Caroveggie's Marathon Journal

[nomikins]

Also, how old are your running shoes? I know when mine are worn out, I fatigue faster and feel little twinges in my feet and legs.

[Caroveggie]

Thanks nomikins and Jim!

I do think I need to replace my shoes, they're now about a year old and show wear on the soles. I haven't because I'm watching my money at the moment. (I'm watching it go bye bye.)

I took a while off from running, even walking really, since my knees felt so stiff, and things finally got better. They really feel fine now.

My sleep schedule changed which also really screwed me up. I got in this habit of getting up in the wee hours of the morning, which I liked because the streets were cool, dark, and empty, and I'd get my run out of the way early and then still be up with extra hours to start the day. What happened was I stayed up late one night and that messed up everything. So I'll still wake up really early like I used to (well, even now it's a bit later than it was before) but I'll feel so sleepy and tired that I'll just go back to sleep. Then by the time I'm up and ready the sun is out and the day is hot and the streets are peopled and I feel sluggish and ... I know, excuses, excuses -

Anyway, this morning I finally went out again. Despite the heat and being all out of shape now I jogged for about 15 minutes and then walked my route which took about 45 minutes, total time out about an hour. Not bad but not great. I really could've done more but for some reason I had a stitch in my side. I don't know why, I didn't even have anything to eat before except my Vitamin B12 supplement. Which tastes like candy by the way.

I'm glad I went out though! Likely that cramp/stitch thing won't be back and I'll be able to do 20 minutes tomorrow, then either increase that day by day or do a walk/run combo as recommended. The jogging itself was fine, although my lung endurance has definitely decreased. It'll be nice when that gets back up. Unless it's all to do with the shoes, like what nomikins says... I do plan on investing in new shoes but not yet.

Thanks again for the advice!

It was nice to go out again made me remember what I missed. I just gotta keep at it.

[Caroveggie]

Hi, thought I'd just post an update since I intend to get better about McDougalling and running.

I got an email about a milk documentary from Dr. McDougall and then I ended up browsing these forums again, which I haven't for a while. I checked out the Testimonial section (quite inspiring, thanks peeps for posting your great results) and wanted to read some journals also.

One of the testimonies hit home for me ~ basically about being an unhealthy vegan and letting the little slides happen too much, until you find yourself out of shape. So I'm going to do more reading and research (always helps me when I want to change habits) and go MWL. I ordered Jeff Novick's Fast Food DVD, to help me come up with some fast tasty MWL meals. Right now I'm liking a combo of potato, salsa, corn, and cilantro; baked brussel sprouts and mushrooms with balsamic vinegar; and other stuff, but definitely need some more ideas for fast quick meals I like.

Want to get back into it. Tonight I'm going to miss a veg get together (also busy with looking for work lately). So instead of getting some ideas, support, inspiration, etc. from them, think I'll poke around here and soak up some more info. Then I think I'll watch the Novick DVD I do have (Lighten Up) for more inspiration.

I've been pretty busy lately with a memory course which I highly recommend. It's intensive but really works. It's called GMS (Giordano Memorization System) at www.pmemory.com. I've been doing that, looking for work, learning French, and doing badly with diet and running! Which is why I'm here of course.

About 2 weeks ago I hurt my ankle. I think I pushed myself too hard by jogging my usual path out and back (4 miles) when my body wasn't ready. Well, my body was fine with it except my left ankle. What I mean is everything else was fine ~ breathing, energy level, pace felt fine, etc. So I think my endurance for it was fine but maybe my form wasn't good and I also think I pushed a muscle somewhere around my left ankle a bit too hard on that run.

I also think it might be a shoe issue, since I still haven't replaced my great (but worn) running shoes and instead was running on my "tougher" running shoes. All in all I think I just wasn't ready. So what happened is the next day I couldn't go for my run cuz something was wrong with my left ankle. I didn't think too much of it, just thought I had to wait a day. I still did some walking that day, but then the next morning my ankle was definitely sore and swollen (and all I'd done was walk the day before!). I really had to rest it and only could wear one certain pair of shoes for a while. Now I've been experimenting with some comfy walking shoes but still have to take it easy on the ankle, since the back of most shoes goes up and pushes into the muscle there. Too bad we're not in summer, I could just wear flip flops and not aggravate the back ankle muscle at all.

So sufffice it to say running is at a big pause right now. I am pretty busy with the GMS course, learning some French, and mostly looking for work, but I also really want to get to a good reading of Chi running, since obviously I haven't been doing it!

