I've gone my whole life without knowing what an IT band is, or that I even have one (two, in fact). That is, until my knee started hurting at the end of my 11 mile run today. I started limping pretty badly.
An IT band (iliotibial band) is a tendon on the outside of your thighs connecting the hip bone to the shin bone. It is one long, stretchy ligament. When running or walking, it slides across and over the knee. Overuse (through long distance running, for instance) can cause the IT band to get inflamed from too much rubbing across the knee. So, even though the tendon is all along the side of the thigh, it is the part just next to the knee cap that is giving me pain.
I've read up on everything I can about this condition. I immediately started RICE (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) and Bill is going to go get me a foam roller used for massaging the IT band to help stretch it out. From my reading, it also sounds like I could be doing some hip abductor weights to strengthen the laterally moving muscles of my legs (a preventative measure). I'll have to spend the next week doing cross training (swim mostly) to give it a rest and time to heal. And, I'm going to have to search out new running routes that don't keep me on the sloped sides of roads. It is the slope of the road that is killing my knee. The leg on the downward side of the road bows inward slightly to compensate, and that is what is causing the aggravation to my knee.
So phooey and double phooey!
But it sure was a nice day for a run.
The Republican Caucus
There is a place on facebook where you can list your interests. One of the areas to fill out is "Politics". My answer?
I avoid it.
I know. Bad, bad. This is a country that is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. And if the people don't participate in the system, it stops being by the people and bad stuff happens. I get it.
But let me tell you, I live in such a homogeneous neighborhood that I could shout myself blue in the face and it wouldn't amount to a thing. Not that I feel like shouting. I am more liberal than most of my neighbors, but still on the conservative end of the spectrum. I am actually a registered Republican, if you can believe that. I can't remember why that is.
The truth is, my voice doesn't count for anything here. And I'm mostly okay with that.
So, you might be wondering what in the world would entice me to attend my neighborhood caucus meeting tonight.
Two of Helena's teachers are offering extra credit to seniors over 18 who attend the caucus and report about it...
...and Helena had to work tonight.
So, while I might avoid politics, I am willing to take a bullet for one of my kids and show up to video portions of it for her so she can write up the extra credit report.
Hopefully I can make up for my apathy as a citizen by being an excellent mom?
Anyways, the caucus for all the districts in town were held at the high school. I arrived a tad late, and discovered that I would have to park a couple of blocks away from the school and hike in. It took me a bit of research to figure out which district I'm currently in (due to redistricting, we've been in 3 different districts in the 12 years we've lived in this house). I'm in AF09, now, which was being held in the south side of the cafeteria... while AF06 was being held simultaneously in the north side of the same room! Oi! It was hot, crowded, and noisy in there! I figured I'd missed the prayer and the pledge, but they hadn't even gotten started yet. Since I'm a registered republican, I was given a slip of paper that stated I was an accredited something-something that gave me a right to nominate people, run for office (thanks, but NO!!!), and vote.
I won't bore you with a blow by blow of the hour and a half that I actually stuck around and participated. They were nowhere near done when I bailed. But, while I was there, I got to participate in putting a friend and neighbor in as our committee chair (or head honcho, or whatever the heck you call the person who represents the rest of us at the next level). It felt good to personally know the person who is going to speak for me as a delegate. And the whole thing felt very grass roots. The epitome of grass roots, in fact. The three people nominated each took a turn speaking for 2 minutes and fielding questions from us about political stuff. Only one of the three seemed out of touch and unprepared. Our votes were hand written on slips of paper, collected in a shoe box, and tallied the old fashioned way off in the corner. My friend and neighbor, Reese Day, won the majority in a single round of voting. (Well done, Reese! Congratulations!) The other nominee who seemed intelligently prepared ended up being voted in as the vice chair.
I got some video for Helena to use in writing up her report tonight, but even better, I can now say that I have officially done my civic duty as an American! It was more interesting than I thought it would be, and I'm glad I went. Huzzah.
I avoid it.
I know. Bad, bad. This is a country that is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. And if the people don't participate in the system, it stops being by the people and bad stuff happens. I get it.
But let me tell you, I live in such a homogeneous neighborhood that I could shout myself blue in the face and it wouldn't amount to a thing. Not that I feel like shouting. I am more liberal than most of my neighbors, but still on the conservative end of the spectrum. I am actually a registered Republican, if you can believe that. I can't remember why that is.
The truth is, my voice doesn't count for anything here. And I'm mostly okay with that.
So, you might be wondering what in the world would entice me to attend my neighborhood caucus meeting tonight.
Two of Helena's teachers are offering extra credit to seniors over 18 who attend the caucus and report about it...
...and Helena had to work tonight.
