Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Plica Syndrom and 2,000 Calories

Many of you have read about how my knee has been bothering me and that I decided to take some time off so that if there was something wrong with my knee, then I could let it rest. Since I was a dummy and decided to run 3 half marathons in less than 3 months, you can imagine how much training I did at that time. Well, it is a good thing that I did that, because last week I asked my brother who is an orthopedic surgeon (and very highly respected because he is good at his job) to look at my knee. He is not a big fan on doing any type of surgery on family, but I just wanted him to feel my knee where it hurt and see if it felt any different than the other knee.

Want to know what I found out....?

I have something called "Plica Syndrome of the Knee". When my brother tells me this, I looked at him funny as though to say, "Human talk please, no doctor talk on me!". haha He told me it was not a fracture or a torn liagament, but that it was similar to a stress fracture.

Do you see on the picture of the guy above where the knee bone is and then where it is red. That is where the Plica Syndrome is most prominent. According to about.com it states,  

"The plica on the inner side of the knee, called the "medial plica," is the synovial tissue most prone to irritation and injury. When the knee is bent, the plica is exposed to direct injury, and it may also be injured in overuse syndromes. When the plica becomes irritated and inflamed, the condition called "plica syndrome" results.

So basically, I overused my knee and worked it too hard. I thought it might be runner's knee, but my brother said it was Plica. He told me all I could do was rest and do some other type of training and take my running very easy. So, now my time may be slower, but I am still out there running and keeping myself in shape.
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Speaking of staying in shape, my husband and I both are going to be starting a new diet. We are going to be doing a 2,000 or lower calorie diet. This morning was my first day and it has been interesting. I searched the internet yesterday for all kinds of meal plans that I could use for this diet.


Breakfast: 1/2 C. blueberries, strawberries and seedless grapes. Also I had 2 pieces of white toast  (ran out of wheat toast or I would have had that).


Calories: 254

Lunch: Green salad with sliced cucumber, turkey and fat free italian salad dressing. Sorry no picture.

Calories: Around 598

Snack: 1/2 C. cucumbers and 1/2 C. grapes
Calories: 118

Lots of water. 

Haven't had dinner yet, but will have a picture for that shortly. We are excited to be doing this and getting our metabolism up and running better and just eating healthier then we normally do.

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Going to run around 3 miles today, maybe more or less. I biked 7 miles yesterday and it felt great!! There was a very strong head wind and it was so tough peddling against it, but it only made me work harder to finish. I also did 2 sets of 5 hills. That was tough, but felt great!  Hopefully I will get a chance to swim tomorrow. I haven't gotten to swim all week!

Question: Have you ever tried a 2,000 calorie diet?
I am just not trying it out, so hopefully we will keep up with it.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Beat the Heat Virtual 5K Recap

Friday evening after I had stayed out in the sun almost all day Brian, CJ and I set out for our 5K. We were running at the lake and it was so pretty up there. There are quite a few hills so this run took a little bit longer than normal.

Before our run with our bibs.
CJ thought that I was crazy for wanting to run in a skirt, but I told her it was super comfortable and she should try it. Crazy girl was wearing a band around her stomach to help her sweat a little more. I told her she would sweat plenty in this heat. haha

We took off running and Brian went on ahead of us after poking and playing jokes for a little bit. I stayed behind with CJ and ran with her since this was her first time to run a "5K". She was not sure about the whole idea but is wanting to get back into shape, so I told her to come on. I didn't push her very hard, but I did keep telling her that she could do it and that she would be ale to run this if she kept trying. It was hot, but since it was the evening, it was not too bad of humidity!

We finished the 5K in 40 minutes with lots of stops, because I didn't want my friend to over due it. She did great and I am so very proud of her.

Whenever we got back home Brian had already finished eating and was about to take a shower. I grabbed him and we took a quick picture since it was late and we were all ready to go to bed!

Nice and Sweaty!!! You gotta love it!
Thank you again for everybody who ran in my Virtual 5K. 
You all did amazing and I am so proud! 

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This weekend was a busy one where I did lots of different things.  I got my hair cut, stayed out in the water most of the day, and made some stuff with my mom for my best friend's baby shower. It was great being able to relax and hang out with family. 

front of my new haircut. I am still trying to get used to bangs.

Back of my new hair cut. It was much longer before.



















laying out in the sun hanging out with friends
I was being silly playing with the timer.


















My friend and I hanging out in the sun and water!




 The water is so low at the lake, but it is still so pretty there!

