OH NOOOOOO, not the knee....

I definitely have myself an overuse knee injury. After doing some reading on the World Wide Web, I have come to the conclusion that I might have patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) or "runners knee".  But who really knows... I guess the doctors, if I would just go, but they are sooooo overrated! The internet has confirmed what I learned in my Human Pathophysiology class- RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation). 

So I had a short run today, 5 miles.  I completed all 5 miles but it felt like my patella was gonna pop out of my knee and tumble down the road or something... I just tried to focus on my pace the whole time to take my mind off the pain.  I was successful in the fact that I kept an awesome pace but that was about it. 

Mile 1- 7:42

Mile 2- 7:41

Mile 3- 7:43

Mile 4- 7:43

Mile 5- 7:44

Tomorrow I am supposed to run 8 miles but I think I might need a day off... I know right!  AHHH! Well I guess I will just see how the old knee is doing tomorrow and make my decision then. My total miles logged for November is a whopping 115 miles! December only brings on more miles! Stay tuned!

Happy Holidays! - Kristal

The Long Weekend

My aunt came down to AZ to visit for Thanksgiving!  We had a lot of fun quilting but the runs weren't so much fun...  The 16 miles of torture on Saturday might have set me back a bit, I will explain.  The first 8 miles were great, I felt good and was keeping the pace I wanted.  The first 8 miles were all between 7:53-7:59... then I hit the infamous wall. That darn wall got me last week so I tried to fight it off with some sports drink and a marathon bar. Well, at about mile 11-12 that bar and drink came back up! Somewhere shortly after mile 8 I began chafing in my armpits of all places!  By mile 14 the muscle cramps took over and my legs kept giving out on me.  I should have stopped but my stubborn self wouldn't let myself "quit"... The awkward pounding and improper running stride has now injured my left knee...  After the run I could barely walk with that leg, on Sunday it felt a little better and today even better but I can still feel the pain deep in my knee.  I was suppose to run today but I am shuffling around my runs this week to give it an extra days rest, I really hope that I didn't just hurt-hurt myself. Only time will tell.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Run...

:) Kristal**

A solid seven.

Today was a solid seven mile run.  I started out just a little bit fast but it just felt so good to finally run without being sick.  I still had some flem creep up and out of me, however it was much more tolerable than the previous week. I also waited to run until it warmed up in the afternoon hours.   

Mile 1- 7:21
Mile 2- 7:31
Mile 3- 7:43
Mile 4- 7:43
Mile 5- 7:46
Mile 6- 7:41
Mile 7- 7:47

Total 7 Miles- 53:36 (7:39 Average Pace)

Yesterday I ran 4 miles but was still super boogie girl.  It was an unpleasant run to say the least, not to mention that my time totally sucked for only being 4 miles (30:51-7:42 pace).  I really pride myself in pushing forward.  I listen to my body but never let the mind fool it.  I made it through this cold without missing a run! Whoop Whoop!  Run on my friends, run on!

-Kristal

A long 14 Miles

Although I am still battling my cold I set out for my long run today.  It was 14 miles but felt like a million.  I started off a little bit slow but I figured it was best and I might be able to keep pace.  Well, for the first 8 miles I was hanging just above and below an 8 min pace...  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!  I think that it is time to start implementing some sort of nutrition while running on my long days. I quickly went down hill.  A lot of my run didn't have a sidewalk or bike lane which caused me to have to run "off-road" dodging small shrubs and what not.  I didn't plan my route that well because as I was approaching home, I looked down at the Garmin and I still had 3 miles to go.  This is where I made my next mistake, I went totally off course and ran down into a riverbed. Just to get out of this mess I had to run back up this really steep slope, then hop a barb wire fence onto a golf course and cross some railroad tracks. I made it home... almost defeated by the run.  It wasn't pretty... 

11/20- 14 miles- 1:56:10 (8:17 pace)

My 14 mile loop!

