Summer time training

Jun 21, 2014 | Ambassadors, Featured

Check out Eileen's and Lisa's blogs below, where they talk about their summer training plans. Sweatin’ in my Oldies By Ambassador Eileen Wright This morning I set off on my usual comfortably paced run. The weather was pretty much a repeat of last week: 76 degrees, 80% humidity. That’s why I was surprised to feel 20 pounds heavier this morning. It sucked the breath right out of me! Was I running with a pack on my shoulders? My energy was depleted before the first quarter-mile. I wanted to turn around, but if I’m going to need a shower, I’m going to get a few miles. What really threw me was yesterday. I rode the stationary bike for 45 minutes, then ran outside for 30 minutes. At 1:00 pm.  I was running an easy pace and sweating, but I felt good. I felt light on my feet. At 1:00 pm! But this morning, I was knocked down and reminded to lower my expectations. Tough runs show up at unexpected moments. So for the next few months when I look like I’m swimming instead of running, I’ll do these things: 1. Hydrate. Water is good, but I’m a heavy sweater. My go-to is Nuun to replace electrolytes. You can use whatever sports drink works for you, but this one is easier on my stomach during a run. 2. Pull out the pit-stained older tech tops. Save the good stuff for cooler days, like November. You say you don’t have sweat stains? Okay, sure. Meanwhile, you’ll see me sweating it out in my Dallas 2010 half marathon finisher shirt. Once upon a time it was white. I’ll spare you a photo. 3. A note from the book I’m reading which may or may not be my marathon plan. 🙂 More on that in a later post.
from Hansons Marathon Method by Luke Humphrey with Keith & Kevin Hanson
So basically, get out and run in it. 3. And this. 20140616-162513-59113636.jpg Cooler days will come, and the pay off for slogging through the heat and humidity with them. We’ll feel like we’re flying! About the Author: Eileen Wright Eileen started running in July of 2010 when she made the decision to run a local 5k, and she hasn’t stopped since.  She is a wife, mom of four kids ranging in age from 17 to 8, and works part-time for a medical equipment company while the kids are in school in Sherman, TX. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, reading, gardening, and training for races. Running has allowed her to discover more about herself and gives her the energy she needs to be a better wife and mother. Just ask her kids what happens when mom doesn’t get a run in. Dealing with Detours By Ambassador Lisa Chmiola

I’ve strained my hamstring. It started about a month ago during a training session in the gym. I was doing back extensions, and my abs and back weren’t strong enough for the last few, so of course my hamstrings tried to jump in and help. I could feel the ache as soon as I finished, but hoped it wasn’t anything serious. It was. Zumba the next day did NOT feel right. So I spent 2 weeks doing mostly upper body workouts and resting. And I felt fine. So I ran. And kept training. Mistake. I wasn’t ready yet. I started aching again…at least this time it was not the full right hamstring, but just the base of the muscle. I did a little more running for our National Running Day event that week and called uncle. Massage helped, but I skipped a 5k I was hoping to do that weekend. So I sent myself to the stationary bike. I could do just 7 minutes at first, then 15, then 20. I was feeling good. Then I went to my training session last week, and my trainer felt strongly that I should see a doctor (I also think I pushed a few too many things in the session and ended up a little more achy, but that’s another story). So Thursday, I saw my first sports medicine doctor ever. Seemed like the right choice for my newfound athletic life. A few X-rays and an exam confirmed it was a strain (at least it’s not a tear!). Here’s what he prescribed me:
  • Cardio: stationary bike level 3 or less, elliptical (ski style not climber style), treadmill 2% incline or less, swimming (but watch the leg)
  • Weight training: upper body only
  • Meds: I can keep using Advil but he gave me a stronger NSAID for nights or weekends if I’m hurting badly
  • Physical therapy: A few sessions to learn stretches and exercises I can do on my own. My first session is Friday.
  • Other treatments: heat and ice are both OK, gentle stretching is fine and keep wearing a compression sleeve on and off for my leg, especially when active. KT tape is OK too.
The good news is he thinks I’m on the right track, and can likely start my Houston Fit training program next month (my follow up with him is the day before to be safe). I’ve put massage and personal training on hold for now. The hardest part is how much you miss something (the running and lower body weights) when you can’t do it. But boy I am grateful he at least cleared me for some activity or I would go nuts! I know this is the right thing to do. I don’t want to mess myself further and not be able to run the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in January (not to mention, try to achieve a new record!) I’m hopeful that I come back even stronger from this 🙂
About the Author: Lisa Chmiola Lisa’s running career started in earnest when she enrolled in Power in Motion for the spring 2008 season. With PIM, she successfully completed her first 5k, and has gone on to run several more races at the 5k, 10k and half marathon distances. She is a member of the Advancement Team at St. Agnes Academy. She’s been facilitating philanthropy for nearly 13 years, working previously for the University of Houston and the American Heart Association. One of Lisa’s biggest hobbies is volunteering, and she currently serves in roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Planned Giving Council of Houston and The Junior League of Houston, Inc. Other hobbies include Zumba (she is a certified instructor), cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Sweatin’ in my Oldies

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