Encompass: May 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

4 Weeks Away!

Race Day is now less than 4 weeks away!

Yesterday I ran 9 miles with my roommates, it was one of my favorite runs that I have done. The weather was perfect and I actually had people to chat with, so running wasn't boring! I am getting new shoes this week though, because my ankle and knees hurt while running yesterday, and still are hurting pretty badly. I am excited to see what a difference a new pair makes!

The 9 mile run was a 12:31 min pace. My goal for the race is to run it in under 2 hours 37 minutes (which would be 12 minute miles). I think that I can do it. Having everyone cheering for me on the sidelines will be huge motivation to run quicker. I just don't want to have my heart rate too high the entire race, that is my only concern.

I feel like I could do the race already, adding on miles hasn't been as horrible as I had imagined. Looking forward to completing it!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Training for Running

Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Kickball
Softball
Dodgeball
Touch Football
Pickleball
Raquetball
Volleyball
High Jump
Triple Jump

I love doing all of these sports, and they all involve running, so why do I still hate running so much?!

Although I still haven't gotten a "Runner's High," or found the love for the sport yet, I have gotten myself into a routine finally. My Training Schedule works like this:

1 Long Run
Rest
Cross Train
Short Run
Rest
Cross Train
Short run

So far, so good! Last Monday I ran 5.2 miles after not running for about 2 weeks because of my foot, and I felt great! It took me an hour exactly, I didn't stop at all and felt like I could keep going. I went rollerblading and on a 3 hours hike/climb for my cross training, and did 3 miles for my short runs last week.

Today was 7 mile day! I went running with a friend for the first time, which actually helped keep me motivated a lot. Having a running buddy is definitely a good idea if you have a hard time keeping yourself motivated to keep going without stopping. The end got a little hard, but I am over the halfway mark and I am no longer terrified of running the half!

Here are my times for training so far:

(First time for each)
3.1 Miles 37 Min 11:57 Min miles April 11
5.2 Miles 60 Min 11.30 Min Miles May 2
7.0 Miles 81.5 Min 11.38 Min Miles May 9
8.0 Miles 98 Min 12:15 Min Miles May 16

I still have almost 6 weeks left to train, so I think I will be in okay shape by the time the Half Marathon comes! I just need to get new running shoes, my back hurts after running and my shoes rub the inner sides of the balls of my feet, which I think I can hopefully fix with new shoes. Wish me luck!

***Update***
I added my 8 mile run from May 16th. I had to walk and text my roommate halfway through to have him bring my a spare set of keys for when I got back to my car, because I realized I lost my car key during my run at about mile 4. Also, I am never taking the bike path from the Del Rey Lagoon again, it was with the wind the first 4 miles, and against 14-18 mile an hour wind the entire last 4 miles. I still didn't do too bad on time despite these conditions, but I know I could have done better.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Exercise and Cancer

Encompass is now featured on Mesothelioma.com as one of the top complementary treatment resources in Los Angeles for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, especially Mesothelioma.

Here is an excerpt from their site, Mesothelioma - Alternative Treatments

Personal Trainers for Cancer Patients

It’s tough to get motivated to exercise, even when you’re healthy. Being sick makes it even harder to get out of bed and on your feet, even when symptoms of cancer or side effects of treatment are at a minimum. Many patients have found that a personal trainer can help encourage them to stay as fit as possible.

Cancer patients shouldn’t hire just any personal trainer. Mesothelioma victims should look for trainers who are specially educated in how to deal with a body that’s going through cancer. The trainer should know the specifics of asbestos cancer and must understand the patient’s limitations while still being able to encourage them to partake of appropriate forms of physical exercise.

A properly educated trainer should have the tools to deal with the physical and psychological effects of cancer and cancer treatment on patients, should be aware of special precautions when working with cancer patients, and should be able to offer a variety of options to suit the changing needs of a cancer patient as they get better or struggle further with their disease.

Ask your hospital support person if there is a personal trainer on staff that caters to the exercise needs of cancer patients. If not, check with local health clubs to see if there is a trained fitness professional on their staff who is educated in the particulars of working with cancer patients. Don’t be afraid to ask for documentation as to the trainer’s licensing and experience.