Mighty Meniscus

So, now we live in a new apartment that we really love!  I was really ready to get back on track with my running and life in general.  But, not quite so fast!!!

Yes, just one more hold up.....  my knees -- they are very unhappy!  I have had issues with my left knee for years, but have managed to continue to run, clearly compensating by placing more pressure on the right side of my lower body.  I have made peace with being a lot slower and have been grateful to just be able to keep on running (or jogging, as the case might be).

Well, when packing to move, I had to carry lots of heavy boxes and furniture up and down stairs -- lots of them!  During this process, my right knee finally rebelled!  I went to the orthopedist last Friday, had MRI on Saturday, and by Monday, was told that I have a "significant tear of my medial meniscus."  Oh, and the x-rays on Friday confirmed that my left knee is totally arthritic and in need of a knee replacement at some point.

So, I am disgusted...

 and... quite sad!!!

  

There will be no running right now, and, of course, the orthopedist informed me that I would be better off swimming or cycling in the future, after a week or two of total rest.  Ughhh - I was born to move!!!  I was born to run!!!  This transition of sorts will not be easy.  I cannot totally give up running but will start cross-training more.  

So, what's next?  I get to start cycling in a few days and will do physical therapy (yes, I will do all the exercises by myself, not with a physical therapist -- I certainly know what I need to do) to see if that can help.  If not, the orthopedist said that arthroscopic surgery would be helpful.

In the mean time, I am getting a cortisone shot in my arthritic knee next Wednesday - yeah! I had one five years ago and it was a big help.  


In the mean time, I just got a new client to coach -- she wants to run 10K's.  I will live vicariously through my running clients for a while.

I miss running.
  

In some way, shape or form, I will be back! As one of my clients said, "deferred, but not defeated!"

Starting Over

I have been an MIA blogger over the past 45 days.  This was in no way purposeful, but rather, circumstantial.  

I was thrown a curve ball and finally struck out!

As you may recall from previous blog posts, strike one was dental surgery, strike two was my adverse reaction to the steroids that were prescribed post dental surgery, and "strike three, you're out" was a phone call from our landlord informing us that she decided to put the house that we had been renting for the past seven years on the market -- we needed to move PRONTO!!!

Do you know how much a family of three can accumulate in seven years?  Ughh, TOO MUCH!!!

Alas, my marathon training plans have become no more than good intentions.  The reality was that in order to be able to relocate within our four week deadline, every spare moment had to be devoted to purging and packing, and of course, finding a new, suitable place to live in the same town that we currently resided.

It quickly became apparent that I needed to defer my 2014 NYC Marathon entry to 2015.  I also knew that I would not be properly trained for the September 27th Zooma Half Marathon in Cape Cod, MA so I have wisely withdrawn from that race.

The good news is that we found a great place to live and that my upper body is now extra strong from lifting tons of heavy boxes.  I have truly missed blogging and am glad to "be back!"

Stay tuned for many more posts in the upcoming days and weeks.  

A Great New Fitness App

I was recently asked to review a brand new app, called EveryMove.  The EveryMove App developers are on a mission to get the millions of Americans who are investing in their health "the recognition and real-life rewards that they deserve!"

The EveryMove Mobile App is available for iPhone (itunes app link) and for Android devices (Android app link).  I downloaded the app on my Samsung Galaxy phone and was ready to go! The app is very user-friendly -- the initial set-up, where I entered some personal information, took less than five minutes.  

EveryMove users earn points for hundreds of activities, not just for playing sports and participating in typical fitness exercises.  You can get points for yard work, moving boxes, and so many more every day activities.  I love that you can earn points for an active lifestyle without having to engage in a formal exercise program. The best part is that your EveryMove points translate into discounts on interesting items or donations to a charity.  

Although my original intentions were to test out the EveryMove App for the entire month of July, I had to have emergency oral surgery on July 9th and was unable to do any form of exercise for two weeks; so, I was only able to "test drive" the app from July 24th through July 30th.  Below are some screenshots of my data from the past week -- as you can see in the second screenshot, I got enough points in my first week to receive 30 percent off my purchase from the Zeta Technology Group (FYI... I earned my first 300 points by just "joining the movement).  Prior to reviewing my choices for a reward to earn, I had not even heard about the Zeta Technology Group -- my guess is that many people do not know about this group; therefore, it seems logical that companies could benefit from offering rewards through EveryMove.

My EveryMove Profile Page

My EveryMove Activities -- see points awarded for each activity!

My EveryMove Activity Insights -- each color represents a different classification of activity.

One of the most awesome features of the EveryMove App is its seamless integration feature which allows you to sync your EveryMove App data with hundreds of tracking devices, fitness applications, and even gym equipment.  I have not had an opportunity to sync to the Garmin Connect yet, but certainly plan to do so in the near future.  Below is a screenshot showing some of the very many sync options:

EveryMove App Connects With Many Other Health & Fitness Apps and Activity Trackers

EveryMove believes that we "sweat better together."  So, they have made it easy to join their online community where you can connect with your friends, co-workers, and family to cheer each other on and compete on leaderboards.  So far, I have connected my EveryMove app to Facebook, but have not yet checked out the full online community nor the leaderboards.  I am very self-motivated so I do not personally need this feature; however, I love motivating and encouraging others and plan to use this feature once my personal training clients join the EveryMove Movement. 

