It’s Wednesday, Again?!?

Seriously, when I woke up this morning I thought, “It cannot possibly be Wednesday, again.” 2012 is flying already, people.

Before we begin, #0 for the week is watching the sun rise AND set at the Grand Canyon. Pretty cool, in my book…

Lookin' sharp and alive...or not so much.

Ok, time for the usual…

1. MY BRUISES FROM ART FROM JB

I have no pictures of my ART-induced bruises, but, trust me, they are a gnarly shade of purple. I like to think of them as my battle scars.

2. EXTENDED VACAY

So, I was supposed to go back to NYC at 6 am this morning, but decided to extend my little vacay with a few extra days at home to catch up on some stuff here.

Ok, really, I just wanted to hang out with Clip again. Here he is on his 4th birthday last month.

3. INFOMERCIALS

I watched a lot of them while in Arizona. Those are such a time suck. I can’t stop watching. And, I mean, who doesn’t want a Magic Bullet?

You can make everything with the Magic Bullet...or so they say on the infomercial.

4. MY CONFISCATED AIRPLANE BLANKET

According to my family, those blankets they give you on airplanes are not for you to keep. What? Seriously? That was a gift, Todd! And I’m taking it with me! (Name that movie).

Seriously, you can't keep these?

But, who wanted to borrow my blanket when watching tennis matches once it got chilly? EVERYONE.

5. “LEAP DAY SPORTS” BLOG

Jesse (Thomas, one of the Picky People) writes well and is honest and funny. I mean, I have wondered how those Ironman people sit on bikes for hours on end and, according to Jesse, their butts hurt, too. You can glean some good tips from Jesse’s posts. Sometimes, when I read Jesse’s race reports, I think I’ll try a triathlon. And, then I remember that swimming for >1 min feels long to me and that spinning makes my butt sore.

This is Jesse...winning a triathlon.

Plus, not so into the triathlon outfits.

There must be something cuter than this...

Warning: Jesse has like 6 degrees and does 20,000 things so sometimes I feel slightly lazy when I read it. Inspired, too. If my memory serves me correct, Jesse delved into the whole triathlon thing in his late 20s, maybe even 30 years old after getting a Masters, working in start-up things, and then getting an MBA. And, then he decided to become a pro triathlete. And, succeeded.

Maybe there is hope for my Olympic gymnast career then!!!

Can you name this gymnast?

No? Ok, fine. I’ll stick with medicine and recreational running.

Anyways, check out Jesse’s blog throughout his 2012 season.

ADD TO MY LIST: FAVORITE INFOMERCIAL PRODUCT? CAN YOU KEEP THOSE AIRPLANE BLANKETS? ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR ROCKING YOUR WEEK?

If you’re curious about the running front, I went and ran/walked a 3 mile loop today. I did the last 1.5 miles without walking. I got some horrible left groin pain about 5 minutes in and I swore that a) I broke my pelvis or b) I avulsed a muscle from my pelvis or c) I had a hernia. Seeing as the pain sort of subsided after a few minutes of walking, I was pretty sure a) and b) were ruled out. I hope it has to do with all the ART I got on Monday…

Thankfully, I didn’t feel as horribly out of shape cardiovascularly as I did the other day. I did, however, feel super awkward, like my limbs forgot what they were supposed to do and somewhat like I was waddling. I hope that’s normal when you haven’t run in a while.

Oh, and I loved all your half versus full responses. I’m still on the fence. So, you can keep those coming if you haven’t rocked the vote, yet.

Until next time…

 

Reconstruction

They say that you can tell how high a new building is going to be by how deep its foundation is. I’m not sure if that’s true. Don’t quote me on that.

Side Note: Who on earth is “they” when anyone says “they say?” Collective wisdom? Experts? Dumbledore and Hagrid?

Dumbledore knows all.

Anyways, so I went to bikram yesterday. Besides homeslice instructor realizing I can’t pay attention (literally calling me out – “Meggie, focus on the mirror and not looking around” – I’m sorry I can’t pay attention, I like to think), I realized my left leg/back/hip/wtv is wacked. Maybe I’m being hypersensitive to anything that feels off, but, I think it does feel like that – off, out of wack, something like that.

Seriously, can anyone actually do this? I can't even start to straighten my leg. Its embarrassing.

My left leg/back/hip has bothered me off and on since I was 17. It’s typically been my medial hamstring (possible adductor, not sure) and lower back. The IT band was new this year. Regardless, my left leg comes to bite me in the butt a few times a year and I’m over it. I have to get it fixed. Or get a transplant, but last I checked, they don’t offer leg transplants.

You can get a kidney transplant though. This is a kidney. Renal physiology is complicated. Be thankful for your kidneys. Give them a pat right at the edge of your bottom ribs in the back to thank them.

I’d love to tell you how I’m going to be back running again soon and how I’m plotting my course to my spring redemption. However, that’s not what I’m doing. I’m going to take my sweet time and take the whole month of November focusing on getting my body 100% ready to run again. Strength first, running second.

