet (it seems that the Vice President is going to run against President Roslin, and congrats to Commander Adama!)   Trying to focus on "Doing things right" - I started out with a walk for half a mile to get everything warmed up and funcytoning like it should.  Then a nice 3 mile run at an easy 9:22 pace, followed by a 1/2 mile cool down.

Calf stretches.. Hamstring stretches, Achilles stretch and last but not least the ever popular stretch of the Plantar Faciitis.

Of course, the question I was curious about - was how was I going to feel this morning?  I woke up (Always a great start to the day in my opinion), and didn't feel any significant pain - just the usual in my P.F. and  a wee bit of noise from my leg muscles letting me know I had run yesterday.  Got up - could walk fine... The stairs? NO PROBLEM!!!

Now... I have no idea HOW I ran last night.. I wasn't paying attention to my foot strikes, I was paying attention to the TV.  Don't know if I was fore foot striking, Midfoot Striking or heel striking.  Not sure how I forgot to pay attention to that... I'm also not sure if it is good or bad that I forgot...

Ah well, we will see what happens tonight!

And on the 7th (and 8th) day, he rested..

It seemed an obvious move to take the day I could barely move my calves as a rest day.  The following day, it seems that tightness had moved down my ankle and into my foot.  My Plantar Faciitis was REALLY letting me know it was there yesterday!  No biggie, I took my Aleve, massaged it and rested for another day.

Today? It feels good! (insert James Brown as background music here)  I will hop on the old treadmill tonight, and do a nice slow 2 or 3 miles while watching my Battlestar Galactica. Only 40 or so more episodes to go!)  I have missed running for the last two days, and even the sleeve of thin mints I ate didn't help.  (actually, it made me more aware I didn't run. But boy are thin mints yummy!)  I have foregone the Aleve today (though forgot would be a better word than forgone..) but have my foot support on instead.

A week from tomorrow I will be doing a nice and easy 5k!  My first "race" since the Corporate Challenge, but I really don't plan on any "Racing".  It is going to be a nice run through the woods on a beautiful thanksgiving day!

Posting from a tablet about a to-sore-to-run rest day

I will admit that I had thought I was being careful, but did have my doubts that I was.  Even while limiting myself to 2 1/2 miles, I have had consistently sore muscles.  Already getting close to an  eight minute mile might be the reason.  For the last two days on my treadmill, I have pushed my distance up just a we bit. 

This morning, I got out of bed and headed down stairs......and almost fell flat on my face. It seems that my poor calf muscles were as tight as could be!  I suppose that running longer, and doing so in the evening instead of the morning can  cause some unforeseen side effects!  Tie that in with my first week over ten miles since march and I can see that today might make a good rest day.

Fortunately the world seems to have conspired against me, or I might have gone anyway.  Who can resist 70 degrees in November?  Due to work (on a day off mind you!), building a table (yay IKEA!), scrubbing bathrooms and headed off to the boy's choir I simply didn't have any time! 

I had forgotten how difficult it can be to take a day off of running, once you find that joy that running brings.  (Talk about a first world problem....)

The formatting of this post might be a bit off as it is my first attempt from my tablet.

The belt on the treadmill goes round and round.

The first thing I want to say is thank you to all those who have served in the armed forces of the United States of America.  Without your sacrifices, your risking of your life/limbs/sanity and missing countless family events that all of us take for granted - than we would not have the freedom to say we are the land of the free.  Thank you.

[caption id="attachment_1717" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Thank you to our Vets, that risked losing all, in the belief that their country and its people were worth that risk.[/caption]

Now on to the running talk.

Product Review: Runtastic (comparison to Cardiotrainer)

When I realized there had to be an easier way to track my mileage than doing it manually, I looked for apps on the Android Market (this was before it was "Google Play")  I tried several, and ended up using Cardiotrainer as it did everything I was looking for.  As time passed, they even added a heart rate monitor, which I as a good consumer went out and bought it.

Falling for an age-old weakness- When I saw Runtastic for sale on the Google Play store for .25 for the pro version (there is a free version,) I bought it.  Then I felt I had to try it (I spent a whole quarter on it after all!)

Pondering the proper pace

Up and at 'em Adam Ant!!!!!

