Two weeks off from running- Revenge of my evil ankle

Back story: During the Baltimore Half Marathon, the charming city of Baltimore welcomed me with a pot hole at mile 5. I rolled out my ankle and continued the last 8 miles hating the pothole and my ankle for being so weak. For a week following the Half Marathon I iced my ankle and didn't run. I also went to my orthopedic to make sure I didn't have a serious injury. During that two week period that I was banned from running, I focused on strengthening and healing my ankle. I didn't run and limited my exercise to walking, cycling and lots of yoga. Rather than being hard headed, I followed the advice of my doctor and my doctor wannabe, my boyfriend. 

I've read multiple articles about nursing running-related injuries and one common theme permeated: Your body is sending you a message. During the time off, I visited my orthopedic not only for my ankle, but for my back. I've been having a lot of back pain related to lots of school related-stress and sitting for long hours at school, the library, and my desk at home. 

I also went to my Gastroenterologist. I've had a long history of stomach-related issues and I've been ignoring them for a while. In addition to my ankle injury during the half marathon, I also endured my typical stomach pains from mile 8 until the end. For months, I've endured stomach pain during runs. According to my doctor, figuring out my stomach issues is a long process of elimination. In the past I've suffered from acid reflux and heart burn. So, I've decided to eliminate processed foods from my diet, alcohol (I am not a big drinker so this isn't painful), and limiting my caffeine intake.  I think limiting my caffeine will be the hardest. I am addicted to diet coke and eliminating that delicious habit will be hard but worth it. My doctor also advised that I don't eat during any of my runs, as my stomach is already weak and can't handle the extra stress of having to process solid foods during a taxing run. This means that I have to find an alternative to solid calorie intake during longer runs.

Time off was a scary thought for me. Running is my source of therapy. It gives me time to think and gives me time away from my law books. For the two weeks I was healing, I was a bit depressed. This really worried me because I don't want to be the girl who finds all her happiness in running, nor do I want to become consumed or obsessed about running. I am never going to be a competitive runner. I might place in my age group in much smaller races but I doubt I'll be an uber competitive runner. Time off gave me the time to prioritize my goals. My goal is to become a successful attorney, not to be a competitive runner, triathlete, or a supermodel (in my dreams I'm the only 5' 1" supermodel). Since I was a little girl my sole goal was to become an attorney. Yes, at five years old I sat my parents down and told them I wanted to become an attorney. The next two months need to be about finishing the fall semester strong and with great grades. Running is there to complement my school and work schedule, not to complicate it. Running also helps keep my weight down and keeps me thin and toned.

I am a true believer that life is about balance. A balance between personal, family, work and health. In order to achieve a better balance, I sat down and wrote down my one year, five year and ten year goals. I wrote down 2 personal, 2 career, and 2 health goals for each year mark. I may post my goal worksheets in the future in a blog post because everyone should take the time and set their goals. Setting goals helps keep things in perspective.

I'm looking forward to going back to logging my miles, but I did appreciate the time off, and so did my body and mind. 

A small request for any readers:

Please help my amazing boyfriend. He is participating in the Dolphins Cycling Challenge this Saturday. Any little bit helps!

Dolphins Cycling Challenge 2011 - Patrick Bimonte's Page

68 Days till Disney's Marathon Weekend

On Friday, I went for my follow-up visit at my Orthopedics's office and got great news- I can start training on Monday! I also got the interesting news that I have a pesky extra bone in my ankle. I'm a bit dorky and got super excited because I'm a little mutant! I start my physical therapy for my ankle and back on Tuesday and I have to continue my physical therapy for four weeks.

With that news, reality set in. I have a 15 K in 34 days and Goofy's Challenge is in less than 70 days. Most importantly, finals are a month away and I move to Florida in two months!!! I have so much to look forward to, but there is so much hard work associated with all that fun. 

I have to constantly remind myself that as much as I love to log in the miles and hours at the gym, school and my career are my first priority (behind my family, boyfriend and friends). Logging multiple hours running, practicing yoga and spinning is not going to help me become a successful attorney, but it will help me look good in my brand new suits! 

