Not pretty in pink

Sometimes when progress is slow it's hard to see the bigger picture. Despite being physically inactive, I've actively been trying to lose some of the weight I've put on in the last 8 months.  So far I've lost 5kg (11lbs).  Or 2 big bags of flour and a bag of sugar.  Slow progress but at least it's progress.

Over the last few weeks I've gradually been building up to running again.  Just a few more minutes on the treadmill at a time, wee bit longer on the cross trainer etc and have pushed my knee ever so gently.  So being able to run for a mile non stop at the weekend with NO side effects was hugely satisfying.  I still need to tape it but only for exercise now.  It's not pretty even with pink kinesiology tape but I don't care how it looks, just how it feels.

And it feels gooooood!!!

Puppies, pullbuoys and patella straps

Meet Emma, my future running partner.  She's 10 weeks old and cute beyond belief.  It's taken a wee bit of time but Lucydog has accepted her and life is fun and games at the moment.

This attractive piece of foam is my new favourite piece of kit.  I am still not allowed to do any weight bearing exercise and can only swim if I don't kick my legs.  But this wee gem wedged between my thighs means I can still get a cardio workout.  Months of relative inactivity means the weight has piled on.  But with a bit of WW points counting, playing with my pullbuoy and punching the living daylights out the punchbag means I've lost 2 kg in 2 weeks already.  Just another 8 to go to get back to my ideal training weight.

And yet another piece of kit I've been using.  It does help support the patella but slips out of place easily.  Looks like I need to start taping instead.  TBH I'll try anything to get back running and cycling.  Never thought I'd hear myself say that!!

Rest, rest, rest

Been told I must rest my knee or it won't recover.  How the heck do I do that???  It's my own fault for thinking that if I just cut back on the running/cycling it will get better.  It didn't.  I'm scared to count how long I've been out of action but the bathroom scales have kindly reminded me.  Pilates, weights and punching the hell outta Gordy's punchbag aren't quite doing it for me but better than nuthin!!

Rest, ice and stretching are awfy boring.........

Jumper's knee

Turns out my knee pain is probably jumper's knee aka patella tendonitis.  I'm having it x-rayed on Friday to rule out a chipped patella (ouch!!) and have been give some NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation.  And I've been told to see a sports physio ASAP.  The great thing about having a GP who runs himself means you're unlikely to be told "Don't run."

Hopefully a bit of TLC will see me back training fully before long :-)

To sleep, perchance to dream.......

Aye, chance would be a fine thing!! (with apologies to Hamlet) Right now sleep is proving an elusive activity so any dreaming is really day dreaming.  I suspect it's the lack of physical sweat inducing activity.  You know, that satisfying knackered feeling after a run or cycle that generally guarantees a decent night's sleep. My back is constantly sore and I'm actually getting my knee looked at medically. Hey ho, just a stumble but the goal is still the same. 

On the academic front I'm still aiming to get this flipping degree finished.  I had to drop out from the music course last year cos I fell behind when I was ill.  Luckily the OU let you transfer credit to the following year.  Unluckily, the music course is no longer running so I've opted for a course on Shakespeare.  Gulp!! It starts next week and lasts until October. Six essays and an exam at the end.  Double gulp!!!

And just to keep things interesting at the same time I've started a counselling skills course.  Four modules, one day a week over a year then hopefully onto the 2 year diploma course to become a qualified counsellor.  Not so much a case of day dreaming but planning for the future and a career change by the time Gordy leaves school.

Dreams, goals, plans.  Doesn't matter what we call them, as long as we have them.

Holes, schmoles!

Once upon a lifetime ago, I was responsible for laundering more mucky running gear than I currently do (although I now do cycling, swimming, rugby and TKD gear as well). I confess I may have been a teeny bit critical of the state some of that running kit was in and may have on occasion vigorously encouraged the owner to part with some of that clothing.  I might even have quietly disposed of some items on my own initiative.  Longer term blog readers will remember me posting pictures of said manky items and really old friends will remember the infamous London Marathon t-shirt incident in the 90s ;-)

So, here's the thing.  I get it now.  The above photo is my favourite winter running top with a couple of rips in the sleeve (I was climbing over a barbed wire fence, as you do)  The old me may have decided it was no longer wearable and recycled it.  But I love that top.  It's got a fine fleecy inner layer, extra long sleeves with thumb hole and it has pink piping in all the right places that makes me feel more svelte than I am.  So I'm still gonna wear it, with holes.  And my favourite leggings with the burst waist elastic!

