Pacing For Pretzels

Yesterday, I came back from lunch to find a note on my desk from a friend, along with a jar of this deliciousness: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter. The closest TJ is over an hour from our house and that is simply not fair.

So, this morning, I had to add this to my oatmeal, but I couldn’t give up the usual almond butter. So I did what any indecisive girl would… I had both.

Along with the usual packet of oatmeal, flax seed, and 1 banana.

I did snack on some Mary’s Crack and an Apple Pie Larabar before this mediocre lunch of romaine lettuce, black beans, leftover grilled chicken, salsa, hummus, and hot sauce:

At work, my office is relatively small (I am not complaining, as it is not a cubicle… I have 4 walls and a door!) and I have little storage space for my personal items. Look what has been collecting below my desk:

I’ve got my trail sneakers in the back, my new Mizunos on the right, and my tried and true old Mizunos on the left that have been spruced up with a pair of Superfeet insoles.  These insoles have saved my shins, I swear. Thank you so much REI rep in Rhode Island that recommend these, I cannot believe I almost left the store without them. If my mom hadn’t helped her to convince me, I would probably still be complaining of shin splints.

But no, instead I am now complaining of possible tendinitis. During my 13.1 miles on Sunday, I had some pain up the back of my ankle that seemed to be my Achilles Tendon. The pain subsided almost immediately after I finished, so I didn’t worry. However, on Monday, the front of my left ankle began hurting pretty bad – to the point that I was limping. I ran three miles on Tuesday and felt no pain during the run but felt it before and after. It is actually the most comfortable in heels ((gasp)) and sneakers. My flats caused major pain and I can feel it at night when I sleep and stretch out that foot.

I might be being stubborn but I refuse to stop running. The pain isn’t anything above annoying and I attribute it to the fact that I did over 30 miles last week, much more than my usual at this point. I was able to run a speedy 3 miles tonight after my strength training class (which my coworker came to, I love when I have friends to work out with).

3 miles – 23:25

Mile 1 – 8:02

Mile 2 – 7:42

Mile 3 – 7:39

These 3 miles really.dragged.out…. But I guess that is what happens when I hit the track – 12 laps makes me feel like a greyhound or something.

The fitness class coordinator talked to me after class and asked if I was interested in teaching classes. I have been giving this some thought lately and was pretty beyond excited that I was approached. She explained what training I need and then she would be happy to mentor me. Yay!

I got home late and the hubs requested a salad. Of course, he got it.

And my huge portion with some added leftover grilled chicken (couldn’t let it go to waste), nutritional yeast, hemp seed, hummus, salsa, and of course, HOT SAUCE. Oh, and shaken, not stirred.

My bed is calling my name. Thankfully tomorrow is Thirsty Thursday (minus the Thirsty part, that was four years ago).

Tags: future, oatmix, pain, pumpkin, running, salad