sister love

My sister, Maren, and I went out for a quick jog this afternoon. It is cloudy and 70˚F and the humidity is at 27% (according to weather.com but it feels pretty muggy out). The cloud cover helped a lot.

I tried wearing my HRM below my bra to see if that helped reduce my bounce any, but then it wasn't picking up my HR so I gave up on it. The bounce wasn't too bad. I'm on the second clasp again and I'm thinking I'll need to machine wash (not hand wash) these puppies on gentle to get them to shrink a little. They didn't come with wash instructions, but since they have underwire, I have been taking it pretty easy with them.

We ran west down Pacific from our apartment (basically 78th St), which is the sucky way. I listened to an indie music podcast, which was a series of songs at different BPMs. I'm still not sold on the BPM-song thing. My 305's BPM numbers are so small I can't really watch to see if I stay with the song (or whatever) anyway, so I don't really worry about that so much. My foot felt pretty good the way out and got a little tired on the way back, but painless. I think it was worst on the way back because my left foot (the bad one) slants down & out based on the slant of the sidewalk. Either way, I have iced twice today and am about to ice again after I stretch. I better get to stretching, or it won't get done. Then, I think I'll have a lean cuisine pizza for dinner. yum!

Run on!

summertime...in the city!

Hello everyone! I am on summer break! Well, for 1 week I am. I had my last final on Thursday and we have had craptastic weather the last couple of days so I spent my workouts on the bike. Did some riding Thursday around Omaha with really no purpose and then rode to UNO to meet my buddy Mike yesterday. He lent me his smaller camera bag to take with me tomorrow to Lincoln. Since I am unable to afford the race myself this year yet have multiple friends running in it, the plan is to go on bike with a couple of my friends and try to get some good race shots. It will all depend on if my friend Katja got her neck brace off yesterday and I'm still waiting to find that out. Otherwise it will be a walking/running venture for us to try and get to places to see our friends.
EDIT (kinda. I haven't published yet, but I don't want to delete and retype those last couple of sentences): Katja just texted me and the brace is off! She isn't supposed to run or ride for 4 weeks, but if we're careful and we do all the looking around for her, she should be fine so we're a go on bikes! Woo! I do, however, need to figure out how to put my bike rack on my car. I got a bike rack last summer that fit on my Saturn Ion and I was lucky enough that it fits on my new car, which is an SUV. How it fits on there, I have no idea. But I will try to figure it out today. At least, until I lose my patience, and then I'll probably just run to the Trek store down the street and have them help me.

Anyway! I come to you not from my regular blogging location:



I normally like to blog from my desk because a) it's where I plug in the Garmin and I'm already sitting there and b) I'm lazy. Anyhoo, since today is such a gorgeous day, I thought I would blog from my porch!



I have this awesome porch off of my bedroom that gets shade and sun about this time of day so I am sitting here with my legs in the sun and computer in the shade, chugging water and enjoying the breeze. God, I love summer!



Today I got up at 9:30 and headed out for 7 miles. I left close to 10 and about half a mile in, ran into my brother. He was trying to sell his accounting book back after his final this morning. The bookstore was closed - FAIL. He'll just have to try again later. The run was great. I ran down Pacific, through Elmwood Park, around Memorial Park twice and back. It ended up being about 7.07 when I stopped to walk the last three blocks or so to get my heart rate down. My foot has been feeling a little sore lately, but not painful (knock on wood). I'm going to keep trying to stretch it out a bunch and ice it and hopefully it will feel better. I wore the Maidenform again, which was fine. I fastened it on the second tightest eye hook and I think the bounce was minimized. It is kind of hard to tell because I think my heart rate monitor kind of screws things up; the underwire doesn't site right on my ribcage. I only thought about bounce once during the whole run though, so something is working. The pre-shower "chafe check" came up with much of the same as before: slight reddening in a U shape and that's pretty much it. I'm VERY impressed with this bra.

I listened to DirtDawg's 9th and 10th podcast and his wife (DirrtyGirl) was wondering about a forum of sorts for bra reviews. So I want to put a call out to every chick out there that reads this (and tell your running girlfriends) - tell us about the bras that you/they run in. If you have any stories, reviews, whatever, PLEASE email me (topheavyrunner@gmail.com) and tell me about it! I will feature any entries in blog posts (let me know if you want to be anonymous or credited) as soon as I get the email. This blog is small and kind of just starting, but why not make it something that could end up being great! So bring on the bra stories! And you don't have to be a "top heavy" (or front heavy ha!) runner, either. All posts will be labeled as bra reviews/stories so they can be easily searched on google.

