Friday 5: Current Favorite Running Songs

It's been awhile, so here are some more that I dance to...while running.




1) Stuck Like Glue - Sugarland  Watch the video!  It's not only hilarious, but it stars Captain Awesome from Chuck!



2) Party Rock - LMFAO I know it's overplayed right now, but I still can't get enough.



3) Hey Baby (Drop it to the floor) - Pitbull/T-Pain You know I needed something Pitbull.



4) Flashlight - Parliament



5) I Write Sins Not Tragedies - Panic at the Disco



And a bonus!

Discotech - Young Love

Back to Running

I've now done two "official" runs on a treadmill, and it's a mixed bag.  At 7 weeks post-partum, I pretty much feel back to my old self, but when I try and run?  There are a few reminders that things have changed.  Obviously, my stamina is nowhere close to what it used to be.  That was a given.  I also have laughed and said that it's the first time I've run in my 30's, too, though I doubt that's the issue.

It really isn't my legs, or my breathing, or any of the normal reasons that I used to feel worn out that hit me.  It's my stomach!!!  7 minutes into my run last night, my abs clenched up and were NOT going to let go.  I understand that they were stretched out for a long time, but it's just a new experience.  I never gave a second thought to my core being strong enough before.  I had been a life-long swimmer, and frequently practiced yoga and pilates, so I don't know if I've ever had so much as a side cramp, much less this entire abdominal lock-down.  Regardless, things will continue to improve, and it will stop one day, but for now, it's the first hurdle to overcome.

Another hurdle?  What to WEAR.  Oh, sure, that outfit looks great in pictures, and that's actually one of the better ones for me to choose, but I'm more top-heavy now.  Things just don't fit.  And if I can get them on?  They aren't supportive enough.  So I am on a mission for new jogging attire.  That won't break the bank.  It's tough, ya'll!

I can't wait until the Lion can join me!  We have a jogging stroller, but you're not supposed to use it to run until 6 months because their heads bounce too much.  So, for now, here's my GORGEOUS view!

Eager to Join In

This past weekend was a record-setting Broad Street Run with some 30,000 runners participating in the 10 mile race.  Amongst the throng was my friend, Kelle, and my neighbor, Laura.  I haven't been able to catch up with Laura yet, but Kelle, even though she was nervous that she was under-prepared, rocked it and beat her goal she had set for herself.  CONGRATS!

Now, I know that I'm not going to be ready to run any races the second that the Lion pops out, but just knowing that that day is coming soon is making me giddy with anticipation.  I'm very ready to get back to some version of "normal".  I'm trying to convince myself that I should be enjoying these last few weeks of closeness, as everyone recommends, but you know what?  I'm too busy looking forward to the closeness of actually MEETING him, and maybe being close while taking a walk with a stroller, or feeding him, or playing with cute little hands, or...lots of other things.

So, when Laura said that we should run a 5k together when I feel up to it, I was ready to jump for joy!  FINALLY, a potential running buddy that lives within a couple doors (who I didn't meet until I was already pregnant).  I also should be making a point of going and finding out if another neighbor is really due within a couple weeks of me, but I only have that on the word of some of the gossipy elderly neighbors, and she does NOT look big enough.  But, running.  I know I'm still a couple months away, but LOOKING FORWARD TO IT!!! 

Top Five Friday: Running Songs

Since I have been absolutely lazy this week, I thought I'd remind myself of my favorite songs from my playlist that get my legs moving.  And share them with you.  Be warned...I have entirely random taste. 


5. Bartender - Hed PE
Why?  No real reason.  It's not the greatest beat to run to, but it always got me pumped to go out...so I still run to it.


4. Kiss Kiss - Chris Brown
Ok, I know we're all supposed to hate Chris Brown.  But I LOVE this song.  Always have.  And it's a great beat to run to.  If it wasn't Chris Brown?  This song would probably be higher than 4.


3. Easy - Paula DeAnda
Love this because it has a great beat, makes me feel good about myself, and implies that what I'm doing is "Easy".  Ha!  Oh, and it features Bow Wow who is Cbus born and bred.


2. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
Just quirky and delicious.  Also feels appropriate for running because of the "shoes" idea.


1.  Rompe - Daddy Yankee
Ok, I have an unabashed love of Daddy Yankee and Pitbull, and yet do not speak Spanish.  I also have a bad habit of singing along to my music and/or dancing while on the treadmill.  It's lovely to see.  Anyway, I'm sure I make up words and may be saying something like "Let's go eat a radio" or something as ridiculous.  Anyway.  Love it.

And for good measure?  My favorite album to run to in its entirety is "The Sickness" by Disturbed. 


Do you have favorite running songs?  I always am looking for new ones!

Dreaming Big

As I've hinted, last week was a very difficult week for multiple reasons.  I'm not ready to talk about any of it yet.  Some of you may know, and thank you for all the support, and I'd appreciate prayers, but I'm not going to be able to be an honest, everything-on-the-table blogger right now.  So, posts may be few and far between since these things are mostly what's occupying my thoughts.

My big debate at the moment is whether to take on a challenge that just seems monumental.  A cause has recently become very near and dear to my heart, and I'm considering training for the Philadelphia Marathon in November 2011 to raise money for it.  Recently, my running has been minimal at best.  A mile may very well kill me as of today.  However, this is 16 months away, I certainly have good reason, and once I put it out there and start raising money, it would be impossible to back out of without major embarrassment.  I've never ran a marathon before.  Heck, as those of you that have followed my blog know, I wasn't even able to run in the 10 mile race I had trained for because I messed up my knees!

What do you think?  Can I do it?   

Break from the Action

So, the conclusion is that I'm not a nag.  I have no new photos.  So, I'll whine a bit and do some book reviews.

Full disclosure:  I can no longer continuously run a 5k.  Oh, the horror!  I let all the merry-making and joy cut into my running, and became a blob.  Perhaps this is a slight exaggeration.  I ran 2 miles of the 5k this morning (and walked the rest).  We are not talking apocalypse here, but we are talking that anyone who can give me a kick in the butt to get moving again would be greatly appreciated.  I have ran a total of 3 times since the wedding.  Oof.

Step 1:  Find motivation.

Step 2:  Stop hurting myself.

The run this morning was PAINFUL.  And not a little bit.  A whole, freakin lot.  In the past week, I ran into the dog crate when the lights were out and bruised my thigh, dropped a heavy-duty salt grinder onto my foot and bruised it, and just have my old hip war-injury.  Oh, did I never tell you about that?  My freshman year of college, some drunk guy picked up my friend and I in each of his arms (we both were pushing 100-lbs), and then fell over.  All 3 of us landed on my left hip.  I now have the old-lady ability to sense rain.

Step 3:  Stop whining.

What I DID manage to do on the honeymoon is read.  A lot.  It was wonderful.  I would find my patch of shade next to Chris's patch of sun, and lay on the beach, reading and napping.  Heaven on earth.  4 books to sum up:

   A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire

Oh Gregory Maguire.  I usually REALLY love you.  Wicked set off a massive addiction and I've read pretty much everything you've written.  Some, yes, were better than others, but this book?  It took me over a year to get through.  I just was NOT feeling it.  There's nothing I can put my finger on.  The writing was fine, the plot seemingly had potential, but I just couldn't get into it.  Maybe I just don't share the cowardly lion's perspective?  Although I certainly relate to the idea of letting life happen to you rather than vice-versa.  I really wish I had enjoyed this more.

Grade: C  

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson

I have a habit of assuming that if a book is on the best seller list, that it rots.  Typically once everyone starts raving, I've decided that I will never read it.  I am VERY glad that I made an exception.  This is a long book, but I flew through it.  It is a murder mystery of sorts, but has fascinating characters that are deeper than the typical gumshoe you run across.

There was a funny coincidence involved with this book.  My sister-in-law had forgotten to pack a book for while they were in Ohio.  Knowing I am an avid reader, she approached me and asked if there was any chance I had "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" with me, was not reading it, and if she could borrow it.  Ironically enough, the answer was yes.  What a long shot!

