Category Archives: Running

Rain Warriors….

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It was raining today.  And I mean really raining.  But it was Wednesday and on Wednesday’s I run with the F’N (Frankfort-New Lenox) Running Club so I was absolutely ready to run.  I work downtown Chicago and let’s just say I’m “busy” so basically I never even looked out a window today but kept getting random messages, “are you still running?”.  Well, hell yes I’m still running.  Hubby is covering the kids so short of sleeting rain in the MIDDLE of a blizzard WITH 50 below temps……I’m running!  As a mom, full-time employee, and Chi-Town commuter, I may not get another chance to run until next Wednesday….yep, I’m definitely running.  That being said, I realized it would be a small group.  I don’t count on many people to show but I had faith that Susan would show.  I was pretty sure Brian P. would show and I thought everyone else would wuss out that would be it.  I was wrong.  Allow me to give a HUGE shout out to Kate L., Brian H., Susan D. and Brian P. for making an appearance.  PROUD of all of you!  I thank you for not making me run alone in the rain for showing up.

Susan D. & I – we couldn’t figure out if we should just grab a 12 pack and go back to our cars or if we should run. 

Brian F. and Brian P. were voting for beer versus a run in the rain.

However, fortunately Kate L. showed up to break the tie…..so the winner was…….a run in the rain.  Thanks, Kate…..not sure how I would have explained that one to the family.  Here is the proof post run photo of Kate, myself and Brian P soaked to the bone. 

Tonight was a trial run for me after the cortisone shot in my right heel/arch on Monday.  I must say that I felt pretty good today after a shitty pretty bad day yesterday.  However, I was nervous about running and my plan was basically to show up, get out of my car, and do any type of mileage so that I could have something in the books and have a post run point of comparison.

The group tonight went 2 to 4 miles at varying paces.  It was warm at 51 degrees but the rain was pelting us pretty hard at times.  I still wore a light wind-breaker, to help with the rain, and light gloves.  The rain can chill a person quickly if they aren’t careful!  Kate was kind enough to hang back with my knucklelights me so that I didn’t have to race Susan and Brian P. back to the beer our cars.  We did a leisurely 3.57 miles in 36:40 but I was out there.  I had some pins and needles mid foot, toward the arch, but didn’t feel anything in my heel.  It was good.  I think I was being more cautious than anything but if I can get to the point of running pain-free then I’m totally okay with giving up some good running now.  I also iced and drank some beer took some ibuprofen post run, which will hopefully handle any extra swelling.  I’m not planning to run again til the weekend and will hopefully be ready to fly by then.  Whoooop!

Do you go out to run in the rain?  Or do you hit the dreadmill at the first indication of clouds?  Or do you just wait it out, even if that means skipping it for another day?  Let me know how  you work out the weather “issue”.

Cheers to Making Progress.

Double Cheers to my Rain Warriors; I’m proud of you!!                                                 Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                               amanda@tootallfritz.com

Drugs Please…Plantar Fasciitis – Part III

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Last night was the recheck with the foot surgeon to determine the progress after a month in the orthotics.  I am making progress but it is much slower than the doc would like so he decided a cortisone injection was in order.  After the painful poking to determine the largest problem area, and the point of insertion, the needle went in…… 

OUCH……Doc kept saying, “Remember, it’s not as bad as childbirth, right?”   Well, HELL no, but I had 9+ months to prepare for childbirth and a mere 9 seconds to prepare for this injection asshole.  Plus my body was helping to push/expel the a baby out, there was no wiggling said baby around, we didn’t push/pull baby in and out and/or reposition it.  So overall, baby just came OUT whether I was ready or not.  The needle, however, had a real fight going into uncharted territory, plus it needed to be in multiple places at once and well, that’s just not how things work.  It hurt.   See the pink dot for the point of insertion.

Doc injected cortisone up toward the arch and down toward the heel.  Those were the areas most swollen and tender.  The idea behind the cortisone shot was NOT to mask the pain per say but to pull out the swelling.  We have been treating this since early September because that’s when it got so bad that I couldn’t run with icing, oral anti-inflammatory meds, taping/padding and eventually orthotics.  Yesterday marked five weeks of orthotic use and apparently we should have seen more progress. 