But then I realised that's not all I can't part with.  I've got a few pairs of running shoes that I can't throw out either.  Once they're not good enough to run in they become dog walking trainers.  Once they're beyond that they become gardening trainers. 

And I've just realised I have categories for my pants..............

Hello 2012!

I can't remember where I got this from so apologies for not crediting it but I thought it nicely sums up my view on 2011. 

It's been a long tradition in my family to look back over the old year on Hogmanay and think about the highs and lows.  And on the surface it would appear that 2011 wasn't a successful one for me.  I didn't get to compete in a triathlon, I didn't finish Boot Camp, I didn't do my half marathon, I didn't sell the house and I didn't get a job.  I had whooping cough, then got an E Coli ear infection,  I developed a knee injury and my back is constantly playing up.  But a lack of success in these things certainly doesn't mean it wasn't a great year.

I love tri training.  I've said before, it suits me.  I can work round the injuries. I love my house so still living here isn't a hardship.  Someone will fall in love with it just like I did.  And as for the job situation, watch this space ;-)

Thanks to some great people I do see how wonderful my life is and will continue to be.  In 2012 I will continue to challenge and push myself in ways I never imagined I could.

Happy New Year! May 2012 bring you everything you deserve xxx

Now that's inspirational!

Before yesterday I was vaguely aware of Jamie Andrew and his story.  He was that guy who had been stuck on a French mountain for days and had to be dramatically rescued.  I knew he had lost his hands and feet to frostbite, he did 'things' for charity and did the rounds as an after dinner speaker.

Yesterday I attended a workshop and seminar where he was one of the speakers.  Wow, wow, wow!!! If you ever get the chance to hear this guy, go!

Yep, he was an experienced climber who had a tragic accident that resulted in him needing both hands and both feet amputated.  His sheer determination and will to not only live but live life to its fullest is moving and inspiring.  Each day he would set himself a small challenge to learn to do something for himself again.  Sometimes it would take him all day to achieve something as simple as brushing his teeth.  But each day he set and achieved a new goal.

I sat there hanging on every word, marvelling at how he learned to walk again with his new legs and how he persuaded his prosthetitist to create the world's first prosthetic climbing hands.  I wasn't surprised that he was climbing again (proper ice climbing!!) or skiing (cross country and downhill) or had sailed the North Atlantic in a boat crewed by amputees.  Or that he started running, working his way up to completing the London Marathon.  By the time he said he had completed an Ironman I was just so humbled.  He finished his talk by juggling with 3 balls.  Seriously!

If he can do all that with no hands and no feet, then I've got nothing to complain about.  A truly inspirational man

Best present ever!

This weird looking device is called a Flexibak.  It is an osteopath-designed back support cradle that eases lower back pain problems and discomfort. It gives back pain relief by correct decompression of key joints, allowing natural movement to return.  Basically you lie on it and do the exercises.  Check out the website at www.flexibak.net for more details.

I can be in major discomfort after running/cycling/gym session or just from normal day to day stuff like driving/carrying shopping. I do the exercises every night before bed and during the day if I'm particularly stiff.  This wee gadget is a miracle worker!  I can get up the next day and do it all over again.

I've had physio treatment on my back many times over the years (I'm over flexible from years of gymnastic training) When my back is bad I have to stop training.  Until now.  Since I started using it regularly my pain has improved enormously.  It hasn't cured me but it's made a huge difference.  And that's what makes it the best present ever.

PS Check out my new blog at www.alissoupkitchen.blogspot.com

It's NaNoWriMo time!

Like I don't have enough things to do!  50,000 words in 30 days.  5th time lucky I hope :-)

Meet Mack

Inspired by my subversive friend I thought I should either blog or give up all together.  It's not that I haven't been doing anything blogworthy. Quite the opposite in fact, I've just been so flipping busy I haven't had the time.  And I have a tendency to put a lot of stuff on FB so most folks know the drama and saga that is my life!!