I reread people's posts in my journal and thank you again for your advice! Once I'm able to get back to running I'm definitely going to take a more gradual approach to increasing the distance, more gradual than I've been doing. I also intend on getting decent running shoes once I'm working again. (I do have one pair of not worn running shoes but they just aren't my preference ~ they're very comfy but not as cushioned as my now worn favorites, which I used to be able to run all day with.)

I miss running. Just like vgnLC, I really love running when I'm healthy enough so that it's easy for me ~ I feel light, energetic, love being able to go for a while and break a sweat. The times I walk my usual path (like if I'm just out and about in the neighborhood and decide to walk home, etc.) my goodness it feels so long. I always think ~ if I could run this, I'd be home in 20 minutes! It takes almost an hour for me to walk what would take maybe 20-23 minutes at a jog/run pace. Your perspective certainly changes.

Anyway, just wanted to post those updates. See I got a bit longwinded.

1. I'm gonna be doing MWL.

2. Gonna be delving into Chi running when I have time so when my ankle is finally better and I've got some decent running shoes, I'll be able to enjoy running with proper form.

Now I'm going to soak up some more inspiration from the forums and website.

Also wanted to express my appreciation to Dr. McDougall and staff and others here for the work he does, getting people healthy.

[RAS]

Hi Caroveggie,Good to get to know you.I like to fast walk.What is Chi running.Please explain.thank you. My goal is to do at least 1 marathon,am signed up for one next Feb.so that gives me enough time to get ready if I don't procrastinate... RAS

[Caroveggie]

Hi RAS,

Here is the website for Chi running:

http://www.chirunning.com/

The idea is you run with better form and introduce longer distance, increased speed, by being in tune with your body (following some general standards so you don't overload/strain your muscles, joints, body, etc. by doing too much too fast.)

I have the book but haven't read it all the way yet (as I said, just busy with other stuff lately) but I recommend it. You can purchase it online through that website, maybe find it cheaper on Amazon, or even better try to get it from the library.

Thanks for posting! If you are keeping a journal here let me know and I can follow along. Nomikins posted helpful advice in my previous 5K McDougall running journal as well as this one, I'm trying to find the nominkin journal but haven't yet.

I don't have any date set for a marathon, in fact, since hurting my ankle this last time, I just want to be able to run healthily! I'm going to use this journal to post about my progress with MWL and running. As I get closer to a point where I can see myself training harder for a marathon, then I'll work more on that. I tend to be a bit too eager I guess, then end up with sore muscles and hurt ankles. Not good. Once my ankle's ready, it's Chi running from now on!

[Caroveggie]

Slept and slept and slept this morning. I was only up until 11 last night but apparently my sleep pattern has changed. I can be quite an early riser when I'm in running mode. Now I've already showered and dressed and the sun is out. I like running in the dark when the streets are less crowded and the air is cooler. I guess I'm just used to it. My ankle feels better but then I haven't tried running on it. I'm worried that the running shoes that I do have might somehow be the problem. But funny nothing's wrong with the right foot.

Last night I read a bit of the journals and inspired this morning, I weighed myself and got my BMI and body fat %. I have a really neat scale that tells you everything you ever wanted to know about your body. I made a simple spreadsheet in Google docs so I can start tracking things properly. I think this'll help me stick to MWL as well as getting exercise in each day.

I'd like to go running but I'm worried about the ankle. I was thinking taking a long walk would be good. I can go over my mental database and practice some flashcards from the pmemory class.

I've got a lot of this and that in the way of veggies and starches at home right now, so I'm thinking I can make some kind of stew today a la Jeff Novick's SNAP meals. That'll be a good start to MWL, and I'll actually eat them rather than realize too late I forgot to! (That's one of my bad habits ~ tend to let myself eat too much of the bad vegan or even veg food. No more!)

So I'm going to start posting a bit more since I think it'll help me get in good habits. That's how I've managed to get through 23 very intense memory lessons at pmemory (about halfway done with the class). I have a calendar and every time I finish a lesson I give myself a smiley face sticker. Then a star for every day I work hard on the training portion of the class (the course also gets your brain in shape with attention/focus training). I read on a language learning site that when you start taking note of something, you help make it a habit. That's why I think journals work. I know it works for me. This is my 3rd attempt at pmemory and I only got to about 6-9 before (the first 12 are very tough!) Also, keeping my momentum up helps. For instance, before with pmemory, I would do a lesson every 1 or 2 days... along with the lack of reward (note taking/rewarding with stickers) it was too slow for me and life would get in the way. This time, by doing a lesson every day and giving myself a sticker, I kept myself in a good mode. I think the same thing has to happen with MWL, and I think that's why Dr. McDougall's 10 day program, for example, works so well ~ you plunge in and get used to eating healthy rather than teasing yourself with stuff you could (and too often) eat too much off that you shouldn't.