Considering my limitations, I sat down and dedicated about an hour to setting a realistic training schedule. Realistically, I can dedicate 3 work/school weekdays to running (1 hr to 2 hrs a day), 1 day to intense running (3+ hours), 1 day to fun cross training, i.e. yoga or spinning (no more than an hour), and unfortunately, I'm human and I need one full day of complete rest. I also factored in Thanksgiving weekend and our (PJ, little man, and I) trip to Ohio to visit PJ's brother and sister.


To see my new training schedule click here!


After two weeks of down time from running, I feel motivated, refreshed, and optimistic. I'm also feeling good about not being the fastest or best out there, but I'm not the slowest either. Everyday I'm happier and more comfortable in my skin. I've also learned that I excel in different areas, and it's not humanly possible to excel and be the best at every endeavor I pursue. Running is a challenge and one that I love. I run to beat myself and no one else.

My day long Saturday Adventure with Frick and Frack (my parents)

Disclaimer- My parents are crazy, in the best way possible. They are the type of people that rather be out than sitting at home on a weekend. So what does this mean to a busy law student and "wanna-be running enthusiast?" This means that I plan my weeks ahead of time knowing that the likelihood of doing school work or training on Saturday is unlikely.

A Typical Saturday with my parents (Frick and Frack)

Motor home driving

First thing on Saturday morning, Dad wanted to go and test drive a motor home. (Yes, a motor home) Back story- My parents went to this giant RV show during the summer in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and since then he's been really interested in doing a little more research into motor homes. So, he found a really nice motor home dealer and him, mom and I went to test drive these bad boys. It was a lot of fun and much easier than any of us thought. I see my parents buying a motor home is the distant future.

Cupcakes

After test driving the motor home, I begged my parents to stop at the brand-spanking new cupcake place in Downtown Frederick. One of my favorite things in the universe are cupcakes! We actually stopped at the cupcake place on Friday afternoon, but they let us know that their grand opening was on Saturday.

Pretending I'm a super model in front of the cupcake shop on Friday afternoon

I was extremely impressed with their cupcakes. Mom and I picked out four different cupcakes: I had the creamy pumpkin cupcake, mom picked their classic vanilla with vanilla frosting and the classic vanilla with chocolate frosting, and we got one for my little brother, the Chocolate Fudge and Peanut Butter cupcake.

The creamy pumpkin cupcake was a perfect balance. There was not too much pumpkin and it wasn't too sweet. It was extremely fresh and the frosting was to die for. Mom and my brother loved their cupcakes as well.

Dinosaur Land

On our way to the Shenandoah Valley to see the changing of the leaves, we stumbled across this gem:

Dinosaur Land!

Like an obnoxious 5-year old, I forced my parents to stop so I can take pictures in front of the giant dinosaurs! Plus it gave us all the chance to stretch our legs after being in the car for an hour and a half

Shenandoah Vally

After being in the car for a billion hours, we made it to the Shenandoah Valley! It was absolutely gorgeous. The national park stretches for miles and we drove along the road looking at the trees and just admiring the natural beauty of the park.

We decided to have dinner at the restaurant at the Park's Lodge. It was really nice and we all enjoyed our food. While at the lodge, Dad and I met Yogi Bear's long lost cousin, Mr. Black Bear. My poor dad spent the entire day trying to spot a black bear in the forest, and this was the closest he was going to get to see a bear.

Dad, Mr. Black Bear and I

Mom and me waiting to eat and sitting by the fireplace

Review of Baltimore Half Marathon

Friday- Night before the Half Marathon

I did a 30 minute leisure walk on the treadmill and did a fabulous hour of yoga. I even managed to do my first handstand (headstand) since cheerleading! I felt really good after yoga. I went home, showered and got all dolled up for a pre-race dinner with my fabulous parents. We ended up going to the Cheesecake Factory where I consumed some of their delicious brown bread, half a turkey burger (no mayo because mayo is super gross) and half of my sweet potato fries. I'm not one to eat pasta or pizza because red sauce= no bueno with my tummy.

After dinner we swung by one of my favorite places in the universe, TARGET! We had to pick up food for mom's breakfast because I purposely don't keep a lot of food at my apartment. We also picked up bagels and a pack of peanut butter m & m's for post race :) Once we got home I updated my I-pod, got things ready and got to bed. 