Another great feature of EveryMove are the congratulatory emails that I get every time I am rewarded with a badge or an active day bonus.  I am currently in the process of moving from one home to another in the same town and am getting many bonuses for my three to five hour packing-and moving-boxes-days. Unfortunately, moving is a tremendous hassle and this is certainly not my favorite way to exercise.  I prefer to run, run, run!!!

I strongly recommend the EveryMove App!  Download the app and let's compare notes.  I look forward to your thoughts about this awesome app in the Comments Section below this post.  

So, what are you waiting for???

Join the EveryMove Movement today!!!

Balanced Healthy Chicks

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to become an Ambassador for Balanced Healthy Chicks. After reviewing the Balanced Healthy Chicks website (http://balancedhealthychicks.com), I decided to accept the invitation.  Check out the website -- it is so cool!

http://balancedhealthychicks.com

Balanced Healthy Chicks (BHC) was created by Kristen Breen and Anne Sleeman -- their mission is to build a community of amazing women who share all things fun, food, and fit.  BHC supports and teaches women to live full, joyful and balanced lives.

I know that you will love being a part of Balanced Healthy Chicks!  As an Ambassador, I am able to offer my blog readers a membership discount.  I have been issued a unique code which will allow you to join BHC at a reduced rate.  You will save $5 off the already affordable $29.95 annual membership fee.  What's not to love about that?

Just use code:  judyk2014 when signing up at: www.balancedhealthychicks.com.

As a BHC member, you will be part of an amazing community where everyone embraces and knows that "one size does not fit all."  Members can participate in monthly fitness challenges or sign on for personal coaching.  You will receive a discount in the BHC store which is filled with awesome BHC clothing and swag! You can participate in a plethora of BHC events and have the opportunity to meet other like-minded women in your geographic location while working on your personal fitness goals. 

So... what are you waiting for?  Come share your experiences and benefit from others! Balanced Healthy Chicks are awesome!

I can answer any questions that you may have about Balanced Healthy Chicks.  Just post your questions in the Comments Section below this post.

Please sign up today -- remember to use code judyk2014 to receive your $5.00 off. Come join the fun... be a Balanced Healthy Chick!

Have fun... Be strong... Be balanced 

Ten Reasons Why I Run

Since childhood, running has been the one constant in my life.  When I am unable to run due to injury or illness, the first day that I am able to run again feels like reuniting with an old friend.  So, why do I love running so much?

image from:  lifeasaculinarygirl.wordpress.com

• I feel empowered during my runs and when I have completed my run (especially if it is a long run), I have the confidence to deal with anything and everything.

image from:  www.womensrunning.com

• I face challenges "head on" when I am running.  I am one of those people that was born optimistic.  I ALWAYS see the cup as half full or even three-quarters full.  When I have a specific challenge to deal with, I tend to look at it as a game or competition -- in the spirit of competition, my adrenaline surges to face the specific challenge and "conquer it."

• I am most creative when running.  My entrepreneurial spirit goes haywire during long runs -- this is so awesome!  I can brainstorm like crazy.  I definitely have my best ideas when running.

image from:  www.gramilano.com

• Running keeps my anxiety "in check."  If I am feeling anxious about a particular situation, running balances my emotions so that I can sort through the issue.  Running quiets any "internal stirrings."

• All of my senses are heightened when running, especially the senses of sight and smell.  I love running from point A to point B versus doing an "out and back."  Exploration is one of the most fun parts of running!  I enjoy checking out new scenery.  Put me by the water and I can run pretty much the entire day.

• Running provides me with a sense of community.  When I run a race, I am surrounded by like-minded people.  Although we are technically competing against one another, there is more a sense of camaraderie than competition.  Runners typically are very supportive of one another.  Personally, after I cross the finish line, I inevitably stay to cheer on every last runner (except in marathons where I might experience hypothermia if I did that) and often run back from the finish line to help bring in the remaining runners, rooting for everyone the entire time!

image from:  www.randywsandberg.wordpress.com

• I love colorful clothing and running shoes!  Running has become a very colorful sport!  Neon colors and wild prints make me happy.  When I am training my clients, I am very purposeful about wearing "happy colors" so that my enthusiasm becomes contagious!

image from:  www.adorabletab.com

• Running can be done pretty much anytime and any place.  Unlike many sports, running can be done solo -- you do not need to arrange a date with a "partner" unless you are afraid to run alone.  Running can be done on a treadmill or outside -- no need to "rent a court."  Running is one of the less expensive sports -- sure, you can choose to purchase many accessories, but what do you really need?  A pair of good running shoes is the most essential item.  

• Running allows me to compete against myself.  I enjoy setting personal goals and achieving them.  If I do not achieve them, I like to understand why, especially from a physiological perspective.

