I am afraid I have some bad news....I think I may have injured myself, again. Just when everything was going well, I knew it couldn't last forever...But let's not jinx the situation too early!!!
Ok, so here's the story: Today was a beautiful day in Boston. Weather was around 50 and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. A perfect day for a run around the Charles River. So I headed out around noon and did just that.
My first mile wasn't too good because I was a little tired (and hungover), but I quickly got out of it and my next three miles were 8:20 minutes/mile and lower!!! Things were just great; I started feeling great, my body felt good and my headache went away. I was admiring the beautiful scenery that is Boston and cursing myself for, again, not bringing a camera. And that is when it hit!
Around 4.5 miles I felt a sharp pain in the back of my knee (the knee that was injured a year and half ago). I immediately stopped to check out what was going on and noticed that it might be my knee brace just rubbing funny on the back of my knee. So, I removed it and did a few stretches and was on my way.
Not 2 seconds later the sharp pain came back again and again. Ahh....I stopped again and did some more stretches, messaged the area and shook out my legs. I tried running for about .3-.4 miles (just over the Mass Ave. bridge), but there was no luck, the pain just would not go away.
I knew (from previous experience) that if I continued to run on the knee it would result in a worse injury. So, I made a decision to walk the last mile home. It wasn't all bad, I still got to enjoy the nice weather outside. But I was REALLY angry and upset inside thinking a) my nice workout was ruined and b) I have to deal with another injury and so close to a race (next Sunday).
Once home I iced all areas of my knee and stretched. I took a shower and ate lunch and then iced just the back of my knee again for 10 minutes. I did a few more stretches and then just let my legs rest.
I can report now, 4 hours later, that I am still experiencing a sharp pain in the back of my knee; however it doesn't feel as severe. My plan is to "rest" my legs the 2 next days and reassess Tuesday. If I feel no pain on Tuesday while walking, I might try the treadmill at the gym; however if I feel ANY pain I will immediately get off and do the stairs or elliptical.
I am not sure what is up for next Sunday's race, but I will see how the week goes and how my legs are feeling. I am certainly not ruining my running season with a 5 mile race, even though I was really looking forward to it. But I am hopeful and think I might have just pulled something small and with rest and time it will heal...
What are your thoughts and/or suggestions in dealing with an unwanted leg pain/injury?
On a good note, I had a really fun night out with the girls last night. We went to a bar in Faneuil Hall to help raise money for three girls running the Boston marathon for the Boston Public Schools debate teams. It was a lot of fun, too much fun that I forgot to take pictures (sorry!!).
I will make sure to make it up to you by snapping some photos of Evan's and my meal in the North End tonight.... Be back with details (and pictures)!!!
How is your weekend going?
Showing posts with label Boston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Boston. Show all posts
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A Successful Long Run!
I had a 10 mile run planned for today, so in order ensure success I started off with some preparations. I ate an incredible dinner last night with friends:
Laura, Matt, Evan and I dined at Addis Red Sea, an Ethiopian restaurant in the South End. Evan and I dined here once before for his birthday about 2 years ago. And I think I took this same picture of Evan two years ago, haha....
The restaurant is VERY cozy and you dine at these little handmade tables:
There is also unique art work on the walls:
Evan and I split a bottle of VERY inexpensive Cabernet Savignon ($26)
It was good, not great. But AMAZING if you consider the price. (And actually almost rivaled the $65 bottle we got last week). For dinner we split a lamb dish
and a combo dish that included chicken wot and three veggie sides (lentils, peas, and collard greens).
All together now, served on their AMAZING bread (that I ate WAY to much of!!!)
Only the half closest to us was ours, the other half was Laura and Matt's. I really liked how communal this meal was and how you got to eat with your hands. Evan and I finished this meal in like 5 minutes flat. It was THAT good!! In addition to being incredible, this meal also provided the energy and nutrients that I needed to support me on my run today.
RUN to this restaurant (if you live around Boston!!!)
Keeping with the theme of fueling properly for my run, I ate a healthy and delicious breakfast. We used frozen bread that we purchased from When Pigs Fly bakery last summer. I think it was a fruit and nut bread. Anyways, it was still great!
French Toast with banana's and 1/2 of an orange on the side:
In addition to good food, good sleep is also important. I got 8.5 hours of sleep last night. Finally, drinking LOTS of water is imperative for me to have a successful run (both before and during).
OK now on to the run.....
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 1:25:30
Mile 1: 9:07
Mile 2: 8:28
Mile 3: 8:43
Mile 4: 8:53
Mile 5: 8:53
Mile 6: 7:50
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:21
Mile 9: 8:19
Mile 10: 8:40
I decided to switch things up today and run ALL over Boston. I ran from my house to the North End by way of Beacon Hill and the State House, by the water to the Seaport area, then through the Financial District (I kinda got lost here), back through Downtown Crossing to the Boston Common then to the South End and back. WOW, I really got a tour of Boston!! Even though I have lived in Boston for the past 7 years, I always love an opportunity to explore it!