I like to think of my strength as my foundation. Clearly, since I got injured before NYC and then ran NYC sort of injured, my foundation isn’t sound. If I want to run another marathon and run it faster than before, I need to dig out a deeper, more solid foundation. For this point, at least for me, I don’t think that means going out and running 50 miles a week (which is more than I’ve ever done, anyways, so I’m not sure where I came up with that number.) To me, it means fixing whatever is wrong on my left side from the hip/SI joint down and strengthening the appropriate muscles.

Let's learn leg anatomy! See the sartorius (more of an anterior muscle) - it helps pull your leg into cross legged position. See where all those nerves are in the back of your knee? That's the popliteal fossa, if my anatomy memory serves me correct. It was 4 years ago, don't quote me.

I could be wrong though. Maybe I do need to go out and run a lot or something.

So, the month of November will be focused on my leg and, of course, TURKEY TROTTING. When I say running secondary, that doesn’t mean zero running. It just means running isn’t the first priority to me like it sometimes becomes when I’m training for a race and tend to skip out on other things like yoga, foam rolling, etc. I mean, hello, I already have the hair feathers. I can totally channel a Native American and trot it up, emphasis on trot.

This is true dedication to Turkey Trotting.

Side note:  I like how I talk like I’ve been doing this running thing for so long as if I have established habits (ie “after a marathon” — yes, all 3 I’ve done). I’ve been running for almost 3 years. So, basically, don’t listen to me.

My very first race with Erika. It was for Miles For Melanoma, which is why we are matching. Clearly, we were having a stimulating conversation. And, clearly, I was only focusing on finishing + not walking.

So, come December, hopefully I’ll be back at it, but we’ll worry about that on Nov 30th.

One last thing. It has occurred to me that maybe I should be worried about fitness losses if I’m going to take my sweet time getting back into running. To be honest, it sort of does, but I also kind of think about it like the following.

I know how to hit a forehand. If I went out and rallied with someone right now, I’d definitely spray or shank a few balls here or there because I haven’t picked up a racquet in a few months. It doesn’t mean my forehand got worse or I’ll never again be able to hit the ball like I used to. It will just take some time to get there. And, if you think about it, getting “there,” wherever “there” is, will take less time than it did the first time around because my body already knows how to hit the crap out of the ball a solid forehand. I feel like my running is the same. My body already knows how to run as fast as I trained it to previously. It will just take some time to get there again.

Unrelated but I just wanted to remind you that I did make it to Staten Island with my orange sparkly BIC band. Said headband is still somewhere in Staten Island. RIP. Hi Kelly and Baker!

Or so I tell myself. Sometimes, I think I should change the name of this blog to “Lies I Tell Myself to Make Me Behave Like a Normal, Rational Person.”

I’m more worried about my clothes not fitting anymore than anything else. And, don’t be surprised when there is another post in a week titled, “OMG! I’M STILL NOT RUNNING AND AM FAT AND OUT OF SHAPE! THIS IS TERRIBLE.”

TELL ME: Anyone who ran the NY Marathon already end their break? If so, why? If not, how much time are you breaking for? Anyone had any weird leg issues and has any bright ideas for me? Or better yet, just tell me something cool you did this weekend.

Guess Who’s Back?

SOPHIA GRACE AND ROSIE!!!

Also, please watch the shopping spree Sophia Grace and Rosie went on at Toys R Us. These girls are women after my own heart. Look at that shopping enthusiasm. You can’t teach that.

I mean, she definitely needed that suitcase just like I needed those Christmas window gel clingy things I bought at Target. I like to call purchases like that “necessary luxuries.”

Guess who is also back? ME!

Me at age 9. Further evidence I spent most of my childhood upside or figuring out how to flip off of things. I think this explains a lot.

Ok, no, I didn’t actually go anywhere, unless you consider venturing to the Upper West Side from where I live a trek. Anyways, in my dramatic, immature last few days where I almost threw my running shoes out the window, I’ve decided the happy running Meggie is back.

See - happy running Meggie. Have you seen this picture before? Yes.

Happy Running Meggie isn’t back to running, yet, because her IT band still hurts and her left SI joint as followed suit, but that’s a topic for two weeks from now if it’s not better. I’m just assuming all of those things will get better in time.

I think most people are goal driven so I have a hard time writing, “I am a goal driven person.” Aren’t we all? Goals do make me happy, though. I like to dream of things I could do, like running a 3:35 marathon and being on Dancing With The Stars (fine – the latter is a fantasy, not an actual dream or goal — unless I become a star). I sometimes think I live most of my life in this dream world where I can do anything I set my mind to and I am queen of my own universe with a crown and septar. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.

My queen of the universe outfit looks something like this...

A sports psychologist we had at tennis once told me to always have something to do after a match, especially during the first 30 min following a match when I was temporarily insane.. That way, I couldn’t dwell on the results, and could focus my irrational self on something else. I could then go back and think about the match when I was in a less emotional, more rational state of being. Typical post match activities included eating or shopping when I was in high school and studying when I was in college.

I found a tennis picture. Sorry, I'm not actually playing. I think this was in 2006. FYI - I always wore a visor and the Nike Dri-Fit ones were my go-tos. I have a zillion of those. Some are really gross and sweat stained like whoa.

