LOLZLetter 147 | A Personal Life and Injury Update
Welcome!
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. This week will be a shorter than usual newsletter. Truthfully over the last week, I haven't been motivated to write. ANYTHING. Which when your job is writing things, this is problematic. This newsletter became a hodgepodge of things: an update on my back, some holiday sales I’m looking at, physical therapy with Netic Health, and of course articles I’m interested in. Like my internet browser, it has 30 tabs open with no defined focus.
This week’s newsletter is sponsored by Netic Health. Netic Health is an online PT program I’ve used since May. Before the pandemic or moving across the county, I thought telehealth was “silly” and a “waste of time”.
Now I wish everything was online because I’m tired of driving. Their PTs are professionals but also runners. My PT Susan graduated with a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Utah. She’s also completed several Ironmen and the Boston Marathon.
It’s affordable and takes several insurances such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, United, Aetna, Cigna. If you are interested in trying Netic Health for yourself the code HollieS will get you a free first visit and a free-running analysis.
A Few Reasons You Might Want to Try Netic Health:
If you “feel an injury coming on” but don’t want to go to the doctor, this might be a good start for you.
If you are injured and have tried everything you might try having a professional who is also a runner diagnose your problem in your own home.
Or if you are just training and like all runners, want to stay injury-free, Netic Health can help find your weak areas and give you exercise to address them.
Plus on Sunday 12/5 we will be doing an Instagram live. Stay tuned for the exact time and Susan will be answering your questions. You can also see my full blog post here.
As many people know, on 11/19, I fell on my back. It wasn't sports-related, but my cats were running around the kitchen and tripped over them.
After several doctor's appointments, I still don't have any answers to why I am still in pain. An X-ray ruled out anything broken, and I have no reason not to believe that. I only second guess the x-ray because it's ten days later, and my back still hurts the same amount as when it happened. Plus, I've had a couple of stress fractures over the years that didn't show up on a preliminary x-ray.
Not only am I dealing with an injury, but most of my doctor's appointments are 100 miles away in Los Angeles/Pasadena. I felt *so lucky* that someone I am seeing on Wednesday is in Santa Clarita, just 74 miles away. Living in the middle of nowhere is wild, and it has humbled me and reminded me of the luxuries I had in both New Jersey and Northern California. I've bonded a lot with my car lately.
Anyway, that is just a life update on me. I'm obviously not running since I can barely walk. My doctor did say swimming was fine, and the pool is perhaps the only place my back doesn't hurt. Right now, my diagnosis ranges from a muscle spasm in my back to a herniated disc to something irritating my sciatic nerve. Hopefully, this week they'll order an MRI.
I think this injury is a perfect storm of an injury impeding my regular life (not just running but nearly doing anything hurts), the holidays, having no answers ten days later, and having to drive a 200 round trip to the doctor. One of these wouldn't put me into a funk but all of them together...do!
Since this week's newsletter took a turn about my life, I'm going to keep it there. I haven't rambled on about me in the newsletter for a year or two. Usually, I just save that for blogging.
Holiday Sales I've Used and Seen This Year:
Your Local Running Stores have the same deals as websites: The Garmin Watches, Aftershokz, Superfeet, etc. As always, I encourage you to shop locally. For me, I'm trying to purchase almost all of my gifts locally or at small businesses.
Title Nine: Title Nine is a woman-owned brand. They have had great sales. Many people don't realize that some of your favorite brands like rabbit, Oiselle, and Brooks make special Title Nine colors that are only available on the T9 website. Plus, you might find old styles (like the Juno sports bra) under a different name and color on the Title Nine website.
Form Goggles are $180, including a year of workouts. I've used Form Goggles for a few years now, and I truly think they are one of the things that keep me motivated in the pool (especially right now). They have an LED screen in the goggle, which tells you how many laps you've done, speed, workouts, etc. I never knew swimming could be like that. They rarely go on sale and are probably in my top 3 favorite fitness products. Full review is here.
Erica Sara is a dear friend and was the last person I hung out with in Hilton Head, SC, before the pandemic struck. Anyway, she always gets a spot in my favorite gifts because her jewelry is top-notch. She makes custom engraved jewelry that isn't limited to running! She even made me a plane necklace. Anyway, if you can think it, she can probably create it.
WhitePaws RunMitts: Created by friend Susan, these mittens are a great option for winter days. They are my favorite mittens for weather between 30-40. Plus, recently, she came out with wind and water-resistant, which are calling my name. The wind in the desert is something, and I'll do anything to protect myself from the regular 30 mph winds. Anyway, If you are looking for an easy gift for a runner or nonrunners, these are awesome. The majority of people can use an extra set of mittens this winter.
Koala Clip: Koala Clip holds your cell phone and can clip onto a sports bra or even a pair of shorts. Most people have heard of Koala Clip, but now Kristina even has sports bras and tights. It's been so much fun to see her brand grow and evolve in the last few years. If you are looking for a way to hold your cell phone (or even extra fuel), Koala Clip is a great option.
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
How Do I Overcome a Mid-Afternoon Energy Slump?
Weini Kelati shatters women’s course record at the Manchester Road Race: “She crushed a lot of dudes today.” She ran 4:50 pace on a hilly 4-mile course. I'm already excited for the 2024 Olympic Trials to see how it goes for her.
Shelby Houlihan Starts a GoFundMe Page. I don't even know where to start with, and it's probably not my place. BUT she was convicted of doping, and the charge was withheld. She is now asking for $300,000 in legal fees. It makes me wonder, does Nike know something the public does not, and that is why they aren't helping cover those costs?
Plus, if you ask people to donate about $300k worth of money, I would like to see it itemized. I don't doubt it's expensive, but asking for money for "misc fees" doesn't make me want to donate. (To be clear: I never plan to donate). This article sums up my feelings well.
Finally, thank you Netic Health for sponsoring this newsletter. If you are interested the code HollieS will get you a free first visit and a free running analysis.
Stay tuned for the exact time for the Instagram Live and you can see my full blog post here.
Anyway, thanks for listening to my personal life ramblings this week. I'm off to another trip to LA today.
If you are enjoying the newsletter series, I appreciate you sharing. Sharing helps new people discover it!
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