Tag Archive: health

Triple fried chicken

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Wed. January 30, 2008

No matter whether you’re on a diet or just attempting to eat healthy, I believe that just once in a while you should eat something totally tasty, yet quite nasty and very regrettable after the fact. These occasional planned lapses encourage you to refocus. They work as long as you make room for it and plan out how to recover.

For lunch, as I was walking down the stairs I thought, “man…I want to eat something really destructive.” So I walked to the local greasy spoon and ordered a lemon chicken and fried rice combo. Oh man, that was greasy. The chicken was battered and probably triple fried by the point it was served. The lemon sauce was thick and sweet. Yeah, it was good, but so unhealthy.

Well hey, now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, I won’t have to eat all nasty again for the next little while.
(Unless I really want to do so…in which case I’m quite screwed)

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Running log: 2007/07/12

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Thu. July 12, 2007

So, since the last time I ran, I’ve been exchanging some emails with my running instructor. I was just informing her about my injury and how it was making things pretty tough for me. She mentioned that she observed that my running stride wasn’t all that great. Apparently, I made it a habit of landing on the ball of my feet instead of the heel. That would explain the pain I feel in my left leg. I know I wrote before that the injury was a calf strain. However, I now believe it’s achilles tendonitis. Anyway, when I put pressure on the ball of my left foot, I can feel some strain in my achilles tendon area. Since that’s connected to the calf, the stress was climbing higher, and really affecting everything.

So, she suggested that I come to one of the Thursday runs. Those aren’t “official” scheduled runs through the RR, but rather an extra run she planned out to give those who wanted it an extra practice session. Anyway, she said to give it a try, but to pay close attention to my pains. She told me to adjust my stride and make an effort to land on my heels.

I’ve really been wanting to start running again since last week, but the pain has kept me away. Tonight, I was feeling fairly decent, so I thought I’d give it a go. I got into my car and started the trek into Markham. On the way, I could see that the sky overhead was dark with menacing storm clouds. I was so close to turning the car around and heading home. However, I figured that the storm would probably miss the area entirely, so I continued my trip.

When we gathered in front of RR, there was a lot of debate over whether we should run or not. The storm seemed far enough, but the winds were picking up. In the end, we decided to go anyway.

The last time I ran, we were doing 6 minute intervals. In my absence, the group increased the intervals to 8 minutes. I was concerned about whether I’d be able to do them. Of course, there was the injury, but also, I’ve been out of practice for 1.5 weeks. Who knows? I was determined though to keep up and do my best.

At the end of the first interval, I was doing somewhat alright. I was kind of winded, but I could have kept going. As long as I strode correctly, I didn’t experience that much pain.

As we started the second interval, we got a good look at the skies in the southwest, and we didn’t like what we saw. There were several flashes of lightning in the distance. At that point, someone made the decision to just run back to the store. Sure, it was the prudent thing to do, but I was sort of disappointed. I was still working out the new stride, and really felt like pushing myself. Still, it’s not a good idea to argue with mother nature.

On the way back, the instructor took a look at my stride and said that I was looking better. I told her that I was feeling a little bit awkward. We both agreed that a little awkwardness is expected until my legs get used to the modified positions.

By the time we got back, we covered 2.4km in about 16 minutes. Not bad, I suppose. The good news is, I wasn’t exactly collapsing in pain after the run. I was anticipating needing an ice pack or something to ease any pain, but I didn’t even need one.

All thing considered, I’m pleased with myself. I’m getting a good feel for my limits, and that’s really important as things become more challenging.

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Bracing for pain

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Fri. July 6, 2007

It’s the morning after writing my last entry. Last night, before sleeping, I put on my old tensor knee braces from way back when in the hopes that the compression would help out. They did. This morning I felt a little less discomfort. So, I thought I’d give wearing them to work a try. Shit, that was a mistake. When I stepped out of my car, I felt like I was mildly paralyzed. The brace was pulling my legs in ways they weren’t accustomed to, I guess. Going down stairs was an ordeal. Sitting on the subway felt strange. On the streetcar, my right knee started aching more than expected. When I got to my building, I actually decided to use the elevator instead of going up two floors’ worth of stairs–which is something I rarely do. I mean, I usually take the stairs even when my knee is acting up: I just suck it up and hobble. Today? It wasn’t worth the pain.

I guess the big difference between wearing the brace overnight in bed over wearing it during the commute is that my legs were straight while sleeping and bent while traveling. The bending probably put extra pressure on the areas.

I probably should see a doctor about this, no? I’m conflicted though. I know I probably should, but I don’t want to take time off work to do it. I might just suck it up. Of course, if the pain gets worse…

Boo!!!!

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A sports injury? The hell?