True story: At a Thanksgiving tournament, my friend and I once went from the mall, to a match, won, and then went straight back to the mall. I mean, it was Black Friday deals – we HAD to be there.  In our defense, it also been raining all morning so we figured the matches would be canceled for the day. We also had to skimp our warm up a bit because we couldn’t get out of the mall fast enough to get to the courts. Priorities, people. Our coach was kind of mad…wonder why?

Anyways, back to the point. I think not having a new running goal to work towards contributed at least partly to my post-marathon funk. I do have some really cool stuff going on at work and the holiday season is coming up, which obviously means I gotta start getting my decorating on.

My decorating doesn't quite get this elaborate, but close.

I struggled with not being ok without having a goal because I really do think I need to take a break post-marathon and kind of disengage in the whole running thing. However, I still felt like getting my race sign up on would make me feel better and then I could enjoy my breaksie and truly focus on catching up on People Magazine and what really went down between Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. I need to get my running ducks in a row so I could rest easy, knowing my IT band redemption 2012 plan is in place.

Actual ducks in a row. Ok, rubber duckies. Close enough.

So, tomorrow and soon thereafter, I plan to get my sign up on and, then, line up babysitting jobs to pay for getting said sign up on. I can start writing my race dreams and goals in my Believe I Am training diary  by drawing gardens of good and bad thoughts — fun things like that. I also plan on becoming BFFs with my foam roller while investigating ways to rid myself of and prevent both ITBS and my dysfunctional SI joint. Suggestions are welcome.

I’m thinking a spring marathon, possibly out West, but all suggestions are welcome, with a good half thrown in there in the build up to that full. All subject to change though. I’ll probably also do a 5K or 10K or two in there because those are fun. I really like 5Ks because all 2 that I have run in my life felt like out of control experiences. It was fun.

TELL ME: Do you think I’m jumping into getting my sign up on too fast? Should I take a bit more of a break before committing to anything or get my Spring 2012 running ducks in a row first?

Until next time…

P.S. I haven’t decided who is getting the Picky Bars, yet. I have to see how many stamps I have..

Still Sulking

Listen, people. I know I am being ridiculous. Running, while important to me, is a hobby – nothing more. There is no reason I should be upset or in near tears when I think about the NYC Marathon. Anyone want to give me a deadline on the sulking period?

Apparently, I wasn't upset here (yet). You know why? Because I saw Ali, Lauren, and Emily all reppin' the sweat squad.

[Seriously, huge thank you Ali, Emily, and Lauren and all the other cheerleaders I saw - Jaime, Jackie, Kimmie, Jess, Courtney, etc - and my virtutal cheereleaders, too many to name]

Mile 18 or so pick me up. HUGE THANKS!

So, yes, my whole crying on the way to work this morning thinking “all of my hard work went to waste” is quite ridiculous. At the moment, it’s the way I feel and I feel somewhat stupid now making my marathon goal 3:35, then putting that out there, and then failing miserably. I have a hard time thinking “oh, it was that IT band thing,” because I’m sure someone out there has PR’ed in a marathon on a bum IT band.

And then I saw this cute puppy on my way to work, which made me instantly feel better. I feel weird calling it "work," considering I don't get paid. Oh well, it's fun, regardless.

Or maybe I’m just slightly psychotic. Someone had the office told me “I’m sorry you’re injured,” and I was like “oh this IT band isn’t an injury, its just an annoyance.” I’m very rational right now, obviously. Like when I almost threw my running shoes out the window this morning – very mature.

Someone at work did validate me by telling me she has similar marathon experiences in not being 100% content with her time. She made me feel so much better and I’m convinced we’re the same person although separated by 6 years in age(we have similar test scores and everything). She told me to not let it ruin the whole experience for me because, at the end of the day, the NYC marathon is a very cool experience.

Anyways, if you know me and how I follow gymnastics obsessively, you would know that I, course, know the slogan of the gym that produced the last two Olympic All-Around champions, WOGA (World Olympics Gymnastics Academy). In true Russian fashion, the motto of the gym is “Train Hard Or Go Home” and “Hard Work Never Disappears.”

I want to raise my kids in Dallas just so they can be good gymnasts...

I like to think the latter one is especially true. Sure, I worked hard for 3-4 months and it didn’t pay off on the big day.

However, I don’t think it’s particularly healthy to judge anything by just one day. I don’t think a surgeon would judge his or her career based on one case.

Similarly, although I spent 3-4 months training for the NYC Marathon, I had a lot of little successes and breakthroughs along the way. I learned how to get rid of negative thoughts at the Boilermaker, I learned that humidity does actually suck the life out of you in New Haven, I learned that focusing on enjoying yourself can lead to big PRs when you least expect it, and I learned how to, finally, appreciate tempo runs. I learned that the physical often follows the mental (ie Believe I Am), that you don’t have to do crazy long runs really early in a marathon training cycle (thank you, RC), and that the whole “training for a marathon” thing can actually be pretty enjoyable, at least in my book.

I still die for the Boilermaker.

[P.S. I have to give a big virtual shout out, hug, and high five to Steph (the RC). She is awesome. She gets a thumbs up from Meggie. And a pointer finger. Although I don't think she reads this blog. Irregardless, she's cool.]

Look at the RC go...she is so fast.

