Saturday, March 29, 2008

The Strip

Some of you may have wondered where I have been the past few days. DH had a conference in Las Vegas and I was lucky enough to join him for a few days without the kiddos.

Huge thanks to my best girl for taking our little ones under her wing for 3 days/3 nights! You are truly a kind-hearted, remarkable woman and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Thank you!

Early on Tuesday morning the kiddos and I took the bike & trailer to the store for a few things... my mom loves Dr.Pepper and I promised there would be some on hand. The original intention was that my mom was going to come over on Thursday morning to relieve my girlfriend but a snowstorm came through and it was mutually agreed that she stay in the valley. Thus, this little quest was unnecessary but it did allow me to log 2 miles for running mileage.

Wednesday morning, I enjoyed a great breakfast with DH and the other conference participants. Thereafter, as they sat in a conference room and discussed medical supply needs and patient safety, I laced up my running shoes and headed down the strip. Conveniently, we were staying at the Mandalay Bay so my intention was to run to the Sahara and back. Runners World stated this route was 7.3 miles. I thereby added a few side streets and extended the run a little past the Mandalay Bay to cover a solid 9 (I brought along the Garmin to make sure - even if the Garmin is a little off, I will at least be consistent throughout my training).

I enjoyed the run and was actually surprised by how many runners were actually out enjoying themselves like me. With the exception of an organized race, I am just not accustomed to seeing so many runners in one place. As I ran past past the MGM, three young men came out onto the strip and I overheard one remark to the other, "Is this like f***ing runner's paradise or what?" I guess I wasn't the only one a little surprised.

I averaged a 10 min mile pace - I suppose I enjoyed taking in the sights a little too much. I did have to stop at several intersections though and I neglected to stop my watch so I suppose my average pace would have otherwise been a little different.
When I got back to the room, I did a little stretching and then basically spent a few hours reading. I walked down to the conference area for lunch wearing a pair of flip flops with a 1" heel. Around 2 p.m., DH and I spent some time swimming in the lazy river - very fun! We then returned to our room and took a little siesta. That evening, I donned my flip flops again and we returned to the conference area for dinner. It is quite a walk from our room to the conference area... too bad the Garmin doesn't work indoors. Next year (if we go), I am definitely going to have to bring along a pedometer!

That evening we went to the Cirque du Soleil show, Zumanity! I saw O a few years ago and DH saw Ka in 2005.... this one was very, very different. Not that they can be compared to one another anyway... but Zumanity was certainly unusual. Very cabaret... Moulin Rouge-ish. It was interesting. In the end, I would see O again and again though I wouldn't pay to see Zumanity again.

It was difficult to stay focused on the show, however. I couldn't get comfortable.
My legs were screaming. I knew earlier that evening that muscle soreness was setting in... but I never imagined it to be this agonizing. I actually felt more soreness than I did after the CIM!

By Thursday morning, it was difficult to walk. I thereby opted NOT to run again on Thursday. I always err on the safe side... despite the fact that my training may not progress as I originally hoped... that I may end up not achieving the BQ goal I've set for myself. The way I see it, though, I want to be a runner for life. Not a runner for just these next few months. I don't want to burn out. I don't want to end up regretting that I pushed too hard. I have a lifetime to try to qualify... until then I am just going to enjoy the journey.

Instead, I took it easy. I walked down to the Bellagio to see the gardens (my favorite thing in all of Vegas) and despite my appearance, I wore my running shoes (or no shoes at all) for the remainder of our stay. Thursday afternoon, DH and I spent another hour or so floating/swimming in the lazy river. We also soaked for some time in the hot tub - I took advantage of a the jets to give myself a little aquatic massage.

By Friday, I was able to walk relatively well but I still ached, particularly my left leg. It was a sharp pain on the outer side of my leg from my knee down to my ankle. Not shin splints. Not a pulled calf muscle. My lower left back also ached. After talking it over with my mom - an avid wearer of high heels, I have deduced that it must be a result of my shoes! I wear heels periodically and never before have had a problem - but the distance and the concrete floors must have done me in.

Friday afternoon when we returned home, I considered doing a few miles on the treadmill but the kiddos wanted to snuggle. I had to admit that is what I truly wanted to do as well so I tossed the running bit out the window.

I did cover 8 miles though today (treadmill) and though I was still a little sore on the left side, by the first mile, I was feeling good. When I finished, the soreness was less aggravating so I'm very pleased that I pushed through and didn't talk myself out of it again. I think a few days rest was what I needed. I should be good to go again tomorrow. Let's hope!

8 comments:

  1. Running in Vegas - WoW you're brave. I always use the hotel's treadmill.
    Sounds like you had a nice time. Enjoyed your pics.
    We saw O last time - it was fabulous!
    I really want to see LOVE with all the Beatles music. Maybe next time.

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  2. Makita,

    You did good in listening to your body and taking some rest. It's when we push through and don't listen to our bodies that we end up injured.

    I'm glad you got to go to the strip for a few days. My family and I got to go last summer for the first time. Amazing stuff!

    Keep pressing toward the finish line!

    gaj

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  3. I never wear heels, but have still noticed that my daily shoes make a huge difference. What a bummer for you! I bet it was fun getting away for a few days though.

    I'll let you know about the Rumble.

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  4. Back when I was running more regularly, I actually found myself in Vegas as well. And you're right, I was in awe of my surroundings! And the time just flew by becase I was so enamored by it all!

    Welcome back! Jealous you got an adults only trip :)

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  5. Those little opportunities to slip away without the kiddos are priceless! Nicely done! and you got to run in flat as a pancake Vegas!! Very nice! Get some rest now!!

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  6. Okay, we mailed in our registrations. I'm doing the 30 K. See you there?

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  7. Happy for your little getaway. I highly recommend you set up a consult with my husband relative to your pain and future training. Welcome back.

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  8. How cool! I love Las Vegas and am so glad that you got a kid free vacation.

    I can't believe you ran the strip. I once walked two thirds of it and thought I was dying afterwards. I am so out of shape. I bet it was a very visually stimulating run.

    Lilli

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