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Satuday, Brian and I headed home and then on Sunday we took off after church to a nearby park and did another 3 miles. It was a .56 mile loop and it was so boring having to run around that thing 6+ times to get 3 miles in. I was beyond bored by the end of that run. So, because of that, yesterday I found another park that was right down the road from us. Despite the lack of shade I liked this park much better, because it had a 3.5 mile loop and it was paved the entire way. It was great.We are going to try and bike it next and see how we like that!


I was so tired from this run because it was so hot that I pretty much fell going up the stairs. haha

*Note for next time though: Bring water and carry it with me. I had water in the car, but I didn't bring it with me on the run. 


I hope everybody had a fabulous week. If you have not e-mailed me your address for me to mail you a medal, then please e-mail me whenever you get the chance. (If you would like one). You can e-mail me at,  kaylajean87 AT yahoo DOT com.


Question: Have you ever hosted a Virtual 5K?

Just this past weekend and it was my first one! 

Question: Have you wanted to host a virtual 5K?

Sunday, June 26, 2011

We all FINISHED!!!

I am so beyond proud of everybody who ran in my "Beat the Heat Virtual 5K". You all did AMAZING!!!!! I am going to post my recap tomorrow, because it is late and I am about to fall asleep. I was able to convince another friend to run with Brian and I and she thought I was crazy for taking pictures before and after. haha
We got back in from the lake yesterday and have been running around since then, so things have ben crazy! Brian and I ran another 3 miles today and I have an interview tomorrow. Hopefully that will turn out GREAT! (Keep your fingers crossed!) Here are some of the recaps that the people who ran in my Virtual 5K did. They are awesome, so check them out!

 If you missed out on this virtual 5K, I am hoping to have another one soon. Not sure when yet though!


Ros @ Life's a Wheeze- Ros got me interested after her last 5K to host this one, so thank you very much for allowing me to do it!! You are so great!

MeganCrafty English Teacher- You did amazing Megan and I am so proud that you ran in your first Virtual 5K's!

~K~ completed her 5K on a bike, which is so great. I love riding my bike and wish I could ride it more, but I am still trying to find places to ride that are some what safe. Way to go K on completing not only 3 miles, but 20+ miles!! You Rock!!

Heather @ Life and Running /Amanda and Karen @ Just me and my Running Shoes ran her 5K with two friends and I am so glad they all were able to run it together! Way to go Heather, Amanda and Karen on your 5K/8 mile run! I loved the videos! That is such a creative way to post about it!

ShannonJSBKT completed her 5K and even did an extra mile in perfect weather!!! Wooohooo You are awesome!!

Everybody did so great and I am already trying to think of another Virtual 5K that I can do in the next 2 months or so!! Thank you everyone for posting your recaps. I promise I will have mine up tomorrow morning!

Here is what I need everybody to do for me now that completed the Virtual 5K; if you want too. I am going to mail you a little handmade medal for completing my Beat the Heat Virtual 5K! If you want one I need you to e-mail me your address to kaylajean87 (AT) yahoo (DOT) com. 



Thank you again everybody who completed my 5K. You all rock and are so awesome about posting your recaps!

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Conquering the Heat

I thought since the title of my virtual 5K is "Beat the Heat", then I would give you a few tips that I have been reading about the past couple of days to help be more aware of running in the summer months. For those of you that have beautiful 65 or 70 degree weather I am extremely jealous, but these can still help you. Here in Southeast Texas the weather usually ranges from 85 to 104 degrees. I think the hottest I have ever seen is 105 degrees. Crazy temperatures, right?

If you have not gotten your race bib yet, then make sure you get them HERE

First thing is first:

1.  STAY HYDRATED!!!!! Yes, that is right, drink lots and lots of water before you run, while you are running (if you can) and after you run.
I used to not drink that much water and would go run, but I soon learned that you can not do that. I felt the beginning effects of a heat stroke such as dizziness, blurred vision, overheating and fatigue after I did a 3 mile run one day. It was not fun at all and I could barley make it home.

(These next few tips are some that I have read through Runners World on several different issues they have been doing lately. Some of these particular tips come from in his 2009 article, "Beat the Heat; Simple steps to make the most of summer running."

2. Get up EARLY (if possible)
One of the best times to run is in the morning before the sun comes up. It may be a little more humid, but it will still be the coolest point of the day.

3. Water Wicking Clothes
Water wicking clothes are great for summer months because they wick away the moisture that is on your body and this helps to keep you cool.














