Hey Everyone!
Wow - Thanksgiving is past, which kicks off my favorite time of the year, and now a feww weeks before the next holidays remain.
Before talking about Thanksgiving, though, I am so pleased I got to meet Anna Weber and so mnay fun people (Tara, Jessica, Emily, and more) before running the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon. I was not feeling the best and so my inclination/drive/will to meet anyone new was at an all time low. I am so glad I did, though, and it is delightful to hear that Anna is back to running!
Post-Half Marathon, I got a "little bit of pneumonia" and I was almost recovered by the Saturday and Sunday before Thanksgiving. How did I know this? Simple - going shopping and working on projects was not "fatigue inducing" and instead it sounded exciting.
My family began to arrive on Sunday and the weekend kicked off with a "surprise" party of 18 people including me. Yeah, I was so surprised it took me nearly 45 minutes to warm-up and be hospitable. It did not help that I forgot to eat (bad me). We had so much fun that I think doing this yearly (sans Surprise factor) might happen.
Thanksgiving - 38 people - it was smaller than usual but fun.
Friday - we visited family friends and popped in at the "second pop-up" party of the holiday.
Saturday (aka Christmas for this crew) - brunch, football game watching, and the great gift exchange, which I quit doing because I enjoy watching the antics rather than trying to figure out a good gift and what I should steal or open from the table.
All-in-all, it was one of the best holidays I have had in many years and it was so nice to hangout with my immediate family and extended family members.
Happy Sunday!
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Looking for a Window - Yep, I am feeling better
Hi All,
It is late and I will keep this short. I found out, just a week shy after completing my half marathon, that I had "a little bit of pneumonia" in my lungs. Thankfully, I had a new and observant doctor, who discovered this on a chest xray, when I told her of a sore spot on my left rib cage area. I was not coughing much, but breathing was not so fun.
I took the Zpac - starting a week ago - and suddenly, I started feeling better. Am I still tired? Yes - it is improving, although mornings are not fun. Also - I figured out how to counteract the Zpac side affects by taking lots of Pepto Bismal. This is the least awful experience I have had with that medication, but I could pass on taking it anytime in the near future, thanks!
Ironically, the same day that I saw my doctor (a week ago today), I learned that an opportunity I was thinking would be great was closed completely. Professionally, this was hard to take, especially since it was my first attempt. So today I settled on an alternative plan and got in some good work towards fixing the issue. Am I scared? Yes. Do I think my "window" will solve all the problems? No. As a person who does better with a goal, though, I am pleased with the progress I made and, most importantly, that I am feeling more like me.
To all those who dealt with whiney, grouchy, dark, and sleepy me; thanks for hanging in there and remembering that things are really bad, when I hit that stage. Seriously - make me go to the doctor, because that is so not me!
Also - the first of my many "prepare for Thanksgiving holiday" things arrived yesterday. I am so excited to be hosting folks and my immediate family will all be staying with me. Yes, this does mean that I will panic about not having it perfectly ready, but they are troopers. If I am healthy and ready to explore, complaints will not be uttered.
Happy Thursday, All!
It is late and I will keep this short. I found out, just a week shy after completing my half marathon, that I had "a little bit of pneumonia" in my lungs. Thankfully, I had a new and observant doctor, who discovered this on a chest xray, when I told her of a sore spot on my left rib cage area. I was not coughing much, but breathing was not so fun.
I took the Zpac - starting a week ago - and suddenly, I started feeling better. Am I still tired? Yes - it is improving, although mornings are not fun. Also - I figured out how to counteract the Zpac side affects by taking lots of Pepto Bismal. This is the least awful experience I have had with that medication, but I could pass on taking it anytime in the near future, thanks!
Ironically, the same day that I saw my doctor (a week ago today), I learned that an opportunity I was thinking would be great was closed completely. Professionally, this was hard to take, especially since it was my first attempt. So today I settled on an alternative plan and got in some good work towards fixing the issue. Am I scared? Yes. Do I think my "window" will solve all the problems? No. As a person who does better with a goal, though, I am pleased with the progress I made and, most importantly, that I am feeling more like me.
