Didn't want to run......really didn't want to run.

I'm sure this happens to every runner.  Today I just did not want to run.  I've been doing quite well with my training but throw in a night shift in the ICU and the last few days have been...crappy.

I worked Wednesday night in the ICU.   When I got home I slept until 1pm then went back to bed around 5:30 to just chill and I fell SOUND asleep.  You know that kind of sleep where you slightly wake up enough to realize you are still in your clothes and need to brush your teeth but you can't wake up.  At 11pm I woke up.  Seriously?  Finally slept at 3am.  My night shifts don't always affect me this way but sometimes I feel like a slug.  

I set my alarm and made it out by 11am.  Luckily it was cooler today and I didn't die in the heat.  I did get my 4 miles easy in.  

8/08

4 miles in 43:20

average 10:49 min/miles

HR average 141

I was sure glad to get it done!  Of course my selfie is in my garage...after I grabbed my glasses from my car.

Here is what happened from my last run posted to todays run. 

7/31

4 miles slow. 

Got up late. Felt kinda crappy, but got it done!

4 miles at 11:13 min miles

8/2

Suppose to run 10 miles.  Had to run after a 24 hour shift in Ogden.  Headed up to Millcreek and really struggled on the hills.  Gave it up at 8 miles.

7.95 miles in 2:09:43

16:19 min/miles (lots of hiking/climbing) with average HR 138 bmp

This trail run was so crappy.  At mile 2 my stomach started hurting and I felt like my heart was racing.  Then when I checked my Garmin after I quit is wasn't as bad as it felt.  

I'm dying inside and my tummy hurts.

At least it was pretty.  I'm going to tap that trail again. 

8/05

6 slow miles on Jordan Valley parkway with Deb and Katie

average 13:24 min/mile

average HR 131

core exercises

An amazing run with friends.  I don't care if its slow.  I was only suppose to run 4 miles and I ran 6.  Worked out awesome!

We were running then slowing down to a walk to take a pic.  Don't be afraid if you see us, we really can save your life.  Especially if we have our shtuff and our fast ambulance.

8/06

5 Miles 

1 mile slow, 3 miles fast and 1 mile slow

HR average 152

mile 1 11:23

mile 2 9:57

mile 3 10:19

mile 4 10:38

mile 5 13:01 – lots of walking

HR higher then usual

I went running on the Rail Trail after my night shift at our Park City base.  I felt awesome until about mile 3.  I went a little too fast on my first speed mile and  a little to slow on my last speed mile.  My last slow mile included a lot of walking.  My HR average was much higher so I know I did give it a good try.  

I actually wore my TRAIL shoes on a TRAIL!

I also saw one small snake.  It wasn't moving but it startled me!

Day 2 in pink shirt.  Am I the only one that tries to wear my running clothes twice before I wash them?  I let them dry and don't do it if they are really stinky.  I want them to last a long time.  I've spent way too much money on them.

Long run day on Saturday!  Yeah!  I'm having my usual piraformis pain but it feels like it is running clear down my leg.  I get relief with foam rolling but tonight I'm going to ice my shin and knee and make sure I'm taking regular ibuprofen.  I'm watching it closely and may have to take a couple of runs off next week.  I'll run slow tomorrow and wear compression sleeves.  

Hopefully a running buddy or two will be able to join me.  Seems like they are all working tonight and it depends on how busy they are.  At least as flight nurses we can sleep if we don't fly!!!

Do you watch your HR while you run?

How many times do you try to wear your workout clothes in-between washes?

Blog on..........

Working, running, eating and sleeping

I knew that starting this training plan would be tough.  It's difficult to plan on a run on a workday or after a workday.  I'm pretty dependent on the type of shift I have.  The week started out with 3 easy 4 mile runs.  The first one was in Park City and felt OK.  I already covered that mess in my last post.  The next one was better.  It was an early run with an easy pace. 

4 miles in 44:30 minutes
11:06 min/miles with average HR 137

Tried to go with perceived effort and not pay attention to pace.  I'm keeping my HR down and I am running a lot easier a lot longer.  I'm saving my tempo and speed for those particular runs.  Makes running a lot more enjoyable and the rest of the day easier.  


