When I first started this blog in 2014..graduation felt light years away.
Those days were long, but the weeks and months seem t0 have flown by and I've reached the point in life where I can now call my self a DOCTOR of PHYSICAL THERAPY. I've also reached a new starting line (so to speak) where Im taking a leap into the coaching world. Stay tuned for updates. Lauren
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lo_RANmugs On my few weeks off between roations, I ran a ton of mileage preparing for the 2017 Boston Marathon, created a study schedule for the upcoming NPTE (the week after Boston) and took to some crafting I've been wanting to do for quite some time. I've loved my creations and they've gotten quite the love off of my instagram and facebook. So much so that I've had friends ask to order them.. I'll plan do do much more in the future, but if you're intested, shoot me an email!
Its clearly been way to long since I've posted anything here. I started this Blog back in 2015 in my first year of Physcial Therapy school while training for the Boston Marathon. We left off in February 2015, when life took over and I let this go. Flash forward almost TWO years now. To say things have chaged would be an understatement. Boston Marathon Recap: Goal time: 2:50 Actual time: 3:01 Weather: 36 degrees, 30+ MPH head wind, rain/sleet/snow Needless to say I was disappointed. But we'll get to that more in future days as the preperation for Boston #2 is well underway. Physical Therapy School: I've had 3 rotations so far.
Where I'm Going: Over the last few months, I've been thinking about getting this back up and running with some regualrity. I want to use it as a place to share resources: running, DPT and nutritional. I'm using the new year as a chance to bring some life back to this blog and am excited for all of the adventures that await in 2017. -lo I know its been almost 2 weeks since I posted.
grad school will do that to you. Anyways..midterms & skills checks are done (YAY) and tomorrow is SPRING BREAK! Training at altitude has been intersting to say the least , when you are planning to race 26.2 at sea level...so I planned my SB 2015 in Michigan...yes the same Michigan that has been -47 degrees with the wind chill.. it also just so happens that SVSU ..(GO CARDS) is hosting GLIAC indoor championships in the new 300 m. field house this weekend as well. So my plans will be centered on my two favorite things: family and running. Now, Recap of the last two weeks for yah... so 2 weeks ago I did my 16 miler --yeah mental adventure. I forgot just how mental the 'marathon' process is. The rest of that week, training went well (for the most part). My knee issue is on the upswing..most days I don't even think about it any more. Ive gotten back to my normal lifts (just lighter weight right now) and have still been on the rise with mileage... I noticed tho..I was just plain tired. Tired from school (finally picking up again). Tired from increased mileage and the last few weeks of hard running catching up with my legs. Exhausted. It was a mental battle most days to get in the mileage I had planned and the studying/ school work that had to be done. After my 60 mile week, I had another 65 in. This past week..we have been living in a snow globe. Sunday...we got hit with a mad blizzard..of course (long run day). It was so snowy that Regis closed campus....well shoot.. now I was out a treadmill and the roads. I spend the better part of the morning studying and looking up local places that didnt cost an arm and a leg to run & found a rec center down the street. Never underestimate the looks of others when you are cruzing on the treadmill, 7min/mile...watching videos on your ipad (muscle length, goinometry, UQ & LQ scanning) and dowing GU packets...as you reset the treadmill every hour as it times out.... I had planned 18 last Sunday and got to 14...and had to stop....My brain was FRIED...and I was worried about the long duration on the treadmill (for my knee's sake). Sometimes you have to re-evaluate. The rest of the week, we were preparing for our first skills check: - UQ/LQ scan - MMT - Goniometry and a MAP midterm (cardiac physiology & care).... and between 2 days of snow delays..have managed to keep my mileage in and squeezed in mile repeats tuesday (only day you have been able to see the sidewalks all week). The snow is pretty, and teaches you some perspective when it comes to running. 1. Things aren't always what they seem.--- That patch of snow that looks 5 inches deep is really 24+ when you step into it on the side of the road at an intersection 2. Silence is comforting (and a good break)- when you are the only runner out (in the conditions) 3. Be prepared to change your plans--- oh it was 50 and sunny this morning on your run ...yeah its now a blizzard..should have brought a jacket (Wednesday's scenario) Just like in life..all of the above apply. be preapred for anything and be ready to adapt...especially when training for a spring marathon :) off and packing (with hot cocoa) x0x0- lo ps. see you at sealevel "Run the mile you are in"...A quote from one of my favoirte distance runners, Lauren Fleshman. I read a story she wrote in the most recent ediditon of Runner's world (in between memorizing Neruoanatomy). It was facinating to read her journey and how similar our stores are..in a way. Her story talks about how she was training for the US Olympic Trials in the 5k (shes fasttt....) and was dealing with an injury, that ultimatley prevented her from competing that year. She had to go back to the drawing board and 'refocus'.. I wont go into any more detail..because I think you should grab a copy and dive into it for a while... but I appreicate the presepctive from such an astounding athlete (and everything else she does..) Its a nice reminder that the road is not straight. There are mountains to overcome each and every day..