Back Update and a little more...

I went and had my injections done last Monday, February 13th.  It went very well and I was told that I should get the full affect of the injections after 4-5 days.  The same day I had them done I already felt an improvement!  I had my first PT session on Wednesday and all they gave me as 'homework' was to do a yoga pose (cobra) every 2-3 hours.  I'd say now my pain is about 85% gone.  I feel so much better and I can move around a lot better.  I can pick up my kids without any pain which is freaking AMAZING.  My back still feels kind of tight but that's to be expected.  I was told not to workout or run yet, it's too soon.  I can't wait to be able to lace my shoes up and hit the pavement.  I miss running so much.  So so so so much.  I go back this Wednesday for my second PT session and I'm hoping they give me the OK to do some low mileage runs or some weight lifting.  We shall see.

So my friend Sam pointed out that in my last post I completely forgot to mention one of our traditions on race day!  LOCKHART'S BBQ!!!  We always go there for brunch after the Detroit Marathon.  It's in Royal Oak and it's delicious.  This year it was me, little baby A2, Maureen, Phil, Mom, Dad, Sam, Jason and their son, E.  E was 5.5 years old (now 6, Happy belated birthday!) and he was totally into keeping baby A2 (16 months at the time) entertained.  He was coloring with her and sharing his crayons.  He kept talking to her and it was so stinkin' cute.  The food was awesome, as usual.  I typically get breakfast because breakfast is my favorite!  I haven't registered for this years race yet because I'm waiting to see what happens with my back.  I'll update after PT on Wednesday!     

Long Overdue Update!

Last time I wrote an update I had about 5 months left of training before my half marathon in October.  Major slacking on my part for the blog updates (sorry!).  Anywho, here's a race recap of the Detroit International Half Marathon on October 16, 2016. 

Race day was unseasonably warm for Detroit.  The other two times I ran this half marathon it was in the low 30's when we started running at 7:00am.  Race day it was in the 60's!  I had been looking forward to cold weather running and instead it felt like Texas!  I wore a tech T and running tights and was worried I would be hot with my compression socks on.  Thankfully I didn't overheat during the race, there was a nice breeze coming off the Detroit River.  My sister and I got there early to get a good parking spot.  We walked to Fort Street and got in our corral after hitting the loo.  Ha ha! 

When we started the race it was still dark.  One of the best parts of the race is watching the sunrise over the river.  You run over the Ambassador Bridge towards the beginning of the race (around mile 3, I think?)  It's amazing!  I felt really good and was trying to pace myself, I didn't want to go too fast right out of the gate and blow it at the end by getting slower as the race went on.  My sister ran the half with me this time instead of the full marathon because she ran a 50 mile race in September (because she's AWESOME!).  She kept asking me how I was doing and how the pace was which I was thankful for.  She was like my own personal cheerleader.  :o)

After you cross the bridge you run a few miles in my moms home land of Canada.  You get a sweet view of Detroit while running along the waterfront.  I got a really great picture of the Ren Cen a few years ago.  You run back into the US through the hot, smelly tunnel (my least favorite part).  We saw a person passed out in there off to the side.  It was reallllllly hot in there.  When we came out of the tunnel I remember feeling a little sluggish but was happy to be hit with a breeze.  The tunnel has zero air movement...it's just bad.  I kept looking at my watch and noting our pace and overall time.  I was wondering in my head if I was going to get a PR (personal record).  Maureen and I kept running along and were on the lookout for our parents and some friends that were supposed to come down to see us.  Around miles 8-9 I was feeling like I was slowing down a lot.  Looking and my mile times now I really wasn't, my pace only changed by a few seconds.  Anyway, around mile 10 I saw my friend Meagan and her husband.  That definitely gave me a little pep in my step.  We picked up the pace a little and kept on going.  I kept pushing myself because I REALLY wanted to get a PR.  My sister kept encouraging me that I could do it.  My last 3 miles of the race were the fastest.  Towards the end, around mile 13 I heard someone screaming "ASHLEY!!!!!!!" At the top of her lungs!  I look over and it's my best friend Chelsey with her friend Donny!  They were running along the side of the course holding up posters Chels had made and screaming their heads off for me and Maureen!! I was so freaking happy to see them!  We rounded the corner onto Fort Street and could see the finish line.  We were gunning it, I was so damn determined...and I got my PR!  My fastest race up to that point was my first half in 2013, I finished in 2:14:36.  This time I finished the race in 2:13:46, 50 seconds faster.  In running 50 seconds is kind of a big deal so I was really excited.  I got teary eyed when my sister said "you did it!"  We got our medals and post race freebies and waited around for our family and friends to find us.  Misty, Damian and Matthew came down to see us, too.  I can always count on them for their support (love you guys!).  Here's a few pictures.
     