Cool!

So I had a minor run in with a vampire this morning:



Just kidding, I cut myself shaving, which I haven't done in forever, then when I bent my knee to put on my undies, it looked like two vampire bites!
EDIT2: I just realized that looks like I mean I haven't shaved in forever. I mean I haven't cut myself shaving in forever! haha

So I fixed it with 2 SpongeBob bandaids. Success!


I leave in a week for Minnesota where I will not have immediate internet access. I will hopefully be able to access the web from the hospital and will try to update as much as possible from there, probably at lunch. I will be there during the inaugural Stillwater Marathon, which I might drive over to watch and photograph, and will be in a small town. Lots of miles will get put on the sneaks and bike and hopefully I will learn a lot! I'm looking forward to just chilling out and having a little time away. Oh, and running in a new place!

Long Run @ Zorinsky

I snapped this puppy from the top of the dam about 9 miles in (hence the finger covering part of the bottom - I was tired!)

temperature beginning of run: 50F
distance: 11 mi
deer seen: 2
times nose blown in last 4 miles: 10
potty breaks: 1
water breaks: 1
chafing: amazingly little. tiny actual chafe marks where clasps of bra are in the back, reddening (but not actual chafing) in U shape on front (representing top edge of sports bra)
bounce: moderate. I probably should have put it on the next tightest clasp
pains: slight knee pain 3 mi in (disappeared within a mile), horrible stomach ache (secondary to draining sinuses) 7 mi in
times of near vomiting: 5 (all within last 4 miles)
tune-age: first 45 minutes = I listened to a podcast recommended to me by Kevin Green from Just Finish called "Dirt Dawg's Rambling Diatribe Podcast" by an ultrarunner in Michigan. He tapes himself running, interviews other racers, tapes his wife (interview-style or when they run together) who I understand may or may not herself be a top heavy runner!! etc. It was an enjoyable podcast (I listened to episode 11) and I hear episode 10 is hilarious. I think his wife talks about boobs on it a lot, so a MUST for us girls to check out. Anyway he blogs here at blogspot also, with his podcasts linked to his blog. After that was over, I listened to a BPM playlist I created with the help of JogTunes.com. It was a mix of the songs off their 160-190 Alternative list that I had on my iTunes already. I had 44 of the songs and made it through about half. It was pretty enjoyable.
temperature after run: 47F

Overall, an okay run. It was cooler and breezy leading to me having a really bad runny nose and highly draining sinuses. This sucked. At 7 mi in, when I came back around by my car, I stopped for kleenexes and a drink of water. This pit stop was just enough of a stop to get my stomach turning. The last 4 miles SUCKED. My stomach threatened to keel over the entire time. I had to blow my nose (full on blow w/ new kleenex) every half mile, with partial blows/snot wipe ups (this is an attractive entry) about every quarter. Oh well. I almost turned back and made it an 8 mile run, but I forced myself to stick it out. I thought of Jaclyn and our race and how I can't quit now, I had to just finish the damn thing! And I did it. I had to walk a bunch because I thought I was going to throw up, but I never walked for more than a quarter at a time. Go me!

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great week. I am on my LAST week of spring semester! Woo! I have a bunch of misc stuff to go to tomorrow (meetings, honors convocation for the graduating seniors) and a final Wednesday morning at 9 and Thursday morning at 8 and then I'm done! I will be heading to Lincoln Saturday morning to cheer on my friends who are running it (Kristin, Micki, and Kim). I'm going to make a silly sign. Speaking of, Kim when you find out your bib number let me know, and I'll keep an eye open for you!

Run on!
Meg

p.s. Jude stepped on the keyboard about halfway through this post and is currently sleeping on the right edge of it, so I apologize here for any typos. I am too lazy to reread it before posting! :D

it. was. awesome.

Well I just got back from my ride. 9 miles in about 35 min. And the bra was great! I jogged out to the car to get my iPod and it held the girls down very well. AND they were not squashed together or anything! It was wonderful. That's all!

they're here!

The bras arrived in the mail today and the "standing and bouncing in my room" fit is great! It's an XT day for me today so I will be heading out on the bike in a little bit to test it out. I'm a little nervous about the underwire, but I will let you all know!

Run (or Bike but definitely not bounce) on!
Meg

Got a pretty new car yesterday! Lease was up on the old one and I wanted something 4WD and V6. No name yet...



I also got some new shoes! Not running shoes (don't need any yet) but these pretties:


I love shoes. [EDIT]: I love runner's legs in heels almost as much as I love shoes.

Still waiting impatiently for those bras to come. Last I checked, they were in Kansas City, so they should be delivered tomorrow or the next day. Woo!

