Ahhhhh Massage!

Ashiatsu is a type of bodywork where the massage therapist (MT) uses his or her feet to apply pressure to the body of the individual getting a massage. The word “ashi” in Japanese means pressure and “atsu” means foot. This massage can be performed over loose clothing or on bare skin. The MT holds onto bars overhead to assist in balance and allow him or her to use more or less pressure as necessary for the massage. Why am I telling you about Ashiatsu? Because I just had a 90 minute session with my business partner, Lisa Diemer and I am in heaven!

This is supposed to be my toughest week of training. I am supposed to have a recovery run, a speed drill, a tempo run, followed by 22 miles on Sunday. On top of that, there’s cross training to do. I went a wee bit crazy with the cross training on Monday because I had the time and was feeling good. Let me tell you how I was certainly feeling those 100 squats, 100 jump lunges, 100 dead lifts, 154 burpees, 100 sit ups, 200 oblique crunches. Two thoughts swirled through my mind all day: “Kathy, you’re stupid.” And “I need a 4 hour massage.” I posted that last comment on Facebook and Lisa suggested an Ashi massage, so we booked it for this morning.

You would think that massage therapists get massages all of the time. We should. We know other MTs, so it’s not hard to find one. We can pay for the massage, or we can do an exchange. It really should not be too hard to get one. However, most MTs I know are givers. We are always taking care of others and putting ourselves last. We know we should take better care of ourselves, yet we just don’t when it comes to massages. I have been getting massages here and there when something really aches. I put myself down in the appointment book or entice a fellow MT (not from our practice) to do an exchange. However, many of those massages have been spot specific. That’s not to say they are not good. Trust me, each one has been excellent and extremely helpful to my training and mental state. I am fortunate to be surrounded by amazing LMTs who are talented and knowledgeable.

Lisa’s massage today was FABULOUS! I know that it’s a form of deep tissue and it feels good, but I am embarrassed to say that I never thought of it as part of a sport training program. Lisa knew where I was sore and kept that in mind as she began. I tried to shake all thoughts and assumptions from my brain as she began with my back. During the first 20 minutes, all I could think of was, “damn, that’s a lot of pressure. I don’t think I could give that much with just my hands. I need to take an Ashi class, this is AMAZING! Wait, we don’t have room for more ceiling bars. But this feels so good. Yup, that spot is bad….” My brain just would not shut off and then she hit my glutes. YOWZER! I know they have taking a beating from all this training, but I never thought they were THAT bad. She wasn’t using that much pressure and I wanted to cry. I started thinking of all training I have had in myofacial release, neuromuscular therapy, and sports. I began analyzing what I needed to do and have done, but then I realized that I am getting a massage at that very moment and I need to shut off the brain and enjoy, so I focused my attention to breathing. 

Lisa continued to work her magic. (She’s well trained, so it’s not really magic, but it feels like it.) She pinned and stretched, pressed and lengthened muscles all with her feet. I can’t go into details of the session really because the oxytocin was flowing and I was doing my best not to drool on the table. Everything about this massage reminded me of why I chose to become a massage therapist over a decade ago. Sometimes we need those reminders. When she was done I did not want to get up. I felt like I was floating somewhere far and peaceful. At last I rolled off the massage table. I needed to get up and move because I had a client coming in. Part of me was expecting to still feel stiff and sore, but to my delight I felt whole again….and ready to run these 22 miles on Sunday. So thank you Lisa!

My recommendation EVERYONE: if you have never had a massage, get one. If you’re experienced in massage, find someone trained in Ashiatsu. If you’re not sure about having someone’s feet on you, find another modality to try. That goes for you athletes too. Just because it does not have a medical, therapeutic, or sports type of name to it does not mean it is not for you. Step out of your comfort zone and open your mind. I know it’s hard sometimes, but it’s usually worth it. 

