Ann Mazur just qualified for the Olympic Trials in the marathon at CIM! She was a part of a really special group of woman who will never forget that day or that finish line.  If you are anything like me you have been obsessing over the beautiful finish line pictures. Ann ran a time of 2:44:45, running a perfectly even split.

You may know of Ann from her popular instagram and business Runners Love Yoga.  She is a big believer that doing regular yoga will help you run faster. A subscriber to that method herself, she does daily yoga and peaked out her CIM training with 61 miles in her peak week, but averaged more like 50 miles a week. (My kind of marathon training!) Ann is also a passionate swimmer and teaches spin once a week; her intense cross training has served her well.

There is so much more to Ann’s story though and we get into a lot of it. She shares with us about running in the memory of her cousin Ian and what that means to her and how it’s strengthened her own faith after going through some really dark and trying times.

Ann was a walk on for Notre Dame (she ran with Molly Huddle in college!) and also has her PhD in English from UVA. She attributes both her running and yoga practice being a big part of helping her get through one of the hardest thing she has ever done- earning that PhD. Ann- whatever you do… don’t read these show notes with your PhD ways haha!!

It was a true joy and honor to talk with Ann and I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

Show Notes: 

Runner’s Love Yoga

Ann’s Yoga Videos

The Power – Naomi Alderman 

The Perfect Horse – Elizabeth Letts

Follow Ann: 

Ann on Instagram

Ann on Facebook

Follow Lindsey:

Lindsey on Instagram

Lindsey on Twitter

Lindsey on Facebook 

I’ll Have Another Facebook Group

Support the Show on Patreon

Sponsors:

COROS

Hello Fresh

The post Episode 213: Ann Mazur appeared first on Lindsey Hein.

I’ve been really good keeping up with the ice bucket and having Glenn massage the scar tissue everyday.

I’m really into making the foot comfortable. Every morning I go straight to my trusty little ball and roll it out before hobbling down the stairs like an 85 year old woman. I think I’m destined to have the 85 year old woman morning hobble until I make it to 85.

I have recently been wearing these Zamst socks that give my arch a little support. It feels tight and secure right around the plantar fascia and I really like how it feels. It’s not like the sock is aiding in breaking up the scar tissue or making my foot stronger, but the snugness makes it feel all nice and packed in, if that makes sense…. which I like. This paired with my new orthotics that just came in will give that little foot all the loving.

I try to row 2-3 times a week and it’s just 10-15 minutes each, not a lot, but I’m dedicated to the cause. Since I get bored doing anything other than running for more than 20 minutes at a time, I usually pair the rowing with biking and or stair master. And DAMN, that stair master is a workout. Especially if you don’t hold on. I do warn though, if you aren’t paying attention to your stepping, not holding on could result in falling off the stair stepper and embarrassing yourself in front of every single person in the workout room. I like to read my kindle on the stair stepper, so that paired with not holding on at all may or may not have ended in me tripping and missing some steps. I survived the embarrassment and the fall.

Look at those silly rigid feet. At least they look cute in these loud socks though.

I’m finally feeling ready to get a training plan together now that I have a consistent run schedule going on. I also just put together the first two weeks of two new runners I’m coaching and it motivated me to get my own little schedule together.

My swim suit that I left behind at the Y has not shown up so I ended up buying a new one, which should arrive sometime this week. I will force myself in that pool twice a week! I’m confused as to where the suit I lost could be though- I mean they have a lost and found in the locker room and I just don’t see someone stealing a wet swimsuit hanging in the showers at the Jordan Y. Who knows.

In other news- have you seen Marshall’s new haircut? I am so obsessed, I can’t stop creepy staring at how cute it is. At least he is my kid, so it’s really not that creepy.

Between Marshall’s hip new cut and my magenta hair thing going on, we are definitely the coolest ones in the family. Glenn and Big Lou are going to have to step up their game somehow. 

This week I FINALLY took the boys to the John H. Boner Community Center to see the senior citizens. This is where I worked as my first job out of college. Since I left in 2011, I have visited a few times every year, but we hadn’t been in to see the seniors since Lou was born. They were thrilled to see the boys and I had a good time catching up with what everyone was up to.

We made cookies first:

Because anytime Marshall is misbehaving, I say “let’s make cookies” or anything I can think of to make in the kitchen, because that seems to be a good distraction for him. 