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Thu. July 5, 2007

So a few days ago I was talking about leg pains and how I was going to run if the pain had gone away. Well, the pain didn’t go away. It’s pretty pronounced when I have to climb or descend stairs at home, on the commute, and at work. I’ve come to the conclusion that I must have a sports injury. In my left leg, I think I’ve got a strained calf. When I put pressure on my left foot, I can feel this pain right below the meaty part of my calf. I didn’t hear any “pop” or anything, so it’s not like the muscle pulled right away from the achilles tendon (chee, that sounds really painful, doesn’t it?) On various websites, I’ve gathered that this is a minor strain and that I’ll be fine again in two weeks.

Now, my right leg also has some pain. This pain is centred around the knee. I don’t have much of an answer to what this pain is all about. This doesn’t seem to be like other bouts of knee pain that I’ve had in the past–those pains go away relatively easily after a day or two. This time, it seems to be a bit longer lasting. I mean, it hasn’t gone yet after all this time! I’m thinking that maybe due to my left leg pain, my right leg is compensating in some weird manner that’s causing extra stress on my joints. I have no idea what’s going on.

I don’t think I need to see a doctor about these pains. I just need to do that whole R.I.C.E. method thing and get rest. It’s too bad: I want to get back to running as soon as possible, but I can’t kill myself.

Well, hey, maybe I can use this as an excuse to just put my feet up and sleep all weekend. It’s a valid excuse, no?

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Running log: 2007/07/03

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Tue. July 3, 2007

So, when I woke up on Monday morning, my legs weren’t cramping up like they were the night before. So, I figured that I could probably join the morning run. I was feeling fine until about halfway through. That’s when my left leg, from buttock to calf started feeling soreness. I wanted to stop, but I forced myself to push through and complete the run. It wasn’t easy at all! It wasn’t a sharp pain, so I knew that I could at least hold out a while longer, but the discomfort was building.

It wasn’t until I got home and sat down that I realized just how bad I was feeling. So, for all of Monday, I struggled to find positions whenever I sat down that didn’t involve me feeling some sort of reminder of the pain.

I’ve heard before that only the foolish ignore their bodily pains. I guess I had to learn that lesson first hand–or rather I needed a reminder. I want to participate in tomorrow’s run after work, but if the pain continues I might have to skip it….

for real this time!

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Month 5 Progress

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Tue. June 12, 2007

I’m sitting in my chair at work, wondering how the heck to deal with my knees, which are so unpredictable when it comes to how they’re going to react the day after a run. I was OK this morning up until the first steps I took down the stairs on the way to the train station. Suddenly it felt like someone had taken a screwdriver and just jammed it in the joint. I had to hobble the rest of the way down and into the station. I don’t know if this is related at all to yesterday’s activity, but it’s really too late now to change anything, isn’t it? Maybe I need to stretch more. Who knows.

Anyway, today marks 5 months since I’ve tried to increase activity. I’m feeling good. Over this past month, my weight has remained rather constant. In fact, when I started running, I’m sure I added a pound or two. I already had meaty legs to begin with–I think I added more weight. I think it’s still too early in this running regime for it to really start affecting my weight, but good things take time, I guess. Soon enough, soon enough. I’m sure I’ll see numbers move once I get into longer periods.

Yesterday, we started with 4+1s. Man, that was tough. I’ll be honest though, as much as it was hard, it felt a little bit easier to handle. I was still tapped out by the end, and still huffing and puffing most of the way, but I still felt great. I went back into the store smiling like a sweaty idiot. I’m starting to see that 20+1s are within reach; all I need is to train regularly. I think that if I keep running like this, I’ll need to eat more just to keep up. When I got home from the run, I found that I was so hungry. I tried to keep things in check by not overdoing it. Still, part of me just had to get something back into my body. I almost felt manic about it. This morning, I woke up at 5:30. I always have my alarm set to 5 am. I usually sleep through the radio up until past 6:30 because I’m usually out until then. Today, I got up early because I was ridiculously hungry. I had a bowl of cereal and an apple. You know what? I don’t think it’s enough. It’s about 10 am right now…I need something else. This is insane! My system is acting strange. Good thing? Bad thing? Time will tell, yeah?

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Running log: 2007/06/04

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Mon. June 4, 2007

The few times I’ve run in the past few weeks, I’ve easily associated the act of running with some form of discomfort, or in extreme cases, pain. I figured that it was something that I’d have to get used to, and that it would get more tolerable after a little while. All my life, I’ve had to deal with various leg and foot pains because of genetics. For the longest time, I figured that the pain was normal, and at best all I could do was dull it. It hasn’t been until only recent years that I’ve had proper footwear and experienced relative comfort. As much as it’ll sound stupid, I was honestly amazed that it was possible for me to be pain-free when I walked.

Which leads back to my Running Room classes. After having one of the clerks fit me with good running shoes, I figured that the pain was something that I’d have to get used to. Running properly was new to me. That, combined with the fact that I’ve dealt with such pains before made me feel like I had to suck it up. What else could I do with the hand I’ve been dealt, you know?