To all those who dealt with whiney, grouchy, dark, and sleepy me; thanks for hanging in there and remembering that things are really bad, when I hit that stage. Seriously - make me go to the doctor, because that is so not me!
Also - the first of my many "prepare for Thanksgiving holiday" things arrived yesterday. I am so excited to be hosting folks and my immediate family will all be staying with me. Yes, this does mean that I will panic about not having it perfectly ready, but they are troopers. If I am healthy and ready to explore, complaints will not be uttered.
Happy Thursday, All!
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon Recap: Running 4 Real Meet Up!!!
On Thursday, November 2nd, I left work early (shocker, I know!) and I drove down to my half marathon destination. I got my packet, checked in at my Air BnB, and started prepping for the race.
On Friday, I did my shake-out run, got some food, stretched - lots, got my race gear ready, and then met a group (new to me) for lunch. It was fun and then I walked around the expo with several others. I found a spikey ball (yes, it has a real name, but I think that one works) and my lovely muscles rejoiced!
Then, I got to meet Tina Muir, who I started following in 2014, for the first time along with some of the Superstars. It was by far the highlight of my weekend. Tina is personable, kind, and even allowed me to purchase a Running 4 Real vest. I added it as a layer to my race gear for the following day. Without it, I would have been a bit miserable.
Below are my 10k stats (previous week) and my race outfit for the half marathon:
My pre-race fueling was simple peanut bread on a piece of bread and then some additional pieces of bread. 3 total of wheat bread, I think, and then lots and lots of water. I debated about the peanut butter, but I had not fueled enough the previous week and felt it close to mile 6.
Fueling - I used Cliff Bar fruit roll-up things. After starting to train with them and eating them in April, I am over them. No more, no more will I eat this. I will find something else for the next round.
Start - mile 10: I went a out a bit slower than I probably needed, but I was determined to not go out overly fast. I also got to speak with two first time half marathoners and I coaxed/pushed one along a bit at mile 10. Overall, I hit most of the water stations, actually ran the tangents (this means your overall distance is close to the course distance!), and only had a few spots where I was not thrilled to be surrounded by people making running the pace I wanted tricky.
Mile 10 (go time!): I had started picking up my pace a bit, but then this person, who looked familar, just stopped and started walking. This was so me two years ago, under different conditions, and I said something to her, only because we had chatted for a bit at the beginning. I basically said, "Don't give up on yourself. You have a 5k to go. You can do this." I ended up leaving her in a pack of folks and I just hope she ended up finishing the race running with a smile or at least sense of satisfaction.
Then - until the end - I was trying to pick up the pace. Overall, it went ok, but I cannot say that I loved this half marathon. It was pretty flat, but it also had tons of turns and lots of people. I would do it again, but I am going to see what next Fall looks like before determining what to do.
In many ways this was my redemption or come back race. Yes, I did it in 2:20:16, which is much faster than my previous half marathon 2 years ago. My coach, training, family, and the Running 4 Real grow are all major contributors.
I won't say I enjoyed the half, but I got closer than I ever have to finishing and saying, "hmm...when should I do my next!" Like the 5k, the distance is easier to handle if you train properly.
On Friday, I did my shake-out run, got some food, stretched - lots, got my race gear ready, and then met a group (new to me) for lunch. It was fun and then I walked around the expo with several others. I found a spikey ball (yes, it has a real name, but I think that one works) and my lovely muscles rejoiced!
Then, I got to meet Tina Muir, who I started following in 2014, for the first time along with some of the Superstars. It was by far the highlight of my weekend. Tina is personable, kind, and even allowed me to purchase a Running 4 Real vest. I added it as a layer to my race gear for the following day. Without it, I would have been a bit miserable.
