Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Races Thanksgiving Weekend

As most runners do, I turkey trotted. This year on thanksgiving day and the Saturday following. I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to do 2 races in 3 days- especially after having hip surgery 7 or so months ago. Eh the doctor just said take it easy, he didn't say I couldn't race anymore!

Part of me wanted to do a 10k to prove to myself I really am still a runner. I knew I could do 5ks but a 10k is another thing all together. Getting up at 5am on Thanksgiving was not my idea of a day off but- we did it anyway (D was not very happy about it). It was the first cold morning in Mass that week. We have had unseasonably warm weather. Silly me I only wore my compression run skirt and a t shirt. I put that long sleeve race shirt to good use and put it under my t shirt! The start line was jammed luckily we found our friends that we were meeting up with for a quick hello. Before we knew (or heard) the race started. I just wanted to pace myself to be around an hour and feel okay. I didn't want to over do it with my first 10k back- just set a mark on the wall.

Having run this same race last year I knew the course. It is pretty flat and just 2 loops of the 5k I did last year and just happens to be the tri course I did this summer. Always nice when you know what you are getting into. Well the course was nice but it was a windy day- when I turned the corner down by the Merrimack River, the wind cut me down. I had a hard time keeping my pace. But got back around to the back road and cut some time off the pace. Felt pretty good. My legs were really cold from the temps and the wind. But when I turned by the river again my legs just didn't want to move. Each step HURT because they were so cold. But I didn't want to stop. I wanted to prove to myself I could stay about the same pace as I did my first 10k over a year ago- 1:03. And coming into the finish I was a couple minutes slower than last time- 1:05. I wasn't disappointed though. I did a 10k! After the year I have had with my hip I was happy.

Of course, my poor frozen legs took a good 15 minutes to stop shaking before I could even climb in the truck to go home. I don't know if it was muscles from the run or just COLD. Either way I finally warmed up somewhere on the way home. We had to get home we had turkey to deep fry (SO YUMMY!) and family to visit- but that is for the next post. Thursday was pretty crazy with Thanksgiving and the only plan Friday was for D and I to hit the whirlpool at the gym. We thought that would be best for our tired sore legs and to get them ready for Saturday.

Well the whirlpool at the gym is broken- and we sweated a bit in the sauna which seemed to help. Got up on Saturday morning to run again- I know NUTS! It was a high school rivalry run. SO MANY high school track and cross country kids- SOOOOO FAST! The course was awful. It was hilly from about 1/2 mi in through about mile 2.5 not rolling either. Just up! and UP and UP! I started to use the D theory of "the faster you run the faster this is over". When I finally hit the down hills my legs were finally feeling human again and I got a decent turn over. I finished in 30:20 which is my PR for this season. D didn't have a great race and wasn't feeling too hot. But I was happy that on a tough course I pushed through after racing 2 days earlier to come out with a PR. It wasn't enough to win but it was enough for me. Hopefully the next 5k will be even closer to my times of last season! Thanks everyone for the support!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Big Race Week- Happy Thanksgiving

So in edition to an exciting new venture into gluten free thanksgiving (see the last post), I am going to be racing 2 times this week. Tomorrow morning I am doing a turkey trot. I did this race last year but the twist is- this year I am doing a 10k on thanksgiving morning! I haven't done in a 10k in over a year- last one Oct 09. I am a bit nervous. I ran 5 miles last weekend and it went well. I think given that I have done a half marathon and a 10k before I think I will survive. Mind over matter right?! I just want to have fun with this one and be thankful that I can actually do mileage again! I'll let you all know how that goes. I hope to do it in around an hour. Yes I know I'm no speed demon. The nice thing is run for about an hour and I think that thanksgiving meal won't be such a worry.

D and I are off to the races in the morning and then back to deep fry a turkey for thanksgiving. Luckily the race gives us pie for finishing so we will have another nice thing to bring to dinner. My grandmother has made gluten free pecan and pumpkin pies for me and D to enjoy! YAY! Should be a great day for racing and gluten free thanksgiving.

I am also going to run a 5k on Saturday. There aren't too many races left in Mass. The weather is already supposed to be snowy here- luckily it hasn't been yet. And D and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to get a race in for only 10 bucks. It should be an exciting few days. We are both thinking after a 10k and before a 5k a nice slow swim in the pool with some time in the hot tub would be just the trick on Friday. It is very exciting to be back running and racing again. I just need to make sure I give my hip the recovery it needs. The hot tub seems to provide some relief and swimming is always good for the hip- without too much kicking of course.

