Archive for the ‘chi running’ Category

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Third run in a row, twice in a row

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Well, third run in a row twice with a three day break in between. I don’t think this qualifies for my four runs in a row method of getting back into running. And to top it off I probably won’t be running tomorrow as I will be up somewhat late tonight with band practice. Speaking of, I just joined a band – the Carroll Raumm Orchestra. Talking to the director I found out they play for the Portland Marathon every year. Seems like I remember them, but I was probably so jazzed (no pun intended) to be running that I may have forgotten. Now I will have an excuse for not running it!

So, today’s run went pretty well. I wore my motion control shoes for the second day in a row. I had put these aside when I got my orthotics as I was supposed to run in a neutral shoe with them. My podiatrist said I could easily rotate them if I wanted (since I had just purchased a new pair of the MC shoes). I have noticed that I seem to run faster in them then my orthotics (though not these last two days). The orthotics are more comfortable, but are heavier. In addition since wearing them I have a reoccurring plantars wart on the bottom of my foot. My doctor says they sometimes pop up with new shoes as your foot might rub and the irritation can contribute to them. He said my orthotics were probably the culprit and told me about an over the counter medicine called Duofilm. The Doufilm worked (the wart came off eventually leaving a small crater on my foot) but it came back. I have gone through probably four bouts of applying the medicine. So in my foot book, they mention using common duct tape on the wart to cover it after you put wart remover on it. Apparently this is one of those common things that everyone knows. Well, not me. So I have been using the duct tape (just a small square) instead of a bandaid for a couple days now. Apparently the glue irritates the wart. Anything to do that!

I did notice some foot pain after my long run on Sunday, but not enough to discourage me from running a couple of base runs today and yesterday. There is a part of me that thinks I should head my body’s message more and just stop running. But there is a larger part that says buck up and deal with it and use the warning as incentive not to run too much. Moderation!

Posted in chi running, ms, plantars wart | No Comments »

Ten miles and no extra pain

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Being that I didn’t do my four runs in a row, I can’t say I am back into it. But today I did a ten mile run that went really well. I felt pretty good through the whole thing and even picked up the pace for small portions. I didn’t start out with a long run in mind, I initially set off for one of my base runs. But the 10K base run turned into a 10 miler. There is a point in my regular route when I can go left for the ten miler or right for the 10Ker (two blocks later I can go straight for an eight mile route or right for the 10K). Usually I just follow my initial plan. Running is so methodical that it is east to decide on a plan and then stick with it. But today was an exception and I went to the left to see what the three bridges path had in store for me.

Nothing too exciting. I ran into some neighbors and their kids on the trail. Later I ran by some geese and ducks that sounded just like my cell phone ring, I kept having a phantom itch to answer it (even though I didn’t have it with me.)

Big news: we got a puppy. She is a cutey, but will never be a running dog. That is ok, someday I’ll have a canine running pal.

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Sure fire way to get back into running

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

I said I would write yesterday when I ran for two days in a row, but I didn’t. Now today, my third day in a row I remembered my sure fire method for starting running and I figured I had better write it down.

I don’t know why I struggle with getting back into running, I have a sure fire method for doing it. I learned it very early in my running days, in fact I think I probably figured it out the first time I got hooked. It’s simple: run four days in a row. By the time you finish you will be hooked again. It doesn’t even matter how far you go, I posit that it works for runners at all levels and distances. The routine of running those four days forces you to work it into your schedule and once it is there, once running is a part of your daily routine it stays. Unless of course one of the myriad of roadblocks gets in the way, but then it is just time to build back up and do those four days.

For me my running days have been around my base run distance of six miles. I have been taking it slow, but I have firm about not giving up. I remember doing it when I was just starting out when I did four days of running a mile or so. I even remember running up the road that led south way from my friend’s farm in the summer. I’d run about a half mile up the road then turn around and run back. The run back was a reward as it was all downhill surrounded by dry golden fields.

So tomorrow will be day four, I don’t plan on getting up early though. I may just have to experiment with three days in a row with a weekend kicker. But I feel good today despite the heat of my run today. I tied a new route which always seems longer. My five miles seemed like eight, mostly from the newness of the route. My estimation of the distance was about a mile or so shorter than my guess. I did run through Laurelhurst park a beautiful park that I used to live a block away from. I used to run with my friend Karen and a run around the park seemed like forever.