Below are my 10k stats (previous week) and my race outfit for the half marathon:
My pre-race fueling was simple peanut bread on a piece of bread and then some additional pieces of bread. 3 total of wheat bread, I think, and then lots and lots of water. I debated about the peanut butter, but I had not fueled enough the previous week and felt it close to mile 6.
Fueling - I used Cliff Bar fruit roll-up things. After starting to train with them and eating them in April, I am over them. No more, no more will I eat this. I will find something else for the next round.
Start - mile 10: I went a out a bit slower than I probably needed, but I was determined to not go out overly fast. I also got to speak with two first time half marathoners and I coaxed/pushed one along a bit at mile 10. Overall, I hit most of the water stations, actually ran the tangents (this means your overall distance is close to the course distance!), and only had a few spots where I was not thrilled to be surrounded by people making running the pace I wanted tricky.
Mile 10 (go time!): I had started picking up my pace a bit, but then this person, who looked familar, just stopped and started walking. This was so me two years ago, under different conditions, and I said something to her, only because we had chatted for a bit at the beginning. I basically said, "Don't give up on yourself. You have a 5k to go. You can do this." I ended up leaving her in a pack of folks and I just hope she ended up finishing the race running with a smile or at least sense of satisfaction.
Then - until the end - I was trying to pick up the pace. Overall, it went ok, but I cannot say that I loved this half marathon. It was pretty flat, but it also had tons of turns and lots of people. I would do it again, but I am going to see what next Fall looks like before determining what to do.
In many ways this was my redemption or come back race. Yes, I did it in 2:20:16, which is much faster than my previous half marathon 2 years ago. My coach, training, family, and the Running 4 Real grow are all major contributors.
I won't say I enjoyed the half, but I got closer than I ever have to finishing and saying, "hmm...when should I do my next!" Like the 5k, the distance is easier to handle if you train properly.
Alger Heights 5k/10k - Halloween (Brr, Brr, Brr)
On October 27th, I flew from a conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, pictured above, dropped a few things off at home, and then drove in the wind and rain straight to Grand Rapids, Michigan. I arrived around 10 pm and yes, I was tired!
I signed up for this race on a whim with a goal of testing out my fitness before doing a half marathon on November 4th.
Pre-race - my sleep and fueling were not ideal but I deliberately ate some of what I planned to eat the following week.
Pacing - I wanted to be consistent and feel good. After mile 1, I did not look at my watch. I had no specific time in mind, since many of my solo long runs were on the slow side. I always run faster in groups and at races.
Course - it had a few hills, but it was well marked and support was good. I ended up running at the back of the pack for the 38 of us who chose to do the 10k.
Overall, I am happy with it and I was about 1 minute and 12 seconds or so slower than my 2009 10k. Was I happy? Yes. Schocked? You betcha.
I have decided to do a 10k in future training cycles to get a feel for where I am, especially if I continue to do most of my speed workouts and long runs on my own.
Happy Thursday
Monday, October 30, 2017
Goals for my upcoming Half Marathon and 2 Week Recap
Hey All,
This has been my busiest month - no doubt here - since April and May. I have enjoyed most parts of this month, but I am ready for it to be done. Thankfully, I just have one day left. Yay!
So last week I was in Salt Lake City for a conference, where I presented with colleagues, and I talked one of my colleagues into walking around the city - particularly the avenues and we ended up, by accident, in front of the Capitol Building. Oops.
One of the funniest aspects of walk were these street corners where they advised you to carry orange flags to increase visibility. I could see this, if the corner was at the top of a hill and visibility was poor, but they had these at many different corner intersections. Also - the picture with the really skinny trees made me nervous and reminded me I need to deal with my trees. Although some of the architecture and dog parks reminded me of San Francisco, I was quite ok with returning to my midwest area.