Grade:  A



Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

HOOO boy.  This is a WEIRD book.  I was 100 pages in and was still telling Chris that I couldn't figure out what is was about.  However, right around that point, the two plot lines that had been alternating every other chapter began to converge.  And the book began to entrance me.  By the end, I was thoroughly enthralled, did not want the story to end, and generally loved it.  All that being said, I'm not sure that if I had picked it up during my daily life where I don't get to read a few hundred pages at a pop, I would have given it enough of a chance.  My recommendation is to stick it out.  It really does get good.

What is it about?  Hard to say without giving it away.  There's a data processor who goes on a job, and then starts having thugs coming after him, mental issues, and just thoroughly confusing events surrounding him left and right.  He has to figure out how to both internally and externally get his life in order.  Vague enough?

Grade:  B (because of the SLOW start)



The Likeness - Tana French

This was an airport purchase as I had run out of books.  And, oh!  What a find!  The only problem is that it is the 2nd book in a series.  Apparently, In the Woods is the first time you meet Cassie Maddox, the female detective that the story revolves around.  I fear that I may know a little too much about what happened from bits and pieces in this book to go back and read the 1st.  I may still try.  The Likeness was good enough to run that risk. 

The plot is not just improbable, but impossible.  But, if you don't mind, and can get past that, it's a fascinating story about identity.  A woman is found murdered who not only looks identical to Cassie, but is using one of her former aliases from when she worked undercover.  Obviously, Cassie decides to pick up where the dead woman left off.  Read it.

Grade: A


I've moved on to The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara.  It may be painful.  I usually am not at all intrigued by war books.  Chris loved it, though, so I'm giving it a shot.


What are you reading?  Is it any good?

Runners' Knees

We've all heard of tennis elbow.  And, certainly, as a competitive swimmer, I looked down on people whose shoulders didn't make atrocious popping noises, because, obviously, they didn't work hard enough.  (Ok, I was a twisted kid).  I am coming to realize, however, that bad knees are rampant in the world of running.  Since I haven't been able to run in about 2 weeks, I figured I'd use the extra time and let you know what I've learned.

For instance, a good start is this article at Runner's World: PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME ("RUNNER'S KNEE")  It tells you that you shouldn't increase your running by more than 10% per week to prevent overuse injuries.  Your body just isn't used to the demands you're putting on it.  (Hello?  Katy?  Suddenly going to running daily might've been a BAD idea.)

I LOVE the Calorie Count community.  They are very supportive women, with great suggestions!  Unfortunately, they recommend staying off of the knee, icing, stretching, and rest.  All very logical advice that I ignore.    

Time to Run offers a more detailed analysis.  Most useful, are the exercises they suggest:

Exercises include:
1) Place pillow under knee, tighten quadriceps, push knee down into pillow and lift foot up. 20 times
2) Repeat exercise as above with foot turned out in order to strengthen the inside of the quadriceps muscle. Repeat 20.
3) Squats. Perform with back against wall. Bend knees slowly to between 45 - 60. Ensure that knee travels over line between big and second toes. Hold for a count of 5 seconds. Relax slowly. 20 times
4) Step-downs. Stand on step or box. Tighten quadriceps and lower opposite leg slowly to the ground.Ensure that knee travels over line and between big and second toes.Then raise the leg up onto the step,relax. Repeat 20.  Increase the number of repetitions in increments of 5 every two days, all the way up to 60 reps.
Stretching - of the quadriceps, hamstring, iliotibial band (ITB) and gluteal muscles
Return to running gradually
Full recovery is usually between four to six weeks 

Make sure to check out all their great tips for working through the injury, though.  INVALUABLE.

Obviously, I think Cool Running has a lot of wonderful information to offer.  Their tips that I still need to look into are to take ibuprofen to reduce the swelling, and potentially get new shoes that better support HOW I run.  Admittedly, my shoes are getting a little worn and may not be doing their job. 

Hopefully, I can let all of this sink in, follow the advice, and be back on the road soon!  Otherwise, Kelle is going to have to kill me because I won't be properly trained for the 10 mile race in May.  I'm trying, I promise!