Louboutins or...

These.  Custom made orthotics.  The cost is the same, and the Louboutins are far more attractive.  Whoever thinks running is cheap should come and talk to me.

I've been making my way through orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists and the like since my first attempt with Team in Training, January 2009.  It seems the accrued injuries only make me want to run more.  I want a permanent fix, that will finally get me to a finish line.

My newest orthopedist in Philly, Dr. Maenpaa, recommended after bloodwork and another MRI that I see Dr. Cohen and get orthotics make to fix the imbalances in my foot.  (Imbalances?  What imbalances?)
So, I went.  Drove out to the 'burbs to get examined by the famous 'Dr. Cohen.'  After watching me walk, he explained there are 2 arches in the foot, the main lateral one and a 2nd which arches longitudinally across the front ball of the foot.  This arch was high.  This explains why when I tried store bought inserts my stress fracture moved from my tibia to my femur.

One more onset of tears and the mold was made.  However, construction couldn't begin until I had my bone scan which determined if my right and left legs were even.  Dr. Cohen thinks my left is slightly higher.  So, I've walked with one leg longer than the other for the past 23 years and had no idea?! We'll see.
The construction seemed complex, using kevlar and specialized polymers as material.  Engineering for doctors.  Are they hiring?

$600 later, I'm willing to give it a shot (with fingers crossed they work, of course).  Louboutins will never get me to 26.2 so if these do they're well worth the money, time spent and not so attractive look.

Stay tuned.

Tour de Shore

90 degrees before 7am, 100% humidity.

After realizing I forgot my bike gloves and body glide (uh, oh), I hopped on my bike ready to ride.  Thanks to kettle bells my hands are already callused and the lack of bike gloves saved me some pretty strange tan lines.  The first mile from 20th and Walnut to the Ben Franklin Bridge, was slow.  Lots of riders with no where to go.  Unfortunately we were stopped midway up the bridge and had to restart with no acceleration.

By mile 5, riders spread out and the real ride began.  Small roads through New Jersey, lots of pot holes and as a result lots of flats.  Thankfully, I didn't get one.  (I probably should learn how to change a tire quickly one of these days...)

Our speed made the air feel a bit cooler and the humidity less intense.  We got off the bike at all 4 rest stops and I forced myself to rehydrate before getting back on.  The ride was scenic, who knew I'd ever say that about New Jersey.

We reached a turning point with a large intersection 7 miles from the finish.  There was still some fuel left and we ended averaging 21 mph, not bad :-).

We got to the finish and each had a beer, which affected our bodies far too much.  (If only we could get drunk off 1 beer all the time...  )  My cycling shoes were hot, uncomfortable and difficult to walk in so we found a typical AC Boardwalk store and bought some much needed flip flops!!!




Overall it was great, I'm so glad I didn't back out.  If my friend Lizzie hadn't come from DC to ride with me, I may have.  So, thanks Lizzie!

Kettlebells causing change

I flipped off my bike and broke my clavicle almost a year ago to date.  Since then, I worked with John Workman (the best trainer Vida has to offer) to try to regain strength in my left shoulder and reteach my body how to use the muscles surrounding the collar bone.  After months of isolation exercises, I began kettlebell training... and learned I loved to hate it. 
I've now been training in a small group with kettle bells at least 2-3 times a week since March.  Initially, I still couldn't do a perfect pushup.  I warmed up for training yesterday with a quick 30 pushups.  It's incredible how those 30-45 minutes of solely kettle bell training has changed my body.  I love it.  I love to hate it.  But, it works.  Why do we all keep coming back to it?  Because we see results. 
 Kettle bells combines training into one fluid body motion- instead of isolating separate muscles.  As you swing you engage your legs, butt, CORE, arms while keeping a packed shoulder.  There's much more bang for your buck.  In a world where we're all pressed for time, I can't think of anything better.   

Jump Jump

Getting stuck in a workout rut is far too easy.  30 min treadmill, 30 min elliptical, weights for 20 minutes... you know the deal.
I cannot stress the importance of finding different and interesting classes at your gym, leaving it up to the instructor to push you to that next level.  (Yes, I know I'm bias)  I often find myself spinning or kettle bell training far too often, aside from the typical race training.  Last night, I decided to 'switch it up' and take urban rebounding, something I hadn't done since my co-op days in NYC- Summer 2007.  I left class dripping with sweat, smiling, feeling stress free.  Sometimes we need a change to break the rut, trick our body and ultimately lead to positive change. 
If you haven't tried urban reboudning, I challenge you to take a few jumps.  It looks harder than it is!  If you can step, you can rebound!  And, it's much easier on the joints.  Give it a shot, go play, have fun!

Today is...

NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!

How are you getting out to celebrate?


I'm trying to slowly come back from my stress fracture.  It may be a little too early.  Ran for about 25 minutes last night in addition to a stair workout on the art museum steps (Rocky impersonation?).  Given my leg feels okay, I'll be back out tonight! 


Join a running club, go out solo to clear your head, or find a friend to run alongside...

Salt is NOT the Enemy

In today's world, myself and many other 'health minded individuals' are constantly reading nutrition labels and monitoring caloric, protein, fat or carbohydrate intake.  Americans have recently begun to pay more attention to sodium intake after a link between intake and high blood pressure was discovered.  But, I never consider limiting salt in my daily lifestyle.  

Sodium is required for normal body functions and lost in both urine and sweat.  As the hot, humid weather approaches the east coast, even more sweat is lost which can disturb normal sodium and water balance.  I (and many others) tend to hydrate much more during the summer, particularly during training.  In July you can never find me running more than 6 miles without my water belt (as dorky as it may look...it's worth it!).  The increased sweat (salt and water) combined with increased hydration (water only) makes the replenishment with salt vital.  Without the additional salt intake, hyponatremia can occur in the body (a low concentration of sodium in the blood).  

For those of you training for centuries or fall marathons, please remember...

Salt is not the enemy!

If you finish a training session and are disoriented, nauseous, or confused...eat some salty foods or replenish with a sports drink.  I keep electrolyte tablets in the pocket of biking jersey; I find it's the easiest way to keep my salt-water balance stable.  

Stir-fry for Breakfast?

I became hooked on this unusual but deliciously satisfying breakfast when visiting Your Dance Fitness Guru, Ilyse Baker in LA.  Have you seen her abs recently?  Clearly, she's doing something right!

This recipe provides you with fuel and energy to complete endless hours of morning cardio.  It's filled with Vitamin C, betacarotene, complex carbohydrates,fat (egg yolk) and protein (egg).  On weekdays, I'll often bring it for lunch and eat it immediately following kettle bell training.  

Ingredients
1 small yam, chopped
2 stalks asparagus
1/4 onion
1 c. green beans
Other veggies (I often use: broccoli, peppers, celery, mushrooms)
1 egg

Saute onions in 1 tbsp of olive oil and then add veggies and yam.  Stir together for about 5 minutes and add salt and pepper.  Remove from pan, and crack egg onto pan.  Cook over easy and place on top of veggies.  Enjoy!
When bringing for lunch, I often hard boil the egg(s) and chop it into the mix.

Thank you mover and shaker!!! I love you ILYSE BAKER!