Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Paleo Fried 'Rice'

Being from Louisiana originally, and growing up in a Cajun household, well I grew up having rice and gravy every night with dinner.

Forget meat and potatoes, we had meat and rice.

And I looooooooove me some white rice and gravy...

However its not good for you at all, and for the past several years I can count on both hands how many times I have had white rice.

Doesn't mean I don't always want it when I see it though.

Especially whenever I see fried rice anything.

So I found my alternative and I was a bit skeptical.  Just as an FYI, I switched out the olive oil with coconut oil (Tropical Traditions!) and then instead of soy sauce, I used coconut aminos (both paleo alternatives to those 2 ingredients).

First I found a site where I could read exactly how to first 'make' the rice from raw cauliflower


Nice head of cauliflower


Leaves and core removed


Put in food processor and chop to the point where it looks like 'rice'

Finished product after using the processor


Rice!


Minced garlic, coconut oil, chopped green onions.  Then I used some beef that I had cooked up and stored for throw together meals, but you could use any meat you liked or just plain obviously


Add 'rice' to the mixture and fry for about 4 minutes or so, tossing constantly



Fry baby fry!

Lightly beaten egg with yolk


Scoot the 'rice' over to the side and add the egg; then toss all together after the egg has set for a minute


Ta da!  The finished product and OH SO GOOD!  There was actually a lot more than this, but I put half of what I made into the refrigerator for another meal

Saturday, May 26, 2012

A Great Saturday Indeed!

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

I know I am!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

You People and Your GoshDarn Memory...

Jamoosh brought up a very good point in a comment recently:

Thought you were done with marathons? Regardless, more power to you!


Why yes, Jamoosh, I did say (write) that I believe shortly after completing Houston back in January.

I had just come off of about 8 months of marathon training for 3 marathons within 99 days (October - January).  While I bailed on one of them (Dallas White Rock) for the 1/2 distance instead because of weather, I still trained back up to that sucker after completing Chicago 8 weeks prior.


Anyway, between the weather at 2 of them, and then the weather at Houston along with IT band issues 3 days prior and about half way through the marathon...


Well let's just say that my body was worn the fuck out.


As was my mind.


So yeah, at the time and up until as recently as Monday of this week, I was still a no more marathons kinda girl (at least for a while).


Outside of doing another marathon, I pretty much was more adamant about not TRAINING for a marathon even...for at least a year.


Until this week.


I knew a week ago that I had my guaranteed entry into the Houston 2013 marathon if I wanted it.  First I had to decide whether or not to even apply for it, which I did.


Then I got it and then took 5 days to decide (at least initially) if I was going to cash it in.


Which I did.


This injury, unlike any of the others (which were not near as painful as this one has been), has given me so much to think about.  And again, moreso than the other couple of times.


At first, all I cared about really was how soon could I do CrossFit again, but then over the past couple of weeks, it all became about how soon could I run again.


I'm a runner.


Plain.  Pure.  Simple.


Would I have come back to so quickly to the idea of another marathon?  I would add 'so soon', but lets face it it will have been a year since my last one, and yes I would be training starting in August (or actually as soon as I am able to really run again), and that would have been only 8 months...


But the past 5 weeks of not being able to not only not run at all, but the level of pain especially the first 3 weeks is something that I just cannot overlook...


And all I can think about now is running...running...running...


So yeah...I said no more marathons in one breath...


And then I said no marathons within a year...
Not even training for a marathon for at least 12 months...


But that was 5 months ago that I said that...


And things...well...things are different now...


All I know is I will start marathon training as soon as possible (since I need/want to build back up to 10 miles by August)...and I will start that training with Kenyan Way just like I have for the past 6 years...


But whether or not I toe the line for the full, the half or even take a deferral will just have to be a story not yet written....


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Vacation, It's All I Ever Wanted


Vacation

All I ever wanted
Vacation
Had to get away
Vacation

Starting on Friday, I will leaving for my very extended vacation!

I cannot remember the last time I took this much time off, but with our new PTO system here, I get 5 weeks of time off a year to use as I choose!

And for the past few years, my vacations have centered around traveling somewhere for a marathon, half marathon or a race in general.

Not this time.

This time its a glorious 11 day stretch of pure bliss...

