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Running Through My Sixties And Beyond

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Back to Running, Birthday Celebrations, and Missing Mom

July 10, 2022 Leave a Comment

And the big news is, I am back to running. I just haven’t had time to write about it because it has been so busy this summer. The grandkids came to hang out with me for a few days, then Scott has had multiple trips for various reasons, but finally time for an update.

First, I am reading Next Level By Dr. Stacy Sims and it has so much valuable information for active women MY AGE! She has done extensive research on women specifically and their nutrition and fitness needs but this particular book is more about the before, during, and forever after menopause. I am so grateful for this book because it is hard to find information that is directly related to those of us in this stage of life who want to continue with those activities that we love but need some guidance.

The Book Next Level by Stacy T Sims

Part 1 of the book explains all the changes that are happening or has happened to our bodies and then Part 2 gets into the really good stuff (in my opinion) – what you need to do which includes everything from eating enough to fuel your activities to “lifting heavy sh*t”. Dr. Sims is also the author of ROAR which is also a good book. I just didn’t relate to that one as much as this one being that I am post-menopause. But, they are both packed with really good information and I think that regardless of whether you are active or not, you would benefit from the information provided.

Running Update

Once my Achilles and calf muscle settled down again (see previous post), I tried returning to running after a few days of walking/running but I was having problems with the Achilles tightening or becoming tender so I decided to change my shoes to more of a higher heel-to-toe drop (a slightly elevated heel) running shoe to give it some support. I will tell you, after running in Altras, other running shoes just feel stiff and bulky. But I settled on a pair that I thought would work out until I could get my calf muscle and Achilles strengthened. Although this change worked well for my Achilles, it created other problems.

Remember I have bilateral knee arthritis and the main reason I switched to the Altra running shoe was that I could run without knee pain or at least minimal knee pain. And also remember that the Altra has a zero heel-to-toe drop so switching to a shoe with a higher heel-to-toe drop brought back the knee pain during running. That was very discouraging. But, I could tolerate it for a few miles so I continued with my training plan. I was scheduled for a follow-up PT appointment and things improved after that.

According to PT, these calf and achilles problems were not an injury and she was determined to figure out what was causing them. She noticed that during the run, I tend to pull my right shoulder forward and push off more on my left leg which could potentially overload the left calf muscle, right? She believed it was compensation due to weakness in the right glutes. So, more strengthening exercises were prescribed – diagonal hops with a band and standing hydrant also with a band. Initially, the standing hydrant exercises didn’t seem to do anything but she assured me that once the brain connection was made (I’m sure my sis-in-law, Kathy, gets this but I am just going to have to take PTs word for it for now) I would feel it and she was right of course. It’s a glute burner! Amazing stuff!!

Physical Therapy exercises

This visit to PT also included shockwave therapy (another area I would like to research more because it is amazing – maybe another blog post ) along with some minor adjustments to my left and very tight ankle. But, the biggest news was that she told me to go back to the Altras! I was a little worried about that because at least with the other shoes, I can run without Achilles tenderness or calf pain. So, I headed out for a run in the Altras but I brought my other running shoes just in case these put too much stress on the Achilles. I can’t explain it, that is why I get professional help, but I was able to run that day in my Altras and every run since! Yesterday, I had a long run of 8 miles that I am not sure PT would have agreed to but I thought I could stop at any point if I began to have problems. However, I didn’t need to stop because the run went great. I literally had no knee pain with that run, no Achilles tenderness or calf pain and I didn’t have any issues such as tightness or tenderness after the run either. I am pretty excited about that and I am excited to be back on the marathon training schedule. So with that, my runs since July 1st (because my blog is a little behind, I’ll start here):

  • Friday (July 1st) Running 3.3 miles
  • Saturday (2nd) Running 6.2 miles
  • Sunday Rest
  • Monday Running 2.6 miles
  • Tuesday Running Speed work (see note)
  • Wednesday Running (My Birthday!) 5 miles
  • Thursday Rest
  • Friday Running 4.3 miles
  • Saturday Running 8 miles (super slow and easy)
  • Sunday Rest

Note: So my training does call for speed work but I didn’t add it until a couple of weeks ago given all of the problems that I have been having. So this speed work is a workout from week 2 of the program (I just finished week 4) and it was a pretty light workout.

