Almost back!

So - I am about 90% healed. I plan on beginning phase 3 of P90X a week from Sunday or Monday... Probably Monday so I can have Wednesdays free of yoga because I will be playing softball. In the meantime, I have been running a lot. I ran a 5K (3.2 miles) yesterday and the day before, and have been running a decent distance about 3-5 times a week since hurting my arm. I can do pull ups again, and push-ups a little bit. trying to get into it slowly so I don't relapse and kill my arm! The goal is to move ahead and kick some major butt over the last 4 weeks. Because of all the cardio, I am still feeling super lean, still fitting into all my smaller clothes, and feel great! I am beyond excited to get back into working out on a daily basis. Still committed to the marathon next year. I have a 5k in Erie on Father's day, and signed up for another one July 31st in Mount Washington - which means HILLS!

I am going to try to find a 10k to do before the summer is over - maybe make a weekend out of it if there's one in Cleveland or Buffalo, maybe even Philly? We'll see!

So, the running phase is still in effect, but so is the foot pain. This now leaves me with a bum left elbow/arm and an injured left foot - awesome! The foot was feeling a lot better by yesterday afternoon, and we got a break in the weather so I decided to do an easy 2 mile run... felt great until about 60% of the way into the run and then BAM!, foot starting hurting. All along the outside of my left foot. I am getting so frustrated with all of this I can't even describe it. I realize the elbow is going to take some time to heal, but I feel like getting the foot injury at the same time, effectively limiting any physical activity in which I can take part, is just a kick in the teeth. I went to Elite Runners & Walkers in Pittsburgh to get fitted for a really good pair of running shoes that will hopefully negate any future foot problems. The guy took one look at my old shoes are basically said that it was only a matter of time until something like this happened. These new ones feelt great; they're lighter and support my entire foot. I could tell instantly that these shoes were specifically for running, so here's hoping that this helps!

On a bright note, I sent in my sign up for the Father's Day 5k in Erie on the Presque Isle Penninsula. I REALLY want to be able to get some training in for this, because after how well I ran in Pittsburgh, I think I can come close to a 20:00 time since this course will be considerably less hilly... actually, I think it will be basically a flat run. I am umpiring all weekend, so I will give the foot another 3 days off. If I have time this weekend, which I should, I will at least be able to hop on the stationary bike.

Oh, and last day at the Cancer Institute! Very excited to start my new job on Monday. All I need now is to heal up get back on the fitness wagon.

Running.. a whole new set of issues to tackle..

Well, since my elbow is still in recovery, I have taken to running and did my first 5k yesterday. Learned quite a bit about it... still learning today. The race was in Schenley Park and was the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. It was definitely a test of my mental toughness, as I only really "trained" for a week to get ready for it. Also, it was substantially uphill for the majority of the race - it was brutal!
I had set a goal of finishing in under 25 minutes, and finished around the 22:30 mark! Awesome... I couldn't believe it. I was (and am still) totally stoked about this. I attribute a lot of this success to P90X. It definitely gave me a pretty high starting point to begin my training, which allowed me to run as well as I did.
I have regained basically all of the mobility in my left arm, but still can't quite put pressure on the arm - meaning no push/pull-ups, meaning still on the DL for starting Phase 3.
Further complicating things, my running shoes are pretty old and crappy, and I have a hurt left foot to show for it. Still, I regret nothing. A 22:30 is an awesome time for me, and with a concentrated effort, I think I could significantly improve that. Today is an off day, I umpire Tuesday, and then hopefully I will be able to run on Wednesday. Well, either run or go purchase a pair of high-quality running shoes. June 18th is a Father's day 5k/10k... still debating which one I want to do. Maybe another 5k, then do a 10k before the end of summer. I am not giving up on the Pittsburgh Marathon next year!

Running.... lots of running...

So, this week has been an eye opener for me. My elbow is slowly getting better, but not as quickly as I would like. I have regained all the mobility, but it's still a bit too tender to put weight on. This basically means no push/pull-ups, which is about every P90X workout... so phase 3 is still on hold a bit. BUT, this hasn't been too horrible. I'll admit I am pretty bummed, because I really enjoyed the daily workouts - and can't do yoga!! - but it has allowed me to run A LOT. I did probably 3+ miles outside with the dogs yesterday, and really enjoyed it. Running in Pittsburgh is an amazing workout, by the way. Why is it any different than elsewhere, you ask? Because running up hills is awful! I've also mixed in Plyometrics this week, and am going to do a little ARX today after the jog. Doing the 5k this Sunday - pretty excited to get timed on a course so I can really gauge where I am running wise. Still excited about training for the marathon. I plan on keeping running as part of my general workout schedule, and will probably kick in specific marathon training in September. Everything I have read said 4 1/2 months needed to train for a marathon, so I figure I'll try and add a little bit to it to make it a less strenuous or rigorous schedule.

Week of cardio, 5k, then onto Phase 3!

Pretty excited about this week. After finishing up my recovery week, I am going to focus this week on getting my legs and feet (and lungs) ready for the 5k I am running on Mother's Day. It's almost like another recovery week, but I feel like it is important to get myself as prepared for this as I can. Also, I hurt my elbow a bit and can't really do all the things I would need to do, so this gives me some extra time to heal up before my last push! Only 4 weeks left of P90X... can't believe it!
I ran for 1.5 miles yesterday, and feel like I could have gone longer. The first half of the run was basically all uphill on Penn Ave. It was brutal, but I gutted it out and did a lot better on the run than I thought I would. Today I am going to try to do the same route twice, which would get me pretty close to the 3.2 miles I will be running for the 5k.
AND - furthermore, I watched the Pittsburgh Marathon Sunday as it went right past my apt. complex at mile 24. I was inspired. I AM GOING TO RUN THE PITTSBURGH MARATHON NEXT YEAR!! Only 1/10 of 1% of the population can say they ran a marathon, and I want to be able to say I have done it! Plus, it will be an interesting challenge after p90x. I am going to look into training schedules and see how I can integrate the p90 workouts into marathon training. Details to follow.