I haven’t found the actual marathon to be enjoyable, yet. It’s kind of a lot of eggs in one basket for me, for a race. But, I figure, that’s kind of how I felt about running for a long time — I thought it was pretty miserable. I figure as long as I have the desire to do a marathon, I’ll keep trying.

So, yep, I think this post actual ends sulking period. Meggie isn’t a quitter, last time I checked. I have some really things going on at my unpaid work, have more time to scheme ways to raise money for Cookies For Kids’ Cancer, and can start planning my marathon revenge.

Also, PS – everyone I have ever met from Oregon or who has lived there at some point is super tiny. I want to know what on earth is in the water there that is making them all so skinny. I want some of that. Or a mild bout of a tapeworm or something. It can’t be just all that running and stuff they do over there, right?

TELL ME: Your comeback stories, your revenge stories, your war stories, your glory days, your successes, how a sport has once been terrible to you and then you loved it again…I need to be inspired. 

Before I go, I ‘ll give you one of mine which has been helpful to me in my sulking period. My junior year of college, I think I won two matches all of the fall season, culminating in a particularly terrible match that I called my “waterloo.” That fall, I felt like I couldn’t hit the side of a barn if I tried. I thought very seriously about quitting tennis that winter, because I just didn’t enjoy it anymore. That spring, I took all pressure off of myself and focused on very basic things. I got all conference that season in both singles and doubles (first team doubles, second team singles, in case you were actually curious.) So, I guess things can turn around.

One of the only pics I have of me playing tennis...I'm sure there are more somewhere....

Until next time…

P.S. Did you buy picky bars, yet?

Sulking Period

Today begins the official sulking period over the NYC Marathon for me. I know, I’m being a competitive psycho, but I can’t help it. It’s the way I feel.

I believe I am....sulking. I did run with this in my pocket. The Oiselle distance shorts are awesome. So much storage space.

After I finished, it’s hard to be anything other than happy. Random people congratulate you. No one asks you what your time was. They’re just impressed you finished. I feel the same way when I see other people finish a marathon. If they ran a great time, that’s fabulous, but its even attempting the thing that’s impressive to me. And, it is a pretty incredible thing, when you think about it. The RC reminded me that 99% of people don’t attempt nor finish marathon.

Token NYC finishers in sweet mylar blankets.

If you’ve read any previous posts, you’ll know my time goal for this marathon was 3:35 and then I had my IT band stage a mutiny against me, causing me to run 3x in the last 2 weeks before the marathon. 4:05:33 is very far off form 3:35 and it wasn’t even an improvement from my last marathon(3:48 in May). When I look at it as facts, that it was much worse than the last one, it’s a tough pill for my competitive self to swallow.

I’m having a hard time knowing whether I used my leg as a cop out not to try harder. Did I make it worse in my head so that way I’d have an excuse for slowing down? Maybe. It’s hard to know. It did hurt, especially towards the end when I couldn’t bend it well, but doesn’t something always hurt at the end of a marathon?

I hate you.

I feel like I maybe gave up on myself a little bit from 8-15, which is a big chunk. In my past two marathons, I’ve always had a hard time not thinking “this sucks, I am never doing this again” or “I really am not cut out for marathons if my legs feel a little tired at mile 10.” Those thoughts are exactly what I didn’t want to happen if you read this post from way back when. I did a better job than Jersey in getting rid of them and I didn’t have them after mile 15. Nevertheless, they were still there. There were definitely parts where I was not enjoying myself like I had hoped I would.

Like I said in my last post, if its one thing I’m not, its a quitter. So, of course, I’m already scheming marathon #4 and how it will be redemption 2012. I figure, if I keep trying, one day I’ll get it right, get the marathon I’ve dreamed of. Or maybe I’m just really stubborn and slightly stupid. Maybe I really am not cut out for marathons. But, I figure, I did pretty well in the whole training thing. Eventually I should get the actual race to go my way, right?

I know, I’m being a competitive whiner right now. Writing about it makes me feel better about it so, unfortunately, if you’re reading this, you are being subjected to this. I am sorry.

Now, I know what you’re all thinking. WHAT DID MY NAILS LOOK LIKE FOR THE MARATHON?

Baubing for Baubles and Vermillionaire, both by Essie

I was thrilled with the outcome on the nail polish front.

Now, I need to go caffeinate myself, preferably with an americano with mocha, which the RC introduced me to and is one of my new favorite things. I highly suggest you try it immediately. The RC is wise not only on the running front, but also on the coffee front.

I'm subjecting you to this picture again.

TELL ME: Should I give the marathon another shot? Call it quits?

This is all assuming I can run again. Right now, my legs feel trashed.

Until next time..

P.S. I have to give a shout out to everyone I know who finished: Lindsay, Lauren, Kelly, Betsy, Susan, Emilia, Shannon, Bruce, Heidi, Katie…I think that everyone…sorry for anyone I missed!

 

Dear Self…

That’s right, I wrote a letter to myself. I can’t take credit for the idea. I stole it from former UCLA gymnast and 2011 World Team Gold Medalist, Anna Li. Here’s one of her floor routines, just so you can know who I’m talking about.

Anyways, I remember reading that Anna Li wrote a letter to herself before her senior season at UCLA, writing to herself how she hoped she would feel at the end of her collegiate career. I’m not exactly sure why she did it, but I thought it be a good, umm, writing exercise?