I won!  A true victory!   Now, what is this amazing victory you ask?  I GOT OUT OF BED IN TIME TO RUN!!!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!!!   Apparently the post-election hangover, compounded by a post-stay-up-late-making-sure-your-son-does-2-weeks-of-homework-at-once, hits pretty hard!   We got a wonderful note (the communication was wonderful, not the content of the note) from my son's fifth grade teacher.  It seems he hasn't been doing his homework (and his test grades show this.)  He also hasn't been bringing home the notes from the teacher telling us he hasn't done his homework (thus showing he IS an intelligent child capable of more.)

[caption id="attachment_1691" align="aligncenter" width="564"] Apparently we are old fashioned in my house - when it comes to grades.[/caption]

 

Through Rain and Sleet and Snow and Political Hangovers...

So, I'm a political junkie. With help from Google and NPR (Washington DC's WAMU is a fantastic station!)  I have stayed up on the political scenery, both nationally and locally, as well as I possibly could.  I was also very scared of what our political landscape could look like under the candidates I didn't support, and what it could mean for our country's continued existence (and lets NOT bring up the fiscal cliff and its frustrating absence in the discussions.)  So how this relates to running you ask?  Well, its more the lack of sleep that this caused last night.  I couldn't go to sleep until the "Fat Lady had Sung."

(as a side note - I am very proud of my new state, we passed Same Sex Marriage and the DREAM act!)

But on to the running.. As the Alarm went off this morning, the last thing my body wanted was to roll out of bed and go or a run.  But since, I blew it the day before - up I went.  It was 38 degrees out, so noticeably warmer than yesterday! Talk about a fantastic starting point.

Hanging at the parents

This weekend we headed up to see the loved ones we left behind in NY. We came up Friday evening with the goal of seeing my wife's BFF (and our kitties that now live at their house.). The fun part of surprising people is when they aren't home! We did however get to see our cats, and their kids! The babysitter (also a friend of ours) seemed to think it was funny, at least she did when she got over the shock of us "out-of-staters" walking through the front door! We had come, supposedly, for the Annual Penguin book sale, so we did head out there on Saturday after visiting people (and eating a cinnabon. Sooooo good, and luckily we haven't found them in Maryland.). We stood in line in a cold drizzle and decided that this year it simply wasn't worth it. This morning I did three miles in my parent's treadmill. Booooring. Yet it was still a far better idea than running in the snow flurries! Its 20 degrees colder than Maryland was. I will say that it was awesome seeing the whole family, my brother and sister brought their families. Seeing my ten month old niece Micah Rose was awesome!

Friday's Ramblings... Or why its always nice to give clean pants to a neighbor's child after a dog throws up on them.

So its friday.. I draaaaaaaaaagged myself out of bed this morning (notice all the "a"s?  It was that hard to do..) and headed out to run.  The first thing I have to say, is I have completely forgotten how to dress to run in 40 degree weather.  I was nice and comfy when I got outside and started my run... At the end I went in the house and couldn't get the layers off fast enough!  But I get ahead of myself...

I decided I was going to hold myself back today and take it easy. I have been doing my runs at about the "maximum" speed that I could - for the distance I was running.. I haven't been planning on doing this, it's just that my speed that I ran an easy 4 to 5 mile run last year, is now my "maximum I can handle for 2.5 miles.."  It occured to me that running consistently at that level is probably not the smoothest of moves I could make, my goal today was for a 10 minute mile.  So with that goal in mind, I headed out of the door.

I started my Runtastic.

The streets, without the pitterpatter of little ghouls and goblins.

Ghouls and Goblins.. I don't think anyone actually dresses up as ghouls or goblins anymore.  I know mine went as a Witch (though half way through she took of her hat and proclaimed herself to be a vampire) and a skeleton.  And I don't know about pitter patter either.. They halloweeners I saw were certainly having too much fun (aka loud) to hear any pitter pattering!!!!  But no matter how you look at it, there was definitely a good time had by all!

As you can see my little Witch/Vampire and Skeleton had quite the haul....And somehow I am going to eat none of it.  While this way-to-much-candy-in-the-house season continues, I will keep you updated on how much of their candy I have (or have not) eaten!

Halloween and the Curse of the Candy Calories

So its Halloween..   That means two things - Trick or Treaters and CANDY!!!!!