• Running allows me to use my exercise physiology background to improve my clients' and my own running/race performances.  I admit it -- I am somewhat of a science geek and I love "figuring it all out." There's VO2max, anaerobic threshold, glycogen stores, fast and slow-twitch muscle fibers, and so much more!!!

image from:  www.gotosurvive.com

So, why do you run?  I would love to hear from you --please share your "reasons" in the Comments Section below this post.

Stay the course, my friends.  Run on, run strong.

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

image from: www.shannamann.com

Well, it is time for my two-week recap since beginning my Official NYC Marathon Training Program and the Paleo Diet.  Well, sure am glad that I'm a very flexible and resilient individual...

WEEK ONE TRAINING (June 30th - July 6th):  My goal was simply to get in at least 15 miles with runs of 30 minutes or more.  I was just interested in building my base mileage over this week and the next.  My plan was to be up to 20 weekly miles at the end of Week Two.  Well, according to my Garmin Forerunner 620 GPS (which I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE), I ran a total of 16.59 miles (to be exact).  I got in most of my mileage during the July 4th Holiday Weekend which I spent on Cape Cod.  My longest run was on Sunday, July 6th -- 5.52 glorious and very scenic miles in Falmouth, MA.  My running buddy, Ann, and I, ran along part of the Falmouth Road Race course and then continued into beautiful Falmouth Heights.  Our course ran adjacent to the panoramic Cape Cod Bay -- since the view could not be beat, the time went by so quickly!

View Near Finish Line of Falmouth Road Race

The Historical "Finish Line Garden"

Falmouth Marina

WEEK ONE PALEO DIET (June 30th through July 6th):  Well, I was about to go shopping on Sunday, June 29th for all the staples that I needed for my first "paleo week." However, Ann, called and asked me to please go for a run with her because she was 'quickly losing motivation.'  How could I say "no?"  After all, Ann has always been there for me.  So, out the door I went for my second run of the day in the 85-90 degree sunshine and humidity!  Unfortunately, grocery shopping was no longer an option since I had evening plans that could not be changed.  My work week was way too busy to go shopping, so I just told myself that I could become a "hunter/gatherer" one week later than originally planned.

  

WEEK TWO TRAINING (July 7th through July 13th):  Let the fun and games truly begin!!!  I was just too busy to run on Monday, July 7th -- so many clients to train that I ran out of time.  Plus, my body could use a rest after running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- after all, I am not so young any more; I value rest and recovery as much as the runs themselves!  Tuesday, July 8th -- yep, that is when all hell broke loose -- the dreaded ORAL SURGERY!!!  When the oral surgeon said, "absolutely no running for 10 days," I wanted to cry.  So, there you have it -- week two of training:  zero miles. In addition, I have had the joy of being on a potpourri of pills subsequent to the tooth removal and abscess draining -- an antibiotic, a six day course of steroids, Motrin, and mega doses of Vitamin C, plus an oral rinse that stains your teeth - very glamorous!

I promise you that I will NEVER take steroids again!!!!!  Yes, I am revving at 100 miles per hour and have had two virtually sleepless nights over the past six days (I just finished the steroids today).  My entire body has been vibrating since day two of my steroid adventure.  Next time (hopefully, there will never be a "next time"), I will opt for major mouth swelling instead of this PSYCHO DRUG!!!  If you are suffering from insomnia, I have a great book for you to read --  Wild, by Cheryl Strayed -- it kept me going during those two sleepless nights.

WEEK TWO PALEO DIET (July 7th through July 13th):  What Paleo Diet???  The oral surgeon's instructions were quite clear:  "Mushy food and liquids only."  Paleo NOTHING!!!  I have been living on overcooked pasta, rice, yogurt, ice cream -- you get the picture.  I especially love having to constantly urinate due to the mega doses of Vitamin C, combined with a high carbohydrate diet -- such fun, especially in the middle of the night!

So, my friends, the first two weeks have been a test of my resiliency.  Let me tell you... you cannot keep a good woman down!!!  I will be back with a vengeance!  Stay tuned for the next official training and paleo diet recap in two weeks from today!

Zooma Half Marathon - Cape Cod

Today, I signed up for the Zooma Half Marathon in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.   Zooma Runs are for women only and take place all over the country on various dates throughout the year.  In addition to the Zooma Half Marathon in Cape Cod, there is also a Zooma10K race on the same day. Both races are on September 27th and take place in the picturesque town of Falmouth.

While vacationing on the Cape this past July 4th weekend, I had the opportunity to check out Race Headquarters, the newly renovated Sea Crest Beach Hotel.  What an incredibly beautiful spot! The half-marathon starts right outside of the lobby of the hotel and finishes within steps of the private hotel beach.  My running buddy and I took a tour of the hotel and were so impressed.

Sea Crest Beach Hotel - Race Headquarters & Host Hotel

The Cape is beautiful year round, but I especially love the fall!  This is going to be a great weekend!  I cannot wait to run along the water and through the tree-lined streets of North Falmouth.

As of today, race registration is at 90 percent of capacity.  Are you curious to learn more?   If so, click on the following link:  http://zoomarun.com/capecod/.

Hope to see you there!!!