tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80781316885144120452024-03-18T08:16:36.043-07:00Getting ThereTurning it around and regaining my health. One step at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-17838852047132639342014-09-04T17:09:00.003-07:002014-09-04T17:27:58.161-07:00Starting Over: Day One "HERE WE GO!!"A lot to catch up on since my last post 4 months ago.<br />
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1) I successfully completed my Half Marathon in June with a combination of running and walking and still I finished faster than expected.<br />
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2) We put our home up for sale shortly after and it took a lot of time in upgrades, repairs and showings.<br />
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3) We moved to an older home in the Arizona high desert. The elevation here is 3,783 ft. That is 3,465 feet HIGHER than our previous home. Also, our daytime temps run between 95-99 almost daily. We have had a lot of thunderstorm activity.<br />
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4) Other than a few quarter to half mile jaunts with my dog, I haven't run since June 15th.<br />
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5) I weigh less than I did in April, and only less than half of one pound more than I did New Years this year. I weighed this much when I did my Half Marathon in June, but I FEEL like a blob.<br />
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6) I weigh 20 pounds more than my training peak (Oct 2012) and my measurements between then and now are hugely different. Hugely being the key word. </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I AM TIRED OF FEELING LIKE THIS</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I WANT TO FEEL STRONG AGAIN</b></span>.</div>
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My challenges are starting over while having lower back and left hip pain. I have an appointment with a sports doctor/ortho guy next week. SO! Until then....I will walk.....mostly.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="color: red;">TODAY:</span></u></b></span> <br />
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I put on a backpack filled with a large bottle of water, a handgun, cell phone, tissues, first aid kit, and a camera. I grabbed a spiked hiking stick and ventured to the tall hill around the corner from me.<br />
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TONS of wildflowers all over the valley and my allergies never flinched. I love it here.<br />
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Some lower back pain on the steeper parts. <b><i>Slowed down to a crawl</i></b> on the steepest inclines and made a point of standing straight when that occurred. I did a LOT of stretching when I got home. It helped.<br />
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<b>WEATHER</b>: Late start because I waited for an electrical storm 18 miles away to pass.<br />
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<b>TEMPS</b>: 81<br />
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<b>WINDS</b>: 23 mph with gusts of 35 mph (RESISTANCE TRAINING!!!)<br />
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<b>PACE</b>: I ran about a half mile and walked paces showing 17's here and there, but, I forgot to stop the watch when two dogs approached me for a visit. The pace including that was<b><span style="color: red;"> 21:08</span></b><br />
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<b>AFTERWARDS</b>: I felt great and hadn't realized how much I missed that post workout feeling.<br />
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<i>View on my way up the hill....valley a blaze of yellow wildflowers</i></div>
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<i>Steady incline up is steeper than it looks</i></div>
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<i>Approaching the very top (FINALLY!)</i></div>
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<i>View of the hill I live on, on my way back home.</i><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLvVx4z7JkU/VAj61zoxGHI/AAAAAAAACkQ/QgCgwZOywLk/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLvVx4z7JkU/VAj61zoxGHI/AAAAAAAACkQ/QgCgwZOywLk/s1600/4.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>More scenery on the way down</i></div>
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<i>Still heading downward, enjoying wildflowers before...</i></div>
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<i>I am headed back up MY own hill</i></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">So incredibly steep here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Steeper even than Andresen in WA.</span></div>
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<i>Two new friends came up from behind me (out of NO where) to introduce themselves (SCARED ME AT FIRST!!) and get tons of hugs and loving. <br />The tan one took me all the way home then headed back.</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-30959112469033722152014-05-13T20:58:00.003-07:002014-05-13T21:49:29.516-07:00Set Back: Left Knee IssuesI started noticing that as my hours increased at the grocery store, my left knee began feeling 'tight' and 'tender' while checking groceries. There is a lot of twisting and pivoting on the knees when you stand on rubber mats wearing slip-resistant shoes and you are passing many many items from right to left. What affects it most though is when passing the fully packed bags, and/or large items, from the register area to the end of the check stand.<br />
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On April 28th, I was squatting down AND twisting in to the left to lower and place a case of beer under a shopping cart. I felt a very sharp and sudden pain and had great difficulty standing up. I was limping the rest of the day. I iced it that night. What is odd, is that the pain was here, it was there, it was everywhere. It moved!!! I swear it confused me. <br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">SPORTS DOCTOR</span></b>: Saw a doctor last week - he said that my knee was swollen behind the knee and when he touched one spot on the inside of the knee I about went through the roof. He said NO RUNNING!! He is suspecting a 'medial tear'. He said it could be several things though so he ordered an MRI. He said I could walk, but to elevate and ice it and DO NOT TWIST IT and NO SKATING. No lateral knee movement. Forward motions only.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">TWO CONSTANTS: </b>Although the pain moves from left to right to above the knee to below it, there are two constants.<br />
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1 - Squatting down there is only slight burning when squatting low and my knee is fully bent. Getting low to pick something up isn't terribly hard at all. But it is now very hard to stand up from the squatting or sitting on the floor positions. Putting any weight on it doing so is painful so I am using upper body/arms to press myself up or asking others to help me up.<br />
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2 - Any FULL bending of the knee, be it sitting in a chair, sitting cross legged, or squatting when at work or cleaning house, sometimes causes burning pain on the front sides or lower knee but it ALWAYS results in a very ODD sensation AFTER I re-straighten my leg - it feels like there is a strong pull in the back of the knee area, and often with a sensation of a knot or ball being in that pull. It subsides soon enough most of the time.<br />
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What is most disconcerting though is that the more I am at work, the more PAIN I feel. In the check stand yesterday there was light burning (all over it) but on at least 5 separate occasions I had very SUDDEN and very PAINFUL spasms on the lower inside of the left knee. Four of the spasms caused me to cry out in the checkstand. And the odd thing with that, is THOSE pains/spasms appear to be generated on the inside of the left knee area, about an inch or two BELOW the knee. What the heck?!?! Touching it I found it VERY tender. Then at home, I could only locate pain there twice but checked quite a few times.<br />
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<li>It is confusing that the pain is in random places.</li>
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<li>It is confusing that when straightening the knee after bending it sharply, there is a strong pulling sensation in the REAR of the knee when I walk.</li>
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<li>It is confusing that random sudden spasms strike at work on the inside of the leg just BELOW the knee.</li>
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<li>It is confusing that at random times the knee buckles and I falter on it....though few and far between....it never happened before this injury.</li>
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Walking does not cause pain but long walks (5 mile) result in tightness BEHIND the knee.<br />
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MRI is tomorrow night. Results will be the Wednesday after. I miss running.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-55377245622812919972014-04-16T13:23:00.004-07:002014-04-16T13:23:39.682-07:00Training Going Well So FarI find it amazing that I can run/walk at a 4 min/1 min ratio almost as fast as nonstop running at 3 or more miles.<br /><br />My knees don't hurt on this new plan. EVER!! *knocking on wood*<br /><br />I used my last two 6 mile runs to determine my predicted race pace for the Half Marathon using this page: <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/tools/race-times-predictor">RUNNERS WORLD RACE PACE PREDICTOR </a><br />
<br />According to that, my HALF MARATHON PACE should be 13:35.<br /><br />This also says that I should finish in just under 3 hours. It doesn't take into account how hilly the Half Marathons are that I signed up for this year. In comparison, my first one was MUCH flatter.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My race goal for the Vancouver Half is to finish merely "under 3 hours".</b></span></div>
