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.