Morning of the Half-Marathon

I set my alarm for 7:30, as I was meeting a friend from law school in front of school at 8:30 a.m. I woke up my parents, got dressed. I checked the weather and switched my race outfit from my pink lululemon run skirt to the lululemon inspire crop. I really hate running in weather under 70 degrees. So when its sub 70 I run in crops and a long sleeved shirt.  The crops were a great choice! Not once did they move. Lululemon really makes great products.

The really cool thing about the Baltimore Running Festival is the race day coverage. As we were getting ready we had on a local news stations that was providing day-of coverage. So we were able to watch the start of the full marathon and all the crazy elite runners. On our way to the law school, Dad stopped by Starbucks to pick up his coffee. Living next to a Starbucks is extremely convenient (and expensive).  

Me before the start with my fabulous Phi Sigma Sigma inspired hat

We walked over to the Inner Harbor where the Half Marathon was scheduled to start around 9:45 a.m. This was a bit confusing and chaotic because everyone was trying to figure out the corral system and where the race was supposed to start. Around 9:30 a race director started directing people and the chaos ended. Right about that time is when the pre-race jitters started. I stretched out and focused on the marathon participants making their way through their mile 12 or so. The full marathon and half marathon don't cross paths until mile 3 for half marathoners. As I heard the first corral getting ready to start, I started my i-pod and just waited for our turn...

The Baltimore Half

The Baltimore Half Marathon was pretty cool. It's really nice running through a city that I've lived in for almost three years. We ran through downtown Baltimore, Fell's Point, Patterson Park, and the not-so-touristy areas of Baltimore. Around mile 5, the lovely streets of Baltimore welcomed me by causing me to roll out my ankle. For those that may not be familiar with Baltimore, Baltimore has tons of pot holes. Unfortunately for me, my foot met one of those potholes. Regardless of this minor set back, I managed to make it through the next 8 miles.  I smiled and had a great time throughout the entire race. The people of Baltimore are extremely friendly. So many people were cheering us on and had fabulous signs. Big pro- A lot of people bought out their puppies and dogs. I love seeing dogs :) I truly understand why Baltimore is known as the "Charm City." 


As I approached Mile 11, we were getting back to the Downtown area of Baltimore. Mile 11 through Mile 13 was mostly down hill. The fun part was that around Mile 12.3, we passed right in front of the apartment building and the Hippodrome. The finish line of the Baltimore Half and Full Marathon is in between Camden Yards (where the Orioles play) and Raven's Stadium. As I was getting close to the finish line I heard my parents screaming "Fifi, Fifi, Fifi." (Fifi is my nickname) My eyes got watery because I know how proud my parents are, and I felt so blessed to have them there. I have the world's best parents. 

Finish Line/ Post-Race

On to the next topic, I will admit that the finish line was a bit disorganized. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I retried my lovely medal (with a crab on it!!!). Then the chaos began. I had to hunt down the line for the water and they weren't giving away bottles of Gatorade? Then there was a completely separate line for snacks. Just trying to get out of the area was a 10 minute ordeal. Other than the finish line woes, the Baltimore Half Marathon was a great experience. I am so happy that I was able to run through the city of Baltimore without having to wait for stop lights :)

Mr. Crab- My Half Marathon Medal

 So, what is Anais doing now? Well I've spent the last couple days nursing this evil ankle and I have an orthopedic doctor's appointment on Friday. Hopefully, *fingers and toes crossed* the doctor will say that its only a minor strain and I'm being a big fat baby, and then I can start training for the Goofy!

Review of Baltimore Running Festival Expo

Clothes laid out- Check

Bib pinned- Check

Cliff Shot Blocks- Check

Its the night before the Half Marathon and after finishing a brisk walk and a yoga session, I'm preparing to wind down before heading to dinner with my parents. Rather than working on my pesky Advanced Legal Research paper, I wanted to update the blog with a brief review of the Baltimore Running Festival's expo. 

*Disclaimer* This is the first non-Disney expo I've attended, and you've ever participated in a Disney race, you know that the Disney Expos are amazing! 