I wrote a first letter to myself a few weeks ago, before the whole IT band thing happened and my main focus, at the time, was achieving my time goal. It helped me focus myself on what I wanted to feel like at each part of the race and how, ideally, I would like the whole thing to play out. It was actually the first time I used the lined, journal side of my amazing Believe I Am Training Journal, which I still insist that each and everyone of you reading this buys (for the guys, its ok, pink is totally in for guys, too).

The back cover - can we call this super hero "Super Taper?" Yes?

However, I’m thinking I need to write a new letter to myself. For a few reasons…

First, to be honest, I’m very overwhelmed by this whole marathon thing. I’m not exactly sure why, either. In past years (when I have not been running it), I thought the energy was awesome and was jealous of people who were getting to run it. Now that its me running it, all the runners descending upon the city, ads, events, etc, make me anxious. Suffice it to say that even though I haven’t been running much, my heart rate has definitely had some spikes in zones it would only see while running. So, I think writing another letter to myself would help me refocus myself on what I actually want to get out of this whole experience and will help, umm, un-overwhelm me.

If I mention heart rates, I obviously have to show a picture of an EKG.

Second, one would reason that I need to change my expectations slightly considering I’ve run 3 times in the past 2 weeks. Of course, because I am very competitive and pretty stubborn, my A goal hasn’t changed. But, I guess my level 0 goal is to finish, considering I may have that knife in the knee happen during the marathon at which point I most likely wouldn’t be able to run the pace I would need to achieve my A goal. Plus, as all of you all reminded me, there are so many variables in a 26 mile race that it’s best to have multiple goals so there isn’t one “do or die” goal you have to hit.

I’m pretty stubborn and know my competitive self a little too well. I will probably be slightly disappointed if I don’t achieve my A goal. I’ve dreamed of it since August. It’s hard for me to let it go.

I will be enormously disappointed if I don’t finish. Yet, with my IT band thing, it is a very real possibility. I need to come to terms with the fact that I might have to readjust my goals depending on how my leg handles the race.

In my first letter to myself (which is a lot of rambling, fyi), my over-arching theme (or recurring thought, I guess) was that I wanted to walk away from the experience with a smile on my face. This may be the only time I get to run the NYC marathon and I don’t want to take it for granted or be ungrateful for the experience.

I don’t think disappointed and smiling really go together. So, clearly, I need some sort of attitude adjustment. One of the reasons I like writing blog posts is that it helps me process things in my life by turning it into a cohesive (well, not always) post. I find writing therapeutic and cathartic at times. So, I will probably be writing a little letter to myself in the very near future about how I want to feel come Sunday evening. You best believe it will also be in my Believe I Am Training Log.

Maybe I should print this and pin it to my bib or something...

Emotionally, I’m excited, terrified, anxious, scared, uncertain, yet thrilled to be taking part. Although I’m sure I seem like an ungrateful, competitive whiner, I truly am excited that I get to run in one of the greatest marathons in the world (and possibly the largest, I think). It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Physically, I feel very well rested, but with a lot of pent up energy.

Leg-sically, I ran today for 20 min. Its better, but its not perfect. I can definitely feel some friction, but its much better then previous runs last week and its not too painful. I’m hoping adrenaline will provide some analgesia on Sunday and I won’t notice a thing. I also plan on icing and taking ibuprofen (until Saturday when I will switch to Tylenol because it doesn’t affect your kidneys like NSAIDs do, just an fyi)

A nephron, which is the "workhorse" of the kidney! If you want an explanation of why you should take Tylenol before and during a marathon, I can tell you. And It has to do with this little guy.

Mentally, I have to take it one day at a time. I’ll have to take it one mile at a time on Sunday and keep reassessing my situation as I run, I guess.

So, that’s where I’m at people.

Oh guess what I also did – I’m pretty sure I freaked out a real life Kenyan runner. I saw Sally Kipyego, who was with the RC and, of course, I recognized her and screamed, “OMG!!! I LOVED YOUR INTERVIEW ON FLOTRACK! YOU ARE AMAZING! CONGRATULATIONS!”

I’m sure she thought I was a real life Buddy the Elf.

I wanted to ask her to give me all of her secrets, besides being Kenyan. Missed opportunity.

TELL ME: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WRITING A LETTER TO YOURSELF? EVER GET OVERWHELMED BY A RACE? MOVIE RECS FOR WHEN I BEGIN HIBERNATION PERIOD?

Until next time…

P.S. Aqua jogging gets old very fast.

Baby Sweat

Oh yeah – that’s right people. I ellipticalled for 20 minutes today and it was exhilarating. My little nucleus accumbens was firing like crazy I’m sure. What’s the nucleus accumbens you ask? It’s a little nucleus (think of it as an activity station) in your brain that is sometimes dubbed the “reward center.” This little guy also plays a crucial role in addiction. The neurobiology of addiction is actually fascinating.

Just so you can know where the nucleus accumbens is.

Ok, I’ll stop nerding out on you all.

Anyways, so I went back to Dr. Levine for some more ART and he says my IT band feels better. BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH TO RUN TOMORROW.

