Improvement Is Fun

During my running hiatus, I have been working up a sweat on my bike and in the pool. I've already told you that I don't love them as much as I love the running. I do, however, have to admit that there's something about "hating" the exercise that's empowering when you conquer it.

While I "hate" the pool, I love this:
The first day I jumped in to literally test the waters, I completed 500 yards in a half hour and thought I was going to die. Last week, I did 1000 yards in the same time and know in my heart I could have done more ... even if I didn't want to.

While I don't "hate" my bike, I do "hate" the time it takes to get a good workout. And I love this:
I used to have to climb the worst hill on my route in 1/1 on my gear shift ... the easiest pedaling combination with the least resistance and I spent most of my time in the 2/6 or 2/7 range. Now, I'm pulling most of my route in 3/6 and do that really tough hill in 2/3 or 2/4.

Oh, and I've taught myself to stand up and pedal. Pretty sure it doesn't look graceful, but I get it done.

Take that, non-running exercise!

P.S. To the man who was biking a quarter-mile ahead of me last night on Plymouth Church Road ... yes, I was trying to catch you. You WERE being followed. Stalked even. I wanted to beat you to the stop sign and I thought I could catch you in the two miles I followed you. I didn't catch you. But I did gain ground on you and given more distance, you would have had to eat my dust.

What a Difference a Run Makes!

Going to try and catch you up quickly ...

Physical therapy started last Thursday. And it was fantastic! My new friend Al showed me how weak my right hip is. The funny thing about running, apparently, is that the actual act of doing doesn't make the parts you need to run properly (like hips) stronger. And when the muscles aren't strong, your form gets sloppy. In this case, my hips started swinging. When the hips swing, they cause things to rub together that aren't supposed to rub together. When stuff rubs together, you get irritation and swelling ... bursitis.

So the solution is to strengthen the hip and core muscles so the muscles stay in alignment. Sounds so logical.

Al and I went through a whole slew of exercises designed to do just that. The funniest one involves me shuffling all around the house with a big rubberband around my ankles.

Oh, and I now blow dry and curl my hair standing on one foot. The dog thinks I'm nuts.

But back to PT: I was a willing and eager student. I hungrily listened as my new friend Al explained each exercise. I quickly demonstrated each one and asked for more. I could tell he liked my enthusiasm. I decided to push the envelope a little on the walk back from the gym to the exam room.

"So," I tentatively started. "Can I walk a couple of miles?"

"Well, yeah," Al said. "You can WALK, but be very cognizant of your body position and check your alignment. If you start to get tired, you'll feel it in your hips and when you do, it's time to stop. There's no pushing through."

"Got it," I said. And then I decide to try my luck. "Can I run?"

Very slowly, methodically, he replied, "You can run. (He sees my face light up!) But ONLY for a quarter mile for the first week. And ONLY if you're not too tired. And ONLY if you are paying attention and know you're body is staying in good form."

Friday morning, I got up, walked about 2 miles and ran a simply glorious, slow, lovely quarter mile.

I came to work with a smile on my face.

That hardly ever happens these days.

So Much News, So Little Posting

Sorry. Busy weekend.

I have MUCH to catch you up on. And will get you all the news this week. This is just an apology for the lack of posting Friday and Saturday.

Read about the Fort Youth Tri below, though.

I hope it's not wrong to admit that attending the event made me want to do my own tri very badly. I'm not often jealous of 10-year-olds, nor do I look at them with only slightly tempered jealous contempt. But I will admit to doing so yesterday morning.

Lucky little bastards.

Youth Tri Rocks

My 10-year-old niece did her first triathlon Saturday and it was so cool!

It was a fantastically organized event. (Even you, GaryAllenFan) would have been impressed!


Let me see if I can summarize quickly. The kids were broken into age groups ... 7- and 8-year-olds in one, 9- and 10-year-olds in the next and so on. At the registration table, each kid was marked with a number and letter on their arm and leg. The number made them look like super cool little athletes and served a purpose I'll get to in a second. There was also a designated area for each group's bikes and the kids had to get their swim-to-bike transition stuff in place before they went into the pool. 


