Big Week!

1. This week is officially one month out from the race.  Panic mode incoming!

2. I knew my streak wouldn't last forever, but Sunday on my longest ride to date, I finally fell off my bike.  It was while I was trying to come to a stop, although I have no idea how it happened, but I've got the bumps, scratches, and bruises to show for it.  (It really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...kind of more of a "well, that happened" moment.)

3. I officially got fed up with getting no help from two medical doctors about my ankle problems.  I broke down and went to a chiropractor Tuesday morning and I actually really think this guy may help me.  The others have just provided relief (oh wait, that's a lie, there's not really been much relief), and this guy is actually tackling the problem by using Active Release Technique in my calf (well, both calves, but more my left than my right).  The technique hurts, but not in a "stop" kind of way.  It's more of a hurts so good or a this hurts but I know this is doing some good.  The areas worked were sore almost immediately - topically and deep in the muscle.  This continued through the afternoon and evening, but I did go on a 5 mile run, keeping my orthotics in my shoes and minimally taping my ankles.  I am so happy to say that the run went great and I felt very minimal ankle pain during the run!  I was sore (from the therapy) and a little tight right after I stopped, but I iced for 15 minutes, which seemed to help.  It's now Wednesday morning and the deep muscle soreness is pretty much gone, though some topical soreness remains, just to the touch.  I used the foam roller last night, the stick this morning, and also did some stretching this morning.  My next appointment is in a week and I am so hopeful that yet another therapy session will begin to work wonders!
*eta (because I don't want to forget): The chiro also did an 'adjustment' on both my ankles. Not really sure what all that entails, but it didn't hurt and he said it helped the alignment or something like that ... :)

Tobacco Road Half Marathon - 3.18.12

I went into my 7th half marathon under-trained but with great expectations.  I should really know better by now. Jonathan and I have determined that early Spring races aren't our best.  I dislike the treadmill so much that I just won't do it; therefore, Winter training doesn't happen as it should.

Anyhow, we got up at 3:40, ate an english muffin, got dressed, and hit the road.  We met up with friends to carpool to the parking lot, where we waited for the race to begin.  We got there around 5, so it was quite a wait til the race began at 7.  During that time, I re-taped my left ankle (both were taped the night before), ate a banana and a stinger waffle, tackled the porta-potty line, and just hung out.  I should have drank more water while I waited.

I met up with my running buddy around 6:30 and we waited in the corrals for the race to begin.  I didn't realized until I got into the corral how humid of a morning it was - my body's not used to that this early in the season!  I felt great for the first 5-6 miles.  It was just before the turn around that I started feeling tired.  I did hit that first section faster than I usually run, but I think my 'out of gas' feeling was more due to a bit of dehydration. I was sweating like hell, especially once the course went onto the actual trail (practically enclosed with a canopy of trees) as opposed to the open road.  Miles 7 through 11 were pretty tough.  At 11, we were back on the open road, which was a little cooler.  I felt like I finished the last 2 miles okay compared to how the previous 4 miles had gone. Most of the last mile was downhill, but the last .1 was uphill and I MEAN COME ON! :)

I ate one bite of a stinger waffle on the course and it didn't sit well, so I quit that right quick.  I did go through 3 nuun tabs (which Jonathan said was outrageous).  I was just feeling so thirsty from sweating so much due to the humidity.

After the race, I got my awesome medal, immediately ate a stinger waffle, sat on a curb for a few eating that and drinking water, then slowly ate some cinnamon chip bread.  I never once felt like I was going to be sick!  Nutrition success!  (Post race celebration included a hot shower, a nap in bed with wet hair, and fries & a burger with buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and pickles.)

I missed my A goal (1:59), my B goal (2:0x), and my C goal (PR'ing).  I missed a PR by 17 seconds.  Before the race even started, I mentioned that after my 70.3 on May 5th I would probably take a break from racing for a bit.  Well, we know how long that thought lasted.  Even though standing up from a sitting position yesterday was a feat, I've already been checking out the early Fall races.

Monday Mash-Up

Pretty fun week last week!  We started off the weekend by celebrating my Dad's birthday on Friday night with the whole family.  We also got a great 7 mile run in on Saturday morning at the site of the upcoming race.  Flat, yay!!!

We're getting closer to having the house ready to put on the market.  One paint match followed by some touch-ups and final cleanings, and {I think} we're there.  I even bought a couple (1 & 2) of Crate & Barrel accent pillows for our bedroom to brighten it up and make it show well.

I got off the bike trainer and onto the neighborhood roads this weekend to give the clipless pedals a try.  I was so nervous!  I mounted pretty well the first time but my first dismount was .05 seconds away from disaster.  Thank goodness Jonathan was there on my left to catch me because I was most certainly falling.  After that, I got the hang of it much better.  My left shoe and pedal combo is much harder to unclip, so for now, I am starting with my right foot clipped in and also unclipping with my right foot.  I will just switch while stopped for the time being.

We tried another recipe from Pinterest yesterday - Quinoa Cakes.  I had really high hopes for these things, then as I was making them and forming them into little patties, my hopes diminished.  Jonathan cooked them up in the large square skillet and we actually ended up really enjoying them!  Our favorite thing to put on them was Texas Pete, though I liked them just fine without anything added.

Source: wholeliving.com via Erin on Pinterest

Last week, I decided I'd give the maxi skirt trend a whirl.  I ordered this skirt and can't wait for it to come on Tuesday!  (It's grey and white striped just like one I had my eye on last year at Anthropologie - I have a weakness for anything grey and white striped.)

Source: target.com via Erin on Pinterest

House Decorating

In the midst of getting our house ready to sell, I have simultaneously been decorating our future house via Pinterest.

Pottery Barn sent an email out this morning with the picture below and a link to this article on choosing a wall color in the living room.

I wanted to document that picture and that article so that I can refer back to them later, you know, when I'm actually decorating my new house as opposed to just daydreaming about it. I can't wait to lighten up our living space!!!

I have grand plans for us this weekend of finishing all of the "to-do's" with the house that keep looming over my head.  It's time to get the show on the road and buckle down.  Wish us luck!