This time its just about relaxing and enjoying getting away for some much needed recharging of the batteries!  

I will be MIA from the blog, may be able to pop in a time or two, but highly doubtful!

I plan to stay as far away from electronics (other than my beloved iPod) for the entire 11 days!!!



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

And The Winner Is.....

...Rusthawk!!!


Just as an FYI, I did NOT count my comment as the 1st entry.  Clearly I was not entering myself into the contest, therefore Renee Meaux's comment counted as #1

Even though it wouldn't have mattered as Rusthawk still would have been the winner!

Rusthawk, please email me at txmusicbug@yahoo.com your full name, shipping address and phone number so that I can get it to Tropical Traditions.

Your coconut oil will be shipped directly from them!

Congratulations!!!!


Stay tuned as I have another giveaway coming up soon sponsored by EverStride!

Killing The Fat Man - CrossFit - Episode 9


Monday, May 21, 2012

Executive Decisions

So here it is Monday morning and all is right with the world.

I barrrely could feel any ouchiness this morning, which made me want to just bust out into break dancing (not really), but it did make me oh so happy.

Yesterday, after what I call a successful Saturday, I was thinking about the upcoming week, my healing body and what I want to do vs what I should do.

  • I could start back to CrossFit this week (with scaling)
  • I could start back to running (with walking) this week
  • I could start back to Kenyan Way this coming Saturday
Why yes, I could do all of these things.

But yesterday I decided I am not going to.  I am going to put off CrossFit for another week.  And I will not go back to Kenyan Way until June 2nd.

And I am not going to even attempt run/(walking) until Wednesday.

I want to be certain that I am ready, and while patience (when it comes to running) is not a virtue, I know in my heart and my body that its the right thing to do.

So we'll continue today and tomorrow as we have been:  weights and cardio at the gym...blargh!  But again its the right thing.


I am so thankful that I have the sense to have not tried to train (run) through the injury, and I am even more thankful that I didn't quit being active and gain a bunch of weight and lose any real fitness.  


Sure I probably couldn't go out and run 10 miles right now, but I could definitely still do 5.  :O)


I altered my eating/calorie intake to match as closely as I could to my activity ability instead of just saying oh whatever, it is what it is, and then eat like I was still running.  Or worse, begin putting crap in my body...


Right now I feel like I could take on the world!  


My goal is to slowly build my mileage back up to those 10 miles I wanted to continue as my long run each week through the Summer, its just that I kinda have to ease back into it building back up before .... yes, marathon training ...  August...


Having said that, I am going to take full advantage of my guaranteed entry into the Houston Marathon!


So yep...Houston 2013 here I come....

Product Review - Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

New favorite
I have been using coconut oil for a few months now and was using the Whole Foods brand (seen below).  


For obvious Paleo reasons, and most recently because I found out that coconut oil is so wonderful on so many levels.  I am in no way offering advice on any health benefits that may be or not be attained by the use of coconut oil, only that there are so many other uses for it...Or for a visual you can view some uses on YouTube.

Prior to receiving my complimentary quart size container of Tropical Traditions, I had went in on a deal with NC where you buy 1 get one free, so now I have a gallon of coconut oil!  Won't have to buy any for a long time!


One of the great things about coconut oil is that it takes a lot less oil than any other type you may want to cook with, so like I said, I will be set for quite some time!

Old Standby

Since I had about a 1/3 of a cup left in my 365 jar, I added some salt to it and use is as a scrub to get any dry skin off during the shower sessions.  You could also use sugar, but I don't keep sugar in the house, so that was not an option.

I am just in the process of implementing the use of coconut oil in more and more of not only food but in everyday life.

The one thing I immediately noticed (and liked) about Tropical Traditions is that it does not have an overwhelming smell of coconut.  It gives a hint of it to your food, but not like other coconut oils I have used, which seem to be a bit overbearing.

Today instead of EVOO and balsamic on my salad that I brought for lunch, I drizzled some of the Tropical Traditions.  SO GOOD!

Tropical Traditions is allowing for a giveaway to a lucky reader of All That Glitters!

