January 9, 2014

When the Universe Sends You a Sign, Accept It

I’ve been anxious to get back to dance and to running. In preparation for getting back to dance, my Christmas list was filled with all sorts of winter dancing goodies: new tights, new sweaters, etc. Now they’re just sitting in my drawers, waiting to be worn. I almost wore the sweater to lounge around in one day after Christmas, but then I decided to wait until I got the chance to wear it at ballet.

Last week, I bought myself some new stability running shoes so that when I eventually return to running (in a few weeks) I would have new shoes that were better than my old ones to run in.

I was super excited when they were supposed to arrive, but instead, I got another surprise when the package arrived. A pair of the same shoes I currently own, in the wrong size:

photo (3)

 

I’m taking it as a sign that I need to be patient–I’ll get to dance and run when it’s the right time to again.

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog, Running Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment
January 7, 2014

Would You Rather: Running Edition

would-you-rather-7

Sure, I might not be doing any actual running yet (nor have I for about the past 10 weeks)–but this seemed like a cute link up to participate in to help me get back to being excited about running! Cori’s original link-up is here.

#1. Would you rather run in a thunderstorm or a snowstorm? 

Definitely a snowstorm. Snow is so pretty. Plus running in a thunderstorm seems…dangerous.

#2. Would you rather breathe through your nose or breathe through your mouth?

Thanks to being so allergy prone, I’m a total mouth breather. Trying to get better with my breathing in general, though.

#3. Would you rather do 100 squats or 100 crunches? [Now take a break and go do them. ;)]

100 squats definitely. Trying to work more on core strength though, so maybe I should pick the 100 crunches.

#4. Would you rather have a baked good for dessert or an extra serving of your favorite entree?

I’m a total sucker for baked goods. I’m currently working on perfecting my chocolate souffles. It’s a work in progress.

photo (2)

#5. Would you rather run on a treadmill for an hour or run around the same street block for an hour?

Same street block. There’s nothing I hate more than dreadmills. Plus, I slam down on them more with my feet, making them pretty bad for my legs.

#6. Would you rather have a headache during a run or a side stitch?

A side stitch. I’ve been dealing with pretty bad headaches as of lately, and I cannot manage to workout with one of them, so side stitch it is.

#7. Would you rather have a rest day on a work day or a day off?

Tough decision. Sometimes a workout is just what I need to clear my head after a workday, but sometimes it’s just nice to relax. So I’d say rest day on a workday.

#8. Would you rather be a race director or a race volunteer?

I think I’d want to volunteer first to learn some of the ropes before I’d become a volunteer.

#9. Would you rather spend your money on running gadgets [HRM, GPS watch, Headphones] or running shoes?

Running gadgets and clothing, definitely.

#10. Would you rather run in a relay or do the run portion of a distance triathlon?

I’d rather do a relay with multiple runs than run the run portion of a triathlon.

Would you participate in a “Would you rather” post about ballet? 

Filed Under: Blog, Running Tagged With: , , , , 4 Comments
January 5, 2014

Six Weeks and Counting: Injury Update and 2014 Goals

It’s been about six weeks since I went and I had an MRI done on my legs and discovered that in fact, had stress fractures. It really sucked, but it was nice to finally have an explanation for the pain I had experienced. For the next two weeks I plan on gradually adding back some of my PT exercises before attempting to gradually get back into the swing of things.

Even though it’s been relatively tough to not be at ballet or running, the holidays have certainly helped a bunch and I’ve kept busy with crocheting, coding, etc. I’m also working on yet another new website design using TwentyFourteen which is pretty cool (and more news-site, less blog which is a look I want to go for).

Rather than set resolutions (because everyone eventually just forgets those in a few weeks anyway), I’ve decided to set a few 2014 goals:

  • Read more often, borrow from our local library more. I don’t read often enough and it’s something I really miss. Any and all book suggestions welcome!
  • Learn more coding. The more and more I learn more coding, the more I think it’s something I’m potentially interested in going back to school for. Hoping to successfully complete Harvard’s Introduction to Computer Programming class this year with HQ. I’ll probably make the two of us blog about it.
  • Grow out my bangs. Seems kind of silly, but I always end up getting fed up with them and cutting them again. I’d like to be able to put my hair up into a bun without having to use a billion clips and bobby pins.
  • Get back into ballet. Fairly straight forward, but it’s going to take some work for me to not just jump back into it and instead start off with one class a week before moving to 2-3 classes a week. Baby steps.
  • Complete Couch25K Properly. Last time I skipped some levels and jumped around, so my aim this time is to actually follow all the steps to gradually get into running. Someone yell at me if I fail at this or jump too fast into ballet, too.
  • Blog and write more often. I’m hoping to write and blog more often, as well as read more blogs and get more involved in the blogging universe. I recently became a Girls Gone Sporty Ambassador, so I’m hoping that will help push me in the right direction, too.