26 Days until Boston! Please help me with my fundraiser: Massage Therapy Foundation's "Running for Research" http://www.crowdrise.com/kathyborsuk.  THANK YOU! - Kathy from Jersey

I Must Be Crazy

“If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.” My friend, Christine, says this all the time.  She reminds everyone she trains and inspires of this on a regular basis.  She is right.  My running experience has been a series of challenges. Starting to run was a big challenge, and then there are little ones like pushing out another half mile when I am ready to call it a day.  It has been a cold week for many across the country.  To some of you, 10 degrees may be nothing, but that is not normal for New Jersey.  Tuesday and Wednesday, that’s about where we were and with the wind, it made it feel like 2 degrees Fahrenheit.  I did not run at 5:30 A.M. like I would normally do.  I had the week off (sort of), so I decided to wait until later in the day when it was a whole 2 degrees warmer. I threw on my hat, turtle fur, layers, and jacket and stepped outside.  MAN IT WAS FREEZING.  But I knew I would warm up, so off I went straight into the headwind.  It would be easier to run with the wind to my back, but I decided just before I stepped out the door that I was going to challenge myself to do something out of my comfort zone.  Ironically, Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” came on just when the wind was at its roughest.  Feel free to call me crazy, but it was fun.  Now 20 degrees isn't so bad anymore.  

And then there was Sunday morning’s 18 miles.  This should not be a problem.  I have done 18 miles successfully a couple of times before.  Today should be no big deal, but I was wrong.  I have been waiting for this run for a good month.  I mapped it out and drove the distance many times from my house to Main Street Hopewell and back.  There are a few hills; one particularly long and steep.  I imagine that to be my own "Heartbreak Hill."  The run to Hopewell was good.  I was feeling great and things were going well.  I tripped a couple of times and twisted my ankle slightly, but I was still going strong.  Just at the turn around point, I got hungry and I realized that I had not been fueling up during the run.  I also remembered that I did not have dinner the night before...which is never a good thing before a long run.  But anyway, I downed a gel shot and kept on going.  As I ran up the hill I contemplated which type of hill would be easier.  Long, steady incline, or short and steep? Which would you prefer? I still haven't decided yet. I am still learning how to run both.  But after the hill my left calf and shin began to ache.  No, they hurt, but I kept going.  I can run through the pain.  What doesn't kill you makes you strong, right? We shall see.  

My pace slowed down, but I was still moving.  Then at mile 15 I switched to a run/walk.  I really should have had dinner last night and gone to bed at a decent time.  Note to self: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Then at mile 16, I mentally lost it.  Ever cry and run at the same time? It's not very pretty.  There was an old man on the trail who got really concerned that I was bawling.  I told him I was fine and his response was, "it's never fine when a girl cries!"  Sweet old man.  He wanted to call someone to come get me.  I considered that many times during the run, but I knew if I could push through I would be fine.  I thanked him for his concern and told him I was going to get my 18 miles in today no matter how long it took and if I had to crawl the rest of the way home.  When he heard what I was training for he laughed and told me I was crazy.  So, maybe I am, but I can't wait to see how this challenge changes me when I cross that finish line.  Remember everyone, "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

....Please help me reach my goal of $5,000 to raise money for the Massage Therapy Foundation:  http://www.crowdrise.com/kathyborsuk.  THANK YOU. 

2012 Resolution Complete

AMAZING! That is the word I am going to use to describe how I feel right now.  I set a goal of completing one 5k race a month for 2012 back on January 1st of this year and today I completed that goal.  I don't think I have ever stuck to any resolutions I made in the past.  I think I may have only made a few, but really I do not remember.  I know I have had a few short term goals, like giving up chocolate for lent way back in 1996.  I succeeded the one time I tried it, but refuse to do it again.  (Ask my family and business partners what I am like when I try to avoid chocolate.  "Nightmare" may be a good word.)  I made it all the way though the 100 Day Burpee Challenge and gained some nice looking arms and posture from it. (Maybe I should do that again beginning January 1st, 2013.  Who's with me?)  I cannot remember any other consistent goals I have made and achieved.  Certainly not one that lasted an entire year.  This is one I will never forget because it changed my life in so may ways.  Don't worry, I am not going to turn into a blubbering mess and talk about how and why.  I think you get the picture from previous posts.

