The never ending hip saga

Its two weeks out from NY marathon and still I am having investigations to determine the source of the hip pain. Last Friday it was the arthrogram. Next week it’s another ultrasound scan though on a positive note it will be done by Wes Cormick, the best in the business. Normally it takes 6 weeks to get in to see him but I’m a special case 🙂 He’s seeing me next Thursday after a phone call from my doctor.

And why am I having another ultrasound scan? It appears that there is something going on with the labrum, the connective tissue around the rim of the hip socket. It looks like it’s peeling away rather than torn. There are other things showing on the MRI film so that’s why I’m having further ultrasound scans. If something is there Wes will find it. And hopefully I’ll get injections where it’s needed.

The good news is that there is nothing wrong with my hip joint. Something positive!

So stay tuned….

Meanwhile I did another long walk this morning. I started at 6am as I had a 30km walk to do and I estimated that it would take me about 5 hours. This would mean I would finish at 11am. So again I was up with the birds, having porridge at some absurdly early hour and then heading off just before 6am. It was chilly so I wore gloves to keep my hands warm. Sort of worked but they still got very cold and refused to cooperate a bit later when I needed to make a toilet stop. Honestly it takes me forever just to unclip the iPod and get my fuel belt off, let alone anything else.

It was very smoky from the NSW bushfires. The morning sky had a distinct pinkish hue and initially the sun was a glowing red ball.

I actually didn’t count down the kilometres as I walked this morning. It was a case of suck it up and walk. I had a job to do and I wasn’t getting distracted by thoughts of “are we there yet?”

I saw Ruth at about the 14km mark so we had a quick chat before we both went out separate ways again. At the halfway point I had a nut bar. I made a point of bringing something to eat on this walk. Up until now I haven’t bothered but I thought I should at least practice eating something as I will need to do this for 42km. I also a had 2 small bottles of coconut water in my fuel belt – makes a nice change from water or sports drink.

Eventually I did warm up so I had a quick pit stop to take off the long sleeved top and tie around my waist, and put my gloves in the fuel belt pocket. Then I was away again, intent on getting home.

My hip was sore from the 2km mark this morning so wasn’t the best pain-wise. More anti-inflammatories when I got home.

And my post-walk reward was a green smoothie containing coconut water, kiwi fruit, lettuce, baby spinach, fennel, protein powder and chia seeds. Surprisingly sweet and delicious…and green 🙂

In summary:

Distance – 30km

Time – 4hr 53.41min

Pace – 9.45min/km

Other exercise this week:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 45 min intervals on the xtrainer

Tuesday and Thursday – weights sessions

And the pressure’s on

Its official!

Bib number: 56290

Blue Wave #4 / Corral #56

Start time: 10.55am

The bit that has me worried though is the following:

SWEEP BUS and STREET OPENINGS

• Sweep buses will follow the marathon route at a 6 1/2-hour marathon pace, roughly 15 minutes per mile, after the 10:55 a.m. start. These buses will transport any entrant who wishes to drop out to the post-finish area.
• After the sweep buses pass by, the city streets will reopen to traffic. Cross-street protection, medical assistance, aid stations, and other services will no longer be available. Runners on the course should move onto the sidewalks. The official end time of the race is 7:25 p.m.

I’m in the 10.55am wave. This means that the sweep bus will not be too far behind me. Nothing like applying the pressure. As it is, I was giving myself 7 hours to do the distance. Now I’ll have to revise and somehow try to do it in 6.30hr.

The other thing that has me worried is that I start an hour before lunch and will finish about 6pm, all going to plan. I’m going to be starving. I have the choice of water, sports drink and powergels, with fruit available from mile 20 onwards. I think I need to pack some bars in my fuel belt. I’ll be looking forward to dinner that night! 🙂

Today’s long walk

I was up early (5am) for a 6am start today – to walk 27km, my longest walk to date. This time I had breakfast before I left home. Last week I didn’t and I was starving by the end. I also wore my fuel belt today with 2 water bottles. I didn’t carry any extra food as I didn’t think I needed it. However I think for the final 2 long walks (30 and 34 km) before the marathon I will carry snacks so I can work out what will provide the best source of energy plus keep the hunger pains away.