September “Problems”

  • Left and Right Heel Pain – right heel far worse than left
  • Swelling of right foot, heel, Achilles Tendon, calf muscle
  • Left knee pain
  • Pain in both hips
  • Major cramping of right calf muscle after running a couple of miles
  • Left and right foot pain after running a couple of miles
  • Debilitating pain in feet and right calf to the point I would need to stop, stretch and walk during training runs
  • Racing was NOT good, lots of pain and swelling due to attempt at increased pace

5  Weeks Post Orthotics “Problems”

  • Right Heel Pain
  • Slight swelling in right heel and arch of foot
  • Fall off pace toward 8-10 mile mark of running
  • Right foot pain after 6-8 miles of running
  • Major right foot/heel pain after runs which require several days of rest to return to manageable pain level

Looking at these lists, I see that I have made a lot of improvement over the last couple of months.  Hopefully, after the pain from this cortisone injection dissipates, then the swelling will be reduced and maybe, just maybe, it will take some of the right heel pain with it.  Today is bad.  It hurts like a mother to walk and to sit and to stand.

The post-baby era, after having Mr. Michael has been rough.  2010 was the year of the come back, fighting the baby weight, and trying to regain fitness.  2011 was a year plagued with injuries starting in February/March with hip issues and then Plantar issues by summer.  I’m sure they are all related as the body is a complex organism but I would really like 2012 to be a pain-free year.  I can’t complain about 2011 because I have been fortunate to run some fast times for me while simultaneously being plagued with injuries.  That being said, I am careful about my miles.  Since I have been hurting this year, I take a few days off after training runs, or even a full week off in order to get as pain-free as possible race ready.  I certainly haven’t been at optimal fitness this year due to my sporadic mileage but I have made it thru the year with some decent times……22:19 – 5K, 40:31 – 8K, 1:16:40 – 15K, 1:53:20 Half Marathon….and I’ll just say I finished the 2011 Chicago Marathon with or without tears.  So I do look forward to racing pain-free in 2012.  I’m very willing to put in the miles and make it happen but I would like my body to be in a better spot.  If the next two cortisone shots don’t eliminate the swelling and right heel pain, then there will be time off in my near future.  I have a very big wish list for 2012 and want to do everything to the best of my ability PAIN-FREE.

Happy PAIN-FREE Running,                                                                                          Amanda – TooTallFritz

 

10 Degrees….

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Ten degrees……the coldest it’s been so far in Illinois for the start of winter 2011-2012.  Wow, it was hard to get my ass out of bed  “up and out” this morn.  The thing that propelled me forward was actually the fact that I had the time, the kids and hubby were out of the house, and I really WANTED to go for a run…… regardless of the temps.  I would have gone had it been below zero.  Yes, I am  a freak weirdo like that.  It was also an added bonus to have a little accountability.  Although my running partners were quickly dropping like flies with the falling temps, there was still several who made an appearance.  Me, Suzanne, Kate, & Maggie – Run For Pi(e)

Today we were joining up with the Yankee Runners as they came south, out of  the Palos Hills, to run Old Plank for a change.  When I hit my usual parking area, which is quite desolate at this time of year, I was pleasantly surprised to see it was filled people…..not just people but RUNNERS!  I bet there were 25+ people out there for a run today!  AWESOME.  But I still was slightly tentative about leaving the warmth of my car.Wow, 10 degrees.  I can do it.  I have this new face mask….it will keep me warm!

There wasn’t any a lot of chatter or introductions, basically we just jumped out of our cars and took off running before we got frost-bitten.  However, I did see Judy F., Frogger, Mark C., Scott B., Cindy T. and a few other people I recognized from Running For Kicks functions or the Park Forest Running & Pancake Club.  Once we were moving, the photos blurred as the lens on my camera phone fogged.  But I still tried!

It was really beautiful out.  We had a dusting of snow, the sun was just coming up and did I mention it was 10 degrees?  The wind was low, we had a headwind going out but coming back in a full sweat I realized I was overdressed like always but it was just a beautiful day.  And as always, I was super glad I went out and got in a few miles with my friends.  On a random side note, I want to thank all of you who continue to come out and meet me to run.  It is sooooo much more fun trying to hang on to Suzanne & Kate’s coat-tails running in a group verses going solo.  Thank YOU!

