Tag Archives: February

Good-Bye Austin Half Marathon, Hello Air Cast

Posted on by
15

I haven’t wanted to talk about this.. However, it has become more clear to me that it’s time to lay it out there. Once I talk about it, I’ll start to get over it a little bit. I’ll lose the chip on my shoulder… With that being said, I’ve been trying to write this since Sunday night and I keep allowing myself to become distracted. Obviously, there is a part of me still not ready to come to terms with things.

You know those moments that flash before your eyes in slow motion but you just can’t stop them? Well, one of those situations happened to me Saturday morning. I awoke bright and early that day to get in 4 easy-paced miles before work. I headed down MLK toward campus just like I do every weekend. Campus is practically empty on the weekend mornings, making a peaceful and beautiful route to run. I turned up my tunes and completely lost myself in my thoughts as I entered the UT Campus. I was ticking along when I suddenly got the urge to go a different direction through campus than I typically do. I find myself taking a right turn toward Robert Dedman, and up past the Football Stadium. Then the moment came. I’m chugging along and suddenly I launch my foot off the ground to notice (too late) that there was a step down on the sidewalk. The moment passes so slowly that I can feel myself realize that I’m about to do some damage on the landing. Yet, it was too late to do anything about it… I had already launched off the ground. My foot slammed into the ground funny and rolled to the outside.

Down I went.

There was an instant pain shooting up the outside of my left ankle and top of my left foot. Every single curse word in the english (and even some from the italian) dictionary came out of my mouth. There was a super nice, helpful gentleman running the opposite way and came to my rescue when he saw me go down. He asked me if I was okay. I just kind of sat there… No words came out of my mouth. He knelt down on the ground next to me, as if to see if there was any life in my eyes or something. I shook myself, literally, and told him quite frankly “I don’t know. I think so” and hopped to my feet. I couldn’t put my weight on my left foot. I started crying.. Not out of pain (which yes.. I was in pain, but not enough to cry) but because I was terrified I had ruined my chances of running SFM in June. The pain felt exactly like I remember it feeling when I was diagnosed with Peroneal Tendonitis in high school when I was a gymnast… I had to take nearly a month off and very very slowly build my training back up once I returned. AINT NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

The kind gentlemen swooped me up and helped me hobble to the bus stop. It was time to swallow my pride, thank the guy, and take the metro home to dump my foot into a bucket of ice before heading to work. All day at work I was favoring my left foot as much as possible and cringing with every step. Several hours later, I yanked my shoe off as soon as clocking out….

372647902968608521_1523900

….Fantastic…

Sunday morning I crawled out of bed to discover it was even more stiff, and the swelling/bruising hadn’t gone down at all. I was supposed to close the bar that night, I am 20 weeks out from San Francisco Marathon, and I work 5-6 shifts a week on my feet. I wasn’t taking any chances to do serious damage and off to Urgent Care I went for X-Rays and to pray for the best. A chuckle from the doctor, something silly.. Maybe a “just lay off it for a few days and you’ll be good as new.”

Of course, we never get what we’re hoping for in the doctor’s office, now do we? Nope. The doctor came back, films in hand, chart in the other, just shaking his hand. “I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first.” I hate when they say that. Don’t give me options, just lay it on me flat.

The verdict? I will not be running the Austin Half-Marathon in February. I will however, if I take the right amount of time off, do the PT exercises, and ease back into training, be able to catch up on Marathon Training!!

I know what you’re thinking, Give me the DEEETS!
It turns out it’s a Grade II Ankle Sprain.

373573454168651016_1523900

I get to sport this super stylish air cast and compression brace until I’m able to put weight on my left foot while it’s straight. At which point I will start adding in dorsiflexion–plantar flexion (aka pumping my foot up and down) Which I’m not allowed to start doing until the end of the week. (insert fit of frustration, here) At which point I’ll start adding in other ankle exercises and some walking. I’m hoping within 3 weeks I’ll be able to run again and ease back into Marathon Training. At this point, I’m just thankful this happened at the beginning of Marathon training, rather than when I’m only a month or two out.

