Running Journals - Getting Back to it

Hey All!

This week went from feeling great to cold symptoms appearing out-of-the blue. So, I ended up taking things much slower and easier than I planned. I did, however, locate my Believe Journal and I started using it. I will be curious to see how it goes. With my coach, I fill in how the day went, but I do not look back over it. Maybe this is something I will start doing again?

Also - I went it for a routine service check on my car and left with four brand new tires. Wince - I am glad I got them, since we got snow and icy roads today, which did not make driving as frightening as it had been.

Next weekend, I go in and get some follow-up Pneumonia tests. I am hoping that they reveal any issues and, not so secretly, a healthy stamp of approval would be lovely.

Lately, I have been on a hot chocolate kick, which I am sure @hungryrunnergirl will understand and approve of 100%!

Today, I hope to race a 10k, but I settled for 5.37 (sorry @runacious) miles in the drizzly overcast weather. I am bit late on the recovery fuel, but I could not resist the hot chocolate courtesy of @mbigloo and @hoog10. Happy Saturday!

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Jan 27, 2018 at 1:14pm PST

Happy Sunday :D

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!

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.

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!

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!

2017 Recap

I am procrastinating. Yep - I was great on the plane and in the first airport about focusing on what I "needed" to do. Now, I am taking a break. For me, the breaks allow for refocusing and this keeps me going.

2017 marked one of the busiest years I have had professionally (3 conferences - eek!) and I can tell 2018 is going to be equivalent or perhaps a bit more hectic. How am I going to handle this? Simple - day by day, task by task, and deadline by deadline. I sometimes do best with a packed schedule, because it keeps me from over thinking.

I am thrilled to say that I have been the healthiest in a long time this year and managed to run a half marathon, 10k, and three 5ks. The opportunity to get back into soccer appeared and, instead of shrugging it off, I got excited and waited a month to follow-up for additional details. Does this mean I will be playing soccer, running, and getting things done professionally in 2018? Quite possibly - more importantly, though, is that I am appreciating more than ever just what I can accomplish. Uncertain health and the stress of balancing a professional life and workload kept me from going for it more than I realized. In many ways, 2017 was my return to the "normal" me year.

My most popular posts for 2017 include:

Thankful

Vacations are the best

11 day forced break - I can run! 

Blisters and a Recap of a Busy, Busy, Week

Rethinking Critiquing Methods

Race Recap - July 2nd - The Sparkler 5k

Also - I created "categories" for race recaps, updated the about me, and did some other things to this blog, which I have been updating - somewhat consistently - for a few years. No, I am not the best at including photos, but that's ok.

Am I completely where I need or want to be? Nope - I am far closer than I have been and the person, who I fondly remember training and running consistently, is returning. The difference is that the "new" me recognizes how crucial it is to work with a coach, keep in touch with a supportive but protective exercise community, and most importantly how much just a little strength work, and mobility exercises, and breathing can improve how you approach challenges.

Thanks to all who have helped me grow in 2017 and I am excited to renew friendships, strengthen existing friendships, and meet new people in 2018. I am hoping to blog monthly and perhaps more in the upcoming year, but I will make a point of keeping posts to Twitter and Instagram on a regular basis.

If you have taken the time to read, to comment, or to contact me - I am hoping you have enjoyed, inspired (maybe excited?), or given the topic more thought that I touched on here.

Happy New Year's Eve!

Weights and Strength Training - Still Weak, Getting Stronger

Hi All,

Ever since this Summer, I have been wanting to try out Tina Muir and Drew Watts strength training program. If you have not heard of it, more information is available here.

Reasons I did not jump on the bandwagon at first:

1)Price - It is not cheap, but if you pay it all upfront then you get it for two years. They also have an installment plan.

2)Pain - Yep, give me sore muscles from running, hiking, biking, walking, and I will not complain. The pain from doing weights and strength training, however, makes me run and quickly away from whatever happens to be causing it.

3)Time - Until a bit late summer/early fall, I struggled to find time for running much less anything else. Getting through the day was an accomplishment and anything else was a bonus. In late summer/early Fall, it all clicked and consistency appeared. It was not so much that I had more time - rather, I had less of it. My goal each day was to just do my best - regardless of how I felt - and to focus on getting it in rather than feeling lovely going into each run, workout, or cross-training session.

4)Support/Commitment - It is widely acknowledged in my family that I am the weak link when it comes to strength. My lower body can hold its own, but my upperbody is just a bit puny. When you are trying to get away from comparing yourself, I was terrified that this plan might not be for me.

2 weeks in and 2 days of rest - I am feeling better and moving better than I have in a long time. This program puts myrtl and everything else I thought worked to shame. Granted - I did decide to stick with the introductory week for a bit longer than some, but I think taking it slow is the key for me to continue improving. I am excited to see how this will improve my overall fitness, training, and races!

Today, after 3 weeks of fairly consistent strength training, I did my first real speed work session since running the half marathon on November 4th. Amazingly enough, I went faster on all the paces than I was scheduled to hit (no watch me for the win!) and my breathing only got ragged for the last 2 of the last scheduled 200 meters.

If it was not for the breathing and other fun parts of the strength program, I am convinced today would not have gone as well. It also makes me think that the best is yet to come!

Happy Holidays!

