Neither happy nor sad: That’s how Adrienne was feeling during her 11-mile run.
In this edition of Martini Fridays, Adrienne Martini, training for the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon using the Train Like a Mother: Finish It Half-Marathon plan, deals with complaining calf muscles–and a strong craving for a Crayola-colored milkshake.
After such a stellar run last week, disappointment was inevitable, so I knew a let-me-down 11-miler on Saturday wouldn’t be out of the question. So I wasn’t all that disappointed, actually, when the inevitable came to pass. Which makes me, what, appointed?
On Friday night, my husband and I had driven an hour and back to see a play, so I knew I would be starting the long one with one foot already in the underhydrated-and-overtired bucket. Also factoring in to my appointment was my right calf. It had been grouchy since the previous week’s double-digit run. There hasn’t been any real pain, not even during Thursday’s speedwork, but it spent the week feeling like a toddler on the verge of a tantrum–and I felt just as powerless to stop it as I did when my kids were that small.
Because of the cranky calf, I rested rather than do a mix of planks and squats on a XT day. I’ve also been elevating and compressing. For the “ice” part of the RICE equation, I’ve just been standing with my right leg in a snowbank.
Yes, we still have great heaps of snow. No, I don’t want to talk about it.
The exotic list of ingredients in 701 pain-plaster is almost as long as this week’s run.
And, no, I really haven’t been standing in snow. Instead, I’ve been using these “701” pain patches my friend Laura, who is an acupuncturist/massage therapist/all-around healer gave me. Slap one on to an achy muscle and your limb feels like it’s been dipped in a vat of IcyHot. The downside is that you smell like a mix of menthol and peat with an underlying note of funk. Which is also how I describe the band I was in in college.
(Note: I wasn’t in a band in college. Just couldn’t resist the joke.)
I set out on Saturday with the intention of running on the outdoor track. The weather has been sunny enough to melt most of the ice on our sidewalks. I figured the track surface is like a sidewalk and should be clear, too. Plus, I thought the squishy and level surface would be good for the grouchy calf.
Sadly, the track was still a skating rink. I had to go with Plan B, which was a route I’ve run dozens of times. I figured I’d just add some miles in the middle to make it up to 11 or 12.
No Zamboni in sight, but the track is still an ice rink.
For those who have friended me on Strava–and if you haven’t, why not?–a few word about my pace. First, I am really, really slow. Really. I know this and am happy-ish with it. Really, I’m just thrilled to be running so far. Second, once Herr Garmin is started, I don’t stop him until I’m done. All of the chats with my husband and GU stops are included in my time. There is no good reason for this, other than a fear that if I stop Herr Garmin, I’ll turn any quick break into a much, much longer break because no one is keeping track but me. Weird, I know, but here we are.
The rest of the run was fine. Not great. Not awful. This route takes me past a McDonald’s and a promised myself I’d come back for a Shamrock Shake later. These frosty green delights are one of my guiltiest pleasures. I don’t feel all that awful about eating treats like ice cream, cake, cookies, and pie (usually not in the same sitting, mind you) but I do feel I should be above loving a milkshake that only sortof resembles food. But I adore them and look forward to Shamrock season every year.
My right calf played along during the run and only let out an occasional complaint. The run itself never stopped feeling like work, but at least it was work I could do.
When I got home, I discovered the children had consumed the rest of the chocolate milk so I made my own disappointing glass of it with some random hot cocoa packets burrowed in our kitchen cabinets. It was fine, if a little sad, much like the rest of the run.
Garmin says it was 11 miles; Adrienne calls it “appointed.”
This week is a step-back week, where the long run is only 8 miles with a strong finish. If you’d ask me a year ago if I’d evolve enough as a runner to think of an 8-mile run as only 8, I’d think you were nuts.I also have an appointment with the aforementioned Laura this week to see if she can beat the knots out of my leg. She’s a runner, too, and always seems to find the extra owie spots.
There is one think that I could use some help with. I find that I am hungry all of the time lately but am completely bored by all of my snack options. I’m tempted to go on an all Shamrock Shake regime but thought I’d ask: What is your go-to nosh when you need something sort of substantial but don’t really have time to deal with making or eating a full meal?
I love cereal…I can eat it as a snack or a meal.
Almonds and/or green smoothies.
I won’t say it’s a healthy snack, but a spoonful of honey peanut butter gets me through!
Peanut butter on an English muffin -yum!
I love the Chobani yogurt tubes. The regular “adult” size containers are a bit too much. Tubes are the right serving to tide me over and the extra protein is good (and eating them makes me feel like a kid, especially when I blurb yogurt all over my outfit which happens far too often).