The next day I headed up to the mountains.  The universe was decidedly against this run.  First I forgot my Garmin.  I talked myself into being OK without it and I would just go out 30 minutes and then turn around.  When I parked and threw my shoes on they felt pretty roomy.  Shitballs.  I forgot my inserts.  I can't run without my inserts.  I don't need any more foot problems.  So I raced home, grabbed everything and it ended up to be a pretty great run.   Scheduled was a 4 mile easy and I did take it easy.  The only difference is I hiked up a good hill for almost half a mile making sure to really use my glutes.  I know they are the weak link for most runners.  Then I ran 4 miles out and back on a pretty flat trail then down the hill.  It was a great workout and I got on the trail early before anything that was scheduled that day.  

5.11 Miles in 1:04:42 (average 11:15 min/miles for the 4 miles)
12:39 min/miles with average HR 139

Such a beautiful morning! Not too hot

Then there was the shift that was so busy and so long that I didn't even get my core work done and had to skip a 4 miler.  I got home to do core work, laid down and it was over.  But that's OK because I got my rest for the long run the next day. 

Saturday was a big run.  I had agreed to trade my shift so I was working a 24 hour shift that started at 10 am instead of a night shift.  I set the alarm for 5am and got out for 8 miles.  I kept it slow and easy.  I had one awful nasty goo at 45 minutes that almost gagged me.  The best part of that run is that around mile 6 I started to feel amazing and finished strong.  

8 miles in 1:28:58
11:07 min/miles with average HR 141

It has been a huge adjustment for me to get up early and run then shower and get to work.  Sometimes I don't feel like I'm done sweating when I get there.  For the most part I feel amazing and accomplished for having done it!!

My work day may have started out sweaty but we added lots of fun at a PR (public relations) event.  I love having people see the helicopter and they get to ask questions about what we do.  Love them!

 The towel was there because the seat was getting hot.  

Hot seat..get it?  ;)

 Pilot Jerry loves talking about aircraft and helicopters and is one of the nicest people I work with.

WOW....may the force be with me.

Busy busy week and it has been wonderful.  This week is working out pretty well too.  I have missed a little core work and one run, but I'm going to keep pushing it along with eating well and getting decent sleep.  

Star Wars Fans?

How do you log your runs or do you?

Blog on.............

It's a TRAIL!

To be successful at this training I really have to dig deep when it comes to an "after shift" run.  Since I worked 24 hours in Park City yesterday, my plan was to run while I'm up there when I get off shift at 8:15.  I did get some sleep the night before so I really didn't have any excuses.  I packed my running gear and headed out to meet up with the Rail Trail.  

This is the Rail Trail just as you start running along I-80.  

I'm not super familiar with the trail but it goes a very long way.  What I didn't plan for was the dirt.  What?  It's a trail!!!  I brought my shiny new white New Balance that I love so much.  AHHHHH!  Am I the only one that is weird about their running shoes?  I like mine clean!

Still white!  So far.  This was at almost 2 miles.

Running selfie!  

Don't you love my hair?  It's a double braid into a side braid.  It's the only way to do my hair in the summer at work.  One minute in this heat in our helmets and my hair looks smashed to my head anyway.

I spent the run using probably the best form I ever have trying to keep my shoes on the ground for as little time as possible.  The training plan itself doesn't start until next week so this was another slow recovery run from last weeks half marathon.

It went fine.  It took me a little over 45 minutes and my HR was higher then usual.  I'm not surprised, it wasn't too hot but I was at a higher elevation.  I also tend to have a little higher HR after working.  Even if I get rest it feels draggy after a shift.  I probably don't hydrate properly.  I don't want to have to piddle mid flight.  It's a learning experience....that's for sure.  

Wait...you forgot us.

Not really, but it's a cool pic.  My medic and I sat at the Heber Airport while our pilot did his night training.  9 take offs and 9 landings.  Something about the sound of a helicopter that keeps the job sassy!!!

Do you feel a huge difference when you at a higher elevation?

Helicopters...yes? or no?

Blog on........

Did you see that truck?