Since this blog is supposed to be about my tri efforts I'll stick to that but it's worth noting that everything else in my life is going well.  Except for selling the house *sighs*

So, meet Mack (short for Mackenzie) my ancient mountain bike.  In the pic we're just back from a very muddy ride round the fish farm near me. Mack is so old he used to have a baby seat on the back.  But everything is still in working order and he had a bit of a makeover recently.  Since then we've had loads of adventures including going to Arran and night rides round Stirling Castle. FB friends will know he survived falling off the back of my car (whole bike rack came off!!) while I was driving this week.  I still break out in a cold sweat thinking how lucky I was not to cause a major accident on the A9!  My guardian angel was looking out for me that night.

But I can cycle without aggravating my knee and my back. HOORAY!  I can work out at the gym painfree.  YIPPEE!! I can run a couple of miles if I wear a knee brace with no after effects.  WOOHOO!!! Still haven't been tempted to get back into the pool though. BOO!!!!

Stirling Tri is still the target.  I have a few other plans along the way.  Nothing compared to my more experienced running friends but exciting enough for me.  I am continually challenging and pushing myself (and am being challenged!) in so many positive ways (sea kayaking for example!!)  Sometimes I kick myself for waiting so long but good things come to those who wait :-)

Be the change

As an educator I know the power parents and significant adults have to influence our children's habits.  Want your kids to love reading?  Let them see you reading. Want them to eat healthily? Eat well yourself.  Kids learn by watching what you do, not what you say.

Even so, it was with some surprise that during a recent conversation it was pointed out to me that Gordy's new found enthusiasm for all things sporting was partly due to me.  Me, the former exercise hating lazy bitch??  Surely not.  But then I gave it some thought.

Despite being ill and injured this year, he's seen me prioritise health and exercise in a way I've never done before.  We sometimes run, swim and cycle together although he's miles better at running and swimming than me now.  I still have the edge on cycling but that will change!  We talk about eating properly and plan meals so he doesn't run out of energy (he's veggie so getting enough iron and protein is a priority)

Tonight I watched him at TKD and realised that he was the only kid in the class who was able to do 10 press ups.  How did that happen?  And then I figured out that with the variety of stuff he's been doing he's just a fit kid.  Two years ago he missed almost 2 terms of school due to glandular fever. Look at him now!

His first rugby match playing for the school on Saturday

Gandhi said "Be the change you want to see in others" If the positive changes I've made in my life have contributed in some way, then I am one very proud mama.

Moving forward

Thanks for all the lovely encouraging comments here and on FB.  I'm more upbeat about the whole injury thing now.  But two weeks of relative inactivity haven't been easy.  My appetite hasn't decreased unfortunately and I suspect I may end up looking like a sumo wrestler if I'm not careful.  If the weather was better I'd be happily munching my way through salad but when it's this cold my body is convinced it needs to lay down fat stores to get me through the winter!

But I'm keeping busy.  Knitting, quilting, gardening, reading (Chris Hoy autobiography) and there's always stuff to be done round this old house.  It looks like the housing market won't be improving any time soon so I need to prepare for another winter here. That will keep me occupied and out of mischief.

I've also found 4 teaching jobs within my speciality so I've been busy filling in application forms.  Surely one of them will come my way?  Fingers crossed and universe been asked.

I loved this quote Fi left on FB. "Success is not measured by heights attained but by obstacles overcome. We're going to pass through many obstacles in our lives: good days, bad days. But the successful person will overcome those obstacles and constantly move forward"  Bruce Jenner

I'm moving forward :-)

Day 3 aka Game Over

Day 3 began with a lie in.  Until 6.30am! I expected to be stiff and sore so wasn't surprised to find I could barely move. I genuinely hadn't looked at the day's programme (cos I would freak!) so when I found out it was a 5 mile pre breakfast run I panicked.  But a quick test run up and down the road and a liberal amount of Biofreeze on my lower back convinced me I was up for it.  I really was.