-KRISTAL_

The sniffles got me down...

It's "winter" here now... which means it is in the 70's and low 80's!!  I never knew how it was possible for people to get sick in Arizona but somehow I managed to get a cold.  A COLD! Yeah right you say... I know, I know but it's true.  I am super bummed.  I was so unmotivated this morning.  I tried to use every excuse in the book to skip my run but I convinced myself that I better suck it up.  I have a 14 mile run on Saturday, hopefully I feel a little bit better.  

My run went a little something like this: I stepped outside and felt the fresh air hit my lungs. Although one might count this as a blessing, for me today, it was disaster!  It made my mucus come out of hiding... where are all these boogies coming from??  As the snot drained from my sinuses, the wind flung it across my face but I kept pushing forward.  I constantly had to blow snot rockets to clear my airway.  Mucus would gather in the back of my throat causing me to choke on it.  I must have emptied a liter or two of wet sloppy buggers.  

My 4 miles today: 29:52 (7:28 pace)

At this point, I would like to just crawl back into bed and hide.  But life isn't that simple... I have so much to do and so little time to do it in.  So goodbye for now...  I will catch you on the flip side!  

-Kristal OUT

Run or Run

Week 8: 10 miles down... 18 to go!  Monday I ran 4 miles.  My legs were still feeling the half on Saturday but I managed to finish.  Other than getting a cramp in my side it was a decent run.  (4 miles in 29:58-7:29 pace)  Today I ran 6 miles.  I felt my legs were still tired but not sore anymore.  I headed out for my 6 miles and finished all 6 at a decent rate.  (6 miles in 46:35-7:46 pace)  My pace got slower and slower but the average pace was OK.  Other than hitting one stoplight, it was go-go-go!

(Click Pictures to Enlarge Stats!)

I have 4 miles on Thursday and 14 miles on Saturday.  As I was writing up my blog, I managed to scarf down some peaches,  cottage cheese and two pieces of toast!  Shower time!  

*_KRISTAL_*

1/2 Marathon Results!

So I didn't do as well as I thought I was going to do but I still did great!  I think that results become "final" at 5pm tonight but they are already posted, so I am sharing!  My chip time was 1:42:45 (7:50 pace) which is a personal record for me!  Whoop Whoop!  I was 31st to finish overall, the 6th female and 1st in my age/sex group.  This means that Jessica is the winner of my mug!  She was only 1:58 off my actual time, good job JessY.

Tim came with so I could have some pictures to post.  After the fact, I realized I looked like I am dead or dieing in all the finishing pictures.... not pretty!  But it's a race... if you look pretty at the finish you weren't trying hard enough!!!!  :)  

This is me looking pretty at the START!

Now a much more ugly FINISH!

My second toe nail was rubbing on my middle toe.  

Made a little boo-boo!

Free massage? Yes please!

This race made me realize just how much hard work I still have ahead of me!  I have to be able to finish 26.2 miles... double what I did today, YIKES!  I know I can and I will.  It's not going to be easy but I am committed and  I am loving every minute of this experience!  Join me if you dare!

I forgot to turn my Garmin off at the end so the last  0.1 miles was faster than 56 seconds!

**~KRISTAL~**

My Prize/Giveaway!

Tomorrow I run the Shun The Sun 1/2 Marathon!  

Which means that all time guesses to win the mug need to be in before I start tomorrow!

Check out the prizes tab if you have no idea what I am talking about!

Wish me luck!  :)

I will post results tomorrow or Sunday!  

**~Kristal~**

The Bad Run Day...

This run was a struggle from the get-go, I finished all 6 miles but it wasn't pretty.

The Bad:

1. Brrrr.... It was really cold out there!  I am used to running in weather a little bit warmer than 40 degrees!  
2. My legs are still a little tight from the DoubleHeader on Sunday. 
3. Both knees ached like a bus ran them over in the middle of the night. (I am sure it was the cold!)
4. I had boogies running down my face faster than my feet were on the pavement.
5. I couldn't keep a consistent pace if my life had depended on it. 
6. I ran with a CamelBak for the first time, it was heavy and awkward. (Hope I can get used to it for my longer runs!)
7. I am stressed to the max right now, which meant I had 6 miles to do nothing but think... (Not Good!)