The weeks prior to July 1st and after the calf tear mainly consisted of just walking to walk/run and then short runs of a couple of miles before getting back on my marathon schedule. I am also incorporating pt exercises, stretching, and foam rolling daily. I hope that I can continue on the marathon schedule but just being able to run is always the priority.

Family Time

First, let me share that this past month has been especially hard, not because of the running issues but because June 28th was the one-year anniversary of my Mother’s passing. It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed. And typically, this is the time of the year that I would always go down to NC to spend a week or two with her. I have spent practically every birthday (July 6th and her birthday as well -February 10) with her for the last several years except for 2020 when we were just finding out about COVID. I wouldn’t have made it through this past year without the support of my family and for them I am grateful. I miss her so very much. I just wish I could have one more conversation, one more visit, but I have great memories which I hold on to and cherish.

And knowing that this was going to be a difficult time, Scott and Sonja planned a special birthday celebration for me. Unfortunately, Scott got sick so Sonja adjusted the plans. Sonja, the girls (Maddy and Charlie) and I spent three nights in this cabin near Talkeetna, Alaska. I absolutely love this small town and I had not been there in years.

And once the clouds cleared up a bit, we had a view of Mount Denali right off of the deck

Mount Denali


And even on cloudy days, the deck was still pretty nice for relaxing

or hanging out to get your nails done…

or we could go inside for a hula hoop competition

We had fun getting out on the trails…check out all of the Fireweed. It’s everywhere here and so pretty. As we got closer to Talkeetna, the highway appeared to be completely lined with it.

And we found a lake where we could catch some minnows

and go paddle boarding

We also joined the many tourist for some shopping and checking out the small town of Talkeetna.

and of course, got to have Ice Cream – I stick to the basic flavors but Sonja tried the Fireweed ice cream which was pretty tasty.

A dinner celebration with drinks

And Yes!! my favorite birthday dessert…banana cream pie

And in addition to all of the planning, packing, and organizing this trip, Sonja, knowing how much I need to keep hydrated for my running and knowing how hard it is for me to drink water bought me this reduce mug that holds 5 cups of water! I love it! While shopping in Talkeetna, we bought some stickers to put on it making it even more memorable. And Maddy painted this beautiful garden rock for me and Charlie personalized this shopping bag. Just FYI, Tylor is out of town visiting family but I did hear from him bright and early on my birthday which was so thoughtful.

And on Saturday while I was out on my 8 mile run, Sonja also packed up everything and cleaned the cabin. I just want to say thank-you so much Sonja for an awesome birthday week and all the work that you put into this. These are just a few of the highlights of the trip but there was so much more and the best was just having this time with these guys.

Meanwhile, Tylor traveled all the way to Kentucky by himself and has been going to the gym with his grandpa Phil. They have a lot more planned than hanging out there, but he is really loving it.

And Scott is still recovering but promises a birthday celebration when he is better.

And even though there is so much more to talk about, I think I will end it here. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and able to spend time with those that mean so much.

Until next time…

Happy Running!

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Sharing the challenges that I face while training for marathons in my 60s! I'm determined to reach these goals while also meeting life's demands and spending time with my awesome and very supportive family! Read More…