And the first couple of miles through knee deep puddles and muddy trail were ok.  I was actually enjoying being out in the pissing down rain.  And managing to run up all the hills!  And then my knee began to get sore.  Achey at first, then twangy.  Then so painful, I had to stop running.  It was a long tearful walk back to the car.

The short version is that I simply couldn't take part in any more exercise.  So I came home, 2 days early.  My knee puffed up nicely and I limped around the house in a foul mood, periodically sitting with a bag o' frozen peas on it.  A trip to the physio suggests I haven't torn or damaged anything but there is major inflammation. Treatment is rest for a couple of weeks and start back very slowly.  He also suggested I'm pushing my body too much.

I haven't been able to blog about it until now because I was so angry. Angry that my race plans have been thwarted again.  Every time I increase my levels of training I get ill or get injured.  It feels like I'm destined not to do a triathlon or half marathon this year.

So even though I didn't complete Fit Camp I learned a lot.  I pushed myself harder and further in one day than I've ever been able to do.  I still let the crap in my head stop me from believing in myself but I'm more aware of it and I'm working on it.

I have no idea what to do now.  I don't have a goal to work towards except don't gain weight!  How can I stay motivated when I can't train?

Day 2

I got up in time (just) for a pre breakfast 3 mile run and beach workout.  Stunning location but eaten alive by the dreaded midges!!

Breakfast was followed by a 5 mile trail walk.

Lunch was followed by a 20 mile mountain bike ride on trails, closely followed by an upper body circuit session.

And rounded off with a collapse into the hot tub!!  It was hot and bubbly!!!

I have never done so much exercise in one day.  I discovered a few more things about myself.  I'm a big scaredy cat going downhill on a bike!  I was constantly told to get my hands off the brakes.  And true to form I struggled going uphill as well.  Encouragement in the form of "PEDAL, PEDAL, PEDAL" had little effect on my dead legs. No problem, I got shoved up from behind. And when that wasn't fast enough I was dragged up!!

I discovered that when you run out of energy it means you haven't eaten enough.  Ooops!  Forgot I had stuff in my backpack.

And I fell off. THREE times!  Once into the river, once going up a hill and once at the side of the main road (that one really hurt!)

But I kinda enjoyed (most) of it.  Although I don't half ache all over!

Day 1

It might be a pretty ski lodge with Wifi, outdoor hot tub and a wood burning stove but it may well be the scene of my demise.

Boot Camp (cunningly renamed Fit Camp!!) has commenced.  A deceptively leisurely evening arrival was swiftly followed by a short sharp shock in the form of tomorrow's schedule!  A 6.30am pre breakfast run and beach workout, followed by breakfast, followed by a 3 hour trail walk then lunch.  I haven't even got the heart to look at what I'm doing after lunch or in the evening.

I love how optimistic Clark is in thinking I'll be able to get out of bed before 6am!! I guess I should have warned him I'M NOT A MORNING PERSON!!!!

I am woman, hear me roar

The above image is a take on the classic 1972 Helen Reddy song "I am woman"  I recently discovered it on a wander round Youtube.  It speaks to me on so many levels and I can understand why it became an anthem for women's rights throughout the seventies.

But it's the chorus that really resonates with me this week.

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything.  In the last couple of weeks I've run for my club, I've learned to cycle with SPD pedals (not learned to stop yet without falling over though!!), I've been out for an 8 mile run (my longest run in 9 years) and realised a teenage ambition by becoming a biker chick!

Oh yes, I am woman! Tired but happy :-)

5x5 relay

I was brave and took part in our club's 5x5 relay on Saturday.  This event was created a couple of years ago to celebrate our 25th year.  Basically teams of 5 run a leg of approx 5 miles around Crieff and Comrie.  Each leg is very different (road, trail or hill) so it suits all kinds of runners. 

My team were The Royal Family headed by Queen Elizabeth herself!  Thanks to Kirsty who made our fab team t shirts and gave us our titles.  I'm Duchess of the Turret since my leg was running downhill from Turret Dam into Crieff. I like running down the hill!!