Well off to the races we go! Everyone have a fantastic Thanksgiving. I hope you all enjoy your families, food, and remember the things you are thankful for- I have so many things! I am thankful that I can run again, thankful for the support and love of D, thankful for a loving family, thankful for a job (in these economic times), thankful to have everything I do, thankful I can train, thankful that I have a healthy life- just to name a few. Thanks to you all for reading! Hope you have the HAPPIEST of thanksgivings!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

First Gluten-Free Thanksgiving

So in October I went back to my doctor to get my blood test results, I had told her I was feeling pretty tired and couldn't seem to drop weight. She tested me for the usual suspects and everything came back fine. I sat down with her to review the results since even though everything was fine- I wasn't happy with that answer. We sat down again and talked about my training and my diet. I explained how I had been to a nutritionist so I didn't think that was the problem.

Then we talked exercise. Her question "what do you do for workouts?" My response "I swim, I bike, I run. I do triathlons." Her eyes opened wide she said she could understand my frustration but she had no idea what to tell me. Well gee thanks doc!

I went back and started looking into possible causes. I started with food allergies. I am not 100% sure what it could be but let's start with gluten. So I went gluten-free. No wheat, rye, barley. I have been doing it for a month now. I've lost 10lbs and I have a lot of my energy back. I don't fall asleep the second I sit down. It also seems to have made my mood a lot better- I feel a lot more even keel. Hey whether it is that I am gluten sensitive or its just working for other causes- I don't care. It is better than just dealing with my doctor's "I don't know"

My boyfriend has become gluten free too. Or at least "when we are together". My family seems to have embraced it. My mom immediately started experimenting with gluten free dishes and getting ready for gluten-free options for thanksgiving. Looks like I will be having my first gluten-free thanksgiving this year. I'll let you all know what dishes we come up with- so far it seems like GF corn bread stuffing, GF pies, and I'm not really sure what else is in store.

I read an article last night in this month's Women's Health about being gluten free. It wasn't the most positive spin I have seen. I think it lost sight of the fact that some people choose this diet as a way to be more healthy. Yes there are hazards with any diet- compensating with bad foods- but if used properly with a balanced diet I can't seem to see the bad. Given that I am not someone with celiac I don't have to be extremely cautious. The other positive I have is my diet is very healthy normally so this is just one change that might make a difference.

Other good news: I will also be racing twice this week... more on that with the next post :)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I'm Back....RUNNING!

Okay so after a long hiatus. I have decided to start blogging again. Life got a bit nuts after my surgery but has calmed down and I am back to what I love... Training and Running. Yes you read that right folks... I am RUNNING again! The girl who thought she may never walk again after her hip surgery is RUNNING! I have done 3 5ks- times are about consistent with early in the season last year. Which I think means given more training I could be back where I used to be in no time flat. Next races are planned- Thanksgiving Day 10k, and 11/27 5k.

Lets see during my lil blogging break I did a few aquabikes. Let me tell you that is the ideal event for someone with a hip injury. Swim then bike. And being a swimmer they were fun! I came in 1st in my first race and 2nd in my Age Group in the Maine State Triathlon. I think I will sprinkle a couple of these in my tri training next year. I enjoy them and they work on 2 of the 3 events.

Speaking of next season. I think I have come up with some sort of race plan.... if I can stay healthy.
May/June- Sprint Tri
June/July- Oly Tri
Aug- Half IronMan - yes 70.3 folks!


This is the thought as of now. Hopefully I can keep training like I am again and get back to racing like I enjoy! Well- I am going to get back to my training... blogging and life the way I like it... HAPPY!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Post Op Day

Things have been progressing really well. I started this past weekend doing normal life stuff again. Went to dinner, got my nails done, a little grocery shopping... all of which I was driven to by my fiance but hey I got out!! My fiance had Monday off so we did some more lunch out and other things our and about. It is nice to be out but it kills me I can't do it alone. I get to shower just about every day, of course, not alone since I need someone to hold me up, and as a safety net.

I also sat down on the floor on Sunday and did some sort of workout. I sat with my 5lb dumbells, both in one hand did curls and tricep extensions. I did some shoulder lifts, 5lb per arm, and hammer curls. I did the same on Monday, I was a lil sore with from the day before. It was nice to sweat a bit and get my heart rate up.

I tell you it has gotten to the point that I am sick of not being able to do things. 2 crutches make it hard to carry things and move around. I have still been icing regularly but have switched to motrin to help with the pain when it gets a bit much.

