Shin Splints & Zensah Compression Sleeves

Posted on May 20, 2013 by

Shin splints. They are every runner’s nightmare. They are the aching reminder that stays with you for days after a long run. They even ruin the short runs. What can be done about them?

I hadn’t has issues with shin splints in the past, but when I first ran 6 miles while training for my most recent marathon, they hit me hard. Shin splints are one of those things that, even if you have never experienced them, you know exactly what’s happening when you feel it. It’s a “Ohhhh THIS is what they feel like!” moment. At least, it was for me.

Even though I iced my shins plenty post-run, I was still in a considerable amount of pain the next day. My trainer friend Kylie recommended using a foam roller to put pressure on my shins. It worked really well, but I wanted a preventive measure that would protect my shins while running. Obviously I turned to my trusty adviser, Google.

I saw that people have had success with compression sleeves in preventing shin splints. I did a bit more research and found that a recommended brand is Zensah. Although they were slightly pricey (the price listed on Amazon is only for one sleeve, not a pair), they seemed worth the investment.

And (drumroll please) goodness gracious, they were worth EVERY penny!

I wear them for every run, and I haven’t had shin splints since. I still ice my shins after long runs just to be safe, but they have absolutely changed my life. I highly, highly recommend them for any runner who is having issues with shin splints.

They go through the washer and dryer just fine, which is great and makes for easy cleaning. I don’t wash mine after every run, and I wouldn’t suggest it either, just to preserve the product, but you can still wash them fairly often without issue.

And BONUS: I’m boring and bought the black sleeves, but they actually come in so many fun colors!

The only (read: only) downside to these is the potentially gnarly tan lines they can leave post-run…especially if you tan as easily as I do. If you’ve heard a rumor that I purchased sunless tanning lotion to get rid of those tan lines for Monica‘s wedding, you’ve heard the truth. It happened. The lady at Target was only slightly confused when I started inquiring about sunless tanning lotion…but hey, it worked (temporarily).

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Ps. It’s really hard to take a picture of your own calf. Don’t try this at home.

But honestly, the tan lines are nothing compared to the nuisance caused by shin splints, so I’ll take it.

(Don’t want to take my word for it? Check out the reviews on Amazon!)

Question(s) for you:
Do you have shin splints? How do you remedy them?

Posted in Fitness, Marathon Mondays, Running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Chocolate Coconut Cashew Butter (Paleo-friendly!)

Posted on May 18, 2013 by

When I first tried out the Paleo Diet, I was desperate to find ways to satisfy my sweet tooth. I could give up bread and starches, but I wasn’t about to give up chocolate. Another difficult thing for me was to give up peanut butter. How was I going to survive without peanut butter??

Cue Averie’s blog. Her blog is full of wonderful recipes that helped me stick to the Paleo Diet while allowing me to indulge.

The first thing on her blog that I tried out was her chocolate coconut cashew butter. Something chocolate-y and sweet that I could eat in place of peanut butter–perfect! This paired well with fresh fruit and made it feel more like dessert, which I loved. The extra dose of healthy fats wasn’t too shabby either!

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Ingredients:

-1/2 cup cashews, soaked for about 2-6 hours beforehand
-1/3 cup agave/honey/maple syrup
-1/3 cup cocoa powder
-1 heaping teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (though I was slightly heavy-handed with it)
-1/4 cup coconut flakes*
-2 tablespoons coconut oil*

*If you do not like coconut and would prefer to make chocolate cashew butter, just omit the coconut flakes and coconut oil.

You throw everything into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. It’s that simple!

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I would recommend using a high-speed blender or food processor if you want the amazingly smooth results that Averie was able to achieve. My butter wasn’t nearly as smooth, but the flavors were all there!

I served this at a dinner party that I hosted for some friends and paired it with fresh blueberries and apple slices. It was divine. I think another dreamy combination would be to try it with strawberries…or, you know, just straight out of the container with a spoon.

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Question for you:
What would you pair with chocolate coconut cashew butter?

