Knee Sprain

Well, I suppose it was inevitable, but I've sprained my knee this past Wednesday. It is minor and is my first "major" injury of my life. While it might be minor, knee sprains can physically and psychologically trip you up. Here are a few things I've learned in the past four days.

1. R.I.C.E is Your Friend: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are all VITAL for a speedy recovery. They might be annoying, but they help so so much. For more detailed  information on R.I.C.E please click here. 
2. Your Whole Body Might Get Sore: This one was a major surprise to me, but in retrospect it makes sense. It might happen right away, or after the shock has worn off. For me, it happened exactly 24 hours after the incident had occurred and nearly knocked me on my ass. Take care of yourself, this is just an indication that your body is healing. Give it rest. 
3. It's OK to Cry -- or Not: This may or may not happen to you. 36 hours after the incident occurred, my body began to be overstimulated, and easily taxed. Since I'm normally a pretty tough chick when it come to physical ailments (and promptly pushed myself to the limit, dummy), my body chose to release all that extra energy through crying. Hooray! Ride it out, it'll pass quickly -- I promise. 
4. Anti-Inflammatory Medication is also Your Friend: Now, I know some of you out there are anti-medication and while I'm with you most times, ibuprofen saved my behind on this one. It's not just a "pain reliever" in this case. It really does help the swelling go down. Side perk, the pain does go away and you can walk...ish.
5. Test Yourself, but Don't Push It: You're feeling good, you can kind of walk again and so you try to walk with full (normal) pressure on the affected leg. A few strides, no problem, so you go further. OK, a little pain, no biggie -- a few more steps. Then.. HOLY MOTHER OF POTATO PIE! Suddenly you're hobbling back to the nearest seat. Listen to those little pains, and stay in tune to your body. It's natural to test yourself when you're feeling better, but you could severely re-injure yourself in the process. Tred carefully. You'll heal. 

That's all I've got for now, but Monday the doctor tells me whether or not I have to do physical therapy or not. I'm PRO physical therapy, because those people are miracle workers when it comes to future preventative care. 

Happy Healing, 

Senator

Weekly Round-Up #7

2/18/13-2/24/13

Originally found at http://bookhimdanno.blogspot.com/ 

This past week has been more about thinking than physically doing.


Weeks Without Meat
7

Weeks of Consistant Running
6


Days Meditating
3

Miles Walked / Run
Tuesday =  2.4 mi warm up / 3 minute run + 3 minute walk / 5 min run + 2 min walk / 8 min run + 2 min walk / epic cool down


TOTAL = 2.4 MILES                                              TOTAL FOR YEAR = 23.91 MILES


Book(s) Read

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (read, review to come)

The Perfect Power Within You by Jack & Cornelia Addington (Still reading, this one is for an 8 week class. Yippie! "Everyday Dharma" is put on hold)

Sever (#3) by Lauren DeStefano (read, review to come)

Welcome to Temptation (#1) by Jennifer Crusie (read, review to come)

  This is NOT a Drill by Beck McDowell (read, review to come)

  Orphan Train: A Novel by Christina Baker Kline (read, review to come. Thank you Harper Collins for sending an ARC to Bookstar, Studio City.)

  Unbroken (#2) by Paula Morris (still enjoying. Thank you Scholastic and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.)











Happy Living,

Senator

Weekly Round-Up #6

2/11/13-2/17/13

From Dune by Frank Herbert

Oh my my my my! Sorry this is late, just like the rest of the week yesterday seemed to fly right on by! Things are rapidly a-changin' here in the house of Senator and it is all goooood.


Weeks Without Meat
6

Days Without Dairy
this whole "no dairy" thing isn't going so well for me, actually. Mostly it's the hidden stuff, like whey in things in bread. Fooey!


Weeks of Consistant Running
5 (!!!)


Weeks Meditating
1

Miles Walked / Run
Friday =  1.89 mi (2 min warm up / 3 min run + 3 min walk / 4 min run + 3 min walk x 2 / 3 min run + 3 min walk / cool down)
Saturday = 1.71 mi (warm up / 3 min run + 2 min walk / 5 min run + 3 min run / 3 min run + 2 min run / cool down)
Saturday = 1.39 mi (run to work and back. 15-30 min break in between)


TOTAL = 4.99 MILES                                              TOTAL FOR YEAR = 21.51 MILES


Book(s) Read

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (still reading, I'll be making my end of February deadline)

Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You by Lama Willa Miller (Week two! This will be on my reading list for a little while...)

Let Them Eat Cake (#1) by Sandra Byrd (read, series review to come)

Bon Appetit (#2) by Sandra Byrd (read, series review to come)

   Piece de Resistance (#3) by Sandra Byrd (read, series review to come)










How do you find balance when life seems hectic?

