Saturday, January 27, 2018

What a January...Happy to be Back at It

Starting January 2018 with a cold for 2 weeks, diagnosis of pneumonia, and then getting a conditional stamp of healthy approval - well - that's a bit exciting eh? I am getting the follow-up tests in a few weeks and then I hope everything will settle into the Half Marathon training routine.

Watch out, Kalamazoo - I may be slow, but I will be running that Half Marathon in May!

In other news, I tried out my Koala Clip and it is delightful! I now can carry my phone, which makes my family so happy, and not be constantly in fear of losing it or having it make my run uncomfortable. If you are looking for a way to carry your phone and run, try it!

Monday, I purchased Saucony Guides and Brooks Adrenaline. I finally acknowledged that I am indeed a size 8 and life is much better. My shoes, I hope, will wear a bit more evening. I have not worn Sauconys since 1998. I am still not sure if they will stay with me, but I am giving them a few more runs, before I make that decision. The running store has a good return policy, which is the only reason I still have them! Maybe I have just really adjusted to the Brooks feel?

Only a few more days in January remain and I managed more posts than I predicted this month. Go me!

Besides the health and lack of running, 2018 is going quite well. I will get some news in March and mid-April, which will give me an idea of how busy June and July will be. Meanwhile, I pulled out a puzzle and, since it is a tough one I started in December 2016, I am taking great delight in any piece that appears to fit properly. I usually do the border and then fill in the inside pieces. For this one, we put the border together wrong and, since I am now doing it on my own, well, I am making my own rules.

I am doing my first long run of the training cycle today. It is not overly long, but I am excited and yes a bit nervous. This is typical of me, but others have the same reaction. It is always good to hear, yes?!

Happy Saturday!

Monday, January 15, 2018

Getting back to it...slowly

After completing the strength workout Thursday and getting the pneumonia news Friday, I did not do much but sleep, rest, and eat this weekend.

I could that I was starting to feel better yesterday, when the urge to "do something" besides huddle under blankets hit.

Today, I did some foam rolling, shoveled the 2 inches of snow off my sidewalks/driveway, got the mail, and did some necessary stuff. I am still not 100%, but I can tell the medications are working. Now, to balance getting the rest and to finish what I must at work without a setback is the trick. This medication - although it takes longer - is preferable to the Z-pac for me. Then again, I hope not to ever get pneumonia after this bout. I could be dreaming, but we can always think positive right?

I also setup my first puzzle since moving in the house in April. Puzzles are my go-to. This one is a challenge and it did not surprise me at all, when I was ready to be done and under blankets after a short time. Today, I pushed it a bit on the physical side, but I felt it was the right choice given the circumstances. I also discovered that having a water bottle when you are shoveling is rather nice. I might have to make that a habit rather than a "you are not 100% and this could make it easier" trick.

As for the May half marathon, I running it "no watch me" for sure. My entire goal is to cross the finish line with a smile. Beyond that, I am going to focus on getting healthy, finding my Believe Journal, and meeting the deadlines that I must.

Happy Monday - I hope you got enjoy an extra day off, but if not I have been in that situation as well.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Ok 2018, let's make a deal going forward.

Yesterday, I learned that I have pneumonia in both my lungs. Yep - you heard that properly, pneumonia again. It is just 2 months after I got it post-Indianaoplis Half Marathon. Somehow the communication lines were scrambled, but I did get started on the medication last night.

I could rant, complain, and demand a restart to 2018. The thought has not been far from my mind, particularly since I was really not happy with how I was feeling and my motivation to do anything besides what I needed to do was gone. Or I can acknowledge that my immune system was just ready to get sick and my body jumps to pneumonia easily.

So how exactly does this fit into my plans for 2018? It is not what I hoped at all, but May 6th is far away. I can get to that starting line healthy. It might not be the best half marathon ever, but overall I have been healthier in recent months (despite the pneumonia) than in my previous years. My goal is just to do as much strength training and cross-training as I can, while focusing on getting this pneumonia out of my system.

We all have challenges and after this phase passes, I will do my best to make the rest of 2018 the healthiest year it can be!

Happy Weekend!

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Weekend Warriors - Recap of the first week in 2018

Hi All,

I flew back to my current abode and was met with single digit weather and a negative windchill. I was not prepared and I had to get 4 inches of snow off my windshield before I could drive away safely. What did I learn? Always pack a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf. It would not hurt to keep a winter coat available, but a in between layer along with lots of other layers and the accessories mentioned above will work. My fingertips on my right are still debating whether or not to forgive me, but they get a bit more congenial each day.

For many years, the term "weekend warrior" is one I associated with a bunch of different people but not runners or people, who occasionally have to work on weekends. So - on that note - I am fighting a a cold, which started last week but is slowly improving, and I am likely to be working a few weekends and having some long days in the upcoming weeks. Upcoming deadlines = lots must be accomplished in a short time.

Speaking of time, at one point I enjoyed the Pink Panther Music. That is, until I heard if for close to 70+ minutes without connect with a human yesterday. I finally put on my thinking cap (remember, I have cold and everything takes longer!) and decided to call a local place, who has never let me down. I got my question answered and I was quite clear with my displeasure on a survey, the place with the pink panther music asked me to complete. Note - I know natural disasters, electrical outages, etc take time to fix and that priority is given to those who need it most. My request is simple. Take my name and number and return my call when you can. Just please do not put me on hold for 70+ minutes. This is not the only time I have tangled with this group, but I am done with it.

I am so hoping that idea of running and shoveling my drive will appeal soon. Oh yeah, an appetite for anything besides cranberry juice, beef bone broth, or easy to make non-fussy stuff would also be delightful.

I am thankful that I am usually healthy today. If you read this, kudos to you for all the miles, weights, cross-training, and more you got done today. I cannot wait to rejoin you!

Happy Thursday!