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I have never trained to splits before. But I am going to try this Friday on my long run. We will see how long it takes me to go the<span style="color: red;"> <b>7 miles this Friday</b></span>. <br /><br /><i><u><b>Hoping</b></u></i> I get it in at <span style="color: red;"><b>1:35:09</b></span> as suggested below. <br /><br />That is slower than when I ran my entire last Half in 2012 at a pace of 12:41 which to hit again I would need to follow the column on the right below. BUT! I am not training as hard (due to an on-call work schedule) and frankly, I am really liking this run/walk thing because I don't need to spend $20-$40 a week on a physical therapist!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tyPAVrStT0/U07kgsDJT8I/AAAAAAAACD0/-DGy26-CKUE/s1600/postit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tyPAVrStT0/U07kgsDJT8I/AAAAAAAACD0/-DGy26-CKUE/s1600/postit3.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a><br />
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<br /><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-90333606715934094512014-04-03T21:03:00.002-07:002014-04-03T21:03:49.521-07:00LOTS of CHANGES - and STARTING OVER<b><u>2014 CHANGES:</u></b><br /><br />1) I went to work for a grocery store and am scheduled very few hours but am often on call. I hate being on call. It is the worst part of being on the railroad, but with only a third of the salary.<br /><br />2) We are BUYING a house in Arizona and there has been a lot of running around (and flying!) involved. So many tasks and chores by our Realtor, lender and insurance company.<br />
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3) We are SELLING our home in Washington. And we have a ton of stuff. More than a ton of stuff. I have been boxing up things and driving them to a storage unit for weeks. As I type this, there is another 12 boxes I need to take over. This morning I packed my utility vehicle with electronics, gadgets, and STUFF and took them all to the Salvation Army. I have been there enough that I would now recognizing the receiving guy on the street. Luckily, the packing in the house is done as of tonight. Closets and cupboards are now bare essential BARE. There is still the garage though. Next up is new paint every where and then flooring and landscaping.<br />
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4) My running has taken a HUGE nose dive in mileage. I attribute it a lot to the lack of structure and constant interruptions from the work place; and the needs of this house. I tried running the last few weeks and the entire run (each time) was mentally unpleasant as I obsessed over all I could be doing at home that needed doing.<br /><br />5) I gained weight. At New Years I weighed 180 lbs. Today I weighed 181.8. When I found my doctors paperwork from a colonoscopy in September 2012 it said I weight 158 (CLOTHED!!!). I have gained over 23 pounds since I left my structured job at DSHS. I never realized how much I need structure.<br /><br /><b><u>2014 STARTING OVER:</u></b><br /><br />1) Even if I just run 1 mile, I am running at least 3x a week. PERIOD.<br />
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2) Water! When I was at DSHS I drank two jugs of water a day before I got home. I am going to go buy a jug and do that again. I bet that is what helped me to eat less. ;)<br />
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3) Force myself to accept lower over-all paces as I train for a Galloway styled Half Marathon. That means running 4 minutes and walking 1 minute for 13.1 miles which can only mean slower paces than I used to run when I ran the full 13.1 last time non-stop. And that will be OKAY!!! (I have to keep telling myself that and tomorrow I am going to force myself to do it as long as I can)<br /><br /><b><u>GOAL:</u></b><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>FINISH THE VANCOUVER USA HALF MARATHON WITHIN TIME LIMITS IN JUNE!!!</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-6425473522460658082014-01-23T19:44:00.003-08:002014-01-23T19:45:40.886-08:00Pre-Training Annual Physical - Stress TestBecause my brother had a heart attack, and because my heart rates are WAY above the charts, I always get an annual physical and check up with my cardio before running/training season.<br />
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This year, since I am almost 52, the cardiologist chose to include a stress test since my last one was two years ago.<br />
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I showed up and this is pretty much how it went.<br />
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RN plastered my chest and such with electrodes and wires. She also taped a blood pressure cuff to my right arm. THAT was different than the first time.<br />
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I noted that the room was very cold. She smiled.<br />
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I stepped onto the treadmill and she punched in my data.<br />
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<li><b>HER</b>: "Your target heart rate is 143 and your Max Heart rate is 169. We will probably stop somewhere in between."</li>
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<li><b>ME</b>: "Can we please go up to 180?"</li>
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<li><b>HER</b>: "180?! Your max is 169."</li>
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<li><b>ME</b>: "My <u>average</u> heart rate on my 3 to 6 mile runs is 167-169. My highest is usually between 178-180 unless I am racing then it gets to 181 or 182. It hit 191 once but I won't let that happen again."</li>
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<li><b>HER</b>: "If you are feeling okay when we get to those numbers, we will go to them. But please let me know if you feel any pain or get dizzy."</li>
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So - the first few phases are just walking at steep inclines as the machine speeds up. I was bored and yakking up a storm. She took my blood pressure a few times during those phases.<br />
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Then the machine started at a <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>running pace at</b></span> <span style="color: red;"><b>14% incline</b></span></span>.<br />
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I was STILL fine, but starting to sweat. By the end of the 3 minute section though, my heart rate was in the high 160's and low 170's. She said it was the 14% incline that made it happen so fast.<br />
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Then the machine cranked up the speed <u>again</u>, still at a 14% incline. I was still talking. I was getting sweatier. At about 2 and a half minutes in, my heart rate got up to 180. She asked if I was okay and if she could take my blood pressure while I maintained that. "<i>SURE</i>" and still I was able to talk. But, it was getting hard to do that.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>My blood pressure (while my heart rate was 180-182) was at 175/89.</b></span><br />
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She said that was "<i>GREAT</i>" for that level of intensity!!! Then when she was done, with just 10 seconds left to go before it sped up again I told her, "<i>Okay. We can stop now</i>."<br />
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She asked me what I was feeling when I told her we could stop. I told her that I felt like I was having a hard time getting a decent breath. "That's it?" Yeah. "No dizziness, pain or weakness?" "No. Just getting out of breath." I also commented it was so hard to breath with how hot and muggy the room was.<br />
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She reminded me that I had called it an icebox 20 minutes earlier. Oh yeah.<br />
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After I stepped off the treadmill, she sat me on the examining table. My heart rate dropped to 99 within minutes and she said that was indicative of being 'super fit'. I asked her, "<i>Not bad for a fluffy old person, huh</i>?" and she said, "<i>Nope! Not bad at all</i>!"<br />
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This was the FIRST time they ever let me go over 155 heart beats per minute on a stress test. I am glad I asked her to please let me keep going. I didn't know to ask two years ago.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">ALWAYS ASK YOUR DOCTOR FOR WHAT YOU WANT. </span></b><br />
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If they say no, at least you tried.<br />
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Now I wait for the results - and I am not worried in the least. I even signed up for a second Half Marathon for this summer. Let the training begin!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-67411594588291564862014-01-22T15:15:00.000-08:002014-01-22T15:16:17.439-08:00Another 2014 Goal Accomplished!Even at my fittest (fall 2012) when I weighed 158-163 and ran 13.1 miles, I was only able to run a NON-STOP mile under 10 minutes ONCE (that was September 2012).<br />
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One of my goals for this year was to do that again, so I was very surprised when I was able to do it so soon, since I weigh 19 more pounds than I did then!<br />
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It showed in my heart rate though.<br />
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Sep 2012 sub-10 mile heart rate: 162 average and <b><span style="color: red;">172 MAX</span></b><br />
Jan 2014 sub-10 mile heart rate: 165 average and <span style="color: red;"><b>181 MAX</b></span><br />
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I really REALLY need to lose the 19 pounds I gained but have been struggling with diet while home with the husband all day. If I don't eat what he eats, I am literally making two different meals per meal. It gets old cooking two different meals at a time, two or three times a day. It is tedious, plus I was raised you only make ONE meal per meal, and if you don't eat it, you don't eat.<br />
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I need to run more - indulge less - and just take the time to cook twice at each meal.<br />
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The ELEVATION chart for this run: FOUR laps, each with an 18 foot incline/hill.<br />