[caption id="attachment_1667" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Halloween 2010[/caption]

I don't think we runners (or want-to-be runners as I consider myself at the moment) are any different from any other person.  We will escort our little ghouls and goblins around the neighborhood so that they can beg for a sweet confectionary delight at each house.  After an eternity of watching them mooch, and yelling "Did you say thank you?" and "Get off the grass!" - we will return home tired and worn out.  Then my wife and I will begin the annual "Candy Inspection."   The ever important part of the evening where we make sure no one has tampered with any of the loot before handing it out.  (One amazing thing, is every year it seems that most of the Peanut Butter Cups have been tampered with.  Then, we have to set those aside in a bowl that the kids aren't allowed to touch as my wife and I test each one individually making sure they are "Safe.")

Day of Rest

So yesterday was a rest day.  Seems odd to say that as I have just started regularly running again.  How can I need to rest, I've been resting for MONTHS!   But my legs have been letting me know that a rest-day was needed, especially in my calves!  I have to dress like a grown-up in my new job, so no VFFs at work.  Needless to say, having been wearing normal shoes made my calves REALLY surprised when I went for a run!

The other part that surprised me is I missed my run.  I'm still at the stage that running hurts, perhaps because I am running at a fairly decent pace for being out-of-shape.  I WANTED to run yesterday, but stuck with the planned rest.  I may not have liked it, but I'm sure my calves and other muscles did!

Tonight? I dodge trick-or-treaters!

My Heroes.

August 22nd.  Since that date, there has been nothing but silence here on my WordPress Blog.  If you follow along on my Facebook page, you got to hear from me as recently as August 24th.  Granted, if you follow Storme, the Curvy Road Runner on Facebook, then you have seen me post a few times since then to her wall.  (As a quick side note, if you don't either follow her on Facebook, or her blog - you should she is someone who has really shown the life-changing potential of running, and how to reach for your goals. SHE

[caption id="attachment_1642" align="alignleft" width="300"] Hero #1 - Storme, rocking her medal.[/caption]

was at the starting line for the Marine Corps Marathon this year, unlike yours truly!)  Storme is an awesome person, and is truly an inspiration!

Busy as a bee

It seems that when life gets busy, running/exercise is the first thing that is dropped or pulled back on.  Life lately definitely counts as busy.

At the moment, I continue to spend my weekends in Binghamton NY, and my weeks staying at the Best Western Capital Beltway in Lanham Maryland. (I recommend this hotel if you are looking for a place to stay to visit DC.  The staff is professional, the place is kept clean and tidy and it is far less expensive than staying in Virginia/DC. Plus it has a killer breakfast included in the price.)  Its hard, as I miss my family - but long term it is fantastic.

On August 8th, my son turned 10.  That was a VERY rough week to drive away from home.  The week before I had been in Maryland, and wished my father a happy birthday over the phone.  I have been at his house sharing is very excellent German Chocolate Cake for the last several years. (I do have to admit however, he saved me a piece and gave it to me when I was back on the weekend.  My mother makes the BEST German Chocolate Cakes!)  The idea of missing my son's birthday several days later?  It was ripping me apart.

Things have a way of working out however.  I was visiting one of our sites in Baltimore, and she suggested that I email the CEO asking to leave early, and head up.  Unsurprisingly - he gave his consent, and I headed back to NY.  I got to pick my son up from the Boys and Girls Club, and spend his birthday evening with him.  This was a HUGE surprise for him, as he thought we were just going to do his birthday via Skype!  I then got up at 2:30 AM, and drove back to work.  

You can see how I happily gave up my workouts for a couple of days, so that I could spend my son's birthday with him!

Weekends are spent packing/cleaning/family time - so my running goes to nothing then as well.  I am maintaining running tues-thursday, but the complete lack for four days of every week is definitely hurting my stamina-building.   But now the good news.

We have put a deposit down on a town home in Crofton Maryland!  The town seems marvelous, and the number of runners is insane!   It is a good thing that I run with my phone - as I have no doubt I am going to get lost as I learn the area.. I see lots of "5 mile runs" turning into far longer... And possible calls to come get picked up!  We are moving on the 15th of September (So if any of my dear readers have made it this far in the non-running post, AND live near by - feel free to send me an email if you would like to help us un-pack!)

I had signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon this year.  And while I am not ruling it out, HOW I will run it has drastically changed.  I am thinking a nice run/walk combo - with a goal of 12 minute miles.

