Udo's Oil...Recovery, Strength, Stamina

Just got home from New Seasons Market where we stocked up on all kinds of goodness!  One of the things we restocked on was this:

This is just one of the products I've come to start using since training for marathons again. Udo's Oil has shown to help endurance athletes experience greater strength, stamina, and faster recovery.  It has also been proven to have many other health benefits such as fat loss, and improvements in skin condition, sleep and concentration.  Check out the research, athlete testimonials, and frequently asked questions at the Udo's Oil "Oil The Machine" site for more information.  This stuff is pricey but I'm convinced it is good stuff to add to my diet.  I plan on being more active about taking notes about changes I notice from taking this again after not taking it for awhile.  I'll share my observations with you in a few weeks.


Chicken Soup For the Runner's Soul
I started my morning with a little bit of coffee and some running inspiration.  I've never been one to read Chicken Soup for the Soul books but I won this one in a giveaway from Lisa at Because I Can.   Please go visit Lisa's Blog and say hello.  Thanks for the book Lisa!  I love it.  Especially the forward by Dean Karnazes and the first story by Michael Fitzgerald.  

Running Update
Since my chiropractic appointment and taking it easy this week, I'm feeling much better. I still have some pain but I'm noticing improvement since being out of the Kinvaras. Last night before Family Movie Night, I made a quick trip to the gym and decided to try out my running legs.  I ran a mile warm up and then ran two miles at the 8.8 and 8.9 speed (6:44/6:49 pace) and then a half mile cool down.  I was very happy to hold on to the sub 7 pace for 2 miles.  


Today I ran 8 miles @ base pace.  I could definitely feel my leg by the time I was finished and so I iced, stretched and rolled.  I can't tell what pain I'm feeling from the run and what pain is still from the Graston Therapy.  I know I definitely have some bruising from the therapy. I wrote my splits in my running journal and included a picture below. 


 I also taped in a very sweet e-mail from a blog reader that I didn't know about.  It made MY YEAR!  So very sweet and thoughtful of her to send me such kind words.  I am always thankful when people write me to tell me that something I wrote helped, inspired or motivated them in some way.  It gives me even more reasons to keep on blogging when I start doubting why I blog. 

And just for kicks, here is a picture of my sweet man doing his core work before heading out on his 6 mile run.  Um, that is MY Garmin that he bought ME for Christmas.  We totally share but I'm not complaining because he is going to pace me in my 5k and our 1/2 marathon in April. Oh, and Check out that OREGON SUNSHINE today!  Glorious!!  

Hope you're having a great weekend!  
Amanda

Wee Words Wednesday

This was a picture that my daughter drew for my awesome chiropractor at Back In Motion Sports Clinic.  They framed it and put it in their office and posted it on their Facebook Page.  So thankful for recovery and being able to Run again!  Thanks Dr. Forcum!  The Whole Family is Happier!


Amanda

I'm Back!!! Pre Run Video

As every runner who has ever suffered from an injury knows... it. feels. AMAZING to be back!  I just walked in the house from my first solo run (without pushing a double jogger) since feeling almost 100%.  I had every intention of running in the pouring rain tonight.  Not because I particularly love running in the cold rain.  I don't.  But because I didn't have time to get to the gym and back before later plans tonight.  Luckily for me, it cleared up just in time for my run.  It was me, the night, and the giant rain puddles! 

Here is a video taken right before I left.  Don't you just love my fancy running clothes?!  :)  Especially the head lamp...my favorite for running at night. 

I don't have a GPS but if I take Google Map Pedometer and match it up with the time on my watch, then I ran in just around an average of 8 minute mile pace.  Judging from my inner runner GPS, at least part of the run was in sub 8 pace!  I feel Glorious.  I know I'm not completely 100% but I'm close.  Towards the end of the run I could feel my hamstring start to whisper a few cuss words at me to keep me in check. 

I read a few blogs today about people who get up super early to run before their day gets going.  I just can't get myself to like early morning runs.  It is like my body and mind are still sleeping and I just can't get moving.  I especially can't imagine running before I've had coffee!  I'll take night runs any day if I had to choose between night and early mornings.  What time of the day do you prefer to run?

Oh, and my friend just sent me this article 9 Tips For Your Night Runs
Happy to be back,
Amanda

32!