(sometimes literally). You can have the best plan in the world, but if you are not ready to adapt it to the ever changing world..your plan isn't shit. The last week of training was by far the best one yet. 60 miles..sun shining (and warm!! so warm!) 1/2 last sunday. 5 mile progression workout 5x5 miles at MP School was chaotic..we actually had a full week again (and that was a slap in the face---) But it made me focus.. it made me make time for what matters most. To prepare, to plan (and be ready to change on a minutes notice) and to relax and enjoy what my body was able to do for the first time in almost a year... It was 2 a days most days to accomodate schools hectic schedule. Lunch runs, after school runs (in the dark with Mike as my safety bike-along). It was planning school around when I was to get in my workouts..and actually getting them in when I planned..not getting 'distracted' for hous doing something else. the whole week was a spectacular reminder of how good things can be..after a while of sturggles and furstrations with running and my knee issue. A chance to see that those 'little things' -like foam rolling, stretching, 4-way hip & clams-- were actually making improvements towards the goal.. This week also reminded me of the subtle, yet so warm feeling running brings. Whether its an unexpected run with a friend after a long day of classes and ISL's as the sun sets over the mountains...or an unexpected lunch run on the most beautiful trail in the foothills...running has given me the greatest opportunities for friendships. Back from SVSU to my new Regis PT family...surrounding yourself with runners is always a good idea. Today marked my longest run this training cycle, since my last marathon, longest at altitude & one of the biggest mental & physical challenges I had faced in while. " Run the mile you are in" Be it a long run, stressful week at work or school, preperation for a competition..focus on where you are currently and the task at hand. Take it one at time and tackle the rest as it comes...and it will. Focus for the upcoming week: 1. Tackle each day ...each task, with focus, determination & make it fun. 2. clean out the 'junk' from the house for the Lenten clean up-- Fat Tuesday is in 2 days! 3. Sleep- even with a neuro exam on Friday 4. for all my regis fam..'dont get bogged down with what doesn't matter" 5. Be in it for the long run always running, x0x0 (and studying) lo
Sometimes the best things in life are hard to see.... Good things come to those who wait... Yeah yeah yeah....squinting and waiting... My apoligies for the dealy in posts the past few weeks...you would think the extra time I have had on my hands from not running would have resulted in numerous posts about motivation & school and nutrition..and blah blah blah.... The last few weeks...3 to date...have been absolutley horribly frustrating...a runner who just wants to run..is force to not run...or run with increased pain...all from ...running.. you guessed it..the knee injury (now im calling it the nagging -knee) is still in full effect..3 weeks after running down hill in yaktrax my knee still has many things it likes to do..however and sadly running is not one of them... In the last 3 weeks, I have accumulated ..maybe...and this might be a strecth but 20 miles of running & the elliptical is getting older by the day... I am 85 days away from Boston. I was supposed to run a 10k today.. Instead I did not run a step...and am trying to convince myself that its April that counts...Boston is way more important than a 10k in the foothills of the rocky mountains. I am trying to find the blessing in this curse... In the mean time, I have been able to do a great deal of 'self-education" on proper running mechanics, gait analysis, mobility and flexibilty as well as research on what has worked for others in my similar situation.. I have fallen in love with the work by Dr. Kelly Starrett (a PT and endurance athlete) read his book "Ready to Run" in less than 3 hours, ordered his 'voodoo' floss for mobility and used it daily (along with countless other mobility techniques he has detailed out in his books. I have worked more on the 'little' things like walking form and proper mechanics in daily life. But sadly, each day I can't go out and check off the box for the day on my training log, I grow ever more frustrated and into this unforgiving trench of a slump---but I am putting and end to this..NOW. Today I drove to a race, that I knew I couldnt run to pick up my race packet and the shirt..and was so excited about the park and terrain and race...but had to hold it all in ....[ i felt like a kid who was teased with an ice cream cone & a park from inside a car ---watching all of her friends play and laugh and have the best day] Although I am frustrated beyond belief and starting to worry if the 'sub-3" is still realistic..I am determined to do everything I can in this time of "recovery & reflection" to make that dream a reality... Plan for the week: 1. Compensate training with UE (upper extremity) biking [ aka arm bike- or a runners hell] 2. UE lifting circuits 3. daily core (in the morning before school-- so "i don't get to tired" and actually get it done 4. diet on point- fuel for recovery 5. Get that study on.....gotta use time when you have it right??? Week 3 of training.... It was the last week before classes started again, my best friend from home was visiting & the snow had melted... I had planned on moving my workouts one day ahead this week to fall into days with better weather (and hopes of ice melt) for workout days. Last sunday...