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My CADENCE chart for this run: I am <span style="color: red;"><b>VERY PROUD</b></span> of how I went from a low number of steps per minute (yellow), to higher (green) to highest (blue). GREAT REVERSE NEGATIVE WORK FOR ME!! WOOHOO!!</div>
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My SPLITS: Not exactly the desired order of things with the first two - although the last two were SPLIT NEGATIVES. YAY!!</div>
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The Details of the run:</div>
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Updated my GOALS page to say I hope to run TWO miles non-stop under a 10:00 pace. It can happen. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-68467390984825160152014-01-05T19:39:00.002-08:002014-01-05T19:39:40.214-08:001st Completed Goal of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I jumped out of bed, got into my running gear and then went to let the dogs out. There was white frost covering everything. I went out front and walked to the street, finding slippery spots under the frosty layer that was left behind by last nights freezing fog. This worried me because the race was in an area that is colder and gets more snow and ice than my area.<br /><br />I wrote my friend who lived near the race and she confirmed that the area there was frosted and icy and at 9am it was 23 degrees. The race was scheduled for 10 am.<br /><br />Having that small tear in my meniscus (<a href="http://indulgentmadness.blogspot.com/2012/11/heart-broken-and-stressing.html">see here</a>) I was worried that any slipping might cause my knee to twist. I decided to NOT run in the race.<br />
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HOWEVER, after the temps went up a bit, and hit 35*, I drove to the race site dressed and ready to run. On the way, I saw white frost and ice in all the shadows on the road. Living in Washington state, there are a lot of trees.....and a lot of shadows! I was a little concerned.<br /><br />At the race site, I found the start/finish balloons were still up. The beer garden was still open and the band was still playing. I walked to the start line and found a layer of ice and almost lost my footing. A race volunteer explained that yeah, it had been icy there all morning and reminded me to be careful. You can see how large the icy patch was in this photo.<br />
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The volunteer explained there was ice on the course, but most of it was on the south side of the roads, and very bad on 199th.<br /><br /><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>My goal for this race was to beat my 12:44 pace from 2012, and to run faster than 12:00 per mile. </b></span><br /><br />On the run, I did find a lot of ice and went from side to side of the streets to avoid the worst patches. As bad as the patch is in the photo below it was by far better than what was on the other side of the road!!<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I ran up to the finish line one of the volunteers that knew I went out to run my own race starting cheering for me and ran out to greet me with a high five. THAT was awesome!!</span></b><br /><br />Even though there were no other runners out there, I ran HARD for myself. I weigh 12 pounds more this year than I did last year, and it wasn't easy. My heart rate was up there in scary zones even though I felt better than I should have with it at 176-180 for a mile and a half! I had to trust on exertion and began paying real attention to how I felt. Still, I have my annual appointment with cardio on Tuesday.<br /><br /><b>Pace was 11:33 minutes per mile.</b><br /><br />Here I am with one of the race signs.<br /><br /></div>
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<br /><br />2012 pace - 12:44<br />
2013 pace - 10:32<br />
2014 pace - 11:33<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-91925777115461594272013-12-31T20:32:00.000-08:002014-01-05T23:58:23.748-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014!<br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wishing you and yours a Happy New Year!!!</span></b></div>
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My <span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>RUNNING GOALS</b></span> are simple for 2014. Here they are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Lose the weight I gained in 2013, so I can run more efficiently. </li>
<li>Run the Resolution Run faster than 2012 (and faster than a 12:00 pace)</li>
<li>Complete the Tough Mudder Run in April (Norcal)</li>
<li>Complete the Rum Run 10K in May</li>
<li>Complete (run/walk) the Vancouver HM in June</li>
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My <span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>FITNESS GOALS</b></span> are</div>
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<li>Be able to do 25 chest to ground pushups</li>
<li>Be able to do at least one true pull-up/chin-up</li>
<li>Weigh 154 </li>
<li>Run 6 miles without getting heart rate to 178</li>
<li>Get body fat down to 31%</li>
<li>Run a 5K with a pace of 10:28 or better</li>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-41235995786568443942013-12-30T16:58:00.002-08:002013-12-30T16:58:57.778-08:002013: A year of BIG Dreams and HUGE setbacksIn 2012, I met 7 of my 10 goals.<br />
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In 2013, I met 2 of my 17 goals.<br />
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The difference was my career change. And what a change it was!!! I went from a Monday-Friday 40 hour job in an office cubicle, to a 60-73 hours a week job as a railroad conductor.<br />
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I worked that job March through September and had to cancel most of my races. A few were kind enough to transfer my registration to 2014 races. After that I had been diagnosed with a large complex cyst and told to NOT RUN for 4 weeks. That didn't help either.<br /><br />I gained 10 pounds since last New Years, and a total of17 pounds since my Half Marathon in October 2012 (14 months ago).<br />
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But - this year was the most rewarding year career wise, I have ever had. Even though I had to quit due to medical limitations, and suffered depression for months after, I would still do it all over again. I loved every day I worked on the railroad and that is NOT an exageration. There were days I was tired, and even a bit stressed. But I still smiled EVERY day at work. Not many people can say they ever had a job like that.<br /><br />I will regain my fitness. It's all good.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-340920522441342512013-11-17T21:14:00.001-08:002013-11-17T21:14:47.325-08:00Galloway Method to the RescueI had an ultrasound this week and the doctor said the golfball sized bloodfilled cyst I had that was causing a lot of pain had 'resolved itself' and then released me from my ban on high impact activities.<br /><br />My first test run (of just 3 miles) went decently. No cramping at all. Of course, I was rather dismayed at how slow and hard that three miles went. Fitness levels have plummeted and made worse with a 10 pound gain.<br /><br />Last night I read a woman's post on Facebook. She said that she had been having problems running long distances until she started using a Galloway technique. Of all the steps in that method, she chose to alternated 9 minutes of running with 1 minute of walking. This is kind of a turn off to me as I ran the entire distance of the half marathon last year. The idea of walking any part of a goal is kind of like admitting defeat in my mind. I asked the woman and some others about that and they said that it is actually very little of the whole, and eventually, you start going 11 minutes to 1 or 15 minutes to 1. You might find yourself doing the whole distance again without walks.<br /><br />So, I tried it - and I worried - expecting a horrid heart breaking pace.<br /><br />It was a cold and windy overcast day - 54 degrees is cold when wearing shorts and a thin shirt. In fact, it is downright chilly after a sweaty run when the breezes blow on your damp overheated skin.<br /><br />I ran the first three miles stopping only at a stop light.<div>
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Then, I walked 1 minute VERY slowly. I know it is supposed to be a brisk walk, but I went slow to get my heart rate way down; to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage; and to minimize the actual distance walked overall.<br /><br />Then, I ran for 9 minutes and found myself feeling rather refreshed. In fact, I was surprised the 9 minutes occured so quickly on two of the cycles.</div>
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I ran up all the hills. Even the nasty 52 foot elevation climb up over the freeway on a footbridge that was only 1/5th of a mile long. Both ways. That is STEEP.<br /><br />My overall pace INCLUDING the walking was 12:28 minutes per mile. NOT impressive by any means. But, still better than paces I was running my first six months competing in 3 mile races. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-84989918823238053322013-10-18T15:32:00.001-07:002013-10-18T15:32:06.615-07:00Update on Medical IssuesHad another blood test. That is three now in 8 days with elevated liver enzymes. Doctor ordered a liver and gall bladder ultrasound for first thing Monday morning.<br />
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The sad thing....I am <u>not</u> stressing the liver. I am <u>not</u> stressing the neurology exploration for my double vision.<br />
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I <u>am</u> stressing the pain I experienced from last Friday through Tuesday. I still get an occasional spasm (like when I sneeze) and I felt it today when running a normal gait with each footfall impact on the ground (and I stopped THAT right away!).<br />
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I am angry. I am livid.<br />
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The ER doctor told me my GYN should go in and take a look as he suspected adhesions and thinks it also might be that my endometriosis is back. He also told me my golf ball sized cyst could be an issue.<br />