What are your 2014 goals? What books should I add to my reading list? What are your favorite blogs right now?

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog, Running Tagged With: , , , , , , , 3 Comments
December 18, 2013

6 tips for the new runner (or those getting back into it)

Renee - First half marathon(Editor’s note: This week’s guest post is part of my Elf For Health Challenge. I’m participating in a blog swap where we swap blogs with someone else who will write about her expertise for our blog. I was paired with Renee Beck, who shared her expertise about running.)

I’ve been running since I was 14 years old. I ran cross country and track in high school and college. I’ve run countless 5Ks, a handful of 10Ks and 10-milers, and two half marathons. No, I’m not bragging. I’m telling you that after all of that running, there are days when it’s hard. It hurts. So why do I keep lacing up?

 Running gives back what you put into it. If I push myself, I’m rewarded with faster times, a healthier (and fitter) body, and a feeling of general awesomeness. Plus, it doesn’t matter if you run 10 feet or 10 miles: You’re a runner. Here are six tips for the new (or newly returned) runner:

  1. Start slow and steady. I love the Couch to 5K program for those who are just getting started. I’ve also used it after taking time off. You only have to do three days a week, so it’s easy to complete and feel accomplished.

  2. Take the scenic route. This is the time to bust out your favorite route. I love running by the Under Armour corporate headquarters in Baltimore.

  3. Crank up the tunes. I know that some people like to run without music, but when you are getting into the groove of things, it can really help to have some motivational music. (Check out this post for my top 10 favorite running songs.)

  4. Enlist a buddy. If you can, a friend into running with you or go with a running group. It’s much easier to hit the pavement when someone is waiting for you.

  5. Know that every run can’t be a good run. It’s a running law or something. You can have the best run of your life one day and then struggle each step of the next. One foot in front of the other; it will get easier.

  6. Prepare in advance. If you know that you have a busy schedule ahead, look at your timeline closely to see if there are any openings for a run. I add runs to my to-do list so that I also get the satisfaction of crossing it off!

Plus, once you’re a runner, you’ll be able to understand this video: http://youtu.be/ef3cF6rln30.

Visit Renee’s blog, www.reneebeck.com.

Filed Under: Running Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment
October 14, 2013

Shin Splints and Dealing with Injuries Emotionally via Pointe Magazine

Image via Pointe Magazine by Colin Fowler.

Image via Pointe Magazine by Colin Fowler.

I should really subscribe to Pointe Magazine.

I bought an issue about 6 months ago while I was working on a design project (one of my assignments was to transform the layouts of an already established magazine to fit my own, for adult ballet dancers). I love some of the things that are written (a lot moreso than some of the other dance magazines).

For instance, this is one of my favorite articles on shin splints. So often, most articles mostly talk about shin splints and running. And while I’m doing all that I can to help prevent shin splints on that front (I finally have insoles and will probably get fitted for my next pair of sneakers once I’m up and running again)–the problem still persists in ballet because of my super flat feet. This article helps address what causes shin splints in ballet dancers and gives some really good tips for treatment–I love my pinky bouncy ball for massage and using a cup filled with ice to ice massage.

I’ve been in PT for about a week now, working on strengthening my feet, ankles and calf muscles to get back to ballet. Hopefully, this will finally help me get better and I’ll be able to dance (and run) pain free.

I also loved this column about dealing with emotions while injured. I had such a tough time coping with being out of ballet back in April when everyone around me was seemingly really busy. It seemed like I was always  at home watching TV while people were out having fun because the boot made it really tough to get around and I couldn’t go to ballet or run to keep myself occupied.

Luckily, thanks to PT I should be back soon and I’ve been pretty well occupied since I’ve stopped running or dancing (after the Rescue Run 5K). I may even be able to start barre as soon as Thursday or Saturday!

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog, Running Tagged With: , , , , , 2 Comments