Aqua Running

Today I water ran for the first time. Some might think that water running sounds super easy, but it kicked my butt! I actually sweated while in the water. Feelings of apprehension have been hovering in the back of my mind. Would I look like a big dork, would I do it wrong, would I look like a big dork, would it work, would I look like a big dork, will I keep my lungs and cardio strong till I can run again...These are the thoughts that have been circling my mind since I bought the blasted water belt last week.

Now I did catch one of the freaking life guards mimicing me and making fun of me, but WTH I shouldn't care what I look like. Devin pictured me with one of those rubber floatation devices, something like this:

 Yep he got a good laugh.  Anyway I did about 50 min of on and off speedwork.  You warm up 5 min and then do 1.5 min fast and take a 30 second recover in between.  I did this a total of 16 times and then I cooled down for 10 minutes.  I had a few charley horses in my calves but all in all it was a good workout.  Or a very successful mission.  I hope those damn lifeguards are not there on Friday.

Kaden's 7th

Kaden has been planning his 7th birthday since his last birthday. Every month it seemed to change venue. Boondocks, Disneyland, Jumpstreet, the Rec, swimming, ChuckE Cheese, Boondocks, swimming, Jumpstreet, and finally ChuckE Cheese. We let Kaden invite just a few friends and it was perfect. The boys were all very well behaved and I think they had a great time. I can't believe he is going to be baptized next year. Where does the time go???

Tantalizing Tuesday

Want a fast dinner under 30 min. start to finish?  Why not try Chinese Fried Rice. This is one of my kids favorites, and I have to say I like it too.  I had left over ham this week from potato soup so I used the rest for this recipe, and I might just be able to use the ham for MacnCheese too.

Jarrie's Fried Rice
6 C cooked brown rice
1 T garlic
1 c green onion
1 cup cooked carrots
1 c frozen peas
3 eggs
1 c diced ham, shrimp or chicken
3 T oil
soy sauce to taste.(I use gluten free)

Cook up the rice in your rice cooker, I like brown rice because it is healthier, and my kids can't tell its brown cuz of the soy sauce.

Add 1 T of oil to pan and cook green onion and garlic for 1 min.  Add diced ham. Add cooked carrots and frozen peas.  Saute till fragrant and warmed through. Remove this mixture from pan and hold in a bowl.

Add 1 t oil to pan and cooked whisked eggs and scramble.  Remove from pan and add to bowl.

Now add the last T. of oil and add your 6 cups cooked rice.  Saute for a minute or two and add the mixture in the bowl to the pan.

Cook through and add soy sauce to taste.

Stress Fracture

Last week  I finally made it to a Physical Therapist.  I have tried everything to get rid of the shin splints, but I think I have known for a while that it was something else.  I was just hoping the sharp pain would go away, but the PT confirmed my worst fear, a stress fracture of the tibia.  I can say she did not do an MRI, but she said that she had seen enough and by my reactions to the tests made her 99.9% sure.  That was enough for me and after a very painful hour visit including some heavy massage(not the feel good type)acupuncture and some sort of electronic stimulation therapy, I left hobbling out of the office with a very bruised calf and butt(periformis muscle).  She did not do anything to my shin, It was too swollen and will be reevaluted in 3 weeks.

What does this mean.  She actually asked me which was more important, the Ragnar Relay or the Ironman in August? I looked at her with a tear in my eye and said, can't I do both?  Anyway-no running for me for at least a month.  I have to say that the idea of water running sounds a little boring, but that is my plan.  Spinning and Aqua Running.  My shin hurts on and off, but these are the 2 exercises that I don't feel any pain.  Too much standing and it starts to throb.  I am also doing exercises for my shins and glutes.  Yeah my glutes are week.  Even though my butt is big, there is NO MUSCLE in there, just flabby fat.

I wouldn't say I am chipper about the outcome.  Actual I am a little depressed.  My team is still allowing me to participate and I want to participate but I know I will not be 100% and its not fun when everyone is running and planning runs, and here I am.  I am trying to stay positive but it is hard.  How much i take my body for granted, and hopefully I can come back from this with a good attitude and still physically fit.