Ice Ice Baby... (Minus The Vanilla)

Absolutely swamped at work.  Starting to feel more and more pressure to increase the mileage, yet still hesitant to do so because of fear of injury.  Right now, despite everything else that is going on, it is all about the ice.  I have have packs everywhere...at home, at the office, one time use ice packs in the car and in my briefcase.  Essentially, I ordered the one time use ice packs in bulk.  Some may be embarassed by it, but it is just part of me now.  I have no shame in sitting in my office with ice packs and having full conversations with my colleagues with ice packs on.  It seems to be helping, and that is all that matters right now.

Don't Diss Them Until You Try Them.

I hesitated before buying them because I know how stupid they look.  The thing is, though, that after doing my research they seemed to make sense --- especially with the issues that I was having with my Achilles.  They make me look like I am wearing knee socks or leg warmers, something I didn’t wear even when they were popular in the mid 1980s.  I’ve gotten over the feeling of looking stupid and have become immune to the funny looks.  Truth is, I LOVE them and I don’t know if I could run without them anymore.  Moreover, the fact that I put them on as a matter of course when I put on my gym clothes --- whether I am running errands first or going to the office, etc. --- makes me realize how much self confidence I have gained from running.  I care more now about how my run is rather than how I look while I am running or how people may see me while I am running.  That was a pretty big realization for me, not to mention how much personal growth.

In the last few years a growing number of runners, including honest to goodness world class runners, started to wear calf compression sleeves.  Some wear them during their runs and others wear them to recover after their runs.  The purpose of calf compression sleeves is somewhat akin to the use of surgical socks in a hospital setting --- reduce swelling and increase venous return.  In essence, there is increased blood flow, decreased swelling, there isn’t a buildup of lactic acid, and there is a decrease in muscle vibration with increases muscle power.  They come in surgical grade and some that are non-surgical grade. 

I’ve tried several different kinds, both in terms of the compression sleeves and the actual compression socks.  I like the sleeves more for running and the socks more for recovery.  I also think it is important not to explicitly follow the directions and try them for yourself --- as an example the “recovery” socks or sleeves may work better for your actual runs versus for recovery.  Here are my thoughts about what is out there in terms of compression socks/sleeves.

·         The brand that I like the best is CEP.  http://www.cepcompression.com/.  I have bought the compression sleeves and the socks.  They are snug, but in no way uncomfortable.  I feel more secure when I am wearing them.  I like using the compression socks for recovery.

·         The brand that I like the least is Zensah.  www.zensah.com.  Because I say that I like them least is not to imply that I dislike them.  Instead, of all of those that I have tried they are simply the ones in which I feel the least secure, meaning I don’t feel like they are really compressing all that much.  Initially I thought it was because I bought the wrong size, but even when I bought the size smaller they felt fairly similar. 

·         The Sugoi compression sleeves are a close second to CEP.  www.sugoi.com.  Ladies, please note that they only come in the men’s category, but just buy the smaller size.  Do not let the fact that they are men’s accessories stop you from trying them.  Sugoi is a well known running company and the quality of these sleeves is excellent. 

·         Saucony makes two different levels of compression socks and also compression sleeves.  www.saucony.com.  If I was someone who liked running in the compression socks versus the compression sleeves, I have no doubt that I would be wearing these for every run.  I have gotten used to wearing these to sleep in on the night after a really long run.  I just feel better in the morning and my Achilles feel much better.

·         I have not yet tried other brands.  Remember, I live in New Orleans where I don’t have as many options as I would if I were living in a larger city.  But, then again, I didn’t see either the Skins (http://www.skinsusa.com/ ) compression sleeves/socks or the Zoot (www.zootsports.com ) compression sleeves/socks in either New York or Chicago.  Those are the other brands that are fairly well known in the market.

All in all, it could all be in my head.  Maybe it is psychological and I simply feel more secure wearing the sleeves/socks; almost as if because I am wearing them my injuries aren’t going to get the best of me.  So even though I may look silly, I am going to keep wearing them and praising them at every opportunity that I get.

Running and Shabbat --- the 21st Century Dilemma to a Non-Observant Jew.

Every Friday I speak to the same three people.   It isn’t a long conversation.  Instead, it is generally very brief.  “Shabbat Shalom.  Enjoy your weekend.  Relax.  Have fun.” 