Picture Right: 
Correct running apparel:  It is all water wicking, running skirt, C9 sweat wicking shirt and same thing with the bra underneath. 
Picture Left: 
Half correct and half not: Shorts (any kind), and a cotton t-shirt (big no no). Most cotton material is not sweat wicking and will allow the sweat to hang on you and make you hotter vs. cooler during the hot days. 
4. Wearing a Visor/hat/sunglasses
Wearing a visor or hat keeps the sun off of your face and keeps the sweat out of your eyes.


5. Cool Off
On very hot days, run for 15 minutes, then hose yourself off, run through the sprinklers or jump in a pool for three to five minutes. Repeat this as necessary.
            *Today Brian and I ran for 30 minutes in a very shaded area, kept water with us and then after we ran we jumped in my brother and sister-in-laws pool for a swim. It helped keep us cool and it felt great!


We went swimming after we finished our run and it felt GREAT!!!! 
We even taught my niece a little cheerleading. haha

6. Walk More
Do not try to over exert yourself. If you are feeling weak or tired, stop for 2-3 minutes and walk and then start running again. Keep doing this as long as you need to until you feel okay. It is okay to walk, especially during these hot summer months!

7. Substitute Running with other exercises
You do not have to just run. You can go out and play basketball, volleyball, swimming, biking, mountain climbing, etc. Whatever you like to do that gets you out of the house and active, then that is okay to do. Carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated as you do these activities.

Other exercise such as Frisbee Golf
Last, but not least....


8. HAVE FUN!!!!
Go out and have a great time. Run with friends or by yourself. It does not matter as long as you are having fun. Running shouldn't be a chore. Enjoy it and let's all Beat the Heat together this summer!

Here are a few pictures of Brian and I beating the heat today.   

Had a great day swimming after our hot run!
Question: What do you do to Beat the Heat?
I drink plenty of water and go swimming as often as I can.

Brian and I right after our run.







My niece and I hanging out in the pool!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Beat the Heat Virtual 5K Name Bibs

I know I just posted a few minutes ago, but I just finished these and wanted to go ahead and get them up here for you all that signed up so you could print them out whenever you wanted too.
What you will need to do is just click on your name bib, and then save them onto your computer and put them into a word document and then print it out. You can make it however big or small that you want too. There is not a border around it, because I did not have that much ink left and I didn't want to waste what little I had left on it. You can add one if you want too though!

Let me know if it does not work and I will get your e-mail address and e-mail them to you! I decided to change up the bib a little bit. Being an elementary education major I had to throw some of my cute clip art in somewhere!

Karen- I threw two in there for Amanda and Heather. 
































Alrighty girls and guys, let me know if they do not work and I will e-mail it to you. Enjoy the run and I can not wait to read about them after you run! Have fun!

Yummy Recipes...Chicken and Dumplings and Blueberry Cobbler

On Saturday I made two very yummy recipes that were eaten up in just a couple of days. I had some blueberries that I got from the farmers market and did not want them to bad, so I decided to make some blueberry cobbler from them. It was either that or a blueberry pie, and I had everything to make the cobbler.

Let's start with the Chicken and Dumplings. This is my mother's recipe and it is somewhat healthy.

 Chicken and Dumplings
Ingredients: 
Frozen Chicken boneless thighs
Tortillas- I have used the wheat tortillas as well as original and it taste great! These are just what I had in the kitchen.
Campbells Cream of Chicken Low Sodium
Salt and Pepper
Wylers Chicken Granuals (or any kind of chicken granuals)

Directions:
*Place Frozen Chicken boneless thighs in a pot with enough water to cover the chicken.
*Put 1Tablespoon of chicken granuals into the chicken in the water.
*Bring to a boil and cook until chicken is completely done.


*After chicken is finished, cut chicken into pieces and put back into the boiling water.
*Pour Cream of Chicken into the pot.
*Stir together and cook for a few minutes.
*Bring to a boil if not already.

*Cut up tortillas into strips.
 *Place tortillas into the pot and push under the water. (Do not let them clump together)
*Stir around constantly.
*Add salt and pepper to taste.
*Place the top on it and cook until tortillas to your liking.
Let sit for a few minutes to let the juice thicken and then serve. Very Very yummy.