Posted in Food, Healthy, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Paleo, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Borrowing Legs for 26.2 Miles

Posted on May 13, 2013 by

My friend Taylor recently started her own blog (check it out here!) and she has a “Marathon Mondays” segment that I love, so I decided to jump right on the Marathon Monday bandwagon! Here goes nothing…

A question I’ve been asked several times is what exactly a person thinks about for 26.2 miles. Music is great and all, but it cannot possibly be enough to occupy your mind for that long.

For my first marathon, I was actually advised by Monica to refrain from listening to music. She recommended that I just take in the environment and really soak up my first marathon. I am so grateful to her for that advice. I was able to talk to people, truly appreciate the volunteers and spectators (and hear their encouragement), and focus on the feat I was accomplishing. I have passed that precious piece of advice on to friends since then, and I will continue to do so. Thank you, Monica!!

So what about my second marathon? What did I think about during that race?

Well, this race was very special to me. I had to overcome so many obstacles to run that 26.2 miles, and I wanted to reflect on it during the race. But something that was very important to me was that I didn’t lose sight of the true reason my healing process, though extremely painful, had been so remarkable: the incredible people in my life. 

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Before the race–ready to run and focus on the people who provide me with strength.

It came to me three days before the race, as the first thought I had when I woke up:

I was going to make a list. A list of 25 people/groups of people who had carried me through the past year with their constant love, support, and prayers. People without whom I would not have been able to heal as miraculously well as I had, and not nearly as quickly. People who filled me with hope and the courage to fight.

For each mile of the race, I was going to focus on one of the people (or groups). I was going to reflect on the memories with them from the past year, how they expressed their love to me, and what they had done to lift me up. I was going to open myself up to the dark memories as well, the various things they had to witness or how they must have felt to see me suffer–as we suffered together. I was going to “borrow” their legs for that mile, relying on their support yet again, because without it I would forever be at the starting line.

A marathon is 26.2 miles, so why 25 people?

Mile 26 was the mile during which I focused on myself. I thought about how I had grown and how far I had come in a year. Just one year, yes, but the longest year of my life.

So although I crossed the finish line on my own two feet, I ran the race on the feet of the people who loved me enough to lend me theirs.

Posted in Anecdotes, Fitness, Healthy, Marathon Mondays, Running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Managing Stress

Posted on May 8, 2013 by

I can control everything I eat, keep track of every ingredient of every food, resist every temptation to eat something with even the slightest hint of a nightshade, but if I am stressed out, the effort all goes out the window.

Naturally, at times, I lose control and do allow stress to consume me (I am a college student, after all), but for the most part I have been able to keep myself from getting too stressed. Stress causes a myriad of physiological problems for most people as it is, and I have the added issue of HS that gets markedly worse if I do not control my stress levels.

So what is my secret? How do I maintain low stress levels?

I could list off the usual things like exercise, diet, meditation, etc. And while some of those things have helped me, the main variable that has transformed my life is totally different. Of course these things should be done to improve overall health (along with a ton of other benefits), and they do help to blow off steam, but they may not reduce stress effectively. Why? Well, they become yet another part of your schedule.

For many people, simply having a full schedule and continually adding things to it can become stressful. If your one activity to reduce stress is going to the gym, well, what if you can’t get to the gym that day? It feels like added pressure, and can actually increase your stress level. My doctor originally recommended yoga for me to reduce stress, but then changed his instructions for the reasons I explained above.

So, what were his altered instructions?

Take about an hour a day for yourself, and spend it doing whatever you want. Do something you love–work on a craft, watch your favorite TV show, experiment with baking, sit with your loved ones, read, take a bath, listen to music, meditate–anything.

That time to yourself to reflect and recharge will allow you to handle the rest of your day with more ease. It will make you feel more balanced and calmer overall.

I know, it sounds too simple. But it really has made all the difference to me, and I hope it will help you too.

Question for you:
How do you manage your stress? Any tips for those of us who are trying to find a balance?