Yup, you read that right.

Its an interesting time to be me.. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

Fitness while traveling

[caption id="attachment_1633" align="alignleft" width="323"] My friend at the Best Western Capital region![/caption]

It's funny to me, that you often read about people who stop their work outs while traveling.  Now this DOES make sense to me if you are staying at cousin Vinny's house.  I'm willing to bet some pretty good money that Vinny doesn't have a small gym set up for anytime he has visitors.

One of the nice things about staying at a hotel - is that most of them DO have some sort of gym and pool.  Now, I admit I have found out here in the Washington D.C. area - that the pool is not the least bit useful to work out in.  There will be no doing laps when busloads of children are in there enjoying their summer vacation!   But this hotel does have a small gym.  For my purposes - it has a treadmill, which is what I need to re-start my running hobby.  I can't say how much I have missed it.  Those miles do seem a lot longer than I remember however... :)

ch ch ch ch changes.....

[caption id="attachment_1623" align="alignright" width="300"] All ready for my first day! Nervous as HECK I might add![/caption]

"Turn and face the change...."

The last month and half have brought a whole lot of changes, some happy, some sad, some both and some that are down right scary.  I am sitting and typing this up from the Best Western Capital Beltway in Lanham, Maryland.  As my mailing address is in a small town called "Binghamton, New York" - it raises a question of why on earth am I five and a half hours from home?

Running is fun.. The other options? Seem lacking....

This not running has been a severe downer for me.  As you can tell from the lack of recent posts - I have not been doing much in the exercise/work out department.   I can honestly say that I do not know how Red kept her sanity with no running.  I also have this bizarre ingrained feeling - that if I cannot run 3 miles consistently (as my short run, not my long run) that I am not a runner.   The ultimate irony of this - is I do not hold anyone else to this standard.  I have friends that are out running 1 mile, and all I have for them is praise and assurance that as soon as they tie on those shoes and head out the door - they are a runner.  Yet for some reason I don't apply that to myself.

Since I enjoy running - I can (when I am physically able to do so without pain) get myself to get out and run.  I may not want to get out of bed, I may not feel like getting up off of the couch - but once I get outside putting one foot in front of the other, I enjoy it.  I mean I REALLY enjoy it.  I have tried starting (And will do it) Insanity a couple of times.  I have gone bike riding. I have lifted weights using the "total gym."  Any of these are fun as a variety work out for me.  To do something different one day.  But I cannot get excited about standing in front of my TV for 45 minutes, 6 days a week.  I don't mind riding a bike outside, and have even found that short run - followed by a bike ride can feel good (emotionally and physically.)  While I am happy to run in the rain, cycling doesn't work out so well and this limits me when we have had the amount of rain we have had in the last couple of weeks.  I had debated riding a bicycle to work to help get exercise, but the rain has prevented that one too.

Productive Weekend! 3 Mile Run (WOO HOO!)

So, I have to say - as far as running and exercising is concerned - it was a productive weekend!

[caption id="attachment_1608" align="alignright" width="300"] Doesn't really fit today's posting. I just liked it![/caption]

I had decided I was going to try 3 miles this weekend - and headed out Friday evening to See how it felt.  It was odd.  Around the two-mile mark, I noticed I was limping - but my foot didn't hurt.  It was tight, but not painful (well, beyond the standard every day pain from Plantar Faciitis.)  Into the second mile, probably 2.5 miles or so - it was definitely moving into sore.  I iced and stretched when I got home, and figured I wouldn't run the next day or so.  But man did it feel good to run 3 miles. That's my distance that - for me - is "running."  If I can't do three miles (minimum) regularly, I don't feel that I am actually runner.

Speed and Agility Work

[caption id="attachment_1591" align="alignright" width="300"] My Daughter getting her awards from the Troop-Leader (Her mother!)[/caption]

Change of plans!  My daughter's final girl scout meeting of the year was last night.  This is the one where we have pizza, play games - and most importantly to the girls - they get their awards!

There were A LOT of awards!!!!  For my son's final cub scout meeting they got their ranks.  For girl scouts they got the whole kit and caboodle.  A pin for completing a year,  a whole bag of cookie incentives, badges,  a certificate and more!  Needless to say, the girls were very excited.  Follow it up with Pizza, girl scout cookies and Hawaiian Punch?  It was like a slice of heaven!