This morning was my post op appointment. I am a week and a half out from my surgery (12 days to be exact). I had the hope that I would hobble in and walk out. Well close but not exactly.... I went in had my stitches removed. Then the doctor came in (Dr. Busconi's fellow- he is on vacation). He said I looked good. He cleared me to swim and water run- said swimming is best. Bike with low resistance next week. Yoga next week not pushing it though. Eliptical is cool the week after that (4 weeks out). I am okay to hit the chiropractor and massage (as long as I keep them from hurting me). As for the fracture- it isn't a big deal since it is now healed! YAY- I was so afraid that was going to keep me from running again. The doctor said wait till Friday to start walking. Well- on my way to make my follow up appointment- I saw the resident that helped with my surgery. He said I looked good and that if I wanted I could walk at home without the crutches. I was so happy to hear that!! He said stick with crutches outside the house- so I don't get bumped around. So- okay no driving through Friday. Got it!

I have a follow up appointment in 6 weeks with Dr. Busconi. I walked back into the condo and TOSSED the crutches in the kitchen and started walking. It isn't too bad to walk around. Hurts a bit taking it easy. But hey I am free in the house from those horrible crutches! I plan on hitting the pool tomorrow. Take a day of walking around a bit to let my body get used to it then get back to it :-) I need to set up my PT- 6 weeks 2 per week.

I AM ALL SMILES NOW! I can't wait to get back to life. I plan on taking this week and next easy with the workouts and work. I also get to go back to coaching! YAY!!

I have had the greatest support team though this whole process. I had a great doctor- which I hear is the key to this whole thing! My parents have been so supportive from being there the day of surgery through phone calls and stop by to say hi. I have a great room mate that has helped with everything. And the best friend in the world! They check on me daily bring me presents and give me support through the ups and downs of post surgery! Send me the greatest messages and talk me through ever tear and every smile. THANK YOU ALL!!! <3 you all!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I deem today a good day!

Today is the first day I have actually started feeling better. Saturday was hard not much movement. Sunday was a bit better. Monday I spent most of the day on the couch with a lot of pain meds. Tuesday got a bit better but I got upset and did a bit more than I should have, I mean really why did work need me! I had only been out 2 days! Yesterday was really hard! I didn't sleep well. I had a lot of pain! I couldn't even really get myself out of bed all day, pain was really bad off and on. I felt like someone was shoving a finger in my stitches! Not only was he gone all day and was I in pain but I was alone pretty much all day! At about 630 I decided to cook. I did ok. That lead to a breakdown! I cried so hard I got a headache! It wasn't good. But he came home I got a you are gonna be fine suck it up talk. And a shower! I slept pretty well untill about 3, when I forgot I had surgery. That was some pain! I took a med and slept.

Got up today feeling pretty good. Mom left work early to get groceries for me and come hang a bit! I cooked myself some lunch and in walked mom! We sat and chatted watched tv. Then decided since today was going to be the last nice day for a bit- to try and go outside. Thanks to an elevator in my building and my crutches I got fresh air and sun on my skin. I stood out front for a bit! Then walked around the building and came back upstairs! It was so nice! Felt normal for a bit. A lil gimpy but normal. I hope to shower again tonight and shave! God I want to shave! I defintely deem today a good day! Best day yet! Hopefully it just keeps gettin better!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Post surgery recovery starts

I had my surgery on Friday morning. I had to be at the hospital at 715. My mom took me in. I had somehow thought through all the variables of the day and was doing pretty well. I checked in changed into my Johnny and grippy socks. The nurse came in checked my vitals and gave me a rundown. Surgery was scheduled 915 to 1045. I would go upstairs about a half hour before and they would start my iv and get me preped fro the or. I would get to see dr. Busconi one more time when we signed my hip then they would start the drugs and get the or ready and off I'd go.

I sat with mom for about an hour and chatted. I was laid down and wheeled upstairs. All alone with a bitch nurse in pre op. God she was mean. you could tell the whole hospital knew she was. I answered all her questions and then they came to start my iv. The anestesiologist who did my iv happen to be a triathlete so we talked events. Took my mind off the needle. Dr. Busconi came in. He and I signed my hip and he told me they just did the surgery in someone else."they were all warmed up" i asked last minute questions he told me he wanted me walking w the crutches that day! I met the rest of my team and they gave me something to relax me.