In the pool area, the diving well had five lanes marked. For the 9- and 10-year-olds, the swim distance was 100 yards or four lengths of the pool. Each lane was numbered (1-5) and each had a row of folding chairs marked A-J. The kid had to find the chair that corresponded to their aforementioned arm/leg marking. So if you were 5F, you sat in row 5, seat F. 


They wisely keep parents on the sidelines; none allowed in the swimming area proper. There was a round of stretching and then a round of instructions ... instructions shouted out by the organizers and repeated back by the kids for maximum understanding. 


The swimmers in A chairs were first in the water. And then B chairs were started 30 seconds after, and C's 30 seconds after that, etc. Swimmers kept to the right and most managed to not run into each other as they made their laps. 


Down and back, down and back ... then on to the bike. Most kids kept their swimming suit on and added a piece of clothing (shorts or shirt) with their race bib on it. Helmet, shoes, and they were off. There was a small army of teen volunteers, taking each rider or group of rider onto the course. The teen riders stayed with them for the whole 3-mile course ... ensuring no one could get lost or left behind. (Again, no parents allowed to ride alongside. I imagine this hands-off approach was very tough for some of the more controlling/smothering parent types, but a very good idea, in my opinion. The kids had to do it themselves.)


The three miles wrapped up at the same transition point. The kids dropped their bikes in the same spot they picked them up from, peeled off their helmets and head out for the half-mile run. Again, the teen volunteers picked up each runner or group of runners as the kids moved through the transition area and ran with them until the misting  area right before the finish line. 


The kids got to cross that baby all on their own ... with parents, grandparents, siblings and more cheering loudly. 


All got a participation medal. And top finishers got additional hardware. 


My niece? Out of about 40 in her age group, she was 8th place girl and 19th overall. Considering she's about as peanut as they come, I think that's fantastic.

And, best of all, she snagged a sense of accomplishment that just can't be beat. She knew going into this that she'd have bigger, better, faster competition. In fact, her two besties (one a full head-and-a-half taller than she) actively run and are on swim team, plus they both participated in the pre-race training events. So Ms. B was nervous about being able to do it.

But she did do it. She said it wasn't nearly as bad as she thought it would be.

And this morning she got up early and walked 3 miles with me, choosing to run part of the way.

Because now she knows she can.

I love that.

Beginning Again

I'm re-upping.

I'm already in the eat-pretty-well-and-exercise army. But I've got new reasons to recommit to the membership requirements.

You see, I visited the physical therapist today and someone FINALLY made good sense. He showed me what was wrong and why. He showed me how to fix it. I know it's going to take time, but I also know I can do it. I'm excited about what I can do with the information I was given.

So look out, kids. I'm back.

Hot, Fast, Cool

Tonight's Sundown Dash 5K was HOT. Boy howdy! The runners were soaking wet and some looked dangerously close to falling over.

Those lead runners were FAST. Serious runners complete a 5K in under 20 minutes!

My job as "sweeper" was COOL. I had to follow the last runners/walkers and make sure everyone made it back to the finish line safely. It meant I ended up circling around a lot, so I put more than three miles on, but surely not more than six. We only lost one walker ... she had to stop at the 1-mile mark and have someone come get her. She was disappointed, but she did the right thing by pulling over and getting some help. It's not smart to mess around with the heat.

The best news? I stood up and peddled my bike without falling over. I'm not sure how it happened. But the spirit moved me, or something. I've got to hit those sweet, relatively flat trails more often!

Points of Housekeeping ... and Mex Salad Recipes

Today's a catch up day. Enjoy!

1. The Mexican-ish salad I threw together with the zucchini ... Gack. Don't make it. I ate it for dinner tonight and it sucked. Even the queso fresco couldn't save it.

2. It that recipe's place, I have alternatives. My sister sent a fantastic list of recipes to me today. And they perfectly fit my tastes AND are pretty dang healthy, too. Way to go, KaSu! See the end of this post for a yummy look.

3. This month's Oprah magazine features an article that discusses a study in which two groups of people ate similar diets. Same number of calories, similar exercise, etc. Except one of the two groups ate a little extra something for breakfast ... like cake or brownies or cookies. Guess which group lost more weight? Yup. The brownie crew. Food for thought. Literally.