For those of you interested in which races I actually did and my time, here they are:

Date	Race	Location	Bib #	Time
1/1/2012	Resolution Run	Hillsborough, NJ	158	36:21:35
2/18/2012	Sneaker Factory Hot Chocolate Series #3	Long Branch, NJ	171	31:46:02
3/18/2012	Get Your Rear in Gear	Philadelphia, PA	485	32:20:46
4/29/2012	Montgomery Run with Rotory	Montgomery, NJ	37	32:15:00
5/6/2012	Big Red Race	Lawrenceville, NJ	537	30:00:09
6/3/2012	Girls on the Run	Somerville, NJ	1329	30:33:02
7/30/2012	Running with the Balloons	Readington, NJ	68	30:45:02
8/26/2012	George Wah Memorial	Hamilton, NJ	398	30:47:00
9/30/2012	LiveStrong 5K - Princeton YMCA	West Windsor, NJ	852	29:15:06
10/28/2012	Pennington Get Bookin' 5k	Pennington, NJ	38	28:26:21
11/18/2012	Girls on the Run	Somerville, NJ	1293	29:59:07
12/26/2012	Boxing Day 5k	Hillsborough, NJ	None	29:17:00

I shaved a little over 7 minutes off my time from when I began.  That is certainly something to celebrate.  If you read the post "In the Beginning", you would know that all I wanted to for that race was to be able to jog the whole thing without walking (which I did. Okay, I shuffled a lot, but I didn't walk.)  From there it was just consistent practice. March's race I did with a friend.  She had only run on a treadmill up to that day and was concerned that she would be slow.  I told her we'd stay together no matter how fast or slow we went.  We had a wonderful time and she was amazed at our time.  I knew she could do it.  I loved the May race because they had kiddie races.  The children ran 25 and 50 meters and got medals for it.  (Fostering the love of running at the age of 3 and 5? Maybe.)

The June race was the first time I placed in my age group.  I really did not expect it at all and was set to leave after finishing as we had to be somewhere that afternoon, but my husband said we had to stay.  I insisted there was some kind of mistake, but there I was with a second place medal.  I told him it was because the parents and coaches were running with their young girls but if they had run on their own, I would never have placed.  He told me to shut up and just be happy for my placement.  (Okay, he said it in a much nicer way, but that's how it translated in my head.)  In September I finally broke the 30 minute mark.  That was another incredible celebration.  It was something I had always hope to get to one day and it was for a race that I had to raise money for as well.  Good community cause = double bonus.  The following month I placed 1st in my age group.  Again I was shocked and made comments like, it was a small race, but I was happy.  As Gary says, it's about who shows up, not the whole world.  Then there's today.

Today was the Official-Unofficial Boxing Day 5k Race. (Or is it the Unofficial-Official Boxing Day 5k Race?) What does that mean? Well, in November I looked for races scheduled in December.  The ones I found were on Saturdays.  I work all day Saturdays so those are out of the question.  There were two on a Sunday morning and I figured I would do one of them.  I did not sign up ahead of time because I needed to figure out logistics and make sure I had the money to enter the race.  Of course life happens and next thing I knew I had missed those two Sunday races.  Damn! I was going to sign up for the Peeps 5k Race in Bethlehem, PA, on the 30th, but then I needed to find someone to watch mom and the kids for me during that time.  Someone who was available and willing to drive out to PA with me.  That's when Gary suggested I run the Resolution Run course.  It's a USA Track & Field - NJ sanctioned and certified course.  He was willing to be the official timer and he put a message out to his running group and invited them to run with me.

I thought I would be the only one running this thing and then I saw someone in running gear.  Then another, and another.  I knew a few of the runners and others I did not.  Next thing I knew, there were 12 of us.  Twelve crazy nuts (and I mean that in the nicest way) standing there in 28 degrees of cold ready to run.  Most of them were wearing boxers.  Boxing day, wearing boxer shorts, get it?  Wish I knew they were doing that, I would have gladly been uncomfortable with boxers crowding my crotch as I ran as well.  I assumed they all knew each other, but they did not.  They greeted each other and then yelled, "Wait where's Kathy? We're doing this for her!" I wish I could remember all of their names because they were so nice.  They ran along with me and one another chatting as if we were already friends.  Then one runner introduced himself to another and they shook hands.  How does one do that while running without tripping? Why are they making me set the pace? Which way are we supposed to go again?