The Good:

1. I finished!

I am allowed to have a bad run day every once in a while right?  Mark it down, the bad run bug bit me and it's officially a bad run day for Kristal!  (SAD FACE HERE)  Well I won't let this get me down, tomorrow I have an easy 4 miles then the big 1/2 on Saturday!  

Yesterday 11/9: 4 Miles: 29:42 (7:25 pace)

Today 11/10: 6 Miles: 47:23 (7:54 pace)

**~KRISTAL~**

10K + 2MILES + 5K = FUN

Jessica and I did the Phoenix 10K!  Whoop! Whoop!  I also ran the 5K race... and 2 miles in-between!  The whole reason for running the 10K, 5K and 2 miles was to get in the whole 11 miles for my "long" run of the week.  It was horrible stopping and starting again.  I finished the 10K and kept running to complete 2 more miles.  Actually, I ran until the Garmin said 8 miles then lined up to start the 5K but had to wait 7 minutes to start.  My legs got tight and it pretty much killed me to do the last 3 miles of the day.  Even though my legs were dead, I had a smile on my face when I finished because Jessica was waiting for me!!!  YEAH!!!  

Other than running, Jessica and I did a lot of baking!  I am not sure how many different things exactly we made but it was a lot!  Thanks Jessica for an awesome weekend!!  You are the best!

My official time for the Phoenix 10K- 46:57 (7:34 pace).  I placed 182 overall out of 1,562 racers and 6th in my age/gender group.  My official time for the Phoenix 5K- 24:04 (7:45 pace).  I placed 134 overall out of 667 racers and 5th in my age/gender group.  The official double-header (10K + 5K) results aren't posted so I don't know where I stand for that grouping yet. (Will let you know as soon as they post them.)

***Don't forget to guess my 1/2 Marathon time for next weekend!***

-Kristal

Nobody said it would be easy!

Slowly but surely I am making progress on my times.  My first pre-training run was 3 miles at a 9:00 pace!  Four weeks later, my first official training run was 3 miles at a 8:05 pace...  I am now, five and half weeks into official training, I am running 4 miles at a 7:24 pace!  Whoop Whoop!  It has been nine and a half weeks of running, running and more running.  I am starting to increase my miles and getting a bit quicker on my feet.  My hard work is working!  This Saturday I have the 10K + 5K + ANOTHER 2 MILES....  It will be nice to mingle with the other runners in the area and maybe get a few tips.  Wish me Luck. 

-Kristal-

Kristal-ology

Bloggy friend posted this survey this morning so I'm stealing it!

Let others know a little lot more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by “ology.”

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Ranch. (Specifically ranch from Texas Road House, it's amazing!)

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. Subway.

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Olive Garden.

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 18-20% (But I have left "Towle-Bucks" before!).

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick off of?
A. Grilled cheese/String Cheese.

Q. What marathon would you run if you could run ANY one you wanted?
A. Anyone that I get to travel for!

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice? 
A. Cheese, olives & mushrooms... sometimes I mix it up and add pineapple! 

Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butter! I like scrabbled eggs with cheese with each bite of toast!

Q. What is your favorite type of gum?
A. Anything sugar free.

TECHNOLOGY

Q. Number of contacts in your cell phone?
A: 45.

Q. Number of contacts in your email address book?
A. 50? maybe...

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. My Jeep!

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. 2.

BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right.

Q. What’s your best feature?
A. It's a package deal baby!

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. My nose, but they put it back!

Q. Which of your five senses do you think is keenest?
A. Smell.

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. 10-15 years ago...

Q. What is the heaviest item you lifted last?
A. I don't know but I am pretty buff.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Yep.