Here are the 'rules' and one entry per method:


  • Sign up for the Tropical Traditions Newsletter
  • Leave a comment here on if you use coconut oil now, or why you want to try it
  • Leave a separate comment if you are a follower
  • Facebook the giveaway (leave separate comment)
  • Tweet the giveaway (leave separate comment)
You will get one entry for each comment left but only one comment per requirement stated above.

Contest will end at 3:30pm CST on Tuesday, May 22nd.  I will do a random draw using random.org




Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - 32 oz. 
 Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website: What is Virgin Coconut Oil?


Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Ta-Da!!!

First, its been 2 days that I have had to take any sort of pain reliever when I get up in the morning!  Woohoo!

And today?

Well today, I ran.

Not fast and not far, but I still ran.

I set out on a 6 mile walk this morning, with plans to throw in some light running along the way.

The first couple of times I tried, I just went for like 30sec and it felt a bit ouchy, but after about 2 miles into the walk, things had loosened up enough to where I would just spot a target and say 'run to there, then walk'.  I kept this up numerous times and by the time I go to about 1 mile from home, I was running farther and farther with each time, and minimizing the walk time in between.

It was downright fabulous!!!

Will not attempt any more running until possibly Monday.

The true test will be how I feel tomorrow morning, although since I worked 8 hours on my feet today at the Locker it might not be that great of an indicator.

I am still hopeful that tomorrow morning I won't be any worse off than before I started my day today!

Planning on about 1.5 hours of weights tomorrow.

Today was a grrrrreat day indeed!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Killing The Fat Man - CrossFit (Episode 8)

As for me, I'm truckin' along:  weights, elliptical, treadmill and rowing.

Using The Stick, lots of hydrotherapy (jacuzzi) and just being overall aware of what I can and cannot do.
Yesterday saw a DEFINITE improvement overall and today I go for a deep tissue massage.  

Hoping that's just what the doctor ordered.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Paleo Mug Chocolate Cake

Craving chocolate?
Craving cake?

Then try Paleo Mug Chocolate Cake cakes!


Nicole had sent me the link for the Mug Cakes last week and I wanted one so bad!  Only I didn't have any cocoa in my cupboard!  Bah!


So when I did my grocery shopping this week I made sure to pick up some unsweetened cocoa fo sho!


Last night I wanted to give it a try so I set out on the 5min it takes to make this!






Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 1 cake):
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons almond butter(or any nut butter)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 heaping Tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons sweetener(optional)
  • Chocolate chips, walnuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins (optional)
 
I recommend this especially if you have bananas sitting around that are extremely ripe.  Typically when I have them, I end up peeling and freezing them for future smoothies.
 
I just happened to have 2 very ripened bananas on the counter, so one went into the cake. 
 
I did mix in some walnuts that I had on hand, almost added some unsweetened shredded coconut (but didn't) and hey, you could even put in a couple yummy dark chocolate chips if you want!  I had some on hand, but opted not to this time around. 

Method:
  1. With a fork, mash the banana into a smooth puree.
  2. Mix the almond butter, egg, cocoa powder, and extra sweetener if using into the banana puree until it forms an even batter.
  3. Fold in any mix-ins into the batter that you’d like. Otherwise, our the batter into a mug or other microwave safe container. Be sure to only fill the container up to 2/3rds the way because it will expand in the microwave.
  4. Microwave on high for 2 and 1/2 minutes until the center is set. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave and enjoy hot, cold, or at room temperature.


Might not look so pretty, but yummy all the same!

This cake is VERY dense and I couldn't eat even half of it.  I took a few dark chocolate squares (I had bought some Sea Salt and Almond Dark Chocolate at Whole Foods last week), and melted them and then drizzled on top of the cake.

I just finished off the rest of it this evening.  I had put it in the fridge so it definitely either needs to be brought back to room temp or slightly heating it in the microwave.

Nicole even mentioned making a hole down the middle (say with the stick end of a wooden spoon or something) and pouring a bit of full on coconut milk in the middle.  I did not try this even though I always have coconut and almond milk in the fridge.

Next time!

 

Sunday, May 13, 2012

The Race That Wasn't - TriGirl Triathlon and Duathlon

Well one of the reasons that I took yesterday off, even from the bike was because of this:


Even last night as I went to bed, I didn't know if I was going to go through with it or not.  I had my bike loaded and everything.