If I’m not able to run on February 7th… Just watch out world, that’s all I have to say.

I’m kind of freaking out, because yes… I know that an ankle sprain, even a grade II, isn’t exactly the end of the world or the end of marathon training. With the proper time to heal I will bounce back from this.. However, I work on my feet. I work long, and hard, exhausting hours that make my feet and ankles hurt even when I’m not injured… How does one go about healing properly while marathon training, when they have bills to pay, and those bills are paid by running around a crazy busy restaurant for 10+ hours at a time? I’ve taken this entire week off… But I can NOT afford to take any more time than that off. I just can’t afford it. I also can’t afford to be injured for more time than I already will be.

FUDGE.

Anyone out there who has been injured while working a job on their feet? How do you deal? How do you prevent yourselves from becoming more injured while still putting food on the table and a roof over your head?

Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone: The San Francisco Marathon

Posted on by
19

No one ever went to the moon without stepping outside of their comfort zone. While, I certainly don’t plan on going to the moon any time soon ;) I do have big, scary, life changing goals for myself. These goals are not something that I can just wake up tomorrow and accomplish. They are goals that take hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I let fear get in my way. Even allowed fear (equal parts fear and knowing my body) come between me and running the Austin Marathon in February. I am absolutely done with that. I am ready to look fear straight in the eye, and laugh in its face.

I WILL be running the San Francisco Marathon on June 16th (my BIRTHDAY) with so many other baller runners like Pavement Runner, Josephine, Krissy, Lauren,  (hopefully) Jane and so many many many others that I hope do not feel offended by me leaving them out!!!!!

I even started training THIS week. The day I signed up I went out for my first training run… Which granted, was 28 weeks away from the race. However, if I have learned anything from this last half-marathon training cycle it is this:

I know my body. I know what it is capable of. Some people can go out and train for 12-13 weeks for a marathon and ROCK it… I, am not yet one of those people. Someday, I hope to be able to say that I am in that group of bad ass runners. But, I am not there yet, and that’s perfectly okay. It will take me the next 6 months to get 26.2 ready. I have NO shame in that.

WHY do I have no shame in that??? Because I am strong enough of a runner and human being to know my limits. I know that I need to step out of my comfort zone, but I also know where and when my body says OK ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I need 28 weeks because quite frankly, I need more cut back weeks than a lot of runners do.

My right hip will taunt me for the rest of my life. I have learned that in the past 2 years. I trained too hard, too intensely, too long as a gymnast… As an adult I am paying the price. Am I sorry for the intensity of my training as a teenager? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Do I wish that it was easier for me as a runner, now? Absolutely. But, I have come to terms with the fact that I have done damage to my body. I have come to terms with the fact that I am not as natural of a runner as some people out there.

I work hard to run a FIVE FRIGGIN K. I work ridiiiiiiiiiculously hard to run a half-marathon. I know several people who have the the ability to wake up on a Friday and decide they are running a half marathon that Sunday. I am not, and very well may NEVER be that person.

There was a time (in fact that time was NOT that long ago at all) in which I felt SAD that I wasn’t that person.. However, I have realized in the last few months that everybody is drastically different. Everyone’s body was built drastically different. More importantly, everybody’s life has determined whether or not they can be that runner as an adult.

I have come to terms with the fact that my body may not have been built to run. But, that does not mean that I can’t run. That doesn’t mean that I can’t train it (in a healthy way) to be a runner. We have the ability to be whoever and whatever want to be.

I WANT TO BE A MARATHONER. I will be a marathoner, in 27 weeks. On June 16th, my 25th birthday, I will be a marathoner. I will have earned the title.

While some of the runners I know won’t start training for SF for another 10ish weeks, I am proud to have started last week. I am proud of the fact that I pushed my fears aside and said I CAN DO WHATEVER I PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO.