4. I swam a half mile today. More breast stoke laps than I would like, but I got it done. So, take that Sweet T who challenged me by mentioning that she was swimming "a mile a day" just to torture me.

5. Tomorrow night is the Sundown Dash in Janesburg ... a 5K run or mile walk, beginning at 7 p.m. Yours truly, GaryAllanFan and a handful of other cronies will be there volunteering. Hope to see you there!

Mexican-ish Salad Recipes
http://www.justaspoonfulof.com/2011/08/avocado-tomato-mozzarella-salad.html  I might swap out cilantro for basil here.

http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/964263/sunday-dinner-roasted-corn-black-bean-and-avocado-quesadillas Cut the quesadilla up in little tiny pieces and use like "croutons" on a big bowl of greens!

http://tastefullyjulie.com/black-bean-corn-and-edamame-salad-with-cilantro-and-lime-dressing/ Anything cilantro/lime is automatically delicioso!

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/creamy-avocado-yogurt-dip/ This actually lightens up normal guac ... less fat. You could use this as a salad dressing on a bowl of greens/raw veg or it could replace mayo in a creamy side salad.

You Are Not Alone ... And Neither Am I

This is a note from my friend Quigley Down Under. She and I (along with our husbands, if we must) have a Caribbean vaca in the works for this spring. If that's not motivation, I'm not sure what is. 

RE: Tears and a Farmer Blow

Been there - just recently.  F.Y.I. - I'm up 12 freeaaakkkkinnnng lbs. from last year.  

Just had some more time off for my right knee/leg.  But now I have permission to ride the bike. I'm doing 15 minute intervals to get started.  15 in the a.m., 15 when I get home and 15 a few hours later, but before bed.  

I was just told I can do the treadmill, but not to push it - no walking on pavement for exercise.  The roads are all crested and that really screws up your knees and hips -- Yea!!!!!  I, too, am back in starvation mode. Lemon juice on salads is a favorite of mine. I, too, feel like a failure. But I will do it and so will you. WHY?  Bikini February. Do I need to say more?

GaryAllen Fan is battling a foot thing. Amber had emergency gallbladder surgery. We all get something, right? 

And, TOGETHER we get through. 

Asian and Mexican

Last night for dinner, we had some grocery store sushi and taco salad.

Honestly, I hate dinners that don't "match," but when it all tastes pretty good, the matching isn't as important.

To continue a theme tonight, I decided to see if I could get the same flavors in a few make-ahead salads for work lunches Monday and Tuesday.

The Asian one was easier ... take most of the ingredients from the Asian Carrot Slaw and call it a day. I didn't have cabbage, but did have cucumbers. I didn't want all that oil, so I left out the veg oil altogether. I remembered most of the dressing components, but just winged the proportions. Voila! Good to go.

The Mexican one was harder. I wanted a veg salad and did not want a creamy dressing, nor did I want to open a whole can of black beans. So I threw some zucchini, carrots, green onions, corn, leftover roasted turkey, black olives and queso fresco. But what for a dressing?

"Here goes nothing," I said to Jim. "I'm just going to start trying stuff."

"That's how the wheel and fire were invented, my dear," was his reply.

The first attempt was simply vinegar, olive oil and some fajita seasoning. It tasted like turpentine.

I needed an emulsifier. I found some southwest spicy mustard in the fridge and gave it a whirl. Closer, but not right.

So I added some chili powder and that magical Tajin. Close enough for this try. To be honest, the whole thing is still kind of weird and I would have been better off doing a chunky, veggie-like variation on salsa, I think. But where's the fun in that?

Do you ever do this? Who is your tasting guinea pig?

Tears and a Farmer Blow

At the risk of turning this blog into a totally uninteresting injury report, I'm going to talk about today's ride and this week's effort. If you hate that kind of thing and are thinking "Shut up you big whiner!" ... you might want to skip this. 

I'm going to come clean. Yesterday's post was a bunch of BS. While I might have sounded relatively calm and in control, I'm not right now. 