Poke at Healthcare = I must react.

Today, I will admit with no chagrin that I have been working as a librarian (aka information professional, consultant, researcher, etc - depending on the position) for 10 years. I worked part-time for a few months as I finished up graduate school and then took on full-time hours.

Health care professionals and students in health professional programs work really hard. As someone, who supports them, we feel in no small way the pressure they face. Why, you say, when we just support not complete the work? Simple - body language, facial expressions, how they walk, talk, and (key here) react to the smallest of things are indicators of just how much pressure they are feeling. It is pretty impossible not to notice all of this and remain immune. Some do, but I cannot. My goal then, when I can, is to find ways to make what should not be a challenge easy for them.

Here are some examples of things my colleagues and I have done or plan to do:

Therapy Dogs during finals week - last year we had 3 days of dogs visiting and it was a bit much. This year, we just had one day and the students loved it. We advertised it, contained it to a room, and many enjoyed the dogs or chose to avoid it, depending on how they felt about it.

Community Wellness Activities - I am leading a team of folks and we are going to do something with wellness (nutrition, fitness, stress relief techniques, etc) the week prior to Saint Patrick's Day. Students do not always realize what they have available to them and our goal is to do this and also to promote the public libraries in our area. We are still working out the details.

Why am I going on a rant? Simple - when we are told "not to say" words, it gets extremely challenging to provide equal care to everyone. Sure, terms maybe changed and updated over the years (i.e. Sexually transmitted disease goes to sexually transmitted infection) or maybe 5 words are necessary to describe something such as a Statin drug.

What I cannot stomach is having a list of words that someone says cannot be used. More sickening, yet, is that necessary language and programs are being removed from government websites, reports, and agencies, whose entire mission is to provide health information. Up until yesterday, I could state that government websites provided us with the least biased health information.

Two years of working in Downtown DC, 18 months of attending graduate school and working in the suburbs of DC, then 18 months again of working in DC suburbs - all told, I lived and worked in the area for 6 years and this is the worst reaction I have ever witnessed.

I am upset and I am not sure how to respond to this. One thing I can tell you for sure, however, is that this is not the reaction I expected the government health agencies to take and I am sorry they followed the rules instead of battling against the verdict.

Hiding programs, banning language, and other actions will not make the issues go away, but it will spur people into action.

To all those health care providers and students in health professional programs, thank you for choosing this career. It is not easy, but you keep us healthy and constantly look for ways to improve the care you provide.

In one week, I will go spend time with relatives and I will be keeping my mouth shut about this. Just how I will respond to this latest news, I am not sure, but I will definitely be taking action.

2018 Big Scary Goals

Hi!

Can you believe that January 2018 is three weeks away? In two weeks from yesterday, I will go on a trip and then spend New Years on my own before heading into work two days later. 2017 has been a wacky year, but that is for another post.

Today, I have decided to write up some goals for 2018. On November 26th, my coach and I met to discuss the next training cycle and to figure out 2018 a bit.

Races

1-2 Half Marathons (May, Fall?)

5k-10ks (As they appeal and fit into my training/racing schedule!)

New Distance - I have one in mind and, if you know me, then you a probably guess it. So I will only say this. After my May half marathon and recovery time, I will update this section. Until now, you can guess but I won't say anything.

New Location - I found that it is kind of fun to drive to a recommended or random location and go for a run and sometimes even race.

Times

PBs and PRs are fun, but I am enjoying even more the process and the training that leads up to getting one. #NoWatchMe connects me back to my early days of running, when I started the watch, did my run, stopped my watch. The thrill of getting a 10 minute run on a 6 mile run is something I will never forget and it happened through consistency.

If I can get a PB and PR, great - but I am letting my coach make the predictions and I might state what I think I can run, depending on the circumstance.

Cross-Training/Weights

I plan to make these a more consistent part of my overall training. Also - I want to try rock climbing and, if I can swing it, get into swimming semi-regularly. I have the YMCA membership and I do rowing, which was new. Now, I just have to get over the fear factor for swimming.

The Running for Real Weight program with Tina and Drew is amazing and I am looking forward to seeing how I improve (running, real life) by doing it.

Professionally

I have some giant deadlines in January, May (conference season!), August/September, and then October - conference submission dates. I will not be posting much about it here, unless I get questions, since what I do is a challenge for anyone but my colleagues to grasp.

That's a wrap, then, of some things I hope to do in 2018. I will also try to include more photos as I can, but given my love of the camera I will not make promises.

Let's do this, 2018, and see what the new year brings!

Giving Thanks - Thanksgiving and Recap of Subsequent Days

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!

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!

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!

Yep, I am happy to have this back in my life. So are my hips, shins, and those sore areas that I could not quite reach with a foam roller.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Nov 3, 2017 at 4:55pm PDT

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:

Can you spot me? I got to meet lots of Superstars and the lovely @tinamuir88 on November 3rd. This lovely tank was a great addition to my half marathon outfit.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Nov 9, 2017 at 7:20pm PST

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)

When the work is done, exploring is the best way to unwind. Thanks to @mrtindc for connecting me with @therandomduck. Walking the avenues and part of the Canyon made my day.

A post shared by Runningwithallergies (@runningwithallergies) on Oct 26, 2017 at 6:00pm PDT

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