Category Archives: Bullish Insights

I wrote Date a Girl Who Runs in less than 30 minutes on a whim (much like the way I started this blog) but with a lot of heart (just like the way I blog and run, too!)  And, I guess when you do things that way, it hits a cord with a lot of people—48,835 readers to be exact since I posted it in March 31 until now.

One of the readers who stumbled upon this humble blog and that little post of mine was Debbie Voiles, a certified Road Runners CA coach from Tampa, Florida and runner for over 30 years, who runs Mojo For Running, a very informative and comprehensive running blog and podcast.

Debbie wrote me asking if she could read Date a Girl Who Runs on her podcast and I, of course, was honored.

Click HERE to listen to Debbie’s Mojo for Running podcast on Date a Girl Who Runs.

To listen to the podcast online, click HERE.

It’s also on iTunes. Just go to the Mojo for Running podcasts at the iTunes store.

It was the second test run. And I was nervous.

I didn’t want to do this mini experiment in front of everyone.  Nope, not even before close friends.  I wanted to do this on my own, in the comforts of my home, and on my decrepit, practically orphaned, but reliable treadmill.

If this 2nd test run failed, it would be easier for me to deal with another bout of sadness.  I would just quit if I felt pain or discomfort in my injured area, change into my pambahay, grab a cup of coffee and nibble my frustrations away with some blueberries while watching yet another replay of The Bachelor.  I wouldn’t have to slow down any running buddies to a walk or dine at UCC consuming more calories than I actually burned by walking Erap-style on the road.

But, if this little experiment succeeded, if I could actually run again without any pain or discomfort, then I could proceed at my own easy pace or even stop anytime if I didn’t want to aggravate the injury.  Even in the silence of my own study where my treadmill is homed, I could rejoice on my own and savor every single moment of a short experimental run after having been out for so long.

DEALING WITH MORTON’S NEUROMA

I had done my research online and scared myself to death with all the threads about Morton’s Neuroma being a persistent runner’s injury.  (You would’ve been glad to NOT be my personal friend at this point because you would’ve received incessant texts from me about possible alcohol injections and surgery just to get this nasty injury out!)  But, I managed to draw out some helpful tips on how to deal with the injury that I practiced for the test run.  These were:

1. Keep shoe loose in the toe box – I used my Women’s KSwiss Kwicky Blade Light.  I’m still unsure if I should be using this considering I got the injury while wearing them for 6 months, but I’ll see how it goes.

2. Run on soft surface – hence the treadmill

3. Use orthotics – I used my newer Spenco orthotic insoles (I have three pairs which I rotate! Hah!)

4. Use metatarsal pads – I didn’t know what the heck were metatarsal pads.  Man, before this injury, I didn’t even know what a metatarsal was!  But I did remember that I was given samples of footcare products from New Zealand a few months back so I hunted around the house for them.  True enough, I found metatarsal pads…and more!

– I attached this Neat Feat Metatarsal Pad to my middle toe (just like in the illustation on the packaging) and felt relief underneath my injury –

– I wanted to attach this Neat Feat Forefoot Insole under my Spenco but thought it may be overkill. I’ll try it some other time –

– No use denying I have a bunion. If you see me in flipflops, you’ll spot it a mile away anyway. I’m thinking of trying this soon too since bunions make one more prone to having Mortons Neuroma –

I’m posting images of other Neat Feat products in case you may spot something you need…

– See the 3B Action Cream above?  I tried that in place of Body Glide for one long run.  Oh looord, I chafed like crazy.  No, I wouldn’t recommend that.  I guess Neat Feat should stick to Feet. –

– Products for women’s feet –

THE TEST

So, there I was, on a fine cloudy Sunday morning yesterday, dressed in full running gear at 7 a.m. ready to hop on the treadmill. The metatarsal pad felt awkward but it did provide relief at the injured area.

By this time, I thought, most of the 21k runners who signed up for Yamaha Run would be nearing the finish.  There were no thoughts such as “Drat, I should’ve been there.” or “I could’ve PR’d in that race.” I was focused on only one thing: Running at least 30 minutes without a single hint of pain.  If I could just have that, I would be the happiest runner in the world.  (Funny how life can throw you a curveball and reduce your goals to what you used to take for granted, eh? )

I started with a 5 minute walk and increased the pace to a conservative 6.  That was it for me.  No sense in pushing any faster to the level I was accustomed to.  I ran and ran and ran.