Long story short, after a few big glasses of pre-bedtime water Thursday to ward off post-swimming hunger, I needed two middle-of-the-night bathroom trips. The first time I got up, I was surprised that I couldn't put full weight on my left knee. In fact, I nearly bit the carpet because I didn't expect it ... everything was A-OK when I went to bed. How odd, I thought. But let's face it, it was the middle of the night, so I chose to not worry. When it happened again a couple of hours later, I had a bona fide panic attack in the dark. 

I walked around a little just to see what the hell was going on and literally couldn't do it. I climbed into bed and found I couldn't straighten my leg out the whole way. Wide awake and staring at the ceiling, I knew I'd have to get the crutches out for work on Friday. But how was I going to do that without screwing with my right hip more? That freaking thing can't take all the weight without further stressing it, delaying recovery, etc., etc., and etc. 


It was a fitful, restless, toss and turn worry-fest until morning. 

But when I woke up and gingerly placed my feet on the floor, everything was ... fine. Praise Jesus! I think we had a miracle! Or, maybe I dreamed the whole thing. 

Fast forward to Saturday morning. The plan was to ride 20+ miles. With about 3 miles in, my damn left knee starts giving out on the uphill pushes. It's popping. And painful. I get off the bike, walk around, stretch, hop a bit, trying to send what I now think is a loose piece of cartilage back into place.


This has never happened to me before, but there's something poetic-in-a-Murphy's-Law-kind-of-way about it happening now. 

Jump back on the bike, go another mile and it's back. Start messing with the placement of my foot on the pedal, the height of my saddle, looking for something that will change the pangs cursing through the joint. I fight with it for another 10 miles. And with every one, I get more and more frustrated. More and more panicked. More and more terrified. 

"(Expletive!)," I shout at the front tire. "Seriously?" I ask, looking directly at my left knee. "Now? You're going to give out now?" And my mind is racing. I'm already in surgery. And probably a whole body cast. After several amputations, no doubt. 

I ball up my right fist and punch my left knee as it comes around the top of the pedal. "Dammit!" 

And then I cry. A big, ol' baby blubbering cry. 

My logical thinking from yesterday is out the door and I'm all emotion. I know my skinnier life is OVER. I hate the bike. I hate the pool. I hate myself for being such a crybaby. I hate that I obviously haven't learned anything. I hate wanting to quit. I hate living in fear that tomorrow I'm going to screw this up ... gain a few more pounds and then a few more ... and not be able to come back.

The tears roll. 

Guess what a pile of frustration, panic, swearing, fear and crying gets you? 

It doesn't fix your knee. But it does give you snot. Which brings a lovely and ladylike farmer blow as I roll down a picturesque country road, puffy eyes and red blotchy face.  

I can only hope no one was watching. 


I'm scared. I'm telling you because I imagine you have days when you're afraid of whatever is holding you back, too. Or, whatever you think MIGHT hold you back.  

And if it helps, know that you're not alone.  

Holy Crap.

I weighed myself this morning after almost a week of not doing so.

And the news wasn't good.

I was up 9 pounds from my "normal" weight when I'm running. That's 9 pounds in five weeks, kids. Nine damn pounds.

And, boy, does that do a number on your head.

It was the incentive I needed to get back on my bike this morning and to push my speed. It was the reality check I needed to remind myself that I can't eat what I want, when I want, how I want.

It was also an opportunity to tell myself that I control this. That I control me. That I am the one who moves the fork to my mouth and makes the bike tires roll across the pavement.

It's hard to not get freaked out. It's STILL hard to not give into those feelings of "Maybe this is too hard and what's the big deal if I quit?" Even after all this time.

I had hoped by now this would be more like autopilot. That my body would remember the struggle and reward the monumental effort from the past two years. But the truth is there is no autopilot. This new lifestyle is work. It's effort. It's a choice I have to make every single day.

So right now I'm reminding myself that I can do this. Because I have done this. And when I did it before, I did on little more than hope and faith. This time, I have the strength from succeeding one time before on my side.

Not sure if that makes it easier, though it seems like it should.

Big Protein Dinner

In an effort to ward off the hungries after tonight's swim, I made a big, old pile of dinner that was heavy on the protein, hoping it would stick with me.