We have already established that I’m not a very religious person, even though I am proud of my Judaism.  Truthfully, I can’t sleep right now and began to wonder why this same conversation happens every Friday --- even though none of us are particularly religious?  And, how does any of this relate to running?

The four of us met several years ago when we were paired together as a part of a conference we attended as members of JFNA’s National Young Leadership Cabinet.  We met in a Jewish setting; we spent that Shabbat together (with a lot of alcohol).  The rest seemed to naturally follow.  For several years now we have spoken every Friday, but I haven't ever really thought about the purpose of Shabbat in the process or why we speak every Friday and exchange those simple reminders to one another.

At its core, Shabbat (Sabbath) is a day of rest and spiritual enlightenment.  Jews are forbidden from engaging in “work” on Shabbat that exercises control over your environment.  That is a tough issue because in this day and age so many different things exercise control over your environment.  Some may even argue that, at least right now, running is exercising control over my environment.  I guess it all depends on how you look at it.  Admittedly, there are some days when running seems like a job --- the days when I’m not having fun or when my Achilles is killing me.  Those are the days when I just want to get through my mileage and be done.  Then, there are other days when running seems like pure relaxation --- the days when I am in the zone, when I am able to push myself and fade into the background music on my iPod and escape from everything else.  Those are the days when I want to feel that endorphin high forever.   If I am having one of those days when running seems like a job, it is OK to run on Shabbat?

Even with my recent “issues,” I am still fortunate enough to have more of those days when running seems like pure relaxation instead of work.  Coincidentally, most of my long training runs are scheduled for Saturdays --- on Shabbat.  A few weeks ago I half jokingly told Liberdy that the gym was where I came to worship instead of temple; maybe it wasn’t such a joke looking back on it.  For the next few months I will use Shabbat as a day of rest and spiritual enlightenment, exactly as I am commanded to use Shabbat.  Instead of going to temple to find that spiritual enlightenment, I will find it in my running shoes (and my calf compression sleeves, Michigan hat, Michigan t-shirt, etc.).  I’ll find it with increased mileage, with increased pace, and (God willing) with increased self-confidence. 

Next Friday, when I speak to these three amazing women, I am going to remember this.  You see, two of them are runners.  One of them is even running this half marathon with me.  In addition to saying, “Shabbat Shalom.  Enjoy your weekend.  Relax.  Have fun,” I am going to say something else.  “Have a good run tomorrow.”  If we don't remind one another to do this, we could easily forget that running is a wonderful way to celebrate so many different things.  We could also forget how lucky we are to be able to celebrate our Judaism in this way.

Shabbat Shalom.

Sometimes Everyone Needs a Little Lombardi for Motivation.

If you grow up in Wisconsin, as I did, it's impossible not to know who Vince Lombardi was.  Lombardi is still a legend in Wisconsin.  Even though I was not a huge NFL fan until moving to New Orleans (at which time I became a Saints fan), I have always been intrigued by what Lombardi was able to do and his approach to coaching.  There always seems to be a Lombardi quote that is perfect for any situation.

Despite my somewhat positive post of Monday, in light of admittedly crappy news from the doctor I have let this get into my head.  But tonight, even though I am exhausted and sore, I'm throwing down the gauntlet.  No more of this self pity bullshit.  I'm not going to finish a half marathon and a marathon that way, even if I am hurting.  Moreover, Lombardi would never have stood for my current attitude.  Lombardi said the following:

"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up."

So tomorrow morning, whether my achilles hurt or my feet hurt, I will go to the gym and work with Liberdy.  And tomorrow night, whether my achilles hurt or my feet hurt, I will get in my training run.  This is me getting up after being emotionally knocked down.  This is my ode to Lombardi.

I Jinxed Myself --- But "I Won't Back Down"

I got too excited.  I’m thinking that as a result I jinxed myself.  I had an afternoon that wasn’t wonderful.  Saw the doctor today to go over some x-rays of my feet.  Who knew that I had more issues that tendonitis in my achilles --- which, ironically, is present in both feet and not just my right foot.  Doctor commented that I must have an extremely high pain threshold as I didn’t feel any other pains or even realize that other things were happening with my feet.  I figured that any aches and pains were the result of too many years of not taking care of myself.

Turns out that my tendons are very short, much shorter than most people’s tendons.  As a result, I have very little flexion.  Put it this way, in my good foot I only have 10% flexion.  Doctor was pleasantly surprised by how flexible I am in terms of stretching, etc. but that has very little to do with my feet.  I have always had these “bumps” on top of my feet --- at least I have noticed them over the last year or so.  They never really hurt or caused problems, so I thought that is just how my feet are.  Who knew they were bone spurs?  I also have the good fortune of having bone spurs on each of my heels.  Together, all of these ailments are not, “making my feet happy,” according to the doctor. 