Happy Living,

Senator

A Week Since the Break-Up/ Weekly Round-Up #5

2/4/13-2/10/13

A few things before we continue. There was no weekly round-up 4 posted, but it still happened, hence this is #5. Moving on. Yes, last Sunday I was released, broken up with, dumped. Due to our dynamics and my experience of the relationship it took me a night of little sleep to accept it. I cried, I leaned on everyone I could and was supported unflinchingly. Thank you again. I hold no ill will towards him and seek only the good points to be replicated in a life partner.

What I mainly learned was to care for myself. I have been working on the physical, now it is time to uproot the mental. All those negative subconscious beliefs I had let run my life are rapidly --and forever -- being let go of. It is a practice of honoring myself that will stay with me a lifetime.


Weeks Without Meat
5

Days Without Dairy
1 (Previous to my ice cream binge, I was up to five)


Weeks of Consistant Running
4 (I reserve the right to pat myself on the back, oh yes)


Days Meditating
1

Miles Walked / Run
Tuesday =  1.48 mi (2 min run + 2 min walk / 3 min run + 3 min walk x2 / 2 min run + 2 min walk / 5 min cool down)



TOTAL = 1.48 MILES                                          TOTAL FOR YEAR = 16.52 MILES


Book(s) Read

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (still reading, I'll be making my end of February deadline)

Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You by Lama Willa Miller (this will be on my reading list for a little while...)

Promises From God's Word for Women (Mini Review: I love this book. It has helped me to pray again. Highly recommended)

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger (read, review to come)













Have to ever had a difficult moment that helped you overcome something?



Happy Living,

Senator

A Real Runner

I've been sitting on this for a while. The week has passed, the heat has gone and been replaced with cool, sunny weather. The answer to, "What makes a real runner?" still evades me slightly.

I think the answer is different for everyone. And I still don't feel like a real runner because I haven't even completed a third week in a row (yet). For me, the feeling of being a real runner is, like everything else, about consistency. It doesn't matter how many miles I've logged, or how many races I've signed up for and completed... it's about the pattern of consistant, everyday self-care.

Thanks sportsclipart.com for the free use image

It's also about encouragement.

I was in a particular funk running one day and disgruntled about the monotony of my surroundings... missing the hills, suburbia, and green of my hometown -- really not liking city life, essentially. All while this was happening, my mental thoughts just trailing downward, I happened upon a nice little stretch of "suburbia" without many cars, and more friendly pedestrians.

Jogging towards me was a woman dressed in neon pink and black, her posture and stride clear to anyone that this was just another jog. Another day to do what she loved. And me, shyly looking at the ground, then up at her, puffing out as I start the running portion of my workout, hobbling ungracefully towards her. And yet, she smiled. Her smile was wide, inviting, encouraging without saying a word.

That to me makes a real runner.

She had no judgements towards me. She, a fit veteran, was inviting me into a not-so-secret club. She gave the impression that she loved what she did -- run -- and wanted anyone who wanted to try, to join in. It didn't matter I was no where near to her athletic ability, or stylish ensemble (which, oh my gosh I could drool over so many cute athletic gear), I was still a runner in her eyes.

Which helps me see that too.

Happy Running, 

Senator

Weekly Round-Up #3

1/21/13-1/27/13

Nothing too special about this week -- relaxing, actually. Onward!

Weeks Without Meat
3

Days Without Dairy
1 (I've officially had an intolerance attack -- time to put my big girl panties on and accept my fate!)

Miles Walked / Run
Wednesday = 1.46 mi (5 min warm up / 1.5 min run + 1.5 min walk x4 / 1 min run + 1 min walk x2 / 5 min cool down)
Friday =  1.73 mi (5 min warm up / 1.5 min run + 1.5 min walk x4 / 1 min run + 1 min walk x2 / 5 min cool down)


TOTAL = 3.19 MILES                                          TOTAL FOR YEAR = 8.46 MILES


Book(s) Read
I'm slightly amazing myself with how much time I must spend on books, reading this much...

Kundalini Meditation: The Path to Personal Transformation and Creativity by Kathryn McKusker (still reading. Thank you Walkins Publishing & NetGalley for this opportunity!)

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (re-read, still enjoying)

The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey (re-read and completed, review to come)

The 13th Sign by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb (unfinished, meh.)

Running Within: A Guide to the Body-Mind-Spirit Connection for Ultimate Training & Racing by Jerry Linch, Warren Scott (rough start, still reading)

In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters (read -- LOVE, review to come. Thank you Amulet Books & NetGalley for an advanced read!)

What were you up to this week?