And, it was delicious. Simple, too ... better yet.

Tajin Taco Eggs 
5 eggs ... two yolks and five whites, whipped up
Red onion, zucchini, green pepper, cubed
Spicy cheese (I used a marble jack that had salsa-ish stuff in it
Taco turkey crumbles (I almost always have these leftover in the freezer from a previous taco night)
Tajin spice mix

Saute the veg in a little olive oil until just softened. Add the cooked turkey crumbles to heat through. Add the eggs and Tajin. Toss in some shredded cheese.

Challenge Update:
So my 60 laps are done. Sixty-four, to be exact. But only eight miles on the bike so far, which means 52 to go before EOD Saturday. I might not make it. Damn rain last night! But I'm going to give it a shot, HR Girl!

Starving All Day

Man!

Ever have one of those days where your stomach growls all day? In fact, it started last night just after midnight ... a hungry tummy woke me up from a dead sleep and would not be ignored.

I am not, nor have ever been, someone who "snacks" in the middle of the night. I like sleeping too much to take time to raid the refrigerator. But last night I finally gave up and grabbed a small handful of almonds, thinking the protein would make me feel full longer.

And once I did wake up to start the day, my stomach just kept on demanding more food.

I fed it a normal breakfast. And a Fiber One bar. And a soda.

I fed it a big lunch ... huge salad with chicken. And a frozen yogurt.

I fed it dinner ... a pile of carrots and dip. And leftover seafood enchiladas. And two pretzels. And a big bowl of frosted shredded wheat.

Oh, and a piece of cheese.

And I'm still hungry. Stomach still growling, "Feed me!"

One of our CC readers told me that swimming makes you hungry. And a quick Google check (seriously, what did we do without it?) confirmed that swimming does indeed make you hungry. Something about the cold temperature of the water and lactic acid or something.

Just what I need. An exercise that ends up with me taking in more calories than I expend.

Challenge Each Other

Her: Seriously, how was your appointment? 

Me: Disappointing. But she did tell me I could ride bike and swim, so I'm happy.

Her: So, there you go. Change your mindset and think this way ... you are working on tri training and these are the two areas you will be focusing on, while giving your hips some relief. 

I would like to see at least 24 miles on Gary Fisher by Saturday and 20 laps in the pool by the end of the day Saturday. So, three 8 mile bike rides and two day sin the pool swimming 10 laps each time. Do it. 

I think I would be a great personal trainer. I just need to get my body to correspond with my mind. I think I am going to pull out my Tony Robbins books ...

Me: So should I tell you that I usually ride 15 miles per session, sometimes 22 and 30 minutes of swimming better be more than 20 laps?

Her: Well, salute, little over achiever. Then here's the challenge ... 60 miles on the bike by end of the day Saturday and 60 laps in the pool. 

Me: Should have kept my mouth shut, eh? Sixty laps in the pool will kill me.

Her: Yeah, you should have. And let's see if you can hit those numbers and don't go bullshitting me either because you only cheat yourself. 

Me: I'll make the effort ... even if it means getting ready for work in the locker rom. What's the goal for you?

Her: My goal is to eat three healthy meals and drink 64 ounces of water. So I will start tomorrow. Since dinner will be my first meal tonight. I will bring my food to work and eat in my office and not let people interrupt me. 

Me: Three meals a day AND a food journal.

Her: Now you want a food journal? Do you want me to send  it to you? 

Me: No, it's for you. "You're only cheating yourself." Unless it helps you to send it to me. 

Morale of the story? Use your network to help you set goals. Use me if you want. Challenge each other. Telling someone you were successful is almost as much fun as being successful. 


Update: 8 miles done on bike and 32 swimming laps complete. I'm going to hit that goal, sucka! How'd YOU do today? 

Good News, Sort Of

Visit to the sports med doc today turned up no surprises: I have bursitis.

And in spite of my best meth addict impersonation, I didn't get the cortisone shot. "Cortisone or not, you have to do the PT. So you might as well do the PT first and see if that works," she said in her characteristic monotone. Her face muscles must not work ... she remains expressionless. Some might find it off-putting, but I kind of like it.

