Back pain: when things get awkward
So I’ve injured my pain. And let me just say, back pain is horrible, people.
I had a back spasm about a year ago, so I was sure that was what was going on this time. (It was the week before the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Really? Again? Yes, again. Back spasm the week of the race again. At some point, this is just statistically stupid.)
I went to the doctor and was treated for the spasm, but the pain still lingers. This time it was more than a spasm. I started physical therapy last week, and long story short, the bones in my back are not cooperating with one another. It was a long, gross story the physical therapist told me, and I honestly was blocking out half of what she said because I am the biggest medical wimp of all time. At one point, I actually asked her to put away the plastic spine model. She ignored me.
Anyway, I asked my doctor why this happens in the first place. I want to prevent this from happening again, which it likely will the week before the 2013 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. There are two main risk factors, he said:
1. Being an athlete.
2. Being overweight.
So when you’re an overweight athlete, it’s a 1-2 punch. My back never saw it coming.
But my doctor was quick to say that he’d rather I be an overweight athlete than an overweight sedentary person. (Really, the best case scenario is an athlete at a healthy weight, but we all already know that.) So as I recover, the goal is to continue running and playing sports. A little less weight on my bones wouldn’t hurt, either.
Beer and running: it’s happening at McNellie’s
Have you ever wanted to run and get drunk at the same time? Problem solved, my friends.
Here’s some information about the second annual McNellie’s Pub Run. And as if a pub run doesn’t sound fun enough, the event benefits a worth cause: the Chad Peery Fund. As I’m sure you remember, Peery is the police officer who was paralyzed while trying to break up a bar fight while he was off duty. So that’s your incentive if you’re like me and don’t much care for beer.
OKLAHOMA CITY – The second-annual McNellie’s Pub Run to benefit the Chad Peery Fund will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 19 at the McNellie’s midtown location. In partnership with Red Coyote Running and Fitness, the Pub Run will feature several running options including, a traditional four mile run, the Guinness Challenge and a one mile fun run. The Guinness Challenge is a special category where participants finish three, 12-ounce Guinness pints during the four mile run.
WHO: James E. McNellie’s and Red Coyote Running and Fitness
WHAT: To host second-annual McNellie’s Pub Run to benefit the Chad Peery Fund
WHEN: 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 19
WHERE: McNellie’s
1100 Classen Drive
Oklahoma City
For more information about the McNellie’s Pub Run, visit www.mcnelliespubrun.com.
Michelle Obama and I discuss best workout music
If First Lady Michelle Obama and I have one thing in common, it’s that we’re super awesome. If we have another thing in common, it’s that we love to listen to good workout music. She shared her Top 10 workout songs with Women’s Health magazine, and turns out, the First Lady knows how to get moving. I love her No. 1 pick: Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.”
I’m going to be honest. I just listened to it now sitting at my desk. I’m not even running. It took everything I had not to sing along here at work. However, I might or might not be dancing with my feet under my desk and mouthing along whenever my coworker isn’t sitting across from me at her desk.
What’s your favorite running song? I think this might be mine: “Ehlala” by Zola, a South African hip-hop artist. It just makes me so happy. Full disclosure: There are some swear words. I have no idea what any of the non-English words are, so there might even be more than I know about. So there’s that. It’s still a great running song.