He mentioned the word surgery, and I stopped him pretty quickly.  “If I need surgery, it’s going to be AFTER the marathon in October.”  He gave me a prednisone prescription because you can’t inject cortisone directly into the tendon because the tendon could burst.  That will apparently cut down on the inflammation.  He gave me soft orthotics for my running shoes as opposed to the hard ones.  The motion control shoes will help.  I am to continue my ice and stretching regimen.  I had to promise that the Chicago Marathon will be the first and only marathon that I run.

I called my sister as I left the doctor; my sister is also a doctor.  I told her what had been relayed to me.  She asked if I was still going to do the marathon.  “Of course,” I said.  I then added, “I may be ignorant but I’m not completely stupid.  If it gets unbearable or to the point where I could lose my ability to walk, etc. then I will stop.  If I don’t get to that point, then I am crossing that finish line and then I’ll deal with everything else.”

What pissed me off the most is that it got into my mind and got me worried.  I ran today and instead of running freely and having fun with it, I ran nervous.  I realized it, though, and will make a point not to do that again.  I am going to put 110% into this.  If I can’t run 4 days a week as a result, I will find a way to train more efficiently and still be ready for the big day.  If I have to go 6 months without wearing high heels, it is a sacrifice that I am more than willing to make.  If I have to take more frequent ice baths --- bring them on.  Even if I have to get “puffy” from the cortisone, my attitude will be the puffier the better (besides, I am still kind of used to bring puffy from before the weight loss). 

So, I got bad news.  It wasn’t the worst thing I could have heard.  I can still walk and run.  I just have to be more careful.  Nothing is getting in the way of this marathon --- even if I have to crawl across that finish line.  

I played competitive tennis growing up.  In high school, I used to listen to Tom Petty’s song, “I Won’t Back Down” before big matches to get psyched up.  In college and law school continued to listen to that song before my exams and during trial competitions.  Even now I listen to that song before trials.  I added the song to my playlist and it will become a staple during my runs.  Tom Petty has gotten me through this much --- he won’t let me back down from the rest of it.

Achilles Addendum

I bought these special calf compressin socks to sleep in that are supposed to help with "recovery".  I tried them out for the first time last night.  I woke up and my achilles feels amazing for the first time in a while.  I'm very pleased, and it seems that it was money well spent.

I'm Starting To Feel Like A Runner

It has been a week.  I’m sorry.  Things were crazy.  I have been in New York, New Orleans, Houston, Chicago, and Milwaukee.  I have been to amazing running stores in both New York and Chicago.  Fear not, I wasn’t cheating on Varsity Sports (www.varsityrunning.com ).  I still LOVE my local running store, but I do live in New Orleans.  New Orleans simply isn’t as big as New York and Chicago and doesn’t have the variety and options available in those cities. 

When I saw the running store in New York ---- New York Running Company (http://therunningcompany.net/new-yorks-homepage)  ---- I believe that my Facebook status update was, “I am like a pig in shit.”  They had the cool compression shorts that I had been wanting to try, and several different brands of them.  They had many different kinds of calf compression sleeves.  Plus, they had an amazing sale.  I simply couldn’t resist.  And, it was right next to my hotel so I had to wonder in.  In Chicago I went to a store called Running Away Multisport (http://www.runningawaymultisport.com/).  It wasn’t as large as the New York Running Company, but it was amazing.

 In between my trip to New York and Chicago, I was able to determine (with the help of a doctor) the cause of my achilles issues.  Even though I had been fitted for shoes, my shoes were too neutral.  As a result, it was straining my achilles.  The more mileage I was putting in, the more strain --- even with the calf compression sleeves (more about those later).  It wouldn’t have been something that Varsity Sports could have caught because to the normal eye (i.e. anyone but an orthopod, or truly a podiatrist) my feet seem appropriate for neutral shoes.  But, under careful analysis my feet pronate slightly and are somewhat flat and you can apparently only determine that with special machines.  Who knew?  Obviously, not me.  Bottom line, a great salesperson named Ashley took a ton of time to help me at Running Away Multisport.  She used the same special machine to look at my feet.  She watched me run at different speeds on a treadmill in different types of shoes.  She was extremely patient as I tried on many different types of shoes.  When all was said and done, the Nike Lunar Haze (http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/commerce/women?hf=10001^12001&t=Women%27s%20Running%20Shoes#/?ll=en_US&ct=US&pid=395402&cid=1&pbid=INSPI_233941_v9_0_201011232309&path=lunHaz1101&piid=18679&p=PDPiD ) felt the best.  They aren’t pretty, but they feel good and I felt the relief immediately in relation to my achilles.  Those shoes, along with the new calf compression sleeves ( I bought several different brands between my New York and Chicago excursions) , and along with my icing and stretching regimen and I should be OK. 

