Friday, March 26, 2010

Check Out My Hot (NOT) Half Marathon Race Pics

Here they are. Try not to laugh too much. Yup, that's me with the not-so-sexy legs and grey mustache.

Farmington Canal Linear Park trail: 54 degrees. 4 miles; Splits: 9:11; 9:13; 9:02; 8:41; 36:07; 9:01 per mile pace.

I finally went to see the "doctor" about my left knee pain this past Wednesday. It was actually not feeling too bad considering I ran a half this past Sunday. "Debbie's" official title is not "Doctor." She's the next best person to see when your doctor doesn't have an opening, and of course I have no idea what her degree is or what her official title is. So I'll just call her "The Other Doctor," or "TOD." TOD informed me that her husband is a runner. Bonus point for her. She also said I'm having left medial meniscus pain. Fortunately I do not have a tear. Bonus point for me. She wrote me a prescription for 500 mg. of Naproxin, which is anti-inflammatory. I don't really like taking drugs, but in this case I feel it's worth the risk. Of course, like any drug, it comes with a warning about possible side effects: "Taking an NSAID can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. NSAIDs can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking an NSAID. Older adults (Is 53 considered old by drug manufacturer standards?) may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects. By taking Naproxin you may suddenly have the urge to sing Culture Club songs. Taking Naproxin during a full moon may increase the risk of growing facial hair and cause you to howl. Naproxin should only be taken during an even minute of an odd hour on an odd day. OK, I'm lying about the last three things. She also wrote me a referral for Physical Therapy. I'm not going there unless I really have to, due to my $20 per visit copay...although the thought of seeing "Hot Chick" again does appeal to me. Oh well, saving money is more important than our visual friendship. :-)
Anyhow, I went for a 4 miler yesterday on the trail. It was pretty uneventful, but I was very happy with my splits, especially the last 2 miles. I had a PPG (Ponytail Pace Girl) for my last two miles. I'm proud to say I "duded" her the last half mile and beat her. Like anyone else, I run better with company, and I guess I should credit her with my faster last two miles.
I registered for my favorite half marathon yesterday. It's not until June 27th, so I have plenty of time to properly train for it. I'm also running the "Dow Live Earth Run for Water New York 6K" on April 18th in New York City. The Dow Live Earth Run for water is a worldwide event, so there may be one near you. Here's some information about it: "Taking place on April 18, 2010, the event will consist of a series of 6 km runs/walks (the average distance many women and children walk every day to secure water) occurring over the course of 24 hours. The events will feature live musical performances and water education activities in an effort to ignite a massive global movement to put an end to this epidemic." Here's the link.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

If it costed me money, I would never go to the PT. It's not that I think it is a waste of time or not helping but I prefer the Chiropractor. Right now, because it is free, I am taking advantage of both :) But none of my dr's are hot. Or even cute.

Adam Culp (Crazy Floridian) said...

There are a couple of good pics in that bunch. (I hate it when they catch us at bad moments.)

Ponytail pace girls are awesome.

Lisa said...

I like the pics...you look like a very determined runner.

I don't like to take medicine either. It's hard enough for me to take aspirin when I have a headache much less anything stringer. Usually the medicine cures one thing and causes a slew of other problems. But I digress.

Culture Club? Great. Now Karma Chameleon is running through my mind. Thanks.

Interesting about the 6k race. I'll have to check it out and see if there is one near me.

Exciting about the half registration!

Julie said...

Hi Rick,
Your half marathon pictures look so good compared to mine:) Seriously, I look like a dork in almost every race picture to date:(
Oh Rick, what the hell is it with guys and ponytail girls? I just don't get it:)

Also, it is very cool that you signed up for a few more races...now you have a few more things to train for and stay focused on:)

I hope that you have a fantastic weekend!

Tara said...

"Do you really want to hurt me." Just kidding, I'm not on naproxin, I just remember those culture club song. Unfortunetely.

I'm not a big fan of taking medication when you don't need to, but in this case, it seems like its a good thing.

Nice pics!

ajh said...

So what is your favorite half marathon that you registered for?

Unknown said...

Glad you're having your knee looked after.
Race pics never show us as we really are - unless you're elite; somehow, they always look great at the end of a race. I found mine from a half in March and I aged 15 years again. The next set can only be better (and it helps that I had my hair recently coloured:))

Unknown said...

Thanks so much for the pictures, I need to know what you look like from head to toe so I can run up to you for my hug at Boston. I assume you'll be flaunting your hot legs along side the Wellsley Girls???
Already thinking of the next race? Way to go and nice job Duding Pony Tail Pace Girl...I once "chicked" a guy with a pony tail. Hmmm, is that the same thing but the reverse?
ADD moment there.
Have a nice weekend!

Anais said...

Lots of races ahead then!!! And the pictures are great, what are you talking about???

Hope the knee gets better soon :) Mine is bothering me today too :(

Kelly said...

Lol I cracked up at your added side effects. I think I may have taken that or something similar for my knee, it was actually helpful but my knee continued to hurt after I went off it unfortunately boo. Different issue though.

Anyway I am sadly not going to be at the marathon this year. I usually am but its during my school's April vacation (which it always is) and unfortunately this year I have to go down to the Cape to get this crazy wedding stuff done. Hopefully next year I'll get to watch again, I love the marathon!

Jill said...

Looks like you're working hard, Rick! I love how the pictures always catches the moments we're out there thinking hard! That's great you've signed up for some races already, that always feels sooo good! :)

Lindsay said...

don't ibuprofen's help with inflammation too? or have i just always told myself that... i don't know that i would chance those nsaids?

too bad it takes more than 1 PT visit to get better. i'd be down for a $20 appointment once or twice... but it sure could add up quickly.

you are running strong in your pics!

ajh said...

I just laughed out loud at that standing in the hole comment! He is a tall guy!

ajh said...

Okay more comments. What do you like so much about that half marathon? If you already answered just direct me there.

And I see you did the Cox Providence Marathon. I considered it for this year - I'm not going to at this point - but what did you think of it?

Thanks if you get the time to answer these.

Sherri said...

Your pictures are awesome! I never take good pictures while running...I mean come on I'm racing! Now that I blog I am going to try and pull a pose..I doubt it though!