Couple funnies!

As I've mentioned before I love to sleep so often I might be considered a "lazy mom." Well, I was mentioned on The Lazy Mom blog! I submitted a tip for being able to sleep just a little longer than your kids. Why is it that the days you have to get up earlier than usual your kids sleep in? I just have to say that drives me CRAZY! Anyway, it's confirmed, I'm a lazy mom!

The other funny thing occurred this morning. While doing the girls' hair I had to get after Katie. I told her that if I ask her to do something she needs to do it immediately. Sammy said, "That sounds like something a queen would say." I replied, "Yeah, and who is the queen of this house?" Sammy said, "You are, and daddy is the king of this house." Ashley had to chime in, "Yeah, and me, Katie, and Sammy are the princesses of this house." I had a hard time controlling my laughter when Sammy said, "Mm, no... I'm the servant!" Such a hard life to be a six year old and only have to unload the dishwasher every other day to earn your keep! It was pretty funny!

Shot through the knee...

... and plica's to blame! You give running a bad name! (Sorry, that was lame.)

After going in for physical therapy yesterday I was told it's time for the cortisone shot (too much "crunchy" scar tissue). Yikes!!! I am such a pansy when it comes to needles. It really is one of my biggest fears and I was not looking forward to the shot, even knowing it will help. So this morning I covered my eyes, tried to control my shaking nerves, and got the shot in my knee!

The shot wasn't that bad. There was a big pinch and some burning and then it was gone. Right now it just feels swollen and full of fluid. Hopefully things will be better in a couple days and I'm back to normal. We'll see... wish me luck!

Running Yet?

I saw the physical therapist this morning and she gave me the "okay" to start running tonight. She said, "Just a jog! Short... only 2 miles... 3 if you are feeling really good." I was also given instruction to run with a patella band for support. I went right out and bought what I needed and called Angela. I was so excited to get back to running and I thought I might have to be forced to stop after 3 miles.




Wrong! I only made it half a mile and said, "Okay, I have to walk!" We walked for about a mile and then I was able to run the last mile. My knee is feeling pretty tight and sore so we'll have to see what tomorrow brings. Wish me luck that I can continue to run! I really, really want to do my races coming up!

The Verdict

After protest-- but too much pain in my knee-- I saw an orthopedic doctor Tuesday. I'll have you know I was up with all 4 of us girls cleaned up, ready to go, and out the door by 7:45! (New comers to this blog that almost never happens!) And the verdict is knee plica syndrome! (If you want to find out more information click here. If you're a runner this would be a great thing to read.) So much better than I was expecting. I was afraid they would have to do an MRI to rule out damage to my ACL or meniscus. The doctor prescribed a strong anti-inflammatory that I take twice a day and if it's not feeling better in a week I have to go back in and get a shot of cortisone. Yuck! The thought of a needle going into my knee makes me cringe so I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't have to do that. In addition I have to go to physical therapy twice a week for six weeks. I went to my first session this morning. The therapist agreed that I had plica but she also thought I had a bit of tendinitis and scar tissue built up. She scraped my knee and the area around it and then the fun part, ultrasound. (This is not the fun ultrasound that you get to see what's inside... it kind of burns. If you want to know more about it click here.) Not only does my knee look like there's a balloon inside it, it feels like it too. There are a few bruises and where the patch was placed for the ultrasound I have a white circle, and where the stabilizer was placed it's still a bit red and tender. It's not fun, but if it's what I have to do to get back out on the road then I can handle it.

Shut the front door, that hurt!

Today as Angela and I were heading out for our 17 mile run my knee started to give me problems before we even went half a mile. In Ashley's words, "What the?!" I was so frustrated but thought I would work through the pain. Well, we only made it about 2 and a half miles before my knee popped... hard... and I almost fell over. I tried to walk it off and said, "Let's make it to the mail box and I'll try running again." Angela said, "Are you sure?" I was determined. The mail box came and I only made it a few feet running before I couldn't even walk. Ouch! So Angela tried calling Bryce to come get us... no answer! I tried calling Andy... no answer! Luckily I was able to walk the rest of the way home, but it still hurts enough that I nearly fall putting any weight on it while it's straight. Going up the stairs is the worst! I know I should get it checked out by a doctor but I am also hoping the pain will go away with ice, a brace, and rest. Wish me luck with my half marathon only weeks away! I want to at least make it to that point and then think about the full marathon.

I need to learn to relax...

... my shoulder that is. Lately the muscle in my right shoulder has been sore. I find that I tend to tuck it up a little in several activities but mostly running. It seems to be fine for about the first 13 miles. However, when I run more than that it feels really tight when I'm done running. I know that I just need to relax but I'm not sure what to do in order to relax it. My left one doesn't give me any problems and I don't know what I do differently.

So my question to you fellow runners, what can I do? Are there any stretches I can try before, during, or after to help? Are there any techniques I can try to loosen or relax my shoulder? Any advice would be great! After 16 miles I'll try anything!

Happy Easter!

This year for Easter we started a new tradition that my SIL, Maria, mentioned here. We egged some houses! Our egging job didn't look nearly as cute so we didn't take pictures. We were afraid we were going to get caught in action so we literally threw the eggs on the lawn, put the sign on the door, and ran! Sammy loved it and said we should do it again. So we did! We were able to get two families that we absolutely love! And we can't wait to do it again next year.

I talked to Angela this morning since her hubby brought us "conference rolls" and she said that her daughter loved it so much they went and did it to someone else this morning. So fun!!!

I recommend doing it next year! Your kids will have a great time. It's simple, easy, so cheap, and it brightens their day! We love you tons Thueson and Arnold families!!!