My hip felt fine when I started but by the time 11kms had clicked over I was feeling it again…bugger. I saw Ruth near my turnaround point. After a brief chat (we were meeting up for lunch a few hours later) I set off for home. Other than discomfort in the hip area everything else was fine. I was tired by the time I had finished and was glad to stop. Also, the walk home is harder than the walk to Lake Burley Griffin because I walk down to the lake, which means there are hills I have to walk up on the return journey.

Stats:

Distance – 27.2km

Time – 4hr 27.08min

Pace – 9.48min/km

 

The things you see…

Well I’m officially back into walking training after completing a 23km walk this morning. Yes there is some discomfort but its manageable.

It was an early start as I needed to get the walk done before my scheduled massage later in the morning. So I was up at 5am (on a long weekend no less!) and out the door at 5.45am. 3hr 50min later I was finally back home again, ravenous, thirsty and tired. I’m still surprised how tiring walking can be.

As I was passing the Belconnen Arts Centre down by the lake, I came across a very strange sight. Not something one sees every day. Imagine a huge hot air balloon sporting large breasts and a head that resembles a turtle.

It’s a skywhale!

No? Never heard of it?!

Hindenboob?! Oh never mind, here’s a picture…

Certainly eye catching, wouldn’t you say? A conversation starter…

This was my first experience of seeing the skywhale up close and personal.

According to the blurb on the Canberra Centenary website:

“The Centenary of Canberra has unveiled its largest commission – a sculpture by internationally renowned artist and former Canberran Patricia Piccinini that is a 34m long, 23m high hot-air balloon called The Skywhale. The Skywhale is at least twice as big as a standard hot-air balloon, weighs half a tonne and used more than 3.5km of fabric. It took 16 people seven months and more than 3.3million stitches to design and make.”

Then not long after seeing the Skywhale in all it’s glory I saw Ruth who was obviously warming up for parkrun. We had a very brief chat before parting ways – Ruth to the parkrun and me continuing on my never-ending walk (well it felt like that).

However eventually I did make it home, and after a rushed breakfast (I was close to inhaling the contents of the fridge I was that hungry) headed off for my much-needed massage.

I’d like to say it was heavenly bliss but I’d be lying! There were quite a few tight knots and spots that needed working out. But I felt so good by the end of it. I have another massage scheduled for 3 weeks time, just before leaving for New York.

Caught up for a coffee with Mr B in the afternoon to discuss New York accommodation and hear all about his recent overseas trip.

And I got to see Lorna Jane in the flesh. She was signing books at her store in the mall. 🙂

Tonight I had an Epsom salts bath. I think it will be an early night. That 23km walk has knocked the stuffing out of me. Who would’ve thought?!

Stuck

Today I’m stuck.

First of all I was stuck for a blog entry title. If I don’t have a title how do I know what to write about? A heading is like a signpost – it gives me an idea of which direction to go.

But then, what do I write about? Do I write just for the sake of writing? What have I done today, or yesterday, that’s worth writing about?

See? I’m stuck. Stuck for words. Stuck for ideas, inspiration. Stuck.

This morning I did go for my early morning walk with random 30sec jogs thrown in. For the first kilometre I walk. My hammy does not like or appreciate any jogging in the first kilometre. It needs to warm up first. Then for the next couple of kilometres I managed 2 x 30sec jogs with no problems. So then I tried for 3 x 30sec jogs from the third kilometre onwards. This seemed to work well, as long as I stayed on the flat. Any flat parts of the cycle path became an open invitation to break into a very slow, very gentle jog. I have lost a lot of strength in the left leg due the injury so it tires relatively quickly. I could not manage any more than 30 sec jogs at the moment. But at least I can manage to do at least a couple of jogs per kilometre. That must be some sort of progress.

However…and there’s always a ‘however’…or a ‘but’ when things seem to be moving along in a positive way. I have somehow managed to aggravate my hip when I was back home, well after my walk/jog. I’m not sure if I sat awkwardly or got up too quickly but its bloody sore around the hip area (on the same leg as the injured hammy). The only upside I can think of is that I am seeing the specialist this Friday. It looks like he might have a couple of things to treat. At the moment I am walking quite gingerly – bringing my left leg forward is painful. Ok I’m limping. Not good.

So I’m well and truly stuck at the moment. 😦

Spring has sprung

Today is the second day of spring. As far as I could see it was a lovely day. I was indoors for most of it, busy at my desk with no view of the outdoors. The view from my window is a grim, grey and very boring brick and cement wall.