There is no going back for this runner. I have registered for the race. I have booked the flights. I have even made hotel arrangements. All that is left is awaiting the ability to book a rental car… (which may take until race day since THAT is when I’ll be legal for most rental cars.. darn you guys and your 25+ year laws…pffft)

Life Is About The Journey

Posted on by
13

I apologize if you came over to my corner of the web today looking for a Rock n Roll San Antonio recap. That is not what you will be getting.

With half-marathon under my belt I have come to this moment, right here, enlightened. In regards to MY OWN running, that is.

You see, before this year I never thought I was capable of running 13.1 miles. I never thought I could actually run much more than a 5k. I mean marathon runners have like…. Less than 10% body fat (or ya know.. so I thought). I’ve always been a thin girl, but average thin.. Not anorexic thin. Until I became an adult I absolutely never had body image issues. Crazy, since I was a gymnast and a dancer. Both notorious for self-image issues.

I can pin the day I started having bad body images to the day I had ovarian surgery. I was bed-ridden for what felt like an eternity. I was on a diet that consisted mostly of mashed potatoes and ice cream. I needed help with everything. After a few weeks, I hated what I saw. Although even at my worst, I was never actually overweight. Actually, I don’t think anyone other than myself, including my boyfriend at the time, even noticed a difference what-so-ever. But I was growing more and more disgusted with the girl looking back at me in the mirror. I was also growing weaker and weaker every day. Truth be told, I had stopped being truly active about 2 years prior to this. Quit gymnastics and dancing entirely. My only form of physical activity at that point was waiting tables 30 hours a week.

When I began running, I saw my body transform. Not necessarily in appearance, but I was definitely getting stronger. I felt my core that was pretty badly destroyed from surgery recover with every run I went on. Even if I was running a mile with frequent walk breaks. Throughout my journey as a runner I have become stronger every day. My legs became the rocks they once were as a gymnast. After some time, I learned to incorporate other forms of strength training. Core work. Leg work. Even my arms, now…

At one point during this journey, running even taught me to love my body. It proved to me that my body is something to be proud of, flaws and all. If I’m smart about it, and put in the work; my body can do anything (within reason) I want it to. This is my body, and it’s the only one I get… Assuming I don’t get bionic parts in the future.

For this very reason, because I love my body. Because I respect my body I have decided to drop to the half-marathon at the Austin Marathon in February and postpone my Marathon debut. This wasn’t an easy decision to come to, yet it was the easiest decision of my life…

I realized there is a genius to the run-walk approach. Hang with me here, because I’m not being literal, though I really am at the same time. (Charlotte, get it together here. You’re not making any sense.)

Physical work is easier and healthier when you take breaks. This also works for learning…. There is a reason that teachers start their lessons with a brain warm-up, then dive into the heavy material, and end the class having backed off a bit.. Allowing creative and cognitive thought to replenish the brain.

After two-ish years of running, one of which was more ‘serious’ running, I have learned that my body needs me to back off after an intense training cycle. Like our brains, my body works best when given rest and variation. After 13 weeks of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, I know that my body needs me to back off a little. I never really spoke about my brother’s death. I downplayed how upset I was after the split between Zack and I. I downplayed how stressful it was to try to move to Austin after just getting back home to NY. I downplayed how painful my hip was getting at the end of training for San Antonio.

Sitting here right now.. It’s kind of silly to me that I did. I grew more than I knew possible this year. I’ve grown more in less than a year, than a lot of people do in a lifetime.

All of this. Every aspect of it. The epiphanies I’ve had, the injuries I’ve experienced, the heart ache…Wanting to rip my hair out over some of the stress; Have lead me to this comfort… I know now, that life really is all about the journey. There is no rush. I do not want to just survive this life, I want to thrive in it!

