Thankful Thursday

I have basically written and re-written this post five times already this morning. I have a lot to be thankful for and yet today I'm just a tad grumpy about this stupid Hampton. I'd be lying if I said I thought I was going to finish the run on Sunday. If I do, consider it a miracle and we can all come back to this blog next week and say something like, "See? And here you were, all doubtful you'd finish." I am definitely feeling as though this weekend will be my first DNF. I'm just being honest and realistic here people. 

Since Thankful Thursday is all about being thankful for what good I do have going on, I'm not going to lament this dumb injury and instead focus on what's awesome in B.o.B.land right now. The first thing being my impending 5K, which if you live in Tampa, you can attend. (Registration button is up there in the corner.) It's a big learning curve but we're getting through it. I have a new found respect for race directors. God bless em.

The second thing that is pretty cool right now is my new venture into twitter. I have no clue what I'm doing on there but it's fun to stalk, er, I mean "follow" pro's and random celebs. Thus far I'm following about 150 pro triathletes and runners and Gwen Stefani. Heh. (I'm @discomBoBruns.)

And finally I'm thankful for post race parties and four day weekends. Since I've got a few (more like a ton) of friends racing on Sunday I have No Doubt (Gwen reference intended!) that the post race festivities are going to be awesome. And since I am going to indulge with the post race beverages, I think taking Monday off is the best idea I've ever had. Can you say beach day? 

I leave you with a little music to get you through Thursday and as always, what are you thankful for today?

I laugh at pain

Since I've tried just about everything under the sun for Hampton I tested out A.R.T. today with a local massage therapist who is certified in it. A.R.T. stands for Active Release Techniques and is a "movement based massage technique" that is supposed to help with a multitude of issues. It focuses on treating overused muscles and I've heard a lot of good things about it from many blogging friends and triathletes. In fact, KC, was the one who recommended it first and gave me the guy's contact information. 

I wasn't sure what to expect this morning but I had a dream the night before last that it was really strange and borderline inappropriate. Heh. Damn this over active imagination. The good news is that it wasn't at all like my dream and the therapist was great.

He started by asking about my injury and assessing tightness of my leg. As it turns out my IT band is wound up tighter than Justin Bieber's skinny jeans. He also said I had good strong quads that were more than likely working harder than the poor hamstring and jacking everything up. Go figure.

The first painful process we did focused on the IT. I laid on my back with my left leg (the jacked up leg) almost off the table. As he pressed really hard on a spot just under the IT I was told to bend my leg back. He did this all the way up my leg and it hurt like a mofo. Which of course made me laugh. Awkward, painful laughter. I do this at PT as well. I'm sure everyone thinks I'm nuts but at least I am not screaming.

We did similar movements all around my leg and he thinks I've got an awesome combo of a weak left hip and tight IT band which all basically led to the straining of my hamstring. I think it's all due to my overuse and running way too much just exacerbated all of the above issues. 

Honestly at this point, I've already heard all of this from the physical therapists as well. They also massaged my hamstring, IT band, and had me do some hip strengthening exercises. The difference with them is that it's less manual therapy and more exercises. 

Did the A.R.T. magically heal my leg? No. It's a little grumpy right now but you'd be pissed too if some strong dude beat on you for an hour. Is it going to allow me to run on Sunday? Only time will tell. I will say that I appreciate the fact that A.R.T. is endorsed by Ironman and that this therapist works with a lot of triathletes. I'm going to see him again and maybe put the kibosh on PT for a while. I certainly cannot afford them both. Injuries are expensive! 

The big positive out of today's appointment is that the therapist is one of the main therapists at my race this weekend. Score! He's going to KT  me up on Saturday at the expo and hopefully give me a little loosening massage. 

I've decided to race. I'm going to swim and bike as I have no pain during those activities. I'll start the run. If it hurts, I'll bag it. I'm just not making this injury worse and completly tearing my hamstring when I've already put in a good four weeks of recovery. Someone commented asking me if it'd be worth it in a year if I did this race. And that's a damn good question. It won't really matter in the long run if I take a DNF to save myself further injury. 

An open letter to Hampton

Dear Hampton,

I know you've been having a grand old time hanging out with me. I mean, who wouldn't? I'm super fun. I go dancing (which doesn't seem to bother you one bit). I ride my bike (also not a bother). I swim (only occasionally are you bothered). In general, I'm a pleasant leg host for you. However, as with many guests who overstay their welcomes it's time for you to pack it up and find some other poor soul to free load off of. 

