Long Story Short

So, here's the short story of what's been happening.
January 22, I join the GoRun Runners and headed out to Kingman County for "one hill of a run." 20 insane miles on the relentless hills of Kingman. As one friend said, "those hills were demoralizing!"

That's a big deal for Kansas, ok?

 They were, but it felt good to get that awesome workout in so early in the training season.

A PRE shot before the Kingman Hills

I ran my normal miles the rest of the week. I felt tight in my left calf specifically but chalked it up to the hill run. I stretched more and just dealt with it.
Wednesday, January 26, was my typical morning 10 miler with some speed work. I even got creative and "Stitched" my neighborhood.

My "Stitch" Run

I had to stop twice on this run to stretch out my calf. Again, I just thought the pain was tightness and assumed some more localized attention would do the trick.
That evening I ran once more with the GoRun evening group. I complained that the "tightness" was really bugging me. After the run I stuck around for a great clinic about running drills. I had a great time ignoring the screaming pain and learning to do high knee and skipping drills.

The GoRun Running Clinic

I cycled on the non-running days and kinda forgot about the pain.
I even had a DEXA Scan done at my doctor's office. It revealed some lower bone density levels that we're slightly concerning for a runner, especially a female runner. All the time I was at the docs it never occurred to me to mention the pain in my calf. I just assumed it was a fluke and I went on with my scan. (It also gave an accurate reading of my body fat percentage. But you don't care about that do you?)

My Bones and Tissue

However, by the halfway point of my 18 miler on January 29, I knew something more than tightness was brewing in my left calf. I feared the worse. The runner's kryptonite: A STRESS FRACTURE.

I contacted my PT, Mr. Karl Glick. he told me not to run and come see him Monday, January 31.
I should have taken a wooden spoon to bite down on with me to that appointment. Once he confirmed it wasn't a stress fracture (phew!) he proceeded to try and kill me.
While it wasn't a stress fracture it was a nasty tear in my calf. He immediately hooked me up to an ultrasound machine and treated the "knot." Then he used his hands to "workout the knot." OH. MY.
I can't think of anything more painful in my entire life. Not childbirth (eventual c-section of a 9lbs. 13oz. baby), not a stress fracture, not stitches, not running a marathon, or recovering from a marathon. Nope. Not one thing has been as painful as the therapy for a muscle tear.
I was on my belly, clinching my fist, and kicking my good leg. (I later learned that most cry and that includes the grown men. I feel that earns me some serious street cred.)
I left the office with the strict instructions not to run, cycling and swimming were okay, and to come back on Wednesday, February 2.
Thank goodness for the purchase of a trainer this winter. My butt and that saddle got real familiar this month!
I was lucky to only have to do the ultrasound treatment on 2/2/11, not hand-to-calf contact. That was a nice Groundhog's gift! No more torture.
Karl had me schedule a massage with our favorite therapist, Nancy Korroch, for Friday, February 4. He treated me with another ultrasound and then sent me down the street to her.
She worked that pesky tear over. I wasn't in as much pain as Monday, but sheesh! I found myself on my belly clinching my fist once more.
She also had another plan for me. She's been researching Ion Detox Foot Baths. I got to be one of her guinea pigs. Along with claims of ridding your body of dangerous toxins, it also couples with electrode therapy. So I sat with electrodes on my sore calf, causing it to contract, and watched as my clear water turned into a swamp of supposed toxins.

Nice clean water to start

Less than 5 minutes in

About 15 minutes

The final shot at 30 minutes

 The chart showed that greens and oranges were possible toxins from my gallbladder and joints, I think. Like I said, we're in the research stage of this product. And she figured, it couldn't hurt to try and see if it helped the healing process. Man, it was gross to see though!!

I couldn't run long the next day, so on Saturday, February 5, I replaced my long run with my first 50 mile spin. Whew! Even the best of shows can't make that sort of thing fun. I watched a lot of TV that day and was so glad when the 50 rolled over on my calculator!
Fast forward to Wednesday, February 9. I'd totaled four ultrasound treatments and even was approved to give the elliptical a whirl.