Yesterday, the first day of spring, I did a 23km walk. Now I can vouch for the fact that yesterday was a lovely day given that I spent 3.5 hours of it, in the afternoon, walking, walking, walking. Thank goodness I had arranged to meet Ruth for the Lake Ginninderra portion of the walk. Its so nice having company sometimes.

Actually, I didn’t realise how much I get in the zone, so to speak, when I’m doing one of my training walks. A couple of friends were out on their bikes yesterday, saw me from a distance and were calling out to me. But because they were behind me, I had my earphones in, and I was focussed on walking I never heard them. It wasn’t until I felt a bike slow down very close to me did I look up and see who it was!

The walk went ok. It was only the last 4km when Ruth and I went our separate ways, that I was finding it hard. I had slowed down because I was tired and the soreness was starting to settle in. It always feels harder when you’re on your own.

So 3.5hrs later I was home – actually it was probably closer to 4hrs later as we did stop for a cold drink and a sit down near the end. All I felt like doing once I got home was put my feet up and not move again. However, I had to have a shower and get ready as we were going out to dinner that night. At least I had walked up an appetite!

Dinner was with friends, Ruth & Mr B, and the Hares (who I had seen earlier when they out on their bikes!) at the Copa Brazilian Churrasco in Dickson. Due to a booking stuff up at SubUrban/Belluccis, we decided to try this restaurant and it proved to be a great choice. It was a lot of fun trying all the different barbecued meats on offer – from seafood to chicken to lamb to pork and to beef. Not a place for vegetarians! Mr CJ and I had been to a similar restaurant, Carnivore, in Singapore a few years ago.

Today was a rest day. Which is a good thing because I am really tired. I can’t believe walking can take that much out of me. I’m running walking on empty

Short & sweet

Sort of describes me! 🙂 Hehehe!

However I’m referring to today’s entry.

Up early for a 10km walk before breakfast. I couldn’t manage more than one lot of 30secs of jogging every kilometre today. Some days are better than others. It was very chilly this morning so I was wearing several layers. An amazing sunrise greeted me but I didn’t see the sun again until later in the morning.

Morning tea and lunch at the War Memorial cafe with wonderful friends. Truly I am blessed with great friends. I heard about the awesome run along the Birdsville Track by the amazing Steve. Over 500km in 8-9 days. Imagine that…getting up and running between 60-70km every day for just over a week. Mind boggling.

Weather-wise, it ended up being a beautiful day. I’m hoping tomorrow is the same as I have a 23km walk to do in the afternoon.

Tequila sunrise

“It’s another tequila sunrise…”

I’m not referring to the Eagles’ song, a 1973 song written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, and recorded by the Eagles. It was the first single from the band’s second album Desperado. My dad loved the Eagles and so I heard this song a lot the year it was released. However don’t get me started on Neil Diamond’s Hot August Night album released in 1972 – my mum’s favourite. This was on high rotation on the stereo and to this day I can’t listen to a Neil Diamond song from that album without gagging. I am definitely not a Neil Diamond fan.

Tequila sunrise….it’s an indirect reference to the cocktail made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine and which it gets its name from the way the grenadine settles in the bottom of the glass, giving the impression of a sunrise. It was the drink of choice for a period of time during my misspent youth and to be honest, I don’t think I could even face one now, let alone drink it! Too many memories and not all of them good! Besides its so sickly sweet.

It was the sunrise this morning that reminded me of the Tequila Sunrise cocktail – funny how little things like that can bring back all sorts of memories. It was a gorgeous sky, just before the sun popped over the horizon. It was a bit chilly but my random 30 sec jogs soon warmed me up. I think I am improving on these short jogs though I still can’t do more than 30 secs. However I can string a couple relatively close together, with only short walking breaks between, as long as it’s done on the flat. I’m finding that jogging up or down hill still doesn’t work for me.

Had a lovely lunch with Ruth at Shorty’s – a new bar/cafe in Civic where Milk & Honey used to be. Had a great cappuccino even it it did have chocolate on the top 🙂 Both of us had the chicken skewers on corn tortillas with avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo. Wasn’t the most elegant dish to eat as my tortillas disintegrated when I tried wrapping the filling to eat them.

