Quick Update

SPRING IS HERE!!! The weather is warm and sunny, finally! I got to go out with the TEAM this morning and although I didn't run I made some friends power-walking. I must say, 80 minutes of walking is a great workout, but nothing compared to the enjoyment of running. It's a beautiful day and perfect weather to be outside.

I'm over halfway through my physical therapy and it's going great! My PT says that he can tell I have been doing my exercises as my legs are much stronger than before. If I keep this up I should be running again by May 8th... that is pending the doctor's approval. In the meantime, I will continue to swim, power walk, and strengthen my core. That ....and eating lots of bananas! haha. I told my PT that the yellow magical fruit was going to make be better faster: "A banana a day, makes the pain go away!"

Thanks to everyone for all of the encouragement!

PS - CoMe To My ZeLLa PaRtY - SaTuRdAy, MaY 12Th!!!
(see details below)

TNT Party @ Zella

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!
I'm hosting a TNT Fundraiser and you're invited!!!!

Where: Zella (Racine & Clybourn)
When: Saturday, May 12th
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Cost: $30 All you can drink!
Location: Outdoor Patio

**I will be raffling off two sets of Cubs tickets for a $1 each!!!

I hope you can come, please bring your friends! I need 100 people to attend in order to meet my fundraising goal!

For more information regarding this event, please send me an email at natalierubino@sbcglobal.net.

Thanks for your support!

Speed bump in training.... I'm injured :(

I hate to admit it, but it's true - I'm injured! I have tendinitis in my right foot on my tibialis anterior tendon to be exact (see picture on left) and a stress reduction on my 5th metatarsal (or just below my pinky toe). If I would have waited to see a doctor just a few weeks longer I probably would be out for the running season with a stress fracture - boo! Unfortunately, my doctor told me that I CAN'T RUN FOR THREE WEEKS!!! I have to see a physical therapist for 6 sessions and pay another visit to the doctor before he'll clear me for training. When he told me this the tears just rushed to my eyes - I am so bummed!!!

Although this is a common injury, I apparently pushed myself too hard. After a few days of feeling sorry for myself and talking with friends and family - my pity party ended (thank you - Becky, Julie, Annmarie, & Donna). I'm in the gym working harder than ever: biking, swimming, and lifting. If I maintain my strength and cardio this shouldn't affect my training too much - or at least that's what the doctor says. I got myself some Superfeet insoles to put in my shoes - they're amazing! I've been doing the Dr. Oz CORE workouts from the Oprah show - they're kicking my butt! Here's the link if you want to try them: Dr. Oz Exercise Video. Whew!

Thankfully, I did get a chancge to have some quality R&R in San Diego for Spring Break - thanks go my good friend, Kate! When I was visiting, I realized that San Diego is much hillier than I had anticipated. I have a feeling this race will be more of a run/walk event - I just want to finish!
Here's a photo from my trip:









Fundraising is going very well - thank you to all that have donated! I have just 2 months left to raise my goal of $5000! I am putting together a TNT Happy Hour Fundraiser at Zella on May 12th - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Thanks to a generous donation from Jimmy, I'll be raffling off 2 sets of Cubs tickets. Be on the look out - I plan to send out an evite in the next few days.

Thanks again for all of your support!

Love, Natalie