I was wheeled down into the or. I helped them out moving to the operating table. He checked the traction for my leg and the I laid back. I remember busting the resident for having a Yankee thing on and talking lacrosse. Then I was out!

The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room. I had a sore throat I was pretty out of it. And it felt like the largest person I could think of was standin on my hip. There was a baby who just had surgery and was screaming. I was really confused. I was told in 10 min I could move downstairs. So they came wheeled my bed downstairs and nurse checked me back in. I told her about the pain she got me a pill and something to drink. My throat was killing me from the tube. Finally they got my parents and they came in. Apparently they talked to busconi and my surgery was cleaner than they expected. He didn't have to shave my femur much the tear on the labrum wasn't bad and the synovitis cleared. There was a healed fracture in my hip from before. I had at one point fractured my hip it isn't exactly clean heal it's slightly off. I think it is from the half marathon since the pain post surgery was really close to my pain after the race. Since I haven't run since November I assume that's why it is healed. I'll have to ask when I go to post op.

I got crutches from the nurse hobbled to the bathroom. After that I was free to go. The getting in and out of the car was the worst. Luckily it was a short ride home and there was an elevator to get me to my condo. I stayed in bed for a couple hours. Pain was tough. I got up to use the bathroom again and ended up passing out. My mom and dad took care of me and I made it back to bed. Alright next post will be the follow on days.... Thanks all!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Upcoming Surgery... Hip Femural Acetabular Impingement

I found out around Christmas that I had a torn labrum tendon. After my chiropractor sent me for a MRI arthogram (which hurt like hell, we found the torn tendon in the film.The torn tendon was enough for my chiropractor to find me a orthopedic surgeon.At the end of February I met with Dr. Busconi.

He did some X-rays in his office and looked at my MRI. He determined that I had two options 1. cortisone injection into the hip 2. surgically repair the hip. I thought cortisone would be delaying the inevitable. And when he said it was only 40% effective I wasn't really liking the odds. Surgery was 98% effective and I would be up and running in 4 months. When I decided surgery is the way I wanted to go I started firing questions (of course I have questions I'm an engineer). I asked about:
recovery 2-3 weeks on crutches with no driving and limited mobility
anesthesia- general anesthesia I had to go fully under
when can I run again- 4 mo
We discussed the procedure where he will go in through 2-3 holes arthroscopically to shave the top of my femur repair the tendon and remove the fluid built up. The surgery itself lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Depending on the repair needed for the labrum. The repair to the tendon also changes some of the variables for the recovery. If it needs to be braided or pinned to the bone it will be longer. I scheduled the surgery for his first available date 9 April.

After leaving and finally getting the name of what is wrong with my hip Femoroacetabular Impingement I looked up as much as I could find about it. This site seemed to explain things well http://www.hipfai.com/ I have the cam form. So my femur needs to be shaved. It also appears this is something I was born with. It is possible I could live my whole life with it and if I wasn't active I may have never needed it repaired. But now that I read more it looks like if I don't get it fixed I could possibly need a hip replacement in the future. I would rather do the arthroscopic surgery.

I have to be honest, I am nervous. I know this is what I need to do in order to be active again- training for triathlons and half marathons and other races. But It is still scary. I had my pre op testing last Friday. I met with a nurse practitioner who took my history, then an anesthesiologist, then had lab work done, then a nurse- I expected a lot more explanation about the day of surgery. I am still a bit in the air about what will happen that day. They say I will be in the hospital for 5-6 hours.

I am having a hard time sleeping. I am trying to be sure I drink enough water this week. I am also trying to get in workouts, since I am not sure when I will be able to do what. The workouts also help me clear my head. I am coaching lacrosse again, so my assistant coach will be taking that over till I can get up there again. I have a lot going on this week but I would rather be busy up till the surgery, because when left alone for long enough to start thinking I get upset.

I try to keep myself calm but it is tough. Part of me is looking to the surgery to be like a vacation from work and lacrosse. I have been working a lot and even got an agreement from work to do some work from home in bed. I am trying my best to look at this procedure as a start to getting back out there. I really can't wait to do my next triathlon and sign up for races again. Its hard to pick a recovery race but I think I will sign up for a sprint Triathlon in September as soon as I am cleared to starting to do workouts. I figure I will be able to swim/bike during recovery and running will come in time so I should be okay come September. It will be nice to have a mark on the wall to train for again!

I will try to update the blog again before my surgery on Friday. There are lots of thoughts floating around in this head and it is nice to get them out.... Thanks all!