If you follow me on instagram you’ve probably already read this but – this is Earl in the picture above and a funny story about Earl. In 2010, Glenn and I were going to run the Go! St. Louis Marathon. When Earl caught wind of it, he asked if he could hitch a ride down to St. Louis with us to visit family. I agreed and then asked Glenn if he cared. See what I did there? I’ll never forget dropping him off in East St. Louis and him telling us to get straight back to the highway and don’t get out of the car until we were out of East St. Louis and don’t come back to the neighborhood until we were ready to pick him up and head home. Best thing about this picture though has to be Earl’s Jesus hat. He also told me that he’d be willing to take Marshall for a couple of days and straighten him up if I wanted.

I need to be better about getting into the center to visit these friends- it’s good for them and it’s good for my boys. Marshall especially right now. Like training or anything else you want to make sure you do on the regular – I need to just add this to my calendar for once a month.

ONE MORE THING! I have a new nephew! An aunt times 7 now. I have to say, I don’t envy all the newborn things my sister and brother in-law are doing right now- especially because it’s their first baby and I remember how terrifying and exhausting those first few weeks at home with Marshall were. They’ll do great though and I keep telling her that everything gets easier after the first few weeks. 6 weeks seems to be the magic number for many. Marshall made this scared face the entire 5 minutes we held little Jacob.

The post Two Days in a Row & Week Update appeared first on Lindsey Hein.

I think I have been very positive about this whole thing from the start. (not without some grouchy days) I have enjoyed not waking up on Saturdays and feeling the “have to” of running long. Even though I love a long run. I have enjoyed taking days off and finding a different kind of balance. BUT, I’m hitting a point of feeling fed up and frustrated. I need to come up with a new game plan- a schedule to follow and be committed to. (Beyond my very basic foot strength work) If I say I might try to swim today that’s fine, but like new runners with running- if I have my swim in writing, I will more likely complete it. Duh.

With running I don’t need that. If I am not injured, running does not feel like a “task” to me. I enjoy it and it’s easy to do. I don’t need it on a schedule because I know I will do it either way. Because I want to. Since I don’t love swimming, biking, rowing, strength training, yoga or whatever it is, like I do running, it doesn’t come naturally. Not to mention, when I run- over half of my runs during the week are done with the kids in the stroller, so there it’s just simple. We don’t have to go anywhere and it just happens.

I went for a test run on Thursday. It was not very encouraging. It wasn’t painful, but I felt uneasy about it. Marshall, Louis, Cadence and I headed to the Shortridge track. I did 2 minutes of running, 3 minutes of walking X 5- for a total of 10 minutes of running time.

And so we ran and walked. In the video I say on 3 minutes, off 2- but I did on 2 minutes, off 3. Marshall met a friend, Katie at the track. Her mom and her were out walking- Katie’s Dad is the assistant Principle at Shortridge and her mom is works for the Joseph Maley Foundation. We really love having Shortridge only two blocks away. They are so friendly and welcome us to use their track anytime, which we really appreciate. It’s nice to let Marshall run around and be able to push Lou in the stroller around the track. Although Marshall needs to not get too used to that because he still has a lot of long stroller runs to participate in.

I finished feeling like, I’m just not sure if my foot is ready for that. Am I prolonging the healing process by running a little bit on it. I understand the process has to be very slow and gradual, but maybe I shouldn’t even be starting at all.

In researching a bit- it seems that a plantar fascia tear could take an entire year to really heal. Some might think a slow build – I’m talking 10 minutes of running 3 days a week will help it become stronger, along with all of the strength work and cross training I need to be doing. But some might say if it’s not strong enough yet and if it’s not even fully healed, that running at all should be a no.

There is shit information about torn plantar fascia out there and medical professionals don’t give straight forward answers. You get vague answers when you ask a doctor about anything. So even if I ask a doctor, they will say something like “it should heal in 6-8 weeks and you might be ready to do some run/walking”

I had Glenn telling me about some NBA player starter (Pau Gasol) who tore his and was back on the court in 12 weeks. Well old Paul probably had about 95 athletic trainers and all of his time and energy, 8-10 hours a day I’m sure soley focused on healing. I’m not a professional athlete, and as much “rest” as I’ve given it, I’ve still been chasing two young kids up and down stairs approximately 842 times every day since I tore the beast. Also, the cost of seeing an athletic trainer is like over $100 a pop, so that’s not really something I can justify doing weekly as someone who enjoys running and trying to run fast, but does it as a hobby. Hey Pau- can you loan me some cash for all the therapy and babysitting coverage I’ll need to get this done to be back at it in 12 weeks like you? #hobbyjoggerprobs

The carefree attitude about working out is  likely just what I needed for the last few weeks. But for the love- my mental health needs regular exercise, not to mention a challenge. I like being challenged physically and I haven’t been giving myself that. It’s not about my extra love handles, it’s about the peace and happiness working out brings me. I am a more productive person and nicer to my family if I exercise. So here is my goal- write out a 6 week schedule to follow for myself- just like I’d write out for someone I’m coaching. And follow it. Check it off. I have these fun new Finis toys to try out in the pool and think that will help me get motivated to some new workouts and strength building exercises in the water.

