Tri Insanity

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-11-26T00:08:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. May you eat good, laugh hearty and be surrounded by those that you love!

I FINISHED...

2008-11-16T13:54:00.003-06:00

...in 2:34:20!!

Not a PR, but still under a 12 min/mile pace! I am totally okay with that!!

Report later. Time to go get some food (I am STARVING) and then drive home.

New sprint triathlon

2008-11-15T08:33:00.006-06:00

I am thinking of doing this one, and in case you hadn't heard of it...

It is sceduled to take place on March 1, 2009 at Deussen Park, Lake Houston.

Okay, enough of playing on the computer, time to get ready for the drive to San Antonio for the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half Marathon.

Results

2008-11-12T21:56:00.007-06:00

Okay, after a couple e-mails to HMSA and Run Wild Sports the official results were updated with my teams information. And my individual results were:

Gun Time = 57:05.4

Gun Pace = 11:03 min/mile

Chip Time = 55:45.7

Chip Pace = 10:48 min/mile

Yippee for me!!!

And just think - if I didn't have to exchange the chip I would have been a little faster!

Weekend of fun!!

2008-11-12T07:14:00.003-06:00

This past weekend was busy and a ton of fun!

Saturday started with meeting a friend and heading to Old Town Spring for some shopping. I was hoping to find lots of Christmas gifts, but it was not to be. I did find a couple, just not as many as I had wanted. We did find a winery though and stopped for glass to give us fortitude for more shopping – or browsing anyway!

Once the shopping was finished it was off to dinner and then a movie.

Eventually I made it back home and bed to rest up for the 25K the next morning.

I awoke dark and early – no light out yet at that time of the morning – dressed and gathered up all my stuff. And guess what? I remembered my Garmin this time! Yeah for me!

My plan was to do my leg of the relay and then continue on with my team mates for their legs so I could get my miles in.

I met up with my friends (Sandy and Julie) and after a quick pee break right as the gun was going off I joined the throng of other runners.

The goal was to get the 5.1667 mile loop finished in less than one hour, and ideally I was hoping to finish in less than 55 minutes.

Mile 1 – 10:35 – darn good for me!!
Mile 2 – 10:50 – oops, slowed down, but still under 11:00
Mile 3 – 10:36 – sped up a bit
Mile 4 – 10:18 – WOW!!
Mile 5 – 10:58 – I didn't think I slowed down that much. Must have been that killer overpass!!
Last 0.1667 – 2:15 – I am guestimating because I did not mark the time on the Garmin. Also this includes the ankle strap exchange which added several seconds.

Total time ~ 55:32 minutes
Pace ~ 10:45 min/mile

Holy Crap!!!! That is just extraordinary for me!!

This is not official – the timing people do not seem to think that splits are an important thing to see. Actually, our team's results are not even posted. I have e-mailed HMSA asking about it, and hopefully I will get an answer.

The next lap was quite a bit slower because Sandy is more of a walker than a runner. And she is also suffering from shin splints. We chatted the whole time and it was a nice recovery lap!

Julie is more of a runner, but is a little slower than I am. Can you believe it?!! So we started off the third lap and I was feeling good. We made it close to Shepherd and I looked over and saw all these people playing softball. Well, one of the players looked very familiar so I let Julie continue on while I went and checked.

Bad idea!

It wasn't him, but I went around and said hi to a couple other peeps to see if he and his partner (yes, it was the Montrose Softball League) would be showing up later – they were. As you can imagine this took several minutes and now I had to catch back up with Julie so we could finish together. I think it took me about 1.5 to 2 miles to catch her, but I finally did. And boy was I worn out! Teach me to do something like that again!

I called Sandy to let her know we were crossing the overpass and to get ready for us. She was there and we all crossed the finish line together.

Per the Garmin we completed the relay in 3:25:05, and according to FinishCam our gun time was 3:26:17.9. I find it rather interesting that FinishCam has our final time, but the chip people do not have anything posted. But the FinishCam people did not record us crossing with the comment “Sorry, your finish time is beyond the length of the recorded video.” We finished under the 3:30 time limit. Weren't they prepared to record the entire event? Oh well. I would have been nice for Sandy and Julie though since they are training for their first half-marathon.

We proceeded to pick up our finisher's reward. We were supposed to get t-shirts for finishing the relay, but something happened and they didn't have them. Instead we got the full 25K finisher’s jacket!! Totally awesome!!

It was now time to head home, but I decided I would check out the softball field again to see if my friends had shown up. They hadn't, so I waited. And waited. And waited some more. But they finally showed up! And it was great to see them.

We hung out until the last game was over. They invited me to meet them at Anita's Bar and Grille for some post game fun. Well that fun continued on to JR's, the Montrose Mining Company and then back to JR's. It was a fun night and a great day! Too bad I had to go home and get ready for my flight to Salt Lake City the next morning!

I just wish straight men could appreciate me as much as gay men do!

Stretching

2008-10-28T21:01:00.004-05:00

I have been pretty good with my marathon training and it has showed, but my injury prevention has been the pits and pains are starting to develop. I am the worst person when it comes to stretching and because of it I think I am starting to get plantar fascitiis and ITBS.

During the half on Sunday my hips started hurting and didn't stop until I finished the race. When I ran my hands along my ITB's I felt a little pain with increased pressure. Time to get the roller out.

After getting home and resting a bit, any time I would get up I gimped because my heels hurt like crazy. I kept stretching and doing the alphabet with my feet but it only helped a little. I put on some sandals with 2" heels and that helped a bit more. I eventually filled a bottle with water and froze it - that helped. I am now making sure I do the alphabet with the feet a couple times a day along with icing.

I am going to go get the roller now.

The Official Time

2008-10-27T19:25:00.004-05:00

Gun time - 2:34:24.0

Gun pace - 11:47 min/mile

Chip time - 2:32:07.4

Chip pace - 11:36 min/mile

For me - this is absolutely fantastic!!

Split times:

First half = 1:18:38.6 (gun) / 1:16:22.1 (chip)

Second half = 1:15:45.3

Negative split!!! Wooooooo Hoooooooooo!!!!!!

Houston Half

2008-10-26T12:00:00.006-05:00

Last year when I participated in this race it was my first "official" half marathon even though I have done the distance plus more on many training runs. Last year I accomplished it in 2:40:10.8 and this year I really wanted to beat that time, but didn't think I would.

Everything seemed to be going okay before I left my place, but then I started feeling a tad not so great in the car. I just prayed that I would be okay until I could get to a port-a-potty (I know - TMI!).

I parked, got all my stuff together then started hoofing it to the start. I looked down at my wrist to check out the time and that is when I realized I had forgot my Garmin on the kitchen counter hooked up to the charger. I was so ticked!

Back to the car I went to drop off my heart rate monitor (lot of good that was going to do me now!) then I made my way towards the start again.

I started feeling better, but still made a pit stop to make sure I was good to go once the gun went off. All I gotta say is that I really should not eat a lot of fatty food the night before a race (I had a tad too much cheese)!! Sorry, more TMI!

I finally made it over to the start and after a few minutes the gun went off. I kept looking for the official time clock as I got closer to the timing mats, but never saw one - all I could do was estimate that it took two to three minutes for me to get to the start line since I was so close to the back. And when I did cross I didn't hear a beep. I just hope that my time actually was recorded.

Since I did not have my watch set with my interval times, my plan was to run a mile then walk about a minute after each mile marker. And I would walk all the up hills.

My nutrition plan was to drink my 16 oz bottle of Endurance Gatorade during the first couple miles, then around one hour do my my first gu and then have another at the 1.5 and 2 hour marks. I really think this helped me a lot!!

I made it to mile marker one 13:34 after the gun. At mile two the pace caller said I was around a 12:50 pace. So much for beating last years time.

Then at mile three they said my pace was around 12:30.

Hmmm - I might get close!

Mile 4 around 12:15

Mile 5 around 12:05

Mile 6 - 11:58

Mile 7 - 11:51

Mile 8 - 11:48

Mile 9 - 11:45

Mile 10 - 11:43

Holy Crap!! I did negative splits for 10 miles!!! Can I keep it going?

Mile 11 - 11:43

Nope, but I'm happy, I stayed the same pace!

Mile 12 - 11:44 (time clock read around 2:08)

Yeah - a positive split, but considering who cares!!

Mile 13 - no idea, but I am sure it was a positive split because I was getting tired and took several small walk breaks!

Mile 13.1 - time clock read around 2:34:20!!!!!!

Woohoo!! PR!!

Then subtract a couple minutes from that and my chip time is around 2:32!!!!

O! M! G!

I PR'd by at least 8 minutes!!!

Yeah me!!!

CLOSED!!

2008-10-15T18:03:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? Registration for the BP MS150 has been closed! They reached 13,000 participants in less than a day - heck, I think it was less than 8 hours!

CRAZY!!

I didn't sign-up. I told myself I wouldn't do it this year and I stayed strong. If it hadn't filled up so quickly, who knows if my resolve would have held out!

Please stop

2008-10-11T09:12:00.003-05:00

Why do people think it is okay to send candidate bashing or candidate loving e-mails to everyone in their address book?

Just because they hate/love John McCain or hate/love Barack Obama doesn't mean I do.
Just because they are pro-life/pro-choice doesn't mean I am.
Just because they are gun lovers/gun haters doesn't mean I am.
Just because they do/do not believe in global warming doesn't mean I do.
Just becuase they are/are not for the war in Irag doesn't mean I am.
Just because they are conservative/liberal doesn't mean I am.

I do not push my beliefs on them, why do they think it is acceptable to push theirs on me? I want to respond and say to not send me their political BS, but then I wonder if that would add fuel to the fire or they are family and friends.

I have made up my mind who I am going to vote for and none of your idiotic e-mails are going to get me to change my mind - so please stop sending them!

Loving the weather!

2008-10-09T22:40:00.006-05:00

Are you loving the weather? I sure am! The loops around the golf course have been easier and faster. The air conditioning has been turned off in the car and the windows rolled down. If only it would stay like this all year long! I guess it makes us appreciate it even more when we do not experience it that often.

Viv has decided to have a little competition called the Marathon Season Independence Weight Loss Challenge. For a month all entrants monitor their weight and the one who loses the greatest percentage wins. Just a little harmless competition to get people motivated. Hopefully a little less poundage will make me a tad faster for the San Antonio RNR Half Marathon. If I am good maybe I can reach goal #3 - 30 pounds of total weight loss by Thanksgiving. This past month I did not lose anything. All I can say is at least I didn't gain any!

NOT!

2008-10-08T07:57:00.003-05:00

The results came back and according to them I am not insulin resistant. I guess that is good news, but I really wanted an explanation and I still do not have one. I told my dietitian and she says we are still going to gear my diet towards me having it.

I went and bought a book at Courtney's suggestion: The Insulin Resistance Diet. Basically it says two things. First, you should not eat carbohydrates alone, but paired with protein so your blood sugar does not spike and your body does not store the excess as fat. Second, you should only have a max of 30 g of carbs in a two hour period with at least 14 g of protein. This is because they say the excess carbs are stored as fat. In people having insulin resistance, the glucose is converted to fat faster than normal people. Hence, it is concluded that the carbohydrates have to balanced by the optimum quantity of protein to maintain a stable blood sugar level.

My dietitian has previously told me that I needed to pair my carbs with a protein, she just never gave me a number to watch. I see her again on Thursday and I will find out what she thinks about this book and its theory. I already know it will be a little difficult - but only when it comes to my breakfast. I really like fruit in the morning, but I have to limit the quantity. I will have to start getting creative with my smoothies!!

Okay, enough of that.

This weekend I participated in the Race for the Cure. I was happy with my results: 35:49.88. This race was pretty much my first ever four years ago, and I have at least seen an improvement. I ran it last year, too, but I did it with a TNT participant (her first time) and even though I wanted to get a better time than my first, I figured doing the event with her was more important. And, it was. You only have one first time, but there are plenty of races to get better results.

Testing has begun

2008-09-24T08:16:00.003-05:00

The lab order for my glucose tolerance test never came in the mail, but they did send it to the lab - so that is where I am sitting. Would have come sooner, but due to Ike the clinic was closed last week and they didn't re-open to the public until yesterday.