Finally on my feet

But Wednesday was the real test. A bona fide run on a treadmill was on the doctor's orders. Only 3 miles, but I took it. I felt pretty good and I got pretty eager. I felt like a caged horse, dying to run. I probably ran a little too hard, finishing up in sub 7/minute miles. It felt really good.
Wednesday, February 16: PT require a morning 5 miler and an evening 5 miler to see how the legs would do on their first double digit day. I'd been allowed to run several 5's and 6's since the first treadmill run, but nothing higher. All signs pointed towards healing as I finished my day's miles with the Wednesday GoRun gang once more.
Saturday, February 19: First "Long Run" back. Ran 14 with the Saturday morning crew and reported back to PT that there was no pain, just a little tightness. He sent me on to my normal week this week and had me plan to check in on Thursday.
Thursday, February 24: "If you promise to go moderate, no hills, no speed work, and vow to shut it down after 15 miles if there's pain, you can run the scheduled 20."
Saturday, February 26 (Today):

No PAIN to report!

Kids, I think we're back in business!

Anyone want to buy my tickets to Boston?

He's All Heart!

My little man is hi-jacking the blog today. I'll allow it though.

Check out what he has to say:


(Notice his celebration at the end? That was "Take 15" of the afternoon!)

Here's "His Website":

http://bit.ly/hxtAE3

I used to participate in Jump Rope For Heart when I was little and it's been great to watch Judah do the same for the last 3 years.

World Cup Practice

One of his pals from pre-school has a baby brother with a "special heart." Judah was really impacted when he learned that a baby had to go through open heart surgery. It really sank in this summer when he saw the scar at a pool party. 

Michael Phelps #2

So, even though this snow is causing lots of cabin fever, Judah doesn't argue too much when he's told he needs to get some "exercise."

If it's too cold to get outside, then he has to give us 30 minutes of Wii Fit. Tough price to pay for having a healthy heart.

Blizzard of Oz, 2011

He's starting to understand what a gift good health really is. 

Thanks for listening and thank you for your donations!

9:05, 1 Mile Oct. 2010. That's MY boy!!

Stir Crazy!!!

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth, but it feels like I've been in another dimension lately! (more on that later)
In the meantime, check out who else has been bringing home the bling this month!!
Little man took home two, yes TWO, trophies from his first Pinewood Derby.
My Dad helped him build the car and the axles. He helped him add weight and get it painted. We helped him get he's desired design of a Wii-mote perfected.
The little booger walked away with the trophy for best design and for being the fastest Tiger Cub! He earned a spot to go on to a district competition. Must be rough being the best at everything!

Judah and His Pit Crew!

The day of the derby it was a rare 70 degree January day, two days later it was a record low of 3 degrees and so much snow and cold that school was canceled for 3 days straight!

My Little Snow Monster!

All of this took place while my running was being seriously effected. Not so much by the weather though. The longer story, I'll get to next is about my new adventures with a torn calf muscle. Stay tuned, it's good one!

SuRRRRvey Saaaays!!!!!...........

With the help of Random.org the winner of the Road ID eCard is...................(drum roll)....................................(BING!)

Danny!

Congratulations! Now if we meet up at a race we can hold up our wrist bands together like Power Rangers!

Or even better, like the Wonder Twins!

"Form of a Road ID!"

Or maybe not. (I may have just let the freak flag fly a little too high)

Danny, email me at lacyjhansen at gmail dot com and I'll get you hooked up with my pals at Road ID.

Thanks to everyone for entering and stay tuned. I've got another awesome product to tell you about later this week. Oh, and I'm giving you a chance to win too!

Who Are You?

I finally got my Road ID in the mail this weekend! Since day one, my Dad told me to get an ID, to have on me or my shoes, while I was out running. I listened and got a small dog tag with one phone number listed for my cheap shoes. However, I was rarely ever a mile from home at this point. And furthermore, I got real shoes and a new number a few weeks later and never got another ID.
But, flash forward 4 years and I have now followed my Dad's advice and I've got my ID.

