Pull My Finger

I am taking a "break" from the vitamins today to show you a new kind of "break". While playing prison rules frisbee yesterday I managed to break myself once again. Yes, it is broken and yes I am bummed. I am bummed for two reasons. Reason number one is that we still have two more weeks of prison rules frisbee left and then we are done until the fall. I will miss those two weeks. Ugh!!! Reason number two is that this is my shifter finger for my bike and I really need this finger to work so I can continue to ride my bike. I guess I will have to either not shift or use another finger or fingers to shift. I am still a rookie on the bike and these kinds of complications are cause for more wrecks which could lead to more breaks.

On a positive note I know that this will heal and it will be ready for more prison rules Frisbee in the fall. Also, every time I get injured it causes me to have to learn how to keep training around that injury. This my peeps makes me able to train you around your injuries. You see where I am going with this! It is all about you peeps all about you. I am sweet like that you know.

Below is a short list of how I can continue to train with this minor set back:

1. I can still run outside with the rabbit Deana and Runner Susan or gassers or shuttles or sprints with the Devil.
2. I can still do push-ups.
3. I can still do ab and core work.
4. I can still lift upper body weights just maybe a little lighter on my right hand side.
5. I can do the leg press machine and the jam n squat machine with the Devil.
6. I can still work with resistance bands, dumbbells, and body weight only resistance.
7. I can lunge, squat and hold planks till the cows come home.
8. I can always use a smaller splint to hold my finger in place while I ride my bike.
9. I have already purchased such splint and will try it out tomorrow. See I am on it peeps.
   

It looks to me like I can still train just as hard just with a broken finger! Cool!

Show up and make it count!

Stretch It Out

I get lots of questions about different aches and pains and what type of stretching would be good to do for that particular part of the body that is hurting. I wanted to come up with some type of video that you could watch that might help you get through that particular ache or pain. I found a wonderful group of video's at the Runner's World website. They have an extensive video library. You may check out the section on injury prevention by clicking here. They also have videos for training, nutrition and weight loss, motivation and shoes and gear.

Another item that I love and use on a daily basis is my foam roller. I bought mine at RunOn in Coppell or you can get one at Target. They are awesome and are a wonderful way to roll out the pain of your back, hamstrings, glutes, quads or even your shins, IT bands and calf muscles. It is the closest thing to a deep tissue massage. They are wonderful and have gotten me through several leg work-outs when my back gets really bound up. Basically you just roll the muscle group that you want to massage over the foam roller. I would be happy to go over the use of the foam roller if you are interested.

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A Stitch In My Side Saves 9

I have had several people ask me about the "Side Stitch" or pain in the side of the adbomen area that they might get while running or exercising. It is usually along the right side of the abdomen and hurts like crazy when it is happening to you. I did a little research and found a great article on the Runnersworld website. This article might give you some insight as to why it might happen. I get a stitch every so often, but not near as often as when I first starting running and exercising. I do believe that it doesn't happen as much since I am in better overall condition now as opposed to then. I asked my sweet husband what his view would be on how to stop a side stitch and he stated "Stop Running"! I laughed at first, but after researching a little more I found another article on the Sportsmedicine website that stated just that...stop running! Show up and make it count!

Additional information can be found by clicking on the name Runnersworld and Sportsmedicine in the article above.

My Shins Are Doing Me In

The topic of pain in the shin area (front of the lower leg) is the most asked about ailment. I have suffered from shin pain and it will shut you down faster than anything. I have found that with me the first thing I need to do when I start having any shin pain is check my shoes. Shin pain for me is a big indicator that it is time for new running shoes and new insoles. I usually buy both at the same time. The shoes that have worked for me are Asics running shoes. They have all types of running shoes and you can expect to pay a minimum of about $50.00. There are many great styles of running shoes out there so if you are not sure what to buy go to a store that has a trained staff like Run On or Lukes Locker. They will watch you run and ask you questions and let you try on all types of shoes before you make a decision. These guys know what they are talking about because most of their employees are runners or at the very least exercise to stay fit. I also am a big believer in good insoles in the new shoes. I usually buy a new pair of Spenco Polysorb Insoles when I purchase my new shoes. I take out the insoles that came with the shoes and trim the Spenco insoles to fit the new shoes. It is like running on pillows. Lastly, check out the stretching video at Runnersworld under the category of The Runner's Body and then click on the shin/calf video. It is an excellent video that is easy to follow and may help relieve some of the pain. I hope this post is helpful. The best advice I can forward on to you is what has worked for me. Show up and make it count!

For additional information on Asics, Run On, Lukes Locker, Spenco or Runnersworld just click on their name above to be redirected to their websites.