Stick number one has occurred, I drank the drink and am now patiently waiting to go get stick number two taken care of which is 30 minutes after drinking the drink. Stick three is 30 minutes after that, and then one hour later I get stuck the fourth and final time.

Before I moved to Texas I used to be a medical technologist, so I know the drill and can now sympathize a little bit more with all the patients I had to do this to!

When the doctors office opens I will head over there and set up an appointment with the doc, but I am hoping they will tell me the results prior to that. Because if they are normal, there is no need for me to come in.

Hermann Park Golf Course

2008-09-22T20:11:00.002-05:00

Tonight, I finally ventured over to the golf course for a run. I hadn't been over there since last Friday and wasn't sure what to expect. By the looks of the huge piles of cut up trees and branches lining the parking lot there must have been a lot of downed trees. There are two large trees still blocking the trails, but overall I think they have done a real good job in cleaning things up. And from what I can see, there are not many more trees to clear up on the golf course. I am sure they are working as fast as they can so they can open back up.

There were quite a few people out for a walk, jog or run - more than I normally see. Wonder if they were just tired of being cooped up, or were getting ready for the Houston Marathon.

There is still a street light not working along Almeda. Police officers were directing traffic when I was on my way over to the course, but they had left by the time I was headed back home. I crossed the street quickly and made sure that the cars were stopped. I made it safely and as I was continuing on my way I heard someone screaming and then I heard screeching brakes. Someone wasn't paying attention, but their passenger sure was! The car stopped without crashing into anyone, but it was close. I wonder how many times other people in the same situation around the city have not stopped in time this past week. It will be nice when all the power is back and all the street lights are fixed.

My First Hurricane

2008-09-21T17:52:00.003-05:00

Okay, it wasn’t really my first, but it was my first experience of a direct hit. I have lived in Houston for over 11 years and am pretty surprised I didn’t experience one sooner.

I am one of the very lucky ones who survived the experience without any damage to my place or car. I lost power around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday with the water following suit shortly after that, but considering that was a pretty minor inconvenience. I did not get either back until sometime on Tuesday. I took off for a friend’s house in Humble on Monday because I was in dire need of a shower. Doing the basic wipe down was not cutting it!

I started the week before Ike with six gallons of bottled water, an emergency stash of cash and working flashlights and lanterns. On Tuesday I went to the store and bought a bunch of canned goods. Wednesday’s preparations consisted of buying some extra propane, some AA batteries and filling up my car’s gas tank. I was thankful for the last one, because when I went to work on Thursday the lines at the gas stations were very long.

Thursday I had to go get my tire fixed (because the night before I noticed a huge bolt very close to the sidewall of my tire), so I made my way over to Sam’s Club. Talk about a zoo!! The lines were extremely long; I would say at least 20 people deep. My tire had to be replaced, but because I had such minimal tread wear all I had to pay for was the installation. So lucky. The next lucky thing – they let me buy batteries (for the radio) and TP at their counter so I didn’t have to wait in the regular line. Even more lucky!!

I was now set.

Friday consisted of the final touches. I cleaned house, put some breakables away, went for a final run around the golf course, made sure all my dishes and clothes were clean, then filled up the bath and wash tubs with water.

I then sat down on the couch and watched the news coverage until the power went out.

That is when the fun began. The wind started howling, the windows shook when a major gust came through, the metal carports on top of my apartment complex started creaking and groaning, the sky would light up, etc. Needless to say – I did not get a good night’s sleep.

The next morning, I put on an old pair of tennis shoes and went walking around the area. And the next day I took a drive around the Heights and Memorial drive. Here are some of the pics I took:

On Monday, I found out a friend of mine had power so I hightailed it to her house with the contents of my fridge and freezer (which were not bad yet) along with my big, powerful blender and a bottle of rum! You see, I had a huge bag of frozen strawberries in the freezer, and what could I make with those – strawberry daiquiris, strawberry pina coloda’s and strawberry mojitos (the last recipe was not that great, but everyone else was okay with them so they did not go to waste!).

The next day I found out I had power, so after we all headed out for dinner I went home. It was so nice to be home in my own bed with the electricity and water back.

Second goal met

2008-09-09T12:33:00.006-05:00

As of this weekend I have lost a total of 21 pounds. I have finally reached the second 10 pound weight loss goal! Yeah for me!!

It gets rather frustrating at times because it seems that for two weeks out of the month I do not see any differences on the scale, and then all of a sudden I have a major drop. And then I wait for things to stabilize, because I am sure a lot of it is water loss so I have to wait for that water to get back on board. Then of course the weight goes up and I get frustrated again! But I have to look at the big picture and the ultimate goal.

During my times of not losing I wonder if I am insulin resistant. It just seems that I should be losing the fat consistently because I am active, have restricted my caloric intake, am eating healthier and have cut out a lot of the bad foods.

They have found that many women with PCOS are insulin resistant. The way I am reading things I am not sure which comes first - the hormone problems or the insulin resistance. There still seems to be a lot to be learned about this syndrome.

I have been wondering about this for some time - but have never done anything about it. Well, I finally called my doctor up and asked to get a glucose tolerance test. I am still waiting for the lab order to come in the mail. But now I am wondering when to get it done. Does it really matter? Or should I wait until that two week period when I do not seem to be losing anything? Decisions, decisions.

My nutritionist thinks I really do not need to worry about getting the test done just yet because ultimately I am losing weight, but if I wasn't then she would say for sure to get it done. She has had other clients with PCOS who have had the test and once they get on the right medication to control it - they drop weight like crazy. Not sure anything like that would happen to me. Who knows if I even have the problem. It just seems that I can eat the healthiest meal, not drink sodas, exercise, etc. but it doesn't really seem to make a difference. And then I will have friends that can eat candy like it is going out of style, have a double cheeseburger with fries and not exercise and they never seem to gain weight.

I will let you know the eventual outcome.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-07T16:59:00.006-05:00

Several years ago I went to New Braunfels and floated the river with my family and have always wanted to go back and do it again. I finally got the chance last weekend.

I went with friends and we camped for two nights along the river at one of the huge campgrounds.

We drove over on Friday afternoon and just hung around the fire that night eating, drinking and playing games. I wasn't that into drinking so I was good and limited my alcohol content. But the people at a campground next to us was very into it and were up until close to three in the morning. I was not that endeared towards them the next morning and made sure we did not get into the water at the same time they did later that day.

After breakfast, we sat and watched a ton of people get in to the water and listened to their high pitched shrills at the shock of the cold! Funny!

We finally got our tubes and jumped in ourselves. The water was a little cold, but I got used to it over time. Overall, it was a good time. It was nice and relaxing, but then things would get a little exciting during the rapids. I liked those times the best, I wish their had been more of them.

I think the major downfall of the whole trip was seeing all the trash floating in the water. There were beer and pop cans, plastic bottles, jello shot containers and a other odds and ends. My friends thought me a little strange because if I could get close to the trash I would pick it up and put it with our trash. When we first started floating I didn't see any, then about of a third of the way a few items appeared. And the further we went the more and more trash appeared. It is too bad and rather sad.

Here are a few pictures of our time floating:

The Gang.

All the peeps behind us.

One of the pretty views along the way.

Some guy getting ready to jump out of a tree - not the brightest idea considering how shallow the water is.

On the way down after doing a back flip. I do not think I could have done it even if I did know the water was 20 feet deep!

iPod

2008-08-24T23:14:00.004-05:00

Every once and awhile I think I might like an iPod for running, but then I decide against it.

Well, I am thinking about it again. My phone has an mp3 built into it and a couple years ago I used it during a run. It didn't work out too positively. The headphones made my ears hot and one of the songs I had downloaded was corrupted which caused the music to stop. So I gave up and didn't try again.

But this Saturday I did try again. I downloaded some new songs and this time made sure they all worked. After getting things all situated I headed off to the golf course for my 10 miler.

It seemed like it took me a little bit to find my groove but I eventually got there. Then one of the ear buds kept falling out, and then it started hurting so I just kept it out and ran with one bud. This seemed to work a little better because then I could hear my foot steps, my watch beep and other runners around me.

Towards the end of the run my other ear started hurting so I switched to the other one. It was still a little tender but I was able to finish my run and walk home without too much discomfort.

Overall it was an okay experience but I still haven't decided if I want an iPod. I think a lot would depend on whether or not I could find some comfortable headphones. Besides, my spending spree is over and I am not sure if I want to spend the money!! I will try a couple more times and see what I think.

New top

2008-08-23T22:31:00.004-05:00

Since I bought so many new articles of clothing last week, I, of course, have been wearing them! Today I decided to wear my new tank top. And it was so nice not having sleeves. It was especially nice at the water fountains where I splashed water all the way up to my shoulders to help cool down.

There was only on slight problem with the tank - all my rarely ever exposed to sunlight skin! As I was walking out the door I thought about putting some sun screen on, but thought I would be okay since I spend most of my time in the shade. But I guess it was not enough shade because I ended up with a burn on my upper arms and even my back. The tank has a racer back - but my bras do not. That resulted in a very interesting burn to say the least!

Shopping fix

2008-08-17T23:01:00.009-05:00

I am not real big on shopping, but like my bonus-mom said - sometimes the stars and planets align and all is just perfect in the universe. That was the way it was for me this weekend. Plus, I needed some new things because some of my favorite shoes and clothes are getting pretty ragged looking!

After work on Friday I made a bee-line for Dillard's for a pair of shoes I had seen there a week ago. I then saw another pair that were on sale that I liked. Actually, there was another pair I liked, too, but I resisted!! And when I looked at my receipt I found out it was tax free weekend. SCORE!! I know, I am a little sheltered sometimes!

I then went to look for a pair of pedal pushers. Found a pair that fit right, but the color wasn't quite right. So, I moved on to shorts and found a pair for 12 bucks. Another score!

Saturday, I ventured out to buy a friend a birthday gift at Bath and Body Works. Guess what - everything was 10% off, plus some of the items I wanted were on sale! Yeah!

Next stop - Gap - since it was just across the street. Found a skirt that was just right. I wish they had it in khaki, too, then I would have bought two. It was not on sale, but it was at least tax free.

That night as I was finally checking e-mail after a couple days there was a note from Fleet Feet. All clothing 20% to 50% off. That was okay, but then they said if you decided to buy a pair of shoes that were between $100 and $140 they would drop the price down to $99.99 so the shoes would then be tax free, but only if you bought two articles of clothing. Since the shoes I run in are always over $120 I figured I would give it a shot.

My running shoe size is 10-1/2 wide and I can not always find it in stock, so when they came out with the right style (Asics Gel Nimbus) and the right size I took the shoes and headed over to the running tops. I really didn't expect to find anything in the women's area, I usually have to buy men's, but I always look. But they had some stuff for the larger ladies. I tried a couple on - and guess what? They were too big! Yeah!! So I went down a size. The short sleeve fit fine, the tank was a little tight around the middle, but I could live with it. Especially in this heat! So I ended up with a new pair of shoes and two new tops. All three needed - especially since I have been wearing the same couple tops for the past several weeks (they have been washed!).

I would say I had a pretty successful weekend!

I stayed positive...

2008-08-17T08:32:00.007-05:00

...and it helped!

I must have been retaining a HUGE amount of water because I have lost 4 pounds since my last post. That is less than a week! And actually I lost about 3 pounds in one day! Crazy!

And, it appears my shoulder is improving, too! The physical therapist can now force my arm to 100% rotation. I can't quite do that yet, but I am getting better. I still have to do a lot of stretching to keep the scar tissue broken up, and that really hurts at first. But by the time I am done with my "set" the pain is a little less. And the strength training even seems to be helping. I have moved up from the red band (medium) to the green (heavy) and am now including 1-2 pound free weights to that arm. I know it doesn't sound like much, but for that particular arm it is. Hopefully I will see a big improvement by the end of the month and actually be able to get my arm behind my back and scratch the middle of my back and then eventually my shoulder blades like I can with my left arm. Right now it takes effort for me to scratch the top of my butt!!

Trying to be positive

2008-08-12T20:09:00.005-05:00

A plateau - I think that is what I have hit in the weight loss scheme of things. Since beginning the "get healthy" program I have been losing an average of about two pounds a week. Then it just stopped. I am one of those bad people who weighs myself almost every day. I know I shouldn't do it, but I just can't help it. And this causes psychological problems because one day I will have lost two pounds, the next I gained it all back and then some, then for several days it will stay the same and then the scale will tease me again.

