Friday, July 11, 2008

So...crap, it's been a while since I posted. What with work and marathon training, I suddenly have no time. Work has been great, but not without its frustrations. Still, I am definitely enjoying it overall and am grateful to have a job. I've learned SO MUCH about grammar, style, and usage (GSU), either that I once knew or that I never knew. When we're slow (which, currently, is often) I read up on GSU. It's amazing how much there is to know.

Although I've been struggling a bit in the heat and humidity, marathon training has gone well. I had a brief flare-up with my foot (more on that later), but haven't needed to take any time off. The addition of bike commuting to my routine has made runs that occur directly following rides unexpectedly hard, but I think I'm starting to get used to it. Hopefully in the long term this will help me improve.

Now that money isn't such a worry, Mark and I took off to Philadelphia to spend the Fourth of July holiday with Margaret. We had a great time walking around the city, eating, and going to a cookout, which involved more eating (and drinking). I structured my running schedule to make it possible to leave running gear at home (ran at 3:30 a.m. Thursday and 11:00 p.m. Saturday, took Friday off), so we were able to pack very light, which was awesome. Traveling is SO much less stressful when you can carry everything you need on your back (and it's not heavy). It was awesome to see Margaret again, and the visit seemed much too short.

Problem was, I took one pair of sandals (my trusty Tevas) and all the walking we did apparently aggravated my foot problem. It flared up at the worst time possible: as we were hurrying to catch the train to the airport. Luckily the train was late and we made it, but I was of course worried about my stupid foot! But late that night I ran with no issues. I'm taking Margaret's advice and just wearing retired running shoes all the time, even though it's so hot. I'd rather have sweaty, stinky feet than hurty, injured feet and no running. Hopefully with the extra support and continued icing and massaging, I will stay in the clear. I found some strengthening exercises that may help, as well.

Mark and I binged pretty heavily over Fourth of July weekend on junk food of all kinds. Actually I've been terrible about food ever since the marathon, and it's time to get back on the wagon as far as nutrition is concerned. In fact, it seemed like a good time to act on an idea that I've been toying with for several weeks now: instead of buying groceries at Kroger, I've been thinking of switching to Bloomingfoods, which is a local market/deli that specializes in local, natural, and organic food. It costs more, but I just feel better supporting the local economy. Also, they have a location right downtown that's easy to get to and has copious bike racks. By shopping there, it will be a little easier to cut down on the impulse junk food buys.

The neat thing about Bloomingfoods is that it's a co-op--members of the community join by buying into part-ownership. So I shelled out some dough to join up and now feel like I'm supporting my community. Yay!

Mark and I are also getting rid of some stuff: mostly old papers and clothes. Most things will go to Goodwill or Salvation Army, and we will sell a few items on eBay. It feels good to have less clutter! I'm finally getting rid of my Runner's World collection. Since it's available online, it just doesn't make sense to hold on to them. Off to the recycling center they go! It will hard to dump them all into the bins, though. I've been a subscriber since 1998.

Good luck beating the heat, everyone!

5 comments:

DawnB said...

welcome back have a great week end its been pretty hot and humid all around, lots and lots of fluids.

Nitmos said...

If you are getting all grammar smart, you might as well edit away on my blog. It's a grammarians dream I suspect.

Marci said...

What are your foot issues? I have a nagging pain on one side, so I am going to the podiatrist later this week.

jen said...

Hi! Hope your foot is feeling better.

I recently starting purging old things I don't need. It is such a good feeling. I tend to donate most stuff because I'm too lazy to get the ebay thing organized.

Faithful Soles said...

I have a great command of the En-glitch language. I like to tell people that I'm not illiterate... my parents were married.

As for riding your bike to work and then running, you may already know it, but that is referred to as "bricks" in triathlon training. It will absolutely make you stronger (now you can add swimming and enter some tri's).