I Can Do Hard Things

I was a bit weary about running outside this morning due to the crazy wind.  But it turned out okay and I'm glad I went to the track (versus doing them on the TM).

1.25 mile warm up to the track. 

9x400 (The wind got a bit CRAZY during the middle 200 of the track, but I guess it didn't effect my times too much!!).

1-1:44

2-1:38

3-1:36

4-1:36

5-1:34

6-1:33

7-1:33

So at this point in the workout, I thought I only had one more to go.  But the "laps" on my watch looked a bit off.  So I went under a light and figured out I had 2 more instead of one.  It kinda messed with my head.  Which makes me mad....what is the big deal about 1 more fast lap.

8-1:44

9-1:38

I was disappointed in the last 2 times.  I had to stop for probably 3 minutes to figure out how many laps I had done.  Oh well!  My times are still MUCH faster than last week (which averaged about a 1:38), so I am pleased!  I was at puke zone for several sets (maybe 4-9).  But I found the more I pump my arms, the easier it was to go faster.  

I remember doing an obscene about of 400's in high school while training for the 800M.  I was always up on my toes during the last 200-100m.  I need to get to that point of strength and speed.  I was also running those in the 1:20's too...guess I'm getting old!

A few cool down laps on the grass around the track.

1 mile home

4 houses of lunges

1 set of LLL

Stretch and foam roll

4:20am comes way tooooooo early!  I dressed too warm today and wish I had on a short sleeve shirt instead of my long sleeve.  

10 slow miles up the rec center loop.

I was taking my time today.  My calves were very tight today and I stopped a few times to stretch them out.  Ughhhh....

I stopped at mile 5, stretched by calves, took a GU and water then headed down those 3 miles I just climbed.  My breathing felt great, just tight calves.

Stretch and foam roll

Onto finish painting my kitchen/family room ceiling and the walls.  Painting ceilings are the worst. 

1:35:17

AP:  9:35

10:04, 9:55, 9:54, 9:34, 9:31, 9:20, 9:12, 9:05, 9:27, 9:00

AP 9:24

Catherine emailed me last night and asked if she could join me for a run.  Hooray for a running buddy during my "middle of the night" run!  She had mentioned that her ITB had been bugging.  So we met, but her ITB was not feeling any better.  So she ran home.  Bummer.

I ran 6 easy miles.  So with all the painting, my shins have been hitting the ladder right in "the spot" that always aches.  So they were aching this morning.  Calves are still a little tight.  I used the rolling pin on them last night.

My trainer came this morning.  I could wash my hair this morning...so my arms weren't that sore.  I need to be doing those exercises several times a week, but I have a hard time getting motivated.  I really think they would help my running.  I need to plant a motivation tree in my garden.

Got the kids off to school and took a nap.  But I'm still really tired.  Too many things going on!  I went to the doctor to get a cortisone shot in my hip and plantar.  Ouch!  My foot is totally numb.  But I'm taking tomorrow off.  Hooray for getting some sleep!

I totally felt like I had been hit by a truck.  My cortisone injection sites were sore.  My body was sore from the personal trainer.  I was beyond tired. 

I'm watching my two nieces this weekend.  I have a total of 6 kids - 7 years old and younger.  1 set of 7 year old triplets, 2 - 4 year olds (or another set of twins) and a 9 month old.  I definitely in MOM mode and feeling a bit grumpy.

We had various commitments this morning, so I needed to be done running by 7:00am.  Which meant I needed to be up before 5:00am.  I slept horrible last night.  Between the crazy wind and thinking I kept hearing the baby (which I didn't), I was up all night.  My alarm went off at 4:50am and I couldn't do it.  I couldn't get up and run in the dark and cold.  I just couldn't.   My MOJO went away with the wind. 

I got up and got everyone dressed, fed and lots of head of hair to do (5 girls).  My two nieces went to dance rehearsal and my kids went to soccer game with Dad.  I finally got out for my run.  

I was still feeling grumpy.  I felt very labored in my breathing and ended up taking the most hilly route in the area.   The wind was blowing hard...in some spots, I felt like I was running into a wall of wind. I kept shortening my run in my head justifying that it would be ok (but I didn't).  I was struggling mentally.  Ughhhh.....I was on empty physically and mentally.  I borrowed a few of Allie's "Mental Band-aids" from the the Salt Lake Marathon. 