Posted in chi running, getting back into running, ms | 1 Comment »

Fast run out of nowhere…

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Last night I promised myself I would go running this morning no matter what. I even cemented the deal by telling my wife (who recently asked “Have you stopped running?”) I was going. So last night I slept poorly for some reason (probably lack of running!) and when the alarm went off I hit the snooze three times. But my mind and body got the best of me and I got out of bed before I could hit it a fourth time. I was sleepy, but I was going to go running and that was that.

Right off the bat I found myself running a pretty good pace. There was a lot of smoke in the air (I swear, fireplace fires in August? I guess it was a little chilly…) and my lungs burned a bit. Still, I pressed on and figured I would be out of it soon. And I was. I don’t know if it was the five days of rest or what but I was cruising. Well, having watch the world championships in track this weekend I am not so sure “cruising” would describe my pace, nut I was moving faster than I have recently. When all was said and done my pace as about 25 seconds faster per mile.

There is a runner I see all the time who runs very fast. Today when I ran into him I matched his pace. OK, confession time. I was going down a pretty good hill and he was on his way up! Still I felt good!

My plan is to go tomorrow as well. See you then.

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Still struggling

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

I have been having the hardest time lately getting up for my runs. I have all sorts of excuses: too hot, sore feet, visiting relatives, not enough sleep, and more. But really it comes down to just not pushing myself to get out and run. Laziness is contagious, or I should sat it builds upon itself. I can easily get into a pattern of running 4 or 5 times a week. The runs will come easily, the motivation is there, everything seems perfect. Then I will break that pattern for whatever reason and I have the hardest time getting back into it. There always seems to be something getting in the way. I think I need to pick up a running book. Reading even a little about running always gets me back into the running mindset. I have an interesting book that is sitting on my shelf as well that I could start reading again. I forget the title but it has to do with training the brain for running. And that is just what I need!

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Rain!

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

After a summer of dry heat it was a welcome change to have a wet run in the rain. The downside was it was still pretty warm and the combination made for a muggy energy sapping run. Still it was really nice and I totally enjoyed myself. It’s funny, my shirt felt so heavy being soaked. I felt like I was carrying around a ton of bricks with me. The light was really cool looking, I forget how much I like the light on cloudy days especially in the morning.

My feet are feeling the effects of running too quickly after injury. They don’t feel so bad before and during my runs, which is probably one of the reasons I have been pushing it. But after they have been really achy. Nothing aspirin doesn’t cure, but it is definitely a reminder that I need to take it easy on these runs. My feet are probably saying don’t run at all, but the rest of my body says ahhh go for it.

The first rains of the summer usually have a crushing effect on our yard making everything sag under the weight of the water. It also made the trails I run on a little treacherous with fallen branches. I had to stop several times and toss branches off to the side and out of the way of the next runner. I feel an obligation to the trails I run on to make it better for the next runner both in terms of a clear path and picking up garbage (especially in the canyon). I draw the line at dog poop though. I just can’t see carrying plastic baggies with me on my run and stopping to pick up crap, that’s taking responsibility a little too far. Especially when it isn’t being reciprocated.

Posted in chi running, ms, rain | 4 Comments »

Hobble-Along Cassidy

Saturday, August 8th, 2009

Against my better judgment I went for a run today. To make it a worse decision I went for a long run. While I will admit this is a dumb idea for the most part, I actually felt pretty good. While I totally advocate and practice rest when injured, I also feel there can be some benefit in stressing an injury. This might be the dumbest idea ever, but I think it can help build you back up stronger than ever because while you are stressing it you are aware of it and focused on it. Like I said, maybe this is bad advice, but it seems to work for me. The other aspect of this is that it is so hard to get back to exercising after an injury. You get in the pattern of not working out and resting yourself and it is really hard to get away from the luxury! As you heal it is often hard to know when you are healed enough to return. The slightest twinge will keep you from returning for fear of re-injury. I don’t think I would apply this to things like a broken bone or anything, but soft tissue damage (as long as it isn’t too severe) seems to be ok in moderation (the key!)

