A Tempo Run to start the day, a Health Challenge to end it

Wednesday was an interesting day. It started on a good note. I ran a nice Tempo Run before going to work. I did my warm-up and cool-down walks as usual, but my run segment was really nice. It was only for 30:47 minutes for 3.2 miles but it just felt good. And at a 9:26/mm pace, I felt a lot better with my breathing and pacing than I did during the Soldier Field race. At the end of the run, I felt pretty energized! My heart rate was a little higher than I would have liked, but I know that will be lower once I get back into a regular run training regimen.

The other thing I did was to become a member of the RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) that is located in Crystal Lake. The membership is not too expensive, and, members can participate in the club's Marathon Training Program without additional fee. The club is sponsored through the Healthbridge gym, so members get access to pool and shower facilities at the gym after Long Runs. But the best deal by far is the marathon training program, led by an awesome trainer named Cari Setzler (who was featured in Running World's June Magazine). She was the person who taught the Natural Running course I took in April, so I am looking forward to her coaching as I prepare for the Chicago Marathon.

The end of the day was a bit more thoughtful. I signed up for a health assessment at a chiropractic center near my home. They offered a very inexpensive deal for doing a physical assessment, including spinal, neck, and hip x-rays, a digital foot scan, and a health evaluation. I did that last week. Today was my meeting with the doctor to discuss the results.

I have been dealing with some discomfort (dull pain) in my left hip for the past two months. It would come and go, and it was just making me nervous not knowing the cause. Well now I know. My left hip is a bit lower than my right, and is somewhat rotated. And I have some subluxations (misalignments) in my spine at my lower back and neck areas.

She said that my active lifestyle has helped my muscles to adapt to these issues, so that should also make it easier for them to readjust to having everything back to normal. That made me feel better -- especially given how far I have come in my health journey. I can only imagine what things might have looked like when I was 110 pounds heavier!

None of these require major medical intervention, but they do need to be adjusted so that my spine is aligned properly and my hip and weight distribution are balanced. Doing these things will improve my posture, relieve any pressure on the nerves coming out of my spinal cord, and all of that will improve my overall health and fitness. And that should translate into better running performance as well.

So for the next three months, I will be going in for adjustments and physical therapy to take care of this stuff. The doctor said I should not have to adjust my run training schedule (huge sigh of relief) and that actually, this will give us a chance to see how my running is affecting my body. I start next week!

I was a little bummed out as I left the doctor's office. No one likes to get news that something is out of 'sync' with their body/health. But then I decided to look at this in a more positive light. I have another aspect of my journey to wellness that I need to address. And it is something that I CAN address without invasive action. I know this is a solvable situation and I will attack this with the same zeal as I have faced my other health challenges.

By the time I have to run the Chicago Marathon in October, my body -- as well as my mind -- will be a well-tuned instrument that will lead me across the Finish Line! It will be all the more sweet a victory!

The last AVON Training Walk -- 6 days until we Walk!

The AVON Walk is fast approaching -- only 6 days from today!!! This Friday, June 1st, Christi and I will head to "Event Eve" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Rosemont to meet up with thousands of fellow walkers as we prepare for the BIG Day on June 2nd!

Today was my last Training Walk before Friday. It was a nice walk to/from Lundahl Middle School at 6:40am this morning. I started off at a relaxed pace because I just didn't see the need to push myself today. It was a sunny, 75 degree day with a slight wind -- couldn't have been a better day to get outside!

On my way back from the school, I was all warmed up and feeling good so I picked up the pace. I averaged a 14:00/mm pace for the last 3 miles of the walk which was awesome. Of course, the first 3.7 miles were around a 17:30/mm pace so the overall pacing was 15:53/mm for the 6.7 miles I walked. Total mileage for May is now 90.9 miles!!

A cool thing happened during my walk back home. I passed a woman who was running towards me, and after having greeted her with a smile and a "Good Morning!", she said "Excuse me", stopped and came back to me. She asked me who I was. When I told her, she said "I know you! You are friends with Tonya." I said "Yes I am".

Then she told me that Tonya had told her about my journey, sent her some of my blog posts, and that she found them very inspiring. I was really touched by that. And then she told me that Tonya has started running herself and has already lost 20lbs!

I started this journey so I could live a good, long, healthy life. And along the way, I started this blog for two main reasons: 1) to track my progress and keep myself accountable to my goals, and 2) to share the journey with others who may find my experiences helpful and motivating for themselves. Hearing that Tonya has begun her own journey really made my day!! ROCK ON, Tonya!!

Well, this week will be focused on getting all my gear, clothing, fuel, and supplies together for the AVON Walk. I am VERY EXCITED!!! I cannot wait for the Walk to begin on Saturday morning at 6:30am at Soldier Field, when we walk a Full Marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Then we eat, rest, and start again on Sunday when we walk a Half Marathon distance of 13.1 miles, returning to Soldier Field for the closing ceremonies. Everyone tells me that these 39.3 miles will be fun, emotional, and amazing. I fully expect to be overwhelmed and amazed.

I want to thank ALL of those who have supported me with their words, prayers, hugs, and financial donations to the AVON Foundation. I walk for a wonderful cause -- finding an end to breast cancer. And I am thankful for having friends and family like you who have helped me to reach this point. I will be thinking of you all on Saturday morning and throughout this tremendous event. Your partnership means so very much to me.