(dun dun dun...) I was trying to do a long run..in the yaktrax again due to ice and on the 650ft. loss of elevation on the way down from the mountains..my knee decided to remind me it was there. I thought it was just achy from the decent and cold, but it continued to remind me of its presence all week. Monday I went to yoga in the morning and it was stiff and sore. I ran after (what was intended to be a 13 miler) 5.25 with pain every step. It wasnt excruitating, but annoying and I felt it with every step. The second hiccup of training was upon me...Injury. Only 3 weeks into training (and none being what I had hoped due to weather) I was now faced with my worst fear. Caught between the inner runner and PT student...I decided to go 'easy' the next day and called it at 4 miles. I felt I had reached a point where rest was going to mean more than mileage. Wednesday...It was terrible. Hurt to walk, bend, sit for a long time..pretty much everything..and I did no activity for the first time in months. Wednesday was hard for me..having the time to run (all day if I really had wanted to) but unable to do so pain free; I was now trying to "listen to my body" and 'train smarter, not harder". I was frustrated. I was angry. I was down right mad. Thursday...a new day..and it was feeling better. RICE Rest..Ice...Compression...Elevation...the basics.. I had done them all, for the last week..and was hopeful today would be the day. I ran 2..with some discomfort and got on the elliptical for some cross training (45 min/5 miles), lifted & did core. Friday..Chantelle..my best friend from college was in COLORADO. interviewing for a running spot in grad school at UCCS..and I so badly wanted to run with her..like old times. The knee was still sore but was okay after the 3 hr. round trip to pick her up. When we got back, I heated and headed out with her..made it 8..feeling pretty good.....shortly after the workout...it was TERRIBLE. My knee hurt..it ached..I was not happy. In the midst of the past week..against the runner in me, I decided no mileage this weekend. I took Saturday totally off..nothing..expcet some foam rolling to losen up the legs. Sunday will be core and sticking to my lifting program (modified for the knee). In hopes of next week being better..I am trying to outsmart the knee so it is ready to tackle the rest of my program, races & the new semester as it starts. Cheers, off & recovering -lo I dont plan on any "revelations" in 2015. Don't take that the wrong way..
While not exaclty a "new years resolution" the last day of break seemed an appropriate time for my list of "things to do in 2015". I already feelI am a relativley healthy person. I make exercise a regular part of each day and enjoy sleep- which can be hard to come by as a student. I try to eat well & keep the adult beverages to a moderate ammount. I won the parental lottery, have the best sister in the world & a boyfriend who means the world to me. I am in the graduate program of my dreams, in COLORADO (where I have always wanted to live), working my way to the job of a lifetime- a Physical Therapist. I have been blessed with all that I need and even more than I could ever want. With all that said..I haven't been enjoying life as much as I feel I should in the last few years( especially my first semester of PT school). I let stress get the best of me and allow small, unsettining situations to ruin a day. I constantly compare who I am now (the runner & student & person) to who I was my last year of college track and XC when I felt like I was on top of the world. "felt" its all about perception...how i "felt" my life was...somewhere in time..that percepption had changed. Now, in a COMPLETLY differnet point in life..I fixate on who I once was while trying to become who I want to be. I dont have one, life changing resolution for 2015, rather many small ones to try and get back into the drive seat of my lifes adventure. With inspriation form my favoirte book " The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin-- I have created The "route" of 2015: plans for each month with a goal in mind: a life of bliss & endless happiness. Each of us, whether we want ot admit it or not, (ahemm...) have certain characteristis we wish to improve on...these is my "resolutions" for the year. Each month has an overall theme I wish to work on and smaller tasks or "goals" I will focus on each week (adding the next to the list as the month progresses), My "Plan" is to try and build on each month (and goals) as the year progresses. As for why I've decided to prusue 2015 in this fashion... - I know there are no 'huge' changes I want to make in my life at this point, however, there are many things in the day-to days that I think I could improve upon in order to become a better human being. January: Health & Fitness
March: MONEY
April: GAME TIME
May: GO GREEN
June: PATIENCE July: WORK harder..
August: ADVENTURE
Sepetember: CAPTURE
October: APPREICATION
November: BE THANKFUL
December: PERSISTANCE
This is my personal list of what I think I need to do to become a happier and better version of my self: the best student, runner, sister, girlfriend, daughter, friend, classmate, and stranger I can be. What are your resolutions for the year? Do you have one? or many? Why did you make that a resolution? --- give each resolution a Why...why is this important enough to you to call it your 'resolution'? Giving your resoultions a meaning, the "why factor" makes them all the more important to you and eaiser to keep...(psych degree emerging). But seriously.. off and running.. xo -lo |
Lauren H. PT, DPTRegis University Archives
January 2017
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