“Run”way Fashion:  Reebok Compression base layer, long bra top, Athleta long sleeve lined with fleecy flannel which has thumb holes and fold overs for hands (they don’t make it anymore!), then I had a light running jacket on which is a generic off brand I’ve had for years.  On the bottom I had CW-X compression tights plus Athleta Run About Pants in TALL.  I was very bundled without too much bulk, everything fit close so that air didn’t get in to allow the sweat to freeze.  I also wore an ear band, hat, gloves and the new Seirus Innovation face mask (picked it up at Dick’s Sporting Goods last night but couldn’t seem to find it online to link it up here).  So I was really quite toasty after we got running!  You CAN run outside in the winter if you want dress appropriately.

10.03 miles – 1:34, a few stops for photos, a stop for fluids at the 4 mile mark, and a few road crossings but mostly kept it moving.  On days when its this cold, please keep moving so your sweat doesn’t freeze.  That would be bad for your skin.

Happy WINTER Running!                                                                                           Amanda – TooTallFritz

No “I” in TEAM…..

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To succeed… You need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you……….  Tony Dorsett

 

I was reading an article in Running Times this morning on Cross Country teams and how important it is to nurture the #7-15 runner.  The reason being that the top several runners are usually a lock and will perform accordingly but you also want TEAM success.  In a Cross Country competition, the overall place of the top 5 to 7 runners on a team will be added together and the LOWEST score equals the winning team.   So even if you have runners who will be first, second & third overall….you also really need a good finish from the fourth and fifth team runner too so that you score as low as possible.  And please remember that the further down the string, the more random the placements.  “Suzie” isn’t always going to be #4, so coaches have to be very careful to nurture all the runners in order for everyone to succeed to the best of their ability and therefore, secure the best result possible for team/school competition.

To me, this is easily transferred to partner/club running.  We each show up for a partner and/or group run for different reasons but the bottom line is that by showing up, we are nurturing each other.  Some run slower to help others come back from injury, build up fitness/mileage, etc….some run faster to try to keep up with the person beside them who might be a tad faster today.  The bottom line is that we ALL run outside of our comfort zone and as a result we ALL improve. 

I know what you are thinking…..”how is Brian P. improving by hanging back and running with me?”  Well, Brian P. may not have hauled his ass out of bed got up and out of the house this morning if he weren’t meeting up with the group for a run or he may have run 6 miles instead of 10 had he gone solo. I know some people are very disciplined but the rest of the world us need some help.  So, please know that when YOU get “up and out” and show up for a partner/group run, it matters.   I’d like to personally thank YOU for all of the partner/group runs where you  have made an appearance.

I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to help form a TEAM for the 2012 Chicago Marathon.  Many are on the fence about committing to the marathon distance but a team concept is what may be missing for all of you who are scared leery of such a huge undertaking.  This isn’t something that needs to be done today, and I know some who have already committed are running for Charity and will have specific obligations thru those various organizations…but the rest of YOU are free to form a team.  Help me get better and let me, and the rest of the team, help you!  Our team would go under the “blue” team category, which is not competitive but fun.  The idea of this is really to foster strong ties amongst friends/runners and to nurture each other.  We will show up united and will be there for each other no matter what happens during the race so nobody feels like they are out there alone.  We train together, go together, crawl home together.  Team Shirts will identify us and also help us reorganize after the race.   The more the merrier….any paces welcome!  

Chicago Marathon Team Competition Rules

  • A minimum of four team members is required and a team can field a maximum of 10 members.
  • A Co-ed team must have a minimum of two men and two women.
  • All registered participants are eligible for the Team Competition; however the race organization has the right to declare ineligible any participant it views as having an unfair advantage over the other teams.
  • Each team must have a unique name and roster.
  • A participant can only be a member of one team.
  • A team may only compete in one division.
  • The race organization reserves the right to refuse entry to any team with a name it deems offensive or inappropriate.
  • The top three teams in each category in the Red division will receive awards.
  • The top three teams in each category in the Blue division will receive awards.
  • Winning teams are determined once the official results of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon are announced.

What do you think?  Want to form a team?

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz

Positive Changes…..

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Change is good, especially when done with good intentions.  There has been much debate amongst my friends at the Frankfort Running Club regarding a name change.  Some wanted a more exciting name that would separate them from the crowd, others wanted something a little more family friendly traditional.  I feel as if the “officers” have made a good compromise in arriving at their final decision.  Please meet the FNRC……from left:  Kathy H., Susan D., Brian P., Diane F., Maggie W., Suzanne K., Brian F, Jeni H., & Jessica.