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Oh these hills!! I have advanced on my run/walk cy Oh these hills!! I have advanced on my run/walk cycles to a 4:1 ratio and my 4 min runs were up the hills!! Good training right? Swipe to see what happens every single time I put my mat down to do my exercises.  #ilovetorun❤️ #runalaska #runnersover60  #hillrunningishard #runningpartnerneedsarest
The wind died down today so we took a nice little The wind died down today so we took a nice little snow shoe up the mountain. The scenery was beautiful, just hard to capture it.  #snowshoeingadventures #snowshoealaska  #chugachmountains  #crosstraining #opt outside alaska
It’s been hard to get anything done or even thin It’s been hard to get anything done or even think about running with all that is happening in the world🥲 but I managed to get down my icy driveway to run on the dry roads. Super windy!!! I had a really hard time on the hills  against that wind. But I got it done and I increased my run/walk to a 4:1 ratio x 7 so I am happy about that. #runnersofalaska #runalaska #runwalkrun #runnersover60 #ilovetorun #buildingarunningbase #windyalaska #crazywinterweather
Sonja - @nurse_sonja_ak - and I had planned to cel Sonja - @nurse_sonja_ak - and I had planned to celebrate in memory of my Mother on her birthday but I had minor surgery that left me down and out longer than I had expected and Sonja ended up positive for Covid. But, despite that look what she did! She is so talented and creative. She remembered Mom as someone who was always stylish. She took pride in her appearance. A specific memory inspired Sonja to make these beautiful clay earrings! How special is that? My Mother would have loved these. #inmemory #rememberingyouonyourbirthday  #neverforgetyou  #bestdaughterintheworld❤️ #talenteddaughter❤️ #clayearrings #madespeciallyformom  #thelittlethings❤️
I’m obsessed with the sun finally clearing the m I’m obsessed with the sun finally clearing the mountains. Haha sunshine during my run is so nice. It wasn’t that bright today but it’s still shining ❤️#sunnydaysarehereagain #runningonsunshine #run #runnersover60 #runak #optoutside
My running views have just been awesome. I am inc My running views have just been awesome.  I am increasing my running time 3:1 this week. Keeping my fingers crossed that it goes well🤞 #runwalkrunrepeat #runnersover60 #backtorunning #buildingarunningbase #myrunningviews #runak #kneeosteoarthritis
Running with knee OA is interesting. Take yesterd Running with knee OA is interesting.  Take yesterday, my knees were bothering me a little, to the point that I wasn’t sure if I should run. But, I thought… give it a try, see how it goes. I can always just walk. And it went great! I even added an extra run/walk cycle to the program. And today I have absolutely no knee pain. I’m even running up and down stairs (when I need to go up them) trying to create some pain (I know sicko) but nothing??? Go figure! Nothing has changed. But hey, I’ll take it! #runningwithosteoarthritis #kneearthritis #runnersover60 #runwalkrun #kneepain #nokneepaintoday
Yay, the sun was briefly above the mountain for th Yay, the sun was briefly above the mountain for the first time since November! We will be gaining about 37 minutes of daylight this week! It’s the little things 😂  It was a beautiful Alaskan day but it was very cold!  I took a rest day today.  #restdayforrunners  #runnersover60 #olderwomenrunners #runak #winterwonderlandalaska #winterwonderland #readyforspringtime #optoutsideak
I wasn’t feeling like getting out today but my h I wasn’t feeling like getting out today but my hubby convinced me to go out for a ski. I did need to get in some cross-training so off we went. It actually was really nice to get out. Isn’t that usually the case?  #skiak #skieagleriver #crosstraining #optoutside #getoutside  #getfit #winterwinderland❄️
My running views today. I think I am finally settl My running views today. I think I am finally settling in to being back home and appreciating the beauty of the state. Don’t get me wrong though, I would be in a flight back to HawIi given the chance!! #runak #myrunningviews #buildingarunningbase #backtorunningagain #runwalkrun #winterwonderland #chimarathon2022
I’m not sure that I should go on vacation especi I’m not sure that I should go on vacation especially if I am going to have such a hard time adjusting back to the cold!  I’m beginning to believe that the cold and dark is not good for my health. It was soooo nice in Hawaii!! I’m still getting out for my runs and bike rides but I have been slow to get back to the exercises and stretching.  I’ll get there! #backtothecoldweather #runak #buildingarunningbase #crosstraining🚴#winterbiking🚴❄️ #fattirebiking #runnersover60  #keeponkeepingon🏃‍♀️
We are back to snow and ice. While we were away th We are back to snow and ice. While we were away the temps warmed up to in the 40s causing everything to melt just so it can freeze over once the temp drops!! Please send me back to #mauisun . We did get out for a bike ride today so it wasn’t too bad I guess. The new snow made conditions a little tolerable.  #winterinalaska #snowandice #fattirebiking #winterbiking #ilovemyfattirebike #ilovetorun #running2run #getfitalaska #optoutside
Hawaii Vacation Hawaii Vacation
Another awesome day in Hawaii with @nurse_sonja_ak Another awesome day in Hawaii with @nurse_sonja_ak  and fam! #vacaywithfamily  #familytimeisthebesttime💕  #hawaiiansunsetsnevergetold
Fun day at the beach! Even found a boardwalk to ge Fun day at the beach! Even found a boardwalk to get my run in. #familyfun❤️❤️ #spendingtimewithfamily❤️ #familyiseverything
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