First steps

Last week I was allowed to slowly return to running. Last I talked to you about running, I was in so much pain that I was on a total rest  - for two entire weeks. Nothing lower body. Just rest! Then, I did some test miles.
I mean, minutes.
Because I only ran ten minutes the first time! I wanted to go really slowly, so after my first week I can proudly boast of three and a half miles total. But it's worth it to stay healthy.

I wore my Hotter than Hell Marathon shirt! Love it! It fits me so well - long enough, sleeves the right length, etc. 

I got some really, really good advice from elite Camille Herron, who not only personally emailed me (she's the nicest runner basically ever), but also has a detailed blog post about stress fractures here. One thing that stood out to me was that she allows herself complete rest, and doesn't do much cross training while she heals. Why? So her aerobic capacity isn't out of balance with her muscle strength. My pool-running last time I tried to comeback had kept me in shape - and I quickly felt comfortable running 3 miles, then 5 miles, then 10, then 26...BAM, re-injured. My muscles and bones weren't as strong as my lungs and I was hurt again. But this time, after my weeks of complete rest, I couldn't have run more than ten minutes, anyway (I mean, after a short break I'm sure I could have kept going, but at ten minutes I definitely wanted to stop and walk).

How do I feel? Well. Not perfect. Muscles are weak. There's some soft-tissue pain. I have some issues still going on. Osteitis Pubis is flaring like crazy, like every time I return to running. But no bone pain - and I'm doing all I can to prevent a return. More on that later. For now, I'm celebrating my 3-mile week!

Kayaking on the Bayou

Just another beautiful day in New Orleans, enjoying Bayou St. John in a tandem kayak.

We paddled around amid pelicans, cranes, turtles, and fish. There was a cool breeze, but the sun was warm until it set in splendid color.
I'm definitely buying a kayak now. Once I can use my hands again, that is. Apparently there is a muscle at the top of your wrist that you use to flex your hand. I discovered it after two hours paddling, and now I can't brush my teeth.

Swollen, red wrist! 

But once I can reach into my wallet to pull out my credit card, I'm buying a kayak and spending every weekend on the bayou!

More Meb: Read Cassidy's post

Head on over to Letsrun.com for vitriol-filled message boards and a Mike Cassidy's write up on finishing the NewYork City Marathon with Meb!

PS - Mike Cassidy's lifted foot toes-in, just like mine. Does this mean that I'll finish a race with a pro someday?

Finally fall!

What's going on, Louisiana?! Suddenly we get fall leaves? I've never seen this kind of color in New Orleans before!

Leaves picked up on my street

Along with fall leaves, gusty winds, and humidity under 70% some days, the pharmacists' license renewals are showing up in the mail (They're due each December).
That means I have to finish up my continuing education units and fork over the money. My employer doesn't pay for my license, but it's just $100 so I can deal. Luckily, I never have to pay for CEs, since nearly all pharmacy CEs are free (and sometimes come with dinner!).
Meanwhile, my husband's legal CEs are expensive - sometimes hundreds of dollars! Clearly this is because lawyers are rats.

Do you have license renewals or CE for your job, and who pays? You or your employer?

Running from Phillip's Bar

Every Thursday, Varsity Sports does a group run that ends at a bar or restaurant for some drinks and socializing. I finally got my request granted, and we met at Philip's bar!
This is my favorite bar, because it's a block away. We're friends with the owners, who've been our neighbors for 12 years - as long as our landlords and longer than anyone else in our transient, college neighborhood.

Me (in blue) wearing running clothes even though I'm a walker now.

David and I made it out to this run, although I was miserably walking. Boo. We don't make all the Thursday runs - if they're too far away, I can't make it time with my work schedule. But just down the street? I can handle that!
The night was perfect - high 60's - and we sat on the lovely patio for drink specials and sliders. It was a fabulous way to unwind with friends. I miss socializing with these guys when I'm out injured!

NYC marathon!

ESPN2 had great coverage of yesterday's marathon, so I wrapped up in a bathrobe, got a cup of tea, and watched the two-hour highlights program.
Ugh, WHY do marathons tug at my emotions so?!

Images like this make me cry.

I had mascara on (for church, got to look pretty for God) and I kept tearing up. I know what it's like to be in a city recovering from a devastating flood, and I just wanted to hug everyone. And run the marathon. I mean, I really did. The footage of the streets of New York and the finish in Central Park made me want to line up in the freezing cold with all those people and run 26 miles.
Speaking of freezing cold, New Orleans suddenly registered that it was November, and I got to break out the first sweater of the year. Chilly bliss!

Blurry sweater selfie

David's winter clothes are still packed, so he shivered in a windbreaker and scarf all day.

There are lots of great stories from NYCM, but my favorite is Meb's. Meb has had a rough year, just getting off injury, but he showed class today. Watch the video of his short interview.

So anyway. This marathon thing. I have a suspicion that I WILL run a marathon again. In fact, maybe fast. Who knows? But I might put NYC on my list. I know it's expensive, it's a huge ordeal, it's held during a busy time of year (work-wise) for me. Nevertheless, I want to run it, but it might not be soon. For one thing, there's the issue of getting into the race. I could do lottery, but I want to qualify. Right now the qualifying times aren't horrifyingly stringent, so I could do it. Just not any time soon. Anyone run New York and care to share thoughts? Loved it? Too crowded? Inspiring?
And what was your favorite moment or story from the race?

One last Halloween picture

I think black lipstick and a skull scarf is teetering on the brink of the dress code.