NOT NICE!

So - during the past two weeks I have only lost one pound. I figured the scale must be telling the truth because it flashed the same weight two days in a row. It is better than nothing. I just have to remember that am still doing good things - I am getting healthier. And I have to keep on track and not give in to the call of Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia.

On another note, I have noticed a marked improvement in my running. I am not nearly as dead feeling after a workout as when I first started and I am doing more mileage during my weekly timed runs. I must be doing something right!

Today was my third physical therapy visit. I did some stretching, then the therapist did some stretching for me. Holy Crap!! It felt like he was going to break my shoulder! He would push down, then push some more, and then push some more!! All I gotta say is that the scar tissue around my shoulder joint does not want to break up.

Once he was done torturing me, it was time for a little strength training with the band. I am so weak. But I have to be patient and keep up with the home stretching. Just like the running, it can only get better.

Let the games begin!

2008-08-09T09:05:00.006-05:00

Did you see those opening ceremonies? Talk about beautiful! I had initially not planned on watching, but sure am glad I did last night. The precision, the color, the beauty and the shear enormity was amazing. It even brought a couple tears to my eyes :)

I am so glad that the US did not ban these games. I remember when they banned the Olympic games in Moscow back in 1980. I traveled to Russia (when it was part of the USSR) after the games were held and remember seeing all the Olympic paraphernalia for sale and still on display. I especially remember our hotel bath mats having the Olympic rings and mascot designed on them (that mat came home with us!). I always thought how sad it must have been for the Russian people to have been anticipating and preparing for these games for years and then a huge percentage of the teams and tourists did not come. It has always made me sad to think about that.

Misha - Moscow Olympic mascot

Benefits of the storm

2008-08-05T23:41:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I prepared in anticipation of Tropical Storm Edouard. I bought six gallons of drinking water. Filled up the tank with gas. Bought a kitchen scale! Obviously, I didn't need to get that much in order to be "prepared"!!

So this morning rolls around and there was a little rain. Then a little more. And one time it really came down pretty heavy. But most of the day it was just a steady pour.

Then around 4:00 I noticed it had stopped.

It was still not raining at 5:00 so I headed out for my run. And it was so nice! The temperature was in the high 70's, the air was clear and hardly anyone was on the roads so the noise level was low. The humidity was a lot higher than it has been for the past week, but even that was nice.

I walked over to the golf course and started my run. Everything was going great and then I looked down at the Garmin. Oops - going a little too fast! I was going about 10:30, and my normal pace is more like 12:30! I did slow down a bit (deliberately), but during the run my pace pretty much stayed between 11:00 to 11:30! The joys of cooler weather!

I did a total of 5 miles - 1/2 mi warm-up, 4 mi run/walk, 1/2 mi cool-down. And I enjoyed every minute of it! Tomorrow will be a different story, though. The temperatures will be rising once again.

Way too hot!

2008-08-03T23:39:00.004-05:00

I was scheduled to do eight miles on Saturday and I was just not in the mood. I put it off. And then put it off some more. But since I had plans for the evening I finally headed out the door around 4:30 pm. I walked the 1/2 mile to the golf course and started my run. The plan was to run around the course, then over to Rice for a loop, then back finish to the loop at the golf course, and then one more loop around the golf course. Lots of looping going on!

Well, I ended up getting over to Rice, but then I was done for. The heat was just too much for me and I ended up walking home. I still got in five miles, but three of them were walking.

Since I needed to get the long run in, I made attempt number two today. The heat was a little less intense when I headed out but my determination was more so. This time I made it. I petered out at the end but I still made it. Total mileage was nine miles which includes the one mile to and from the golf course.

I have been carrying a water bottle with me on my runs, lately. I have a fuel belt, but for some reason I just do not want to put it on. During my run today I drank five bottles of water and barely stayed hydrated. I tried to make sure I had a sheen of sweat on my arms through out the run and most of the time I did. But there was a time when I felt my arms and they were pretty dry. It could have been that the wind had picked up and the moisture was evaporating faster. But I took it to mean that I needed to drink more water, which I did and by the end of the workout my arms had a nice sheen again.

Someone said to me once that the amount you sweat is indicative of the shape you are in. This was after a long run and the sweat was streaming off my body and dripping off my visor. Where as this person looked as cool as a cucumber (of course they had finished way before me!). I didn't believe that person then and after today I definitely don't!

This was me after my workout - I just had a little less clothes on!

Things to avoid

2008-07-31T21:57:00.004-05:00

I have been to the nutritionist twice now. The first time was basically to get an introduction. She asked me my ultimate goal - lose weight, eat healthier. She then asked me about my eating habits, likes, dislikes, medical history, etc. We of course talked money (this is not cheap!) and then set up another appointment where she would evaluate my food diary and we would discuss menus and foods I should lean towards and foods I should avoid.

The second appointment was yesterday. And everything went pretty much as planned. My daily caloric goal is 1800 cal with 20-30% protein, 50-60% carbs and 20% fat. Nothing too shocking there. The shocking part came when she gave me a list of foods okay to eat, foods to eat in moderation (every other day), and foods to avoid. Well, on that avoid list are bananas, mangos, papaya, beans (black, kidney, pinto), popcorn, carrots and soy/tofu. Holy crap!! Those are some of my favorite things!! I guess I have to look at it like these things are now going to be my treats and not my normal everyday foods. The soy products are going to be difficult because a lot of vegetarian foods are made with this. I am not vegetarian, but I have tendencies towards it. All will be good!! I will survive!!

My next appointment is in three weeks and during that time I have to start incorporating these changes and keep-up with the food diary. I also have to start clearing out my fridge, freezer and cupboards of all of my forbidden fruits ... and tofu and beans and ...!

Not very pleased with Methodist right now

2008-07-21T08:00:00.005-05:00

Okay - my PT appointment was for 7:00 a.m. this morning. I arrive, sign-in, etc. The lady behind the desk tells me I need a new prescription from my doctor because it has been over a month since it was written. Really? News to me! But she says she will send it off to the doctor's office to get a new one. Can't get one now because they do not open until 8:00.

She then gives me my chart and says to go right in. What? Before the therapist came out and got me. I express my confusion and she takes me in to see Paul. Another what? Last I knew I was supposed to see Christie. The receptionist informs me that she is on maternity leave. Thanks for letting me know about the change in plans.

I am introduced to Paul who says we will have to re-evaluate me because it has been a month since my last visit. No problem, I figured as much. He then informs me that is all he can do because due to licensing issues he is not allowed to perform any therapy on me since I do not have a current prescription. Well, why didn't they tell me that at the desk? And why didn't they tell me when I first gave them the prescription about 5-1/2 weeks ago (it took a week and a half for me to get an appointment because they do not have enough PT's due to vacation and people moving)?

I asked Paul, what was the point? Why am I paying a co-pay for nothing? I will just set up an appointment with the doc again for another cortisone shot and then start the process all over again. Maybe this time at a different PT office. We will see.

So I left (after getting my co-pay back) and proceeded to my car. I make it down to the exit gates but can't exit. At first it looks like the girls are switching shifts. Then they start fiddling with the registers in their little booths. Then one of them heads down to the parking office and a few minutes later returns alone and starts fiddling with the computers again.

I am livid.

I get out and ask why they can't just let us out. Why do we have to sit here and wait for them to get their act together.

She responds with - no, you have to pay.

Fine, let me pay and get on my way.

She then tells me the scanner isn't working that you plug your little parking ticket into that reads the time you entered into the garage.

You know what I think - I really do not care. Let me out of this garage and go home. Do not hold me hostage for a measly two bucks. And if you had any sense you would figure out the total time I was in the garage by hand. It doesn't take much. When you entered the garage is actually stamped on the parking ticket also!

Frickin' imbeciles.

And all of this was before 7:40 this morning. Great start to a Monday!

1 Goal Met

2008-07-20T10:13:00.012-05:00

As of today I have lost 10 pounds!

See that little ticker at the top of the page, I will update it every week or so with any poundage lost. And every time I reach a goal, I will make a new goal until I reach my ultimate goal. Not sure what that is yet, but it will take a while to get there!

I started the Getting Healthy D-Plan on 6/9/08 and since that time I have not had any sweets (except sugared gum). That means no cookies, candy, chocolate, ice cream, cake, sweet tea, fudge, honey or sugar on my oatmeal, etc. And over the past several weeks those items have been made available to me if I wanted. What I am completely amazed about - I have had no major cravings for them.

For the past two weeks I have been in Grand Prairie for work and was even able to lose a couple pounds while having to eat out for almost every single meal. I chose some of the healthiest items available to me and made sure the snacks I ate were not full of fat and sugar. I took my Vita-Mix with me and my breakfasts consisted of whole fruit smoothies.

Tomorrow I go see a nutritionist - Catherine Kruppa (thanks Vic). I gave her a brief medical history of myself over the phone and she says she can help me. I hope that is the case!

Yesterday, I did the Lunar Rendezvous down at NASA. A couple friends of mine are "newbies" to the running thing and this was their first event. They were acting all nervous and excited and took some before and after photos of themselves! I had to laugh, but I know where they are coming from! They signed up for the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and have been getting in walking/running shape for the past couple months. They have been doing great and will get better as the time goes on.

As for the run - I didn't do horrible, but I aim to do better in the future. I really liked the shirt they gave us - it was dri-fit and not full of sponsorship ads all over it. The run went around the grounds of NASA. It wasn't the most exciting run, but I did see a couple rockets! The event was chip timed, but I wish they had given a chip time along with the gun time on the results page. My Garmin said I did the event in 38:26 but my official time is 39:04.1. Either way it is not a PR. Maybe by the time the Race for the Cure comes around on October 4!

It starts tomorrow

2008-06-29T22:23:00.002-05:00

Training for the San Antonio RNR Marathon that is. I signed up for the free training program they offered through active.com and it starts off with a 35 min easy run tomorrow morning.

After that I have a few errands to run and then I am off to Colorado to visit with family for a few days. Should be fun to do some of my training at altitude!! At least the miles are short. Would hate to have to do an 18 miler trying to suck in enough oxygen into my lungs!

And once I get back from vacation I will be participating in the validation of a cylinder fill plant - so it will be difficult getting the training in because there will probably be a lot of late nights and early mornings. But I need to start this training season off right, so I will do what I need to do.

I think I would like to go see a nutritionist that can help me lose weight. I am wondering if they might have some different ideas for me considering my history of PCOS. Maybe different food combinations, certain types of food that I really need to avoid, etc. I am just wary because I know a lot about nutrition and do not want them to just tell me stuff I already know. But then again - knowing and doing are two totally diffent things!!

I recently bought a VitaMix to help me in the goal to eat more fruits and vegetables. I know you are probably thinking this is a real expensive blender - but it is a blender that lets you add whole fruits and veggies and makes a wonderful smoothie. This morning's smoothie consisted of a frozen banana, some canned pineapple chunks, a fresh orange, a mango, a whole carrot cut in 2 in sections, some water and some soy protein powder. It was very orange but pretty tasty. I am planning on making some green smoothies eventually, but I am still in the experimental stage and trying to find the right recipe. I will get there eventually! My first attempt at a veggie smoothie was pretty disgusting (tomatoes, kale, carrots and some other stuff). I didn't waste the nasty concoction though, I put it into ice cube trays and add a few to my morning smoothies. This way the taste is overpowered by lots of fruit!

Planning for next year

2008-06-28T23:11:00.010-05:00

A friend and I have said we are going to do a half-iron distance triathlon next year (finally!!). Now we have to decide on which one.

The choices are:

Barb's Race

Ironman 70.3 Cancun

The Grand Columbian

What are your thoughts?

Getting healthy

2008-06-21T23:14:00.004-05:00

For the past couple weeks I have been trying to eat a lot healthier by eating more fruits and vegetables and eating less sugar and just eating less. And I have noticed a difference. A few pounds have dropped off and my energy level has increased.

I am also trying to rid my cupboards and freezer of all the food that has accumulated but gone uneaten for months and months. And because I do not let junk food sit around for a week let alone a couple months, I am able to stick to this eating healthier goal!!