I got the mouth of AF Canyon and headed toward the Highland trails at the golf course.  At the half way point, I had to fix my dumb socks and I took a GU/water.  I'm not sure if it was the 2xcaffeine in the GU or I was on my way home, but I the "Band-aids" started coming off and my MOJO was coming back. 

I only had one big climb and enjoyed the downhills that I had already climbed.  Mentally and physically I was getting stronger and stronger by the mile.  THAT is what I love about running.  I left all my "garbage" sprinkled along the streets today.  Running is so much more than physical exercise. 

I didn't even look at my watch except for the mileage.  When I looked at my splits after the run, I knew why I was breathing so hard.  I didn't even realize how hard I was pushing it up those climbs. 

I felt SO much better (physically and mentally) after my run today.  I love running and what it does for me :)

1:42:00

AP:  8:57

9:04, 9:06 ,9:26, 10:19, 9:19

8:59, 9:29, 8:33, 8:02, 8:11, 8:02, 3:34

Preschool route

1:10:49

AP:  8:51

9:17, 9:07, 9:02, 9:17, 8:54, 8:49, 8:32, 7:43

Hubby is out of town, so I HAD to sleep in and run during preschool.  Oh, how I just HATE sleeping in :)  Since I had a bit more time, I decided to get my mid-week longish run done. 

It was beautiful outside and I just decided to run by feel.  I only used my watch for distance.  I had to stop a few times to stretch out my calves...still feeling tight.  I think I may get some ART done on them before Ogden just to loosen them up.

It was beautiful out this morning.  It is amazing how much more ALIVE I feel when I don't run in the middle of the night.  I stopped at 4 miles and took a GU/water (I probably don't need to take one, but mentally it always helps...so what the heck!!!).

There were a lot of runners out this morning and it was fun to try to catch them on the way back to the car.

Lunges/LLL/Foam roll/stretching

I had a 45 minute window during dance class to get my run in.  Ughhh....it was way to warm for my liking (I definitely do better with chilly weather!!).

3 easy miles - no watch

I decided to help my designer with a *quick* sewing project.  A quick 50 skirts/shirts by Monday.  I'm stressing a bit.  My ceiling and family room are still halfway painted...the stuff is strewn every where.  Millions of "end of school" activities, recitals, games.  Plus my son told me last night that my belly is big...like having a baby big (no, I'm not pregnant....remnants of bearing children and too many cokes).  Then he told me I don't ever play games with him.  Dad does this....Dad does that...Dad...Dad...Dad.  And Dad is still out of town.  Bleh.....

Another preschool run.

1 mile warm up

I wanted to get in one more speed workout...but not as many reps.  I figured the HS track would be occupied since school was in session, so I decided to do hills.  There are 2 large hills right next to each other.  So I ran up HILL A - turned left - ran down HILL B - turned around - ran up HILL B -turned right- ran down HILL A.  Repeat for a total of 6 hills.  Hill A is MUCH steeper and longer than Hill B.  But both are a good climb.

HILL A (900 E)

1:20

1:18

1:16

HILL B (700 N)

56

54

52

I think it is interesting that I got faster by 2 second on each one.  It took me a long time to get my breathing under control during the cool down. 

Long stretching session, LLL and foam rolling.  I had some ART done on my calves yesterday.  I have long lines of bruises down the back of my legs.  OUCH!  I think I will have it done again on Monday.  Hubby comes home tonight!!!!

Hubby is home, but I decided to sleep in today and run during preschool.  It was much warmer than I had anticipated, but enjoyed the sunshine.  Vitamin D always does the body good!

49:18

AP:8:54

9:35, 9:13, 9:10, 8:56, 8:16, 4:06

I felt just ok on this run.  I've been thinking a lot about the Ogden Marathon next weekend.  I was having a bit of a mental breakdown on the run today. 

I feel good about my training...I've been smart. I've built my mileage slowly and started to add some speed work (I don't think I would have done anything differently, but I still have a long ways to go).  No injuries.   But I don't think I'm any faster or stronger than St George. 

Here comes the mental breakdown part.  I saw several women out running today.  None were overweight but not super fit and trim.  They had less than perfect form.  Just plugging along.  AND it hit me....I was looking at myself.  I look just like they did.