Funny side note on the pace....Gary told them I would be running an eleven minute pace.  I told him that was my pace because it was and is my marathon pace.  I didn't realize he was asking about my 5k pace.  Plus, I always get all anxious and fidgety at races that I just take off.  (I know, not the smartest move, but I can't help it.)  In addition, I felt like I had to run faster because they are all experienced runners who probably want to run faster.  (It's what's in my head, people.)  So to the gang, please do not be upset with Gary, it was completely my fault.  I was overly excited about the turn out, and the idea of finishing my resolution.

I have to say thank you though for the support I received.  Everyone was so encouraging.  They let me lead and then take off near the end.  When I started to slow down, they kept pace along side me telling me that I could do it and to sprint to the finish.  Then they held back and let me cross the finish line first to the cheers of my mother and children.  Gary presented me with a trophy for completing my 2012 Resolution.  You may be able to see in the picture it says "Hunterdon Half- 1st Place Age Group Male." It's from his Hunterdon Half Iron Sprint Triathlon.  He recycled it just for me.  So sweet.  And thank you to Gary for giving up his Wednesday morning to help me complete my goals and providing consistent guidance.  I have never run as a group before.  I am always intimidated by group runs.  Not really sure why.  I think I am afraid of letting people down when I can't make it to a scheduled run, or that I would hold the group back.  Today showed me that I really should reconsider that notion.  It was so much fun to run with others.  Chatting with others distracted me from my pace.  I knew I was pushing it, but it was still comfortable and I needed that push.  I also learned that I am not the only one getting aches and pains in my calves and that maybe I should change the insoles of my shoes.

I am thrilled to have completed this resolution with the support of family and friends.  I think for 2013 I will resolve to try one new thing a month and see where it takes me.  After all, I am headed to Boston all because I decided to run and then complete an application for something I thought would never happen.  Jump in with both feet! WHY NOT?!

If you'd like to support me in my Boston Marathon Fundraising Efforts for the Massage Therapy Foundation, please visit my CrowdRise Page.  Every donation is appreciated.

Roller Coaster Ride

It has been quite the emotional week.  After our MTF Team conference call, I was so excited to focus on my training.  I visualized my week to come and was looking forward to the holiday celebrations.  Then I saw the breaking news feed on my phone and quickly turned on the television.  Like nearly everyone, I was shocked and horrified by the devastation that occurred in Newtown, CT.  How could this happen? Why and how could anyone do this?!  I cried as I listened to the news reports and wanted to run out and pick my children up from school and daycare.  I knew they were safe and well cared for where they were, but I wanted to hold them and shield them, as if I could protect them forever.  What would I do once I got them home? They would find out eventually and I would prefer to tell them myself so that I could answer any questions they may have, but I just did not know what to say at that moment.  I thought about how excited Alex and Evan were for Christmas and how they had been asking for weeks to decorate the outside of our home.  I drove to the nearest store and purchased some outdoor lights and decorations.  With the help of a neighbor I put everything up and arranged Andy and Ella the Elves near the window so that it looked like they were the decorating culprits.  When the children returned home, they were surprised and excited to see the colorful lights.  That evening I explained in the simplest terms what happened to the children and teachers in Newtown, CT.  They asked a few questions and expressed their concerns, but they were not afraid to go to school, nor were they afraid of the world.  That evening, we all snuggled in our bed together.

Saturday morning, while at work, I received a message from my cousin that our grandmother had passed.  She was 89 years old and had been falling ill for some time, so it was expected, but still heartbreaking no less.  Between clients, my siblings and I worked on travel plans to get out to Missouri for the funeral later that week.  I spent the next few days working and taking care of holiday errands.  I had a mini-break down Monday morning after dropping my son off to school.  I did not sleep too well and stuck to my training on Tuesday and Wednesday, even if it meant waking up super early to get everything done. 

