Thoughts During a Workout

Today I'm linking up with Jill Conyers and Jessica for Tuesdays #DishtheFit. Today's topic is:

Does your mind wander? What do you think about when you run/workout?

Since I was not given the go-ahead to go for a test run today, I threw on my workout clothes and did the new Tabata mash-up I found on Pinterest. More on that tomorrow!

I wish these were my work clothes!

I started my workout in the cold basement thinking about how much I wish I could hop on the treadmill.

After a couple of beeps on the Gymboss and my heart rate rising, I thought about how much I miss going to SurfSet on Saturdays. Can't wait to get back there. Hopefully this weekend.

Is that a cramp in my trapezius? Deep breaths…in…out…in…out. Hmm, better.

The first round of the Tabata workout is over. I'm warmed up and thinking my legs are getting tired…really? Good thing I'm not running after all. Wait. Did I just say that? No, I'd rather be running. Definitely.

Pocket full of Sunshine…take me away…sweet escape…a better place…

Dang it's hot…jump over toward the fan…wipe off my face.

Oh crap, I missed a beep. I lost my place on the workout. Should I be jump roping or ??? This is why running is better for me. My mind can wander and I don't get lost.

It's over. That was good. How many calories did I burn today? Awesome.

So, what do you think about during your runs/workouts?

Training Truths: Staying Strong

Has it really been 4 weeks since I started dealing with my hip?

Last week I spent more time with Dr. Bri and worked on my strength (in ways that I could). At first that was just standard sit-ups, but as my hip pain lessened I was given the OK to do more.

So, after a couple of sessions of Graston, I was able to get back to my Tabata workouts that focus on core and lower leg strength. The only thing I couldn't do was side planks or anything else that caused pain in my hip.

By Sunday, I was itching for more and came across the Under Armour #SweatADay November challenge on Instagram. I've done the #SweatADay challenge numerous times in the past.  It helps me keep my fitness focus whether I am running or not and I find great new exercises. 

The weather was perfectly crisp for an outdoor morning workout following the challenge for day 9. Since I was getting a late start on the challenge, I also did a few of the previous workouts.

It felt really good to be outside working out. None of the exercises caused pain in my hip, but admittedly it felt…funny. Kind of tight, kind of tired? Not sure if the feeling in my hip is negative (pain-like) or positive (I've been used!).

Today I see Dr. Bri again and will hopefully get some more answers!

A Special Veteran's Day Gift for Those Who Protect Our House: 15% Off for Veterans & Service Members.

Fabulous Friday

I admit that when I'm not running, I'm moody, cranky, irritable. Running is my way of shaking off the crazy, after all.

It hasn't been easy, enduring another week of no running, but here's some fabulous-ness that has helped keep my mind off of the negative.

ZOOMA Ambassadors starring in a Feetures! video

ZOOMA Cape Cod registration discount codes

Oiselle #FlyStyle gear distractions

TFL is finally chill-laxing! I might be able to run next week!!

Tell me something fabulous about your Friday!!

Training Truths: What the #TFL?

Another week has gone by and I'm still dealing with my hip mess. At the start of last week I thought I was making progress, but another painful two mile run told me it was time to see the professional.

Monday - I did my Tabata ab workouts and felt ok.

Tuesday - I went for a 2 mile run with the high school run club. It was bad. It was worse after. I actually went from the run to another massage appointment. She really worked on my legs, hips, and glutes, but my hip still hurt. A lot.

Wednesday - I woke up knowing that there was no way I could run with my Manchester City Marathon Relay Team on Sunday. Even if I were to try the shortest leg (instead of my 9 miler) it was going to be bad. So I made the call for a replacement. I wore my compression shorts under my work clothes. The snug fit helped ease the pain.

Friday - I was able to see Dr. Bri. He said the problem was my TFL.

What the TFL?

TFL stands for Tensor Fascia Latae.

Mine is not happy.

Turns out my (notorious) sartorius is not so scandalous after all. Dr. Bri was able to determine this because my pain is located on the side of my hip bone and not the front. (um ok, yea, whatever…how do we fix it???)

Although the TFL doesn't have a primary function, it does assist with hip flexion, abduction, and stabilization. When running it is active during the pick-up of the foot as well as the strike of the foot.

Dr. Bri suspects I'm suffering from the perfect storm of under active glutes, a weak left quad (thanks torn meniscus), and some over-pronating that is causing a strain on the right TFL at the insertion point on my hip bone. He performed some Graston (it was too painful to do Active Release) and then applied an electric cortisone patch.

The cortisone patch uses iontophoresis to deliver the medicine through the skin directly to the target area. Dr. Bri put the patch on my hip and then charged the little battery on top of it. This was a little uncomfortable because it felt like pins and needles, but it only lasted for a few minutes. I wore the patch for a couple hours and my hip felt better than it had in days.

So even though it feels like my injuries are taking me on an anatomy class journey, I am determined to overcome yet another injury and get strong again.

Since I didn't run this weekend, tell me what you did!

Dirty Little Secrets + {WIN Detergent Giveaway}

Disclosure: I received product from WIN Detergent to review through my relationship as a Sweat Pink Ambassador. All opinions are my own.

We all know that workout clothing is an investment. I have always taken special care of my gear because I want it to last as long as possible. For example, I do not put workout gear made with moisture-wicking fabrics in the dryer. I let them hang dry right along side my work wear.

Dirty little secret #1: I don't let mrC touch my laundry…not even to fold it.

Fitness wear that is made with moisture-wicking fabrics is meant to keep us dry during a sweaty workout. Popular fabrics like nylon, lycra, and polyester do well to keep the sweat away from our bodies, but the synthetic material can foster bacteria growth which increases the stink factor. PEW!

Dirty little secret #2: I sweat. A LOT. (see below)

I have been using a popular brand of detergent (an impulse buy at the grocery) that uses a fabric freshener and although it works, the scent can be a little overpowering and much the same as the back of my car after spraying away the dog smell. Needless to say, once I had a basket full of dirty workout clothes, I couldn't wait to try out the WIN detergent.

Dirty little secret #3: Sometimes my sweaty clothes sit for nearly a week before I get to the laundry.

I like that the bottle comes with a cap that doubles as the measuring cup and it only took two capfuls to do a full load of laundry.  However, the cap can't be used to close the bottle after the first use and must be rinsed. Not a big deal, but an added step that takes time.

My clothes came out smelling fresh without an overwhelming fragrance like the popular brand and no hint of a pesky left-over sweaty odor. My workout gear smelled good and clean. I like that. And, I like the original formula over the WIN GREEN fragrance free formula.

Most of us like to feel like we are getting as much bang for our buck as possible. The price $10.95 for a 32 oz bottle of WIN detergent from Amazon versus $5.99 for 40 oz of the popular brand at my local grocery is tough to ignore. However, WIN is made in the USA and has created a coupon for $1 off your order using code WINGIVE1. Also, if you have Amazon Prime, 2 day shipping is free.

Dirty little secret #4: I'm a frugal shopper, but I will spend a little more on products if I feel like they are worth it.

Ever tried WIN detergent? You can enter the giveaway for a chance to add some to your laundry shelf. Enter using the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your dirty little fitness secret?