BULL[CRAP]OLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Yes and No.

Q. Is love for real?
A. Love is what you make it.

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. Changed my last name already, pain in the butt!

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Dark Green.

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Yes.

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Yes.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Yes.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000?
A. No. 

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A. Probably, do they have prosthetic fingers? 

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. For sure.

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. Yes.

Q. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000?
A. Yes.

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket
A. Nothing.

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A: Hilarious! 

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A: Travertine...

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A: Stand. (But sit to shave!)

Q: Could you live with roommates?
A: My husband, 2 dogs, and a cat is enough for me.

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A: 3.

Q: Where were you born?
A: Tacoma, WA

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A nurse.

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8
A: Myself.

LASTOLOGY

Q: Friend you talked to?
A: Don't have friends that call, just family these days.

Q: Last person you called?
A: Mom.

Q: Person you hugged?
A: Timmy. (Husband)

Q: Person you kissed?
A: Timmy. (Husband)

Q: Number?
A: Anything Odd but not a 5... :) 

Q: Color?
A: Blue.

Q: Season?
A: Fall.

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A: Myself.

Q: Mood?
A: Blah.

Q: Listening to?
A: Country music.

Q: Watching?
A. My life go by...

Q: Worrying about?
A: Dad. 

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A: The bathroom.

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: Run the Arizona Rock'n'Roll Marathon.

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A: The Town... I think...

Q: Do you smile often?
A: I used to.

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes.

Q: Now that the survey's done what are you going to do?
A: More homework.

Let others know a little more about yourself, repost this as your name followed by “ology.”

5... It's a love hate thing...

Some would say I have a little OCD...  (OK, maybe I do when it comes to cleaning but not when it comes to my love-hate relationship with even numbers and 5's)  I have a really good excuse for the number thing!  Here is another story from my later childhood/teen years.  The days of living on the "big block" couldn't last forever.  We moved to a bigger better house when I was in 6th-7th grade (about 10 blocks away-2 big blocks over).  This new house however came with a ghost.  This ghost would change the time on my alarm clock if I set it to an even number or a 5 (I tested this many times).  Creepy right?  No way, I embraced this oddity.  To this day, I HAVE to set my alarm clock with a time ending in 1, 3, 7, or 9...  This number thing has sorta manifested into my daily living.  For example I request odd number hotel rooms (on an odd floor and odd number)...  But this 5 mile run is messing me up!  I love running 5 miles but deep in my bones I know I should hate it, the ghost wouldn't approve of this...  I rocked out another 5 miles this morning faster than ever!  My ankle is bothering me a little but other than that I feel super strong!  Motivated!  

Super excited for the weekend races!  I just realized that no matter what I am going to get 2 new PR's...  It will be my first time racing an official 10K and 5K... So no matter how fast or how slow I run, I am still a winner!

Now is as good of time as any for a little give-a-way!  So Check out my prizes tab to see how to get something really cool....

Love It!

**~KRISTAL~**

No more 3's...

Well my 3 mile days are over for now... won't see them until I start to taper!  My "short" run days have changed to 4 miles, in four weeks they will change again to 5 miles!  It still amazes me how amazing I am doing!  I look forward to running, hitting the road and completing my miles for the day!  This week I have a total of 24 miles planned.  

4 + 5 + 4 + 11 = 24

Todays run was fun!  Armed with my pepper spray, I hit the road running (didn't need it, didn't even see a dog). I ran my favorite route, the "big block"!  Reminds me of when I was a little kid...  For those of you who don't know my childhood stories, we had the little block and the big block.  Staying on the little block meant that you couldn't cross ANY street (alleys were ok), but the big block meant you couldn't cross  roads with two lanes of traffic.  I had some pretty awesome parents!  

My splits for the morning were: 7:45, 7:46, 7:39, 7:33  (Total- 30:45, Average-7:41)

**~KRISTAL~**