Now, I'm sure you are wondering how this is related to running, especially the Speed and Agility Work mentioned in the title. Well, while the girls were eating pizza, the boys wanted to go into the gym (scouts is held at a school.)  Well, before long freeze tag started up - and I seemed to usually be it.  Sprinting after kids, changing directions, etc for 30-40 minutes DEFINITELY counts as Speed and Agility Work!   I was WOOPED!  Fortunately I was wearing sneakers with my inserts in them, but that did not prevent me from icing my foot when I got home.  I also took one of my naproxin - which I had been weaning myself off of.

While I was rolling my little ice bottle on the floor - it made me realize how much less pain my foot has really been in.  I can run.  I can wear my VFFs (though I wear an elastic arch support around my foot), I can sprint and dodge on a hard gym floor.  I can walk all over philly, I can drink beer. (ok, that last one isn't related to running. But it IS tasty!)  It's interesting how we can get used to something like constant pain, which can make it harder to really see if it is getting better or not when it happens in little increments!

I'm going to keep up what I am doing - because it works.. I MIGHT even try a 3 mile run this weekend.  Though I have to admit I have concerns that this may be "too much too soon"

Insomina prevents early morning workouts...

So last night was one of those nights where I could hear every noise in the house, every thought in my head and everything that occurred last night.  Those nights are NOT conducive to an early morning workout!  But that's OK, because I really wanted to do a longer bike ride.  Those are easier to do at night when I have more time!

Tomorrow, I will let you know how far I made it!

Apparently the noise an alarm clock makes, makes a difference

[caption id="attachment_1582" align="alignright" width="300"] An Alarm Clock. An invention of Satan if there ever was one.[/caption]

You, my dear readers, have undoubtedly seen me write about how I would like to get up and work out in the morning.   In addition I am sure you remember my posting about how much I enjoy my sleep - and consequently I do not get up.  I had purposely picked the most obnoxious alarm that my phone has - as it is impossible to ignore.  Made sense to me as the first step to working out in the morning is to hear the alarm.  This is followed by hitting snooze until my wife's alarm goes off, then I turn my alarm off and just listen to hers every 8 minutes.  I do enjoy my snoozing peacefully (in 8 minute segments.) This process continues until I have limited my morning to exactly enough time to get up, get dressed and go to work.

After my lovely wife mentioned

Running and Biking Oh My!

Couple of days to catch up on.. But since I haven't posted about them it must not have happened right?



I decided that it was finally time to face my fear, strap on my running shoes and head out the door.  I won't lie - I have been scared over trying it for a couple of reasons.  I have been worried that I would run, and find that I developed excruciating pain in  - which occured around mile marker 2 on that 3 miler I did about a month ago.  I  also was dreading going out running - enjoying it -  and then being in agony the next day.  A definite sign (if it occured) that running anytime soon was going to be a pipe-dream.

Back at it! Did you miss me?

[caption id="attachment_1568" align="alignright" width="300"] Thanks for all the help Joe![/caption]

So, I have been quite quiet as of late!    The good news is that it isn't due to any unforseen disaster with my Mother in law's heart surgery.  She is doing AWESOME!  They kicked her out of the hospital earlier than planned, as she was doing so well!  She was glad to be home early - that is for sure!  My brother-in-law Joe stayed up there with her to help take care of her.  We headed up every night with food and to visit.

Friday we brought Joe down to the Philadelphia Airport so he could fly home to Texas after being away from his wife and kids for so long. His coming up certainly made life easier on my wife and I (thanks Joe!)

Sometimes a change of perspective helps us see what is important.

So for the last 24 hours I have been in the Cardiac Care Center of Wilson Memorial Hospital while my mother in law had a valve replacement done.  The surgery went well and she is recovering nicely.  In fact, the surgeon called it "Text-Book," as everything has gone according to plan.



While here, we spoke with someone whose husband

New Shoes! New Shoes!

Yesterday's workout was the cardio recovery Insanity DVD.  As the name suggests it is a "recovery" day, so the workout was a bit different.  Instead of a fast paced high intensity workout, the pace is slower with controlled movements.  Apparently Shaun T's definition of "easy" is a bit different than mine as I couldn't even manage to do all of these workouts without taking breaks!