Then, I ran a 10k on Saturday to just see where I happened to be fitness wise. I ran just 2 minutes short of fastest 10k ever and I was stoked. Now, to just deal with the jitters and race preparation this week. My coach has suggested a plan, which I will follow as best I can, but I still plan to follow #nowatchme. My plan, to keep myself from going out faster than I should, is to stick with a slower pace group for the first 5 miles and then slowly begin increasing my pace (per the plan). Think a car slowly starting, increasing the speed, and then flying. This is how my race is supposed to go. Will I manage it? I don't know, but I am going to do my best with what energy and strength I have.
Happy Monday!
This has been my busiest month - no doubt here - since April and May. I have enjoyed most parts of this month, but I am ready for it to be done. Thankfully, I just have one day left. Yay!
So last week I was in Salt Lake City for a conference, where I presented with colleagues, and I talked one of my colleagues into walking around the city - particularly the avenues and we ended up, by accident, in front of the Capitol Building. Oops.
One of the funniest aspects of walk were these street corners where they advised you to carry orange flags to increase visibility. I could see this, if the corner was at the top of a hill and visibility was poor, but they had these at many different corner intersections. Also - the picture with the really skinny trees made me nervous and reminded me I need to deal with my trees. Although some of the architecture and dog parks reminded me of San Francisco, I was quite ok with returning to my midwest area.
Then, I ran a 10k on Saturday to just see where I happened to be fitness wise. I ran just 2 minutes short of fastest 10k ever and I was stoked. Now, to just deal with the jitters and race preparation this week. My coach has suggested a plan, which I will follow as best I can, but I still plan to follow #nowatchme. My plan, to keep myself from going out faster than I should, is to stick with a slower pace group for the first 5 miles and then slowly begin increasing my pace (per the plan). Think a car slowly starting, increasing the speed, and then flying. This is how my race is supposed to go. Will I manage it? I don't know, but I am going to do my best with what energy and strength I have.
Happy Monday!
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Did I really get a flu shot?
Starting in 2000 to the present, I have not reacted well to flu shots. Sometimes, I am sick for a good 48 hours. Or - better yet - I found ways to avoid getting one at all. Today, however, I got my flu shot, since I know it is important to be healthy and to protect others with I work on a daily basis.
If you have not gotten the flu shot, get yourself to a clinic, pharmacy, hospital, or doctor's office. I detest it as much as you, but you must do it!
On an exercise note, I cannot believe that I will be retiring the white and blue shoes (pictured below) in the upcoming months. I have discovered that 8 is my correct size for Brooks and I wear the shoes much more evenly in the correct size. Maybe they will last longer?
I haven't a clue what my half marathon time will be on 11/4, but I am just excited to be healthy enough to run it.
Happy Thursday!
If you have not gotten the flu shot, get yourself to a clinic, pharmacy, hospital, or doctor's office. I detest it as much as you, but you must do it!
On an exercise note, I cannot believe that I will be retiring the white and blue shoes (pictured below) in the upcoming months. I have discovered that 8 is my correct size for Brooks and I wear the shoes much more evenly in the correct size. Maybe they will last longer?
I haven't a clue what my half marathon time will be on 11/4, but I am just excited to be healthy enough to run it.
Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Got Allergies? Check out Thrive Market!
Note: Thrive Market did not pay me or reimburse me for writing this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tina Muir first introduced me to Thrive Market via a blog post many years ago. Until this year, though, I had not tried it. Quite simply - my diet was so restricted that it took forever to grocery shop and the option held little appeal.
Now - though - I order about one to two times every couple of months and it is ideal for my busy schedule. The prices are better or equivalent to my grocery store and they are delivered to my door. Can you beat the convenience?
I still have my wish list - of course - but I am excited by the options Thrive Provides.
It does have a membership fee, but shipping is free for orders over $45. If you are a fan of EPIC bars or KIND Bars, Thrive sells both at discounted prices.
So - when you are looking for a diversion - take a look (www.thrivemarket.com).
Tina Muir first introduced me to Thrive Market via a blog post many years ago. Until this year, though, I had not tried it. Quite simply - my diet was so restricted that it took forever to grocery shop and the option held little appeal.