This group will now be known as the Frankfort -New Lenox- Running Club.   So for those of you who wanted a hard core more exciting name, you can still say that you are going to meet the F’N Running Club.  This will allow you to still have fun and give the “officers” freedom to promote the group in the Frankfort & New Lenox areas thru the Park Districts and other family friendly organizations.  Good compromise?    What do you think?  And thanks to all of YOU who have been coming out to join the fun and help this group grow to the point where they felt the need to be more inclusive and welcoming to others!  Way to make it happen!

So the inaugural run of the FNRC brought out an awesome group for a  cold, dark Wednesday night!  I was very pleased.  There were nine people available for the photo, then myself, and two more who showed up (12 total) in time to sprint off into the darkness.  Thank you to KnuckleLights.com for lighting our way in the dark!  Many of us have them now with more people ordering them today so we illuminate the path like a train really light up the darkness.  Hope we didn’t scare anyone! 

We have been merging with an area Team in Training group for many of our runs as of late because THE MORE THE MERRIER!  That is really what I love most about this group.  They are friendly, nice people, easy to converse with and have a great attitude about running and life.  The paces and distances last night varied greatly as some people are trying to rebound from injuries.  The group ran anywhere from 2 to 6 miles as a whole and there were a few of us who added in some extra miles before hand to make it an 8 mile day.  Not bad for a Wednesday.  So proud of everyone for coming out in the cold. 

And it was F’N COLD!  It was 33 with a breeze when I started my run about 4:35pm and 29 when I finished at 6:15.  I literally had to hug a tree to stay steady enough for a photo….the shivers were taking over!

I only ran a little before everyone came and didn’t stop for many photos because you have already seen a billion photos from this trail it was dark.  I did grab one photo of the Christmas lights. 

It was a beautiful, crisp clear night.  Ms. TooTall wasn’t exactly dressed as planned but I improvised with my RunLove Compression Socks from RunningSkirts.com to cover up the extra skin.  They currently have two pair (aqua and purple) of compression socks on the  SkirtSwaggle page for $19.20!  Great deal, along with many other products that are marked way down for the Active Swaggle deal, plus they are offering free shipping with the PROMO Code:  SKIRTSCHWAG …. Not sure how long they will last so if you want some, buy soon.

“Run”way Fashion:  RunLove Compression Socks, Athleta Headwinds Jacket (wind /rain/snow DOES NOT get thru….select sizes on sale now for $49.99), the Saucony Guide 5’s with the 8 mm drop.

I had heard lots of positive things about the RunningSkirts.com RunLove compression socks, specifically them being a great product for the price.    I have a pair of the CEP compression calf sleeves and consider those to be awesome so thought it would be a big step down to move to these but I really liked them.  They are normally $32 each, which is still a great deal but the Swaggle deal is awesome at the $19.20.  I wore these socks all day at work, then ran in them, then home to the kids for dinner, laundry, etc.  I had them on for about 16 hours and didn’t even notice them.  They didn’t move, just continued to hug my calf muscles and make them feel warm and cozy.  A very light pressure, no pinching, no discomfort.  LOVE!

I also have been wearing the new Saucony Guide 5’s with the 8 mm drop.  Lots of hoopla about this shoe.  I normally wear the Saucony Guide as I need a light stability shoe due to a very high arch and overpronating.  My heel is very narrow, like possibly a AAA?  I don’t have many options that lock my foot in place without heel slippage.  As a result, I have been wearing Saucony for many years now so was NOT excited about a big change.  Then the huge ad campaign for the 8 mm drop just made me more nervous.  I am NOT a barefoot runner and I NEVER want to be one, so going closer to barefoot scares the shit out of me.  However, I must say it has been a pleasant surprise.  The shoe is noticeably lighter, the official weight difference is 1.5 ounces, which should seem like nothing but it’s noticeable.  In order to break these in a bit before just hitting the trail, I have been wearing them at night, around the house, after wearing normal trainers all day.  I could tell a difference immediately on the weight and added forefoot cushioning once I changed into these shoes.  Most of the weight came out of the back-end, around the heel and since I am a forefoot runner I don’t need/want a heavy heel cup.  This works well for me.  So thumbs on the 8 mm drop. 

8.14 miles in 1:19.   A few stops to pick up/drop off additional runners, wait at turnaround points, etc. but overall, kept moving.  

Happy Running,                                                                                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz

Interested or Committed?