Taking off yesterday was probably the best decision ever, even if when I got up this morning at 4:15am, I called it.

While I felt a lot better, the big picture was what kept flashing before my eyes.

My initial thought leading up to this morning is that I would simply walk the run portions (I was signed up for the duathlon).

But then with input from others that helped me see the light, I knew that for the long term the best thing for me to do was just sit it out.

I purposely left my chip and my bib number here at the house as I headed out at 5am to go meet up with all my friends (many doing their first tri or du).  I knew that if I took those things with me, I would have probably ended up going through with it.  The atmosphere is very, very contagious!

Even the walking and riding would have set me back and I know this.  Was it worth it?

I decided no, it wasn't.

I miss running and CrossFit so much that if I had to sit out any longer due to my pride, I would have just been that much more mad at myself.

So I cheered on all my friends, and got to hang out with Deb who I havent seen in forEVER!  

PS: had I been signed up for the tri, I dont know...it was cold, windy and very choppy water...lots of issues out there today especially with the first timers wave that went last...oy vay...

Hitting the gym later after working a last minute-ish shift at the Locker.

 

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Reebok Studio Lite Max - CrossFit Trainers

First things first...lets get caught up... (if you just want the deets on the shoes, then scroll down).

Thursday:  20 min bike, 20 min treadmill, 20 min elliptical
2000m row 
1 hour on weights, which included actually being able to do lunges, KB goblet squats, and deadlifts.  I went light on the weights during those, only 10lb KB and then 20lbs on the deadlifts.  I just wanted the stretch and the movement and to get a workout in the legs.  There was no pain, but I had taken an Aleve a few hours earlier so that explains that.

My back (disc), and my sciatic are under control thank God, but my left piriformis was still way angry the next morning.  It seems to get more aggravated through the day due to sitting on it and even though I get up at least a couple of times an hour, still...

I really pounded on my biceps, back, triceps and shoulders during that hour.

Friday: When I woke up, my piriformis sure let me know it was still there and angry, but nothing an Aleve doesn't help.  However what really got sore through the day were my legs, but I sure didnt mind!  It was great to feel that soreness again only working out with weights will give you.

So after work I hit the gym and settled on just an hour walk on the treadmill, but not just any walk on the treadmill.  That just won't do.  :)

I had a 10lb plate and then 2 3lb hand weights.  I wanted to do more on the plate, but I was too wonky on there with the 10lb weight, anything more I sure would have lost my balance.

So I took it every other song alternating between holding the 10lb plate above my head (yes, arms extended up), and then the next song I would throw the plate down, grab the 2 baby hand weights and either just walk with them, or do overhead presses or front shoulder/chest raises.

Today (Saturday):  Nada.  Resting the piriformis completely.  It had also stormed all night, was still raining when I got up, so I knew for sure I wouldnt be riding today, which actually was a blessing in disguise.  As I am typing this, its actually beginning to really feel so much better and I haven't had an Aleve since 6am  :O)

******************************************

 Studio Lite Max 
I guess its been 8 months or so ago, I was contacted by Reebok to see if I would be interested in receiving, testing and reviewing their products.  

After you agree, and you give them your activitie(s) of choice, periodically they will email you if they have a product that fits you.  At first, when I was 'just' a runner, I always received emails for running shoes.
Studio Lite Max

I haven't done the review here on the blog for the last pair of running shoes I tested for them, but I did road test them and provide feedback to them.

For your time and effort, you then can be compensated in a number of ways, one being to request the test shoes back.  You have to send them off with all your notes and then they will send them back to you.  Since the running shoes I tested were not my cup of tea, I opted for a track suit.

I was then contacted again after the Houston Marathon to test out another pair of running shoes, however the miles and hours they wanted on them per week was not something I was prepared to commit to.

I responded to their request letting them know that I had incorporated CrossFit into my regime and would be a better candidate should they have a need for testers for CrossFit shoes.

Reebok just recently laid their name onto the CrossFit arena and are one of the top manufacturers for CrossFit and cross training shoes in general.

Shortly thereafter I was contacted and I ended up with the Studio Lite Max CrossFit Trainer.