Now - though - I order about one to two times every couple of months and it is ideal for my busy schedule. The prices are better or equivalent to my grocery store and they are delivered to my door. Can you beat the convenience?
I still have my wish list - of course - but I am excited by the options Thrive Provides.
It does have a membership fee, but shipping is free for orders over $45. If you are a fan of EPIC bars or KIND Bars, Thrive sells both at discounted prices.
So - when you are looking for a diversion - take a look (www.thrivemarket.com).
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Dead leg long run + Hot Weather = I want Fall now!
Today, I could tell that this run had the potential to be rough. I nearly drove to a new area just to see if that might help, but my energy was just not having it.
Wednesday - I had a great tempo run, yay!
Thursday things were ok.
Today, I ran the first two miles in a decent time and then in mile 3 hit the trails, tripped over a root (yeah - fun times) and then finished off the mile on mostly trails. Starting with mile 4-7, I attempted to faster. I don't think I succeeded, but I did try.
7-9 - I survived for a total of 9.2
My fueling was not ideal, which might have contributed as well.
Bonus - I tried the great Kombucha (pictured below) for the first time and loved it!
Happy Saturday.
Wednesday - I had a great tempo run, yay!
Thursday things were ok.
Today, I ran the first two miles in a decent time and then in mile 3 hit the trails, tripped over a root (yeah - fun times) and then finished off the mile on mostly trails. Starting with mile 4-7, I attempted to faster. I don't think I succeeded, but I did try.
7-9 - I survived for a total of 9.2
My fueling was not ideal, which might have contributed as well.
Bonus - I tried the great Kombucha (pictured below) for the first time and loved it!
Happy Saturday.
Monday, October 2, 2017
Half Marathon Time - Less than a month away & Reflections
On a day - when you hear that someone you knew has passed on - it is so easy to take your own good health for granted. 6 years ago, my health started deteriorating rapidly. 4 years ago, I completed my last half marathon in the slowest time ever. It was awful and I do not recommend that race, but I am happy I completed it.
As the days to my 4 half marathon approach, I am thankful that I have been able to do so much in a year and improved. The credit goes to my coach (https://www.facebook.com/Runacious/). I am pretty sure she has ESP and she definitely has stuck with me through the rough patches. I got lost and showed up 30 minutes late to our initial meeting and somehow she agreed to keep working with me.
I am not sure how the half marathon will go, but I credit the big strides health wise this past year to her.
Be greatful for your health and stay safe!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Thankful
Hi!
Yep, it's me again and what a first week post-vacation back it has been. I love what I do, but deadlines, meetings, and wasting time (it all happened this week!) takes a toll on you. After work, I exercised but my mind and heart were not in it. It was hot. I hadn't planned well, but towards the end of the run I thought back over the past year and about previous years, when I could not run, and suddenly I was just overwhelmingly thankful that I could run at all.
Growing up, I was a healthy kid who had acne and took medication in high school up through 2003. I usually got a cold every fall, which I now know was due to allergies, but rarely did I get sick. I got pneumonia in December 2001 and then again after getting H1N1 in 2009. Then, I transferred schools and life got interesting and below are a brief summary of my health trials.
2003 - Spring - I transfer schools and get diagnosed with classic migraines. I gain more weight than I have in my entire life, lose my balance which has never been great, and get off all medications. I determine the triggers - after comparing ingredients on labels - and I begin a life of not eating citrus (naturally occurring, organic, or added). Bummer - I loved lemonade and limeade during the hot summer months.
2008-2013 - I begin experiencing symptoms that will lead to surgery in March 2013. I buy my first house 2 weeks prior to surgery and at this point I am not exercising much. Fall/Winter 2013, I get bronchitis.
2014 - Spring - I get pneumonia and then Fall/Winter 2014, I get bronchitis and miss Thanksgiving for the first time in my life.