Posted in Fitness, Healthy, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Misc | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Easy Andes Mint Brownies

Posted on May 1, 2013 by

Happy May to you!

First of all, let’s start with breakfast:

Scrambled eggs with onion, mushroom, black olives, feta cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. Paired with an apple and a glass of 1/2 water, 1/2 cranberry juice. Deeeelicious.

Delicious, but maybe not so pretty...

Delicious, but maybe not so pretty…

Now, on to the fun stuff. For one of my classes, we’re having an “end of the semester celebration” in which everyone is bringing different snacks, baked goods, drinks, etc. A little reminiscent of elementary school, but you won’t see me complaining!

With Monica‘s wedding coming up this week, I wanted to bake something fast and easy (and scrumptious, of course), so I turned to one of my favorite brownie recipes.

Years ago, my friend Alex discovered how to make these (after repeatedly requesting them in care package form from her friend’s mom in college…she eventually realized how easy they were to make and started making them herself), and the moment she shared the recipe with Tracey and me, they became our go-to mint brownies.

They’re made with a no-fail recipe that is guaranteed to make everyone around you ask you for the recipe! You can tell them, or you can act like it’s a top-secret family recipe that has been passed down for generations. These are so amazing and decadent that people will actually believe you.

You start out with a box of brownie mix (or your favorite brownie recipe) and a bag of Andes Creme de Menthe Baking Chips. My favorite brownie mix is Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie mix–it comes with chocolate chips in it! Holy chocolate overload deliciousness.

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Follow the instructions for the brownies (mine called for 1/4 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1 egg), then pour half of the bag of Andes Baking Chips into the batter and mix to combine.

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Pour the batter into a baking pan, then bake according to instructions.

After the brownies are baked, pour the remaining Andes Baking Chips on top. Let them sit for 30 seconds or so until they become a little melty, then use a spatula to swirl the chips around until they fully cover the brownies.

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Let cool for about 2 hours, then enjoy!

If you like the combination of mint and chocolate, then these brownies are your new best friend. Your second best friend may be a glass of milk, because it goes perfectly with these babies.

Now let’s hope that my classmates are fans of this combo…

Have a great day!

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UPDATE:

These were a HUGE hit! One of my classmates said that it was “the best thing he’s ever put into his mouth.” I came home with an empty plate and a smile on my face!

Posted in Food, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Let’s Catch Up!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by

I had fallen off the blogging bandwagon for a little while, but I’m back! I think it may have been because I was feeling overwhelmed with everything going on around me and wanted to avoid every opportunity to openly reflect. A poor excuse, but it’s all I’ve got.

Anyway, what has been going on in my life? I’ll touch on the big things, and then expand on some of them in future posts:

  • Before my full marathon, the program coordinator of the Eisenhower Marathon contacted me and said that they were interested in using my story as a press release for the race. I was floored!! She e-mailed me a list of questions, which I promptly answered and sent back. The article was released the week before the marathon and reading it brought tears to my eyes. It was so humbling to read my story from someone else’s perspective. It definitely gave me the boost I needed to finish that race! The program coordinator was also sweet enough to include a copy of the original newspaper in which the article was run (front page!! what!) in my marathon packet envelope.
  • Speaking of which, I ran my second full marathon!! It was on April 13th in Abilene, Kansas. I will definitely be writing a post about this experience soon, so stay tuned!

    After the race--exhausted but happy.

    After the race–exhausted but happy.

  • I enrolled in my last semester of college!! What a huge turnaround, especially since it was only a year and a half ago that I was encouraged to drop out of college.
  • I got to ride in a hot air balloon! It was a short ride, and it only went straight up and then came back down, but it was still amazing. They were offering free “rides” on campus, so you better believe I signed up. A real hot air balloon ride is officially on my bucket list.

    The weather was perfect for a hot air balloon ride that day!

    The weather was perfect for a hot air balloon ride that day!

