It's been a tough taper which is part of why I've neglected updating my blog regularly...again. I've been following my training schedules (aside from the past two weeks...details later) and my anticipation for the marathon and triathlon are growing. The weather has been nicer, the days have been longer, and I've never been busier!
Tonight is the night before the VT City Marathon. It will be my 7th VCM, my 16th marathon, and to make it more special--it's on my birthday! Normally, the weeks leading up to a marathon I scale back on my mileage and get extra sleep. The day before a marathon I rest, eat well, and hydrate. This time around has been very different for both me and Marty and not by intention. I'll try to be brief by describing the highlights (or low points).
Three weeks ago, Marty and I completed a long, full brick workout (1000 + yard swim, 25 mile bike, 5K run) and then continued home to work on our yard. Marty split and stacked wood for six hours while I mowed the lawn, planted, weeded, and stacked wood. The following morning we were nearly crippled for our long run. Poor Marty had to cut his run short and catch a ride back because of shin pain which turned out to be tendinitis. Fortunately, after working diligently with a PT, he recovered. However, we both cut back our mileage...to nothing aside from our long run on the weekend.
Marty's saga continued with a diagnosis of a sinus infection this Monday. Fortunately, his doctor prescribed an aggressive, quick-acting antibiotic to speed his recovery.
On Tuesday morning, Riley decided he needed to go to the emergency vet for some spinal pain symptoms. (A year ago today, Riley ended up at the emergency vet for a major spinal surgery-- he has degenerative disc disease and a ruptured disc paralyzed him. Amazingly, he recovered almost 100%). The vet said he'd be okay with some rest and pain meds and they sent us on our way.
Wednesday Riley was ok. Thursday night, Riley became sick with diarrhea. Friday morning, Riley vomited all his food--partially digested and continued with
diarrhea . This morning Riley vomited again. So, it was time for another trip to the emergency vet. After thorough blood work, x-rays, and IV fluids...Riley was sent back home to rest.
Now, we're finally home to begin our eating well, resting, and hydrating. Not your typical pre-marathon routine.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow and to Mooseman on a very near horizon (next Saturday). Stay tuned for a VCM update.
Please help us save lives one mile at a time by making a donation to our Team Courcelle triathlon fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
I'm a Bad Blogger
I just haven't been able to keep up with blogging the past few weeks. Here are some quick blurbs on the latest and greatest of our training adventures...
Malicious Migraines and Funky Feet...Connected?
I saw a chiropractor for the first time this week to treat my migraines, as suggested by my doctor. I learned a whole lot more than I expected from this visit. The doctor reviewed my medical history including a section on past surgeries. He inquired for more details on my foot surgery (1996- foot surgery for Haglund's Deformity a.k.a. "Pump Bump"). It turns out, my osteoarthritis and Haglund's Deformity are related issues. I am a severe pronator (flat feet) which has led to the development of these issues over time.
I've also been told that that my calf muscles are incredibly tight (which I suspected). Interestingly enough, calf muscles are acupuncture trigger points for migraines--connection??? My chiropractor took a look at my modest heels that I had on and told me that I should not be wearing heels. Apparently, heels artificially shorten your Achilles and combined with my calf issues, put me at high risk for snapping my Achilles. He said regular running is fine, it's more likely to happen with a fast movement (jumping, quick turns, etc.).
So, I left the chiropractor with an order for orthotics, and some exercises and stretching for my head muscles and feet. I guess I have funky feet.
Bobcat Crossing
Marty and I set out for a training ride on a route we've been on before. As we we're cruising down a hill, I noticed an animal coming out from a field into the road. I thought it was a dog, then a large cat, before realizing it was a bobcat! If I was a little bit faster, I would have hit it. However, my startled scream sent the bobcat flying out into another field. What next?
Just Like Christmas
It's been a lot like Christmas over the past week as we've acquired all sorts of gear for the triathlon and marathon. It all started with our new Team in Training purple singlets arriving. I purchased new bike shoes at a bike swap sale that are just like slippers. Then, I picked up my new aero bars and Marty, so kindly, put them on my bike. And, I picked up my next pair of marathon shoes...I love getting new shoes!