My one vice - popcorn. And not the microwave stuff. I am talking about the old fashioned kind you cook on the stove in oil. I love the stuff. I pop up a huge bowl full, liberally sprinkle with salt and enjoy every last popped kernel. YUM!!

On the road to recovery

2008-06-14T16:42:00.004-05:00

I hope so anyway.

Wednesday I got a shot of Depo-Medrol (corticosteroid) in the shoulder area and in a week I will be seeing a physical therapist about a treatment plan. Let's hope that it works and I can regain full use of my shoulder.

The doctor did say I could start riding my bike again, so I went for a ride with my friend Debi and the Bike Barn group yesterday morning. On my way over to the meet up point I wondered if I would be able to make it the whole ride because I could already tell that my shoulder would bug me. It wasn't painful, but the continued pressure made things uncomfortable. By the time we made it to downtown I was ready to quit but figured Debi would want to go the whole route - which included continuing over to UH then around the Med Center. Well, she mentioned she wished we could just go back to the store - and I was more than game! So back to Rice Village we went.

After that we headed over to la Madeleine for some breakfast. I had a spinach, mushroom and red pepper omelette with fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice. Yum! It would have been better with tomatoes, but they are not making anything with fresh tomatoes there. I understand where they are coming from, but figure they can buy locally grown produce. After that I biked back home giving me a total of 24 miles for the day. Overall it wasn't a very aggressive ride, but considering that I haven't been on a bike for two months I think I did okay. I will not be doing any century rides anytime soon, but at least I am back in the saddle!

Saturday I went for a little run around the golf course. Can you believe it? Two days that involved exercise!!! I didn't do nearly as bad as I thought and I feel pretty good too!

Today was a rest day. I figured after all that strenuous exercise over the weekend I had to take a break! Tomorrow I will go for another run around the golf course. I gotta get ready because marathon training officially starts June 30 with my first long run of five miles scheduled for July 5. If you sign up for the San Antonio R'n'R Marathon they give you free on-line training through Active.com. Kinda cool if you ask me.

Adhesive Capsulitis

2008-06-07T08:09:00.003-05:00

Or Frozen Shoulder. The MRI did not show any tears so they are thinking it is this because my range of motion is limited. I am not completely frozen, but they said it might get there without some intervention.

That means another needle. This time it will inject cortisone into the shoulder joint area to help get rid of the inflammation and possible scar tissue. Physical therapy will then follow. I will have to be diligent because I know most of it will be done at home and not in a PT office with someone telling me to do it.

If you would like to read more about it here is a description of it on my doctor's website.

I DIDN'T GET IN

2008-06-04T23:23:00.002-05:00

To the New York Marathon, that is! I am so thankful!!

This is my third year of rejection. Know what that means?

I am going to New York in 2009!! Yippee!!

Ways to spend a Friday evening

2008-05-31T09:24:00.004-05:00

My shoulder has not appeared to progressed any in the healing process so I made an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon yesterday. The appt was for 3:00. I arrived, gave them my pre-filled out new patient paperwork and sat down in the waiting room. Dr. Phil was on, there were no magazines and I didn't bring anything with me. So I suffered for about an hour until I was called back to the exam room.

There I sat reading a research article on a new surgery technique for rotator cuff repair. Hey - they at least had magazines!!

The fellow came in and had me explain the accident and demonstrate what I could and could not do. He then evaluated my strength and flexibility. All with a questioning look on his face. The next step was x-ray.

Once that was completed it was back to the exam room to finish the research article (it was very riveting - especially the shoulder cadaver pictures!)

The doc came in and we chatted and examined my x-rays. This was his 12th MS150! Very friendly man! It is great to have doctors who can relate to you, your injury, how you got it and do not want to stop you from getting back to that activity. Oh yeah - no definitive results from the x-rays.

Now it was time to set up an appt for an MRI with contrast. And guess what? They had an opening for 7:00! Goody!

First I had to get another x-ray of the shoulder. That meant waiting another 45 minutes in another waiting room waiting for a table to come available. Finally a room. The x-ray was taken, now we have to wait for a radiologist. 25 minutes later we get one (he was actually worth the wait - another nice doc).

The radiologist then prepped me for the injection - sterilization and numbing of the injection site, determination of where the needle was to be inserted via the use of a fluoroscope and then the eventual injection of the contrast media. The last part wasn't very pleasant. Another x-ray after that was taken and off for the MRI.

No waiting there - they were actually waiting for me and hoping I hadn't been sent to the wrong MRI lab!

I lay down on the table and get appropriately positioned and swaddled up (let's just make things even more claustrophobic). Then it is into the tube I go. All was okay at first, but because of my position and the extra fluid in my joint from the contrast my shoulder started to throb. By the time they let me out and freed me from my confines the pain was intense.

The one armed drive home was not the most fun. But the Vicoprofen I took once I did get there (around 8:30) was and helped a lot!!

Now the wait for the results. The doctor is hoping for the best (me too!) and that I just have a really bad sprain which will only require an injection of cortisone to make things better.

Hope for the best.

Mr. Beaz

2008-05-26T08:32:00.001-05:00

Still mending

2008-05-17T09:42:00.005-05:00

I thought my shoulder would have been all better by now, but it isn't. I have to keep telling myself that my scabs haven't completely healed yet either, so how can I expect my shoulder to be! My hip has no visible signs of being damaged, but if I rub on it - it is a little tender. I really hit the ground hard!!

People keep asking me if I have gotten back on my bike and the answer is no. I have not regained full use of my arm yet but probably could go for a bike ride. Maybe after a couple more weeks of healing and anti-inflammatories I will give it a try, but I do not want to push it.

I am in Baton Rouge this week for work. Lucky me!! I am assisting with the validation of an oxygen cylinder filling system. Things did not start out that great, but are getting better. This afternoon I had the wonderful duty of analyzing 120 cylinders for O2 content which involved a lot of lifting and turning of knobs. My shoulder sure can tell I did it. It is just a little more tender than usual. Can't forget the drugs tonight.

My job duties have really seemed to change these past couple months - and it has been for the better. I get bored rather quickly if I am not mentally stimulated. That was starting to be the case, but with my new duties things are looking up. I am just lucky that my boss realizes this about me. It cracks me up how well she knows me sometimes!

As for training - it has been non-existent. But that will have to change soon! I have a couple friends who are training for their first half-marathon and want me to join in on some of their runs. Well - I can't have them show me up or anything so I better get on the ball!! Too much going on this week and weekend - so the new training season for me will start next week! Maybe I will start posting more!

On the mend

2008-04-27T09:31:00.003-05:00

It has been close to two weeks since my little fall off the bike (there are still a few more hours to go before the official anniversary!!) and I must say - things are getting better. The scabs are healing - but only after having to be removed due to some serious puss leakage. YUCK!! The pain in the left wrist has diminished and I can now move it without pain. I just want to know what I did to it - I landed on my right side! The bruise on my hip is pretty much gone and feels good.

And finally my shoulder - Thursday was the day I felt a difference with it. It still does not like to do any sudden movements and the muscles are a little tender, like when you have used the tricep machine a little too much, but compared to previously the difference is incredible.

I didn't realize how much my daily activity would be affected by hurting my shoulder. I could only wash my hair with one hand, and if you think I could style it - forget it. Putting on deodorant hurt - having to reach over to the left pit with the stick or having to raise the right arm enough to get the stick in there. Putting on the bra was manageable, but taking it off was a different story. And buttoning the jeans - that was a chore to say the least! Using the computer was okay when it was sitting in my lap, but when I had to put it on the desk - not fun. Buckling my seat belt; turning the steering wheel; carrying anything; etc. Pretty much anything I did somehow involved my shoulder and the muscles attached to it. But it is getting better and I am so relieved!!

I forgot the best part

2008-04-21T19:07:00.002-05:00

On day 2 of the MS150, if you take the Challenge Route, there is this exquisite downhill before you get to the park. Well - I was really looking forward to that hill considering all the wind and slow going up to that point. And I took complete advantage of it when the time came.

I sat back in the saddle, got into my drops and crouched as low as I could go.

The end result was a whopping 45.7 miles per hour max speed!!!

Total Exhiliration!!

I am just thankful I didn't fall at that speed!! But then I was paying more attention to the road at that point.

Lone Star Tri and the MS150

2008-04-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

Well – my spring events are done and I am so incredibly thankful that they are over with. I have nothing big planned until November - San Antonio Rock-n-Roll marathon and maybe New York – if I get in (crossing my fingers that I don’t!!). I am so looking forward to not having to train, but just do what I like and when I want to.

First up – Lone Star Quarter Iron Triathlon.

It wasn’t pretty but I finished.

The day before the event a bunch of us went out to the swim course and gave the waters a test. I have swum in open water before – oceans, seas, lakes and rivers. But this was the first time I attempted to swim a specified course in choppy waters. It was not fun. I got a tad sea sick out there and was not looking forward to the next day.

After the swim it was back to the hotel to check in, shower, go shopping for last minute items and the TNT pasta party. Then it was back to my room to prepare.

After a night of tossing and turning the alarm went off and it was up and at ‘em. Dressed, ate, gathered my stuff, walked to transition, got body marked, set up my transition area then waited for my wave.

A few hours later I jumped off the pier into much less choppy water than the day before – talk about relief. Swim out to the start line, wait and wait, the gun goes off and I am swimming. Around the buoys, through the pack and eventually I make it to the swim finish. Unzip, pull down the wet suit, lay on the ground and get stripped, up again, grab the suit, rinse the face at the showers, and off to transition.

Get all the necessary gear on and off I go. Friends that had done this event before said it was a head wind on the way out and a tail wind on the way back. Not this time. It was pretty much a side wind the entire time. What joy! I yelled out “go team” to my fellow teammates, stopped and gave a guy some air, grabbed a water bottle from one of the volunteers after I accidentally dropped one of mine, said thank you to the volunteers and eventually made it back to transition.

I racked my bike, put on some new socks and then my running shoes and off I was for a 6.55 mile run. Or so I thought. It took a little while to get my legs back and once I did I felt fine. Then this weird thing started happening. After two minutes of running I would start cramping in an area of my legs that I have never cramped before. I would push through and the pain would get more intense, so I started walking. After a bit the pain would dissipate and I would start running again. Two minutes later the pain was back. Walking again. And this is what I did the remainder of the run – go until I couldn’t stand the pain any longer, then walk it out, then start the process all over again. I ate chips and took electrolyte tabs thinking this would help. It didn’t. I eventually made it to the finish line, but it was definitely not a pretty sight.
Once I was done I rested a bit, bought some goodies, ate some food, drank a bottle of pickle juice, almost puked (that stuff is interesting to say the least!), and then it was back out to the finish to cheer the rest of my teammates in. And of course – no cramping!

Two weeks later it is time for the MS150.

I have been dreading this weekend for months. I didn’t prepare like I should have – you know – long rides that include hills. I did none of those. The longest ride was 45 miles in Houston. And the only hills in Houston are overpasses!!

The day of ride arrives; I finish getting ready for the dreaded event and then head out to Cypress High School where my team decided to start from. I hand over my luggage, we have our team picture taken, I finish getting ready and then head out.

Wow – there are a lot of riders out there on the road. I pass some of them and some of them pass me. I hear sirens, I see a few riders down and I eventually make it to the lunch stop. After some nourishment I am back on my way. I hear more sirens and have to get off my bike at one point to go around an accident, but after a total of 85 miles I eventually make it to La Grange. YIPPEEEEE!!!!

Food, shower then bed and some much needed sleep!

Six the next morning the lights go on and it is time to pack up and get back on the beloved bike again. And I must say that was fun! It took at least five miles for my seat bones to get used to that bike seat again.

I rode the first part of day two with two of my team mates. We took the challenge route, but by-passed the park. I pulled over just after the park to wait for the girls I was riding with and forgot to unclip and down I went. I was laughing so hard that everyone knew I was okay!! The other girls caught up and we continued on our way to lunch.

The wind had picked up about mid morning and the exertion was taking its toll. By the time I got to lunch I was STARVING and devoured my sandwich, chips and some candies and chased it all down with a bottled drink. Needless to say, I did not feel very well after that. The nauseous feeling lasted until about six miles later when I pulled over and stuck my fingers down my throat. I felt so much better after that, but then I had to pee really bad and it was another six miles to the next rest stop. But I made it and it was only another 18 or so miles to the finish. I considered taking the SAG wagon, but the line was long. I ate a few orange slices and drank some water and Gatorade, but my stomach was still not feeling that great and the wind was still showing its ugly face.