"Did I mention that I've already been RICEing for five weeks?" I ask. She stares back blankly.

"So if I get halfway through the six additional weeks of PT, should I call you to talk about the cortisone?" I pleadingly inquire. Her whole head remains stationary. Not a flinch.

"How often does this normally take to heal all the way? I mean, I mentioned that this has been going on for about five, maybe six or seven, weeks, right? It's very painful," I say as tears begin to puddle in my eyes. I don't even get a blink in response.

Yeah. She was having none of it.

But the good news, and there always is some, is that I am cleared to bike and swim to my heart's content.

So that's where I'm headed now. I wonder how long I'll last in this heat.

Inertia

I've heard this a few times from a local meteorologist in the past few weeks:

"Drought begats drought."

Meaning that the longer it's really dry, the less likely we are to get rain ... because there isn't enough moisture at ground/atmosphere level to help when more rain-favorable conditions rumble overhead.

Exercise and eating right are like that, too.

The more you do it, the more you want to do it. And, unfortunately, the flip side also holds true.

The less you do it, the less you want to.

I am battling with the latter myself these days. Sleeping in, lifting a few weights here and there. It's easy to fall out of the habit. Sneaking an extra nibble, horking down some lovely red velvet cake. It's easy to keep shoveling it in.

Start one new good habit today. I'm going to try, too.

Me and Michael Phelps?

Our Saturday trip to town today (I live in the sticks, you know ... we actually have a weekly trip to town) turned into a lust-filled, drool-inducing, "why-can't-I-just-win-the-lottery-already?" craving.

Like I need MORE cravings.

You see, there was a hot tub/spa event at the convention center. FACTORY DIRECT!  LOW PRICES! AN OPTION FOR EVERY BUDGET!

And we made the mistake of going in to check out one of those swim-spas. You know the kind ... they're like a bigger, deeper hot tub that generates enough current to swim against.

Before going in, I looked my husband very carefully in the eyes and said, "We are not buying a spa." I ended up with a boat once upon a time in a very similar fashion and I wanted to be clear where we stood on this issue. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

But man, were they freaking awesome. There were three swim spas in the room, two of them Michael Phelps-endorsed, that jetted and massaged and gurgled and pulsed and ... oh, yeah. You could also swim.

But here's what else:

• You can "write them off" if you have a medical reason. 
• You can put some money down now and they store it until you're ready to take it.
• If you put said money down, sign a release form of sorts and someone else wants to buy the exact same spa before you take ownership, you can let them have "yours" and they'll build you a new one ... according to YOUR specs on color, finish, etc.
• Today only, your purchase includes a easy-open cover, set of steps, and something else fabulous that I can't remember.
• One model comes with a stationary bike and treadmill you put IN THE WATER. 
• Two models come with a rowing seat and rowing handles so you can switch up your workout. 

Imagine! (And in all fairness, the sales team was very good. Not pushy and overbearing. Very helpful and knowledgeable. Totally likeable. And quite skilled at the art of selling ... which I admire.)

I would so love one of these. Year round usage. Exercise and relaxation. My nieces would love it. My husband would love it. My neighbors would love it. I would love it.

Jim trotted downstairs immediately upon our return home and started measuring pieces of concrete and dirt outside. And, GREAT NEWS! There are several options where one of these bad boys would fit! And the house is already wired properly to handle it.

I almost can't think of a single reason to NOT buy one.

Well. except the price that is.

Maybe Mr. Phelps could pick up the tab.

What Did You Do for Exercise Today?

I gathered eggs, carried the empty garbage cans and recycling bins back to the house and then lifted a few weights. Not a great day, but it's something.

Jealousy

On my way to work today, I met a woman running.

She's a woman I have seen a dozen times in the past year. She's older than me by about 10 years, if I had to guess, and I first noticed her walking along the main street of the little town nearby. She walked fast, with purpose, and I thought, "You go, girl."

Then I noticed her doing what I'll call a speed-walk, her arms just swinging. And again, I thought, "You go, girl. (But stop swinging your arms across the front of your body!)"

This morning, she was running! My first and immediate thought was, "YOU GO GIRL! Good for you! Isn't it cool to tell people you're a runner?"