I don’t want to just survive my first marathon. I want to thrive! I want to be the strongest I’ve ever been. I want to cross the start line confident, not terrified. (Though yes, there is a certain level of fear in every marathoner, newb or experienced) I know that if I run in February, I will end up only half-way pleased. I will be proud of myself for finishing, but I will be disappointed with how poorly executed it was. I will be extremely frustrated with my body for doing something that it wasn’t prepared to do in the first place.

I will run a marathon. I still plan for it to be in 2013, it just won’t be Austin. It just won’t be 2 months from now. Instead I will be giving myself some time to back off the intensity so my body mind and soul can recover from the last several months of intense life. I’m going to find some local 5ks, pick out my favorite hole-in-the-wall bar in Austin, go to social outings and meet people, and even go on my first post-engagement date. GASP.

If you want to rain on my parade, go right on ahead. It will not bother me. I am comfortable with my decision. No, actually, I’m proud of it. Being smart enough to listen to our bodies takes a level of responsibility that only come after growing as a person, and a runner.

I’m GOING to Run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon

Posted on by
29

I need to win the lottery. I know, who doesn’t want to win the lottery? But, I have decided that I am going to figure out a way to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February.

You see, I have never in my entire life wanted to run a race more than I want to run the Princess Half. There are so very many reasons I want to run the race. I love Orlando, I have so many friends there from the 2 years I lived in Celebration. Meaning, well I LOVE disney world. You can’t live in Celebration (a town that was formerly OWNED by Disney) and not be in love with the parks. World drive is a long road that leads directly from Celebration to Magic Kingdom & Downtown Disney in one stretch… We own almost every classic Disney movie you could imagine.

Plus, out of all of the races I have run, the most inspirational ones have been Columbia Iron GIRL and Baltimore WOMENS classic. Both women oriented races. There is something so extremely empowering about thousands of strong, bad ass, inspirational women together kicking some booty.

More than both of those things combined, though… Running the Princess Half in Orlando would be a huge milestone for me. To run in a place that completely crushed me. Orlando wasn’t good to me. Well, no.. Excuse me, I was not good to Orlando. The city is amazing and I loved living there, but I showed it no respect. I was a burn out. I bounced from server job to server job, I smoked so much weed I can’t remember a good portion of my time there. To come back, 4 years later healthy, happy, and strong…. It would be an amazing feeling to cross that finish line… Sort of a way to prove to myself how far I’ve come. Sure, I’ve already run a lot of races, by then I’ll have my second half marathon under my belt. But, to go back to a city that took a lot from me, its all about the symbolism.

Oh && I’m going to dress up as Mulan. She’s my favorite Disney ‘princess’… The rest of them all what? Fall in love… She does too… But while she’s AT WAR!!! She becomes one of the strongest women in history. (ya know.. Fictionally speaking) that’s pretty bad ass in my opinion.

I’d try to make a dress similar to this one:

20120716-032318.jpg

I’m so angry that I have race dreams that are bigger than my wallet. With wedding/moving we are pinching pennies every chance we get…. Even with my second job. We have a new house and business expenses to save up for… I can’t justify a large race fee, AND plane ticket. Thankfully I have plenty of friends from my time in FL that I wouldn’t need to worry about a hotel… But I still cant justify both a ticket and an entry fee. Le sigh.

So, I’m determined to raise the money. Sell baked goods, make crafts & sell them on etsy. Make T-shirts, maybe? I make some yummi candy, maybe I can sell candy?

All I know is that I’m going to raise money for this race entry, and plane ticket. I’m so determined. haha.
I even set up a shop!! You can buy all things Wild Things RUN Free! Tshirts, Tank Tops, Undies, Duffel Bags, Buttons… :)
If you’re looking to buy some new fun fitness/lounge apparel (and even a few fun dresses) please consider!! Every penny I make will be going toward runDisney Princess Half Marathon!

Check it out here at the Wild Things RUN Free shop

Have you ever done anything creative and outside of the box to raise money for an event? Or just to raise money, in general?

One Month of 2012 already done???! & SAY IT DO IT February!

Posted on by
4

(inspired by Fit Chick In The City‘s weekly ‘say it do it’ – SAY IT DO IT, is my monthly blog feature where I track my goals for the month coming & recap on how much I accomplished the month before. Accountability really is SO much of the process!)

Can you BELIEVE that January is gone? We are already 1/12th of the way through the year. Holy smokes, y’all! I more or less reached every goal I set in January. Though, it wasn’t perfect. In some cases it even slightly stretches the term ‘met my goal’

  • Run at least 3 times every week. DONE & DONE! Even when we went to Maine & I wanted to kill everybody from frustration/sleep deprivation. I did it. Mind you some runs were sloppy, painful, tear inducing & straight up wogs — I still got them in, though.
  • My cross training could have been better. Two days a week for 30 minutes max some weeks — but I still did something healthy/active other than run, every week. Because of this self-challenge I discovered my new love affair. HOT YOGA. So, thank you self, for setting this particular goal.
  • Drink more water – I didn’t count OZ every single day. But I certainly drank a ton more. I started drinking water upon waking up & through out the day. Also I’ve cut back on mountain dew and basically all sugary drinks, which leaves — water. ;)
  • As you can see above, I did cut back on my M-T- Dizzle. I’m still hooked, but less than 12 oz a day! (More importantly I went an entire week without! Only one week though.. But still HUGE improvement #Hooked)
  • We did select our date & venue & I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED ABOUT IT IF I TRIED!!! AHHHH 7/20/2013 so. excited. to be Mrs. Charlotte Fowler ( Iguess I’ve also decided not to combine names. I’m sad about losing Neitzel, however I am very excited & honored to become a Fowler
  • Negative people removed. No longer reading texts, emails, tweets, answering phone calls, or anything. Just DONE with that person all together. To be honest, I can’t believe I went on for so long actually caring…
  • #PlankADay Not all of them were pretty or very long at all.. But The job got done! & boy do I feel a difference in my core already. CRAZY how something as little as 30-60 seconds a day can make you feel & see a difference so quickly! I will say I missed 3 days. It’s true. But only 3 in an entire month? I’ll take it!

ON TO FEBRUARY! – Say it – Do it -

  1. I will not skip a single scheduled workout. I’ve reached the point where it’s do or die. I’m obsessed with the entire month of April! It is going to come much quicker than I think. NO EXCUSES. It’s crunch time, baby!
  2. Either go to a Pilates class or practice a pilates DVD/Video at least 2 times a week. I have been revisiting my memories of feeling refreshed, empowered, & fabulous after my pilates classes. Ready to rock it this month! Baby’s about to get some ABS!
  3. Cook one meal per week I have never made before. I’m excited for this one. I cook a lot, but I tend to make the same things. I have signature dishes of my own creation that I love. Plus, between the two of us, Zack & I make up one of the pickiest households in America… heh.
  4. Take engagement photos I find that at times, planning the wedding can erase some of the things going on in life. It gives us a moment to sit down together, smile about the day that’s coming next year & laugh about our future. The stresses of the world fade when I envision our life, together
  5. Try a new workout once a week! It won’t be something super de duper fancy every week. But, it will be something I’ve never tried. Some weeks, something I can do at home. Other weeks a class. Other weeks something I need the fitness center for. #FitIn12
  6. 100 Jumping Jacks a day! #100JacksADay??  LETS GET THAT HASH TAG MOVING! ;)
  7. POST EVERY SINGLE WORK OUT ON DAILY MILE! Seriously, I have been SO bad at updating DailyMile lately. No idea why. I’m such a social media junkie! I will update twitter, facebook & my blog about my workouts but not DailyMile? LAME Sauce!

What are YOUR February goals? How are you going to make sure February brings you to an EVEN HEALTHIER March?