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Likewise, the intestinal doctor CANCELLED his appointment with me once he saw that cyst, citing that was most likely the cause. He said he is leaving it up to the GYN to fix and to call if that doesn't work.<br />
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WELL!!! I saw my GYN yesterday. She did not even do an exam. Seriously. She didn't even press on my lower groin area or anything. She told me she saw the ultrasound and that it wasn't that big a cyst. She wouldn't remove it. It is a 'blood filled' hemo something that is of no concern as they don't normally get larger or twist or burst or leak. She also said she is fairly certain that my groin pain is adhesion caused from my hysterectomy 3 years ago.<br />
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And her long term solution? "Focus on pain management. Let me know if you need any more percocet."<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">EXCUSE ME?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?</span></b></div>
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<b>I have to learn to live with that kind of pain? </b></div>
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<b>To rely on a drug filled with Tylenol when I have very elevated liver issues ALREADY?!?!? </b></div>
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I told her the ER doctor said she can probably go in and clean up the adhesions. She didn't seem to like that and let me know in no uncertain terms that it was a waste of (her) time because surgeries cause adhesions. Cleaning it is a surgery. She would just have to go back in, in another 3 years.<br />
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And???<br />
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She said to come back in a month. We will do a follow-up ultrasound. If it is growing, we will discuss further and if pain gets uncontrollable again, give her a call.<br />
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*banging head against the wall*<br />
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As a note: I am NOT a wimp. I had both babies born at home without meds. After my hysterectomy my doctor got on me for NOT taking pain meds. I ran 8 miles of my half marathon last year with a bad knee. I can handle pain. But not THIS type of pain. I am looking for another doctor.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-67370927546131222362013-10-13T13:49:00.001-07:002013-10-13T13:49:19.611-07:00Life Wins Round Two. No running today.Had a very rough night last night. I was feeling pain that wouldn't go away the last two days. Became a constant dull ache in the lower abdomen/groin area Friday morning, carried over to Saturday morning when I was woken by stabbing spasms there in the lower abdomen. The pain radiated both back and front. Walking (even gently) caused a slight groin pain with each foot fall. Standing from a seating position to a full upright position caused a pulling pain. Sitting down caused pain. <br /><br />By the end of the day the stabbing pains were coming between every 5 minutes to as long as an hour apart for many hours, but <b><i>were getting </i></b><i><b>more intense</b></i>. At 1:30 am it was more intense than labor for my two children at home was. How do I know that? Because when everything went 'white', for the first time in my life I literally passed out in pain. Came to quickly off the floor and was just a mess. Tried to get to my phone and another spasm hit immediately. I almost passed out again. I fought it so hard and grabbed my bed. Broke out in a full blown hair dripping sweat. <b>Being home alone</b> and scared as heck, I called 911 and paramedics got there very quickly. I had never called an ambulance for myself. I never rode in one.<br />
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In the ambulance, they hooked up an EKG (I guess women exhibit heart issues with lower abdominal pain??) and told me to relax and breath deep. Per the machine, <b><span style="color: red;">my pulse was only 48</span></b>. They put an IV in. I was not happy.<br />
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However, at the hospital I was given a pain med through the IV (BURNED!) and I was happier. It took the constant ache down from a 5 to a 2 or 3. The spasms were brought down from 7's and 8's to 5's. Enough to catch your breath and breathe through it but not enough to break a sweat or feel sick.<br />
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At 3:15 am and at 4:30 am I was given very nasty red drinks. At 5:30am I was given my first CT scan through a big donut machine. It was okay except the stuff they put in the IV. He warned me that it will make me feel like I just peed and make my skin all tingly. I giggled when I had that 'just peed' sensation but when my skin became a creeping burning sensation on my upper chest I was worried. He said he forgot to mention it is like a hot flash on steroids.<br />
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Doctor told me that the CT scan showed no intestinal abnormalities or impactions. But he found a cyst that is '4.5 centimeters' on my remaining ovary. He said he suspects that is the culprit and ordered an ultra-sound. The ultrasound confirmed it to be <span style="color: red;"><b>a 'complex cyst' of 4.5 centimeters</b></span>. I guess cysts can cause a lot of pain in the abdomen even though inches away from the area. Something about nerve endings. Too tired to understand it all.<br />
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I thought 4.5 cm was small and he explained it is just 'a little smaller than a ping pong ball' and is considered large. He stated I need to call my GYN Monday morning and they will need to go in laparoscopically and look at it because of my endometriosis past, as well as to look for adhesions from my 2010 hysterectomy, and to insure the cyst itself is okay as complex ones are sometimes "bad guys". <br /><br />He also suggested a colonoscopy (NOOOOOO!!!) to insure the sites of where the pre-cancerous polyps were removed last year aren't scarred or developing adhesions.<br />
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He gave me a prescription for heavy narcotic pain killers. As a note - when I had my hysterectomy I was given 20 of the same type and my doctor called on day three post-op and was SHOCKED I had not taken a single pill since my first 24 hours home and then, I only took HALF doses when I did. I bet I have a jar of expired ones in my cabinet. Seriously, pain isn't something that normally kicks my butt as evidenced by my hysterectomy and my two natural births. Last night was SCARY.<br /><br />When they released me just before 8am I realized I had no ride home. Thank God they now take credit cards and I had grabbed my purse. Took a 2.5 hour nap and woke up with that dull ache. Dammit.<br /><br />NOT running my long run today.<br /><br />TMI below!!! Do not scroll down unless you <i><u>really</u></i> want to know more.<br />
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The dull ache feels like being very constipated and tenderness existed in my front groin area when touched. However, my bowel movements were absolutely normal and regular both days. No constipation or diarrhea at all. Urination was normal. I was able to pass gas here and then but it didn't help, didn't feel related and wasn't at all gasey. When the spasms occurred it felt like I was being broken inside much like when in labor. I would be resting and then cry out loud in sudden pain. The spasm pains are very short for the most part. They are just frequent and have now gone on for at least 28 hours.<br /><br />I hated waking up from my two hour nap when I got home and finding a spasm woke me and the pain was still there.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-90793337288212014762013-10-11T21:57:00.000-07:002013-10-11T21:57:10.707-07:00Still Running - Despite LifeI saw the neurologist about my double vision/esophoria yesterday. She first wanted to know why I put it off so long and I was honest - doctor visits stress me out and most issues resolve themselves without the stress. My routine 50 yr check up resulted in 7 or 8 pre-cancerous polyps being removed and know I fear lunch meat. (See what I mean???)<br /><br />The neurologist confirmed my double vision and ordered both a non-dye and a dye MRI of the brain, and a whole slew of blood work. This is just to rule out all the nasty things that 'could' cause sudden onset esophoria at the age of 50. There isn't any real concern. Just ruling things out.<br /><br />First thing this morning I got a call from the MRI department - they are getting me in Tuesday.<br /><br />Shortly after that I got a call from my general practioner doctor (who has had nothing to do with any of the double vision or lab work because this went from Opthamology to Neuroglogy). They said they were alerted to some of my lab results. The doctor would like me to come in at my earliest convenience. They had nothing Monday, Tuesday is my MRI's, Wednesday I am out of town so I am going in Thursday. I then asked, "WHY?" and was told the tests came back with elevated levels. I mentioned they were slightly elevated last year. They agreed but added this year they are above normal limits. Last year they weren't. Okay.<br /><br />This stressed me out so I went to go run the nerves off.<br /><br />Shortly into my run the neurologist called to tell me that my liver levels were off and to call my GP. I let them know I had already got a call from them and have an appointment in place. "Oh good!!"<br /><br />I did my run and it was odd. I was overly concerned about my health. Running too hard? Running too fast? Should I even be pushing this hard? Am I damaging something????<br /><br />Then tonight, I found my lab results online. YIKES!!!<br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ALT count - normal max is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">32</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. My count: </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;">104</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">AST count - normal max is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">36</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. My count: </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;">60</span></b><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bilirubin count - normal max is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1.0</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. My count is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red;">1.4</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><br />