 It looks like I'm all alone up there but everyone else was in front of me!  Note the Sharon-esque leg pose ;-)

Phil came storming in over the hill to hand over to me in 2nd place.  I think this photo might end up in a club caption competition!!!

The relay is designed to be a fun event.  The runners fall into 2 camps.  Those who take it all very seriously and work out team tactics and those who don't (me n Charlie!) But I surprised myself.  When 3rd place Charlie caught up with me and passed me I was quite disappointed.  I really wanted to hold my 2nd place for the team.  So it was with some glee I saw that he was struggling so I pushed on and we kinda ran together for a while.  When we hit the flat I pushed on again and he couldn't keep up.  I knew he wouldn't catch me so I kept going.  I really thought I'd hold my 2nd place.

So I was quite scunnered when Colin came flying past me with about half a mile to go. He might joke that he's an Old Git (it's on the back of his hoodie!) but he's a good runner so I took comfort in only losing one place before handing over to Her Majesty who ran the final leg which is the 10k route.

It's the first time I've taken part in the event and I loved it.  And I've found there is a wee competitive streak in me! Maybe next year I'll run an uphill leg!

(photos by Liz Mestecky)

The C word

I got a row for using the C word.  As usual it was in relation to my run this morning. I sent a text to Clark saying I had managed my 5 mile run but had made the mistake of attempting to run up Laggan Hill.  I have a complete mental block when it comes to hills.  My head says I can do it and I really want to do it but my legs have a different idea. They just stop.  We have endless conversations about why this happens and so far I haven't found the answer.  So when I said I had a good run but still can't do hills I got the reply "stop using that f*cking word - it is not in my dictionary!" (the * wasn't me, you know I have no problem writing or saying fuck and all its derivatives) 

I don't know how to get round this.  Even wee gradual inclines floor me mentally.  I'm constantly seeking flat routes to run (and cycle) but as I'm increasing my mileage it's getting harder to find decent routes without just going 10 times round the block.  I'm gonna have to run up hills cos something else has started happening.  When I grind to a halt, my head fills with more than just running related crap.  I'm a half empty glass kinda person so even when there's a lot of great stuff going on I'll always be focusing on the negative.

As I walked up the hill I tried to force myself into thinking positive thoughts. I've been reading a few books on the subject but I think deep down I don't actually believe what they say.  Visualising myself running up the hill just doesn't work.  Chanting like 'the little engine who could' doesn't work either.  The thing is I'm sure I'm physically fit enough to do it now.

I could avoid hills but as I improve I'm discovering what kind of runs I like. I like off road, I like loops rather than out and back runs.  And I like running down hills.  In this weekend's upcoming club relay event I requested the run down from the dam.  5 miles straight down!

Not using the C word is simplifying the problem.  I could say I have difficulty running up hills.  But the truth is right now I can't go up hills and I don't know why.

Clyde Stride

There aren't many things or people that can get me up at silly o'clock on a Saturday morning especially after the week I've just had!!  But my friend Lee is one of them. There are no words to describe what she has done for me so when she asked me to be her wingman during her race the Clyde Stride, I didn't even think about it.  I didn't even ask what she wanted me to do.  I just promised her I'd be there on the day.

And what a day it was.  It was fantastic to meet up with lots of old friends running or helping and lots of new ones too.  We rode in a white van delivering drop bags and water to checkpoints.  I told her when to eat and she told me when to put up more signs.  We righted the world (obviously!!) We picked up an injured passenger (Mark, who was lovely) and we arrived at the finish in plenty of time delivering the finishers' bags.  Mighty fine day oot!

In the absence of my personal torturer, this week's training has been haphazard to say the least. But a timely abusive text convinced me to go out a stress busting run on Friday night instead of reaching for a glass of wine. I've never been out a run where it was almost dark on my return!

Yet more 'encouragement' today saw me out a run this afternoon.  I'm starting to think that a run of  4 or 5 miles is now just a 'wee run.' How did that happen?? Need to start upping the mileage as the half marathon gets closer and closer.  I'm also upping my cycling mileage this week.  I've been given a wee gadget thing for Delilah that measures heart rate, mileage, calories and probably gives me my daily horoscope as well!  Looks like I'm taking all this rather seriously, doesn't it?