So...I'll do another update about my training and how it didn't go as I had hoped/planned.  I kept having back pain and pain in my right calf.  A friend suggested I go see a chiropractor so I went in September, a few weeks before the race.  He did x-rays and showed me that I have degenerative disk disease.  One looked particularly bad (L5-S1 area).  For the last 5 months I've been going for adjustments and it wasn't getting any better.  I finally decided to see a spine specialist a few weeks ago and he ordered an MRI which I had on February 1.  Turns out I've been running with a bulging disc that has a tear in it... AND a herniated disc (the one the pen is pointing at in the picture below).  So tomorrow morning I'm getting epidural steroid injections in my back.  I'm hoping this helps and that I'll be able to get back out there and do long runs again.  I miss running.  So so so much.  I haven't been able to workout/run much because it really freaking hurts.  Sneezing hurts, coughing hurts, sometimes sitting and laying hurts.  I'm looking forward to getting out there again and getting a sub 2 hour half marathon.

 

Playing Catch Up!

Totally slacking again in the blog department.  This month has been insane.  Both of my girls had birthdays (they're 1 and 4 now), we had their party, my mom was here for 2 weeks and Adam's mom and sister flew in.  Jack I was here for the girls' party and Jayne is staying with us through July 12th.  My training didn't get into full swing until las Monday.  I hit the gym and ran outside a few days.  So here's a catch up post.  

Thursday, June 16, 2016-

It was really hot that day...the sun is brutal here (North Texas) and my skin is kinda sensitive.  Let's face it... My Michigan blood just isn't used to the heat yet.  😳 Pretty happy with mile 2 considering how hot it was.  💪

Monday, June 20, 2016-

The treadmill isn't my favorite, I prefer to run outside... But it's been awfully nice to me lately with my pace.  I guess having a fan on you and a/c helps.  Lol.  I needed this gym day.  I ran and then did flutes and legs.  3.01 miles in 26:29!

Thursday, June 23, 2016-

I took my mom to the airport on Wednesday which always sucks balls.  I don't know when I'll see her again so it was a rather rough "see you later".  I decided to run outside...it was hot (I think I say this every post...but seriously it's been in the upper 80's-90's for weeks now).  I drenched my hat in cold water before leaving, it felt awesome for the run.  I wasn't aiming for a certain pace, just wanted to get my mileage in.  Mile 2 was a bit rough but I pushed through and had a negative split for mile 3 which is good.  

Friday, June 24, 2016-

2 miles were on the agenda this day.  I was in a mood and I KILLED it at the gym.  I ran 2 miles in 16:36.  Pretty freaking sweet!  Then I did a full body workout mostly focusing on legs.  I want strong, muscular legs that'll help me run fast.  I need to do more core workouts (tabata planks anyone?!) so I'll be adding those back in.  I've been meaning to take progress pictures but I haven't gotten around to it.  I also haven't done measurements in a while so I'll do that soon.  I'll include a recent picture from June 11th at my cousins birthday party so you get the gist of where I stand.  I'm doing pretty good and I'm proud of myself but I've got a ways to go to get to my goal. I'll get there!  

That's my cousin and my twin brother, Ryan.  Have a great night!

3 Miles today!

It's hot here in Texas.  Hot and humid.  My training plan has been neglected this week mostly because when I wrote it out I forgot that my husband was working a different shift this week.  😩  My oldest daughter turned 4 on Tuesday and my mom flew in from Michigan late Tuesday night.  I picked her up from my brothers on Wednesday.  This morning was the first opportunity I've had to run this week.  We had my cousins birthday dinner Wednesday night, yesterday we were at my aunts all day.  Anyway, I FINALLY got to run this morning and it was hot as balls (I say this a lot, get used to it).  Humidity wasn't terrible but UV rays and temperature were not my best friends.  

Friday, June 10, 2016:

Time: 28:02.1  Pace: 9:17ish

I was trucking along pretty good until a guy stopped me a little after my first mile.  He was looking for his dog that got out but I hadn't seen it.  I walked for about 30 seconds after that to regroup and then started my Garmin back up and kept running.  The sun is SO hot here, even at 9:45am.  I was sweating bullets.  Decent run!  Happy with my last mile time, hoping I can follow my training plan better next week.  I've got my cousins sons first birthday tomorrow, a lake house trip to my aunts on Tuesday, the girls birthday party Saturday.  Lots going on this week!  I also joined Younique last week and have become an independent presenter!  I've been obsessed with makeup for years and this is right up my alley!  SO STOKED!  