So I’ll let you hold me accountable, and I’ll share my schedule. Maybe I’ll do some sort of challenge or something.

Marshall wants to play with all of it. He thinks the package was for him.

Ok, I have three days to get my schedule done- hold me to it!! 

Also- let’s just go ahead and start a challenge in this blog post. EVERY SINGLE DAY this week. 20 push ups and 5 minutes worth of planks. Let’s not get too crazy. #strongersmarterfaster #workworks

Oh and if you know of anyone who has serious experience with torn plantar fascia, I’d love to connect and hear what their healing process looked like.

The post 9 Weeks. 9 Freaking Weeks. appeared first on Lindsey Hein.

Thank you so much to Saucony and Competitor for the amazing opportunity to join the 26 strong team. I loved every bit of it. I loved loved spending time with my “social media friends.” Angela– I had a great time getting to know you and spending time with you all day on race day!

Everyone comes to the start line with a different story. A different kind of training and different obstacles that have popped up along the way. Glenn and I are both incredibly proud of everyone we coached to the marathon. At the end of the day, we create a plan, coach and adjust along the way, but the runner is who has to execute and lay it out there on race day.

I had a really lazy week of workouts the week leading up to the marathon and that weekend. There was a lot going on and I made choices of what I wanted to spend time on. I’m feeling soft and tired. That’s ok, I’ll be running again in a few weeks.

Here is a look at what went down last week. It’s not a ton but, it’s what I have in me right now. I’m getting ansy and pretty grouchy not running. It’s 7 weeks now.

I did go to PT and meet with Brian Schuetter this week and it looks like I’ll be able to do a run/walk here in a week or so. Right now I’m approved for some brisk walking and working on some basic strength building.

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Swim + Water Run. 1500 Swim, 15 minutes water running

Wednesday: 40 Min Bike, 10 Min Row

Thursday: Swim. 1,000 Swim, 10 Min water running + PT with Brian

Friday: Rest

Saturday: 25 minute brisk walk + 1,000 swim, 10 minute water run

Sunday: Rest

Right now it’s Monday. Monday, when I normally have that “it’s a new week and I’m gonna get it done this week”, but I’ve been emotionally drained from parent duties (normal I know) and the no running thing just has been unmotivated. In fact if you feel like telling me about any sort of running workout you have done- please refrain if you don’t want punched in the face. I’m jealous ok.

O a whim this morning, I added and extra day of pre-school for Marshall for the rest of the year- I literally just showed up and hoped they let me leave him starting today. So now he goes three days a week from 9am-2pm. Big Lou just woke up from a nap and I’m working up some motivation to hit the gym. I think I’m too tired to swim, so will settle with some lazy bike riding.

The post Chicago + Last Weeks Rundown appeared first on Lindsey Hein.

My norm is to run a lot and naturally I talk about it a lot; I’ve surrounded myself with a world of runners. I feel like I’m constantly asked “what are you training for”, when is your next race”. Since last summer I haven’t really had anything I was training seriously for. I was training to complete Boston, but I never had big goals, it was just to run it, so I had to get the necessary runs in to do it without being untrained distance wise and a mess/prone to injury on race day.  So now, here I am one month removed from Boston, my plantar fasciitis has turned into a bit of a monster and this Friday will mark two weeks of no running for me. I HAVE to let it heal if I want to run on feet that feel good. I’ve also been worried about running on it and compensating how I land on my foot, injuring myself further. So, no run for me.

I’ve been in a constant motion of getting myself BACK into shape since November. It hasn’t even been about getting fast, it’s just been about getting into shape to run a marathon. My right hamstring started bothering me in February and then the plantar Fasciitis creeped in, but I decided I’d go ahead and run Boston, feeling somewhat blah and then let all that heal up after the race. (trip was already booked & I didn’t want to miss out on the experience- plus running is my fun, not my job) The hamstring is great now, it’s just the foot I’m still dealing with. I never knew how painful it could be.

