Ice Packs, Pineapple and Stretching

Good Morning! It is actually quite gloomy outside today – damp, chilly and rain in the forecast.

I, however, am in my usual sunshiny mood at this early hour…don’t hate me for being a morning person.

I am pleased to report to you that yesterday’s run was by far the best I have had in easily two weeks. When I say best, I mean that my pace seems to be returning to its normal range.

Thank goodness.

I have been trying to not let my pace bother me but the truth is, it was on my mind a lot. I know we discussed that my legs were aching and taking much longer to warm up than normal, and while I attributed it to the adjustment to the increase in weekly mileage and change in usual running route, I was becoming pretty frustrated. And concerned.

Lucky for me though, I was greeted with quite the surprise yesterday when I started out for my run and felt pretty loose and just about back to normal.

Perhaps the ice packs I have been sitting with attached to my knee/leg area has helped? I haven’t needed an ice pack in almost 6 months but they have been making a regular appearance over the last few days.

Although maybe I felt better because I bought a giant pineapple to cut up and eat in order to get a triple dose of bromelain.

Do you know what bromelain is? Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask.

The only stupid question is the question not asked.

Bromelain, which is found in pineapple, is an extremely powerful enzyme with major anti-inflammatory properties.

Eating pineapple, thereby ingesting bromelain and a host of many other phytochemicals and antioxidants, has been linked to a decrease in swelling, bruising, healing time, reduction in arthritis symptoms and pain as well as a reduction in muscle soreness: BINGO!

I have also been trying to incorporate more stretching into my daily routine in order to loosen up the muscles.

My version of a stretching routine, as seen above,  is probably not something you should wish to imitate.

The only thing I am comfortable telling you I am an expert in is dessert. Proper stretching should be left to the pros.

I did purchase this stretching/core strengthening apparatus band thing to help with stretches and strength training. I haven’t quite gotten around to fully reviewing it but the little boy was happy to test it out.

He said, and I quote, “I feel the burn”.

So maybe this is a product worth purchasing? I will let you know my full opinion soon.

I will also be filling you in soon on winter workout apparel. I received so many emails yesterday regarding what I like to wear in addition to my favorite winter running accessories.

I am currently on a mission to locate some new layers that provide warmth and comfort in a sweat-wicking fabric that if possible, satisfies the cute factor – STAY TUNED.

Have a great Wednesday!

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

I NEED TO KNOW:

 Do you get frustrated when your pace is off?

Are you a morning person?

Do you use any at-home stretching bands like the one I purchased?

 

It’s The Thought That Counts

I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend and a Happy Father’s Day.

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to gifts, I am all about the thought put into picking a present over the dollar amount spent.

I like to buy special gifts for the people in my life and for the most part, I never go into the present hunt searching for a specific dollar amount. It is all about the thought and what I know the person would truly appreciate.

I am not one for the “cookie cutter” gift. Father’s Day to me does not mean the routine shirt or a tie.

I am trying to raise my son to understand the thoughtful side to gifts rather to focusing on spending a certain amount to achieve gift success.

Which isn’t easy when gift cards are plastered everywhere for just about anything.

That being said, I suggested that he pick something from Williams Sonoma since his dad likes to cook. They have such a wide variety of sauces, marinades, spices etc. that we were bound to locate something.

He happily chose a Jalapeno Peach Barbeque Sauce.

Bonus: They wrap it up all nice and even include a card.

And as for my own father, I went the thoughtful route this year as well.

We all know I am on a major cherry kick right now for the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Click here for another fabulous article regarding the health benefits of cherries.

My father has TERRIBLE knees and is the pickiest eater alive. He certainly won’t eat a cherry so the juice is the next best thing.

Now he can get his daily dose of  anthocyanocides and I am convinced it will help him to walk pain free.

Am I a thoughtful daughter or what?

Let’s see now. The rest of the weekend is a bit of a blur.

Oh yes – fabulous sushi experience Friday night at a local place, Kumo.

We ate at the sushi bar and of course I forgot to take the pictures of the out of this world rolls we ordered.

But hey, doesn’t that mean I was having such a good time that the last thing on my mind was my camera?

I did manage to get a photo of what the waitress brought us with the check:

She must have known that I adore watermelon as well as needed the extra hydration for my run the next morning.

Talk about thoughtful.

Speaking of my run, I have great news. Well, great news in my little world.

The Asics Gel Nimbus 15’s and I are becoming very good friends.

If you recall, last week I slowly started hanging out with them and since I was enjoying their company, I wore them Saturday for my 12 mile run.  (I think I ran over 12 miles since my stupid MapMyRun app  at some point started calculating wrong).

I didn’t notice my feet the entire time which in my book signifies foot happiness.

One of my closest friends asked me this weekend to recommend a good pair of sneakers for her.

My response: “Do you read my blog? Do I seem like someone who can figure out the right pair for myself let alone tell you which you should wear?”

Good thing she understands my personality.

Anyway, the truth is, no one can advise you of the perfect shoe for your foot. What works for my feet may or may not be right for yours.

The best thing you can do find a good sneaker store, have your foot measured and have the employee watch how you walk to determine which models you should try on in order to make your decision.

And even then, it may take time to determine which style works best for you.

So, being the thoughtful person that I am, I googled to find her the best sneaker store in her area and sent her there for assistance.

I was happy to locate a Runner’s Edge for her in Florida since that is my go-to store here in New York. I am not sure if they are affiliated but she called me after to inform me that helped her to find a good sneaker for her foot.

She chose the Asics Gel Cumulus 15. The Cumulus is similar to the Nimbus model with some slight differences in construction.

I can absolutely discuss the specs in another post but in my mind, no matter how the shoe is constructed or how good it sounds, the true test is slipping a shoe on and feeling foot happiness.

Have a great Monday!

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

I need to know:

Do you buy gifts with a specific price in mind?

What did you do this weekend? Eat anything good?

Run any races?

Have you worn the new Asics models yet? They just updated to the 15’s from the 14’s.