Training Truths: The Cortisone Fix

Since February I have been trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with my knee! After a knee cap adjustment, the pain went away but it has remained CRUNCHY.

Last week I finally heard the answer...patellofemoral arthritis. I knew this day was coming, after-all I have had two major knee surgeries. I just thought it would come later, much later.

Fortunately, the treatment plan seems to be working and I have been able to run and do almost all of my workouts pain free.

Monday - strength for runners workout

Tuesday - Visited the sports medicine doctor and learned through a series of X-rays that the crunchies in my knee are caused by patellofemoral arthritis. First step in the treatment plan was a ultrasound guided cortisone shot followed by 48 hours of rest.

Wednesday - Joined the FitFluential April plank challenge. Have you heard about the new plank form? According to this post on PopSugar, it seems that planking with your palms up will engage the core better and improve posture.

Thursday - My knee was feeling ok and with the beautiful spring weather tempting me, I laced up for an easy 5K to beach and back. My first post-cortisone run felt good. Still clicking & clacking, but better movement probably because the cortisone attacked the inflammation inside. Post-run planking with my buddy.

Friday - planks

Saturday - Planks before SurfSet class - where we did a ton more on the boards! For the third week in a row we stayed downtown to do our long run. It did not warm up as much as I hoped, but 50 minutes of sweating through urban surfing was an excellent warmup and the sun did eventually come out to warm our legs. Other than some uncomfortable downhills, my knee remained happy through both of these workouts.

Sunday - Planks and then I met up with Katherine for a morning Booty Barre class. It was much more crowded than the last time I was there (January) and in a new (somewhat) smaller space, but it was still a killer workout...seriously, it is really hard! I like this class because it's a good mix of old moves that you recognize and new moves that keep you interested. It's also awesome that there is a class on Sunday mornings!

Did you find any ANSWERS last week?

5 New Fitness Finds

Last month I was introduced to some awesome new fitness finds. Here is a brief overview of my favorites:

Smash Run -

This website was referred to me by the Assistant Principal at my school. Her 5 year old son is a fan. The site basically keeps stats for runners. It's simple to log your runs. I use Nike+ and it's hassle-free. You earn badges (great motivation) for various accomplishments. You can see how you compare to others - including friends who also use it. It gives you detailed feedback about your stats. Oh yea - it's free. If you like stats, but aren't into the chat stuff (like DailyMile) this might be the way to go.

Athleta Record Time Run shorts -

After wearing another brand for years, but craving a less baggy feel, these shorts have everything I want with less material without having to compromise on fit by down-sizing. They have all my favorite features...lightweight material, zipper pocket, and 2.5 inch inseam. The wrap-around seams add a flattering look.

Athleta - All Align Short -

I don't have many spandex-y type shorts for running, but have found that they are super comfortable during SurfSet and other strength/cross training classes. These are a little shorter (2.5 inch inseam) than other pairs that I wear, but they keep everything covered up and stay put. They're on sale for $19.99 and also come in purple and teal.

Under Armour Marbella Sunglasses -

It's hard for me to find a good pair of sunglasses that I can wear while I'm running. About half way through a run, they'll steam up making it difficult to see. I have tried several pair and so far only these that Under Armour sent me to try have worked. The fit feels good on my face and they don't make me feel hotter than I already am from running.

Albion Fit Go Long Crew - 

I love fitness gear that can transition to casual wear without looking like I just came from a workout. This long sleeve crew top, that I received from Albion Fit, is super soft and long-waisted just the way I like them. It's a perfect Spring choice. It comes in a variety of colors and I have a giveaway {here} happening until Sunday April 6. You can also receive 15% off your purchase with my discount code: escapade15







What fit gear have you discovered lately??

Disclaimer: I mentioned that I received some product for review purposes, but all opinions are my own.

Albion Fit: Go Long Crew Giveaway!

You may have seen me hanging out repeatedly in the same blue long sleeve crew top lately.

When I first started seeing Albion apparel online, I was impressed with the feminine but sporty look. So, of course I checked them out. Albion is a family owned eco-friendly business focused on creating luxurious clothing for women on the go.

Because I love a comfy long sleeve top that I can wear casually or to and from SurfSet, I reached out to the company. They generously sent me their bestselling top: the Go Long Crew with thumb holes.

This top is everything they claim it to be: soft and lightweight, flattering in length, and versatile for any situation. It retails for $28 but you can get 15% off with my discount code escapade15 (good on any albionfit.com purchase through April 6, 2014).

Besides wearing it while hanging out around the house and as a cover up to SurfSet classes, the Go Long Crew is also perfect for my strength and yoga workouts in the cool basement.

Albion offers a wide variety of tops, bottoms, and swimwear - all with the same fitness flattering touch. Here are some others I would love to try of my favorites:

Giveaway: Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to try an Albion Fit Go Long Crew!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclaimer: Albion Fit provided the product for this review, but all opinions are my own.

March Update: Run, Run, Run

It's amazing how fast time passes at times. Does that mean I've been having fun?? I think so!

March was a fun month of workouts. I focused on strength and tried a new fitness class. Last week wasn't the most productive week of the month, but it ended on a strong note.

Monday - strength exercises for runners. I'm really liking this routine.

Tuesday - Last minute faculty meeting before rushing home to meet the cable guys meant another active rest day. More strength exercises.

Wednesday - Monthly chiropractor visit with another knee cap adjustment. Managed a 30 minute TM run. My knee was a little tender during and after the run.

Thursday - REST day - my knee was still hurting a little so I iced a few times.

Friday - Easy 5K on the treadmill followed by some strength exercises.

Saturday - SurfSet Saturday and then a 6 mile run downtown. Loving the double workouts!

Sunday - strength workout

This month I enjoyed playing along with the Instagram challenges from ZOOMA and Happy Fit Mama. I joined the FitFluential #FFMarchMiles challenge and logged 55.3 of the 100 mile goal. I knew it was an ambitious goal with all my kneecap problems, but I couldn't resist.

What was your best March moment?

Fitness Friday: New Perspectives

In the classroom, I talk to my students about perspectives a lot. It's a prominent theme in several books we read throughout the year and it encourages them to look beyond the surface to consider points that they hadn't thought of before.

I've also talked about perspectives in fitness. What might be easy for some is hard for others. An injury makes you reflect on your goals. You get the idea.

This year I wanted to continue to broaden my perspective, so I set a goal to try more new activities.

On Sunday I joined the Blog & Tweet NH group at New Perspectives Pole and Aerial in Manchester to try the new fitness trend for first time: Pole Fitness

Pole Fitness combines dance and acrobatic moves to create a fun workout that builds strength and flexibility. It involves moves such as spins, climbs, slides, and inversions.

The owner and our instructor Juel is a retired gymnast and certified strength and conditioning coach. In addition to instructing, she also competes professionally!

After some floor warm-ups, our Intro to Pole class started to get up close and personal with the POLE.

Even though Juel did an outstanding job showing us how to do the individual beginner moves, it was the toughest thing I've ever tried. I've never been known for my upper body strength, but it was obvious that the rest of my body is lacking power also.

When I signed up to attend this event, I was expecting to feel awkward during the dance-like portions, but I was ready to push myself out of my comfort zone. I was ready for it to be hard, but willing to try.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that even though I'm not the strongest girl, I was still able to do most of the moves. It was also a relief to feel a sense of encouragement from the instructor and the other ladies in the class.

I don't know when I will be back for more Pole Fitness, but I will be back!

If you're thinking about checking out Pole Fitness, follow New Perspectives on Facebook for information about the upcoming Open House.

Have you tried Pole Fitness?