Hi there.

I’m currently foam rolling and figured I’d entertain Duncan at the same time.

foam roller

it’s a foam roller….it’s a tree trunk.

But it seems he’d rather just lounge…

you do you...I'll do me.

you do you…I’ll do me.

Maybe that’s because I took him out to the park super early this morning before work and tired him out. I woke up before the alarm and while I thought about running, I decided to spend a little extra time with him. I’m totally wrapped around his paw.

Posin'

Posin’

Walkin'

Walkin’

early morning sun is so pleasing

early morning sun is so pleasing

But I promised myself I’d get in a run after work. The sun doesn’t set until 7:30ish these days and the weather today was perfection—68 degrees and sunny. And boy did I need this run! I had a tense day at the office. Oh, I wish I took pictures but my hands were full so you’ll just have to picture the scenario. On my lunch break, I walked downtown (about 15 city blocks) to the craft store to buy some supplies for a decoupage craft project i’m planning to do with Mr. SOTSS’ daughters this weekend. I bought a few pads of scrapbook paper in pretty patterns and colors, a huge jar of decoupage glue, paint brushes and shoe boxes to decorate. The cashier put everything in one big plastic bag but apparently with the whole world going “green” this was pretty inadequate plastic. Not 2 blocks away and the bag ripped and there were paint brushes falling out the bottom and pads of paper falling out the sides. Mind you that my shoulder is still quite compromised. I made it a few more blocks carrying the bag from the bottom and finally went into a drug store to ask for a shopping bag. I arrived back to the office sweating like mad and my shoulder was screaming! Luckily getting the supplies home went much more smoothly. Now to brush up on my decoupage skills. No wrinkles! No air bubbles! No Whammies!

I got home at 6:15 tonight—took the doodle out quick and by 6:45 I was on my way—first short sleeve run of the year AND first evening run of the year for the WIN!

Look I'm back just before dark!

Look I’m back just before dark!

Look! Short sleeves!

Look! Short sleeves!

watch-dusk-runTonight reminded me how much I love a good evening run. I’m going to try and make it a point to do at least one evening run a week through the spring and summer.

Tomorrow I’ve got my second PT appointment for my shoulder and Friday I’m going to Dr. W. for my knee and then this weekend I’m going to shoot for an 8-10 miler to close out my “training” for the NJ Marathon. I can’t believe it’s only 11 days away. #freakingout

Do you have a preference for time of day to exercise? What time does it get dark where you live?

 

Happy Saturday!

So I followed Dr. Williams orders and went running on Wednesday. I had to use the treadmill at the gym thanks to snow, ice and time restrictions. But I was only planning on 2 miles…and 2 miles is exactly what I completed…

IMG_3704The knee held up fine until I stopped. Usually it gives out while running but this time it locked up on me after running. It ended up being sore until the next morning. I was relatively calm though because I wasn’t “sneaking” in a run. Oh, and I wore my new New Balance 1080’s and my new custom inserts and LOVED them both!

FullSizeRender 6Such a cushy ride. So there’s the good thing about only being able to run 2 miles….perfect way to break in new gear. =)

Thursday we had ANOTHER snow storm. I worked remotely but managed to spend a few minutes outside enjoying the white stuff.IMG_3769
Guess we won't be barbecuing for a few more weeks...

Guess we won’t be barbecuing for a few more weeks…

In his glory

In his glory

Weee!!!! An unplowed street to run down!!!!

Weee!!!! An unplowed street to run down!!!!

After playing in the snow they defrosted on matching towels.

After playing in the snow they defrosted on matching towels.

And then yesterday after battling ridiculous traffic painfully slow bus rides (resulting from the snowstorm the day before), I went back to Dr Williams for my second ART session.
waiting again for another bus

waiting at the bus stop for the bus.

waiting for a bus

waiting for a bus again!