 I love love love these shoes!  I had been wearing either my NB Minimus or my Nike Free's to CrossFit, but to be honest I always felt "off".  Its important to have really great stability when doing CrossFit.  You certainly should NEVER wear running shoes as they are built to make you go 'forward'.  Something you never want in CrossFit due to lifting high weight for one thing.

The first time I wore these, the WOD had a run in it and I will say that at first it was weird running in these, but the next time it was awesome.

They are extremely light and feel really 'plastic-y' which kind of turned me off at first, but I got use to that especially the way they felt when working out.

I felt more stable on the floor which is always a great thing.

The only negative I gave these shoes in my feedback to Reebok was that I thought they should throw some color either on the body or the sole.  Especially for the girl version.  I didn't like the all black with only the splash of pink up top.  :O)

I sent them back with my results and thoughts with the request that my compensation be that they return the test shoes to me.  I HATED sending them back!  

Its been a few weeks now since I returned them so I am hoping they show back up on my doorstep soon!

Two thumbs up Reebok!

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Fifty Shades of Grey - My Thoughts

Today you get a frivolous post about nothing pertaining to healthy food or fitness.  Change of pace if you will.

But hey, isn't great sex part of living a healthy (and happy) life!!!


So.  I finished this yesterday.

I read it about 5 days.

And that was all during work hours.  Oh wait, last Sunday I took it with me to the gym.  Thats the fastest those 20 min increments on various cardio devices I have ever done.

This book has been all over different local and national news.

Even Dateline this coming Friday is doing a piece on BDSM and that its more mainstream than you think.

The question is also being asked:  Do we women love our porn as much as the dudes?

And let me be clear about one opinion I have:  This IS porn.  Soft porn?  Hard porn?  I don't know, but its some kind of porn.  Depending on your own thoughts in general.  I would have to say somewhere in the middle.

And no way would I ever ever ever ever consider this a romance novel.  Any time I hear someone say that I bust out laughing.

There were a few times in the book, while I am not unaware of (most) things of sexual nature, even I was like whooooa...

My ex:  John...he was into some of what is talked about in this book between Christian and Anatasia, and we dabbled here and there; and then later in life, I would become introduced to other not your run of the mill 'life' situations... So again, I'm not immune, nor was I shocked by any of it.

What I was was continually hot and bothered!  Not ashamed to say it either.

I am of the thinking that unless you are dead, this book is going to do wonders for a persons sex life.  At least for the period of time it takes a woman to read it...and thankfully for the men out there, there are 3 books  :O)

There were times I found myself thinking of Christian while I was at home after reading off and on all day.  I totally fell into the trap, and almost immediately had already conjured up in mind what he looked like.  Of course E.L. James does a great job of describing him more than once through out the book, which helps with that.

Even now I can totally picture him.

:O)

So which brings me to the fact that yes they are talking of making the movie. First off I already know unless that go full throttle and make this an NC17 rating, I won't pay to see it (I don't think).  If you take out all the sex, nudity and what-not...well I am just afraid Hollywood will turn it into some nonsense rom-com. 

And this is NOT romantic.  Nor is it comedic.  And I would even go so far as to say its not drama.

Its.  Porn.  :O)  The good kind. 

I bought Fifty Shades: Darker yesterday, but I haven't started it yet.  I was taken aback by how the first book ended...was not expecting that at all. 

Additionally I was trying to think that whoever plays Christian is going to have to fit what I think Christian would look like.

Here are the choices I think for actors who could pull Christian off...in more ways that one.  :O)

Johnny Depp...although he is a bit too old but could probably pull it off.  Plus I think he's probably kinky sex like in real life, making him totally believable as Christian.

Ryan Gosling.  Eh.  Not dark enough, not broody enough..He would need more scruff, but totally has the body to pull off Christian.  He was pretty darn gruff in 'Drive'.  If you haven't seen it, do.  But be warned its graphic and violent.

Justin Timberlake.  Not really I guess.  Unless he has some MAD acting skills we haven't seen yet.  And I wouldnt want him to pick Fifty Shades as the movie to try them out on.




aaaaand then ....  if I had my way...I think Ian Somerhalder is THE.  PERFECT.  ACTOR.  EVER.  TO.  PLAY.  CHRISTIAN.