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As the new year fast approaches, I have been hearing lots of chatter amongst runners about what 2012 will bring.  There is a lot of peer pressure encouragement of some to make this the year to attempt the marathon distance.  So, in case this is YOU and you are feeling the pressure, let’s just break it down a bit so you can decide if you want to commit.  There is a big difference between loving to run and committing to a marathon.  I certainly don’t want anyone to lose the love for running because of peer pressure committing to a marathon.  

  • Most Training plans are 18 weeks
  • If you are “thinking” of running the 2012 Chicago Marathon on October 7, 2012, training will start the week of June 4th.
  • 18 weeks is a LONG time to train, if you keep a 10 mile base, you can jump into the beginner plan at week 5 and make it a 13 week training plan, thus commencing the week of July 2nd.
  • You CANNOT skip the long runs.
  • You will be tired and hungry.
  • Your social life will suffer from lack of alcohol early bedtimes.
  • You will be proud each week as your mileage increases.
  • You will be in disbelief that although you crawled to your car barely made it back last week that you managed another mile or 2 “this” week.
  • You will learn to love ice baths.
  • You will get acquainted with Toe Protectors.
  • You will learn about nutrition and what your body needs to recover.
  • You WILL be able to run 26.2 on October 7th even though you will never have covered that distance previous to that day.
  • You may cry, hyperventilate, vomit, crap your pants have to make a pit stop, get chub rub, lose a toe nail or three …..but you will never be prouder than crossing the finish line.
  • You will swear that you will NEVER run another marathon.
  • You will be on the start line with all your friends on October 6, 2013. 
 
Here is the Hal Higdon Beginner Marathon training plan.  I don’t know many people who would need to start at this point, but it’s an option.    Check out Hal Higdon’s site  HERE to browse his other options, or just show up and run what I run and you’ll get there. 
 
Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
Sun

1

Rest

3 m run

3 m run

3 m run

Rest

6

cross

2

Rest

3 m run

3 m run

3 m run

Rest

7

cross

3

Rest

3 m run

4 m run

3 m run

Rest

5

cross

4

Rest

3 m run

4 m run

3 m run

Rest

9

cross

5

Rest

3 m run

5 m run

3 m run

Rest

10

cross

6

Rest

3 m run

5 m run

3 m run

Rest

7

cross

7

Rest

3 m run

6 m run

3 m run

Rest

12

cross

8

Rest

3 m run

6 m run

3 m run

Rest

Rest

 Half Marathon

9

Rest

3 m run

7 m run

4 m run

Rest

10

cross

10

Rest

3 m run

7 m run

4 m run

Rest

15

cross

11

Rest

4 m run

8 m run

4 m run

Rest

16

cross

12

Rest

4 m run

8 m run

5 m run

Rest

12

cross

13

Rest

4 m run

9 m run

5 m run

Rest

18

cross

14

Rest

5 m run

9 m run

5 m run

Rest

14

cross

15

Rest

5 m run

10 m run

5 m run

Rest

20

cross

16

Rest

5 m run

8 m run

4 m run

Rest

12

cross

17

Rest

4 m run

6 m run

3 m run

Rest

8

cross

18

Rest

3 m run

4 m run

2 m run

Rest

Rest

 Marathon

I personally adapt a version of his advanced plan and then fit in what I can.  I would be running more than this on the weekends but never rarely fit in all the miles during the week.  I also am a big proponent of rest days.  After I run a 20 miler, I will rest, not run a 3 mile recovery run on Sunday or Monday.   This may be why I will never BQ but my body needs that.  I do it for fitness and to push my limits.  This means that some days I walk cuz I feel like it need it.  I will probably walk some during the marathon, especially if it’s hot.  My personal goal is to cross the finish line. I know others have more concrete goals and that is okay but this is an excruciating difficult distance for me so an accomplishment in itself.  I know it’s much easier for some than others and I hope it’s easy for you.

Look thru the training plan here, browse the net a bit, and then make your own decision as to whether you want to commit.  As with anything, if you want it, you and only you have to MAKE IT HAPPEN.    I’ve made my decision, how about you?

Happy Running,                                                                                                                  Amanda – TooTallFritz

Lunch Break….on the Lakefront

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I love the option of hitting the lakefront path for a good run at “lunch” when I can cut the ties to my desk get out.  I  normally don’t leave for lunch so this is quite a treat when I make it happen.  I must say, there are many days that I just carry my clothes back and forth to work because I can’t MAKE IT HAPPEN so today is an awesome day!  Quick obligatory “blogger bathroom photo”. 