I stopped at the next rest stop and prepared to finish the last nine miles. What is nine miles? I can do that!

I don’t know how many times I checked my odometer during those last miles but it was a lot!! 7 more to go, 5, 4, 3, 2 – oh look – I am on the UT campus – there is the UT stadium. And then I do not know what happened. I felt a bump, I lost control and then I was crashing to the ground. First the hip, then the shoulder and then my head. As the policeman said who saw me wreck – “thank you for wearing your helmet.” I must say I wiped out in a very good spot. There were people there within seconds making sure I was okay and getting me out of the street. And then the medics were there checking me over, cleaning my wounds and making sure I didn’t break any bones.

Everything checked out and since I was only a half mile – A HALF MILE – from the finish they let me get back on my bike and cross the finish line. So I finished.

And in case you are wondering – I went over a bad crack in the road and that is what made me lose control.

My shoulder was the most damaged in the fall, but I went to the doctor who gave me some good drugs and I am feeling better.

Next year – I think I will volunteer!

Breast Cancer Half Marathon

2008-02-21T00:57:00.002-06:00

I'm not ready!!

2008-02-11T16:57:00.000-06:00

I haven't been training properly and events are LOOMING!! I am going to do a half-marathon this Sunday. Was supposed to do the full but just not there. I did do 24 miles when I was out on the Houston Marathon course as a TNT "coach" but that is not the same type of miles - lots of walking - not a whole lot of running.

The next big event after this weekend will be the Lone Star Triathlon in Galveston on March 30 - I am signed up for the half-iron distance. CRAZY!!

I was supposed to do the Texas Independence Relay, but the team I was on deferred to next year due to too many people with injuries. Kinda sucks, but c'est la vie. One plus - I can now do the Rodeo Run.

A couple weeks ago I did the Mardi Gras Beach Run (10K) and the Rockets Run (5K) with some friends. We had a blast!! Both runs had a down hill right before the finish line and it was great. For the Mardi Gras run it wasn't that big of a deal, but I know I finished the Rockets Run in under 36 minutes because of those ramps that took all finishers to center court of the Toyota Center! Gotta love them down hills!

After the half-iron I will be doing the MS150 two weeks later. Needless to say - my weekends are going to be pretty booked up with bike rides and running events the next several weeks. And my weekdays with swimming, running and biking!!

Oh - and by the way - I am also looking to buy a house - and my lease is up the end of April!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T22:25:00.000-06:00

Santa is on his way!!

And even though he is not dressed up in holiday gear - Beazer wishes you a Happy Christmas!!

Same goes for me! May your Christmas be filled with much love and joy!

Some updates

2007-12-11T16:18:00.000-06:00

Okay - I said I would say something about the half-marathon. Well, it was a great experience. I signed up the day before, thinking that I would be doing it with a friend of mine. She didn't show up. And since I was there, I did it. I wasn't prepared for 13.1 miles but I figured if I wasn't feeling it after the second loop, I could stop. A couple weeks before I had tried doing 4/2's (4 run, 2 walk) and it seemed to work okay so I decided to try it again.

I saw Cassie at the start and said hi as she passed by as I went to get in line. I then saw her again coming from the 1st set of porta-potty's after the starting line - for those of you who were there know that these were about 10 ft after the start line!! We fell in line for about 3/4's of a mile and chatted. Then it was time for me to start following my plan and I started walking and she continued on her way.

At first the two minutes felt like a long time, but I felt so refreshed when I started running again it was amazing. I kept getting faster and faster during those 4 minute runs. I think I pushed it a bit too much, but it was great seeing my pace get a little faster with every mile that went by. It caught up with me around mile 10 and I had to start slowing down, but all in all it was okay.

I had been playing tag with another runner out there on the course. She was doing a different run/walk method but we were keeping up with each other and I figured if I could finish with her I would do great. But it was not to be. I had to take a pee break and was never able to catch her again - I could see her in the distance but I had expended too much of my energy earlier on.

Overall I was happy with the results and maybe I can improve on them in the new year.

The next update is that I have signed up (with TNT) to do the Lonestar Half-Iron Triathlon in Galveston on March 30, 2008!! Woo Hoo for me!!

Update number three - I went back home to Washington State and participated in their Turkey Trot and completed it in 33:00 minutes!! Another shout out for me!! The race did not have an official time, but that is what my Garmin said, and I am sticking to it!!

I did the Trot with my cousin Johnny who was positive that I could keep up with him - NOT!! I kept telling him that I am a 12 min miler and since he is closer to an 8:30 miler, me keeping up with him just wasn't going to happen. He said he would slow down to a 10 min pace!! I laughed. The gun went off, he kept trying to pull me along, I wasn't going to be able to do it and I was finally able to be left in the dust and proceeded along at my own pace with a couple walk breaks thrown in for good measure. It was a fun little race and took place along the Columbia River. The temperatures were seriously cold, but they had a group warm-up prior to the start of the run. It was too funny - they had us doing aerobics in the middle of the park! I think my laughing warmed me up more than the actual exercise. It was a fun race and I am happy with the results.

And the final update - I am training for a new position. I am still working for the same company, but I will have some new responsibilities. My boss thinks I will be good in this new position - and I sure hope I do not disappoint. Don't think I will, but I am always nervous when I start new things.

On another note - I have decided to switch to the half for the Breast Cancer Marathon. I just have not been able to be very good about my training. This new position will be great for that - less traveling and less eating out!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Last Minute

2007-10-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

Since I am signed up to do a marathon in February I have been doing some training. This weekend I was scheduled to do 8 miles. Instead I decided at the last minute to do the Houston Half Marathon and signed up for it on Saturday afternoon.

Well, I did it! Can you believe it?! I can't! And my legs really wish I hadn't, but I just keep telling them "c'est la vie!!"

More details later - but the end result was 2:40:10.8. I can live with that! Actually, considering my training up to this point - I am pretty pleased with that!

I just wanted pretty toes!

2007-10-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks a go I went and had a pedicure. A spa pedicure to boot. You know - where you sit in a massage chair and they rub your feet and legs with special exfoliants and nice smelling oils. Then they paint your toes an exotic shade of red and put a neat little design on your big toe nail.

You always feel a little sexy after the pampering and want that feeling to last as long as possible. So you leave your toes alone, just put on some lotion to keep them soft and maybe do a little extra scrubbing with the pumice stone. Nothing to hurt those hard earned calluses that get you through your long runs, though.

You are sensible.

The only thing is that you do not want to destroy your pretty painted toes. So you leave them alone.

And surprisingly all seems okay.

So you keep on leaving them alone and go on a six mile run.

You feel great! No pain. No soreness. All is good.

Then you take off your shoes and notice a little tenderness in one of your index toes.

No prob. It will go away.

It doesn't.

The next day you take a closer look and see that there is a blister under one of those nicely painted toe nails.

So much for that.

Those pretty toe nails have now been whacked!!

Getting better

2007-10-21T19:53:00.001-05:00

I have been a little better about my training of late. I've been getting back on the bike and trying to get home in time to actually go out for my weekly runs. What makes things a little easier is that I have found someone who lives close to me that I can run and bike with. With it getting darker earlier, that is a very good thing.

Last Monday I went running in the rain again. I arrived at the park around 6:15 pm and there was barely anyone there! I sat in the car a bit watching the rain beat down on the path and debating if I should get out or not. Since the traffic was so bad and I was already dressed and knew that I wouldn't get on the treadmill when I arrived at home I finally decided that running in the pouring rain was the best option. After I got out of the car, I discovered that there are two TNT participants contemplating going running also. Well, we did the loop then some (wanted a total of 3 miles). Fun, fun, fun!! Glad I did it.

I was scheduled to do 6 miles for my long run this weekend. I thought I would get them in on Saturday evening because I was out with TNT in the morning and coaches are not there to get their training in, they are there for the participants. In the end I did a lot of back and forth running making sure the participants were going the right way on the path and finding the water stop. Then I took the last paricipants into the park. After checking my mileage on the web I figured I ended up doing more than the required 6. I did a lot of walking at the end because that is what the back of the packers were doing so I am not sure if the miles were the best, but I got them in. In future weeks this will not be the case, but for now I guess it will have to do.

What is happening?

2007-10-08T08:23:00.000-05:00

In the past few months a couple of the blogs that I regularly checked in on are now by invitation only. What is happening that makes bloggers go from public to private?

Fun, Fun, Fun!!

2007-10-07T20:21:00.001-05:00

I had a fun week.

Monday I went out to the 1/4 mile track at Memorial Park and cheered on the participants as they did their ladder. There was some yakking afterwards and then it was time for me to do a loop. Well, I ran into a couple friends and their dogs so it was a slow loop, but it was a good time.

Wednesday was Bid Buy Date (a couple of TNT friends' fundraiser). I had a BLAST!! And a tad too much too drink, but Erin made me start drinking water, so all was good. Except that when the buzz started wearing off my anxiety started to rise because I had bid on THREE MEN!! I was freaking that I might win them all!! But all turned out okay, I was out bid on two of them so I was only obligated to pay for one of the bachelors! The date package is dinner at Sullivan's Steakhouse. We'll see if I end up actually going on the 'date' or if I will just make a donation to a very worthy charity!

Thursday I was off to meet with the ferret friends, and Friday I rested up for the Race for the Cure.

Saturday arrived and I was off to the race. First we met up in front of the Doubletree. And then it was picture time.

Ginny, Anne and Emily (TNT Coaches)

Team Picture

Then the rain came pouring down.

Trying to take cover under a tree

Luckily the rain eventually stopped and we entered the start chute and started our run. I started with some friends and chatted with them a bit, found some TNT participants and ran with them for a bit, and finally I fell in-line with Molly and Katie. This was Molly's first race and I felt running with her was more important than getting a good time.

My running buddies – Molly and Katie

Flags of the honored

Finish line!!!

After crossing the finish line I waited around for some of the other TNT participants, but I specifically wanted to get a picture of Emily running down the Survivor's Path. Emily had breast cancer around 10 years ago, and survived. And then this past year it returned in her bones. And she survived, again!! I am going to Jacksonville with her for 26.2 with Donna.

Emily coming down the Survivor’s Path

After the race I wandered around the park for a while, met up with several other TNT participants, then it was time for home. Well, that proved to be a little difficult because I couldn't find my car in the parking garage. I asked a parking attendant who then called for a cart (I was that far off!!) to take me to my car. It was THEN time to go home for breakfast and a nap. After that it was off to the Greek Festival with friends where we ate Greek food and drank A LOT of Greek wine!! And Sunday - I rested!

Another item to add to the list

2007-10-07T13:38:00.000-05:00

Okay, I have signed up to do the inaugural breast cancer marathon - 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville, Florida. I am such a silly girl!!

And then I read on Coach Bill's blog that Texas has a new full/half marathon to offer up to the masses. It is the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio and will take place November 16, 2008.

Too cool, but it means another decision I have to make!!

Oops, I did it again

2007-10-05T22:39:00.000-05:00

It is not really an oops. I was debating on it, and then the idea of sleeping in an RV with air conditioning and having access to real bathrooms cinched the deal. Yep, I signed up for the yearly trek to Austin on a bike - the MS 150.

They opened up registration on Monday (Oct 1) and it is already 60% full! AMAZING!

Kicking if off

2007-10-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

The 5K Kickoff for the Houston Marathon was a couple weeks ago, and I felt I did good. I ran with Molly (a TNT participant) and she kept me going and helped me finish in a total of 35:51.7. We planned on doing 5/1's but ended up going with the flow when we didn't hear the watch beep a couple times. The first mile was completed in 11:12, and then the second in 12:09 - and I have a feeling that was because we walked up the 'hills' on Allen Parkway. Mile 3 was completed in 11:34 and we 'sprinted' to the finish line at a pace of 9:20.

For me this was a good race because my training has pretty much sucked as of late. I will get better.

The day after the 5K I flew up to Tulsa to visit family. My mom lives there and my aunts and grandmother had flown a couple days before. They are a crazy bunch and I really enjoyed my time. It was nice to get away.

On Sunday we had brunch at the Phillbrook Museum. Yummy food! We then took a tour of the museum and gardens. Talk about beautiful! Here are a couple pics I took of the gardens...