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My brother told me he has always had elevated numbers but not like that. My last counts were just under the normal max. I went from 31 to 104 in one year.<br />
<br />
I still have more lab work that isn't in yet and that will take a few days.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This is why I don't do doctors!</b> </span>I went in for vision issues and come back with this scare.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">TRYING TO BE POSITIVE THOUGHT OF THE DAY: </span></b> <span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">5% of all healthy people have an abnormal ALT. Medical and mathematical statistics guarantee that. By definition, a "normal" test result range is the range that includes 95% of all healthy adults."</span></span><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-43430423506799956752013-09-24T20:30:00.006-07:002014-01-07T09:32:54.737-08:00Is Running What Caused My Double Vision?Click on these dates to look at my entries last year on <a href="http://indulgentmadness.blogspot.com/2012/06/volunteering-dehydration-paranoia-and.html" target="_blank">June 20th, and June 21st-22nd</a>.<br />
<br />
That weird burning pain on my head lasted many months on and off after that day. I would place ice packs on it and it barely took the heat off. Then, they disappeared. However, by then, my double vision worsened in the fall and now, is barely corrected with my prescription. After seeing three ophthalmologist, they all agreed - I have sudden adult onset Esophoria. This is typically caused by an incident such as injury or illness.<br />
<br />
Currently, I am waiting for a call from the Neurologist and just printed out my old blog entry and my Garmin run stats for June 20th for the doctor when I see them.<br />
<br />
Was that ocular migraine in May 2012 a precursor? I had never had one before and never had one after. Did I suffer some sort of stroke on June 20th? Was it a severer dehydration issue than the doctor assumed?<br />
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Should I not run hard or fast for awhile? Is it NOT related to my running?<br />
<br />
This waiting is hard.<br />
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And yes - I ran earlier today....and it felt great.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-52674027796251690062013-09-14T13:53:00.001-07:002013-09-14T13:53:21.079-07:00I'm Coming Baaaaack!!!!I followed my eye doctors recommendation and resigned from my dream job this morning. I have double vision and esophoria and it is aggravated with long hours, fatigue or stress.<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>I averaged 60 to 70 hours per week (excepting when marked off)</li>
<li>My work days were up to 11 hours 6 minutes long at times.</li>
<li>I was sometimes working until 1:30 am, after waking at 6am that morning.</li>
<li>Some of the jobs I worked were 3 day shifts that played havoc on sleep schedules</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This all resulted in my eye sight degrading.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
At times, my vision was sharp even when the glasses were clean. But at others, it was as if I were looking through glasses that had a thick layer of vaseline even though they were spotless. It wasn't safe to continue working in the railroad like that. Too many hours + esophoria = bad vision. </div>
<div>
<br />The PLUS side of my resignation is that <b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I get to start a running program again</span></b>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With all those hours I was working the last six months, it was getting harder and harder to run. Today I put in applications for work everywhere, hoping I get 20-40 hours a week with a good company and I look forward to hitting the road tomorrow morning.<br /><br />I need to.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-7003916789167646942013-08-16T16:08:00.001-07:002013-08-16T16:08:02.551-07:00August Doldrums This happened last year and is especially troubling this year with less hours to get/stay fit. My current obstacles are (in order of impact):<br />
<br />
1: <b>My new job:</b> I am on call and most of my shifts are 11 hours and some are 13 if you include drive time. If I am out running along the river and get a call, I only have two hours to drive home, shower, change, prep for the job, make arrangements with our dog sitter, and then get my butt over across the river and into the big city. Traffic alone sometimes takes an hour and fifteen minutes to get there. So - I don't run any where but around my home or the hotel now. I try and stay close. Also, days I can run are MUCH fewer. Maybe one or two days a weeks. I worked FIVE 11 hour days last week, had a day off that I used for cleaning, laundry, shopping with plans to run the next day (after all - it was a scheduled day off) but instead, I got called in to work AGAIN.<br /><br />2: <b>The time of day I can run and the weather:</b> I am pretty much limited now to mid-day runs when I <i>can</i> run. August mid-day in the PNW is warm and unbelievably muggy. Today, I felt like I was drowning and my heart rate monitor showed I was definitely over exerting in a cardiovascular sense. I had to stop SIX times!!! That is unheard of for me. Depressing.<br /><br />3: <b>Weight gain/loss of fitness:</b> I am still within 5 pounds of when I got hired by the railroad, BUT I have lost a lot of muscle and cardio fitness. Pants are tighter and runs are much harder. It is a cycle that feeds into itself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><u>HOPE!</u></b> </h2>
<br />I heard that in October I will have LOTS of time to run as being on call will have far less calls coming my way once all the crews are done with summer vacations and the weather is crappy enough no one lays off just to go have fun. So - it will be colder, wetter and darker....but I will be able to run again....if they are correct. Time will tell. I heard August would be better but it is proving worse.<br />
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<u><b><i>RUN TODAY:</i></b></u> 4.25 miles with a ton of hills. Pace? <span style="color: red;"><b>Snails were beating me</b></span>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-54701293035092111892013-07-23T22:03:00.002-07:002013-07-23T22:30:03.949-07:00My First Duathlon!Those who have been following my progress know that ever since I got hired by Amtrak that my running/training has been cut by over 66%. I have felt this in all my few runs with slower speeds and higher heart rates. Distance running has gone from happy 8 milers to hard 4 milers. But, I love my job and I heard that once my student status ends, and summer vacations are over, my hours will be much fewer and I will have more time for training again. Just hanging in there for now.<br />
<br />
I went into the<b> GIRLFRIENDS and DUDES DUATHLON</b> knowing that I was not fit and I told myself it would be okay if I had to walk some of the route. Yet, I can proudly say - I wasn't fast, but I finished without walking.<br />
<br />
Here is a quick summary of the race:<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><u>ARRIVED:</u></span></b><br />
<br />
It was a cold overcast morning which couldn't have pleased me any more than it did. I LOVE cold dry overcast days for races. It is my FAVORITE weather to run in.<br />
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The parking was adequate at the time I arrived. I took my bike and followed the crowds to the bike pen. There the volunteers were SO helpful and SO friendly. They helped me figure out everything I needed to know and did so with smiles.<br />
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<i>Here is a photo of my bike after I set up my station.</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7EM88AzbSg/Ue9Yh3RCCEI/AAAAAAAABoA/2HeJ_EYmC3w/s1600/fb_4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7EM88AzbSg/Ue9Yh3RCCEI/AAAAAAAABoA/2HeJ_EYmC3w/s320/fb_4788.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Here are some other bikes.</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNOV9MrGkOM/Ue9YtrBUnhI/AAAAAAAABoI/lcqPGrYT9pM/s1600/fb_4787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNOV9MrGkOM/Ue9YtrBUnhI/AAAAAAAABoI/lcqPGrYT9pM/s320/fb_4787.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The volunteers wrote my race number on the back of my left calve and my age on the right. I started watching right calves during the bike segment when that competitive mode kicked in. ;)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>THE FIRST RUN - "2" MILES - 19:02 official time</u>:</b> </span></span><br />
<br />
We got a late start. So late, I hadn't noticed my Garmin shut down and lost it's satellite reception. It was when I our small group of just 29 competitors began moving and I passed over the start mats that I realized it and started it all over again. It found reception faster than I thought it would, and it didn't seem to take too long, but I have no idea how much I 'really' missed distance wise.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My watch showed I ran 1.75 miles in 18:46 minutes with an <b><span style="color: red;">average pace of 10:42</span></b> which is FAST for me at this time. I was running much faster 6 months ago. It will come back.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The official race info says I ran 2.0 miles in 19:02 minutes with an average pace of 9:31. NEVER have I even run two miles at 9:31. Not even at my fittest last year so I am guessing the race distance was off a bit.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>Combining the info of my watch with the time recorded, the first leg was only 1.77 miles long</i>. </li>
</ul>