The funeral was simple and beautiful.  Grandma lived a long life.  She worked hard from a very young age, never giving up when obstacles jumped in her way.  Never showed how tired she was, and never bothered with people’s nonsense.   In her later years, she traveled the world and really enjoyed the life she put on hold for so long.  It was a beautiful tribute, and it was wonderful to reconnect with my cousins, aunt, and uncles.  I had not seen anyone from that side of the family since 2008 for my father’s funeral.  I missed them a lot.  The bright side of this unfortunate trip; I got to have some bonding time with my little sister…who, by the way, is much taller and spunkier than me.  Yes, spunkier.  We also got to share some fresh, hot Krispy Kreme’s with our brother.  Yes, I know doughnuts are not part of my training, but they were warm, gooey, and delicious! Can you blame me for having a dozen?  

Friday morning my sister and I woke up early to drive to St. Louis from Springfield so that we could catch our flight home.  That’s when I discovered that the son of an old high school friend died earlier that morning.  He was only 10 years old.  He had spent the last three and a half years of his young life fighting cancer.  I never met him, but loved to read about him on her Facebook wall.  He seemed like a fun, bright young man who loved so much about life, even before the cancer.  My heart felt heavy as I thought about what my friend, her husband, and her other children were going through.  And yet, there was such an amazing show of love and support from family and friends from all over on Facebook for the family.  From people she’s known from infancy, to new connections. 

I missed my run on Friday.  Life never slows down, regardless of what goes on around you, and so I went about my obligations.  On Sunday I set out for my long run.  The first half was a struggle.  My turn over was slow, my claves tightened, my mind was bouncing from one thought to another, and my heart ached from the emotional rollercoaster of the past week.  I cried on my run.  The last time that happened was about a year ago when I started running from the mess and stress of my life at that time.  By mile seven, I felt better.  My feet moved a little quicker, my calves loosened a bit, my mind calmed down and my heart felt lighter.  I reminded myself that all these things are a part of life and it’s the universe’s frustrating way of teaching us how to adapt. 

It is the last hour of Christmas day.  I think about where I was when I started running.  Life was so different then.  I was miserable.   I think about how far I have come and how I got here.  I lay here with my family, counting my blessings.  I have so much to be thankful for.  I think about my high school friend, my aunt and uncles, and the Newton, CT families.  I wish for their hearts to heal.  I hope they will be able to make sense of it all and find a way to channel these devastations into something positive one day.  I hope one day they can find peace.  I hope the New Year will be better for everyone.  Merry Christmas friends! 

The Call

This morning I received a voice message from Paul S of the Massage Therapy Foundation just before I went out for a 10 k run.  I contemplated calling him before heading out, but I was pretty sure why he was calling.  Last month I sent in an application to run the Boston Marathon on a charity bib.  Two thoughts crossed my mind: He's either calling to say, "Congratulations, you're running!" or "Thanks for your application, but we have chosen another applicant." There are pro's and con's to both responses and at that moment, I just wanted to get a run in as I had been slacking for the last two weeks.  The trail run was not great, but it felt good to be out and daydream about Boston.  First thing I did upon my return home was to call Paul and hear those exciting and frightening words: "Congratulations! You have been selected to be a part of our Boston Marathon Charity Team!"

Everything went still and I stopped breathing for a few seconds.  Did he just say what I thought he said?  Am I hearing this correctly? I applied hoping I would be selected, yet thinking it would never happen.  This was one of those, "I would regret not trying" situations.  We discussed what will occur the next couple of weeks and at the end of the conversation I did my happy dance which consisted of the running man, the cabbage patch kid, the shuffle, and some parts of the Gangnam Style dance. I called Ted, my husband.  I texted my BFF, my business partner (an Iron Man and now my coach), and a few other people.  I posted an excited but not so revealing message on facebook and then began to panic.  

I started running less than one year ago.  I have never run in a marathon.  I only just ran my own personal marathon a few weeks ago.  Boston is a BIG DEAL! Qualifying time for women in my age group is 3 hours 40 minutes! I am going to be in the same race as some of the most amazing athletes in the world.  WHAT WAS I THINKING?!  Wait, I know. I love running. I love the peace and quite. I love the endorphins.  I love being amazed at the things the human body can do...especially my own body.  And I LOVE an exciting challenge.  I am honored to be selected to a part of the Massage Therapy Foundation Team running in the 2013 Boston Marathon.  I AM SO EXCITED!