Looking down onto the gardens from the museum.

Koi - this was the biggest one.

Looking up to the museum from the gazebo.

Tree art - those are glass leaves.

After my nice, relaxing weekend it was back to Houston then I was off to San Antonio for work.

Then it was home.

Other than that nothing truely exciting has been going on. One piece of good news though - I am on a team for the Texas Independence Relay!! I was thinking of starting a team, but before I could get it going I was able to join another team. I am excited because I really wanted to do it!

Today is October 1 - do you know what that means? Signup has opened for the MS150. I have been thinking about doing it again, but am not positive yet. There are other events I want to do (there is a list in the right side column) and wonder if I will be stretching myself too thin. Thoughts?

Three miles

2007-09-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning started well. I got up, dressed, filled the cooler with water for the TNT peeps, then it was out the door. Quick stop at the store for some ice then I was at the park.

The temperature outside was a nice 75 degrees. Pretty good for the first of September, wouldn't you say?

The participants started showing up and after our morning greetings we took off around the parking lot for a quick warm-up.

The first rain drop was felt.

We then gathered in a big circle for some stretches.

Rain drops two, three...one hundred thiry-seven...

A drizzle had begun.

A rumble was heard.

Uh, oh!

The down pour started...and it didn't let up for a good 40 minutes. I know this because I took my sweet time in following the participants on their loop around the park and it took me 34 minutes to make it around.

It was a good time, though. I had my hat on to help keep the water out of my eyes and the rain kept me cool.

The only thing I do not enjoy about running in the rain is squishy shoes. And avoiding puddles. Sometimes you have to just splash through, but then you get even squishier shoes. It is a no win situation.

But all is well. I had a good run, my shoes will dry and that pesky blister from the wet socks has disappeared.

The Power of the Internet

2007-08-27T08:04:00.001-05:00

Last week Christine sent me a link to this e-bay auction saying it was a good read. So I went, I laughed, and then I clicked on the link to her blog. More funny stuff.

Well, thousands of other people all over the world also got a link to this woman's auction and then her blog. She is now inundated with people checking out her writings and asking when she is going to write a book. It is just amazing how one little story on e-bay can change your life.

Her blog has nothing to do with training for a marathon, triathlon or any other type of known endurance event. It just has to deal with this woman's life as a mother taking care of her six children. I guess that could be a whole new type of endurance event.

Sliding into home

2007-08-26T17:37:00.000-05:00

So, after the fall TNT training group was finished with their run on Saturday I headed over to Biba's for some breakfast with a friend. As I am pulling into the parking lot I see Erin going past on Memorial Drive (she is training for Nike Women's Marathon). I hurriedly parked the car and ran after her to let her let know I would be there if she wanted breakfast after she was done.

I made it to Memorial, I made it across Memorial with all that wonderful traffic, I made it down the sidewalk past the Shell station, I made it to within a couple of inches of tapping Erin on the shoulder as she prepared to cross the street...then I tripped and as Erin put it "slid into home plate!" I am now decorated with skinned elbows, hands and a huge bruise on my knee - but my face is unharmed and my teeth are intact. That is the important thing.

Yep - I am most definitely a KLUTZ!!

Final Results

2007-08-19T18:23:00.000-05:00

Not sure what happened, but they added 2 minutes to my swim time (along with most everyone else):

Swim = 8:32.7
T1 = 3:25.6
Bike = 37:28.6 17.6 mph
T2 = 1:52.1
Run = 41:07.0 13:42/M
Final = 1:32:26.2

I am IRON......

2007-08-19T10:59:00.000-05:00

......BABE!!!

Here me ROAR!!!

Yeah, whatever, but I now have a title with Iron in it!!!

Anyway, this morning I participated in the Ironbabe Sprint Triathlon which consisted of a 300 yd open water swim, an 11 mile bike and a 3 mile run - in that order for you non-tri people out there.

The day started good - no rain. Of course it was still dark - because I had to be up and out the door before the crack of dawn. Well, this posed a problem on the drive out there. While I was on the major roads I was okay - there were street lights and such so I could see the street signs. Not the same situation out on the back roads. My only complaint about this triathlon was there were no signs indicating where to turn on these back roads. But I eventually made it and it was okay because they delayed the start and the closing of the transition area because there were lots of other people who missed the same turn that I did - even the announcer!

So, I made it to the transition and set up and got body marked then made it over to the swim start and my TNT friends. Then the time was upon us and the race was on.

I was at the back of the pack for the swim and that was not a good thing. I just could not get through the throng of women in my age group. I would get past a few, run into someone, then I would site, try to find a hole, made it through then ran into another one. It was like that the whole way.

The swim finally ended after about six and a half minutes and it was off to the transition area where I took too long because I just couldn't get all the rocks off my feet by standing up so I finally sat down to put my cycle shoes on. I need to get some tri shoes that do not require socks.

The shoes were on, the helmet and gloves were in place and then off I was. The course was relatively flat with one down hill and two small ups and there were lots of trees out in the park which made it nice and shady. I averaged 17.6 mph out there on the course which I do not feel was too horrible. Actually I am pretty okay with it.

And then it was time for the run.

That is what I was disappointed with. My training has not been the greatest and it showed, especially since I could not seem to get going during that first mile. I walked and walked and then would try to run a little but then I would walk some more. By the time the first mile was over with I was doing better but the damage was done and my average on the run was about 13:42 per mile (I will hopefully get the official results in a week or two). Oh well, there is always room for improvement on my runs!

My overall time was around 1:30:26 which I am good with. It was my first triathlon since CapTex on May 30 2005. At least I am back in the tri swing of things. And to prove it I just signed up for the Cinco Ranch Triathlon.

Traveling and TNT

2007-08-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

I am getting a little tired of going out to eat. Not that the food isn't good, it is just that it is usually too good...and when food is too good it is usually full of fat and calories. Last week I was in San Antonio and I walked around the River Walk several times trying to find restaurants that were not too expensive but which had healthy selections. It wasn't easy, but I finally found a place that might become a regular when I have to go down there for work - and that place is Zuni's. I had their salmon dish and it was totally delish!!

Traveling also sucks when it comes to exercising. That treadmill is going to get awfully boring. I will have to start looking for good routes that are around my hotel. Eventually I will get things figured out.

Saturday was the kick-off for the winter TNT season. We are training for Houston and the Phoenix Rock-n-Roll marathon. Yesterday was the first track practice. We did butt kicks and skipping and then some speed drills. It was a learning experience, but I think I did okay.

This coming Saturday will be our first official practice and it will consist of doing the loop at Memorial Park. I remember the first time I ran the loop - it was over whelming. It was so crowded, I was unsure about the layout and totally unsure of my capabilities of making it around. Well - I made it around, I learned the layout and I learned how to deal with the crowds. And now I am helping people through the same experience. Kind of amazing, don't you think?!

Brick

2007-07-21T00:07:00.000-05:00

I did my first brick workout in I do not know how long on Tuesday. It wasn't a big one - just 11 miles on the bike and then one mile on the feet - but it was still a little tough. I sure need to work a bit more on them.

I volunteered to go to a couple info meetings for TNT on Saturday. The only problem, they are at Central Market and I LOVE Central Market. I will try and be a good girl and bypass the bread tasting station with the WONDERFUL tasting butter and will just do my taste testing in the produce section!! Wonder how big my grocery bill will come out to be?

Which brings me to the diet. Today I wasn't the best - we ended up at a taqueria for lunch and I ordered a chicken quesadilla and a nopalitos gordita. It wasn't a whole lot of food but it was high in the fat content. Oh well, I made up for it at dinner and ate very low calorie and very low fat. I will be able to tell if I really screwed things up in a couple days when I step on the scale. Other than that I have done pretty good and lost between 7 and 8 pounds in two weeks. But you have to remember - you always seem to lose a bunch of weight the first week and then things start to slow down.

My ultimate goal is 140 by 40 - which is next May. According to the variety of Ideal Body Weight calculators I should weigh around 135 pounds for my height and frame. If I get to 140 I will be very happy!!

I have always had a problem with weighing a tad too much compared to what was expected by society, but things really got out of hand starting about 10 years ago. Well, after going to many doctors and not getting any good explanation I ended up in the office of an endocrinologist. She ordered a full lab workup of all sorts of hormones (blood and urine) along with an MRI of the pituitary, a CAT scan of my pelvis and finally another lab test that evaluated my adrenal function over a couple hours.

Final result - Pituitary Adenoma and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

It was kind of a relief to find this out - it helped explain a lot. It is amazing what can happen to your moods, cravings and all sorts of other things when your hormones are so screwed up. I remember one thing in particular prior to learning of my diagnosis - my cravings for meat and high fat foods. I was virtually uncontrollable. I tried and tried to eat good stuff but I was always wanting meat. And the months prior to my diagnosis my favorite food was McD's double quarter pounder with cheese and a side of fries. By this time I had reached an all time high of 234 pounds. I was pretty disgusted with myself.

I received my diagnosis back in Sept 2001 and since that time I have lost some of those pounds, gained some back, lost some again and then gained some back again. I am on the losing side of the roller coaster again and this time I hope to never go up again.

My Lucky Day

2007-07-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

July 7, 2007 (07/07/07) was my lucky day!! Along with millions of others on this planet! So on my lucky day I restarted that diet I have been starting and restarting for I do not know how many years. You know - the yo-yo routine.

Anyway, this time I am counting the calories and writing everything down. I have had results with this type of dieting before - and it is better than trying something new. My goal is to keep the calorie count between 1200 and 1500 calories per day but if I do not meet that goal once or twice a week - it is okay - I just "make a u-turn."

So far all is good, but then I have only been doing this for a week and a half! But I think I can manage. Sometimes it will be difficult because of my job, though. I eat out a lot with this job and finding good choices at restaurants is not always easy. Or if I do, they always screw it up somehow. Just last week I ordered grilled mahi mahi with steamed veggies. You would think that would be okay, but when it came out they had drizzled melted butter all over the fish and veggies. Guess I will have to learn to tell them not to do this and not just believe the server that they don't.

And then yesterday the facility I was at ordered meatlovers pizza for lunch. You know how hard it is to just eat one piece of pizza?! But I did it. And do you know how many calories are in one piece of pizza? About 375!! Terrible. But I did great the rest of the day and kept the count below the 1500 mark even with rounding up the piece of pizza to 400 calories.

If you are asking why did I even have the pizza. Well, two reasons. To prove that I could and because I am not going to deny myself things. I have done that before and always mess myself up because of it. So I will allow myself chocolate and fatty foods. Just in moderation.

Other than counting calories I am also doing my training for the triathlon I signed up for. That is a good idea, don't you think?!!

I am hoping that by the time of the first training day for the winter TNT season I will look a few pounds lighter (Aug 11). And maybe by the time the Houston Marathon comes around I will look a tad more like what you would expect a coach to look like. Positive thoughts, positive thoughts.

Here are a couple before pictures.

Me and my bonus mom, Michele, with a view of Mount Rainier (Oct 2006)

My Aunt Janet, Aunt Martha, Me, Clancy the dog, my dad, Jeff (can you see any family resemblance?!!) (Oct 2006)

Sitting in a field of bluebonnets after running in the Blue Bell Fun Run 5K and then going on a 40 mile bike ride in the hills close to brenham (April 14, 2007)

Let's try this one more time

2007-07-15T12:18:00.000-05:00

The other night someone asked me if I was still blogging. Well, I think about it all the time - just haven't been putting fingers to keyboard. Need to change that. I kind of miss it.

So what has been going on...

Work is interesting. I keep thinking that I should know so much more about how to do my job by now, but it is just not so. There is so much I have to learn and it is taking some time. But I think I am doing okay - I just have to keep reminding myself that this is all new and things take time.

I have signed up for the Iron Babe Sprint Triathlon which takes place on August 19th. I am thinking of several other events and I have posted them on the left. I am slowly getting back into the swing of things.

And one reason why I have to get moving is because I consented to help out this coming TNT season.......coaching. Am I nuts? I will be an assistant coach - it is kind of a test season to see if I like it and to see if TNT likes me in this role. I am a tad nervous about it. I think the main reason I am anxious is because I do not look like a coach. So to help with that I have been doing some major calorie counting lately!! And of course the exercise routine has been stepped up a bit. Not only do I have to prepare for assisting out there on the course, but I have all those events on the sidebar that I would like to do!

