Erin

I ran 4 miles in 39 minutes the other day! This is not something I can do every day. But I am starting slow and listening to my body more. And I realize food is fuel and I’m starting to eat better understanding that the proper diets help my workouts so much better!

Employ a witch doctor…it helps! :)
My accupuncturist has really helped my knee problem…now I have to work on my stamina!

I have had a couple set backs in the last month. I work at a new restaurant that seems to be sinking right now so they are cutting labor extensively. We have gone down to two bartenders (i was the 3rd) so I lost my bar shifts. I am strictly a server now, making 1/2 hourly and probably 1/4 cash. I just moved into a new apartment which required first, last, and deposit. I also had to pay for unpaid parking tickets. I was aiming for October, but now I am back to paying minimums just to pay rent.

1. the new apartment is much less expensive
2. my new roommie and i are both trying to save
3. she likes to cook (i.e. less eating out)
4. my thesis won most masterful thesis of the year at the university…i’m hoping for monetary reward in the form of a better job! :)

Please send me some money saving ideas if you have them!!!

About 2 1/2 – 3 years ago I was running at about an 8 1/2 minute mile. I was running about 5 miles a day 5-6 days a week. Running was my drug. I had to do it. I loved it. I got lost in the run and it didn’t even feel like I was doing anything. I self reflected. I listened to music. And I participated in races. I was pretty happy with my progress. I called myself a runner, but I raced against myself, not to win. I finished my first 5 mile race in 45 minutes and I was happy, but I knew I could do better. I wanted to finish the next in under 40. I was well on my way to doing it then my knee gave out a week before the race. My doc said I could still run, but I’d need physical therapy after and I shouldn’t try to set any personal goals…

I ran with both knees wrapped and on lots of pain meds, but they didn’t help. I ran like it was everything I ever wanted to do…it hurt like hell, but I finished in 44. I was happy with the time, but it was the last time I ran. That was March 2006.

I am rebuilding the muscles around my knees and I am trying to run again. It hurts and my breathing sucks. I could run a 7 1/2 min mile, now I struggle to run a 10 min/mile pace for 3 minutes. My face gets red and I feel like someone is attacking my chest, and my knees feel like jello.

I slowed down the run to 11:32 min miles and it feels good, and I was able to run that pace for 20 minutes but knowing what I could do then is frustrating and defeating what I can do now.

I want to run again without the pain and frustration. I want to run again so I can set a new goal of running a marathon while I’m 30. (before i hurt myself it was running the marathon before 30, I’ll be 30 in august…that goal isn’t an option, but i haven’t given up the marathon just yet).