His reasoning is as follows. Today was the first day that my leg has not hurt walking since I re-aggravated the ol’ IT band last Thursday. Since it appears the IT band is on the upswing (or so we hope), why would I want to run tomorrow and potentially mess up all the healing that’s taken place since last Thursday? A reasonable person wouldn’t want all that tortured rest period ”super-taper” going to waste, now would they?

Surely, you've haven't forgotten about super-taper, right?!?

The problem is I haven’t exactly been reasonable and rational lately, which is probably why Dr. Levine asked me, “So, why are you wearing running clothes right now?”

BECAUSE I WANT TO PRETEND I’M GOING TO RUN — THAT’S WHY.

Ok, lies – I was wearing running clothes because they’re more comfortable than real clothes and, as always, I want all the world to know I <3 Sweat.

20 minutes of sweat is better than no sweat, right? I'm sure Ali agrees.

So, I’m trying very hard to listen to what other people tell me to do and not to let the crazy person that has invaded my body take over, which result in me taking myself on a 6 mile run that could potentially deter me from MARATHON GREATNESS. And, we don’t want that, do we?!?

I mean, this is completely what I anticipate myself looking like all marathon long. You see the resemblance, right?

Seeing as I have to do something before I lose my mind (and 20 min on an elliptical isn’t going to cut), I’m going to go senior citizen tomorrow and aqua jogging. I’m just really upset I don’t have one of the following awesome swim caps for the occasion.

Exhibit A --- and these models do NOT look like senior citizens to me...

Exhibit B --- she also does not look like a senior citizen.

I know, you can’t win them all. The NYU one I got from my friend who is the assistant coach (shout out to Spenser Popeson) will have to do. However, cool swim cap or not, I have to do something to burn off my excess energy so I don’t take off at the start of the marathon like a kid running from house to house trick-or-treating.

Paperclip, Paperclip's Older Sister, and I

Well, at least that’s how Paperclip – excuse me – Buzz Lightyear trick-or-treated last night.

Quick Tangent: Speaking of Halloween, best trick-or-treater at our  house last night was the girl whose father said, “Well, she’s really enjoying this, but Daddy’s getting his cardio – whew!” I almost wanted to yell, “Sir, do not take your cardio for granted!”

See, I have seriously morphed into a legitimate crazy person.

In case I don’t write between now and the marathon, I want to give big good lucks to the following: Kelly, Susan, Lindsay, Emilia, Celia, Lauren, Shannon, Gia, Skinny Runner, Betsy, Katie and Mike. If I missed anyone, I’m really sorry!

If you’re watching the race, you need to cheer the loudest for Lauren (Fleshman). Yell something about Picky Bars or sparkly headbands or beer…or something like that. Or just your usual “Go Lauren!”, yet, I feel we can all get more creative than that.

If you watch the 5K the day before, you need to cheer very loudly for the newly engaged couple, Steph and Ben, who I usually refer to as “the RC” and “the RCF.” You can yell something like, “Oh my word, your ring is blinding me!” or “Is that the guy that can talk like Donald Duck?!?”

All three will be really skinny. I am sure this will help you distinguish them from all the other professional runners.

Ok, now for the question I will pose to you all – WHAT NAIL COLOR SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE MARATHON? Possibilities include:

• Smokin’ Hot by Essie (gunmetal color)
• Lapis of Luxury by Essie (which was “belief blue,” but its very summery)
• Carry On by Essie (a deep plum, but that’s the color the IT band injury happened with so I’m thinking no)
• black (because it’s fierce)
• orange (because it’s my lucky color)
• Rock the Croc by Essie (because its my favorite “fall red”)

If I can find it, I may go with the new “Baubing for Baubles” by Essie – which is a deep sapphire blue, so it can be the new “belief blue.”

I hope its not so new that I won't find it....

ALSO, TELL ME: What was the best Halloween costume you saw? And Kim K divorcing already? Glad I caught the wedding special before that happened!

I saw a Jamaican bobsled team. Very clever.

Until next time…

[P.S. I'm sorry if this post made no sense whatsoever.]

It’s Wednesday, People…

Typical…

FYI: I realize my homonym misusage has been awful lately. I’m sorry. I swear that I am educated.

1.  MEETING UP WITH GOOD COOKIES MOM

Follow @GoodCookiesMom and @Cookies4Kids

Remember that bake sale I held back in October? Well, today I met up with Liam’s mom, Gretchen, to talk about everything from pediatric cancer research to the benefit of NYC.

A particularly cute picture of Liam, who was made an honorary fireman by Engine 1, Ladder 24 of the FDNY.

Strolling with Gretchen through Central Park reaffirmed why I was so passionate about raising money for this charity. First, if you notice, the charity is not named “The Liam Witt Foundation.” This is intentional, as Gretchen wanted anyone involved to be able to do so in honor of whomever they want, whether it be Liam, their child, or all pediatric cancer patients.