He also used the Graston technique on me. The combo of these two things made me almost puke from the pain. I told him I’m a wimp but he said “no, this stuff is really very painful.” Well at least he cleared that up. Just give me a puke bucket, but FIX MY KNEE! I mentioned about my knee locking up at the end of my run on Wednesday but he wasn’t concerned…he insisted I keep running. He said even if it’s a mile. In addition to foam rolling and stretching the quad I have to do some hip flexor stretches too. Bottom line is that the ART and Graston create some inflammation which will force my body to focus on healing. Oh and he said the knee might feel bruised. Well apparently it is…

i guess the bruise is more noticeable next to my pale skin.

i guess the bruise is more noticeable next to my pale skin. I don’t have the most shapely legs…sorry bout that!

I got home in the late afternoon, grabbed Duncan and took him to the park so we could both unwind and enjoy the winter wonderland around us. When there is sunshine on my face and nature’s beauty around me I can’t help to be anything but happy.
drawing in snow

I can’t remember the last time I professed my love this way but it sure felt good. If you’re reading sweetie, you know I love you because I wrote it in the snow 🙂

snowy bench

Come “chill” out on this bench with me! LOL!

park snowscape

Snowy serenity

Duncan at the park

I think i want to paint this picture and hang it in my house somewhere. I love it!

After the walk we came home, I made a quick dinner and then poured myself a glass of wine.
friday evening fun

Friday evening fun

I have a nice quiet and relaxing weekend completely solo which is rare these days between all the fun I spend with my friends, my family and Mr. SOTSS.

Duncan and I even slept in until 7am!
good morning!

Good morning!

Then Instagram reminded me that the NYC Half is just 8 days away.

NYC Half

this should be interesting

I have my 3rd visit with Dr. Williams on Tuesday and I’ll probably get in a 4th visit on Friday which can only help I suppose. I’m meeting my friends after the race for some brunch and to catch up on life so hopefully they won’t mind waiting a little extra longer for me to finish…my plan right now is to walk briskly (15 min pace) for the first 10 miles and run the last 5k…but like I said, I’ll have my MetroCard so I can just bail and hop on a subway to the Starbucks afterparty 🙂 I have already run the NYC Half and have more medals than I can count so it really doesn’t matter if I finish or not. Actually last year I had a MISERABLE time at the NYC Half.

Today, I spent a lazy morning cleaning house and then decided to take the doodle for yet another walk in the snow. We changed it up and visited a different park this time. But still the most beautiful views.

a dog and his human

a whole lotta curls…well mine were looser because i had leave-in conditioner in it and had it in a bun most of the day. #themoreyouknow

bobbing for apples?

bobbing for snow apples?

clove lakes park

Red fences make pictures so perfect

IMG_3844

snow and dog

peek a doodle

I’m now cozy on the couch and will probably go to bed a little early tonight since I’m a sad sack we lose an hour of sleep this weekend. Ah Daylight Savings….love that sunsets will be later but not looking forward to darkness at 6:30am. Tomorrow I’m planning on running 1-2miles. It’s going to be a mild 47 degrees out. I can’t wait to have just 20 minutes of outdoor running bliss.

Have a great weekend!

Anyone running a half marathon this month?

Are you an early riser? Night Owl? What’s your favorite time of the day?

Hi there.

Hope your week has been going fine and dandy well.

Last night I had my shoulder MRI. It was pretty painless. Took about 25 minutes and the technician had alternative rock playing so I was happy. They made me take my bra off because of the metal clasp, but I was able to keep the rest of my clothing on so I didn’t need to wear a silly paper gown. I tossed the bra in my purse. After the test was over I was in such a rush to get home I forgot to put it back on. When I got home I laughed that it was still in my purse.

have bra will travel

have bra will travel

I’ll get the results next week but as I’ve mentioned I’m finally feeling improvement and feel confident that at this point some PT will be all I need to get my full range of motion back in my shoulder. I cannot wait for the day I can pull a shirt over my head without having to gingerly slide my right arm into the sleeve first.