Haven't run this weekend, been super busy with the car and studying for tomorrow's Ortho final. Hoping to get a good run in tomorrow. 

That's all. Spring is here and I couldn't be more excited. Yay! Good luck to all Boston Marathoners tomorrow! Run hard and fast!

new brrrrra!

So I ordered TWO of the Maidenform bras (highest level of support, black). I will let you know how they work when I get them. I really hope they are as great as they sound considering I ordered two.

Running has been on the back burner a little as school has me completely swamped. Tomorrow I'm done at 10:00 (one class!) so I am hoping to get out and do about 4 miles. I'm also planning on riding my bike to school, which should be awesome.

Also, due to financials, I will not be running the Lincoln Half Marathon. I could be ready, but I can't afford the registration cost, especially since I needed to get a couple new sports bras. Oh, and I have to buy a new car here in the next few weeks. I will be running in Seattle for sure though, so the training will continue.

Run on, y'all!

quick update on the iPod...

It's alive! I had to reset it, but it is back to live action and ready for 4 miles tomorrow.

ps. I got chafing on my boobs! The outside, bilaterally. WTF?! I'm ordering one of those new bras pronto.

Run on!

Oy!

Greetings! From the (c)ouch!

Today, finally, we had great weather. After my neuro practical (in Lincoln), I took a short nap and headed out for 9 miles. I ran down 72nd street, through Elmwood Park, through Memorial Park, back through Elmwood and then hit the Keystone Trail for the last 4 miles. Finished the 9 at 72nd and Pacific so I walked the rest of the way home. Did 9.6 mi total. It was great! My feet are a little sore (as are my knees) and I got 3 blisters, but only one is painful and hopefully it'll be better by tomorrow.

I am probably going to order one of those bras (see below) this weekend. Will let you all know how it goes!

Le sigh,

Meg

slacker

Every time school gets crazy, my running gets sporadic. This week was one of those weeks. I put in 3 today on the treadmill since nature decided to hail on us this morning. I didn't want to take any chances, so I pushed my 9 miler to tomorrow and ran a quick 3 on the treadmill. My stomach hurt so I didn't make it any further than those 3.

My sister was telling me about a new site she saw in Shape for bras for "huge boobs" (her words not mine) called the Lilyette in Motion Active Motion bra. It's apparently only $38 and you can find it at maidenform.com. Third link on the top right is for the Lilyette in Motion Sports Bras. It looks like they have three levels - 1: GentleMotion, 2: ActiveMotion (the one my sister was talking about I assume), and 3: PowerMotion. The website also features regular bras, panties, shapewear, swimsuits and accessories. They also have a bra finder. I did some exploring and this is what I found:

Level 1: GentleMotion - softcup ($16.99) or underwire ($16.99), white or beige, 36B - 40DD, fabric content: Body: 75% Nylon, 25% Elastane. I'm not going to go into too much detail, as this bra won't work for me. But it does sound like a pretty good bra with comfort, seamless and moisture wicking fabric.

Level 2: ActiveMotion - softcup ($30.00) 34B-40DD or underwire ($30.00) 34B-42DDD, white w/ gray. According to the site, this bra is recommended for "mid-level sports including biking, golfing and weight training." It has wicking fabric, breathability, wide shoulder straps and there's something about "fold over binding" for comfort and clean aesthetics but I don't know how beneficial that is.

Level 3: PowerMotion - again available in a softcup (34B-40DD) or underwire (34C-40DDD - sizes are slightly more limited) version. Both are $32.00 and are available in black or white w/ gray. This one has much of the same fabric elements as before for wicking and comfort while also using compression and encapsulation for support. I think the shoulder straps are adjustable but I'm not sure. This bra is recommended for "more intense activities including running, soccer, spinning and other aerobics."

Now, I've never run in a bra with underwire before (if you don't count the occasional sprint to the car during a downpour) but it seems like the only option for me, size wise. Also, I would have to go with a 36DDD because they don't have any 34DDDD sizes. God, that's a lotta Ds. Anyway, because I am a runner I would be inclined to try the Level 3. However, I would also consider a Level 2 to wear when biking. If I am not running and don't need to control the bounce as much, it is very uncomfortable to wear a compression bra for long periods of time. And to think, in junior high I wore a sports bra to school EVERY DAY! Ahh, to have those smaller breasts now...but I digress. I am seriously considering trying out this bra. I will keep you updated.

Oh, and the bra finder is actually a pretty good way to find things on the site. You can choose your category (bras, panties, accessories, camisoles, body briefers, swimwear), styles, panty types, bra sizes, and 6 more options (color, brands, materials, price, etc). It's very useful.