If I had thought I was in good shape, this would definitely have cured me of that misconception.  I have a LOT more work to do on my core strength - fortunately Insanity has a focus on that very thing!  It was a lighter workout however as I am not in a whole lot of pain today. I do like the amount of stretching in the program as I need that!

So the best part of the workout? MY NEW SHOES ARRIVED!

The Insanity Continues with a pending shoe delivery!

So last night, I popped in the next DVD for Insanity.  The flavor of the day was Cardio Power Resistance!  Granted I had a break that Shaun T. hadn't worked into his schedule, but this one seemed significantly easier than the Plyometric Cardio Circuit.  My primary thought is that as I am a runner I have pretty strong hamstrings, while I know my quads aren't all that.  This workout seemed to be more focused on hamstrings than quads (based on what was getting tired/sore.)

As if to support this - I am only sore today, not in agony and walking like an 83-year-old man.

Some of the exercises: 
Power Jumps - down to  a squat, jump up with your hands over your head, then land softly
Hurdles - Run in place, then on Shaun T.'s command jump as if you were going over a really short hurdle

I have never been so happy to see my Mother in Law.

So, my son's latest Parlor City Boy Chorus concert was last night

Well, before the concert I rushed home after getting the kids so that I could get a workout in.  After a quick change I grabbed a water bottle and tossed in the Plyometric Cardio Circuit DVD.  I was able to keep up, though I took Shaun T. seriously when he said "take a break as you need it," but a quick swig of water is often enough break to let you get back to it.

The nice thing is that it starts with the warm up, and then repeats it speeding it up.  Just starting this routine out - its nice to be able to actually have the opportunity to figure out what the heck it is you are doing!   I won't lie however, it was rough and it hurt.  It demonstrated to me how week my hip flexors are as I tried to continuously get my knees higher than my hips.  I can certainly see the work on my Quads and Glutes really helping my hill running later on!

About 30 minutes into it, the most wonderful thing happened.  My mother in law showed up as we were all going to the fore-mentioned concert.  So unfortunately I had to stop and go shower so as to be ready to go on time.  30 minutes out of 42ish complete - not bad for a first run!

After the concert we got home, and my night splint had arrived for my plantar faciitis.  I have to try a couple of things to make it fit better - so I don't have a lot of opinions on it yet.  I will say that even walking around at the concert hurt.  My wife said that while I was sleeping the Zoe Cat would jump on me and she could hear me groan in pain.  So if anyone is reading this posting and trying to decide whether or not to do the Insanity workout, keep the cat out of the bedroom.

I am off to a day of hiking and camping with the Cub Scouts, so I will not be doing any Insanity today.  But will be back at it tomorrow!

Insanity

So, in theory I am "allowed" to start running again this weekend. The Podiatrist said I could give it a shot. This leaves me running in the "improper" shoes however, and my new (although still not what the podiatrist ordered - it is closer) shoes will not be here until next friday.    I have stated I am going back to exercising - even if I can't run - so it raises the question of WHAT to do?

Well, some of you may remember (that is if you are the one person that read my blog back then), that I once thought about doing P90X or Shaun T.'s Insanity.  At that time, in the long long ago, I did the fitness test for Insanity.

I hurt for four days.  I mean, I hurt ALOT for four days.  I decided I wasn't insane enough to continue.

Visit with the Podiatrist

So I posted a brief bit on Facebook about what the podiatrist had to say, but I have been crazy-busy so I wasn't able to get back here until today.

First, I expected one of two (From what I have read online) standard Podiatrist viewpoints toward the Vibram Five Fingers.

1)  These things are horrible. No one should ever wear them (or walk barefoot) as our feet should be in shoes that make them work properly.  They are just begging for injury because they don't let your foot work like it should.

2) They are ok, and there is nothing wrong with wearing them, but

May Day, Beltaine and new beginnings

Today is May the first of two thousand and twelve AD.  May the first is also known as "May Day" or Beltaine. (bear with me, we will get back to the running information after a couple of paragraphs!)

According to the Wikipedia entry on Beltaine:

Bealtaine was historically a Gaelic festival celebrated in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. Bealtaine and Samhain were the leading terminal dates of the civil year in medieval Ireland, though the latter festival was the more important. The festival regained popularity during the Celtic Revival and remains observed in the Celtic Nations and the Irish diaspora.