The nice shiny tin it was delivered in

I ordered the "Wrist ID Elite" from Road ID. I chose blue, not a big surprise, right? Their website shows all the different wrist models, and an ankle model, a necklace, and shoe models. They provide several different colors to choose from as well. Ordering from their site,

http://www.roadid.com/Common/default.aspx

was super simple and quick. 

The site also includes testimony after testimony of how an ID quite literally saved someone's life.

Listed all my vitals and an inspirational phrase

"If you can't speak for yourself, Road ID will speak for you."

The quote says it all. I've been very lucky that I haven't been in a situation where I couldn't speak for myself. But now, me and my family can rest easier knowing I'll have a voice wrapped around my wrist when I'm "out there."

The voice to speak for me

I've been very pleased with my choice. My ID is light weight and I cut it down to size. So it fits me just right. I actually forget it's there, that's what I was hoping for. I can easily clean it when it gets too sweaty as well.

I don't have any major medical condtions or allegies so I had a little more room for an inspirational phrase. I chose to put a note to my son. I had limited characters so I struggled to get it just right.
That little boy is my muse. He's been there since my first mile, watching me push myself pass my previous abilities. My heart's desire is that this will help him grow to know that he shouldn't limit himself, he should dream big, and mostly never give up. When I'm struggling to get up a hill, when I'm out of breath, or when I'm just completely spent, he's the thought that enters my mind. And then somehow the strength to push through shows up.

July 4, 2006- Judah watching me run my first 1 Mile race

And most importantly I believe with my whole heart:

Philippians 4:13 (New International Version, ©2010)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

I think I got my money's worth on the last two lines of the ID.

The worst thing that's happened to me this season was when I fell and scraped up my knee. I was all alone and more embarrassed than hurt. I snapped a pic and sent it to my husband (ahhh....living in a world with smart phones...), told him where I was and ran home. Now if it had been my head instead, who knows what might have happened. I also have run in other cities this season. Whether in a race or just in a neighborhood, there wasn't anyone near who could have spoken for me.

The aftermath of kissing the pavement

So, I'm going to give you my Dad's advice, "Get an ID." And I'm going to add my own, "Don't wait so long to do it!"

Zach B. running in the blizzard of 2011- Photo by Travis Heying

The winter finally showed up here in Wichita this week. Not all of us are as crazy as my friend Zach, but many of us are still getting out there. It's cold and slick, prime conditions for a fall or injury. Do you have your Road ID?

If the answer is no, my friends at Road ID want to help you out. They are going to give one of you an eCard to road ID. With the card you can order any ID of your choice.

So here's what you need to do:

Leave comments letting me know:

1. What model you would choose if you won (Check the site http://RoadID.com)

2. What fun phrase would you include as a motivator on your ID

3. You "Liked" them on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/RoadID)

4. You follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/roadid)

5. You think I'm awesome. (okay, that won't help you win, but it'll make me happy)

Each one of those tasks will get you a separate entry into a random drawing for the eCard. I will hold the drawing in one week. Good luck everyone, and be safe out there!

Happy New Year!

I rang in the new year with a bang. I was just so blessed to pull off my first Frosty 5K New Years Day WIN!! Even better..... I PR'd too!
It was below feezing, not too windy, and full of sunshine. I guess it was just my day.

Pre-Race with my parents and friends

I pulled in front before mile one and ran as hard as I could to keep #2 behind me. When I knew I had sealed the win I was overjoyed. When I turned the corner to see the clock and knew I PRed, I was in shock.

At the Start (I'm looking back at FairWeather Runner!)

My previous PR was set in June 2009. I ran a 19:56 that summer. I clocked a 19:42 on Saturday. Sub zero temps are rarely PR days and it hurt all day in my chest, but it was worth it. I got a gold medal and a $100 gift certificate to First Gear.

Finishing in 19:42

I had tucked this race back in my mind during the week. I knew that there was gift money to be won. I held off on any after Christmas shopping in the tiny belief that I stood a chance at winning.
My Dad and I joked later that night that I pulled a "Babe Ruth" and called my shot.
I was just lucky and I know it.
I prayed the night before and that morning for God's favor. As I travel down this road as a runner I've been really trying to find the pure joy in the run. That's something I've lost many times during my journey. I long for the days that I can't wait to get out there. The mornings when I'm still nervous before a long run. The runs I go further because I want to.
Mostly I'm seeking to sense my God's goodness when I run. The 5K hurt, but I felt his pleasure and that's the real prize.