I’m sorry your calf is cranky! Baby it as much as you have to to get to the start. You are doing awesome :) for snacks? I go with Greek yogurt and a handful of animal crackers or pretzels. Love your posts
Snacks: veggies with cheese or peanut butter. On the calf: You inspired me to do 10 last week and my legs have been complaining ever since! But a foam roller on the calf is a must. Mine got a micro tear last year and I had to eat 3 weeks to let it heal :( so it pays to foam roll.
That would be *rest for three weeks! Freudian auto correct!
I do almonds (I measure so I don’t over do) or some banana chips with a strip of dried mango. I’ve also started oatmeal with a tbls of chocolate protein powder and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Keeps me satisfied for quite a while.
As for the calf, check out the calf stretch recommended by Dr. Charles Peebles and Dr. Perry Julian, http://atlantafootandankle.com
They were able to show me how I was over stretching and thus causing myself more pain. :-) Good luck on the runs. You have inspired me for my ten today.
Coming from another slow runner, I applaud your 11 miles! I too have been dealing with a bit of a cranky calf, not enough to bother me but it gets a bit snotty on occasion. On the plus side, the PF in my right foot doesn’t rear it’s ugly head much any more as long as I remember tape up before running. Thank you Leukotape! As for my go to snack, I have a weakness for peanut butter pretzels. Greek yogurt, string cheese & apples with peanut butter are also always on hand in our house.
I keep spicy almonds and walnuts on hand for snacking. I also love, love, love roasted chick peas. They are my current go to.
I have to say that I had a cranky calf leading up to the Blue Ridge Marathon last April (not to mention the actual visible knot in my calves while racing this past weekend). Compression sleeves or socks took care of it for me. I also would wear icy hot to bed and when I wasn’t going to be around too many people. If I needed a patch, my go to was either icy hot or Tiger Balm.
Depends on my mood
Impulse: leftovers in the frig like pasta, pizza or quiche (was after this mornings workout).
Healthy: fresh juice like carrot/lemon/ginger
Triscuit crackers and cheddar cheese, but I have to portion them out or else I’m tempted to eat most of a box. I am also a cereal girl, baggie of cheerios and a glass of milk and I’m good!
I too eat almonds by the handful. Also I’ll bake a half dozen sweet potatoes, put them in the freezer still wrapped in foil, then pull them out & nuke them for a quick meal or snack. With cinnamon butter! And just like you, I never turn off Garmin or Strava. Last night I scooped up dog poo with Strava timing me! I figure they don’t stop the clock in a race for me to go to the bathroom, fuel, etc. so I won’t stop the clock in a training run. Makes things seem more accurate.
I’m completely addicted to Hummus & low fat Pretzel chips! Hope your calf gets better soon. I’ve had similar issues. Got a foam roller to work out the kinks. Best thing I ever did for myself. Try it!
Just have to tell you that I haven’t thought about Shamrock Shakes since I was in high school, but since you mentioned them I realize how much I loved them! Must see if McDonald’s is still selling them now that St Pat’s Day is over…..
A few of my go to foods: black bean taquitoes from trader joes, whole wheat wrap with smoked turkey lunch meat and avocado, whole wheat pita stuffed with roast beef hummus topped with plain Greek yogurt and cut up cucumber, and good old fashioned pb and j :)
My go to snack is usually Stonyfield plain fat free Greek yogurt with a 1/3 cup of KIND peanut butter clusters (granola-ish). It’s about 200 calories and 20g of protein so it keeps me full until dinner. Love following your training! Hope your calf behaves!!
Way to go on the 11 miles!!!
Last week after a crappy day I told my husband, “The best part of my day was a shamrock shake.” That was all he needed to know – I too am not usually a fan of foodlike substances, but sometimes you want what you want! My go-to snacks for the runchies are greek yogurt with berries and granola, almonds (lots of almonds), string cheese, good dark chocolate, and plain popcorn.
I know the feeling of always being hungry when the mileage gets high, but you aren’t excited by the food on hand. I keep cheese sticks in the office frig. Don’t get the low fat ones!
I also like having pudding on hand at home. Mix it up before your run, or assign a kid to do it. My 14 year old boy thinks I am torturing him when he has to do anything in the kitchen. I tell him I am preparing him with basic life skills.
Nice work on the mileage!
Go to snacks to squash the hunger– think protein. Right now, I’m liking low-fat cottage cheese mixed with dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
Frozen yogurt. And TCBY just opened up down the street from my house – yah! I am really enjoying your training reports. Keep them coming!
A packet of oatmeal, just one. It’s enough to make me feel full but not enough to cause side stitches – at least for me.
I love a handful of almonds for a snack. They have protein that my body craves, they are crunchy, and if I eat them one at a time I feel full by the time I’m done! (Caveat….gobble the whole handful at once and you don’t feel very satisfied. From experience!)
Love the word “runchies.” I’m putting it down for use along with “rungry!”
Eggs. Easy to make, keep me full, and OH so good!
You should be proud of your 11 miles, even if it didn’t feel amazing. Most people couldn’t (and wouldn’t) walk 11 miles, so running it is super awesome!