And then, "Lucky her. Poor me."

Jealous much?

Asian Carrot Slaw

I made this for the first time Saturday and loved it. There's a link to the original at the end and my version is here.

Asian Carrot Slaw

Slaw Part:
1 bag coleslaw mix
1 bag shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, sliced into a size/shape like the slaw and carrots
1/2 to 3/4 red onion, sliced into size/shape like slaw and carrots
1 cup frozen edamame, thawed/drained
1 can water chestnuts
Big handful of cilantro, chopped
For Serving: bigger handful of dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Dressing Part:
1/2 c honey
1/2 c veg oil
1/2 c rice vinegar
2T low sodium soy sauce
2T sesame oil
2T peanut butter (I used low fat crunchy Skippy)
1T Tajin lime seasoning mix
2t hot sauce
1T chopped garlic
1T chopped ginger

Pile up the slaw stuff, keeping the peanuts separate. Mix the dressing separately in a sealable container. An hour or so before serving, drain off any liquid from the slaw. Pour most of the dressing over the slaw and mix. I reserved some in case it soaked up too much and I needed more for later. Just before serving, top with peanuts. This makes a ton and it's really good the next day ... but the peanuts don't stay crunchy. I don't mind them wet, but if you do, use the peanuts to "top" single servings only.

The original recipe calls for green onions, which I think would taste better, but I'd want a LOT of them. I just didn't have them on hand, so I used a lot of red onion instead. I'm going to use the dressing for more than this. It's really good. I also think you could get by with less veg oil. Like half. If you want to stretch it, just add more edamame or whatever you have.

See original recipe here: http://www.onceuponachef.com/2011/03/asian-slaw-with-ginger-peanut-dressing.html  

Physical Age: 22

In lieu of running or biking, I've dug out my old Gold's Gym Cardio Workout Wii boxing game and I'm attempting to punch my way to fit.

I'm not the world's best boxer, but there's something I LOVE about throwing those punches. It makes me feel strong and it makes me feel powerful.

Best of all, when I complete a routine, the fuchsia-haired Mii I've created, who wears this skateboard-ish tank top and green short shorts, pops up and tells me how many punches I've thrown and declares,

"Physical Age: 22!"

I just love that part. Even if it's complete bogus-ness. It makes me feel good.

Take that, teeny boppers.

(And, every once in a while, she tells me my physical age is 21. As if! But it makes me do a little happy dance spin regardless.)

Adjusting

My original race schedule included a 10K in September ... Janesville's River to Ridge event. If you remember, I did it last year. It marked the very first "real" running race I'd ever entered. (I'm not counting the Dirty Girl 5K mud run because there was really very little running in that event. Well, there was running, but it was spliced with a lot of "stopping" for mud obstacles.) 

After completing the half marathon in La Crosse in May, I toyed with the idea of doing the 13.1 mile distance at River to Ridge instead of the 10K. Today it occurred to me that I only had 8-10 weeks between now and then. 

That might not be enough time to train properly if I am starting from "zero" after not running for the past almost-four weeks. 

So, in addition to making a doctor's appointment this week, I am adjusting my race plan, just in case. There's a half marathon in Lake Mills in November that will work if I can't get ready for the local race in September. 

I guess this is all about adjusting. Like everything else in life, right? 

It's Freaking HOT!

Does just sweating count as exercise? I sure hope it does. 

Two outdoor parties today and even without much movement, I'm sure there will be plenty of perspiration. 

One more day, kids. We just have to get through one more day. 

Getting Better?

The good news? I only took two Ibuprofen today and, right up until about 10:30 a.m., I felt like I could run. (And, man, did I want to!)

Then the stiff and sore settled in and I headed to the chiro for my 11:30 a.m. appointment. He said he can still feel the edema (or maybe I'm not supposed to use "the" with that word?), though the actual  bubble shape of the bursa has reduced. Oh, and he said my right hip is still "kattywompus." His word, not mine.