Then I literally hit the street running before my boss saw me leave so I didn’t change my mind.  The worst part of running in the city is getting the gps to find a signal having the patience to weave thru the pedestrians, and wait out red lights/street crossings, while heading to the lakefront.  Upon arriving at the lakefront, its smooth sailing.  Allow a brief shout out to the Chicago Parks Department for their fastidious upkeep of the Lakefront Path.  Once I hit the Lakefront path today, I was met by these babies: 

The Chicago geese are probably the most aggressive visitors you will encounter on the lakefront path; however, I have never actually seen them chase anyone.  I just have horrible flashbacks of the Bixler Lake geese, which chased us during the summers of EN CC practice so the sight of any geese while running makes me scream and run like a little girl tense with anxiety. 

If you have extra $$ and a big ass boat, you might have spent some Chicago summers here at the Columbia Yacht Club.

Great view of Navy Pier: 

Ohio Street Beach….wow, Lake Michigan is angry.  Is the snow finally coming?

In the summer you will see Chicago Lifeguards watching this strip between Ohio Street Beach and Oak Street Beach.  You will also see swim lanes for open water swimmers and triathletes who are grabbing a lunchtime swim in the lake or trying out a rented wetsuit.

Running north along the lakefront can be cold and windy as there is no protection from the wind and elements.  On a bad day, I would say run south toward McCormick or try the Riverwalk Path.  However, today was perfect at 33 degrees with a nice wind coming off the lake.  Ear band and gloves required but I was dressed for it so really enjoyed being out there!  As always, when I rounded the curve to Oak Street Beach I got a blast of wind and the waves were really splashing and leaving shit debris pretty far up on the trail. 

Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Chicago has a temporary outdoor, limited fare cafe with alcohol drinks here at Oak Street Beach.  It’s nice to sit on the beach and have a pricey lunch with cocktails. If you are shopping the Magnificent Mile, you can walk right across Michigan Avenue, after shopping Prada on Oak Street, and hit the beach for some R&R.  In this photo you can see the winter remnants of the outdoor cafe.  It’s a much different site “in season” and I encourage you to come and check it out when it gets warm!

Hey strange dude, randomly walking the lake front path without much apparent purpose……would you be so kind as to take a photo of me before the waves suck me out to the bottom of the lake?

On days like this when I am crunched for time, I run 6 miles.  The North Avenue sign is my 3 mile turn around. 

It’s just close enough to North Beach to make you want to run an extra mile or two or 10 .

But alas, I need to run back to work, so flipped and headed back toward the city.

Another great run in the CHI.  It was slow, 1:02 for 6.13 miles but that included 28 multiple photo stops, and major road crossings getting to and from the lake front path and some lollygagging.

Dress appropriately and get out there for a run!   You will be happy once you get your ass out the door.

“Run”way Fashion:  Athleta Headwinds Jacket (mine is the 2010 model), Athleta Base Miles Headband, & Manzella Sprint Glove Liners.

Manzella Sprint Glove Liners - Women's

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz

My Feet Hurt………Plantar Fasciitis – Part II

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At this point in my life, I don’t get to watch many movies.   Since we have a screaming busy toddler running the house, it’s difficult to do anything that involves sitting and quiet.  However, I frequently find myself going back to an “old” movie, Forrest Gump (1994) for quotes that fit quite nicely into my life.  The quote that has been the forefront of my reality for longer than I’d like to admit is…… “My Feet Hurt”.  I can clearly see the scene with Forest sitting on the bench, waiting for the bus, and talking to the nurse telling her that “those must be comfortable shoes”…..and her quite simple reply being “my feet hurt”.  Simple.  True.  Powerful. Forrest Gump Quotes

Forrest Gump: Those must be comfortable shoes, I bet you could walk all day in shoes like those and not feel a thing.
Nurse at Park Bench: My feet hurt.
Forrest Gump: My momma always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they go, where they’ve been. I’ve worn lots of shoes, I bet if I think about it real hard I can remember my first pair of shoes.