I didn't see Chariot's Of Fire until just a few years ago. Since then I hear the quote of Eric Liddell running through my head every time I run. How I desire to have this be my anthem every time I lace up my shoes.

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

-Eric Liddell

It was a great post-race too. I met some new people, caught up with some others, and caught glimpses of some I wished I'd talked to. I did get to talk to John (2Slow4Boston) and get reminded to stop slacking on my blog, I mean I was inspired to write.... right John?

Most of my family was at the race and we all had a great morning. My sister was in town for the Holiday and we had a wonderful post-race afternoon and evening. And if you want to talk about pleasure, listen to my uncontrollable laughing as we decided to dispose of our gingerbread house in style this year. (You might be a redneck..........)


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

New Terrain

Tis' the season to be busy, right?
Even though I haven't written about it much, I have been running and riding lots. I've gotten the chance to really break things up too and get some interesting workouts in.

A few Saturday's ago I joined a group of runners who call themselves the "West Side Wackos." They're a lively bunch of runners who live on the west side of town. Thanks to Daily Mile I've been made an honorary WSW even though I live out East.
They welcome any and all regardless of their geographic location.
I joined them at 6AM on a Saturday morning to follow a caravan of 10+ cars out to the desolate highway 17 in Kingman county.

The cold dark morning with the WSW!

I was told this course was awesome, hilly, and beautiful.
I had no idea what I was getting into!!!

New scenery for sure! Can't see any hills in these pic though.

Some of the other runners making their way back after about 10 miles

I ran 8 miles into the town of Kingman on a very cold winter morning. Cresting at least 15 hills all the way. My heart rate was flying! There was a grocery store at mile 8. I caught my breath, grabbed a drink, and headed back for another 8 miles of pain!
It was good pain though!!
I was so tired the next two days. But I know I've found my Heartbreak Hill training course now!!

Another different type of run took place this week. On Monday night I kept hearing more and more about the lunar eclipse that was to take place in the early morning hours Tuesday. I continued to hear how the fact that it was landing on the Winter solstice was a once in a life time event. It had been some like 400 years since it last happened?
On a whim I posted a note on Daily Mile and Facebook just to see if any weirdos might want to run in the middle of the night to observe the eclipse. Sure enough, I'm not the only crazy one out there.
Long story short I meet a group of 5 other runners for a run at 1AM until about 3AM.
We ran through the streets of Wichita and watched the moon disappear and watched it turn red. It was very very cool!

Freezing and Eclipsing at 2AM

Runners moon gazing

I got home about 3, showered, and went right back to bed. I was super tired the next day, a little sore, but stoked to wake up with my workout already done!
I'm so glad I got to do this.

Another new scene for my workouts has been..... my bedroom. Yep, that's right. I wanted to keep up with my cycling as the weather got cold this year. Kenton was kind enough to invest in a trainer for our road bikes. It's taken a bit to get used to it, but my room is where you'll find me spinning away about every other day. I rotate the TV, find a good show and try to knock out a nice long ride.
Kenton's been using it too. Our only little hiccup is that we both have to share a nut for our bikes. The nut on my bike won't fit on the trainer. So every morning I'd unscrew Kenton's to put on mine. It was really a pain and I guess he heard my complaints.
On Christmas morning, I unwrapped a tiny little jewelery box to find my very own nut.

My very special Christmas gift

I guess I got what I asked for

I enjoyed my post Christmas spin while watching Christmas Vacation with my very own nut this morning! Best thing about gift giving is to give them something they'll use. Well, if that's true.... Kenton nailed it this year!

Spinning in my room

Not really my best look...yikes!

Happy trails where ever they might be!

Jingle Bell Run

It's better late than never on these post, right?
The annual Jingle Bell 4 miler was a fun event as always. Here's the low down on the morning.