In addition, the aim of the charity is transparent. Cookies For Kids’ Cancer has partnered with 5 of the top pediatric research institutions in the country (Dana Farber, St. Jude’s, Texas Children’s, CHOP, and MSKCC). Research groups from each of these distinguished institutions then applies and the medical advisory board for Cookies, which is essentially a brain trust of the top mind’s in the pediatric cancer world, decides which ideas will go most quickly from laboratory to clinic and, further, which show the most promise to affect difference in outcomes. Research discoveries from these 5 institutions then, in essence, “trickle down” to all patients being treated at any hospital in the US, seeing as the medical community is so electronically connected and free flow of ideas and communication is, in turn, easier.

I could go on, but let’s just say I scheming ways to make more money for Cookies…

2. PAPERCLIP THINKING HE IS ACTUALLY BUZZ LIGHTYEAR

To Infinity and Beyond!

That’s right. My favorite 3 year old is going to be Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. The problem is that when he dons the actual costume, he thinks he is actually Buzz, meaning he will try to jump off things thinking he will start flying. His mom had to sit him down and tell him the harsh reality – the costume does not make you fly like Buzz.

3. BATH AND BODY WORKS BLACK HOLE

I swear that every time I go in that store, I don’t come out for another half hour, at the very least, and get sucked into buying God knows what, but usually copious amounts of themed hand sanitizer.

I already had the Halloween ones, but now I have the ENTIRE holiday season from October to December covered, including one of those hand sanitizer holders with Jingle Bells. I mean, how could I NOT buy that – its bananas.

100% necessary purchase. Hello, I can't get sick. Must sanitize.

4. GOING HOME THIS WEEKEND

I haven’t seen my sister since July. I think this is one of the longest times we’ve been separated since she emerged from the womb in 1988.

Mere days after Ally became my BFF.

She's always loved me...PS - that Little Mermaid pillow is bomb.

Of course, I’m excited to hang with the rest of my fam, too.

5. DR. STEVEN D. LEVINE, CHIROPRACTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Homeslice is the rock in my emotionally volatile world lately, meaning that when I see ads for the marathon I want to rip them down and when the security guard of my work building asked me, “When’s the big run?”, I almost wanted to cry (PS- No idea how he knew I was running it, but I love him and we chat everyday so I know he was trying to be nice; PPS – No idea if there is supposed to be a comma after the question mark, but go with it.) Facebook updates and tweets about the marathon make me want to deactivate both accounts as they make me sad for some reason. I don’t know why I’m being so hypersensitive about it.

I went back in today for some manual torture and the man with the magically strong hands reassured me that everything is going to be alright come November 6th.

Today’s ART associated anatomy lesson! When the gluteus maximus is reflected away, lo and behold, there are a million other muscles beneath there that the medical/chiropractic/physical therapy/etc student must memorize, not to mention their innervation, origin and insertion, and function! My personal fave are the gemelli muscles – there is an inferior gemellus and superior gemellus, each flanking the obdurator internus. They are called “gemelli” because that means “twin” in Italian, I think – could be Latin. The piriformis is the one that is a pain in the butt to a lot of runners – pun intended.

Ok, I’ll stop boring you.

Anyways, if you wondering where I stand, as I’m sure you all are just DYING to know (kidding), I ran for 30 min today and it was better than Saturday, but not 100%, meaning there wasn’t a sharp pain, but something was there. Sometimes I describe that kind of pain that its dull or sharp as “the absence of nothing,” but I’m not sure that entirely makes sense to anyone but me. I ran all 30 min pretty slow and anytime I sped up the tightness got worse.

MORE ANATOMY - YES!!!

I got more ART after this today and Dr. Levine assures me that everything feels alright and it will all be ok.

Mentally, I’m trying to hold down the fort, but its not always so easy to not get upset and then chastise myself for getting upset over something that really doesn’t matter, even though its something I’ve put a lot of time into and care a lot about. I am living, healthy, and leading a very charmed life overall, thus far. I am focusing on today and that is it. Tonight I am better than I was this morning because homeslice broke up more adhesions for me and my sacrum + lumbar spine is readjusted. And, today I am better than yesterday because I ran.

TELL ME: WHAT’S ROCKING YOUR WORLD THIS WEEK? 

Until next time…

Decisions, Decisions

First, I want to commend the Starbucks employee who ACTUALLY SPELLED MY NAME RIGHT today.

Way to go, barista. It's generally never correct unless they ask me for the spelling.

Also, that nail polish is “Carry On” by Essie. I like it, but don’t think it shows up well in this picture.

Second, I want to caution any of you all who shave your feet. I’ve always done that, but today I CUT TWO OF MY TOES. BEWARE.

Middle toes on both sides took hits today.

I can’t remember what color is on my toes right now – something brown. I know, I spend way too much time thinking about nail colors.

On my walk home today, I started to think about my marathon attire. It looks like I have some decisions to make and I’d prefer them to not be game-time decisions as Lord knows I’m going to be temporarily insane the 48 hours before the marathon.

1. WHICH OISELLE SHORTS?

I have three options: A) black Lori shorts, B) orange Lori shorts, C) orange distance shorts.

Tough call...

Option (A) is the “good luck” option as I’ve PR’ed twice in those shorts (Cow Harbor, Grete’s). However, they only have one pocket and I typically take 4 gels with me, which means I may not be able to get them all to fit.

Not like you've seen this picture before...

Option (C) is the most practical option as those shorts have tons of pockets for all my gels and stuff (well, I don’t bring anything else with me, but if I did, there would be room for it.) However, I wore those shorts in New Haven and we all know how that went for me. Therefore, they are “bad luck” shorts.

