Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis 2016

I ran this 5k years ago before I knew I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was eager to get back to it this year after my diagnosis. I was excited to put together a team to run. I was just coming back and my coach agreed to let me "race" it, so we could use it as a time trial. I couldn't wait! And then I broke my foot! Ugh! I was thrilled I had wonderful people who were running for me, so I was still excited to go!

Prerace I got a pic with these sweet girls - Amanda, Leanne, and Lisa!! So cool they came out for me!

Sawyer and Emerson made great cheerleaders with me! It was COLD and they were troopers!

Ricky was super speedy!! If this boy would train I can't even imagine what he could do!

Everett went out and made a friend (Amanda's son - Blake) and had a blast running with him!

I enjoyed meeting Amanda (@run.amanda) so much! She and I hit it off as well as our boys!! And she placed 1st in her AG!!

Dene (@motomom327) came all the way from Chicago and her daughter Ashley ran too! Ashley placed 1st in her AG!!

And how adorable does Sarah (@tri_harder_sarah) look! She came out to run for me and she had a 30k race the next day!! It was so great to finally meet her!

My mom (@theironpat) ran her 2nd race ever!!! She came in 5th in her AG! As I was trying to crutch my way thru the crowd to get her pic I almost fell, so I missed her pic! I wish I could share with you the big, beautiful smile she had on her face as she crossed the finish line! I am so proud of her!

Post race pics with Sarah and Leanne (@lulurunstexas)! 

I am so grateful for this girl's friendship! We are two peas in a pod!! I can't wait to do a tri with Lisa (@lisamcde / Run, Supermom, Run) again!! Love her!

When my husband crossed the finish line he gave me his medal! When my oldest crossed he gave me his bell! I love these guys so much! And I love that they all support my crazy!!

I truly couldn't do it without this guy! He was looking forward to running this with me and not just for me, so he was really disappointed when I couldn't run it. He's not a runner, but he got out there and kicked butt!

Aren't these little elves just the cutest?!?!?

2-3 Weeks Post Injury Update

I suffered an avulsion fracture and midfoot sprain. I was wearing wedge shoes and had a little fall. I had been going thru different orthotics and training hard for IMTX, so I'm pretty sure this was just the last straw. See previous posts (A Hard Pill to Swallow and Not how I wanted to start my IMTX Training) for more of the story.

Two weeks later and there was still discoloration and quite a bit of swelling and pain. It's too challenging to sleep in the heavy boot, so I was wrapping it in an ace bandage but this wasn't offering the support I needed and I was having difficulty sleeping.

At three weeks swelling has significantly decreased. By the end of the day my foot sees more swelling, but what an improvement! Bruising has also improved! I am surprised by how much better it looks, but I am equally surprised by how awful it still looks 3 weeks later! And unfortunately it still hurts more than I had hoped it would by this point. But I will gladly take any improvement I can get at this point!

So very grateful for the Bioskin AFTER DC Ankle Brace! This brace is so comfortable and supportive that I am in less pain and sleeping so much better!

I have been continuing with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), anti inflammatories, Epsom Salt soaks, essential oils, and lots and lots of prayers! My next appointment with the orthopedist is the 21st. I am hoping to see some real improvement between now and then so I can at least get back in the pool and maybe on the stationary bike!
These last couple days are getting more and more challenging. Not being able to drive is a huge inconvenience and my family is definitely feeling it! And I am going stir crazy!! I just keep reminding myself this too shall pass! And in the mean time I am strength training like a boss!!!

The Fit Wanderluster

Do you learn about a place and think right away that you want to run there? Do you take runcations? I love traveling to new places and exploring them thru running. 

If I had to pick my favorite place I've ever run I'd have to say it was in Henley-on-Thames, England. It's a posh little town along the Thames River where rowing is the popular sport. When I run there I feel like I am running in a fairy tale!

So as I run thru my neighborhood today I imagine myself there!!

Where is your favorite place you have run? 

Check out @thefitwanderluster as she runs in amazing places! And for her apparel line check out www.thefitwanderluster.com.

The Kor Project

You have likely started seeing the "upside down" shirt around. I love this idea of a running shirt that is printed upside down to motivate the person wearing it. So when you are struggling, feeling like you can't finish your run, you look down and find your motivation.

So I was excited when Chester Canlas, the man behind the mission at The Kor Project, dropped me a line on Instagram. I was happy he did because I had a few questions for him about his new project, and he agreed to do an interview with me. I know you will find his project as fascinating as I do.

Be on the look out for a giveaway soon from The Kor Project and Iron Will Iron Jill.

To learn more about The Kor Project:

www.thekorproject.com

Instagram: @thekorproject

Twitter: @thekorproject

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekorproject

Contact: hello@thekorproject.com