Having a weekend away in Napa with my girlfriends was a great way to celebrate the end of my days as a thirty-one year old.  I had time away from my crazy but wonderful life as a mother and had the perfect setting to reconnect with my girlfriends.  I had more wine than I usually have in two weeks, ate way different from my usual diet, and didn't exercise nearly as much as normal.  As most people with a running problem can relate, I came home feeling like I need a good solid workout to get my endorphins going and the sweat flowing!  In light of turning thirty-two, I thought I'd give my workout a little twist:

*  3.2 miles on the elliptical in just under 32 minutes
*  1.32 miles of running on the treadmill (the last .5 was at 8 minute mile pace which is a huge step in my recovery!  Seeing light at the end of the tunnel!)  Felt Incredible!
*  32 lunges
* 32 squats without weight
*  32 push ups (2 sets of 16)
* 3.2 minutes of stretching (okay, might have been a bit longer but that ruins the 32 theme)

Now in light of motherhood, running and life in general, here is a list of random things on my mind.

1.  Coming home to my husband and kids after a weekend away was absolutely wonderful!  I missed them so much and from the love they gave me, I know they missed me too.  Even though I feel crazy and unraveled many days, it is days like today that I remember how much I love motherhood and being a wife.

2.  This is one of the gifts my husband and kids had for me for my birthday and to welcome me home.

3.  And these:

4.  Here is another one of my birthday presents and  a book I'll be starting this week.  And here is the link to the official Born To Run fan site: http://borntorun.org/



5. I'm also starting this new book called When Did I Get Like This? by Amy Wilson.  I can already tell that it will be a book I will enjoy and can relate to as a mother with three kids under the age of six.  I also enjoy reading her blog.  She is real and makes me feel normal about my crazy mom moments. 



6.  The girls thought I could use some magic wands too.  I think these might come in handy this week when I'm needing down time.  They'll help to remind me to focus on the positives and be in the present with my children. 

7.  My appointment with my sports chiropractor today was awesome.  Dr. Forcum was so excited to see the progress I've made and how great my hamstring is looking compared to last time!  This makes my runner heart happy!

8.  Sticking your head out of a moving limo in beautiful Napa Valley is a MUST.  Really makes you feel like a kid again.  Or a dog.

9. Life is too short to always be second guessing myself.  I'm really hoping to work more on loving myself for all that I am and not trying so hard to please others.  Every year of life I get a little better at this.

10.  Life is so much better with daily exercise.  Everything is more enjoyable: food, drink, family, body image.  And if the exercise is running...Even Better for me!

11.  Note to self:  When getting together with a group of women for a girl trip, try not to talk the entire time and  let the quiet and more reserved girls have enough wait time to get a word in too! Getting a break from kids was exciting and I could not shut up! 

12  Fresh veggies and fruits are a must to have in my body every day!  I just feel blah without it and really hope to be better about making good food choices.  Vacation doesn't count.

13.  Since I'm speaking of fruit, and just so nobody thinks we take ourselves too seriously around here:

What is something you get better at with age? or What is something you hope to be better at in your next year of life?

Amanda

Injury Milestone

I'm thinking it is a little ridiculous that I've posted a blog every day since starting this thing.  Mostly feeling ridiculous because besides one or two people (including my mom), I might be the only one reading it.  I know I have to start somewhere and I guess since this blog is partly to help me grow and reflect on my life as a runner and mother, then I shouldn't worry about how often I post. Blogging has really been something I look forward to at the end of the day.  It is a way for me to reflect on my day, set some goals as a runner and mother, share creative things I've done, etc.  So, blog again I will!

Tonight I'm staying up until midnight so I can register for the Hippie Chick Half Marathon.  It is a race that fills up quickly and I never remember to register in time.  The exciting thing for me is that this marks my return to running!  I'm so excited to be registering for a race considering that just nine weeks ago I was barely walking normal!  Another special thing about this marathon is that it will be on Mother's Day.  What a great way for me to celebrate motherhood and running together! 

My training and personal goals for this week:
*  Continue to take it easy
*  Run 1-2 miles each day, hoping to be up to 3 without pain by the end of the week
*  Continue to cross train on the elliptical and bike
*  Yoga
*  Eating Healthy...lots of water, fruits and veggies
*  Positive thinking and being in the moment with my kids.


3 more hours until I can register for the Hippie Chick Half! 

Amanda