Yes our "trial" run on Saturday was not completely miserable but it did leave me feeling sore and confused. I mean you come on so strong and then you leave again. I need you to leave for good. I've got shit to do. Shit which requires your complete absence. 

I am hopeful that the times we've been with our "therapist" you have learned that I need my leg without your presence. I need it to run freely and joyfully like I did before you showed up. 

While I totally admit that your being here has made me much stronger on the bike and during swim but you have come in between me and my first true love, running. 

Since I have a race this weekend that I'm really looking forward to, I ask that you get out your Samsonite, fill it with your achey, throbby, weirdness and vamoose. Am-scray. Hit the road. Make like a tree  and - well you get the picture. 

I'd hate to sick Lloyd on you cause that would just hurt us both.

Sincerely,

B.o.B.

Thankful Thursday

I have much to be thankful for today and you know that I love a list, so here we go!

Today I'm thankful for:

1. My YMCA lifeguards/Master's swim coach. The regular guards on my Tuesday and Thursday morning swims are a trip. This guy and gal usually keep me laughing and have made the aqua yogging go by much faster. Yesterday they sang "I will survive." The female guard is also the Master's coach and she's really helping me work on form which I haven't had help with in years. She pointed out that my kick is really powerful but I'd be faster still if I worked on my arm speed.

2. My 5K. I think Lloyd mentioned that I'm putting on my very own 5K with my friend Lazy Runner. It's been a challenge but it's going to be so rewarding on race day. We're still looking for more sponsors and items for our goodie bags so hit me up if you are interested.

3. Hampton. Say what? Yes, I'm thankful for my injury. Honestly, this no running stuff has helped me out in cycling more than I could have imagined. I actually want to ride my bike now and I'm getting so much stronger. Can I hang with this girl yet? Ninja please. I've got lots of riding to do before I can get anywhere near how strong she is.

4. Spike. This guy is just one of my favorite people. We share a love of books, Doritos tacos, and Red. I wish him the best of luck at his marathon this weekend. Go give him some good luck wishes please!

5. Babies. Uhm, not mine, don't freak. I cannot wait for my nephew to get here. Baby R is due in about two weeks and I can't wait to snuggle him. Big Sis is doing great and even though she's pretty uncomfortable, I think she's one of the most beautiful preggers I've ever seen.

6. Old mix CDs. I found this old mix CD from college and I have been cracking up and jamming out to it. I think it was during a small techno/drum and bass phase because this song was on it.

7. The end of this week. Seriously, this week has just been crazy at work. I'll be happy when we are past the add/drop deadline and things quiet down.

8. RAGNAR FLORIDA KEYS! I'm not running this race until January but I'm super stoked about it. I really just want to skip to the post race party.

9. This. I've already told you guys I'm a 13-year-old boy. And yes, I will buy this for my nephew.

10. People who use their brains. It's a crazy thought, but I swear there are a few left out there. Heh.

What are you thankful for today?

Wordless Wednesday

I love the smell of Sharpie in the morning!

"Now, I'm just going to put my phone number on this calf..."

To race or not to race

Oh snap! Tuesday is here and I haven't got one single idea for a creative post today. You get a mash-up of sorts. Since classes started this week (I work in higher ed administration) it's been straight bananas at my job. This weekend went by so fast that Monday just seemed like it was here in the blink of an eye. Ca-razy.

On Saturday I volunteered at the Escape from Ft De Soto sprint triathlon and it was awesome. I got to do the body marking. It was like a parade of hot dudes that I got to draw on. I may or may not have written my phone number on some people's calves. Heh.

Saturday night was Kiki's bachelorette party in Orlando. P-Funk and I headed over there and joined the girls at a delicious Japanese Steakhouse for dinner. The most hilarious part was when our desserts came one of the servers did his rendition of a sexy dance. I was crying it was so funny.

That's a whole lot of pretty right? Yup. That's how I roll.

Sunday I got in a 31 mile ride and it was so windy I was cursing quite a bit. Fortunately a buddy of mine showed up and kept me company. I felt bad because I am so much slower than he is but he was doing his "easy" ride so it worked out. My average speed is getting better but I've still got a long way to go.