Aero Anxiety
Marty installed my new aero bars and I anxiously awaited an opportunity to try them out. Our evening training ride was the perfect opportunity...or so I thought. I just couldn't bring myself to get both arms comfortably in the aero bars. I got one arm in (kind of the Hokey Pokey), but that's it. I tried again this weekend with no luck--just aero anxiety.
Taper Time
This morning we joined our fabulous running group for our final 20 mile training run. It's been a tradition that we run the VT City Marathon course less one out-and-back section as our final 20 miler. Normally, we're blessed with beautiful weather. Today's weather was not ideal by any means. We set out in a chilly 37 degrees and 20-30mph wind (not gusts...sustained wind). We had occasional snow flurries to add to the mix. The temperature was bearable--the wind was the challenge. One section of the course leads us very close to the water along a sea wall. Today, I referred to this section as the gauntlet. The wind was blowing so strong that the waves were crashing on the wall, causing the water to pour down on us. Cold water + wind = COLDER and HEAVY. So, it wasn't an easy 20 miles. Now, we're officially in "taper time" for the VT City Marathon.
Help us save lives one mile at a time by making a donation at our Team Courcelle fundraising page for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Malicious Migraines and Funky Feet...Connected?
I saw a chiropractor for the first time this week to treat my migraines, as suggested by my doctor. I learned a whole lot more than I expected from this visit. The doctor reviewed my medical history including a section on past surgeries. He inquired for more details on my foot surgery (1996- foot surgery for Haglund's Deformity a.k.a. "Pump Bump"). It turns out, my osteoarthritis and Haglund's Deformity are related issues. I am a severe pronator (flat feet) which has led to the development of these issues over time.
I've also been told that that my calf muscles are incredibly tight (which I suspected). Interestingly enough, calf muscles are acupuncture trigger points for migraines--connection??? My chiropractor took a look at my modest heels that I had on and told me that I should not be wearing heels. Apparently, heels artificially shorten your Achilles and combined with my calf issues, put me at high risk for snapping my Achilles. He said regular running is fine, it's more likely to happen with a fast movement (jumping, quick turns, etc.).
So, I left the chiropractor with an order for orthotics, and some exercises and stretching for my head muscles and feet. I guess I have funky feet.
Bobcat Crossing
Marty and I set out for a training ride on a route we've been on before. As we we're cruising down a hill, I noticed an animal coming out from a field into the road. I thought it was a dog, then a large cat, before realizing it was a bobcat! If I was a little bit faster, I would have hit it. However, my startled scream sent the bobcat flying out into another field. What next?
Just Like Christmas
It's been a lot like Christmas over the past week as we've acquired all sorts of gear for the triathlon and marathon. It all started with our new Team in Training purple singlets arriving. I purchased new bike shoes at a bike swap sale that are just like slippers. Then, I picked up my new aero bars and Marty, so kindly, put them on my bike. And, I picked up my next pair of marathon shoes...I love getting new shoes!
Aero Anxiety
Marty installed my new aero bars and I anxiously awaited an opportunity to try them out. Our evening training ride was the perfect opportunity...or so I thought. I just couldn't bring myself to get both arms comfortably in the aero bars. I got one arm in (kind of the Hokey Pokey), but that's it. I tried again this weekend with no luck--just aero anxiety.
Taper Time
This morning we joined our fabulous running group for our final 20 mile training run. It's been a tradition that we run the VT City Marathon course less one out-and-back section as our final 20 miler. Normally, we're blessed with beautiful weather. Today's weather was not ideal by any means. We set out in a chilly 37 degrees and 20-30mph wind (not gusts...sustained wind). We had occasional snow flurries to add to the mix. The temperature was bearable--the wind was the challenge. One section of the course leads us very close to the water along a sea wall. Today, I referred to this section as the gauntlet. The wind was blowing so strong that the waves were crashing on the wall, causing the water to pour down on us. Cold water + wind = COLDER and HEAVY. So, it wasn't an easy 20 miles. Now, we're officially in "taper time" for the VT City Marathon.
Help us save lives one mile at a time by making a donation at our Team Courcelle fundraising page for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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