Happy Living,

Senator

Weekly Round-Up #2

1/14/13-1/20/13

For more inspiring photos and quotes visit
Active Happiness on Facebook

This week has been most illuminating, if not supremely taxing on my emotions. Oddly enough I made a LOT of advancements in my life and deep cleaning AND still keep a vague appearance of keeping it together. I couldn't have done it without my friends and my family, either. Thank you, if you're reading this. You guys mean more to me that I can express!

Days Without Meat
14

Days Without Dairy
0 (I've cut out most dairy though, especially cheese, for the last 3 days -- now to give up those trace amount of butter or milk IN the things I buy!)


Miles Walked / Run
Monday = 1.38 mi (5 min warm up / 1 min run + 1.5 min walk x6 / 5 min cool down)
Wednesday = 1.7 mi (5 min warm up / 1 min run + 1.5 min walk x8 / 5 min cool down)
Friday = 2.19 mi (5 min warm up / 1 min run + 1.5 min walk x8 / 10+ min cool down)

TOTAL = 5.27 MILES                 TOTAL FOR YEAR = 5.27 MILES


Book(s) Read
Fair warning, I was busy this week....

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson (review can be found here)

Blameless by Gail Carriger (re-read and completed, just for fun)

Millie's Fling by Jill Mansel (re-read and completed, review to come)

Kundalini Meditation: The Path to Personal Transformation and Creativity by Kathryn McKusker (sill reading -- It's pretty amazing. Thank you NetGalley & Walkins for this opportunity!)

Splintered by A.G. Howard (completed, review coming soon. Thank you Amulet Books for providing Bookstar, Studio City with a lovely ARC)

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (re-read, still enjoying)

What are you grateful for this week?

Happy Living,

Senator

Weekly Round-Up #1

1/7/13-1/13/13

For more inspiring photos visit: instagram.com/lululemon

So this will be new, mostly to keep me accountable. Herein you will find what I've done with my week. This week in the three main areas of my life.

Days Without Meat
7

Days Without Dairy
0 (I'm eating cream cheese as I type. Bad lactose-intolerantee, bad bad!)


Miles Walked / Run
Saturday = 1.5 mi (easy outing around the neighborhood)


Book(s) Read

Valkyrie Rising by Ingrid Paulson (still reading)

Blameless by Gail Carriger (re-read, still enjoying)

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale (enjoying on & off. Goal is to FINISH by end of February 2013)











What has your week shaped up to be?

Happy Living,

Senator

Running Crack

My training for my 10K starts this week and I've been mentally preparing for this for a while, apparently. See that picture, to the left? With all those running books (that doesn't even include the three e-books)? Yeah, I bought most of those within the span of the last 2 1/2 months.

Because I live in Southern California and apparently am a weenie for the cold, I've taken some time off from running. A long while. To fill up that running hole I've turned to books about said activity. Have I read each of them cover to cover? Naaah. Do I drool over more training books and pine to buy more soon? Of course!

Photo from fitnessrepublic.com

They get me into the mood of running. They get me jived about wanting to wake up an hour early and hit the pavement. They show me I'm not alone when I'm cranky and see the sun is not out and want the comfort of my own, warm bed. They tell me it's OK to go slow. In fact, they endorse it. As a beginner who used to be an intermediate this is a hard pill to swallow.

When you're pushing your body too hard, it's time to take a break, and that's what I did. I trained too hard, set my bar too high, and I fizzled completely. I firmly believe that any physical activity is 90% mental and 10% physical so if you're even thinking about getting up off that couch and haven't yet, it's OK. Read blogs, buy cute running clothes, read training books for men, for women. Read inspirational books about your favorite athletes. I guarantee you'll be over the moon and chomping at the bits to follow through and take those baby steps if you do. Whenever and however you take your first step, that's perfect.

Happy Running,

Senator

Running: An Introduction

I must confess.

I'm a runner.

I'm not an expert, or advanced (yet), but I put one foot in front of the other just like the best of them. I just happen to go slower and shorter distances.

I caught the running bug freshman year of high school. I loved it and I was hooked.

[insert awkward picture of teen with braces here]

Pictures are all at my parent's house, and therefore unavailable at present. 

Then senior year hit and suddenly I stopped.

Over the years I've started. Then stopped. And tried again. It wasn't until the Awesome 80's 5K that it truly stuck. It made running real.

Mere minutes after finishing

Rank: 1139

It's taken me many stops and starts to get to this point. A point of peace, of knowing in my heart of hearts this is something that will be part of my life for the rest of my life. And the best part? I'm just getting started.

Question of Note: Do you struggle with your passions too? What thing or things do you do for yourself that you couldn't live without?