So my recently rolled ankle feels ok so far after I went for 7.5 miles today. The one sore area is the outer part of my right foot which I rolled in my stupid flip flops (the devil’s shoe!) It started to get sore with about a mile and a half to go. I focused on proper and balanced foot-strike and was careful not to hit any uneven spots (actually did through the entire run.) I did have to put up with a couple people passing me which I hate! But I guess I should get used to that, I’m getting older and slower or at least I am getting no younger and no faster (that sounds better.) One person came up to me in the canyon and touched my shoulder to let me know he was there, I have a feeling my radio (though it wasn’t that loud) was keeping me from hearing him. He was nice about it and I apologized for my lack of proper attention, I need to watch that. Scared the crap out of me thoguh when he did it.

Posted in chi running, injury recovery, ms | 3 Comments »

Hot weather and twisted foot

Wednesday, August 5th, 2009

It has been two weeks since I ran last. The weather here has been too darn hot. Even in the early mornings it hasn’t been cool enough to get out for a run. I think a lot of it is that it is so hot during the day (107 was out high point) that I just get sapped of all energy, even after a night’s sleep (which also hasn’t been good) I just didn’t feel like getting up and hitting the roads. To top it off and seal the deal, it hasn’t really cooled down at night. Ok, enough heat excuses for now, besides I have another.

I have a pair of flip flops that I wear in the yard and office. They are moderately comfortable, but they have gotten really stretched out. Occasionally I have rolled my foot inside them. Nothing to do with the ankle, but actually rolling the foot. So I was climbing over our goose fence in our garden and was greeted by a flock of lettuce crazed geese. In trying to avoid them and their madness I rolled my foot. My small toe actually rolled under my foot. At first I thought I had broken something, it was really sore. But I didn’t have a black and blueness and putting pressure on the bones didn’t cause any pain. I think it was pretty much soft tissue damage. So heat and outside of my foot pain kept me preoccupied for the last two weeks. A couple of days a go I stubbed my little toe on my other foot so bad that it has turned black and blue. If anything is broken it is that toe. Gads.

So despite the foot issues I hit the roads today. It is so hard to get back into things after a layoff. You get used to being lazy. But it felt pretty good. My cardio fitness took a hit, but it will come back. The run went slow which was fine with me. There were a lot of people out running today. It looks like I wasn’t the only one to be inspired by the recently cooler weather. A little over half way I rolled my ankle (not my foot this time) and it still hurts. I probably should have headed home right there, but it still would have been a long walk. So after a couple of minutes I felt it was ok to continue. The rest of my run went pretty gingerly and I was really careful of any jumps off curbs or uneven trails. Now ice is in order as well as some ibuprofen.

Posted in chi running, foot injury, heat, ms | No Comments »

Smelling good

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

I finally broke down and purchased some special sports detergent, I couldn’t take the stink any longer. I am not sure what happens when you exercise as far as sweating goes, but apparently I excrete death. So, Sports Suds to the rescue. I am so far pretty impressed with the job this stuff does, my duds smell pretty much like new after one wash. I say pretty much as there was still a bit of a lingering odor, but for the most part the mildewyness is gone. Next up, my shoes.

I don’t wash my running shoes ever. I prefer the look of the grubby dirty shoe to the clean new shoe any day. It says I am a runner, not someone who just jumped into a pair of new shoes out for a doctor recommended run for the first time. New shoes look especially bad at the first of the year as now you take on the persona of the new year’s resolution runner destined to do it for a week and then retire the shoes to the back of the closet. So, give me the dirty shoes any day of the week. However, mine have reached the point where I want to do something. Its as if I am strapping on big smelly blocks of mud to my feet. Plus I want to try the Sports Suds on them and see how it works, especially when it comes to the odor elimination part. While I don’t keep my shoes inside the house, I do keep them in my office so smelling nice would be, well, nice.

Today I took my clean clothes out for the second 8+ mile run this week. If I can manage a couple more moderate runs I will be well over 30 miles for the week which is pretty much my goal mileage at the moment. I don’t want to go too far over that right now, but five runs a week of 6+ miles would be great, or three 6+ runs and a long run. Today felt pretty good, I was getting a bit tired near the end, but I finished strong with a faster than usual pace.