Finally this morning, I swam and my injury, AKA Hampton, only gave me a little twinge when I got out of the pool. Sadly, it's still with me, but at least it seems to be getting better. I'm so torn on that upcoming St Anthony's tri. On the one hand, I REALLY want to do it because it's my 2nd year at this race and I've gotten so much stronger on the bike. On the other hand, I don't want to re-injur this dumb hamstring and I don't want to run like a sloth.

What do you think I should do? I've got two weeks. I've been aqua jogging and the doctor cleared me to race but wasn't really optimistic about how I'd feel after it.....

Fillin' in for mom

Hello humans, it's me, Lloyd. I'm taking over the blog today because mom has basically lost her mind. She came home from work yesterday mumbling about a 5K, a long day at work, and not posting her Thankful Thursday something or other. Then she promptly fell into my bed and only rubbed my belly for one measley minute. I'm not even joking you. Do I look like I'm joking?

Since it's all about me and I'd like mom to get some free time for longer belly rubs, I figure I can write this post for her and help her out.

Let's see....uhm, today I'm thankful for snacks, belly rubs, slow moving squirrels, and that mom's been too busy to bring out that loud sucking machine she moves all around floor. It freaks me right out. So there you go. Thankful Thursday is done.

Moving on. Mom also meant to mention to you humans that she's hosting her very own 5K, whatever the heck that is, and if you live in or around Tampa, she'd love you to participate. I'm not going because someone has to keep the bed warm. Snort.

There is a button up on the right hand side that you can click on and it'll take you right to her 5K. Not sure why or how, but it's there.

And lastly, mom is still talking about some dude named Hampton. I was trying to get the scoop on this guy to see if he'd be bringing me some treats to get on her good side, but so far....nothing. I wonder if he made her mad by being late. I know she hates that.

Anyway humans, I hope this helps mom so we can get back to our regularly scheduled belly rubs. Cause if Lloyd ain't happy, then, Lloyd ain't happy. And we don't want that.

Wordless Wednesday

Aqua yogging. ("It's a soft J").

Tuesday Truths

1. I have been super forgetful lately. I completely forgot about my sushi date with KC and her hubs on Saturday. I wound up being 30 minutes late. Thank the lord KC and her hubs were gracious enough to wait and make fun of me about being a ra-tard.

2. I drove a lot over the speed limit on the way to that sushi date.

3. I am putting on a brave face about Hampton, but it's made me a little grumpy.

4. Due to the aforementioned grumpiness I had some Hostess Crumb Donettes at lunch yesterday.

5. That coke I was saving up for after my race this weekend didn't happen. Since I'm not racing, I enjoyed that coke on Easter.

6. I'm looking forward to volunteering this weekend but only because I get to marker up hot tri dudes. Heh.

7. PT is making me go broke.

8. Even though I'm getting stronger on the bike, I'm super nervous about riding over fifty miles.

9. My regular Physical Therapist was out today so I saw the cute guy PT. I kept giggling when he was massaging my leg. Partly because it hurt but mostly because he's cute. Heh.

10. I'm becoming obsessed with water bottles. I may start collecting them. Can someone find me one with a unicorn please?

11. Fine. I like unicorns.

12. Lloyd really, really, really needs a bath.

13. I had to get out of the pool in the middle of my workout this morning to go to the bathroom. I think that's a first ever. And I don't mean to go number one either...

14. I started shaking 5 reps into one leg bridges. My hammy needs some strengthening for sure.

15. If a doctor told me I had to eat worms in order to heal my leg faster I'd do it.

16. My current hot pink nail polish color has gotten so many compliments I don't think I can top it at my next go round. Decisions, decisions.

I took the plunge

This morning I went to my follow up doctor's appointment to discuss Hampton. I was sort of imagining the doctor as the groundhog Punxsutawny Phil. I was hoping he wouldn't see his shadow and say "No more rest! Hit the streets!" But instead, he saw his smart doctor shadow and said, "Two more weeks of rest." Womp womp.

He told me to continue the PT and he gave me a script for iontophoresis. It's basically a way to send medicine to the muscle or tendon using electrical current. He slapped one of the electrode and medicated bandages on Hampton and I definitely feel the current. It's a strange feeling but I'm hoping it helps speed up the healing process.