For the longest time (this is before having kids and 2 years ago when I started back running), I thought I knew everything about running.  I was thin and "fit".  I was fast.  I could do it all. 

But I can't.  Some days I struggle to just stay afloat with life.  And I'm not sure I'll every be a really great runner.  Maybe I'm just realizing what  my running ability is and I need to adjust my goals and expectations.  Qualifying for Boston may never happen. I may just always fit in that "average" category.  Maybe I need to just accept that.

All of this garbage was floating through my head during the run.  Isn't that why we run.....to get out all the garbage?

SOOOOOO.....I don't really have a goal for Ogden.  This will only be my second marathon, so it is hard to judge where my fitness level is.  I feel like my confidence is slipping away by the minute. Sorry for the sad post....sometimes writing things out helps me sort through issues.

I came home and worked in my garden all afternoon.  I got my hanging baskets for my front porch so we can have our annual "Mother's Day Picture".  Flowers always make me feel better.

C'est la vie.

8 easy miles.  My legs felt heavy today.  So I just took it easy.

AP:  9:25 - UP farmhill road

9:26, 9:38, 9:41, 9:36, 9:15, 9:15, 9:10, 9:30

My son has been bugging me about taking him running.  His timing is always less than ideal....right after dinner, right before bed.  So when I got back, I took him out for an easy mile.  It was SO fun to run with him and listen to his constant chattering!  I need to take him out more often or have him ride his bike with me while I run. 

1 miles - 11:32

Sorry for the depressing post yesterday.  Feeling better today.

These lower miles are driving me crazy.  They hardly seem worth the dirty laundry :)  I felt a bit stiff and creaky....golly, I hardly ran enough to get warmed up! Taper...Taper...Taper

Here is our annual Mother's Day Photo:

I decided to get up early to get my last "faster" workout in.  I need to finish painting my dumb kitchen and wanted to have all day to get it done.  Had to put it on hold for a week while I sewed up a quick job for my designer.

Since I was heading to the track today, I had bad dreams last night.  WHY does the track give me bad dreams? :)  But it was light outside when I went today.

1 mile run to the AFHS track

3x400 (200 recovery) (I needed something fast, but not a lot of reps that would fatigue my legs

1:31, 1:33, 1:30

I was really surprised at how fast these were (especially my first one).  Maybe because my legs are fresh, or I was only doing 3, or it was light outside....or all of the above.  Regardless, I was a small mental booster that my legs can move!!!!

1 mile run home

I *think* I'm taking off Wednesday and Thursday.  Maybe???

LLL, stretch, foam roll

My post today on our family blog:

Believe it or not, MARATHON #2 is 48 hours away.  Just like the last marathon, the Barlow household is encompassing the"mom-is-going-crazy-marathon-madness".  I wish I didn't care about this nonsense.  But I do.  I've spent 20 weeks preparing and in 2 short days it will ALL be over (until the next cycle starts....which is the beginning of June).

I still can't believe I'm doing another one.  It didn't seem like that long ago that I was crawling through the last 7 miles of the St George Marathon.  Miserable.  Overheating.  Lead-legs.  Wishing someone would just shoot me and put me in an early grave.  I remember "hitting the wall" and trying to explain to Tim at mile 21 that I just couldn't go another step.  NOT ONE MORE.

But there is something about the spirit of the marathon.  Something that makes you crave more.  Yearn for it.  Think about it constantly.  Smell it (maybe that is just my shoes).  Taste it.  Envision the glory.  But you can only get it after 26.2 miles.

So here I am again.  #1 is a memory and #2 is a vision.  I'm hoping I've learned a few more things this time around.

At the risk of sounding like a dork (hey....I did get an accounting degree), I've compiled a few statistics.  (too all my "elite running friends"...don't laugh at my puny miles)

                            #1 (SGM)                     #2(OM)

Total miles run:    533.01                         649.83 

(20 wk cycle)

          Slow miles:   533.01                         546.09

           Fast Miles:       0.00                         103.74

Average M/Week:     26.65                           32.49

Average Daily (5d):    5.33                             6.50

 Tune Up Races:  3                                    4

                   10K:  1                                     1

                   HM:  2                                     3

Calculating:  TOO MANY TO KEEP TRACK OF

Numerous pairs of running shoes

Immodium AD taken before runs/races

Runs starting before 4:30am

GU's taken

Snot rockets shot

Emotional breakdowns

Hours wearing compression socks

iTunes songs downloaded

#2 picture review

There you have it.  The numbers can't lie.  I'm not sure how the miles will play out on Saturday morning.  But I can promise they will take me on a journey.

