Moving!

It's been a crazy couple months.  I received a job offer I couldn't refuse in Minnesota, so that turned Chris and my world upside down quite a bit!  It was a great opportunity for me to do what I love and the area is BEAUTIFUL!  The bluffs and river are scenic and the city of about 30,000 offers enough for us to do but is still small enough to not be too chaotic.  It's great to be able to get everywhere in 5 minutes too!  There are trails around the lake, other hiking trails, a YMCA, running clubs and all sorts of activities that we can do to help maintain a healthy lifestyle!  There's even a triathlon right here in June!  Here's a few photos of the area....enjoy!

Ann

New running shoes!

I needed a new pair of running shoes so I thought I would give the Hoka's a try since Chris loves his soooo much!  Got a great deal on them since they were last years model.  Also ordered some "Speed Laces" with Zero Friction guides.  Now we just need some better weather!

Ann

Rehabbing herniated disc-Update

Well, I'm about 11 weeks post herniated disc, L5/S1. Didn't have much relief until I received an epidural 5 weeks ago. Shooting pain down the leg and calf almost gone but my back and hip still get sore. Since the shot and initial improvement following it I have seen a little improvement but nothing earth shattering. Slightly concerned that I'm approaching the 3 month mark and don't feel anywhere near healed. Haven't been able to do much other than light walking on the treadmill and some swimming with a swim buoy between the legs. Hoping this doesn't drag out 4, 5, 6 months and they say "let's operate". It would end my season. As it is I wanted to do a 70.3 and thinking that may be a long shot at this moment since I would need to start training around mid Feb or by the first of March. Trying to keep perspective of things saying to myself it's ok if I have to stick to sprints or maybe a late season Oly vs. not doing anything this year. Also doing some hanging on the inversion table to see if that helps!

Triathlon Season coming to an end.....

Well, the weather has changed and it's getting cold.  Events are pretty much done for the year and all that's left is hoping for a few nice days to get outside and train before the snow flies.  It's been an "interesting" year for us.  Ann came on like gang busters and after doing a duathlon and a couple running events she finished the season doing 2 triathlons within one week of each other!  I have been nagged by injuries all year starting with a weightlifting injury back in February that hampered my lifting all year then a hip flexor issue that prevented me from doing any half or full marathons and then an accident that messed up my shoulder.  I ended up completing a duathlon, 3 triathlons, 2 running events and a swim event.  My times were very good, completing races faster than I anticipated.  Were I fell short was moving up in the ranks to longer triathlons.  I'm hoping to get my shoulder issue resolved one way or another so I can begin a strict and intense off season routine that will get me to the next level.    

Does stretching before running prevent injury or improve performance?

Actually, it can slow you down!  Why?  "Static Stretching" is believed to elongate muscle fibers causing a neuromuscular inhibitory response according to Malachy McHugh, director of research for the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.  Static stretching triggers a protective counter response in the nervous system and this tightens the muscles to prevent from over stretching them.  In experiments, static stretching temporarily decreased strength by up to 30% and can last up to 30 minutes.  Also in large scale studies, static stretching did not reduce common injuries such as knee pain and Achilles Tendinitis.

There also has been debate as to what is (if any) the best way to warm up your muscles prior to running.  If you still feel the need to do a "warm up" prior to running, "dynamic stretching" may be your best option.  This type of movement incorporates a wide range of body movements and doesn't stress tissue fibers causing your nervous system to use the protective counter response spoke of prior.  Here are some examples of dynamic stretches.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-287--13442-0,00.html

Chris

Crop walk for hunger today!

Chris and I are participating in the "Crop Walk for Hunger" today! Many of you know that we race, but most do not know that the majority of the events that we participate in, the entry fee goes towads charity.  The Crop Walk raises money for food around the world as well as a good portion going towards the local food pantry here in Vilas County.  Think of us as we walk 5 miles to help bring an end to hunger!

http://www.churchworldservice.org/site/TR/2011FallCROPHungerWalk/TR-Fall2011?fr_id=13137&pg=entry

Thanks
Ann

Update:  Had a great time!  Collected $145 for the walk and the weather turned out pretty nice, just a little windy.