So, while I might avoid politics, I am willing to take a bullet for one of my kids and show up to video portions of it for her so she can write up the extra credit report.
Hopefully I can make up for my apathy as a citizen by being an excellent mom?
Anyways, the caucus for all the districts in town were held at the high school. I arrived a tad late, and discovered that I would have to park a couple of blocks away from the school and hike in. It took me a bit of research to figure out which district I'm currently in (due to redistricting, we've been in 3 different districts in the 12 years we've lived in this house). I'm in AF09, now, which was being held in the south side of the cafeteria... while AF06 was being held simultaneously in the north side of the same room! Oi! It was hot, crowded, and noisy in there! I figured I'd missed the prayer and the pledge, but they hadn't even gotten started yet. Since I'm a registered republican, I was given a slip of paper that stated I was an accredited something-something that gave me a right to nominate people, run for office (thanks, but NO!!!), and vote.
I won't bore you with a blow by blow of the hour and a half that I actually stuck around and participated. They were nowhere near done when I bailed. But, while I was there, I got to participate in putting a friend and neighbor in as our committee chair (or head honcho, or whatever the heck you call the person who represents the rest of us at the next level). It felt good to personally know the person who is going to speak for me as a delegate. And the whole thing felt very grass roots. The epitome of grass roots, in fact. The three people nominated each took a turn speaking for 2 minutes and fielding questions from us about political stuff. Only one of the three seemed out of touch and unprepared. Our votes were hand written on slips of paper, collected in a shoe box, and tallied the old fashioned way off in the corner. My friend and neighbor, Reese Day, won the majority in a single round of voting. (Well done, Reese! Congratulations!) The other nominee who seemed intelligently prepared ended up being voted in as the vice chair.
I got some video for Helena to use in writing up her report tonight, but even better, I can now say that I have officially done my civic duty as an American! It was more interesting than I thought it would be, and I'm glad I went. Huzzah.
Trail vs. Treadmill
Or rather, outdoor running vs. indoor.
I have spent all winter running either on a treadmill or on the indoor track. I don't mind at all. In fact, I like running on a treadmill for the ability to force myself to new speeds during interval training. I also like the fact that I can run no matter what the weather is doing outside. However, there is a point when indoor running becomes tedious. For me, that point is about 6 miles.
If it is going to take more than an hour to do the run, it gets frustrating to have to reset the machine. Most of the treadmills at the gym have a 60 min. max time allowed in their programming. And, really, who wants to spend more than an hour looking at the same thing while running?
This week my long run is supposed to be 10 miles. I usually do my long run on Mondays, but I noticed that Monday's weather is predicted to be significantly cooler than today (Saturday). Today is one of those beautiful early spring days that makes everyone throw open the windows and head outside. I decided to do my long run today. Outside.
Oh, I forgot how much harder it is to run outside! Variations in slope and running surface take their toll and I find myself having to take a walking break much more often. Most of my run was on the side of the road, on the pavement. That is so much more jarring on my legs and feet than the cushioned treadmill, or even the soft surface of the indoor track. However, I love the live breeze and the sunshine! The constantly changing view is entertaining and keeps my mind so occupied that I chew away the miles without noticing the passage of time. My route took me up into Highland and onto the Alpine Highway before looping back through the neighborhoods and back home. I had a real sense of accomplishment for the distance my body traveled today! You get no perspective on distance on a treadmill. 10 miles looks the same as 5 miles on a treadmill. 10 miles actually covers A LOT of ground!
I love the sunshine and the sun/wind burn on my face! I love the friendly wave from other joggers and cyclists you meet on the road. I love people watching. I watch the people in the cars that drive by, the kids playing in the neighborhoods, and the adults working in their yards. I passed a house with two llamas staked in the front yard. Who has llamas on a tether?!?
To be very honest, I only went 8 miles today. Around mile 7 my legs started giving me problems. The hard surface took its toll and I started feeling pain in my shins and feet. When my route intersected the road I live on, I detoured for home instead of continuing for the last 2 miles. I still have Monday to possibly do an indoor long run, or an outdoor short run to acclimate my legs to the surface. Depending on the weather.
I have spent all winter running either on a treadmill or on the indoor track. I don't mind at all. In fact, I like running on a treadmill for the ability to force myself to new speeds during interval training. I also like the fact that I can run no matter what the weather is doing outside. However, there is a point when indoor running becomes tedious. For me, that point is about 6 miles.
If it is going to take more than an hour to do the run, it gets frustrating to have to reset the machine. Most of the treadmills at the gym have a 60 min. max time allowed in their programming. And, really, who wants to spend more than an hour looking at the same thing while running?