I CAN DO HARD THINGS

Easy 2 mile shake out run.  My hip has been bugging these past 2 days.  I wonder if it is because I HAVEN'T been running.  Annoying.

Massage

Stretch, foam roll, LLL

THANK YOU to all my family and friends who have supported me during this training cycle and race.  I can't tell you enough how amazing it is to have someone rooting for YOU!  Thank YOU! Thank YOU!

This past week I've been tapering and I about went crazy.  My body felt like it was going through detox and my mind was spinning out of control.  By Thursday, I couldn't handle it any more.  I decided to sew myself a dress as a distraction.  Tim came into my sewing room and asked what I was doing and I told him.  He lovingly responded, "You ARE crazy!"

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect out of the Ogden Marathon.  My training has been good, but I still have a loooooong ways to go.  I hit the wall so hard during my first marathon that I didn't know how I was going to handle the ending miles.  So my *main* goal was to have FUN.  You can't go wrong with FUN, right?

I headed up to Ogden around 3:00pm on Friday.  Tim stayed home with the kids as they had various activities going on Saturday.  I went straight to the expo.   After I picked up my packet, I noticed that the authors from the book "Running the Edge" had a booth.  One of the authors is Adam Goucher (husband to the elite marathoner Kara Goucher).  Kara is one of my favorite athletes to watch.  I immediately headed over to the booth and asked if he was "Mr Kara Goucher".  "Yep.  But my name is Adam."  We chatted for a few minutes and they signed my book.  Of course, I had to have my picture taken with them.  Awesomeness!

I met Rachel and we headed out for yummy pizza.  It was wonderful to laugh and fill our bellies.  Then, she so kindly drove the last half of the course with me.  It was so helpful to actually see the hills and various landmarks.  We ended the evening and I headed to my uncle and aunt's house in Layton.

Waiting outside the expo ready to get the marathon-madness OVER!

Rachel and I eating dinner

After a restless night's sleep, I jumped out of bed at 3:30am.  I quickly got ready and headed up to the Ogden Marriott's lobby to meet Smooth, Karen, Rachel and others.  We headed to the bus and laughed on the way to the start. 

Hanging out at the Marriott Lobby

Still smiling....haven't started running yet

When we arrived at the start and got off the bus, I realized I didn't have enough warm clothes.  So I scooted right up by the fire and stayed warm.  The start staging area is located is a large field full of wet cow pies.  I'm grateful someone told me to bring grocery sacks to put over my shoes.

 I saw lots of familiar faces in the start staging area.  

Ragnar Teammates

Cousin Callie

Soon enough it was time to shed all the warm clothing and head to the start line.  My hip has been hurting for the past few days just like during the St George Marathon.  Weird....because this same ache hasn't happened during any training runs (just during the taper).  I need to figure this issue out.  I wasn't sure how it was going to respond during the race.

I brought my Sharpie marker to make sure I had something on my arm to look at when times got tough.  Thanks Saucony for a great slogan.

Here is a mile by mile recap:

Mile 1, 2, 3 (9:20, 9:09, 9:05):  Weaving through a lot of people and lots of excitement. I ran with Karen.  Tried to warm up....brrrrrr.  Walked thru the water stop at mile 3.

Mile 4, 5, 6 (8:38, 8:49, 8:55):  I felt so stiff and creaky.  My hip was really hurting and I had a hard time finding my rhythm.  The scenery was absolutely majestic.  There was a small valley and a large herd of horses came galloping through.  Everyone around me slowed down to watch.  Walked thru the water stop at mile 5. GU at mile 6.

Mile 7, 8, 9 (8:51, 8:55, 9:07):  I didn't look at my watch at all during the first half of the race.  I really wanted to run by feel.  Looking back, these splits were too fast.  No wonder I was feeling bad.  Water stops at mile 7 and 9.  I was really thinking I was going to have a SGM repeat.  It was going to be a long, slow, painful finish and no Tim to help me through.