I just found a couple pieces of the wooden spoon I chipped up in the blender making my green drink. Gotta be more careful of that. Today’s recipe is not that good: apple, strawberries, two carrots, two kiwis and the requisite head of lettuce. It’s not sweet enough, and I think having a banana would have helped it a lot. I am also not sure if I really like the carrot, makes it a little too crunchy. The one I made before it wasn’t very good either, the mango I put in didn’t work very well and gave it sort of a yucky aftertaste. I want to try pineapple, I think that would be good. Another piece of advice that I took from Montel Williams is try different things in your drinks. He says the variety of ingredients not only provides interesting flavors but gives the body a bevy of vitamins and goodness. Maes sense, but then again a friend just told me a story about studies of people who don’t move from area to area and have consistent diets of only local fruits, veggies and meats all showed to have improved longevity and better health. Hmm.

Posted in chi running, green drink, ms, sports suds | No Comments »

Seizure meds and today’s run

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

In my quest to cut down and stop taking on my seizure medication (Dilantin) I am now down to taking one dose a day (down from 5 a day). Before I was diagnosed with ms, the symptom that really slapped me across the head and forced me (and those around me) to realize something was wrong was the periodic seizures (or spells as I liked to call them, it sounded so Victorian to call them that which somehow lessened my fear). These “spells” would come on randomly sometimes every 15 minutes, sometimes every two hours or so. They seemed to worsen when my body heat would pick up. With running I would have them every 10-15 minutes at first and I would have to slow down to a walk (or attempt to walk, I actually dragged my one foot along in an uncoordinated manner). These instances of uncoordinated walking were paired with slurred speech which was all sorts of humorous and annoying at the same time. I was a periodic drunk without the fun of being drunk.

After being diagnosed with ms, this was the first symptom we attacked. I started out with 3 100mg doses of dilantin (actually the generic phenytoin). This initially helped quite a bit but didn’t completely eradicate the issue of my spells. When I got a second opinion I asked a lot of questions about the spells as my main neurologist had told me they were a symptom she hadn’t often seen. The docs at OHSU said the seizures (they liked the more doctorly term) were a rare symptom, but a documented one, The good news they told me was that these often go away over time and I may no longer need the medication. The way to decide whether or not I needed it anymore was to gradually taper off and see how it went.

At first I wasn’t too concerned as the dilantin was working and my spells at first lessened adn then eventual stopped all together. I didn’t like taking the dilantin for a number of reasons. One, I was removing the gelatin based capsules and taking the pill inside and it tasted terrible. Two, it sometimes gave me heartburn for which I could not take an antacid for fear of weakening the absorption. Three, it made my pee smell terrible (oddly, throughout the process of coming to a balance my dilatin levels were always low in my body, but it seemed to me I was peeing out a large amount of it.)

My first effort was to go from taking 5 a day to taking 4 one day then 5 then next. I’d do that for a week and then go to 4 and 4 and so on. I made it all the way down to 3 and 2 when I noticed the seizures coming back all be it very slightly. Still I didn’t want a return to them so I went back to taking 4 and 4 which seemed to be a fine balance.

My second effort started about a month ago, but I decided to not do the complicated odd/even dose thing and instead did a full dose jump. As I dropped to 3 and 3 I started to feel very mild seizures at the end of my runs, but that soon dissipated. I stayed at 3 a day for a few weeks before dropping to 2 daily doses. A similar thing happened at this jump. I felt a bit seizuery (yes, not a word) after a few days as my levels settled. This only lasted for a couple days then went away for the most part. I still felt a little weird, hard to put my finger on just what I was experiencing. Just sort of fuzzy, but not that bad.

I have now dropped to one 100mg dose a day and experienced the same effects as my levels changed. I feel a little woozy, but nothing horrible. The heat has also been really bad these last couple of weeks, so I am sure that had an effect. I am going to stick with the one a day routine for awhile and see where it takes me. But I am really looking forward to stopping all together.

So running. I woe today with a slight hangover, nothing bad as I only had a few drinks last night with a friend. I was a bit sluggish at first, but about midway through I picked up my pace and kept it up. I really wanted to to to the track today, but it didn’t seem like the best time to take up speed workouts. Soon!

Posted in chi running, dilantin reduction, ms, seizures | No Comments »

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