Anyway, since my calendar on the wall is all about pmemory I'll be using this journal to record diet, etc, and maybe give myself a little smiley face here. Until it becomes second nature again and the habits are ingrained.

I'm looking forward to the day when all my old clothes fit again.

[Caroveggie]

Hi everyone,

I went for a very light jog this morning and my ankle feels ok. I was afraid to push it though so I just walked home (basically did 2 miles light~medium jog and walk home, all in all 1 hour 24 minutes).

Yesterday I left in the middle of the day for a long walk (no breakfast, up later and not too hungry) so I ended up hungry all the way in the Marina, and I'd bought myself a ticket for The Adjustment Bureau. So I ate at a restaurant called The Plant and stayed MWL except for whatever was in the miso in my quinoa bowl. Might have tasted a bit rich for me from sauteed veggies. Not sure but I won't order that again. And I'll try to bring something ready and lightweight so I'll be prepared.

Last night I got home and ate a bit more, some brussel sprouts and mushrooms baked with a little balsamic vinegar (yum yum) and chickpeas.

I think my jog went fairly well because my energy was pretty good from what I'd eaten. Also my pace was so slow!

Anyway, today I still have a bunch of veggies around but I think I'll hit Cafe Gratitude and order a quinoa bowl over there. I like it better, it has black beans, quinoa, and kale. If I'm still hungry later on I'll make stew at home.

[f1jim]

Caroveggie
It's wonderful to have you back among us. Glad to see you back at the running thing too! Your vigor and vitality are infectious.
f1jim

[funcrunch]

Hey Caroveggie! Are you still jogging? We should do a race together sometime. I could use the motivation as I keep stopping and starting Definitely running Bay to Breakers in May though (100th anniversary!), and the Big Gay 10K in August!

[Caroveggie]

Hi again,

I did a lot of running/jogging and then went away for a bit. My hip is a bit sore/wrong, so I'm taking it easy with running. I've been doing ok as far as eating. Right now I'm having a potato, corn, shallot, and cilantro combo which is pretty good, except I only cooked the potato for 4 minutes instead of 4+. Next time I'll cook it 4+. Also I'll chop it into smaller chunks.

We are out of a fridge right now. We get our new one tomorrow or today (not sure). Not really a big deal for me. The only thing I'm keeping cool is the extra corn and the cilantro in my roommate's cooler.

I keep forgetting to wait until my hip is all better. I keep forgetting it still needs more time and then I go out there and end up walking back.

Once we have a fridge/freezer I plan on stocking up and doing some Jeff Novick type meals. Also I want to try some recipes. I found a tahini sauce I think somewhere in a newsletter that I want to learn how to make, so I can make the equivalent of the Cafe Gratitude Grateful Bowl (one of my favorites).

Lots to do around here. Hope you are all happily McDougalling

[Caroveggie]

thanks for stopping by! Yes, I want to do a race but I'm waiting for my hip to get better. Not sure if it's a shoe issue or what. Even barefoot I have to walk carefully. So I'm being really careful now.

[funcrunch]

thanks for stopping by! Yes, I want to do a race but I'm waiting for my hip to get better. Not sure if it's a shoe issue or what. Even barefoot I have to walk carefully. So I'm being really careful now.

Hope you heal rapidly, but take it easy. Have you checked out the book Born to Run? Since you're interested in Chi running you might find it of value; that and barefoot running (and appropriate shoes) are mentioned in the book. And it featured Scott Jurek, the vegan ultrarunner! A great read.

[kkrichar]

I just read Born to Run. I have struggled with hip and achilles pain for several years now. Everytime I get back to running I'm fine up to about 3-4 miles. Then, now matter how slowly I increase, the second I add a little mileage or a little speed, the pain comes back. Every single time. I'm so frustrated I could cry. I have expensive running shoes recommend by an orthopaedist and running store specialist as well as orthotics made from molds of my feet and still no change. After reading Born to Run I decided to switch to minimalist running shoes. It makes a lot of sense and is consistent with every other shocking revelation I read about modern technology, medical industry specialists and current treatments. Everyone is influenced by the money makers in the industry, the way we used to do things is better, the more natural we are the healthier and fitter we become. Anyhoo, I'm still transitioning so I have no progress to report but I'll keep you updated. Meanwhile, my calves are KILLING me. I didn't realize how much of a heel-striker I was. I think I've finally figured out how to run in my new shoes. Now I just need to get my calves loosened up. Not sure if I'll go all the way to barefoot running but I might. It's a lot cheaper than the shoes.

Good luck and glad you're still here!