Mile 10, 11, 12 (9:05, 9:17, 9:13):  I kept thinking in my mind that I was almost halfway...I at least had to make it halfway then bail if my hip got worse.  Walked thru the water stop at 11 and GU at 12 (this GU had 2xcaffiene.).  Hang on.

Mile 13, 14, 15 (9:18, 9:09, 9:35):  Potty stop at mile 13 and I thought I lost Karen (she had been running SO strong).  But I was able to catch up to her.  Water stops at 13, 14 and 15.  Mile 14 was a large hill.  We had driven it yesterday, so I knew what to expect.  There was some guy right beside me saying it wasn't smart to run hills hard.  I ran right past him and didn't want to listen to his stupid comments any more.  I lost Karen somewhere on the hill.  There was a water stop at the top of the hill and a lady was handing out Advil (she was an answer to my mid-race prayers).  I grabbed one and hoped it wouldn't upset my stomach and help my hip.  I felt SO strong at the top of that hill and it was the turn-around point in my race.  Maybe it was the caffienated GU and Advil kicking in, but I was ready to turn it up a notch.

Mile 16, 17, 18 (9:15, 9:03, 8:42):  I walked through all the water stops at 16,17,18 and took a 2xcaffiene GU at 17.  It was at mile 16 that I realized I only had 10 miles to go.  "Just like my mid-week long run" I told myself.  My favorite song came on my iPod and I realized I could do this.  I could run this marathon.  Maybe it just took me 16 miles to get warmed up?  I could pick up the speed and finish (maybe with my SGM time - 4:11).  I have never had a feeling of empowerment like that before.  I got tears on my eyes and that feeling of euphoria sunk in.  I found my STRONG!

Mile 19, 20, 21 (9:04, 8:55, 8:27):  I didn't care if I blew up, I wanted to go for it.  I felt fantastic.  Walked thru water stations at 20 and 21.  I looked at my watch at mile 20.  Then I realized that if I could just hang on, I thought I could break 4 hours.  WHAT?  I thought I might drop out 6 miles ago.  My hip was starting to redeem itself (compliments of some Advil).

Mile 22, 23, 24 (8:39, 8:27, 8:47):  I took another GU at mile 22 and was hoping I wouldn't vomit.  My stomach was starting to get funny.  There were more spectators and it was welcoming to see them.  My legs were starting to get heavy at mile 24.  I knew I just had to hang on for 2 more miles (versus the 7 mile "hang on" at SGM).  

Mile 25, 26 (8:58, 9:16, 3:15).  I was so close and knew I could do it.  I could conquer this BEAST!  My stomach was still funny from that last GU (probably too much caffeine) and my legs were getting tired.  The course was .2 long....WHO MAKES A MARATHON .2 LONG?  

 Smooth was cheering me on as I was approaching  the finish chute.  It was SO wonderful to hear someone cheering MY name.  3:58:35 was my final time.  A 12 minute PR and negative splits.  I NEVER thought this morning when I toed the line that I would EVER break 4:00 hours.  It NEVER crossed my mind.  I didn't know I had it in me.

I crossed the finish line and got really dizzy.  Those finish line volunteers are angels.  I couldn't figure out how the lady knew my name (duh....it was on my number).  She walked with me for awhile, got me some water, and asked if I wanted to go to the medical tent.  I quickly declined and convinced her I felt fine.

Then I saw a big cooler full of Cokes.  Ohhhhh....it was the most divine Coke I've ever had.  I leaned up against one of the barriers for a few minutes to make sure I didn't puke or fall over.  As I went to grab a chocolate milk, I heard a loud "TOBY!!!!!"  Rachel had sought me out and fussed over my 12 minute PR.  I was SO proud of her amazing race and BQ!

SUCCESS!!!!

I couldn't stay long after the race as I had to get home for the girls' dance recital.  I gave Rachel one last congratulations hug and as I walked away, she yelled "TOBY, YOU FOUND YOUR STRONG TODAY".  I did.  It was hiding in Ogden.

As I drove home and reflected on the race, I couldn't believe I did it.  I broke 4 hours on my second marathon and I PR'd by 12 minutes.  The St George Marathon was a complete opposite experience than this morning.  My fastest today miles were 20-25.  I couldn't believe I felt so wonderful after having such a rough start.

I need to figure out my hip issues.  Maybe not taper as much so my hips don't go into "shock"?