I also was all over the place with my times. I am not sure if it had to do with the weather (it was freezing and windy!), or that at some points I was unsure of the area, or I just felt better at some points than at others. As much as you prepare for a successful run you never know what you are going to get.
Although it was cold and windy out, the sun was beautiful and it inspired MANY people to be out and about today. It was fun to "people watch" as I ran by them!
Just as important as it is to prepare well for a long run, it is just as important to properly recover after the run as well. I usually make sure to stretch outside and inside of my building. I also ice my knees for 10 minutes and then eat something and drink LOTS of water. I have not tried coconut water yet, but I hear it has positive affects especially after a strenuous workout.
What are your thoughts on coconut water? How do you ensure successful long runs? Any good runs this weekend?
Laura, Matt, Evan and I dined at Addis Red Sea, an Ethiopian restaurant in the South End. Evan and I dined here once before for his birthday about 2 years ago. And I think I took this same picture of Evan two years ago, haha....
The restaurant is VERY cozy and you dine at these little handmade tables:
There is also unique art work on the walls:
Evan and I split a bottle of VERY inexpensive Cabernet Savignon ($26)
It was good, not great. But AMAZING if you consider the price. (And actually almost rivaled the $65 bottle we got last week). For dinner we split a lamb dish
and a combo dish that included chicken wot and three veggie sides (lentils, peas, and collard greens).
All together now, served on their AMAZING bread (that I ate WAY to much of!!!)
Only the half closest to us was ours, the other half was Laura and Matt's. I really liked how communal this meal was and how you got to eat with your hands. Evan and I finished this meal in like 5 minutes flat. It was THAT good!! In addition to being incredible, this meal also provided the energy and nutrients that I needed to support me on my run today.
RUN to this restaurant (if you live around Boston!!!)
Keeping with the theme of fueling properly for my run, I ate a healthy and delicious breakfast. We used frozen bread that we purchased from When Pigs Fly bakery last summer. I think it was a fruit and nut bread. Anyways, it was still great!
French Toast with banana's and 1/2 of an orange on the side:
In addition to good food, good sleep is also important. I got 8.5 hours of sleep last night. Finally, drinking LOTS of water is imperative for me to have a successful run (both before and during).
OK now on to the run.....
Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 1:25:30
Mile 1: 9:07
Mile 2: 8:28
Mile 3: 8:43
Mile 4: 8:53
Mile 5: 8:53
Mile 6: 7:50
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:21
Mile 9: 8:19
Mile 10: 8:40
I decided to switch things up today and run ALL over Boston. I ran from my house to the North End by way of Beacon Hill and the State House, by the water to the Seaport area, then through the Financial District (I kinda got lost here), back through Downtown Crossing to the Boston Common then to the South End and back. WOW, I really got a tour of Boston!! Even though I have lived in Boston for the past 7 years, I always love an opportunity to explore it!
I also was all over the place with my times. I am not sure if it had to do with the weather (it was freezing and windy!), or that at some points I was unsure of the area, or I just felt better at some points than at others. As much as you prepare for a successful run you never know what you are going to get.
Although it was cold and windy out, the sun was beautiful and it inspired MANY people to be out and about today. It was fun to "people watch" as I ran by them!
Just as important as it is to prepare well for a long run, it is just as important to properly recover after the run as well. I usually make sure to stretch outside and inside of my building. I also ice my knees for 10 minutes and then eat something and drink LOTS of water. I have not tried coconut water yet, but I hear it has positive affects especially after a strenuous workout.
What are your thoughts on coconut water? How do you ensure successful long runs? Any good runs this weekend?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Two Amazing Runs!!
With such great weather these past few days, I have been able to enjoy two great runs! The first run was on Thursday and the weather was in the 60s!!!! I ran around the Charles River and it was just wonderful. Why does nice weather always put you in a good mood?? It put me in such a good mood that Evan and I ditched dinner plans and went out for drinks and dinner. Oops! Anyways back to the run....
Stats!
Distance: 6.04
Duration: 52:01
Mile 1: 9:16
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:21
Mile 4: 8:15
Mile 5: 8:21
Mile 6: 8:38
Overall this was a good run. It did take me a little while to get into it and I had too many clothes on. However, once I wrapped my jacket around my waist and I was a mile in to the run time just flew by. It was nice to run around the Charles without the snow. I forgot how much I like to run in this area, even at rush hour with more lights and cars, but you can still get in some good people watching. This run put me in a great mood!
Saturday I did a long run around the "Fens" to Brookline and back by way of the Charles, then a quick loop around the South End. It was a lot colder (about 45), but I actually felt stronger than on Thursday. Here are the stats:
Distance: 9.00
Duration: 1:16:30
Mile 1: 8:53
Mile 2: 8:10
Mile 3: 8:36
Mile 4: 8:34
Mile 5: 8:15
Mile 6: 8:30
Mile 7: 8:35
Mile 8: 8:20
Mile 9: 8:36
I was happy that I was pretty consistent throughout all my miles, with an average mile at 8:30. Like I said before, I felt VERY good during the run and did not feel any pain. However, I got a massive blister on my right heel that kinda bothered me towards the end of the run. Also, I got a little chill towards the end as well. Overall, it was great to be doing more miles and I have 10 on the agenda for next week!