2015 - I signup for a running coach (first one) and I complete the Cherry Blossum 10 Miler. I am supposed to run my first marathon the fall, but after lots of allergy shots (weekly and testing), I am just not where I need to be. September - I get the results of a second round of allergy testing and begin the elimination diet. I did not learn much, but I quit all running until December 2015. Mold is removed from my house and I start feeling better (Fall 2015). I plant flowers and put in a flower bed.
2016 - I begin running just a little and I start feeling a bit better. I accept a job and prepare my house for sale. July 2016 - I start my new position and begin feeling not great, since my apartment has similar issues to my house. I sell my first house (yay) and house hunting begins in earnest. I also run my first 5k since all this goes crazy and sign up with my second running coach, who continues to coach me today. I am lucky she did not kick me to the curb, when I showed up late to our initial meeting. I continue to slowly run but my health continues to be problematic.
2017 - I go of all medication, but I begin having issues similar to 2008-2013. Thankfully, I do not need surgery, but I begin seeing a specialist and running continues. March 2017 - I run another 5k and feel as though I can actually do them without dying (big accomplishment). Bad health patches hit and I realize a half marathon is out of the question for Spring. I move into my new house in April and I begin feeling so much better.
Full circle - I continue working with a specialist and my 5ks in July and late August go well. I sign up for a half marathon, which I am running on November 4th.
So - yeah - I could schedule my runs better to avoid accidents. Thanks to Ali Feller (@aliontherun1), I can admit that this is sometimes an issue for me and now I will not feel bad about taking the sometimes necessary trip to the facilities enroute. I run better and avoid runner's trots=win, win.
My training has been fairly consistent although the not the best since June. I skipped some time in May and then again on vacation, but I stayed active with walking, hiking, weeding, etc. This could mean my half marathon time is not what my coach and I hoped it would be. I doubt it will be worse than a 2:45 I ran until mile 10 and then walked until the ending, which I finished slowly in Fall 2015.
For those, who are healthy and have not experienced training issues, I truly applaud you, but I also recognize that I am becoming a stronger person and runner despite these issues. I might not have a faster time in November, but I am proud of my drive to get in a workout (even if it is not ideal) per the schedule, even when work keeps me at the office for long days.
Do not take your health for granted, because one never knows what tomorrow will bring.
Happy Thursday!
Yep, it's me again and what a first week post-vacation back it has been. I love what I do, but deadlines, meetings, and wasting time (it all happened this week!) takes a toll on you. After work, I exercised but my mind and heart were not in it. It was hot. I hadn't planned well, but towards the end of the run I thought back over the past year and about previous years, when I could not run, and suddenly I was just overwhelmingly thankful that I could run at all.
Growing up, I was a healthy kid who had acne and took medication in high school up through 2003. I usually got a cold every fall, which I now know was due to allergies, but rarely did I get sick. I got pneumonia in December 2001 and then again after getting H1N1 in 2009. Then, I transferred schools and life got interesting and below are a brief summary of my health trials.
2003 - Spring - I transfer schools and get diagnosed with classic migraines. I gain more weight than I have in my entire life, lose my balance which has never been great, and get off all medications. I determine the triggers - after comparing ingredients on labels - and I begin a life of not eating citrus (naturally occurring, organic, or added). Bummer - I loved lemonade and limeade during the hot summer months.
2008-2013 - I begin experiencing symptoms that will lead to surgery in March 2013. I buy my first house 2 weeks prior to surgery and at this point I am not exercising much. Fall/Winter 2013, I get bronchitis.
2014 - Spring - I get pneumonia and then Fall/Winter 2014, I get bronchitis and miss Thanksgiving for the first time in my life.
2015 - I signup for a running coach (first one) and I complete the Cherry Blossum 10 Miler. I am supposed to run my first marathon the fall, but after lots of allergy shots (weekly and testing), I am just not where I need to be. September - I get the results of a second round of allergy testing and begin the elimination diet. I did not learn much, but I quit all running until December 2015. Mold is removed from my house and I start feeling better (Fall 2015). I plant flowers and put in a flower bed.