For the first time, the expo was held in the Baltimore Convention Center instead of Raven's stadium. It was a little confusing finding the expo as it was in one of the back conference rooms. However, everyone was very helpful. Prior to walking into the expo, all race participants had to show their e-confirmation print out to pick up the "goody bag." The "goody bag" had a couple of coupons from sponsors and future race advertisements. After picking up the goody bag, we took the stairs to the expo. The first stop was picking up the race bib. This was pretty easy as your bib number was printed on the e-confirmation page. After picking up the bib, then it was to pick up the race shirt. Also, pretty simple as it was split up by race, gender, and t-shirt size. The shirts are made by Under Armour and are good quality. My only complaint is that the small is huge, and I'm not a fan of the "female-cut" t-shirts as the sleeves are not flattering. 

There were quite a few vendors. One of my favorite booths, One More Mile, was there. They always have funny apparel and I bought a fabulous baseball cap with a penguin! Yes, Phi Sig Sisters, you heard right! A penguin baseball cap!

Mine is in black

There were also a couple of booths giving giveaways. Larabar, Covergirl, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and an olive oil company were giving freebies. I was sad that runningskirts.com wasn't there. But they will be at the Disney Marathon Expo!

Under Armour had some great race specific clothing at the expo. I plan on picking something up (and maybe something for PJ) tomorrow after the race.


Overall, the expo was really nice and everything seemed to flow. Not once did I feel like there was a crowd, not did I feel overwhelmed. Then again, I went to the expo pretty early.

Until next time :)

2 days until the Baltimore Half!

Wow, time does fly! I'm mid-way through the semester (which means I'm closer to moving down to Naples) and the Half- Marathon is only two days away! I have been beyond good on sticking to my training plan. Even though its not recommended, I have extended some of my planned workouts because (a) I felt really good and didn't want to stop and/or (b) it was so pretty outside that it would be dumb not to run as long as possible.

The last two weeks have been great. I completed another 5k and accomplished a PR during that 5k. I've also gotten into the swing of yoga, and I'm starting to really love it. In addition, school and work has been pretty stellar. As some of you may already know, law school classes don't have mid-terms or traditional assignments due throughout the semester. Instead, most courses has ONE final three-hour exam. Next Tuesday I'll be done with one of my classes, Advanced Legal Research, once I submit my final research paper. Other than that, I've been working on my paper for Sexual Orientation and the Law. The topic I chose was the treatment of LGBT individuals in the Criminal Justice System and in prison. I've also been consistent in reading and outlining for my exam courses.

As with work, I'm pretty lucky that I can usually work from home. I work in developing lesson plans for legal-based lessons taught at the Jail. I used to teach the lessons on a weekly basis, but now I work primarily in drafting the lessons. I really love working with youths in the Baltimore City Detention Center and at-risk youth. The work is rewarding and is a great re-cap of Constitutional Law and Criminal Law.

Lessons I've Learned about Law School and Training

1. Getting some type of physical activity every single day is a necessity. Sitting 10 to 12 hours a day in the library, home, meetings and in class gets old quick. 
2. There will be days where you don't want to run. On those days, I usually increase the length of time that I'm working out and I'll walk rather than run and I make sure to get in a yoga or spinning class.
3. Law School and classes have been more enjoyable since I started running everyday. I find it easier to focus and to study for longer periods of time.
4. Not having time is not an excuse. Rather than complain about my schedule, every Sunday night I prepare my weekly schedule with classes, yoga classes, work, studying and running. (see below). By mapping out my week it becomes a no brainer.
5. Supportive family and friends are the most valuable resource during law school and training. I have the most amazing parents and friends any person could ever ask for. My dad has signed me up (and paid) for 5ks and he wakes up at the crack of dawn to take me to the race and watch me. Mom makes sure that I'm eating correctly and always supports me. Both of my parents are driving into Baltimore for the Half Marathon. I'm excited to have them spend the night in Baltimore and go out on Friday night to dinner. As for law school, my parents pick me up almost every weekend to go and spend time in Frederick. Its nice to get out of the city and wind-down a little bit. My friends in law school are great because they're all less OCD than I am, so they keep me sane. I am truly blessed to have amazing parents and friends.