  • On the same evening as the hot air balloon ride, I got to run around in an inflatable human-sized hamster ball. COOLEST. EXPERIENCE. EVER. I kept falling over and could not stop laughing at how ridiculous I probably looked. If you ever have the opportunity to use one of these, I highly recommend it. Next goal: experience the ones that run on water!

    I wasn't coordinated enough to go upside-down... (source)

    I wasn’t coordinated enough to go upside-down… (source)

  • My best friend is getting married this week!! Monica, the friend who has been my marathon-running inspiration and one of my main supporters, is tying the knot with the love of her life this week and I could not be more excited for her.
  • I cannot give life updates without talking about what happened in Boston. Marathon runners and their families/friends are supposed to feel extreme joy and pride at the event, not terror, shock, and panic. I have had a difficult time putting into words how it made me feel, but that’s okay because we pray with our hearts. As an Oklahoman, I understand tragedy and I know how much prayer and love is needed; I’m sending as much of it as I can to Boston.

These are the main things that have been on my mind. What is new with you?

One more update: for the month of May, my goal is to blog 4-5 times a week. I have wanted to become a regular blogger, and the only way to accomplish that goal is to make it a habit. Here’s to blogging!

Ps. A HUGE congrats to everyone who ran at the OKC Memorial Marathon yesterday!!

Posted in Anecdotes, Healthy, Misc, Running, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Look for the Rainbow”

Posted on April 3, 2013 by

Today I’m going to share something with you that is very special and empowering to me.

Recently, a close childhood friend of my mom’s shared my pain and wrote a beautiful poem about finding the hope in pain and sorrow and discovering the determination to fight back. We were able to see her a few times when we were in India last year, and she always managed to fill the room with light and make us feel uplifted during our difficult times.

I am so honored that she wrote this poem to express how much she shared in our experience. Emotional support is everything.

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Taken in Hawaii, 2007.

Here are her words:

Look for the Rainbow

On my mind….
I saw, felt and lived pain in the journey of this life. Pain of disease, death, cruelty and deceit. My sensitivity made me share the sufferings of all around me. At times, one wanted to question…Why? ….but with that I saw enduring strength, courage, acceptance of truth and patience. Here is an attempt to salute all those who fought loss, tragedy, and pain, rose above it to carve a path. A path on which hope walked with awakened spirits. Maybe there is something each one of us can do which is untapped. Maybe lending just a hand can bring a change.

It all began a long time ago
When
The times were young
The cheeks would glow
Like the colors of wild flowers
I wanted to grow
What was the meaning of pain?
I did not know
Those early years
If only I could tell them:
Please don’t go!

God has more powers
Than what we can foresee
When through childhood one walks
Who knows what life will be?

So
My sensitivity grew along
Sharing it all with me
The despair I faced
The pain I bore
Sharp and intense
Peeling off the skin
Everything tearing within
Days turned into yesterdays
Time continued to flee
But it stayed on
Without turning into the past tense
We grew to be one.
The pain
and me.
Disease, death, deep deceit
Ripping claws of cruelty
Wasn’t life all about
simple joy and beauty?
Clenching my fists
Holding my breath
Lifting my chest
I craved for my dawn

Smiles walked by
Hiding and shy
Waiting to open
A new unseen door
You are the chosen one
They said
Fight
Get up
Step ahead
Raise your head
Look for the rainbow
Cut through the shadows
Leave the clouds behind
Grey skies will change
The colors will gleam
Sun kissed
Fresh!
The morning
Humming a new note unsung

Life is a rose
With the prick of thorn
For a special purpose
You were born
Stinging pain
Fading with the rain
Each drop
Awakening
A new meaning
Being alive
Is a celebration

I am reaching out
For a new shore
Unexplored
Aching legs
Trembling body
Vacillating steps
Wet, silky sand
Slippery feet
I rise to glance
At a land
Uncharted
Unknown
Will to stand
Somehow grown….
Will you come forward
And give me a hand?

-Mayuri Kapadia-Mehta

Posted in Anecdotes, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Misc, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment