Closing out 2010 with a PR!

{The Rye Record}

The Westchester Triathlon was a success! It was a beautiful course and a perfect day! I couldn't have asked more a better way to finish off my 2010 triathlon season. The picture above was posted in The Rye Record today. I remember standing next to Sam on the beach at this exact moment. I watched the sun rise over the Long Island Sound and felt overwhelmed by gratitude to be standing there and having this amazing opportunity. I'm so glad someone captured this moment.

I promise a more comprehensive race report soon, but the dirty details include:

- Finish time was 2:46:22 for a major PR.
- Killed the run (and possibly my foot) with an 8:41/average 
- Third place in my age group

Not quite sure what to think about the foot. It is very sore today, although the rest of me is pretty sore too. I have moderate pain if I walk flat footed for more than a block or two but when I lift my heel and bend my foot more in the middle or stand on just my left foot there is a more acute pain. I'm stretching, rolling, icing and taking ibuprofen. I'm still holding out hope for the Philadelphia Marathon on November 21st but I want to be safe and reasonable too. I'll see the physical therapist on Thursday and hopefully I'll know more then.

Foot Update (& a NYC 2010 Marathon Entry)

{source}

I found a wonderful physical therapist to treat my foot pain based on a recommendation of a coach at Asphalt Green. I've gone to see Danielle at Finish Line Physical Therapy. The diagnosis? Tight calves. Sound familiar? It might because this was the same issue that was causing pain for Jon. My pain started in a different spot so I figured it was different but it turns out that tight calves can cause all sorts of pain in the feet. I found this website that really explains how tight calves can cause foot pain.

After serious massage and stretching on Monday my feet were feeling better and Danielle suggested I try running a few miles. Well, two days later I ran 2.5 miles. The first 2 were excellent but then the pain returned, although in a new spot. Now it was the left side of my foot that was hurting, a lot. I stopped and walked a bit and then jogged the rest of the way home. Today I went back to see Danielle and she did a lot more deep massage, put on some physio tape on my left calf and side of my left foot, and wrapped my footin ice. She told me that the pain on the side of the foot is likely from a messed up gait due to the tight calves. Apparently it is causing me to almost run on the side of the foot. No wonder it hurts?!

I'm going to go for a short test run tomorrow, 1-2 miles, and then then my last triathlon of the season, the Jarden Westchester Triathlon on Sunday. I'm still holding out hope for the Philadelphia Marathon and Danille thinks it is still a serious possiblity but I know I'm just going to have to take this one day at a time.

Interested in the NYC Marathon?
A representative from the Fresh Air Fund contacted me and requested I spread the word about this opportunity.

The Fresh Air Fund is still looking for runners and sponsors to join their Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Marathon on on November 7th. They have until September 30th to register racers, so they need to fill the spots quickly. If are going through some off-season withdrawals and looking for another challange this is a chance to participate in NYC's premier race while helping Fresh Air Fund children.

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend Fresh Air Fund camps. Visit the Fresh Air Fund website for more information on participating in the NYC marathon.

A Mish Mash

Well a weekend away turned into more like two weeks away, at least from the blogosphere. I won't lie. I've been in a funk. A lot of bloggers seem to be right now. I guess it is that time of year. I decided to lay low for awhile hoping to avoid adding complaining about how tired and burnt out I am.

We spent 4 days in Minnesota for my best friends wedding and we had an excellent time. On Friday night we took in a Twins game at the new Target Field. This is my first ever Twins game in Minnesota (I've seen them many times here in NYC) and it was a blast. I think my favorite part is that the official beverage of the Minnesota Twins is Land-O-Lakes milk. Not Budweiser or Miller Lite. Milk :)


Minnesota Twins Game
09.03.10



Giant BBQ Turkey Leg, or according to Sam, "The best thing I've ever eaten at a baseball game"

On Saturday morning we drove up to Breezy Point resort and the wedding festivities began. I completed all my bridesmaid duties which included getting a manicure and pedicure (my first in years*), seeing an Elvis show, having my hair styled, wearing a pretty dress, feeding the bride, smiling for pictures (in the woods, with mosquitoes), and drinking delicious drinks. It was fantastic and I could not be more happy for her. I am also insanely jealous as she has spent the last 10 days honeymooning in Hawaii.

In other news:

- I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new niece or nephew. The due date is today but no signs of labor yet!

- Sam and I did a 1K Swim/10K Run race as a relay last weekend and we finished in 2nd place. The downside is that the race may or may not have been sponsored by a cult and now I feel bad I gave them money and I can't appreciate the trophy we won or wear the shirt.

- I went to swim practice at Asphalt Green last night. It is my first swim in nearly four weeks (except the cult-race) because the pool was closed for awhile and I was lazy. The tri club practice was pretty small so I joined them instead of masters. It was fun to do a swim workout geared towards triathletes and not just swimmers. We did an awesome drill call the "Six/Three Kick." You start kicking on your left side, kick 6 times, then three strokes and end on your right side and kick 6 times. Repeat. When kicking your body should not be facing the wall or the ceiling, but right in the middle. After doing this for 150 meters we swam a regular 50 meters and my rotation felt great!

- My foot pain was still very moderate until yesterday. I did a 5 mile run on the treadmill on Wednesday morning. It was supposed to be 6 but my foot was sore at mile 5 so I stopped short. It was okay walking home and then to the train but on my 4 block walk the train to my office it hurt so bad I was limping a little and wanted to cry. So, I'm scheduled to see a physical therapist on Monday. I have a sinking feeling that my season may be over... I have the Westchester Tri next weekend (10 days), plus a half marathon in October and the full marathon in November. Right now I'm icing a lot and keeping my fingers crossed.

- Interestingly as much as I'm ready to be done with training for a little while I am so much more upset about the idea of not being able to finish the season. I hope some ice and rest will be the (fast) fix.


* I used to get pedicures every 4 weeks or so during the summer. Since starting triathlon I gave them up to spend more money on race entries and gear...

A Weekend Away

The winner of the Happy Hippo giveaway is...

Comment #3 - Regina! Regina, send me an email to kristagager@gmail.com and I will get you some hippos :)

 

It has been a crazy week but I am looking forward to the weekend - hopefully Earl cooperates with us! Tomorrow morning I am going to do a long, 12 mile run and then we are off to the airport. We are flying to Minnesota because my best friend is getting married this weekend! The remainder of the weekend will be full of celebration, food and drink and lacking any swimming/biking/running! I'm looking forward to the break.

We've been friends since the kindergarten and we've become even closer in the last few years. She was my maid of honor at my wedding and I'm honored to stand behind her as she marries a wonderful man on Sunday.

Have a great weekend!