This week my long run is supposed to be 10 miles. I usually do my long run on Mondays, but I noticed that Monday's weather is predicted to be significantly cooler than today (Saturday). Today is one of those beautiful early spring days that makes everyone throw open the windows and head outside. I decided to do my long run today. Outside.
Oh, I forgot how much harder it is to run outside! Variations in slope and running surface take their toll and I find myself having to take a walking break much more often. Most of my run was on the side of the road, on the pavement. That is so much more jarring on my legs and feet than the cushioned treadmill, or even the soft surface of the indoor track. However, I love the live breeze and the sunshine! The constantly changing view is entertaining and keeps my mind so occupied that I chew away the miles without noticing the passage of time. My route took me up into Highland and onto the Alpine Highway before looping back through the neighborhoods and back home. I had a real sense of accomplishment for the distance my body traveled today! You get no perspective on distance on a treadmill. 10 miles looks the same as 5 miles on a treadmill. 10 miles actually covers A LOT of ground!
I love the sunshine and the sun/wind burn on my face! I love the friendly wave from other joggers and cyclists you meet on the road. I love people watching. I watch the people in the cars that drive by, the kids playing in the neighborhoods, and the adults working in their yards. I passed a house with two llamas staked in the front yard. Who has llamas on a tether?!?
To be very honest, I only went 8 miles today. Around mile 7 my legs started giving me problems. The hard surface took its toll and I started feeling pain in my shins and feet. When my route intersected the road I live on, I detoured for home instead of continuing for the last 2 miles. I still have Monday to possibly do an indoor long run, or an outdoor short run to acclimate my legs to the surface. Depending on the weather.
When Sick Isn't Quite the Right Word
So, I'm not really sick. Not really.
I just have a cough... that. won't. go. away.
Grrr!
There's this little rattle in my lungs that crops up throughout the day, and just enough of a cough to keep me from going to sleep at night.
The weird thing is that it isn't hampering my workouts at all. Nine mile run? Done. Hour long cycle class? No problem. I can fill my lungs to capacity with the best of them. So, my lungs are playing at having super human pneumonia, it seems. I don't know. I don't really get it, so I went to the doctor today.
Actually, I HATE going to the doctor. But this cough thing is interrupting Bill's sleep, too. So I went. My normal doctor couldn't see me at a convenient time for me, so I saw another one at the clinic. Her name is Dr. Noonan, and I liked her! I might switch allegiances. Anyways, she was impressed that I was at 98% lung capacity even with the cough, and called it a "residual viral cough", left over from a cold I had two weeks ago. I went home with some codeine laced cough syrup to knock me out at night. Is it bad that I am totally looking forward to taking my medicine tonight?
On a side note, since I was there, I asked her about this lingering localized headache I've had ever since Will and I cracked heads while rough-housing a month ago. She actually got a bit alarmed! She immediately started feeling my skull above the headache sight and grilled me about the incident. She came to the conclusion that a CAT scan a month after the fact would probably be pointless, but I'd better come right in for a scan if it suddenly spikes in pain or the pain doesn't continue to fade.
Bugger.
Leave it to me to go see the doctor about the harmless cough instead of the brain damaging head trauma.
And in case you're wondering, Will is completely fine. He must have a thick skull!
I just have a cough... that. won't. go. away.
Grrr!
There's this little rattle in my lungs that crops up throughout the day, and just enough of a cough to keep me from going to sleep at night.
The weird thing is that it isn't hampering my workouts at all. Nine mile run? Done. Hour long cycle class? No problem. I can fill my lungs to capacity with the best of them. So, my lungs are playing at having super human pneumonia, it seems. I don't know. I don't really get it, so I went to the doctor today.
Actually, I HATE going to the doctor. But this cough thing is interrupting Bill's sleep, too. So I went. My normal doctor couldn't see me at a convenient time for me, so I saw another one at the clinic. Her name is Dr. Noonan, and I liked her! I might switch allegiances. Anyways, she was impressed that I was at 98% lung capacity even with the cough, and called it a "residual viral cough", left over from a cold I had two weeks ago. I went home with some codeine laced cough syrup to knock me out at night. Is it bad that I am totally looking forward to taking my medicine tonight?
On a side note, since I was there, I asked her about this lingering localized headache I've had ever since Will and I cracked heads while rough-housing a month ago. She actually got a bit alarmed! She immediately started feeling my skull above the headache sight and grilled me about the incident. She came to the conclusion that a CAT scan a month after the fact would probably be pointless, but I'd better come right in for a scan if it suddenly spikes in pain or the pain doesn't continue to fade.
Bugger.
Leave it to me to go see the doctor about the harmless cough instead of the brain damaging head trauma.
And in case you're wondering, Will is completely fine. He must have a thick skull!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)