It was about 30 degrees with a 20mph+ north wind. Needless to say, it was not ideal running conditions.
I ran 8 miles with my gang prior to the race and quickly showered and changed to make it down to the Waterwalk with about 10 minutes to spare.

4 Mile Start

I was a member of a group costume: "The Ugly Sweater Party." I planned to try and run and defend my title as 1st place from last year, so I dressed the part, but missed the fun. These guys ran along passing out hot cider and candy canes along the way.

Ugly Sweater Party!

The gun sounded and I ran with all I had. We were quickly turned into the wind and I struggled as did everyone else. The  wind was cold and strong. I quickly pulled into the front. I could tell I was in about third place. I pulled up to second and then this rouge runner came blasting by me. She had on baggy sweats and an over sized hoodie. I had no idea who she was or where she came from. I chased her the whole race and never caught her. Later I discovered she wasn't in the race. She was apparently either a bandit who jumped in at some point or was just out on her run. Either way, she psyched me out the last three miles.
In addition to feeling like I was going to hurl, the course marshall's weren't at their spots and the first 20 of us ran the wrong way out into traffic. That kept it exciting :)
I ended up finishing 2nd overall in a time of 26:53 or something like that.

Finishing up my 4 miler

The highlight of the day was Kenton and Judah. Last year Kenton won the costume contest in his magnificent "Holiday Fireplace" costume. This years costume was more a performance piece that didn't go over as well. His great idea was to be George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life." He planned to reenact the famous scene of George running through the streets of Bedford Falls screaming "Merry Christmas..." Kenton's mistake was taking the costume too far. He thought to paint his face "black and white" as the character is only seen in black in white. It didn't translate.

"Merry Christmas you old Building and Loan!!"

While Judah was dressed as "Clarence" or an Angel *with Wings* (post bell ringing), the one mile gun went off and Kenton screamed and waved for the whole chilly mile.
Due to the paint and Judah's costume, they received 2nd prize in the costume contest. They won for being the "Ghosts of Christmas' Past."

Yep, we're 'special'

That was hilarious! Oh well, they took their Applebee's gift card anyways!
The morning was concluded with lots of medals and prizes. I received a LED head lamp and a medal for my 2nd place finish. The best part of this event was all the door prizes though.
Before it was over I had received enough gift certificates from Road ID to get an ID of my choice, Panera Bread gift cards, Applebee's money, and Freddy's Frozen Custard money!

The finale of our morning included Kenton, dressed as George Bailey (The richest man in Bedford Falls),  going back in for a soda to take on the drive home. Since they all were technically free to the runners, George Bailey comes running from the Waterwalk building yelling: "GO!! RUN!!!"

We made it home with two, yes TWO cases of Diet Pepsi!!!

Oh, Merry Christmas you Old Building and Loan, Merry Christmas Mr. Potter, and Merry Christmas to you too!

Route 66 1/2 Marathon

As I've read through the blog world this week, I noticed many other 2 week old race reports. I figured that was as good of a sign as any to post about my fun run over two weeks ago.


Saturday, November 20th was Wichita's annual 10 Mile Turkey Trot. Just 4 tiny years ago this was my very first 10 mile run. It was so, so hard. I hurt like crazy after it was over. I felt invincible. I hoped as I walked around that day that all the strangers could sense I had just done something amazing.
Now I laugh because I rarely set foot out the door for a run any shorter than 10. It's a great feeling to look back and see that I've come so far.

Wearing a cotton shirt and waving at my baby as I finish Turkey Trot 2006

Every November I look forward to the Turkey Trot. It's an anniversary for me of sorts. However, my only nephew trumps any race. His birthday always comes close to the race. Some years I've crossed the line, hit the shower, and jumped in the car headed for Oklahoma, just to roll in for his party.
This year no amount of Kenton's super driving could land us in Tulsa on time. So, plan B was initiated.