Slacker Update

I've been slacking so hard lately.  I do better when I have my training plan written out so I know I have to do however many miles that day or what type of cross or strength training I'm doing that day. Last night I sat down and wrote out my miles and strength training days for 19 WEEKS.  That will take me to October 16 which is my 4th half marathon.  No more slacking!  If Adam has to work I'll be taking the girls to the gym with me.  I'm determined to get a PR this year.  Anyway, here's a recap of my last few runs.  

Monday, May 23, 2016-

I went to the gym and decided to go all out on the dreadmill.  I busted out 1 mile in 7:44.  Not my fastest ever but it was my fastest mile since my second daughter was born last June.  I don't like treadmills but it's better than nothing.  Then I did half of a workout because the childcare lady came to get me because my baby was having a meltdown. 😩  

Saturday, May 28, 2016-

I got 2 miles in and it was SO hot that day.  It was sticky and gross.  I also didn't get to run until about 1:30pm (hot as balls!)  I didn't do too bad, though.  I was happy with my pace considering.  👍 

Sunday, June 5, 2016-

Today's run was also hot as balls.  I slapped on sunblock before heading out around 9:45am.  The temp was 80 degrees, humidity was around 60%, and the UV rating was 10 out of 10.  Yuck!  First mile felt awesome.  Second mile I was starting to get really hot.  Mile 3 I rode the struggle bus the whole time but I made it.  💪 

Do you see that sweet mullet type hair sticking out of my hat? 😂  I'm growing it out and it's in an awkward stage.  Lol.  Anyway, I'll be posting almost daily during my training.  It helps keep me motivated!  I'm going to do an update when I'm around 1 year postpartum which will be in 2 weeks or so.  See you tomorrow!

Two 4 Mile Runs

I got in two 4 milers last week but I didn't make it to the gym (fail!).  A-2 had a fever for 3 days and finally cut a tooth on Thursday.  I didn't want to take her to the gym in case it was something other than teething.  Anyway, here's a quick recap of my runs last week.  

Saturday, May 14, 2016-

          4 Miles- Pace: 9:43  Time: 38:53.0  467 Calories 

I was struggling during the first 2 miles of this run.  I stopped at a little over 2 miles to get my head on straight.  I ended up finishing strong and my last mile was my fastest.  Adam bought me a Qalo ring for our anniversary and that was the first run I wore it on.  It's so light, I didn't even notice it on my finger!  I don't wear my wedding rings while running or at the gym.  I'm afraid of losing them so the Qalo is great to have.  He's got one, too.  :o)  

Thursday, May 19, 2016-

          4 Miles- pace: 9:27  Time: 37:46.9  465 Calories 

It was humid on this run and I felt sticky.  Other than that I felt pretty good.  I hit a wall during mile 3 but pushed through it and had a better last mile.  I love running in our new neighborhood!  It's got some decent hills and a nice pond to run around.  A friend of mine from Instagram told me about some country roads that are about 10 miles away from here that I can run on this summer when Adam isn't working so much and have time to get longer runs in.  I'll hopefully be writing another post later about my fitness progress over the last 11 months so stay tuned!  ;o)

Monday, May 9, 2016

Adam had to work today so I headed to the gym with the girls around 4:30pm.  They have childcare for 1.5 hours a day per kid but only at certain times on certain days.  I took the girls in and got ready to run.  My plan was to run the whole time I was there on the dreadmill.  Wah wah!  That plan didn't pan out.  Wah wah again!  I must have hit the wrong button because I'm running and feeling pretty good, not paying attention to the distance or my time and all of a sudden the belt starts slowing down and then stops at 1.29 miles.  Uuuuugh.  So I get the treadmill going again and I feel my right hamstring start to cramp up after a while.  What the actual fu(k.  😡  I was SO mad.  I haven't gotten in a long run in a while and that's all I wanted to do today was run my little heart out.  So I stopped at 1 mile for a total of 2.3 miles.  LAME SAUCE!  I did shoulders, arms and back stuff before grabbing the girls and heading home.  I foam rolled and stretched my hamstring, it feels a bit better but it's still tight.  I'll have to see how it feels tomorrow because I need to run, dammit!