Sunny Sunday

I can almost smell spring time…it’s on it’s way!!! The blossoms are just starting to open and soon there’ll be an explosion of colour and wonderful scents once spring kicks into high gear. Spring in the capital also means variable weather – one day gorgeous, the next day abysmal. And the wind – cold, gusty, straight off the alps. But when the sky is blue, the wind is calm, it’s a lovely time to be outdoors.
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Sunday walk
I decided a change of scenery was in order so I decided to walk one of my old running routes which takes my up the back of Hawker, a suburb in Belconnen. It’s a bush walk and there were a few hills which I managed to hobble up. The view over to the ranges is spectacular and I never tire of it. There were quite a few mountain bike cyclists out on the trails, one that flew by me without warning. There were also mobs of kangaroos out, always alert for the slightest hint of danger.

Sunday breakfast
We went out to Braddon, an inner city suburb, for breakfast this morning. This was payment for doing Mr CJs tax return (I had already been taken out for breakfast by sons #1 and #2 respectively in previous weeks). We decided to have breakfast at Delissio’s mainly because it was the quietest and we were guaranteed of getting a table. Elk & Pea, our first choice, was packed and meant waiting around for a table. I had hash browns with avocado, bacon and roasted tomato with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce. Unfortunately the hash browns were the pre-packaged, McDonald’s type of hash browns whereas I had been hoping for the handmade sort. The rest of the dish was delicious and the coffee was great.

Sunday cooking
This afternoon was spent food prepping for the week: roasting sweet potatoes, pumpkin and beetroot. Par steaming broccoli. The roasted sweet potato and pumpkin were then puréed, portioned into glad bags and frozen. Beetroot was quartered and also frozen. Same with the broccoli.

Made an awesome 45sec chocolate and salted caramel pudding tonight for dessert using this recipe from the Drizzle & Dip blog. However the caramel disappeared into the pudding as it cooked. So next time (and there will be a next time!) I’ll add more caramels.

(Photograph – Samantha Linsell, samanthalinsell.com)

Happy feet

My feet are feeling the love. I have found a pair of shoes that are really comfortable for walking, they’re light, and there’s more room around my forefoot.

And the best thing is I didn’t have to buy a new pair of shoes.

I was originally wearing my Asics GT 2170s but these gave me lots of grief, especially during last week’s long walk. My right big toe nail is still recovering from the bruising walk. There were a few nights in the past week when I was woken by the throbbing underneath my toe nail. Oh so painful.

So anyway this week I’ve been wearing my Asics Gel DS Trainers. Bliss I tell you, utter bliss. They are so comfortable and cushiony. And my toes aren’t getting a battering. 🙂

During the week I’ve been walking around 7km most days but this afternoon I did a 12km walk. I didn’t experience any problems with my feet. So fingers crossed I’ve found the perfect shoe for endurance walking. And I managed a 30sec jog every kilometre – total of 12 x 30sec jogs today. 🙂

This morning I did my weights session at the gym. I enjoy going to the gym on a Saturday morning because its so quiet, compared to the peak hour traffic on week days. I have the choice of machines and weights. And benches. During the week guys hog the benches and don’t willingly give them up.

I increased the weights today so I had to reduce the reps on some of the exercises. The goal is to gradually increase the reps as I get stronger.

Bruised toenails

I have a problem. A very painful problem. The toenail on my big toe is so sore. Looking at it, it’s looking quite red in the upper half of the nail so I’m guessing there’s a bruise underneath. It hurts to walk because of the pressure exerted on the toe when I take a step.

Ouchies.

I never really anticipated problems with walking. I have a long history of running injuries but walking?! I mean, come on, it’s walking for crying out loud! Hmmm, I think I’m going to have to review my thinking regarding walking – it’s a bloody tough gig. 🙂

So what do I do with a very painful bruised toenail? Suggestions gratefully accepted as I have another training walk to do on Tuesday.

This afternoon I walked 22.6km – my longest walk to date. It took almost 3 1/2 hours, with an average pace of 9.11min/km. Ruth walked with me around Lake Ginninderra, which is where we saw Kathy out on her bike. We had a chat for a bit before Kathy headed off and we continued on. There was a really strong wind blowing which sometimes made it tough going, but gee it really helps having company. That, and the lure of coffee! Which we had at Black Pepper, before I headed off home and Ruth to the mall.

Now to hobble off to bed 🙂

Tomorrow 🙂