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Note - These people ran FAST! I had imagined the participants were going to be similar to those in your local 5k and 10k runs. They were NOT. These people were fit and fierce. Even though I ran my fastest in a long time, I was 4th from last place in this leg. Not used to being so close to the bottom.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here they all are pulling away from me! </i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8kzs4oRj-c/Ue9Y3AgUecI/AAAAAAAABoQ/oAs0i_VL9ic/s1600/fbIMG_4807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G8kzs4oRj-c/Ue9Y3AgUecI/AAAAAAAABoQ/oAs0i_VL9ic/s320/fbIMG_4807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><i>TRANSITION ONE</i> - 1 minute 56 seconds</b></span>: I ran in and found my bike easily. I took my time and drank some water, put on my helmet, then <i>walked</i> my bike out to the area for mounting. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><u><b><span style="color: red;">BIKE RIDE OF "18.5" MILES - 49 minutes and 2 seconds:</span></b></u> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">T</span>his was my favorite part of the race and it was with all the Duathlon <u><i>AND</i></u> Triathlon participants simultaneously. The adjustments I made to my seat helped SO much. Other thoughts:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<ul>
<li>Garmin says this was <span style="color: red;"><b>18.3 miles - pace = 15.05 miles per hour</b></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>There was a headwind for the longest straight part of the ride. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I couldn't get my water bottle to work with one hand so I went without fluids for that entire 49 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>At one point I realized I wasn't wearing my bike gloves and remembered I had stuffed them under my seat. I had to stop, step off my bike and (fortunately!) found them. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I DID notice I was passing people up. THAT was interesting. Yes, I was being passed by a lot of people but I was actually passing people. I went from being the bottom 14% in the running leg, to the bottom 27% in the bike leg. One younger woman who I had followed out and passed the last 5 miles told me I was "really strong" on my bike. I let her know she was "really strong" when she ran passed me later. lol</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>OH!!! I have to mention how AWESOME the participants were. I can't believe how many people were smiling at each other and encouraging others as we passed on our out-n-backs. Impressive! I of course gave out as many smiles and kudos as I could, too.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is me coming at the camera. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I noticed most others got angle shots. I hope I didn't scare him.</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSimh5eUvW4/Ue9f5_729RI/AAAAAAAABo4/YBOhf09D1Jc/s1600/fbbike115474-016-006f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qSimh5eUvW4/Ue9f5_729RI/AAAAAAAABo4/YBOhf09D1Jc/s320/fbbike115474-016-006f.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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My proudest part of this leg was that other than when I stopped to look under my seat, my legs kept pumping hard the entire time. I didn't know I had that in me.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><i>TRANSITION TWO - 2 minutes 13 seconds</i></b> :</span> When I stepped off my bike it felt like a muscle of tendon in my left butt cheek got pulled pretty hard and I cried out. Immediately an attendant rushed and asked if I was okay. I said yes, I was just really tight and would walk it off. The next attendant to see me asked if I was okay - coloring bad. Explained really thirsty (as I was downing my potassium drink). I took my time. No rush. Put my bike up. Took off the helmet. Ate some banana chips. Grabbed my water and WALKED to the start pads....took a deep breath and said, "Let's do it!" and ran out.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b><u>FINAL RUN - "3.1" MILES - 35:24 </u></b>: </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
My legs felt like lead and my feet felt like they were sinking into quicksand. People began passing me again. How on earth do they SPRINT after a ride like that? Then I looked at my watch and <b>I was still running faster than my normal speeds. HOW?! </b>Where did THAT come from? <span style="color: red;"><b>Official leg pace: 11:23</b></span> </div>
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No headphones or ear buds were allowed....I had my player in my arm band speaker side up playing loud enough to hear it. It really helped. But....why was there so many others with ear buds???? Hmmmm.</div>
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I felt exhausted and like this 5K would never ever end. When I got to a water table I had hoped it was the turn around. Nope. Grabbed a Gu and kept going. I was tempted to walk (like so many in front of me) but I got into a zone where I wanted to go until I couldn't. So I slowed a bit instead.</div>
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My heart rate was getting too high coming up the last hill/curve to the finish line. A young woman yelled, "This is it! Push! PUSH!!" so I sprinted.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Can you tell I was really happy to be going through that arch?</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmctRutEXF8/Ue9fo05gDyI/AAAAAAAABow/qRfTsa6fG54/s1600/FB+weirdo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kmctRutEXF8/Ue9fo05gDyI/AAAAAAAABow/qRfTsa6fG54/s320/FB+weirdo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My heart rate got to 183 for a few moments but dropped like a rock after and I didn't feel ill or dizzy. I felt pretty good considering.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>HOW I DID COMPARATIVELY</u></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></b>
2 mile Run results = at the <span style="color: red;"><b>14%</b></span> line of all 29 persons in the two mile run.<br />
Bike results = at the <span style="color: red;"><b>27%</b></span> line of all 178 females for the bike leg.<br />
5K results = at the <b><span style="color: red;">22%</span></b> line of all 178 females for the 5K leg.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is me immediately after finishing.</i></div>
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T<i>his is me as soon as I got home, posing with my bike in a dry hat. </i></div>
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<i>My running visor above was SOAKED</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-81292808349634363822013-06-18T13:09:00.002-07:002013-06-18T13:09:52.421-07:00Running Off KilterWorking for the railroad is challenging on your running schedule. VERY challenging. The hours are CRAZY and long. Plus as a student, I am studying a lot between my 5 to 6 trips a week. But mostly, it is the screwy hours that are causing my running problems.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I am working more hours each week than I was before</li>
<li>I am away from home during my off hours several days a week</li>
<li>I am sleeping through daylight hours more than ever before</li>
</ul>
<div>
The good news about the job is:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I am walking far more than before</li>
<li>I am walking stairs more than before</li>
<li>My upper body is getting fitter with railroading (lifting, climbing, etc)</li>
</ul>
<div>
My few daylight hours off are dedicated to spending time with my husband (because we rarely have the same hours off now!); getting my uniforms washed, dry cleaned and ironed; doing normal laundry; cleaning; shopping; chores; pets; recuperating from the hours; and the few hours for just ME seem to be now those minutes in bed when I read before going to sleep, or when I can actually take time in a hot shower. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
My runs now average between 3 to 5 miles each and are HARD. I actually <i><u>pray</u></i> for red lights at intersections now!!! That is HORRID. I used to pray for greens so my runs wouldn't be interrupted. Also, now even the slightest variations in the level of the route feels like mountains and on one route (on a work layover in Spokane) I often have to stop after these little hills to get my heart rate back down. Of course, the summer heat isn't helping either. Those high heart rates are also a part of hydration issues. I do bring water now on every run, no matter how short and it helps.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am <b><u>not</u></b> hydrating like I used to.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">HYDRATION IS IMPORTANT!!! </span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, when you are working on a train and are not given any actual "breaks", you have to take what you can (sometimes in just a spare minute or two) and you <b>don't want to have to pee during those long hours</b>. In fact, what most people don't realize is that a conductor is CONSTANTLY working - even on the 10 hour runs. You are not only loading and unloading passengers and baggage, you are walking the train, assisting people, listening to the radio, watching mileposts and communicating to the engineer. If you miss a transmission or mile marker, very bad things could happen. Things that could result in deaths at worst, or your being fired, or just making for issues you don't need.<br />
<br />