At this point it's looking like I am going to have no choice but to start the dreaded aqua jogging. It's so boring and awful but to have any shot of running well at St Anthony's on the 29th, it's got to be done.

I'm annoyed by this set back, but since it's really forced me to get stronger on the bike and on the swim, that's exactly what I've been doing. I rode 31 miles yesterday and felt stronger than I have ever felt while riding. I did a small amount of pulling the two buddies I was with and also did some drafting, of course.

As much as I'd like to just go outside and run a few miles, I'm going to be a good patient and do what the doc says. I don't want to make it worse because I took the plunge and signed up for my first half Ironman. Ho. Ly. Crap.


I'm planning on completing the 1/2 IM Augusta at the end of September. I'm excited and can't wait to get that 70.3 magnet for my car. This is why it's so important that I get Hampton gone once and for all. I want to get my strong run back so that I can finally start getting all three disciplines closer in alignment. That's what being a triathlete means, right?

Happy Monday! Who else is looking forward to a great week?

Photo Friday

A few weeks ago a friend of mine at my "real" job and I were talking about him doing some "athletic" photos of me for the blog and what not. He's an amazing photographer and I love the photos. I've been holding on to them because I sort of want to re-do the look of Discombobulated Running but I've been too busy to get to it lately. However, it'd be a shame not to share these with you guys because my friend does amazing work!

If you are in Florida and in need of a photographer, go check out his page, HERE.

Thankful Thursday

Thursday already? My goodness this week is going by fast! I'm in a great mood and looking forward to an amazing weekend of training. Not only am I going to get good quality time with Dolly, I'm also going to get to hang out with one of my favorite bloggy friends - KC from 140.6 Miles of Awesome! Can you say sushi and fro-yo? What? We don't always just workout...

In other good news I had a really great session at PT today. Both the PT and I are starting to think this Hampton issue may be more of a tendinitis deal than an actual strain. It seems to be moving around the general area and when she massaged my leg it was tighter and more painful on the tendon running behind my knee than the actual hamstring. She did some ultrasound and some electrical stimulation that had me calling Hampton "Franken-leg." Fortunately, my leg feels much better today and I'm seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. Hooray!

I'm certainly thankful for all of the above but what I'm specifically thankful for today is health insurance. I'm sorry this isn't one of my more "fun" thankful ideas but it's really come in handy the past few weeks. In addition to Hampton, I thought I had strep throat last week. Turns out, I'm just a food hoarder.

I went to the doctor due to the worst sore throat I've ever had only to find out that I had food stuck in my tonsil. Apparently, we have pockets in our tonsils where food can get stuck. Yes folks, I'm a food hoarder. Oh the jokes about this "tonsil pocket" of mine will go on forever I'm sure. Yes, I store gels there. Yes, I can save some for later. Yes, I'm a chipmunk. Etc. Feel free to add some in the comments. I am almost sure I've heard them all.


If I didn't have health insurance and good health insurance, I might add, I wouldn't be able to get all this weirdness checked out. I seem to be going through a go-to-the-doctor-a-lot phase and it's much less expensive than if I didn't have insurance or if I had to pay for it on my own.

Without getting into the whole health insurance debate, I'm just happy to have what I have and work at a company that provides really great benefits. Especially since I'm a storing up snacks for the winter. Heh.

What are you thankful for today?

Hampton and a Bra Winner

Before I get into the winner of the Champion Sports Bra Giveaway, I have a few updates regarding my hammy. I have yet to name this injury (previous injury was Old Wonky) because I didn't think it'd be hanging around so long but since it's still here I'm going with Hampton, for obvious reasons. And of course this injury is of male persuasion. Heh.

When Hampton first showed his ugly head, I wasn't uber concerned about it because I didn't have any major running events coming up. I was coming off of a lot of intense running (SEE: probably why I got injured) and I figured two weeks off would be good for my body in general. Sadly, the relay this weekend proved this isn't the case.

I went to PT yesterday and she wasn't overly concerned about my lawlessness. I ran when they said don't run. It happens and the reward was greater than the risk for the relay. I did some of my strengthening stretches and exercises and she did ultrasound and massage followed by ice. For the remainder of the day Hampton was present. He wasn't around in a terrible way but enough to know the bastard was still operational. Dammit.