So I was treated to a few new cracking techniques and given some very specific instructions:

• Continue to stretch, three or four times a day
• Continue to apply heat before bed
• Do NOT run ... but if you do because you just can't help yourself, no incline and ice immediately afterward

I'm feeling like there may be some light at the end of this tunnel. But the tunnel feels like it's getting longer and longer. I'm wondering now if I should still go see the sports med doc and see what information I can get.

It's frustrating because I don't know what to believe, exactly. I've been doing my own research online. I know what the chiro says. I know what the PA says. I know how I feel. Some of the information is conflicting (Run with no incline? Sports med says with my knees, I should ONLY run with an incline.) I'm guessing there is no single "right" way because no two bodies are the same, no two pain tolerances are the same, no two commitments to getting better are the same.

But I'll figure it out.

School Nurse Findlay Was Wrong

Do you remember the scoliosis tests in elementary school/junior high? All the girls would line up in the locker room, take our shirts off and, one-by-one approach the school nurse. She'd ask you to turn your back to her, bend at the waist and then unbend.

Or at least that's how I remember it.

We did this every year.

Every single year, Nurse Findlay would take one look at my shoulders, which were/are apparently freakishly wide, and say, "Do you swim? Are you on the swim team?"

I'd reply, "No."

She'd say, "You have really broad shoulders! You should swim!" And she's look at whatever teacher or assistant was there in the room with her and say, "Don't you think she should swim?"

The polite person would nod and agree and I'd walk away feeling like Paul Bunyan or some famous linebacker.

Which isn't exactly how a pre-teen girl wants to feel.

Today I put all that aside and I put my shoulders to the test.

In a desperate effort to get some cardio in, I went to lap swim at my local YMCA. Both the chiro and my PA said swimming would be OK. (Though I don't understand how swimming is different from biking?)

And the pool kicked my ass.

I alternated freestyle, breast stroke and back stroke for 30 minutes and I was a huffing, puffing, muscles-trembling mess at the end. That's with breaks at the end of each complete length of the 20M pool, by the way.

Swimming is a lot of work! And those big shoulders didn't seem to help much, Nurse Findlay!

It felt GREAT to get some real exercise in, though! I'm going back tomorrow.

And, just in case you're wondering, I don't harbor any ill will toward Nurse Findlay. In fact, she was perhaps one of a very few people in my life to say something positive about my body ... to help me form a positive opinion of myself ... though I didn't know it at the time.

The truth is, I DO HAVE broad shoulders. Both literally and figuratively. And at this point in my life, I have decided they are an asset. I like them now. I like how they look a little defined in this new body. I like how they make me look strong. Don't get me wrong ... no one will ever call me dainty or delicate because they really are rather wide and sturdy. 


But I'm totally OK with that. 

Ice Cream for Lunch

If there ever was a day (week?) where ice cream for lunch was a good idea, I think we've found it.

The Sonic delivered me a lovely Oreo "Blast" (like DQ's Blizzard) that was delicious. And I'm counting it as a dairy today.

I Might Give It a Shot

A shot of cortisone, that is. I'm beyond frustrated and don't know what else to do. Though, I have to admit, having an excuse to not run in this weather is sort of OK. 

Have any of you had a cortisone shot? Gimme the details. 

Yet Another Example ...

... that your brain is the MOST IMPORTANT (and perhaps the most difficult) muscle to train.

http://www.usaswimming.org/ViewNewsArticle.aspx?TabId=0&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&ItemId=4570&mid=12660

Excuse the misuse of "breath" for "breathe." It drives the copywriter in me crazy, but such is life.

P.S. Second chiro appointment complete. I thought it was feeling better, so I backed off the ibuprofen. Wrong move. I'm amping up again and going on week four. Cortisone, anyone?

Craving Clean

I have heard that you can "train" your palette to like new foods. It makes sense to me, to a point. I'm sure I'll never like bananas, but I have come to love salmon and asparagus, in spite of prior loathing.

I just sat down for a dinner nosh and, after a weekend of not-so-great eating, I was dying for simple, clean flavors and healthy foods. I wonder if my palette has changed or if my brain has?

What did I want? Cucumbers. Carrots. A hunk of whole wheat baguette with some cheese. And grapes. Simple. Simply flavorful and snappy and chewy and crunchy and soft and sweet.

Perfect.