I started to realize how funny I must look to the average person who knows nothing about running.  Calf compression sleeves, running shoes that are simply ugly, a Michigan hat and t-shirt --- and the piece of resistance otherwise known as the best birthday gift.  You see, a few days prior Gen and I had been chatting about hydration and water belts, etc.  Brooke and Gen were absolutely amazing and got me the water belt for my birthday (along with other incredible running stuff).  I was blown away, and I'm not someone who is easily blown away --- I think I kept it together, though, even though internally I was doing a happy dance.  So try to picture the complete ensemble.  I may look like a fool, but I have never been happier.  Moreover, if you care more about how you look than how you feel while running then my thought is that you really aren’t so much of a runner.  (I equate it to those women who put on makeup before going to the gym --- if you are really going to gym to work out, you are going to schvitz, so why bother with the makeup?)

It was absolutely amazing to be able to chat with Gen in person about the upcoming events --- Shamrock Shuffle in a month, our respective half marathons in May, and the Chicago Marathon.  (By the way, you can read all about her training on her blog Bring Me Sugar --- http://genruns.com ).    It made me even more excited than I already was.  I love having someone who I am doing these races with and to virtually train with; it makes it so much easier.  I have friends in New Orleans who I will be able to do some of the training runs with, but when it really comes down to it other than Liberdy (trainer extraordinaire) and Gen (virtual and actual running partner) I am on my own in terms of training.  I did feel terrible for Brooke, who had to endure hearing Gen and I “speak running,” but I had fun. 

I got to spend time with my amazing friends over the last few days.  It was the shot of energy that I needed.  Plus, my friends are amazing.  I hadn’t seen many of them since September when I was last in Chicago socially (I had been there for work in the interim but unable to see them).  Logically, I know that I have changed a lot since September in terms of weight loss, attitude, being in shape, etc.  But I “see” myself everyday and don’t necessarily realize these changes.  I guess I finally saw the changes during the past few days.  It was pretty neat; I’ll openly admit that.  (And, as an aside, they looked amazing as well and I got so caught up in everything that I don’t know if I got a chance to let them know that.)  We hung out and got to talk and catch up.  It had been too long and some things are just better in person than over email or the telephone.  I had my first cupcake in about 11 months (Brooke made AMAZING cupcakes that are apparently only 4 Weight Watchers points --- I don’t understand how the points work, but that is relatively low in points from what I am told) and I hope that I didn’t look ridiculous eating it.  It was SO good!  We had dinner at what is, in my humble opinion, the best new restaurant in the US for 2010 --- The Girl and the Goat (http://www.girlandthegoat.com/).  The food was amazing and was surprisingly healthy (obviously depending on your choices).  Stephanie Izard, the chef, continues to amaze me each time I am there and she is always lovely and fun to chat with.

Tuesday is Mardi Gras.  Mardi Gras is about excess and blowing off steam in preparation for Lent.  Obviously, y’all have figured out that I’m a Yid so Mardi Gras has no religious meaning to me.  But, in a somewhat ironic and very New Orleans twist --- Tuesday (i.e. Mardi Gras) is the day that my hard core training starts for the half according to the 12 week schedule that Liberdy put together.  I’m ready to go and ready for whatever pain comes with it.  My "Mardi Gras break" --- including the running stores and time with my friends --- has given me the fuel I need and extra motivation I need to kill these things (keep in mind, my definition of “kill” is likely different than yours).  Either way, I’m starting to see myself as a runner --- a half marathon runner and a marathon runner.  Thank you to my friends and family for helping me get there.

Happy Mardi Gras.  Happy running.  And if you see me in my ugly shoes, calf compression sleeves, water belt, Michigan hat, and Michigan t-shirt --- try not to laugh.  But even if you must, it doesn’t bother me in the least.