If you have looked at my shoes over the last 6 months, you might think that I only own one pair.   Running shoes.  I have been switching my trainers with an identical pair of retired running shoes and I wear them from the time I get up until bed.  I have been fighting Plantar Fasciitis for quite some time and  previously posted on it HERE.  The fight has been tough because I don’t want to stop running lose fitness.  I have cut back on my mileage by quite a bit, running only about 20 miles a week since crawling to the finish of the Chicago Marathon in October.  I have even had further complications with Mr. Michael life and therefore had to cut back to a mere two or three runs a week.  I can’t seem to get him to sleep without his feet propped up on my throat or his head on my heart my presence.  Since I am now limited to such a few number of runs, I have been trying to keep each of those around the 10 mile mark so that I can at least hit 20 miles per week.  This new strategy has really inflamed the Plantar Fasciitis which had been starting to settle down a bit after the lab created these orthotics for me: 

I received them the first week of November and have been wearing them daily.  I am hoping the lab billed the insurance 2x or these babies are $600 each according the EOB from BCBS.   I haven’t paid a dime to the foot surgeon yet so that $$ reality is still looming.  I think he is waiting for me to jump up and down and say I feel great in order to send the shocker bill.  Unfortunately, that isn’t the case.  The left foot is good!  I really don’t have any further complaints there; however, I feel like I have an ICE PICK running thru my right heel and well, that would be a MAJOR complaint.  I’m limping, half walking on my toes, half floating……..I know you are trying to envision all of this but it’s really not as romantic as it sounds.  Quite awkward really.  And the hubby foot surgeon can’t really relate to running, or why I want to run and run long for basically no reason since I’m not currently training for anything.  Back to Forest Gump as my words would never be as eloquent……

[reporters ask Forrest his reasons for running all this time]
Forrest Gump: [voice over] They just couldn’t believe that somebody would do all that running for no reason.
Reporter: Why are you doing this?
Forrest Gump: I just felt like running.
Forrest Gump Quotes

And that’s exactly it.  I just FEEL like running………maybe because it is quiet, maybe because it allows me to feel at peace for a short time, maybe because it makes me feel like I am doing something good for myself, maybe because I can do it alone without any interruptions since I don’t even get to sleep or go to the bathroom shower alone. I don’t want to stop running and I certainly don’t want to have to rebuild my fitness from a prolonged break.  I have dug my way back from non-fitness land enough times to know that it sucks hurts.  Please, can we just fix this soon so that I can wear some pretty non-running shoes, run pain-free, walk pain-free in the days after a run and just feel good again?  I try not to be frustrated ,or bitch complain, but on days like today when friends are ALREADY talking about the 2012 Chicago Marathon, it makes me wanna cry. I struggled running 12 miles on Saturday and have basically been crippled/limping since I finished that run.  I can’t even contemplate more than that right now.  I think I’ll go back and reread the Baby Steps post and hopefully remember to think about today and not get overwhelmed by what the future may or may not bring.

Next week is a recheck to evaluate the “progress” I have made with the orthotics.  I think I am going to request the cortisone shot and take a week, or so, off to try to get this under control.  It hurts…..and that is an understatement. 

How do you handle injuries?  Do you bounce back fast of find yourself riding that injury train for a LONG time, like me. 

Happy, PAIN-FREE running!                                                                                           Amanda – TooTallFritz

Not Sprinters Anymore….

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Memories are fun, and provide good entertainment, but sometimes they are a bit far from the current reality.  Today I met up with a girl from high school with whom I ran track and in those days we were sprinters.  Now we are moms.  We only sprint after our children in an attempt to keep them alive safe or to get the trash out as the garbage truck is driving up the road.  Meet Adella B…….Adella hauled her ass out of bed came to meet me this morning to run a few laps at the Parkview YMCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  This Y has an awesome outdoor trail which is 1.65 miles in length so it’s an easy place to meet people cuz they can run however far they want, then just drop off and hit their car when they have had enough of my talking running.

I would hazard a guess that Adella ran further today than ever before in her entire life.  She made it a full 7 miles and I must say that is super impressive for a lady who has a 1 year old baby and has just re-entered the running world.  Let’s just hope that she doesn’t delete me as a facebook friend isn’t too sore tomorrow.  And a HUGE shout out to Mr. B. for watching the kiddos so Adella could get out of the house and hit the trail with me!  Thank  you, Thank you, Thank YOU!

A few sites along the way:

Adella was very accommodating with “please stop for photo” requests.   In fact, I dare say she welcomed the breaks.  