THE RESULTS

I couldn’t believe it.  I couldn’t feel a hint of pain.  None at all!  After 10 minutes, I slowed to a walk.  Then, I increased the pace to a run and did another interval of running.  No pain!  Holy crap, no pain!  I finished 3k with absolutely no pain.  What a feat!  A Neat Feat! (Corny.  And, no they didn’t pay me for that!)

Let me tell you that in that moment everything just fell into place.  Like there was a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel.  Like I found my rhythm after being sidetracked for God knows how long.

I’m not fully recovered yet, but wow it’s good to finally get out of limbo land and know that I’m finally headed somewhere.  Looking forward to seeing you all on the road soon.

It’s been over a month since I got injured and I still can’t run.  I had a secret test run last Sunday which turned out to be a walk-run interval with over 95% in favor of the walk.  Fine, I’ll just call it a long walk then.  Thank God for friends who walked with me and provided good conversation as distraction, not really from the discomfort of the injury but the frustration within.

I’ve been to three doctors who advised me complete rest from running until the pain fades.  I asked for therapy.  Only one doctor provided a therapy program which I didn’t actually agree with so I stopped seeing him.  Complete rest it is!

Yesterday, I visited a manghihilot who said that the tiny veins in my foot had simply been displaced.  So, she fiddled around with the veins in my foot as if she were Taylor Swift singing an acoustic version of Breathless on her guitar.  My question: So, do you play the guitar? She replied, yes, she used to.  My next question: So, will I be able to run after this? Her reply: Yes.  I almost hugged her as any crazed fan would!

Will it work?  I hope so.  I’ll find out in my second test run this weekend.  If not, let me figure out what desperate move I’ll think of next.

I received this comment from Wonderwall on one of my most popular posts: Date a Girl Who Runs…

I always feel like runners are running away from something- don’t like this article at all. Blah.

No worries if Wonderwall didn’t like the post; each one is entitled to his/her opinion.  But, I think his/her first line is worth discussing.  It’s a question I’ve asked myself in the past (hey, you never know what goes on in our subconscious, right?) and raised with friends a couple of times.  Have you asked yourself the same?

“Do I run because I’m running away from something?”

My answer: Every time I hit the road, I’m almost beaming with joy.  There’s no doubt that I run simply because I want to.  Most of the time, I am running TOWARDS something and not away from anything at all.  I run towards a goal: a race I’ve targeted months in advance with a training program that I follow to a tee, a new PR, or a specific distance to achieve that day.  Sometimes I run for what others may think are more mundane reasons but are important to me just the same: to be with friends or even to enjoy the breakfast and great conversation after.  And, yes, there are times when I also run to burn off the Cheetos I munched on the previous night and, if possible, to flush out the guilty feeling that comes with it.

Admittedly, sometimes I do run to get away.  To escape.  To unburden myself of the loads of life.  It’s no different from an artist painting on a blank canvass to express his despair or a musician banging on his drums to ease the pain.  It’s simply a way to cope.

When my dad had his surgery, I ran like there was no tomorrow and, when he passed away, I ran even harder.  I run when there’s too much work, when there’s conflict with a relationship, or when I’m just fed up with something or someone.  I run hoping to leave behind all these issues and problems and hope to the high heavens they can never catch up with me.  Is this wrong?  Not at all.  For some reason, I end the run feeling empowered, energized, and ready to take on the world.  Eat my dust, I usually say to all of life’s challenges.

I guess the only way to really know if you’re running TOWARDS or AWAY from something is to look at where you’re standing now.  Ask yourself: Has running taken me farther than I could have ever imagined?  Or has it driven me to isolation and cowardice? Has running made me stronger, fitter, and better?  Or has it made me more arrogant, obnoxious and self-centered? Has running transformed me into a better person?  Or has it taken me further away from who I really should be?

So, what’s your answer?

So it’s been three full months since you—our TBR Dream Marathoners Batch 2011—became, well, marathoners?!  How time flies!  What have you been up to?  How has the marathon changed your life?  Have you maintained your fitness, built your mileage base, or pursued other activities?  Let us know!

For now, I’d like to leave you with this little present: this video from my adorable niece (and dearest sis who gave me permission to post) which should bring back fond memories of the music blazing in the background as you started your first (or second marathon) in NUVALI last March 20, 2011 under the super moon.  Enjoy!

P.S. Check out her hand movements midway through the video!