I feel like the cat.....and that the truck is bigger.

link

I have to confess.  Tumblr and Gif's are my favorite source of entertainment.  If I could, I would spend my entire day watching cats do funny stuff like riding a Roomba vacuum, slapping and knocking stuff off. 

RUNNING

After my awesome hill and long run I made sure and stretched my hip out and went for an easy run at a local parkway.  The weather was cool and beautiful!

I choose the parkway so that I wasn't on the road and the way I'm always running on a slope.  I made it about 4 steps and my hip went "OUCH!".  WTH??   I stopped and stretched, checked my form and then finished the run.  My hip was sore for most of the time.  I was so bummed.  If not for my hip the run felt amazing!  I could run forever!  It wasn't the fastest run but I finally feel like I'm in touch with my form and breathing.  

SO...I am taking a break.  I am doing my PT exercises as much as I can between work.  I've iced it and I've rolled it, over and over again.  I tried to see what it could be and it hurts on the outside so they say it's bursitis?  Really?  another itis?  Can't I just get a stress fracture?  I didn't mean that!

Because I've been working so hard I haven't been keeping my core as strong as I usually do.  Plus my diet has been one awful choice after another.  I think that goes with working a lot too.  So last week I increased the amount of time I spend on my core and this week I'm blasting back to my Paleo lifestyle.

While I was eating Paleo I had a lot less aches, pains and GI issues.  Last year when I was eating Paleo and doing some sort of core class at least twice a week I was in the best shape ever.  I want to feel that way again.  I've got to figure out a way to work as much as I need to and balance it with exercise.  It always helps to look through my recipes and books and get some fresh ideas for meals on the go.

Speaking of a well deserved treat:

I got this after a long long flight.  Seriously it was worth it.  A treat once in a while, but I can think of healthier choices.  Yesterday I made a vanilla protein smoothie with vanilla protein powder, frozen mango, almond milk, vanilla extract and ice.  After it was nice and smooth I added a few chips of dark chocolate and pulsed a couple of time.  It was a pretty good treat! 

WORK

Oh work.  I love my job like you wouldn't believe.  I'm the happiest, saddest, maddest and most frustrated that I ever get when I'm there.  I have the greatest experiences mixed with scary and sad.  What more can you ask for?  

Filming with the U's PR department.  My patient is awfully smiley and he didn't even get drugs.  It was fun, not very realistic, but fun.  Usually when we are unloading a patient and walking toward the elevator I'm juggling papers, meds and equipment.  

Last Fridays shift I decided to get stuff out to practice.  Most of my job is practice, practice, practice in hopes that you will be able to think clearly and methodically on scene.  We did some video intubation's and manual.  I dug out the infant head to practice since I've had a few critical pediatric flights in the last few months.  Our NICU flight nurse Julie joined us for some teaching and oh boy did she teach me a lot!  Big thanks to her help!  I can now tape a pediatric ET tube and it isn't going ANYWHERE!  She also gave some tips on packaging, safety with infants and general care. 

My next two flights that day were pediatric.  

BOOM.  I didn't throw up or anything!

After 2 flights in the first 12 hours of a 24 hour shift I decided to relax and watch a movie with the team.  Well, the OB/Neonate team left on a flight so I watched it while my medic worked.  Hehe 

I finally went to bed.  Now lets keep in mind that I already tried to take two safety naps that day and each time I just got to sleep we got a call.  No different here.  I fell asleep and next thing I know that pilot was banging on the door...."let's go, we got a flight"!  

Seriously?

Flight was done, then I charted.  When I laid down I couldn't sleep.  I finally napped about 2 hours.  

(I'm setting up "why I feel like I was run over by a truck")

Still dark at 6:30am when I went up to get my stuff out.  Look at that full moon.  Now it all makes sense. 

I went home and I had signed up to volunteer at the Antelope Island 50K/100K.  So I packed up my car and headed out!  I thought it would only take about 45 minutes to get there, but it turned out to be about 90 minutes.  Lesson learned:  Don't ask a helicopter pilot how long it takes to get anywhere.  

When I got out there I ran into this guy!

My brother Joe.