Today, it frustrated me to feel so miserable running just 3 miles. I then ran/walked an additional mile. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have a DUATHLON coming up just NEXT month. I fear that I will be in last place, as I am NOT fit enough to do this without walking or stopping on the jogging portions (let alone adding a 12,5 mile bike ride between the two 5K's). But, <b><span style="color: red;">I AM GOING TO DO IT</span></b>. Even if I have to crawl. :)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-28902786010345789092013-05-13T16:38:00.004-07:002013-05-13T16:38:47.092-07:00HUGE HUGE CHANGES!!!My race plans for the year were tossed out the window. It was painful, but....I was offered a job to be a railroad conductor. A job I have dreamed about since I was a very young child. I couldn't turn it down.<br /><br />There was 8 weeks of classes in a town in north Delaware. The homework was CRAZY and I literally studied most weekdays from 6am until maybe 9pm (including class time). I tried to squeeze in 6 to 9 miles a week. It was a challenge to do so. I am still running just 6 to 9 miles a week with the training schedule here.<br /><br />It was lonely running those 8 weeks in Delaware. The trail near the hotel was asphalt and wrapped around a small lake. In my 8 weeks there, I saw maybe 4 others running it. TOTAL. No repeats. Also, no cyclists other than one I met at a intersection. She was on her way to work at Performance Bikes and explained the area there isn't very fit conscious. People who buy bikes typically buy cruisers for the shore areas.<br /><br />My first day back at home (May 4th) I went and ran 3 miles on my favorite trail here. There was more runners at the Padden/Andressen intersection in ONE signal, than I saw in my 8 weeks back east. Lots of waves and smiles from runners, walkers and cyclists. It was so good to be home.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">My job is amazing. Hard, but amazing. Unfortunately, I work weekend mornings now. </span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">They don't offer many races on weekdays. </span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: red;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XGn136zMA/UZF5T_nGPCI/AAAAAAAABkM/XsPZZvArXuY/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W2XGn136zMA/UZF5T_nGPCI/AAAAAAAABkM/XsPZZvArXuY/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
</span></b><br />
<br />
I did get told I could have a weekend off in the next few months so I chose a Duathlon weekend in July. I hope I will be ready for it. You see, I am now a 5K runner all over again. I lost a lot of cardio fitness, although my legs and hips are stronger than ever.<br /><br />Trust me - walking the full length of a moving and rocking two level train throughout 7 plus hours builds strength!<br />
<br />
Next weekend I am going to a one time temporary two week training schedule that will KILL my running times. I will be in Seattle working 6pm - 6 am shifts. Knowing me, running after that shift won't be likely. :(<br /><br />Good news is some bad news. I might be furloughed (temporarily laid off) around the first week of July through mid August. That would be ideal for my duathlon training and to regain my fitness. It will just really hurt the purse strings.<br /><br />Still, it is all worth it. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbmzmAZuhGw/UZF4xsw9_ZI/AAAAAAAABkE/wkkvkcIHQ4g/s1600/283901_600959579916749_1423662192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbmzmAZuhGw/UZF4xsw9_ZI/AAAAAAAABkE/wkkvkcIHQ4g/s320/283901_600959579916749_1423662192_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-43117686965451646792013-01-07T18:35:00.002-08:002013-01-07T18:35:36.148-08:001st race of 2013 - Woohoo!It is a little 5K in Battle Ground, Washington put on by <a href="http://www.getboldevents.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Get Bold Events</span></b></a>, appropriately named the <b>RESOLUTION RUN</b>.<br />
<br />
Weather was PERFECT for me since I always run hot - 38 degrees and dry. Overcast. No fog. In fact, I was stripped down to just this thin T-shirt and carried my vest as other finished in the layers they started in. I can't do that. I get too hot. Must be all that extra insulation I have that they don't have.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I took 5 minutes and 15 seconds off my time from last years race!!! </span></b><br />
<br />
That made me very happy.<br />
<br />
Funny, as I was only 4th place in my age group (50-54) of 13 women and it wasn't my fastest 5K pace to date. But, compared to this time last year, that is a HUGE difference and I am <u><b>very</b></u> proud.<br />
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxE5xYU2F5I/UOuE-F0PK3I/AAAAAAAABcQ/i3MZM2C5fGk/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxE5xYU2F5I/UOuE-F0PK3I/AAAAAAAABcQ/i3MZM2C5fGk/s320/blog1.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><b>DISTANCE:</b> 3.09 miles<br />
<b>TIME:</b> 32:47 minutes.<br />
<b>PACE:</b> 10:35 minutes per mile<br />
<b>WEIGHT:</b> 166.8 (yes, I gained 8 since October)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-3930229739297177962013-01-05T10:30:00.001-08:002013-01-05T10:30:54.094-08:0026.2 Ways You Know You Are A Runner<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">For all those people who know the true meaning of the number 26.2</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">1. You know how many miles there are in a marathon.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">2. Your weekly mileage is how much you run, not your commute to work.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">3. You know how many miles you get out of a pair of running shoes.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">4. You can convert Kilometers to Miles in your head.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">5. You measure your running route in your car to get the exact mileage.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">6. When someone tells you their age, you automatically know their Boston qualifying time.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">7. You know Grandma's as the route from Two Harbors to Duluth, not the person.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">8. You can drink, blow your nose and pee on the run.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">9. The problem with the treadmill is there's no place to spit.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">10. You have less than ten toenails and that's normal for you.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">11. Body Glide is your friend. (IMPORTANT for Clydesdale's!!)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">12. Ibuprofen is affectionately known as "Vitamin I". </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">13. Navigating walkers, dogs and baby strollers annoys you because it interrupts your pace.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">14. When you participate in an organized event, you know not to run in your race t-shirt.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">15. You have a favorite energy gel and flavor.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">16. The "Picasso" above your fireplace is last year's TCM poster.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">17. You have pre and post race rituals.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">18. The journal you keep is in miles and pace not feelings or thoughts.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">19. When you look at the weather conditions, you calculate how many layers to wear.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">20. The pride you feel after a good run is worth the pain it took to get there.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">21. You have more t-shirts than you could possibly wear.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">22. When you hear the word "bib", you think of race numbers not babies and Gerber food.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">23. The "no carbohydrate diet" does not apply to you.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">24. You know that Fartlek is not vulgar terminology.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">25. A hill is an opportunity just waiting to be challenged.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">26. You know the phrase "you're almost there" only applies when the finish line is in sight.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">.2 Your vacation destination is determined by your race schedule.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"...a marathon is twenty miles of hope, six miles of truth...."</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">anonymous??</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-80498176477237281912013-01-01T15:58:00.007-08:002013-01-01T15:59:42.736-08:00Happy New Year!2012 was fun and I did a lot of things I never thought possible. Trying to come up with a practical list of goals and hopes for 2013 wasn't easy.<br />
<br />
Here they are: <a href="http://indulgentmadness.blogspot.com/p/2013-goals.html" target="_blank">My 2013 Goals and Hopes</a><br />
<br />
Note that I added not one but THREE half marathons for next year and added not just my first, but my first and second Duathlon's.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Why three half marathons? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am doing it for the shirt!</span></b></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBvuN4briWE/UON2iN8knxI/AAAAAAAABbU/ZIy0_kanDds/s1600/pic109-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iBvuN4briWE/UON2iN8knxI/AAAAAAAABbU/ZIy0_kanDds/s320/pic109-detail.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Other goals this year are to run about the same miles as this year, but to add 500 miles of cycling. I was told that cycling will help me with my hip strength and alignment. Things I need to combat my knee issues.<br />
<br />
If all goes as planned, I will be adding another tattoo next year, after I finish my first Duathlon. I might just add to the existing one. I might add a new one altogether. We'll see. First, I must finish one. The one in April looks very daunting and I truly fear I bit off more than I can realistically chew.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Albeit I am daunted by starting over, </b><br />
<b>I am excited with this clean slate that is 2013. </b></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVdOWD3XGo/UON3-pCnlhI/AAAAAAAABbw/KQ8xTnsEq6U/s1600/new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVdOWD3XGo/UON3-pCnlhI/AAAAAAAABbw/KQ8xTnsEq6U/s320/new.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-23173149658509507542012-12-30T17:24:00.001-08:002012-12-30T17:24:15.360-08:002012 Was A Good Year<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
2012 was a busy year. I learned and experienced a lot of
neat things. I learned words I had never heard before and I did things I had