My miles and miles and miles paid off.  My 4:30 morning runs, track and hill workouts, iTunes downloads, emotional breakdowns and etc were worth it!  The weather was perfect and the course was ideal (WAAAAAAAY better than SGM).  

Most of my runs/races are 75% "fair to partly cloudy".  The far and few "great" runs go a long way in the mind of a runner.  It was nice to have a good one today.

I will never forget May 19, 2012.   

It was EPIC.

Massage

Hip still very achy.  Otherwise, legs are on the mend.

Walked .25, ran .25 - I did this for 2 miles.  The run was VERY slow.  Hammies are still a bit tight and my hip is still very tight.  Ughhhh..... Stupid hip.

Weights

v-legs - pull weight up with arms

one arm on ball push ups

LLL with 10lb weight

60 sec plank

1 legged bridge (ouch those hurt hip)

LOOOONNNNNg stretching and rolling session

I'm meeting with my trainer tomorrow so no running.  I'm going to try 3 miles on Friday.  Come on hip...work with me!

So the taper and recovery drive me bonkers.  I just want to run like normal.  But I guess I want to be smart and not get injured so early in the season. 

I met with my trainer this morning.  We mostly did arms and core stuff today. 

LLL with weight

Stretching and lots-o-foam rolling

Going to try 3 run/walk miles tomorrow.  We'll see how the legs feel.

Good morning sore arms and abs...thanks trainer!  It was much warmer than I had anticipated and wished I had on a short sleeve shirt.  There were very dark clouds in the sky and the air smelled so clean.  Rain is a 'comin!

4 very slow miles this morning.  My legs are feeling more normal every day, but they are still not 100%.  I still have a ways to go.  My hip has been feeling better too, but still very tight.  I have 2 weeks still I start my official training for SGM.  So just slow miles for me for the next little while.  No need to hurry back.  I just want to be smart and not get injured.

4 houses of lunges

weighted LLL

Stretch and foam roll

AP: 9:36

Tim and I are running Ragnar Stupid again this year.  This will be my last year.  Running in the middle of the night isn't fun.  Tim needed to do a longer run, so I joined in.  I wasn't sure how my legs were going to feel (or my hip), but I knew we wouldn't be going a fast pace. 

We race through Art Dye Park and behind Lone Peak.  This has never been a fast run for me.  So we just enjoyed the slow beautiful scenery.  We stopped for water a few times.  The last 1.5 miles, I was feeling really good, so I picked up the pace a bit and he followed.  He did a really great job! 

He finally decided to sign up for the Hobble Creek Half Marathon with me.  So we were talking about training and the "long run"....it's going to be fun!

Off to the Saturday madness.  Hooray for feeling more normal today!!!

AP: 8:40

9:04, 9:02, 9:08, 8:42, 8:15, 8:09, 8:17

I met my SIL at the mouth of Provo Canyon for an "easy" run.  HA...she is smoking fast and this was her "easy" which was my fast. 

I really did feel awesome on this run.  My breathing was very controlled and we had a great  conversation. 

On my Saturday run with Tim, I felt a weird ache in my left foot on the bottom.  I didn't think much of it.  But during the last 2 miles today, I could definitely feel it. 

We finished the run and drove to her house to meet our families.  As I got out of the car and stepped on my foot, there was a definite PAIN.  Not just an ache.

We then all hiked up the the Y and it hurt the whole way.  Major hurt.  I tried to hide a limp during the afternoon.  I couldn't even put weight on it.  Definitely failed the hop test. 

Depressing....so so depressing.

No running.  I taped my foot and wore my orthotics in my house shoes.  It definitely better as I can put some weight on it.  But I still couldn't run on it.  I've been debating whether or not I should go see the doctor.  But I know he would do an xray and if it didn't show anything I would need an MRI (which is a nice $800).  I think I will give it a few more days.

I worked out with my trainer tonight.  I'm gonna be sore tomorrow!!!   It was nice to workout a few endorphins.  I am always grumpy when I don't run.

Met with trainer again this morning.  For only 30 minutes, I sure sweat a lot and am worn out at the end of the session.

Foot is feeling much better.  I've been taping it and wearing my orthotics in my house shoes.  When I take off the tape or the shoes, it aches.  I am able to hop on it. 

PM:  2 miles....couldn't go any further.  The muscle on the bottom of my foot pulls when I go to push off.  Frustrating!