2016 - I begin running just a little and I start feeling a bit better. I accept a job and prepare my house for sale. July 2016 - I start my new position and begin feeling not great, since my apartment has similar issues to my house. I sell my first house (yay) and house hunting begins in earnest. I also run my first 5k since all this goes crazy and sign up with my second running coach, who continues to coach me today. I am lucky she did not kick me to the curb, when I showed up late to our initial meeting. I continue to slowly run but my health continues to be problematic.
2017 - I go of all medication, but I begin having issues similar to 2008-2013. Thankfully, I do not need surgery, but I begin seeing a specialist and running continues. March 2017 - I run another 5k and feel as though I can actually do them without dying (big accomplishment). Bad health patches hit and I realize a half marathon is out of the question for Spring. I move into my new house in April and I begin feeling so much better.
Full circle - I continue working with a specialist and my 5ks in July and late August go well. I sign up for a half marathon, which I am running on November 4th.
So - yeah - I could schedule my runs better to avoid accidents. Thanks to Ali Feller (@aliontherun1), I can admit that this is sometimes an issue for me and now I will not feel bad about taking the sometimes necessary trip to the facilities enroute. I run better and avoid runner's trots=win, win.
My training has been fairly consistent although the not the best since June. I skipped some time in May and then again on vacation, but I stayed active with walking, hiking, weeding, etc. This could mean my half marathon time is not what my coach and I hoped it would be. I doubt it will be worse than a 2:45 I ran until mile 10 and then walked until the ending, which I finished slowly in Fall 2015.
For those, who are healthy and have not experienced training issues, I truly applaud you, but I also recognize that I am becoming a stronger person and runner despite these issues. I might not have a faster time in November, but I am proud of my drive to get in a workout (even if it is not ideal) per the schedule, even when work keeps me at the office for long days.
Do not take your health for granted, because one never knows what tomorrow will bring.
Happy Thursday!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
Vacations are the best!
Hi All,
Yep - I have been on vacation and I am transitioning back into long days, running, and work. The travel decided to assist in the process by making my arrival close to an hour later than originally scheduled. I am ok with this, since I only had to rely on my own transport. This was my first time seeing a delay mentioned only in the "remark" section. Also - the airline did a great job of keeping the passengers updated, but to get an idea of boarding time, asking someone made the most sense!
While not feeling great, I finished up a pair of fingerless gloves for my Mom. We both knit and my ego when it comes to bad or poorly written patterns appeared.
It also became clear that I had not lived in the west, when I kept double checking about "putting wet clothes in the washer." As a person, who is extremely allergic to mold, I am quite careful!
Friday marks my 10th year as a professional. I cannot quite believe it. If you have questions about what I do, feel free to message, email, or comment and I will try to answer them!
Yep - I have been on vacation and I am transitioning back into long days, running, and work. The travel decided to assist in the process by making my arrival close to an hour later than originally scheduled. I am ok with this, since I only had to rely on my own transport. This was my first time seeing a delay mentioned only in the "remark" section. Also - the airline did a great job of keeping the passengers updated, but to get an idea of boarding time, asking someone made the most sense!
My time in New Mexico was filled with fun, relaxation, strategizing and thinking, but most of all quiet and a break from work stress and social media. If this lack of "blogging" bothered you, my apologies! I do try to warn those - who are not familiar with my technique of hiding - but I will do better next time.
While not feeling great, I finished up a pair of fingerless gloves for my Mom. We both knit and my ego when it comes to bad or poorly written patterns appeared.
It also became clear that I had not lived in the west, when I kept double checking about "putting wet clothes in the washer." As a person, who is extremely allergic to mold, I am quite careful!
Friday marks my 10th year as a professional. I cannot quite believe it. If you have questions about what I do, feel free to message, email, or comment and I will try to answer them!
Sunday, September 3, 2017
Seasons (Fun, Painful, Tough, Dull)
Hey All,
It's been quite the week. Work is bringing new and good challenge on all levels. In fact, I have been pushed/challenged to have three published peer-reviewed articles a year from now. EEK - I have one semi-complete, but I hope to get it in by the end of October. As for the others, I am truly focusing on one article/day/etc at a time. Else, running in the opposite direction at full-tilt sounds just lovely.