Anyway, the weather out here is whacked out. We are currently have a winter storm warning and a wind advisory. York, NE (about 100 miles west of here) has a tornado warning. wtf? The midwest is a crazy place. You should see the insano radar. Well, here's hoping that this blows through tonight so I can run outside tomorrow!

Run on!

Meg

Another beauty of a day!

I really wanted to post pictures in this blog, but I've got pretty much nothing, so I put up this pretty picture of downtown Omaha which I found on Google. I'm going to put up a couple from Patty's Day, but I'll put that in the other blog. Today I went running in the glorious weather! We had high 50s and sun, with moderate wind. I had a speed workout, which was terrible! It wasn't too bad I guess, it was just hard to run into the wind like that. 

I tried on a new sports bra today at a shop in town that is closing (Intima). I even got sized! Are you ready for this? 34DDDD/36DDD. EEEK!! I know, enormous. Anyway, the sports bra did not fit, it was too big around and she didn't have any 34s in my size. Also, it didn't reduce the bounce enough. I never buy anything that doesn't reduce the bounce as much as my CW-X. If I was a short distance runner, maybe. However, I am not and so I must be picky.

Better be off, it's a busy day tomorrow! Gotta catch up on my homework. I'm hopeless.

Run on!

SO SORRY!

So I haven't updated all week. I blame the busyness factor. Neuro exam on Tuesday, class and student senate and dinner and laundry all day yesterday and class, baby shower and a nap today.

Regardless, I have been doing decent on the running. Don't remember when I last posted and too lazy to check, I'll just go ahead and start with Monday.

Monday: 3 mi on the treadmill at lunch. It was freezing here. Calves were a little sore, but warmed up about a mile in. This run was a make-up from last week.

Tuesday: quick 2 mi on the treadmill after my neuro exam. felt okay, kicked my own butt. I ran a fast first mile and picked it up for the second mile. Oh, how I paid for that one... I also put in reps on the hip abduction machine. I got in trouble in taping lab on Monday.

Wednesday: yesterday I had 4 mi to do on the treadmill (still wasn't warm enough). It was so hard. Nearing the second mile I wanted nothing more than to give up and get off the machine. But I forced myself to continue, slowing down to a jog for the last couple miles. My shins were hurting pretty bad and I was unable to get in the groove. I felt sluggish the whole way.

I checked into the online sports bras. The Title9 one is SO EXPENSIVE ($60 so it is for me anyway) and the SportJock one doesn't ship to America. Sadface. Regardless, it runs about the same (about $54) so I'm going to head to Scheels tomorrow and see what they have. I know I keep saying I'm going to go check them out and then I don't go, but this time I have to go shopping for my trip to Vegas next week so I am definitely going. I will probably go with a C-WX again, but I'm going to see what else they have.

Reports to come!

Run in circles...

Quick update, because it's 1) LATE!! 2) I have to be up EARLY!! and 3) I'm having a boring day.

Ran 3 miles on the TM today. Simulated slight hill at mile 2 (just like Lincoln) again. Made it 3/4 mile before I got bored as shit and went back to 0% and upped the speed. I can't wait for it to warm up. Running on the treadmill is so boring. I went through my notes for tomorrow's test in under 20 min, which screwed up my vision/proprioception/awareness/ability to run looking up and out the window. Focusing on the papers in front of me whilst running is hard to transition into looking ahead when running. I liken it to looking at the ground when running as compared to looking ahead. I cannot switch between the two without feeling like crap for awhile.

Anyhoo, back to the run today. I had a little acid shoulder (left this time) and my SI keeps getting knocked outta whack. I think I will have to dig out my SI belt to wear when I'm running from now on. Also, my sports bra (yeah the one and only) is getting stretched out. Not in the chestage region, but the straps are a little. Aka, the girls are bouncing more than normal. May be contributing to my finicky SI. So I am headed to Scheels tomorrow (or Dick's - haven't decided) to see what I can find. If I go to Scheel's I'll just get another CW-X bra (it's the only one in the whole store that fit last time...well fit is a relative term. I digress.). If I go to Dick's I'll have to explore options. Either way, I'll let you know how it goes.

I have 2 miles tomorrow, on the treadmill as snow is in the forecast and I don't feel like subjecting my lungs to that just yet. I'm an L7 weenie when it comes to running in the cold. Which doesn't make sense, but oh well. I plan on running it tomorrow morning around 10AM, before my exam at 1. Wish me luck!

Oh wait, no one probably reads this :)

Run on!

Meg