It was a beautiful day with perfect 40 degree temps.  I had a great run with a friend from long ago, who I would never have had the opportunity to reconnect with had facebook not come into both of our lives.  I know a lot of people who have a bad attitude say negative things about social networking but it has been a real positive influence on my life and that of so many I know.  I have met so many new people and reconnected with old friends.  And  let me just say that time changes everything.  In high school, I may not have been part of the cool crowd, or the ball player crowd, or whatever crowd but now that we are OLD more mature, those things just don’t matter.  We are all just people now.  I now talk with people on a daily basis who I may have sat next to in class but never really got to know because of petty differences or peer group stratification…..It’s good to be more mature.

Thanks for coming out today, Adella!  It was a great time!  And thanks to all of you who I now consider to be friends who I may not have spent a lot of time getting to know in school!

Run with Adella:  7.02 miles – 1:22, lots of photo stops and a nice leisurely conversational pace.  Run solo – 5.24 miles – 49:15, a couple of photo stop but basically I had to pack it up and head back home to the bathroom kiddos.  So today brought me a Saturday total of 12.26 miles.  Good day….and there was snow on the ground, which we have not yet seen in Illinois.  

Happy Running!                                                                                                                   Amanda – TooTallFritz

10 mile Wednesday…..

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I have been really struggling getting miles in since my little man is attached to my hip really loves his momma.  So as of late, Wednesday night has become “Run Night” with Susan D. and whoever else is willing to brave the elements and/or can get out of work at a decent time.  This week, I not only managed to get out of work on time but a few minutes early and was able to grab a few miles in the fading daylight before the girls arrived.

I didn’t have as much time as I wanted to get in a leisurely 4 miles, plus photos, so I pushed a little harder than I would have liked in order to get back by 5pm.  Here are a few photos that I managed to grab in the fading daylight. 

I know everyone likes a nice sunset complete with power lines.

This is why a run…..quiet, peaceful and revitalizing.  The beauty around me when I am able to get to the trail is sometimes overwhelming.

The sunset was almost complete and the light was so low, it was difficult to get this last shot but after a couple tries I got lucky.  Now time to book it back to Frankfort to meet the ladies! 

Susan D. was waiting when I returned at 4:59 and it was pitch black.

We grabbed our knuckle lights/arm bands and awaited the arrival of Suzanne then literally dashed off into the darkness for the fastest nighttime run in which I have ever participated.  The ladies dragged me pushed my limits today between the darkness, the previous 4 miles ran and my overall state of health.  By the time we finished, I wanted to give my running shoes to the nearest homeless person take a long hot bath and curl up with my Weimaraner but alas I had to re-enter mommy-land reality.

Reality hit hard too as soon as I walked thru the door.  Michael screamed with delight and the screaming didn’t stop until well after when bedtime “should” have occurred.  Here is a quick glance into my reality…..no time for changing clothes or showering, which is why women’s running clothes are now somewhat fashionable cuz we LIVE in them.

That’s Michael, yes he is screaming, yes he is a blur……he doesn’t stop moving, not even when he sleeps.  Don’t turn your back, he will climb onto the counter and go straight for the knife rack.  Don’t use the oven because he will open it when you turn around to grab a plate.  Don’t go to the bathroom cuz he will pull a chair over to the sink and start spraying down the walls, kitchen, hall, and living room.  Don’t…..just DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF HIM for a second or be prepared for the consequences.

The numbers:   4.03 miles in 37:15 minutes (9:13 pace) solo, multiple photo stops but pretty much kept moving because I didn’t have a lot of time.  6.13 miles with Suzanne & Susan, 57:28 minutes (9:21) pace, one decent stop at the turnaround to shed jackets, etc.    A total for me of 10.16 miles/1:34.43 and an average pace of 9:19.   I like to run 10 miles right at 1:30 so I know I’m not myself cuz this pace kicked my ass was a killer…..like I’m still wearing my compression calf sleeves today!  However, I really can’t complain for a Wednesday night.  Thanks, ladies! 

We did stop for one photo of Suzanne and I in the dark after the run.  The bathrooms were locked so we didn’t get any disgusting bathroom shots in good lightening….Yes, I look like a giant standing next to Suzanne!

It was about 40 degrees when I started running at 4:22pm, and it was 33 when I got back into my car at 6:15pm.  Not a huge drop but I could certainly tell the difference.  Gloves were a necessity last night.  The difference between 30 and 40 makes a big difference to your hands. 

How do you squeeze in weekly mileage?  Do you hit the gym, brave the elements or save the running for the weekends?

Happy Running,                                                                                                                 Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                            amanda@tootallfritz.com