With this injury/non injury cycle of 5 years, I am learning to push through the seasons. I can say that I am healthier and happier than I was a year ago, but it has not come without some testing moments. Days - when I could not run for instance - when I dragged myself out of bed, to the office, to home, and then attempted to do things I would do during a scheduled break. It turns out that I am really much better during a "scheduled" break rather than an unplanned one. I am not really surprised by this.
Running returned a week ago today and suddenly I could handle life and bed by 10 or 10:30 was not a struggle. It did not necessarily always happen, but goals are good, yeah?
I was lucky to have had good health for most of my life. Migraines were the first hurdle I battled starting 2003-present. Things really hit the fan health wise in 2013. So - I can confidently say I am moving in the right direction, but I relate to the "struggle bus mentality" and "will I ever feel normal" question.
I hope so, but until I can stay healthy for a year, well, I won't be saying anything. I am not sure a blister counts as an injury, but it was a setback for sure!
The sad, painful, tough seasons always lead to a season of fun. I have yet to experience a truly dull season, but I will admit to asking for one occasionally.
Happy Sunday and Keep your chin up!
It's been quite the week. Work is bringing new and good challenge on all levels. In fact, I have been pushed/challenged to have three published peer-reviewed articles a year from now. EEK - I have one semi-complete, but I hope to get it in by the end of October. As for the others, I am truly focusing on one article/day/etc at a time. Else, running in the opposite direction at full-tilt sounds just lovely.
With this injury/non injury cycle of 5 years, I am learning to push through the seasons. I can say that I am healthier and happier than I was a year ago, but it has not come without some testing moments. Days - when I could not run for instance - when I dragged myself out of bed, to the office, to home, and then attempted to do things I would do during a scheduled break. It turns out that I am really much better during a "scheduled" break rather than an unplanned one. I am not really surprised by this.
Running returned a week ago today and suddenly I could handle life and bed by 10 or 10:30 was not a struggle. It did not necessarily always happen, but goals are good, yeah?
I was lucky to have had good health for most of my life. Migraines were the first hurdle I battled starting 2003-present. Things really hit the fan health wise in 2013. So - I can confidently say I am moving in the right direction, but I relate to the "struggle bus mentality" and "will I ever feel normal" question.
I hope so, but until I can stay healthy for a year, well, I won't be saying anything. I am not sure a blister counts as an injury, but it was a setback for sure!
The sad, painful, tough seasons always lead to a season of fun. I have yet to experience a truly dull season, but I will admit to asking for one occasionally.
Happy Sunday and Keep your chin up!
Sunday, August 27, 2017
11 day forced break=I can run!!
Hey All,
It's been a busy and painful couple of weeks. I managed to get two blisters, which caused me to stop running for 11 days, and then a little one between yesterday and today. I really think it is due to wearing the same shoes for close to 2 weeks, simply because they fit. For the most part, I have been fortunate in that I rarely experience the long distance running injuries (shin splints, blisters, chaffing, etc).
Today, I got to run 2.07 miles and it felt really good. I know that getting back to where I hope to be before my half marathon on November 2nd will involve quite a bit of work. I am ok with that. Running - even on the tough days - is better than being sidelined.
Happy Sunday!
It's been a busy and painful couple of weeks. I managed to get two blisters, which caused me to stop running for 11 days, and then a little one between yesterday and today. I really think it is due to wearing the same shoes for close to 2 weeks, simply because they fit. For the most part, I have been fortunate in that I rarely experience the long distance running injuries (shin splints, blisters, chaffing, etc).
Today, I got to run 2.07 miles and it felt really good. I know that getting back to where I hope to be before my half marathon on November 2nd will involve quite a bit of work. I am ok with that. Running - even on the tough days - is better than being sidelined.
Happy Sunday!
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