He came in FIRST in the 50K!  I missed it by about 30 minutes and I only knew by overhearing someone else say it.  WOW!  Animal!  This was only his second 50K.  That's crazy.

I spent a few hours talking to him and helping with blisters and questions.  Then things slowed down and I sat in my camping chair just cheering everyone in.  After sitting in the sun for about 6 hours (even though it was cool)  I had to leave.  I was up 36 hours and I was worried about getting home.  

 

These guys are HUGE!  My brother told me that a buffalo ran onto the trail and ran in front of him and another guy running for a while.  He said, "the buffalo paced us".  So true, you do what the buffalo wants you to do.  

I've never been to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. It was beautiful.  It would be a blast to run out there.  Thinking.......

I took all these pics from the car.  Lazy.  Tired. 

That's my week in a nutshell.  I slept good last night and I've spent the day so far in bed.  YES!  Trying to rehydrate and rest so I can work another shift tomorrow!

How long have you ever stayed awake?

Unfortunately, as a nurse this isn't the first time I've been awake over 36 hours at a time. After about 40 hours the body gets all sassy and decides that you are up for a while longer.  It's an interesting feeling.  I try not to do it very often anymore.

Any ultra lovers?

Blog on...............

Park City Trail Half Marathon Recap

Despite the rain and mud I decided I was going to run 13 miles Saturday whether it was at this half marathon or somewhere else.  I choose the half marathon for the challenge.  My first half since last year and my first trail race.

Right away it became very clear I was undertrained.

Up early to get a parking space.  I didn't know anyone running so there was no carpooling.  I got a great spot close to the start and was able to get my stuff AND take a short nap.

The weather was moist (hehe) but not raining.  I really struggled on what to wear.  I ended up wearing my shorts with a tank and then a long sleeve over it all.  The long sleeve came off pretty quick but it's a lightweight shirt and easily ties around my waist.

Pretty misty

After the first loop.  Looking one way.

Then the other.  

and at myself!  haha

The great thing about being extra slow is that the crowd thins out nicely.  

Closer into the single track area.

Not a bad view

Trail was mostly dry but had some pretty gnarly mud areas and rocky areas.

Done!  Had to ask some guy to take my picture. 

Recap:

I knew that I hadn't trained enough.  I had my long runs but didn't get in any speed work or tempo runs.  I was slacking on my PT exercises and I have gained a few pounds.  Add that to running my first trail race and my goal turned to slow and steady with a finish.

The slow and steady turned out to be a requirement for finish, not a choice.  The first half mile is uphill and it hurts.  Maybe I should have warmed up better.  I was walking within 3 minutes of the start up that damn hill.  I had a few miles of feeling great and running steady but I ended up walking most of the hills.  I felt pretty good between miles 2-9 and at 10 I was pretty sure that the miles were taking forever.  I fueled nicely.  They had some energy chews and nuun at the stations.  I took the chews twice plus I had one Honey Stinger goo right at mile 7.  I took my handheld because there were so many water stations I knew I didn't need to worry as much about water. 

I trickled in at a pathetic 2:55 - according to my Garmin but the finish time was closer to 2:49.  I saw it at the finish printout but I can't find the exact time today on the internet.

I still got this sweet medal.

I love the little footprints.

I'm sure you will see that my faster times coordinate with the downhills.  Look at that first hill!

Miles 10 was the mile that I questioned all my lifes choices up to this point.  Did I really need to finish?

Yes, or I would be stuck in the mountains alone.

Yes, the course was long.  They told us it was.  Although I was told it was 13.3..so that .20 takes FOREVER!

I'll take it!!  First trail race, first long race after my surgery and my lack of interest in just about everything and yet I still finished.  My foot doesn't feel any worse for wear either!  It's a little sore this morning, but it always is.  I'm a little exhausted 24 hours after, but I plan another day of hydration and maybe I'll jump to the gym for some easy elliptical.

I've put together a better plan to train and get to the point I was before the surgery.  Yeah, it's a pain sometimes but racing and feeling so bad feels worse.

What do you do about those runs that are just crappy?

Motivation?  Where do I find it?

Blog on..............