Still not knowing for sure what Plan B included, I woke on Saturday the 20th, ran with a small group of friends who weren't racing, jumped in the car and headed to Tulsa. Officially decided to sign up for the 1/2 portion of Tulsa's Route 66 Marathon the next morning somewhere between singing Happy Birthday and the slicing of the cake.
Kenton and I ran down to the expo and took care of business. I headed back to a chaotic cousin/post party/toy overloaded home and remembered that this race should be fun, trying not to sweat the horrible pre-race rest atmosphere.
After a dinner a Pei Wei and a terrible time getting two little boys to be quiet and go to sleep. The early morning alarm went off way too soon.
I checked the forecast, was in disbelief of the warm November morning, and got dressed. I was going to wear the same outfit that I wore in a half in June. I wasn't complaining, just couldn't believe it.
Kenton rolled off the hide-a-bed and ever so graciously drove me down to the start.
I was in a port-a-potty line when the 5 minute warning was given. Thankfully some 5Ker's let me jump ahead, as they had 1/2 an hour until their start.

Great Starting Line atmosphere!

I weaseled down to the crowded start with my eyes peeled for "Corral A." I could only assume that was the first corral and jumped through the fence, woke up my Garmin, and "BOOM!" The gun went off, the confetti was flying and I was moving.
I assumed I was in the right spot, but wasn't *really* sure until mile 3. That was a long time of hoping I didn't just waste a lot of money. I feared maybe I had gotten in the full marathon only start or something.
But all was well and I began my nice long run for the morning. The crowd was so thick for the for the first 2-3 miles. I could get a good pace going for a bit. But, eventually it spread out and I just took in the race.
It was windy and cloudy but the streets were lined with fans and there were live bands playing about every mile or two. That was great.

Around Mile 5

I thoroughly enjoyed my run. I didn't plan for anything but a strong run and hopefully an enjoyable one. I didn't pay attention to my Garmin until about mile 9. Sure, in the back of my head a PR was bouncing around, but I had just run 12 the day before and had not tapered all week long. However, I thought about what time I could make up if I picked up the pace. So, while mile 9-10 isn't the place to start a race strategy, I went ahead and tried some quick math to see what I could do. Since I stink at math, I just sped up and pushed for the last 4 miles.

The wind was howling as we crossed the bridges

Knowing my sister had the boys and Kenton was possibly asleep in the car, I phoned him and said exactly this, "I'm at about mile 10." He heard, "I have about a mile 10 (1.10)." I love that he even thought that was humanly possible.

Notice "The Flash" in the back?

He phoned my sister urged her to rush like mad to the finish because he thought I was going to win.
Meanwhile the final miles of the course were one straight down and then back. So, I began to see the leaders. I counted as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and even 7 maybe more females ran past me. I still had some gas left so I pushed it. This was the windiest part of the course. A very strong headwind made the finish pretty rough. I passed at least one female in that last stretch. I rounded the corner and heard the 6th female finish as the announcer was shouting out for the top ten finishers.
Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls," was blaring as I ran to the finish. My sister, nephew, and son on one side, and Kenton on the other.

I purposely made this face...not as good looking as I thought it'd be

I finished with the original goals intact. I ran strong and had a good time. Yes, I was bummed, I know I could have run harder, I just didn't plan for my competitive monster to flare up at mile 10.
I ended up with a time of 1:34, 7th overall female, and first in my age group. For a whim, I should be pleased with that...and I'm getting there.

They had the coolest medals, the wheel spins.

The after party was awesome. Tons of food, a live band, lots of fun for the kids, and free beer. So, if you didn't know here you go. I hate beer. AND I'm allergic to gluten which is in 99% of beers. However, I come from a long line of beer connoisseurs. My sister being one of them. No one in the family is a lush, they just really appreciate the brewing art and flavor of beer. As I continued to walk past the beer tent, with two tickets for beer, my sister couldn't stand it anymore. In her words, "It's a crime to waste free beer."
To keep the peace in my family, I redeemed those tickets and secured my two free beers.
And to offer a laugh to everyone who knows me, this was posted on Facebook.

One for my homies

All in all, I'm so glad I ran this race. I'd like to do it again. I'd know there were some pretty intense hills and I'd plan for it better next time.
It's all relative. I am actually most proud that I'm healthy enough to run such a strong race on a whim. Who would have thought this was possible, just 4 tiny years ago?