Next....
Blueberry Cobbler Deliciousness

Ingredients: 
 *3 cups fresh blueberries
*1/2 lemon or lemon juice
* 1 1/8 cups white sugar
* 4 1/2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 3/4 cup whole milk

*1 1/2 cups white sugar
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 pinch ground cinnamon
* 3/4 cup boiling water
Directions: 
*Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease an 11x7 inch baking dish. 
*Spread the blueberries out to cover the entire bottom of the baking dish. Squeeze the juice from the lemon over them. 
 * In a medium bowl, stir together the butter and 1 1/8 cups sugar until smooth. 
 *Stir in flour and baking powder alternately with the milk until smooth. The batter will be thin. Spoon over the berries and spread evenly. 
 *In a small bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups of sugar, salt and cornstarch. Sprinkle over the top of the batter. 
*Dust with a pinch of cinnamon, then pour the boiling water over the entire dish. 
*Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. 
 And there you have it, very very yummy blueberry cobbler. It is delicious. Brian has been eating so much of it. It taste great with a scoop of bluebell ice cream also. 

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Oh and guess what I got in the mail today, finally!!!!!  

 I tried these on and they fit great! I am beyond excited to take these out for a run tomorrow!!!!
I will let you know after I run how they really feel. They sent me two different sizes to fit over the earbuds. 
 I also love that I can wear them and still wear sunglasses or a hat and it will not touch or bother them. 

Question: What is your favorite dessert recipe? 
 Mine is probably homemade apple pie hands down!!!
Question: Have you ever tried yurbuds before? What do you think of them?  
This will be my first time, but I have heard amazing things about them.

Oh and do not forgot about my Virtual 5K coming up this weekend.......




Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the two most amazing men that I know; my dad and my husband. While we do not have any kids, Brian is the best doggy daddy to our sweet little girl that I know.

He loves her and plays with her.

He makes her aggravated, but still scratches her back in just the right spot.

He gives her kisses and she returns the favor by kissing him on the nose! Although he does not say how much he really loves her, I know he does.
(He will tell you, she just showed up one day and he doesn't want her, but he really does)

Milly and I are going to make him a "Father's Day" card and give it to him whenever he gets back. hehe
I am so grateful to have such a fun loving and wonderful husband! 

I love you Brian! Happy "doggy daddy day"! 


Now onto a different daddy, my daddy! He is amazing. He is a strong, determined father who has never let me down and has always been there for me. 
  He has always told me that I can do anything in the world if I put my mind to it, and gives me advice whenever I need it the most! 
He fishes with me and teaches me how to do things that I may not ever think I need to know such as woodwork and handyman jobs, but I know one day I will want to know. 


(His Christmas present from last year was a shutterfly album with pictures from his past that we scanned in of him, his brother, and his mom and dad. He loved it so much he started crying.

I am partially bias, but he is the best father I could have ever asked for and I am so glad he has been there for me my entire life.
I love this pic. from my wedding.
Thank you daddy for always being there; teaching, guiding and helping me through my life.
I love you!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

"Beat the Heat Virtual 5K"

I decided in light of the summer heat and the fact that I am starting back into running I wanted to host a Virtual 5K. I wanted to do this not only to help myself train, but also because there are not that many 5K's in southeast Texas at this time of year because of the heat. Yesterday it was at least 100 degrees at some point in the day.

I was trying to figure out a name after Ros at Life's a Wheeze hosted Virtual 5K and I decided on "Beat the Heat 5K", because isn't that what we will be doing. :0)  I will have neat little race bibs for whoever signs up and the participants that run will get a handmade little medal in the mail after you tell me your time. 
These are what the bibs will look like for you to take a picture with, except it will have your name on it after you sign up of course. You do not have to run with it pinned on your shirt, unless you want too.

The race will be from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th! 

You can either bike, run or walk these 3 miles. I know it is hot outside (at least here), so take your time if you have too. You can also run, walk, or bike these 3 miles outside, on a treadmill, in the morning, evening, whenever. Whatever time is best for you, you can do it then.  Bring a friend with you so that you can talk to them and have a GREAT time!

Now for the regulations.

****If you want to run the "Beat the Heat Virtual 5K", then you will need to sign up leaving me a comment below.
****You will also need to post this on your blog site so that other people may see it and want to run it also.
****Whichever day you decided to run the 5K on, you will need to take a picture with your race bib. You do not have to run with it pinned onto your shirt.


********After you finish running, biking or walking you will need to come back here and post about your time or how the race was. I would love to hear how you all did.********

I will be doing a couple of post on tips to help Beat the Heat in my next couple of blogs before the race! I am excited about doing this, so please help spread the word!!