This wasn't really a good time...

Option (B) is Switzerland. It is neutral, although it still has the only one pocket dilemma.

I know the “good luck” vs “bad luck” thing is ridiculous. Don’t judge me.

2. GARMIN VS WATCH + PACE BRACELET

I’m starting to not be as freaked out by the ol’ Garmin, but I don’t love it. I’m thinking the watch + pace bracelet, but I plan on starting out slower than MP meaning I’d be behind the pace bracelet, so I’m not sure how said bracelet will actually help me.

See, this is why I need my running time-keeping elf!

Or I could just have Megan keep track of time for me...

3. HOW MUCH STUFF IS TOO MUCH TO BRING TO STATEN ISLAND?

Seriously, I’m going to bring way too much stuff to stay warm because the last thing I want to do before running for over 3 hours is to freeze for about 3 hours on Staten Island.

Olsen trash lady chic

I’m thinking I’m going to go for the look Mary Kate (on the right) has going on, except I’m going to leave my mint green Balenciaga motorcyle bag at home.

But, seriously, people who have endured the Staten Island pre-marathon freeze out before, how much stuff did you bring?

4. WHICH FLAVOR OF PICKY BAR BEFORE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER?

I have yet to determine which flavor is my good luck flavor.

o

The Three Musketeers...but healthier.

Lauren’s Mega Nuts vs Nutless Wonder vs All-In Almond. I can’t decide either. It’s too difficult.

So, you see I have some decisions to make. The hair debacle has yet to be solved and “to arm warmer or not armwarmer” will most likely be a game time decision.

TELL ME: YOUR THOUGHTS? WHAT TO CHOOSE? ALSO, DO YOU PUT YOUR NAME ON YOUR SHIRT FOR A MARATHON? YES? NO? TOO CHEESY?

Now, I have to go figure out what I’m going to eat to prep for my 20-22 mile jaunt tomorrow morning, my longest run, yet. Susan and Megan have so graciously offered to run with me. Both have run marathons under 3:20. My best marathon is 3:48. I feel like we’d make a good “one of these things is not like the other” picture ie pick out the sloth from the cheetahs.

Until next time..

Time Is Of The Essence

I’m sure my last few posts have you thinking I need to be prescribed Xanax for the month before big races, right? When re-reading them myself, I sound like some time-obsessed, over-achieving, fear of failure freak. While I may be some of those things, I think an explanation of why I feel so pressed to achieve my big running goals ASAP is warranted.

Me, in a few years...

You see the girl hunched over writing something? I imagine she is an OB/GYN resident, which is what I will be in a few years. Just an fyi for those who don’t know, people in the short coats are med students, while long coats signify your have an MD. A med student’s white coat pockets will typically be stuffed with various guides (“the red book” which is now green, Maxwells, picky bars for emergency hunger in my case) and papers with their notes for H and Ps, presentations, etc. The more senior you are, the less there is in your white coat pockets.

Me eating a picky bar after a long run last year. The really red face is totally normal for me - not to worry.

As a resident, you work a lot. The technical maximum cap on weekly work hours is 80 hours per week. I do know residents who have worked more than this. With such work hours, I surmise that my ability to train for a marathon, and train well at that, might suffer. I do know residents that have run a lot and even have done marathons and, in one case, an Ironman(I won’t be doing that, sorry). So, while I do plan on keeping up the ol’ running habit in residency, I have my doubts about being to train well for a big race.

Being able to train like I do right now is really a luxury for me. Its why I’m trying to take advantage of it while I can and its why I want NYC and any other races I do this year to go well for me.

Would this freak you out if you saw me like this in a recovery room?

That’s Meggie the sickly med student above. I ran my last marathon (New Jersey) during my surgery rotation. About a week and a half after the marathon, I came down with a evil virus, probably from immune suppression from marathon + little sleep + subsisting on graham crackers and OJ all day. In fact, the attending I was assisting (read: retracting for) asked me if they needed to put a pulse oximeter on me or if I needed to have my nose suctioned under my mask. In between cases I would huddle in blankets as the ORs were so cold. I know – its a really good look for me.

But, speaking of med school – LOOK AT MY BEAUTIFUL POSTER!!!

Gloss is boss. Definitely get the gloss finish if you ever make a poster.

My real goal and reason for my “year off” is to get some quality research in and, hopefully, a publication or two. I’m here in Orlando because of this little baby I worked on last spring. Big shout of to Dr. Licciardi and Dr. Knopman for helping this little med student out big time.

Getting my abstract accepted as a poster has afforded me the opportunity to attend ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)’s annual meeting, which has been an unbelievable opportunity for which I am extremely grateful to NYU. Not only have I heard lectures on the most cutting edge research in the field, but have been reassured by my interest in the research that OB/GYN is the perfect field for me.

ASRM forgot to include a Harry Potter outing.

Unfortunately, the ASRM planners FORGOT to include a Harry Potter outing. I mean, hello, don’t you think Professor Snape could whip up a fertility potion? YES.

TELL ME: How do you fit in running with your long work hours? What is your job now and what is your career interest?

Until next time…