According to Nora Chadwick, in Celtic Ireland "Beltine (or Beltaine) was celebrated on 1 May, a spring-time festival of optimism. Fertility ritual again was important, in part perhaps connecting with the waxing power of the sun, symbolized by the lighting of fires through which livestock were driven, and around which the people danced in a sunwise direction"^[1]

Positive Peer Pressure

Positive Peer Pressure. <-- I asked The Curvy RoadRunner to go for a run for me, since I am unable to do so.  Here is her post about it!  Go read!

Taping Plantar Faciitis again.

So I pulled the tape off that I have had on my foot for 4 or 5 days.  The tape was not quite in the same shiny white condition it had been.  In fact,I think the technical term would be - nasty.   But I hadn't been wearing it as a fashion statement, instead I had been wearing it as I had been able to walk mostly pain-free with the tape.  Having removed it, my first question was how much it would (or wouldn't) hurt to walk with its absence. so I was curious as to how it would do without the tape.  The foot-log felt good with out the tape, so I tried walking.  there was some uncomfortableness (is that a word?) when I walked - so I decided (With my wife's brilliant input) to re-tape it.  Well, that means I asked my wife to re-tape it and she agreed. Have you ever tried to tape your own foot?

I miss running.

Plantar Faciitis status report

I've been quiet lately, as using an elliptical isn't terribly interesting to write about.  The only good thing I can say about it, is that I am catching up on my Battlestar Gallactica episodes.  If I continue with how I have been watching them - Watch a couple, don't for several months - repeat.. --- Then I should have the series completed by the time my daughter gets married, and she is only 8!

[caption id="attachment_1501" align="alignright" width="300" caption="First I tape around the ball of my foot."][/caption]

As for the title of the blog posting. I have been continuing to research how various people have "cured" plantar faciitis.  Mine is better than it was, but has moved to a slow gradual improvement, rather than the quick improvement of the first few days.    I have returned to wearing my Vibram Five Fingers as all of my other shoes actually bothered the PF more after those first couple of days were passed.  I have it taped, using the instructions my doctor's office gave me.  The picture to the right shows the taping method that I used but with one difference..  Before doing the taping in the picture, the ball of my foot is taped by wrapping it all the way around my foot.  This has been WONDERFUL as far as reducing the pressure on the plantar facia. 

Race Report - Healthy Steps for Kids 5k

Unfortunately with my foot, I was unable to run the race I had planned on saturday.  So I headed out to cheer on Derek, as well as a former co-worker.   Derek was nice enough to write-up a guest post so we would still have a race report!

[caption id="attachment_1494" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Derek (in white) 50 feet from the starting line - ahead of our former co-worker Tim (in the Orange)"][/caption]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

[caption id="attachment_1495" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Derek and Tim coming up the hill after the 1 mile mark. The 10 year old in the gren shirt came in third over-all."][/caption]So it was my first race of the year and I did not know how I would do, so I was thought I would try to pace myself with somebody during the race.  It turned out that only a few people in the race were faster than I was, so there was no one I could really pace myself with.  I ended up trying to pace it by myself.

The race started and I took off - I was running with the  leader for just  a little bit, but he started pulling away. For probably three fifths of the race I was in 5th place, behind what seemed  to be two adult runners and two young kids. The kids where 10, but man could they run. Finally Tim (former co-worker) passed me again -

Foot Log initial impressions.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="204" caption="I tried it out as soon as I opened the box."][/caption]

So, this isn't a full review as I have had it less than a day - but my FootLog arrived yesterday!  My first impression was the same as when I saw it online.

It looks like a lego.

But I have learned to not judge a book by its cover, a wine by its label or sports equipment by its appearance - so I was still game to try it.

Wow.  That is my first impression.  Wow.  It felt amazing.  After using it on my foot with Planar Faciitis I was able to walk completely flat-footed.  I can only imagine how wonderful this thing would be after a vacation day of walking around a city.  Or after a trade-show of standing on your feet all day.

This thing is incredible.  My wife is working at a local Chamber of Commerce Show all day today, and will be on her feet for over 8 hours.  She is looking forward to using it at the end of the day today!

I don't know yet how well it is going to work to help "cure" my plantar faciitis, but it certainly made it feel better last night! Well, at least until I went and spent two hours walking around the mall.  I will keep you informed of how it goes!