I miss feeling fast and fresh. I miss the post workout/race bliss that a good speed session provides. For now though, I’m trying to enjoy not belong a slave to a training plan and keeping up on working out 5ish days a week- on the bike, pool & whatever else. The elliptical has been irritating my foot even, so I’m staying away from it until it’s better. I’ve been better than ever about icing, rolling it & I bought a strassenburg sock- I’m going to give it two more weeks of my own self treating and if it’s not a LOT better by then, I’m going to physical therapy.

Anyway, that’s that. That’s why I’ve been quiet… not that you’ve necessarily noticed. I wish my husband, who is training for a 50 miler would hop on and write though. He’s up at 5 every morning, out the door running around 10 miles a day it seems every day before work, plus long runs Sat & Sun. He just ran his first official Ultra at the Dances with Dirt 50K the other week- placing 5th on a nasty terrain in 4:52. ]

He’s an internet snob sometimes though, so it’s hard to convince him to write unless he really wants to….

Here are some pics from the 50K: (Marshall, my dad, Cadence and I had fun setting up camp and being cheerleaders)

Ever had Plantar Fasciitis? Best treatment that worked for you?

Have you done Dances with Dirt? 

What’s you best 50 Miler advice for Glenn?

The post Feeling STALE. appeared first on Lindsey Hein.

I doubled up my sports bras and my body really felt good. I ran 5 miles on my first day back and it was an instant mood changer. I planned to do 3, but didn’t want to stop. I didn’t forget how powerful running/working out is to my mood- I knew good and well the lack of exercise was effecting me, but once I did gift myself with a run, it was  like angels singing. Mama needs her endorphins.

I also had a check up with my breast surgeon yesterday and he was happy as can be about everything, so hooray!

This is what my two weeks back have looked like:

02/14 Fri– 5 Mi EASY (9:15 pace)

02/15 Sat- 3 Mi (was super sore!)

02/16 Sun- REST

Week Total: 8 Run

02/17 Mon- 7 Mi Easy @ 8:30

02/18 Tues – 20 Mi Bike, 3 Mi Run

02/19 Wed- 4 Mi Easy @ 8:00ish

02/20 Thurs- 7 Mi (30 Min @tempo 6:49 to 6:44- unplanned but needed a mood lifter, this pace felt difficult to hold for 30 min, where normally it would feel pretty comfortable)

02/21 Fri– 20 Mi Bike

02/22 Sat- 15 Mi Easy @8:45

02/23 Sun- REST

Week Total: 36 Run, 40 Bike

I’m going to be focusing on doing some bike and swims during the rest of my Boston training.  Looking back to last summer, when I was training for Muncie 70.3, I was in the best shape of my life. I was only running 3 days a week and focusing a lot on the bike & swim, yet executed one of my best running races to date. (Firecracker 6) I was also running some of my best speed work in training sessions once a week. I can’t swim for two more weeks because of my surgery, but am hopeful I will stay motivated to get in the water as soon as I can! The change in your body once you start consistently start swimming is dramatic. I was never buff or super crazy toned but there was a BIG difference in my eye and that’s what eye matters most to me.

I’m not going to go down to running 3 days a week now, I’m enjoying it too much, but I am going to make a serious effort to cross train, as well as strength train. I’ve always done basic lunges and squats most days, but I’m going to work on getting stronger and incorporating more strength exercises. I honestly just can’t predict what my body will be ready for, come 7-8 weeks (something like that) when it’s time to run the hills in Boston but I know I plan to run a smart race and do what I’m capable of. I’m going to be grateful I’m there and when it hurts, remind myself that I get to be there. Do I want a PR? Of course! I’m just going to have to come up with a game plan once these next few weeks pan out though.

In other news, Glenn is still injured and working out an achilles issue– he’ll post about that this week and like the rest of the people who have experienced a icky winter, I’m ready to be outside. It was 50 the other day & Marshall, Cadence & I were partying on the front porch like it was bathing suit weather. I’m not one to stay in the house much as a “stay at home” mom and this weather has really cramped my style.

Marshall & I have been really into smoothies lately, usually something like – almond milk, frozen strawberries or blueberries, banana, apple and depending on if it’s after a workout or not protein powder. (Right now we’re using Plant Fusion but we also really like vega products). My Grandma got us this ninja for Christmas & it is so awesome- easy to clean and super powerful.

 That’s it for now- I’m off to do a little bike action at the gym and plan to get close to finishing Inferno while on it- almost there. (Not the biggest fan of this book, but like it well enough. 

What are your top 3 favorite books? 

Do you ever do unplanned tempo runs? (nothing fixes a bad mood like a hard run in my opinion!) 

What’s your favorite smoothie recipe?

The post I’m BACK! appeared first on Lindsey Hein.