Anyway, before I sign off and go for a run I would like to leave you with some pictures from the MS150 this year. It was a good time and I really enjoyed riding with and seeing so many people I knew.

Start line on Day 1

Only 150 miles to go

Windmill

Event entertainment

At the bottom of one of many hills (only got a pic because it was a small one!)

Cheering Crowds as we approached the end of Day 1

Day 1 Finish Line

Our tent - we slept on matresses!! Only wish we could have taken off the plastic covering

My crazing riding buds at the beginning of Day 2

Mr. Bag Piper at the top of a hill

One of several rest stops

Getting ready to start riding again

Pretty view

The start of the biggest hill on the ride. I didn't get a picture of my speedometer on this one!!

Lunch is oh so close

This was where we breaked for lunch on Day 2

The remains

Lots of wild flowers along the way

And some more

Look - we can now see downtown Austin!!

FINISH!!

Loading the bikes

This is the last and oldest man to finish - he is 93!!

And here comes all the support!! What wonderful people!

Thought you might like an update

2007-05-25T22:13:00.000-05:00

I know - you thought I fell off my bike again and just couldn't face the ridicule.

Well, not quite (even though I did - and that fall really deserved some major ridiculing)!!

I just got caught up in obtaining a new job and some other events.

The first call asking if I would be interested came at the end of January and the last call saying I was hired came the first part of April and my first day was May 1. Looking back it only took a couple months, but at the time it felt like time was going at a snail's pace.

Of course, during this time I was training for the MS150 - which was a blast!! I will get those pictures off the camera eventually!

I also completed the Mardi Gras Half Marathon - which I had not trained for AT ALL!! And it so showed in my final time!! Oh well - I had a good time. Mile 10 was my downfall - that is where I drank a glass of beer, ate a handful of M&M's, then a little bit further down the block I picked up a Mimosa!! YUMMMM!! And that Mimosa really affected me. Hmmmm, wonder why?

I also went out to Brenham and participated in the Blue Bell Fun Run 5K. That was a good time - especially since I beat a whole gaggle of "skinny little bitches" (I am sure they were nice girls!).

I also moved. Not very far - just one floor up, but still! My apartment complex is being renovated so I did not have a choice. Instead of moving to a new place, I figured I would stay here for at least one more year and save up some more money and maybe next year at this time I will be moving into a house! That would be exciting.

My new job will require quite a bit of travel, so I will be having to really concentrate on getting my training in. I have no plans right now for any events, but that should change soon. I think I am going to sign up for the Run Wild 5K. I have entered the lottery for the New York Marathon, so I will let you know about that one mid-June. I will probably sign up for the Houston Marathon again. Maybe this time I will get an official time!! That would be nice. I was thinking of signing up for the Tejas Triathlon, but with what has been going on - not a good idea. I will have to look at some other tri's later on in the season.

Next week I am heading off to Washington for some family time. I am really looking forward to going for some runs along the Columbia. I would really like to take my bike, but I guess I will just have to settle for a loaner.

Until next time........

Swim Toy

2007-01-31T13:47:00.000-06:00

Last week I used some of my Christmas money to buy a new toy I had been wanting for a couple months now. It is a lap counter for the pool.

Before, I had used an old watch to keep track but it wasn't the greatest. I had wanted something else and when I saw this mentioned on someone else's blog I thought I would give it a try.

Well, it arrived on Monday and I took it for its first swim last night.

I set it to 30 laps (1,500 meters), set it on the side of the pool and began my workout.

I was a bit apprehensive about my swim because I haven't been in the pool for quite some time. After the first 5 laps I was thinking that 30 laps was a bit ambitious and thought I would stop at 20. Then I finished 10, then 15 and then 20 came around. I thought to myself "What is another 10 laps. You can do it." So I did. And those last 10 laps passed so quickly I was amazed!

I didn't do any special drills. It was all about getting my feet wet again and working on alternate breathing.

After hitting the swim gadget for the last time the lights went off and it started beeping to signify the completion of my workout. I sat there at the end of the pool seeing what the results of my times were and then decided I was going to do at least a mile of swimming – so I reset the lap counter and did 3 more laps!

Most of the time I remembered to hit the thing but sometimes I forgot, so I would hit it twice the next time. I think I can rectify this problem if I use the suction cups and put it in the pool. I will try this on Friday.

It has quite a few features that I like and think it will be helpful.

I can’t wait till I can play with it again!

Total distance = 1,650 meters / 1.025 mile

Whine and Wine

2007-01-19T15:02:00.000-06:00

I will admit - I have done absolutely NOTHING this week. And I feel so yucky and sluggish because of it!

Monday I woke up sore. It wasn't really that bad - mainly the quads and soles of my feet, but I was still able to walk normally and such. At first my Achilles tendon was very tight on my left foot, but I stretched and it went away.

Then on Tuesday morning the outside part of my left foot was majorly sore. The only thing I can think is that the pounding from Sunday finally caught up with me. The rest of my body was fine but that foot was causing some major limping.

Since then I have been icing the foot and popping Advil and things are much better. I even went for a short walk during lunch. Still not ready to go for a run or be on it for an extended amount of time, but at least things are getting better. I need to get back in the swim of things anyway!

On another note, while eating lunch in one of the cafeterias here at MD Anderson a lady came around pretty much begging for us to donate blood. Since the marathon was over and I have nothing major coming up in the near future I headed over and gave them a unit. Afterwards, they always tell you the things to avoid doing during the next 24 hours. I listened with half an ear, but it didn't really stick.

That night at home I thought a glass of wine might be nice after dinner – so I had one. Then another. Half way through the second glass I start feeling REALLY GOOD!! And for the life of me I couldn't figure out why!! Then the light went off!! Maybe next time I will listen a tad more carefully when they tell me I shouldn't have any alcohol for at least 24 hours after donating blood!

My G.A.S. Factor

2007-01-15T12:55:00.000-06:00

Well, marathon weekend has come and gone and I had a wonderful time!!

Friday, I left work early and made it over to the Expo to pick up my packet and goodies. I then hung around at the TNT booth either allaying the fears of some first timers, greeting friends or (more importantly) describing the TNT program to those unfamiliar with it and encouraging them to come to an information meeting.

After that I headed over to a friend's house for a pasta dinner. I had at first planned on meeting up with some Houston Running Bloggers at the Spaghetti Warehouse, but a friend convinced me to go with her so I did. Either way - I would have had a wonderful time because they are ALL a great bunch of people!!

Once the dinner and socializing was done it was home to bed because I had a work thing the next morning.

Work was finished by 1:00, then it was home for some rest and at 5:00 I took off to the Hyatt with all my stuff for the TNT Pasta Party.

I picked up a cow bell and whistle and I, along with a bunch of mentors, coaches, staff and honored teammates, greeted the participants as they made their way into dinner where they enjoyed plenty of pasta and other yummy food! After that we listened to speeches from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, an honored teammate and the father of an honored teammate (one who battled strongly against leukemia but was not able to defeat the horrible disease), and lastly one of the TNT participants who is a doctor at MD Anderson Cancer Center. We all laughed and we all cried at the stories and photos that were shown. And we all came away with something special that would help us get through our journey on Sunday!

After some final details (decorating singlets, hanging signs on participants doors and two Guinness's) it was off to the room to prepare for the next day!

Marathon day arrives and we are checking the weather. What do we wear? I ended up with shorts, long sleeve tech shirt, singlet, visor and a poncho (just in case).

We make our way to the starting point at 5:30 and are off at 6:00.

It is certainly a different feeling starting early. Hardly anyone is on the course – just a few that want to make sure they get done before they start dismantling that finish line and stop handing out medals – like me!

We started out pretty slow because we needed to stick together until the first participants passed us. Well, we ended up being two groups with one just a little bit faster than the others.

We made our way across the Elysian Viaduct, out to White Oak Bayou, into the Heights and then Montrose. This was where we saw the first participants – the wheel chair athletes. And they were cruising! Arms of steel I tell you! Then the elite runners started coming. The first having to be Ryan Hall (the winner of the half) – WOW!! Then all the others came streaming by – some by themselves, some in packs. It was awesome! It so made it worth starting early.

As we made it through Montrose I saw Carmen and Erin decked out in purple and green! Crazy girls, but oh so much fun!!

Then it was through the Museum District, into the Medical Center, past Rice U then into the West U area where the spectators were out in force and the sides of the street were lined with American flags.

I took a break at an official TNT cheer stop around mile 12.5 and ditched my long sleeve tech shirt and poncho and made the rest of the way in my singlet with cleavage bared (along with some other areas that rarely see sunlight)!!

Right turn onto Weslayan, over the Westpark bridge and finally into the Galleria/Post Oak area. Another turn and we are running along the lush streets of Tanglewood. Another right turn and onto Woodway and into downtown. It may be 8 miles away – but I am heading in the right direction!!

Prior to this I looked at my watch and realized I could actually make it in under 6 hours if I stayed on course, and put a little effort into it. Then I saw Gary (boyfriend of Tammy – friend, fellow triathlete, MS150 teammate) and stopped to say hello. Then I did some dancing to a couple bands and shook my boobies with the belly dancers!

Close to mile 19 a fellow marathoner comes up behind me and asks me if I am the Jill with the ferret. I am like – yeah. And guess what? It is Miss Tri-Bunny herself!! How cool is that?!! And what is funny – I recognized her!! During all these months of running in the park and along the bayou I have seen her – just didn't know it was her!! Anyway – we gave each other a sweaty hug and chatted a bit, then I let her go on her way.

I made a stop to get a rock out of my shoe, then another stop for the other shoe. Then I make a stop at a medical tent for a Band-Aid – I felt a little twinge on my pinkie toe.

Finally – I am back on my way.

Under 610 and into Memorial Park – where I see a sea of flags dedicated to all our fallen in the Iraq War. I think to myself "I wish I had my camera." And then I realize I have my phone. I took a couple pictures because I figure these men and women are worth it and start my trek towards downtown once more.

Sign describing the memorial

Sea of flags

Each flag had a fallen soldier's name attached

Fallen soldiers from Texas

I am starting to see the affects of the miles taking its toll on many of the marathoners. Some are leaning to one side. Some cramping. Some just look majorly pissed off. Me – yes, I am feeling the affects. I have pain in the feet, pain in the legs, but you know what? I was really okay with it. I was just looking forward to getting done and was going to make the most of these last 6.2 miles and have a good time. I didn't hit the wall (in my book) at mile 20. But my "Give A Shit" factor sure did hit rock bottom! I looked at my watch again and realize I could still make it under 6 hours with a bit more effort, but I could care less. I was more interested in having a good time. And that I did!!

I said hello to fellow TNTer Greg. Did a little jig for TNT mentor Art and coach John at 21. Saw Gary again at 21.5 and was introduced to the fam and given a handful of Cheeze-Its. Stopped to have my picture taken with Carmen, Adrienne and Erin between mile 22 and 23.

Carmen, Adrienne, ME and Erin!! Aren't we cute?!!

I chatted and walked with coach Jane around mile 24. Saw Miss TxRunnerGirl along the way and stopped to give her a hug and to say Hi! Yelled a couple Hell Yeahs with the song Redneck Women as I went under I-45. Saw Miss Sarah and gave her a hug and was introduced to Jose! Saw Miss Erica and gave her a hug (I hope)!

And then there it was – the finish line! I was in the home stretch! I called my dad and Michele and my mom and told them to get on the Internet so they could watch the live feed of me crossing that line.

Mile 26 – 0.2 miles to go!! I am pumping my hands, yelling and getting those wonderful spectators a reason to cheer!! I smile for the camera and then I cross that finish line!! I am done!! I have survived!! I have CONQUERED!! It might have taken me 6 hours and 17 minutes to do it, but I did it and that is all that I care about!! It may be my worst time, but you know what? It was my most fun marathon to date!!!

I made my way into the GRB and received my medal and picked up my mug and finisher's shirt and then proceeded to the food line. I finally saw Tammy! She looked a little tired, but she got the job done and is now a marathoner!! I saw Jon and chatted with him for a few.