Seriously, if you have read the book(s), tell me you don't agree with me.....  :)  I think the 3 photos I have picked below capture Christian's (few) sides in the book.






Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Killing the Fat Man - Episode 7


Yesterday I only had time for about 1 hour 15 min at the gym since I had an appointment at the chiro.  So it was down and dirty; elliptical, rowing and some weights.

I had high hopes after my chiro appointment (I was feeling great!), but this morning, still the sciatic was painful upon waking and walking.

I've been taking ibuprofen in the morning to ease the pain and get into my groove to function (walk) and not be uncomfortable at work.  I know the chiro doesn't want me to, but whatever.

I wish the damn thing would just hurry up and heal!

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Chevron Houston Marathon - Aramco Houston Half Marathon - 2013

It's that time again!


Today is the first day of registration (guaranteed runners only)!


Guaranteed runners includes:  5+ year veterans, HARRA 500 spots (me), those who qualify with time for either a previous marathon, half marathon or 10K. Looking at the qualifying times...man those are pretty darn relaxed times, especially on the 10K...There are only so many slots available for the qualifying time slots, so if you have a qualifying time, you better get in there and register before they are all gone!


Anyway, early registration is open! open! open!  The lottery opens up on June 6, with the lottery drawing scheduled for June 25th.


I went ahead and grabbed my guaranteed spot from HARRA (I definitely racked up enough points with races, membership years, and my volunteering to get me in easy peasy).  


I don't know that I will actually run the marathon in 2013, or if I will defer to 2014.....


I can make that decision at a later date...like in August...and if I decide to, I can always switch my entry to the half marathon if I don't feel like deferring to 2014.


I said I wasn't going to run/train another full marathon for one year.  That would mean that I wouldn't be training this year for a January marathon now would I?


:O)

Sciatic Relief - Neural Flossing

Yesterday afternoon gym time:

20 min bike
20 min elliptical
20 min treadmill
2000m row

I would row 500m then hop off and do my stretching and 'spine massage'.  Spine massage is simply done by laying on your back, pulling your legs/knees in so you are rolled up like a rolly poley, then you just roll side to side and forward and backward so that your spine and lower back get a good 'massage'.

By the time I got downstairs to start my weight work, my sciatic was feeling kinda ouchy, but it was weird...as soon as I finished one set on the lat pull down, I stood up to stretch and ... no pain in the ass!  :O)

I continued on with various weights work, and because I felt so good, I called the chiro and rescheduled my appointment.  I worked out on weights a bit longer, and headed home.  I probably did weights for 35 minutes or so.

Filled up the jacuzzi tub, threw in bath beads/oil and relaxed in it for 15 minutes making sure I spent most of my time with my left side/back up against one of the jets.  

I don't know what, if anything aided in the relief, I was just thankful for it.

This morning when I got up and put my foot down on the floor, I still had sciatic pain, but when I hit the floor for my morning stretches, something was different.

It wasn't as painful as previous days.  Good news indeed.

During some research yesterday I happened upon a piriformis stretch that according to most really aids in stretching and relieving piriformis (tension) and sciatica.  So I tried it a few times at work yesterday and again today, hoping that it may very well be responsible for what appears to be 'healing'.


While its a bit painful when doing it, it does provide almost instantaneous relief, and again, possibly aiding in healing.

I know I will keep doing this off and on at work today because it sho feel good!  :O)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sciatic Nerve (Injury Update)

Ugh.


Stupid sciatic nerve.


Whilst the back pain is completely gone, the sciatic is still pinched, inflamed, or whatever it is and its annoying!!!


Its worse when I first get out of bed in the morning as I've been sleeping and it gets tight obviously.


The pain is worse in my ass and I haven't had much, if at all, pain in my leg.  Sometimes it feels like it is right at the upper thigh/meets my butt area, but its minor and doesn't usually last long.


Thankfully, as I said, the back pain itself is completely gone, which is awesome because laying down (sleeping) is so much easier since before even the slightest move would wake me up due to pain.  One other good thing is that ibuprofen does make the sciatic pain subside, but my chiro doesn't really want me taking it if at all possible.  So I take the minimum amount to take the edge off.