Did you get in any great runs this weekend?
Even though it was St. Patty's day weekend, I had a pretty low key weekend. I had a long week at work, so I needed a little R & R.
How was your weekend? Did you engage in any St. Patty's day festivities?
Stats!
Distance: 6.04
Duration: 52:01
Mile 1: 9:16
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:21
Mile 4: 8:15
Mile 5: 8:21
Mile 6: 8:38
Overall this was a good run. It did take me a little while to get into it and I had too many clothes on. However, once I wrapped my jacket around my waist and I was a mile in to the run time just flew by. It was nice to run around the Charles without the snow. I forgot how much I like to run in this area, even at rush hour with more lights and cars, but you can still get in some good people watching. This run put me in a great mood!
Saturday I did a long run around the "Fens" to Brookline and back by way of the Charles, then a quick loop around the South End. It was a lot colder (about 45), but I actually felt stronger than on Thursday. Here are the stats:
Distance: 9.00
Duration: 1:16:30
Mile 1: 8:53
Mile 2: 8:10
Mile 3: 8:36
Mile 4: 8:34
Mile 5: 8:15
Mile 6: 8:30
Mile 7: 8:35
Mile 8: 8:20
Mile 9: 8:36
I was happy that I was pretty consistent throughout all my miles, with an average mile at 8:30. Like I said before, I felt VERY good during the run and did not feel any pain. However, I got a massive blister on my right heel that kinda bothered me towards the end of the run. Also, I got a little chill towards the end as well. Overall, it was great to be doing more miles and I have 10 on the agenda for next week!
Did you get in any great runs this weekend?
Even though it was St. Patty's day weekend, I had a pretty low key weekend. I had a long week at work, so I needed a little R & R.
How was your weekend? Did you engage in any St. Patty's day festivities?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sights and Tastes of Boston
Yesterday I had a great time exploring Boston. I started off with a BIG bowl of banana oatmeal that included 1/3 cup of oatmeal, 1/3 cup of milk, 1/3 cup of water, 1/2 of a banana, coconut, a big scoop of raisins, peanut butter, raspberry preserves. I also had some coffee.
Then I proceeded to go on a 2 mile walk around Boston's South End Neighborhood. Here are a few Boston sights along the way......
After a lovely walk I took the bus to Harvard Square to meet my dad for lunch. We went to Henrietta's Table to enjoy another restaurant week lunch.
My dad and I enjoyed our lunch on the patio taking in the sights and tastes of Harvard Square.
I started with the spinach salad with native blackberries, goat cheese and spicy maple pecan vinaigrette.
Next I had the baked scrod with potatoes. This meal was SOOOOOOOO good. One of the freshest yet simplest meals I have had. I felt like I was in the south of France enjoying a lovely lunch!
After lunch I said goodbye to my dad and headed downtown to meet a friend for a little shopping. We had such a great time catching up and trying to find deals. I ended up buying a pair of work pants on sale from $80 for $46 at Ann Taylor Loft! I love finding deals!
After shopping I met Evan for a drink at a local bar and then headed home for dinner which was inspired by my friend Laura: Mexican Bowls.
My bowl included mexican rice, beans, corn, red and green peppers, cheese and salsa! Evan and I enjoyed a glass of Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner. What a GREAT day enjoying Boston like a tourist. Have a great Saturday and HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my brother Jon!!! I will be out celebrating with him tonight.......
Then I proceeded to go on a 2 mile walk around Boston's South End Neighborhood. Here are a few Boston sights along the way......
After a lovely walk I took the bus to Harvard Square to meet my dad for lunch. We went to Henrietta's Table to enjoy another restaurant week lunch.
My dad and I enjoyed our lunch on the patio taking in the sights and tastes of Harvard Square.
I started with the spinach salad with native blackberries, goat cheese and spicy maple pecan vinaigrette.
Next I had the baked scrod with potatoes. This meal was SOOOOOOOO good. One of the freshest yet simplest meals I have had. I felt like I was in the south of France enjoying a lovely lunch!
After lunch I said goodbye to my dad and headed downtown to meet a friend for a little shopping. We had such a great time catching up and trying to find deals. I ended up buying a pair of work pants on sale from $80 for $46 at Ann Taylor Loft! I love finding deals!
After shopping I met Evan for a drink at a local bar and then headed home for dinner which was inspired by my friend Laura: Mexican Bowls.
My bowl included mexican rice, beans, corn, red and green peppers, cheese and salsa! Evan and I enjoyed a glass of Smoking Loon Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner. What a GREAT day enjoying Boston like a tourist. Have a great Saturday and HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to my brother Jon!!! I will be out celebrating with him tonight.......
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