[Caroveggie]

hey thanks for stopping by with useful advice. I have heard of that one but haven't read it yet. Hopefully the library has it. I still haven't gotten through Chi running book yet. Sorry if my writing is a bit stilted, I'm using a small netbook. Anyway, plenty of books I want to read, Born to Run included. I've read a couple other running books but don't think I've read that one yet. I read one by Chris McDougall (don't think related to Dr. McDougall).. and this crazy one by Dean someone, he did insane running (like ewe losing toenails ~ sorry it's gross).

Anyway, I checked out barefoot shoes a while ago but they either didn't have the ones I wanted or I wasn't too sure about how they felt. I do have 1 pair of Nike "minimal" type shoes. The sole is flexible but not super comfy with bouncy cushion. Then I have another pair similar to my favorite pair, but it may be too cushioned for me, so much the shoes don't even feel like trainers, just like big, clumsy, gooshy walking shoes. Sigh. Once I'm working I'll begin the hunt again for the perfect running shoe. I was fine with the ones I wore out, I just wish I'd bought 2 pairs of them when I had the chance (they don't seem to be available any more).

Today I started out fine but later had some higher fat vegan food (olives, bread with natural pb eeee!) I feel all right though. I'd lost some weight from all the running I did and I don't think I've done too much damage. Mostly it wrecks my running but running is on hold anyway while I wait for my sore hip to heal more. I'm donating the bread to my housemates since I don't like how it makes me feel slightly bloated in tummy. (And it's good, whole, natural bread too.)

I watched some of Jeff's Fast Food DVD and I'm glad I got it. Great ideas and info in there, very helpful.

Also today I went to Costco to get new glasses (mine broke to an unfixable level) and stocked up on some Jeff Novick-friendly recipe staples ~ chickpeas, diced tomatoes, corn, and also got a big thing of lemon juice (since I'm always wishing I could add a splash of lemon or lime to something), taco seasoning mix, bananas, champagne mangoes (one of my favorite foods), and a huge bag of grapefruits. While I don't approve of Costco on some levels (I used to work for Greenpeace so I've learned some stuff) there was a lot of Costco love today.

So there are a number of books I should be reading ~ the running books, the book for my book club, and I also want to read Moonwalking with Einstein since I'm taking memory classes at pmemory.com, but everything's a bit on hold while I deal with errands, tidying my room (absolute mess), and finding work. Might sneak in some running reading though. Also have to get back to the memory classes.

Anyway, I'm getting tired so bonsoir mis amis.

[Caroveggie]

Ate fine except for a cheezits crash mid-afternoon which led to a fried tofu rice bowl and tapioca Jasmine milk tea (at least the milk tea was soy based). It was a bad situation and I let it get the best of me. But now I fessed up and will start anew. I stopped myself from feeding my other cravings.

Hip is still sore which makes the whole thing a bit more of a fight than it usually is when I'm in a healthy running mode.

A friend and I are going to start working out 3 times a week with weights at her place's gym. I have YMCA membership but I like her little gym more because:

1. Very clean. No sweat spots left behind from others.

2. No stink.

3. Hardly anyone there, no one uses it, it's funny.

4. Weight machines are simple, direct, easy to figure out, some come with instructions, you don't need to pay a personal trainer to get a good workout.

I'm excited about this! Once I can run again, that'll be my aerobics, then I'll get weight training in, and I can use my YMCA membership for swimming (love) and yoga classes ~ or anything else fun and to make me more flexible. Since I often neglect stretching.

Her place also has a great community center she can reserve at any time and I already have ideas about using it to proliferate the McDougall message. I'm going to think about it some more and then approach Dr. McDougall if I solidify some ideas. Think it'll be pretty helpful. Of course, I'm always a fan and love Vanilla Orchid for hosting her place all the time, but I don't want to make her have to host, and I'd also like to focus this on new people to get the message to improve their health, more like a somewhat structured class using Dr. McDougall's DVDs, the kitchen area, and skype. I might need to get a bit more qualified before I start this though. There's a great veg course I have that I can complete which would be good. Prior to that though I'd like to finish up the GMS (http://www.pmemory.com) ~ an awesome memory training course that's super intensive.

We now have a fridge so I'm going to be able to stock up on some more Jeff Novick ~ type essentials. I particularly want to get my favorite curry spice (Madras in the metal container) and cauliflower and make a potato, cauliflower, pea curry. ...mmm...

I loaned out a bunch of my DVDs and now I'm not sure who all has them, or if I got them back. So I might have to purchase some more prior to the whole class idea I have. So it might take a while since I'm still looking for work.

Hope everyone's enjoying life and McDougalling