only ever dreamed of doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>NEW WORDS I LEARNED IN 2012:</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">Fartleks</span></b> (speed bursts/intervals in a run)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">800’s</span></b> (an interval of 2 laps around a track)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b></span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">IT band</span></b> (that awful hindrance on the outer leg
that causes knee pain)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Graston</b></span> (very painful but rewarding physical
therapy massage)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">DOMS</span></b> (aka Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – pain 2
days after a run)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">Snot Rocket</span></b> (how to blow your nose while running
without tissue)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Periformis Syndrome</b></span> (a real pain in the
ass)</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: red;">Meniscus</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>THE 12 RACES I RAN IN 2012:</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">01/01/2012: Randy Earhardt Memorial Run
(sunrise) – 5K</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->01/08/2012: Resolution Run – 5K</span></div>
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</span><!--[endif]-->03/18/2012: Shamrock Run – 5K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->05/27/2012: Rum Run – 10K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->06/10/2012: Run Like A Girl – 5K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->06/23/2012: Solstice Run – 6 miles</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->07/22/2012: Harvest Days – 8K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->08/19/2012: Every Girls – 5K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->09/29/2012: Color Run – 5K</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->10/14/2012: Girlfriends – Half Marathon</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> 11/17/12: Chicks Psuedo Fat Ass Relay - 4.3K *</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->11/25/2012: Hot Buttered Run – 15K</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* </span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* * <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was signed up to run a full leg but due to injury, I ran a partial leg and drove a relay van</span>.</i></span></div>
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<o:p><b><u>RACES I VOLUNTEERED AT IN 2012:</u></b></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Vancouver USA Marathon </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Every Girls Half Marathon</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">North County Wine Run</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #45818e;">Girlfriends Half Marathon (day prior to the race)</span></li>
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<o:p><b><u><br /></u></b></o:p></div>
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<b><u>2012 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS THAT I KEPT:</u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">1: </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;">Complete the Get Fit Live Fit 20 Week Course.</span><span style="color: red;"> <b>Not only did I finish it, I signed up for
and completed the summer course as well!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">2: </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> Weigh 169 by Valentine’s Day. </span><b><span style="color: red;">Done!</span></b> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">3:
Run a 5K with a sub 11 pace. </span><b><span style="color: red;">Done!</span></b>
<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">4: Run
a 10K race. </span><b><span style="color: red;">Done!</span><span style="color: #333333;"> </span></b></span><span style="background: white; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5</span><span style="background: white; color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To run at least 50% of the
Girlfriends Half Marathon: <span style="color: red;"><b>Done!</b> </span></span></span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: red;">Ran most of it and due to injury had to race-walk just
under a quarter mile of it.</span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">6: </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #333333;"> Lose enough inches in my hips to fit into a
Woman’s Brooks Running Jacket. </span><b><span style="color: red;">Done!</span><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">7:</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #333333;"> Run 500 Miles. </span><b><span style="color: red;">Done! I ran 601.35 miles. </span><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><b style="color: #333333;"><u>OVERALL:</u></b><br />
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Running in 2012 kept me sane during some very crazy and challenging times. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;">But
it was sometimes an added stressor in itself.
My ultimate goal for the year was the Half Marathon. I had run a
beautiful and fast 12 miler just two weeks prior and then on race day I struggled
in pain from mile 5 on just to finish it. That was both a source of pride, and
disappointment. I made it, but it wasn't what it could have been if I hadn't had an injury.</span><br />
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The October MRI results showed ‘fissuring’ of the cartilage behind the right
knee cap and a ‘slight tearing’ of the lateral right meniscus. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #333333;">The Sports Doctor prescribed
a fancy knee brace which resulted in tearing the skin off my upper thigh in two
places. The scars are still red and angry over a month later. So, I tape the heck out of my knee and focus
really hard on not letting my knee turn inward when I run. No more cutting and
dodging through runners at races, and I walk on tight turns now.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Weight
was an issue for me. I lost a lot of inches, but I ended the year still
overweight and fluffy. Jiggly. The problem with running is that it is too easy to make excuses for
that extra helping now. I still need to work on that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have learned a lot about myself, my weaknesses, and my strengths this year and I will be posting my 2013 Goals in a few days. HAPPY NEW YEARS, EVERYONE!!</span></span></div>
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<b><u>Photos from 2012 races</u></b></div>
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Me *after* the Color Run</div>
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Solstice Run </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(made the podium!)</span></div>
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Every Girls Run</div>
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Run Like A Girl</div>
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Me and the Captain at the RUM RUN!</div>
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Herd Of Turtles relay team<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I am third from the left)</span></div>
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Me and Christine at our first Half Marathon</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-23294443136227003752012-12-21T18:11:00.002-08:002012-12-21T18:11:42.547-08:00Holiday BlahsNot getting enough miles in this time of year, especially this week.<br /><br />Eating too much - holiday food, celebration food, stress eating etc.<br />
<br />
Rain, rain and more rain.<br />
<br />
Motivation is low - but I have a LOT of goals for next year.<br />
<br />
I did so well this year in meeting my resolutions (<span style="color: red;"><b>8 of 10 accomplished this year!</b></span>) that I hope to do just as well next year. And to add a challenge, I made my goals even bigger for 2013. MUCH bigger.<br />
<br />
More to come on that. ;)<br /><br />Hoping I will get out and get some real miles in tomorrow before or after our family plans.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend.<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078131688514412045.post-6624874761272811902012-11-30T20:47:00.001-08:002012-11-30T20:47:56.365-08:00It's Coming Back!Today I decided to try my favorite 4 mile route here. It has some challenges to it and I just wanted to see how I would do on it.<br /><br />The first few steps resulted in pain on the outside of my right knee. More than any other time since the October 14th inflammation/injury. I told myself to just try until it affected my gait and hoped like crazy it was just my IT Band flaring up and <u><i>not</i></u> the lateral meniscus!!!<br /><br />At a quarter mile it was easing up. At half a mile, my knee was a non-issue and I was off! At .62 mile I was warmed up and rolling up my rain jacket's sleeves. And off I went!<br /><br />I took the pedestrian bridge up over the 205 Freeway just like old days. It is the second most steep incline that I use for hill and it wasn't as bad as I expected. I didn't need to stop at the top to catch my breath. I turned around and headed back.<br />
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It never felt like I was going fast. There was not one, but TWO times that I had a <span style="color: red;"><b>runner's high</b></span> moment. I was there in my day-glow clothing, running in the rain giggling and smiling. At one point I was fist pumping and quickly learned the importance of insuring your fist isn't any where near the earbud cord. OUCH! LOL!<br /><br />When I got home and downloaded my stats I found that I beat ALL my prior workouts (over several months worth) on that exact 4 mile route. WOW!!! I checked the GPS data to insure it didn't add miles (with elevation spikes or weirdness) and it didn't. That was a clean tracking on the map.<br />
<br />
YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!<br />
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Those hills didn't slow me down today and hours later, I still feel great.<br /><br />This appears to be one of those freak runs that make it all so worth while. I'll take it. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0