On Saturday while I was waiting for NC et al to arrive at the picnic loop, I tried to run a few strides.  Ha!  Not even.  This is still the case this morning.  


Yesterday I went to the gym for an hour worth of cardio only even though I felt good enough to do weights, I wanted to give the back another full day of non-pain.  Incidentially yesterday was the first day with ZERO back pain!  I was SO excited when I woke up and figured that out!


I did 20min each on the bike, the elliptical and the treadmill.  Today I am going to throw in some weights work again finally...I am trying desperately not to gain weight, but in just 3 short weeks I have lost all that I had worked towards and find myself 'soft' again...ugh.  When this pain is finally gone, I am going to have to start all over again...so frustrating.  Its been 2 years since I wasn't able to run (stress fracture) and it just sucks....I had forgotten how much it sucks...then I couldn't run for over 2 months, so this is (hopefully) minor in comparison, but still...


Going to call at 9 when Dr. opens to get an appointment for a treatment and adjustment for this afternoon.


Onward and forward we go....

Saturday, May 5, 2012

(Paleo) Green Deviled Eggs

This morning I took off on my bike to ride the 8 miles to the Picnic Loop to meet up with NC and a couple of other girls from TriGirl.  They wanted to do 10 miles around the loop (each loop is one mile), and well, that means I would end up with close to 26 for the day.

I took the long way to avoid going over the TCJ bridge (save the sciatic which is MEAN in the mornings), so thats why it was 8 miles.  Probably 2 miles longer I guess.  Probably.  My odometer read 25.47 miles when I got back home.

Anyway when NC got there she had done boot camp, gone to a transition clinic at TOTR, so she opened up her trusty little Paleo ice cooler and shared a Green Deviled Egg with me.  It was so yummy that I had to make them.

Today.


Start by mashing up one (large) avocado.  I also added minced garlic, and some green onion
 

 

Slice the eggs in half, and dump the yolks in with the avocado.  Then smash it all up.
 
Making it pretty is optional :)  Clearly I didn't care since it wasn't for a party or anything

Fill the egg whites, sprinkle with paprika or other spice.  I used cayenne.  :)

Friday, May 4, 2012

Now Where Were We?

Why yes I am!!
So.  Damn.  Close.

Lets see...oh yeah...yesterday I went to the gym as planned and did the following:
  1. 20 min on the elliptical
  2. 20 min on the treadmill (walking)
  3. 20 min on the bike
  4. 5 min on the stairmill
  5. 2000m row

While all day I was still having intermittent pain from the sciatic, it wasn't horrible and when I got to the gym everything felt pretty darn good.  So good in fact that I ALMOST started to run on the treadmill, then came to my senses.  I didn't need to rush things no matter how I felt.

The big tale would be told when I woke up on Friday morning.
Which when I did wake up I was able to stretch everything out (pulling my knees in and what-not without pain).
Great!

I did more stretches after I got out of bed and it wasn't until mid-morning when I started to feel the sciatic again.  Since my neighbor wasn't in today I took the opportunity to use his hidden cubey to get down on the floor and do stretches throughout the day (Friday is jeans day so its not like I was in a dress!)  This really seemed to help and by the time I left I was feeling great.

Came home, did more stretching then hopped on the bike and rode the 1.5 miles to the chiro:  got an e-stim, ice and massage then had my adjustments.

The massage made me a bit sore near the inflamed area (but we are soooooo much better than we were on Monday!!), so I had some trouble getting into position for one of my adjustments, but Dr. Michele was awesome.  I was a bit more tense because I had never had her adjust me and it kind of freaked me out.  After we were done, I did more stretching there in the office before hopping on my bike and heading on home.

Did some icing and more stretching and as of right now, I feel grrrrrrrreat!

One thing I notice is that during the day I feel more pain in the sciatic and when I get home it eases up.  I do believe its my heels.  Once I am barefoot or in my trainers, it feels great.  I might be wearing trainers to work next week! 

I am so excited that it seems we are nearing the end of this flareup!  I have plans to ride about 20 miles tomorrow morning (riding to meet friends for an easy 10 over near Memorial Park)

If all goes as planned I should be able to try running by Monday!  Woo to the hoo!!!  Maybe I won't have to walk the run portions of TriGirl next weekend!!