Oh, and I finally made some progress in the attempt for a referral to a sports injury doc. The receptionist at the doc’s office took down all the info for my request and was going to share with my primary care doc. If he approves then they’ll just call me when the referral is ready. Cross your fingers! The doc I’m hoping to see is actually a sports chiropractor. His bio says Dr. Williams has dedicated his life to treating sports injuries and teaching proper biomechanics to athletes, as well as any individual interested in leading an active life.” Sounds like the right guy for me! 

So last I left you I had just filled you in on my meltdown and the Cold Feat 10k. After my running peeps went home, I had to make a quick stop up the road at my folks’ house. It had started to snow and everything was blanketed in white.

childhood home

The house I grew up in…

Then on Sunday morning I took some cool shots of ice formations around my neighborhood.

I love when the water droplets freeze like this

I love when the water droplets freeze like this

More »

Hi there.

Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s a silly day to me because I think we should be lovin’ on everyone every single day. And I hate that it makes some people sad (I was that person for many years). But I’m on board to celebrate it today. Especially with my two favorites:

coffee and dog

my doodlebug and my coffee…LOVE!

I found the best candy ever:

wonka candy

YAY! Wonka makes sweetart conversation hearts

I’ve always said those conversation hearts are so chalky and taste like antacid and wouldn’t it be cool if Wonka would make a Sweetart version….My wish was granted!

Wonka candy

Be Mine!

I finally made it to the orthapedist and 11 days after falling off the snowmobile got an X-Ray. No breaks! So that’s great.

no breaks

no breaks

They can’t get me in for an MRI for another 10 days but apparently whether there is any type of tear to the rotator cuff or not, the treatment is the same….rest. Yep, rest. I could have saved myself some $$ on copays.

They gave me a sling so my surrounding muscles that are picking up the slack can get a break but it’s pretty uncomfortable so I haven’t been using it much.

sling

I need to bedazzle it.

This should be a fun weekend. Tonight I’m headed to Mr. SOTSS’ house. My sweetie’s cooking me dinner! I am loved (and lucky)! And because I love him back I’m baking dessert and I’ll even share it with him (although I already tapped into the can of whipped cream I bought to top the dessert with). Tomorrow I’ll be going to the Borgata (hotel and casino) in Atlantic City for a “wolf pack” birthday celebration for my friend Lisa.

wolf pack

The wolf pack from our last trip to celebrate Barbara’s birthday!

In case you care to read about our previous shenanigans at the Borgata you can read this post and this post.

The doctor said I can run if I want and won’t cause any damage to my shoulder but it might be uncomfortable. She said perhaps I should use the bike or elliptical. Since I don’t plan to start running again until 2/21 (which will make 4 solid weeks of no running) I might just ease back into cardio with some biking at the gym next week. Although I have to say I’ve been loving being lazy. It is really weird.

I have been walking with the dog when I can but that’s really all the exercise I’ve been doing.

struttin

struttin

brisk walk

enjoying the sunshine and the freezing temperatures

doodle

reflective doodle

freezing temperature

cold.just.cold

So here’s my life lesson: TIME and REST heal everything

Let’s face it, in this world where everything around us is instant—instant food, instant gratification, instant conversations, instant access to information—it’s hard to grasp the concept of slowing down and taking it easy. I’m going to stop Googling “how to heal faster from runner’s knee” and “how can I train for a marathon in 8 weeks” and instead I’m just going to take it one day at a time. I remember my foot doctor saying to me when I was suffering with ankle tendonitis “If it feels better give it one more week to be sure”. While I can do things like apply heat and ice, strengthen and stretch and foam roll, I think rest and time are really the clinchers in the healing process.

I know in time I’ll be feeling healthier and stronger and I’ll start craving those long runs…In the meantime I’ll enjoy  the time and the rest and the healing.

Duncan doesn’t mind all this extra time I have had for him…

the "stop taking pictures" look

the “stop taking pictures” look

stocking up on doodle supplies

stocking up on doodle supplies

The light is just too bright

The light is just too bright

Valentine's day means a special cookie!

Valentine’s day means a special cookie!

In honor of Valentine’s day what color would you choose Pink or Red?

Who else loves to squirt whipped cream into their mouth straight from the can?