On the plus side, the lovely race director at my April 14th sprint tri let me transfer that entry to another sprint tri in July that I have done two years in a row now, Top Gun Triathlon. I had to pay a $25 transfer fee but it was absolutely worth it. And instead of racing I'll be out volunterring and helping Strawberry E with her very first tri! Woot!

This way the only thing I have on deck at this point is that April 29th race. It's a concern but there isn't much I can about it. I'll continue on with all of the cycling and swimming I've been doing. Hopefully in another two to three weeks I'll be back to running. Fingers crossed that Hampton packs up his crap soon!

And now since I'm done boo-hoo-ing, the winner of the Champion Sports Bra, chosen by randomizer.org, is:

TRACI!
(Send me your email info Traci and I'll set you up with Champion to get your bra!)

Sunset to Sunrise Relay Race Report

Over the weekend I had the chance to participate in the Sunset to Sunrise Relay. This relay starts in Ft Myers, Florida, and finishes in Jensen Beach, Florida. It's a distance of 180 miles.

With my team of eleven (ten runners and an athletic supporter), we headed out early on Friday morning to get to our start time of 11 AM. Since my hammy has been on the mend the team captains were kind enough to give me a total of about 11 miles. I let them know ahead of time that even this mileage may not work for me but at least I'd show up and help out as much as I could.

We arrived at the start and since I was the only one on the team who had previously completed a relay I could sense some of my buddies were a little nervous, but super excited. I must admit I got some pre-race butterflies when I realized I was the first runner. I also stupidly said that I would run an easy pace. Of course, that went right out the window when we started running. There was no way I was coming in last to the first exchange.


And we're off! I ran this leg of 3.5 miles with no pain. It was warm out at this point but for some crazy reason I averaged an 8 minute mile. I think the girl in front of me was pulling me along and I didn't want to lose sight of her. Plus, I was really happy to be running!

As with every relay there was a lot of fun had along the road. We encountered parts of Florida I'm happy never to see (or smell) again. And part of our team's agenda involved everyone running in a dress for at least one of their legs. While I think my teammate Jupiter Storm (we all have nicknames) won, Wrong Guy thinks his was the best. You be the judge.


As darkness fell I got ready for my second leg. It was "only" a 2.87 mile run. My leg hadn't bothered me but I had a feeling it wasn't going to hold out since the last run I had completed started hurting by mile five. It was about 9:00 or 9:30 when I recieved the hand off from Jupiter Storm so was it dark as all get out at a location that can only be described as The Middle of Nowhere. I told the two other people in the car at this point that I was going to end up running faster than I wanted to because it was dark and a lot cooler out. Sure enough, I looked down at the first mile and clocked it at 7:37. Oops. I hit the second mile and knew I wasn't right. The hammy was yelling at me to stop and sadly, I did. It was the smart thing to do but man did I hate to quit running.

Fortunately, my teammate, Late Check-In, was able to hop out of the vehicle and finish off my leg and then begin hers. If you have never run a relay I highly recommend it. It really allows runners to rise to the ocassion and find out how amazing it is to be part of a team. Thanks so much to Late Check-In for picking up my slack. I tried to help out by biking with two other runners so they had support in the dark.

Due to Wrong Guy's killer logistics for this race, some of us got to sleep in a hotel for a few hours while others were running. I must admit that the hotel (and a shower!) was a relay luxury I could get used to.

By Saturday morning we were making good time. Too bad it started getting hella hot as the day moved forward. Kudos to all of the team who pushed through this heat. Of course, there was a bit of time in between legs for a little relaxing....

Night Light, Wet Tee Marks, Wrong Guy, Late Check-In, and Overnight Male resting up as we near the finish. Big ups to Wet Tee Marks who ran her final Boston Marathon long run of 20 miles in the HEAT of the day. We even threw in some bridges for her. I was happy to ride along side her for those 20 miles on Overnight Male's sweet mountain bike. I may take up mountain biking because I had a great time on that bike!

Even though I had to get rid of my final leg, I had a total blast on this relay and it was worth the risk of running because I've made some great new friends! It took us 30 hours to get across the state and I really enjoyed the "smallness" of S2S. It's a very different experience from Ragnar because you don't see as many teams. It's also less expensive and certainly worth doing again.

Congrats to my team, Just the Tip! You guys rock!