After Sunday’s drop-in class, my shins and the bottom of my feet were feeling a bit numb. I asked the clerk for advice, and she said that things will get better with time, but that she’d make a note for the manager, and the she might have better advice.

I arrived for today’s class a little bit early. The manager was in, so I spoke with her. She took a look at me in me shoes, and she looked aghast. “Your shoes are wrong! You’re over-supinating!” So basically, instead of my foot leaning inwards (due to my flat feet), the shoes and orthotics were over-correcting and making me lean too far outside. GOD! I thought so long ago! She told me that I shouldn’t run today for a few reasons:

  1. I shouldn’t have to put up with the pain.
  2. I shouldn’t get the shoes any dirtier (if I’m planning on returning them)

So, alright, I missed the run after the class. I felt bad at not joining the rest of the group, but what could I do? The manager was right. So, when everyone left, she and the current clerk had me try on many pairs of shoes. At one point, I could tell that the manager was having a difficult time figuring out what to do with my feet. We eventually got to a pair of New Balance shoes. I don’t think she was convinced that they were the exact best pair, but they were the best of the ones there. I walked around in them and was feeling alright. I didn’t feel the pain I had with the other trainers I bought. So, I purchased those and agreed to bring back the old pair in the box by this Wednesday.

She told me to try them out on the treadmill to see if they worked well enough. After dinner, I gave it a go. Since the class today was doing 3+1′s, I figured I’d do the same for about 30 mins. To my shock, completing the set was doable. I was tired by the end, but not in the same way that I’ve been tapped out like in the past classes. I was drenched in sweat, and loving it. Most important of all, I felt absolutely no post-pain in my shins and my calves. It’s a damn miracle! I know that treadmill running is a bit easier than running outdoors, but hey, omens are favorable. I am so excited to go back the RR and tell the manager about my positive experience. I want to shout out from the rooftops.

Apparently, I, Jason, can run pain-free. This may take a while for me to get used to.

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Excision

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Sun. April 29, 2007

About two months ago, I wrote about plans to have something excised by a surgeon. The day came this past Thursday. I got to the hospital a bit before noon. It was busier than expected. The smell of the place was distinctly sterile (does that make sense?)

I waited around for an hour before I was called into one of the operating rooms. I was half expecting to have to disrobe and put on one ‘em silly robes that are open in the back, but luckily I was able to keep my dignity. The nurse had me lie on the table with my right wrist resting on a cart. She turned on a bright light, focusing on the area of interest. She left the room saying that the doctor would come in shortly in order to freeze the area.

I lay there staring at my wrist for a minute or two. The light was quite bright from my vantage point. I wondered what kind of view the surgeon had. I was thinking that it was really cool to actually be able to see the doctor do his work. I was excited. I was also trying to come up with some sort of small-talk I could use on the nurse. I was genuinely excited, and I wanted all those involved to know. Thing is, when the doctor came in, I sort of blanked out.

I greeted the doctor, and made a feeble attempt at conversation: “You look so busy!” Well, duh. The doctor just looked at me with a bored look and got on with the freezing. Whatever. It was pretty quick and painless. He left the room for a few minutes, letting it all take effect. I used my left hand to poke and prod the area. Yup. Twas quite numb. Good thing.

So, minutes later, the nurse and doctor came back in. He began the procedure. He poured some cold antiseptic solution on the area. Even with the numbing, I could feel the cold sensation over the area. Trying to amuse myself, I announced “it’s cold!” The nurse told me that it was normal to feel that, but that I wouldn’t feel any pain. You know, even with all the excitement, I basically chickened out and didn’t stare at it procedure. It was all happening so quickly. I didn’t feel the pain of the slicing, but did feel the pressure of the scalpel (if that makes sense).

After some short work, I saw the nurse hover over the cart. She picked up the piece that was removed, dropped it in a small container, and packed it up for analysis. I was sort of surprised at seeing it and exclaimed “Wow! That was fast!” The doctor stitched things up pretty quickly. Again, I didn’t feel any pain, but I did feel the sensation of the needle piercing my skin, and the thread going through. To be honest, it reminded me of someone stitching the back end of a stuffed Thanksgiving turkey. When it was all done, the nurse put only a bandaid over the stitches, and basically sent me off. The doc just scrambled out of the room without saying a word. I wondered if I had said something to offend him, or whether his bedside manner was just shit. This time though, I kept those thoughts to myself.

So that’s what happened on Thursday. I’m keeping an eye on it daily, and heaping Polysporin on it in hopes of faster healing. The stitches are expected to dissolve in about two weeks or so. Right now it feels a tad sore, and I’m afraid of somehow ripping the stitches and reopening the wound. I wanted to take pictures a few days ago, but decided against it. Aren’t y’all lucky? Heh.

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