One of my favorite snack options is cottage cheese. I like it best with craisins or raisins (1/4 cup dried fruit, 3/4 cup cottage cheese). My husband and kids like it plain. My mom eats it with pepper. It’s quick, filling, and has lots of protein.
My favorite go-to food is Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter on Saltine crackers!! Hits the spot every time. My problem is knowing when to stop!
Adrienne, I hate to blow apart your love of the Shamrock Shake, but you might want to read what Dietitian Cassie has to say about the shake. It is not your friend!! http://www.dietitiancassie.com/whats-in-a-shamrock-shake/
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter. Heaven in a jar. Seriously. I put it on toast, Eggo waffles, and apples. Super yum-o!
Triscuits, Colbyjack, and summer sausage.
Oh – I have zero illusions about the health value of a Shamrock Shake. It’s probably better to just eat styrofoam packing peanuts. But, still, they hold sway over me and are, fortunately, only around for a short time.
Keep the snack ideas coming, please! “Runchies” sums it up well. And also the part about most snacks not holding much appeal lately is dead on. Had the weirdest craving the other day for a snack my mom used to make: cottage cheese on a leaf of iceberg lettuce topped with a canned peach half and sprinkled with paprika. Did anyone else ever have that? Or is this just a weird 1970 + my mom thing?
Oh, and also, you guys are great! Your enthusiasm and advice mean so much to me!
I have to have one Shamrock shake every March. It’s just a must.
For substantial-ish snacks, I like a Granny Smith apple with a Cracker Barrel extra sharp white cheese snack bar. Or a banana and a spoonful of peanut butter. Or some greek yogurt and frozen fruit and/or nuts.
I knew that was you at the play! I just was not totally positive in the randomness of it all and it was during the post-play crush to leave that I spotted you. We met at the mother runner party at Fleet Feet and I have really been enjoying your Friday posts! Keep up the great training in this most difficult winter of running (unfortunately I have not been challenged since I am still dealing with foot pain that started a year ago and have not run since May. Sadness). Best of luck with the weather and your race! Can’t wait to read all about it!
I love your post and am enjoying following your training. You are doing AWESOME!!!! I don’t have much calf advice as I am a relatively newbie runner and I would say ditto to all the snack suggestions and go for the Shamrock shake once or twice or three times in March. Your running is inspiring, your attitude is contagious and I will be taking it with me tomorrow when I am out for 8 miles. Thank you and keep up the awesome work!!!!
Me again. I must confess that I have not tried GU. There is something about the texture that grosses me out. Adrienne, do you have a recommended flavor or two. How do you get it down or is it best to assume that the Shamrock Shakes makes up for the struggle of getting it down?????
I vote with Cathy S. Peaut butter on saltines! I think you are doing great! Thanks for sharing with such honesty and humor. My whole self would be cranky and not just my calves (or is it calfs?) if I was training in ice and snow like you have done and are still doing! PS-I loved what you wrote earlier about enjoying putting one foot in front of the other with nothing else to think about for a couple of hours. Do you think we should feel sorry for the ones who knock out the double digits in a hurry? Then I listened to the webinar last night and learned i should be thinking of lots of other things like my breathing, my arms, my cadence, and how I was feeling. Oh well, ignorance was bliss. Hang in there and enjoy your 8 miler.
Try “Feed Zone Portables” for snacking…we make them on the weekend – and they are wonderful to have on hand.
OMGosh! How random is that? Sorry to hear about the foot. Hope you have a sense of how to heal and you’re back to running soon. The weather should be in our favor eventually, right? RIGHT?
Laurie: OMGosh! How random is that? Sorry to hear about the foot. Hope you have a sense of how to heal and you’re back to running soon. The weather should be in our favor eventually, right? RIGHT?
My favorite ‘feel indulgent but really healthy for you’ snack is half an avocado with a serving of shelled sunflower seeds, eat with a spoon. Creamy, salty and crunchy, yum.
Okay … clearly I don’t understand how comments work and should probably just go lay down.
But, quickly, Ruthann – my favorite Gu is the Salted Caramel. I could eat them just for fun. The rest of them are OK, I guess, but come a distant second to the Salted Caramel. If you don’t like Gu, though, you could always try another style of fuel, like the jelly beans or chomps or honey straws.
Every time I read MF I feel like we would be great running buddies! Similar paces and you crack me up :) I am training for my first half, too. My favorite trails and tracks are still ice, too. Congrats on getting it done!
I love saying “only 8 miles” – the first time I could say that it felt so crazy. My favorite quick snack is a frozen Nuttzo ball (or 2, or 3). You roll Nuttzo or other nut butter with oats, protein powder, choc. chips, honey, and maybe some other things (I googled this type of recipe and there are a bunch out there) and freeze on wax paper. So so so good…
Good luck with your training!