Then I saw one of our TNT participants being wheeled around. Come to find out she had some major blisters on the bottoms of her feet and would be needing to go to the doctor in the next couple days to have them taken care of. How awful! I took over wheel chair pushing duty from the nurse and once we were finished eating took her to get her shirt and mug and then it was out to the TNT tent so she could meet up with her family.

After getting to the tent and talking to some people it was back over to the finish line to cheer in the marathoners. I cheer from the sidelines for a bit and then I get on the course and look for purple. I catch up with them, tell them they are doing great and cheer them on with 0.1 miles to go. I clap and cheer for the non-TNTers, also. Look for their names on their bibs and give them an encouraging yell.

Then I see the police cars coming up with a TNT participant just a few feet in front of them. I go out to run with her a bit and cheer her on.

I make it back to the tent and find out we still have more on the course. Back to the line. And there is Adrienne (who had finished the half earlier) running in Denye (one of my mentees!). No time to go around the fence so I climb over and run her in. While standing at the finish line I see more purple and we head back out on the course to run them in. Back to the tent again and this time I pick up my stuff and head back to the hotel and then it is off to the victory party where I devour some beef fajitas with all the trimmings and drink a couple margaritas in celebration!

Congratulations to all who went out there on Sunday (in Houston and Phoenix) and conquered! You did it and you should be proud!

Unofficial

2007-01-07T10:51:00.000-06:00

These past weeks since the Tulsa marathon have had me in turmoil on what I should do for the Houston marathon. I am not looking forward to next Sunday. I am a bit scared. A bit nervous.

At first I was wondering - should I switch from the full to the half?

Some friends said I shouldn't switch. One said to do the half then do the Mardi Gras full with her.

Well, the deadline came and went, and I didn't switch. Hey, I can always change my mind and just run that route on race day! Probably not, but I have the option.

My next decision - should I start early?

The time limit for Houston is 6 hours from when you start. Well, considering my last two performances my chances of finishing in that time frame do not look good. That would mean I would again not get an official time for Houston. And since this is already a possibility - I could just start early and not get one anyway.

Even though the Houston marathon does not "officially" have an early start - TNT (and I believe the FIT groups) has gotten around it. The officials kind of turn a blind eye because TNT is one of the largest fundraisers for the marathon. The walkers will be taking off at 5:30, and another group - "The Turtles" - will be heading out at 6:00. I will be with this group.

I would like to get an official time for Houston, and maybe one of these days I will, but this year I am not going to push it. Maybe once I meet that number one New Year's resolution I will finally be able to beat the Houston time limit. I know I can do it - I did Austin in 5:45:58.7 - the one marathon where I stuck with the training plan!!

Another benefit of starting with The Turtles - they will be running my pace, they will be doing my same intervals (5/1's) and because we are starting early the course will not be empty by the time we cross the finish line.

All will be okay.

Kinda Fishy

2007-01-02T13:41:00.000-06:00

I told myself last week that if I did set some New Year's goals I would start them on Jan 2nd. I was not going to start something "new" on a vacation day! The day after one of the biggest party nights of the year! The day of "bowls" and endless hours of football (okay, I only watched a few minutes of the Cotton Bowl, but still!)! January 1st wasn't going to do, so the 2nd it is.

So, as I am about ready to walk out the door this morning I realize I haven't taken my vitamins. I dash to the cabinet and pull out all the bottles (organization – life long goal!!), open them up and start dishing out the pills: multi-vitamin, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and glucosamine/chondroitin (I think that is it). I also pulled out Beazer's vitamins – fish oil capsules – you know good ole omega-3's, great for a healthy and shiny coat! I said what the heck and added it to the mix, popped the pills, drank some milk and headed out the door.

All was fine and good until about half-way through a meeting and I start burping. Nothing loud and obnoxious, just fishy!!

NASTY!! YUCKY!! NOT PLEASANT, AT ALL!!

I drink the glass of water I have in front of me. Not really helping. I breathe in after every burp just in case others can smell that wonderful fishy smell that I sure can taste. And as soon as that meeting is over I head for the refrigerator and some food. Hopefully that will settle things. And so far, it seems to have.

I will try taking them for a few more days – and this time not on an empty stomach. If that doesn't help I am going to say the heck with having a shiny coat!!

Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

2007-01-01T11:46:00.000-06:00

Well, Christmas has once more come and gone. I am kind of sad to see it go. It is always fun and full of surprises. I received wonderful gifts that I very much appreciated. And I am still working on some of the gifts I need to send out (I am so bad). The fudge has been made. I have finished with the vanilla and coconut marshmallows. Next are the peppermint and also the orange flavored ones dipped in dark chocolate. If you have never had home-made marshmallows - you do not know what you are missing!! I was thinking of making candied jalapenos, but only a select few like those so I will wait till later. Maybe for a spicy Valentine gift.

The New Year is now here. The lights and decorations will soon disappear. It always seems so drab once everything goes back to "normal."

It is now time to start looking towards the future. What do you plan on accomplishing in the coming year? Did you write down some resolutions/goals or is that something you do not do? Well, this year I wrote some down.

The most obvious for me is:

**Lose weight, slim down and firm up – i.e. train better!!
    Ultimate goal weight = 140 lbs or less by the time I am
    40 years old (and that does not happen in 2007!).

Some of the others that kind of go along with goal #1 are:

**Participate in a Half-Iron distance triathlon
**Eat healthier (more fruits and veggies, less refined sugars and starches)
**Finish a 10 K in less than 1 hour
**Finish a 5 K in less than 30 minutes
**Participate in a half-marathon and finish in less than 2 hours 30 minutes
**Finish a marathon in less than 5 hours 30 minutes
    (IF I do another marathon besides Houston in 2007)

And some others are:

**Take vitamins on a daily basis
**Floss on a daily basis
**Be more positive
**Be more timely (like in getting Christmas gifts off before Christmas!!)

I have a few others, but they are not really New Year's goals - they are life long goals.

Okay, I have put them out there. Now let's hope that I can mark some off by the beginning of 2008!!

If this doesn't make you cry.....

2006-12-20T13:48:00.000-06:00

UNHOLYLAND NEWS

I came across this blog a couple weeks ago and am hooked. This gentleman is a cameraman for Fox News and based in the Middle East. Some of his stories bring a smile to your face and some a tear to your eye. But they all make you think and appreciate the life of luxury your are leading.

One of his recent entries does that extremely well. Please go click on the link below and read it.

Mercy 10 Fallen Angel

Mal's other blog is .1of1%. It is more geared towards his training, which can be pretty challenging given his assignments!!

Hydration and Electrolytes

2006-12-20T12:45:00.000-06:00

Okay, most everyone out there knows that when you are exercising you sweat. This means that you are losing water and electrolytes (mainly sodium, but others as well). And common sense would dictate that you need to replace what you have lost. So most people will ingest a multitude of different things to accomplish this - water, sports drinks, gels, salt tabs, pretzels, energy bars, etc.

Also, most everyone knows how important it is to make sure you are well hydrated before any exercise - especially an endurance event. You drink gallons of water the days before your event and try and take in a little more salt than usual. This is all done to prepare you for going the distance.

Well, last week I didn't prepare very well and I think it cost me - a toe nail specifically!!

At first I attributed it to the new socks I wore for those 18.5 miles I ran on Saturday. And, yes, I know you shouldn't do anything different for a long run. But I figured the socks were very similar to others I have worn, I should be okay. But when I got home and really examined my left index toe I noticed how raised and white looking it was – the sure signs of a water blister under the nail (I have yet to have a black toe nail).

Just wonderful! I proceeded to take care of the problem so it will heal as quickly as possible before my next long run.

Like I said – I am attributing this all to a new pair of socks.

But the next night a friend was telling me about a book she had thumbed through at REI. It was about taking care of your feet and there was a section regarding black toe nails and electrolyte imbalance.

This is basically what she told me (I copied it from the Internet):

"During your run pay attention to water and electrolyte intake. Dehydration can cause your skin to lose its turgor and the skin layers to separate, causing blisters. An electrolyte imbalance can also contribute to problems. Drinking a sports drink, taking electrolyte capsules and eating salty snacks will help to keep up with sodium loss."

And just in case you are wondering what turgor is:

"Skin turgor is an abnormality in the skin's ability to change shape and return to normal (elasticity). Skin turgor is the skin's degree of resistance to deformation and is determined by various factors, such as the amount of fluids in the body (hydration) and age."

She also told me that once she started training for her IronMan her problems with black toe nails disappeared. And you know why? Because her coach had her taking in more electrolytes and experimenting with salt tabs and such.

Anyway, I had never heard this theory before and tried to find out more about it on the Internet. But, you know what? There isn't really that much out there on it. Most of the stuff is about making sure your shoes (and subsequently your toe box) are big enough and that your nails are clipped short and filed smooth (to prevent snagging on your socks). And when I did find something it was usually in reference to ultra runners. But since I am not very fast I think I need to pay attention since I am usually out there on the course for an extended period of time.

The best article I could find was from an electrolyte replacement web page. Of course, they want you to buy their product, but the information sounded legit. Take a look if you would like to learn more.

http://www.succeedscaps.com/blisters.html

Blisters, Black Toenails and Sodium

Karl King August 7, 2005

The layman thinks it is hard to run an ultra because of the great distances involved - "I get tired just driving that far." Yet foot problems and stomach woes are more threatening to the ultra runner than covering a lot of miles.

Effective digestion requires a sufficient supply of sodium ions. The biochemistry of that is beyond the scope of this forum, so let's focus on the connection between foot problems and sodium.

Consider the typical ultra runner standing at the starting line. The feet are fine, the stomach is fine and the amount of sodium ion in the runner's blood plasma is fine. If those stayed the same during the run, the only factor in finishing would be the runner’s ability to overcome muscle fatigue in the last part of the run.

As the runner proceeds down the course, the body sweats for cooling effect (running generates a lot of un-needed heat that has to be removed from the body). Sweat normally contains the electrolyte ions found in blood plasma. The primary ion in sweat is sodium. Potassium amounts in sweat are considerably lower. Other ions such as calcium, magnesium and iron are present but in very small amounts.

As sodium is lost in sweat, more and more of it is pulled from the blood plasma. There is a normal level of sodium in plasma, and body must maintain the plasma sodium concentration within a tolerable range. If the sodium concentration falls too far outside the range, it can cause death.

As you might suspect, the body has regulation mechanisms to avoid such a catastrophe. If you have too much sodium, thirst increases to prompt drinking water that can dilute or flush away any extra sodium. If you have too little sodium, the body must get more sodium or remove water from the blood plasma. This will lead to an increased desire for salty foods. If sodium in not ingested, then an alternative mechanism must be used. Your body can move water from your blood plasma and put it into extra-cellular spaces between tissue cells. That lowers the amount of water in the blood plasma and returns the ratio of sodium to water to an acceptable level.

That’s good for your blood stream, but what about that water sitting out there between the cells? The cells that were compact now have water around them and that means the mechanical strength of the cellular structure is compromised.

What is unfortunate for ultra runners is that the water will collect in the hands and feet because of gravity. It may be alarming to see your hands swell up, but it usually won’t knock you out of an ultra. The big problem is found in the tissues of the feet. As you know from this forum, your feet are complex structures that bear strong and repetitive insult from the hours of running. Life is hard enough for them even when they are not compromised with extra fluid. When the fluid in extra-cellular spaces gets to be significant, mechanical strength is reduced.

The feet swell inside the running shoes, putting extra pressure on the tissues, and those tissues can be rubbed to the point of physical damage. We see blisters form as layers of skin separate, and we see toenails move more, damaging the weakened tissues that normally anchor them.

If one is not aware of the part electrolyte status plays in tissue strength, it is tempting to blame the socks and/or running shoes. Now, if these give you problems on short runs, the blame is well founded. If you run four consecutive runs that total 40 miles, and the shoe/sock combination works fine, but a single run of 40 miles produces problems, maybe something else is going on. Another tip-off is related to temperature while running.

If your feet do just fine in cold weather, but have problems in hot weather, it could well be a symptom of poor electrolyte status. Runners sweat less in the cold, and sodium is not quickly lost. When the temperatures climb, sweat rate increases and the loss of too much sodium causes problems at a shorter distance than in the cold. Runners in cold northern climates rarely have blister problems during cold long runs, but can have blisters arrive during longs runs when the first hot days of spring arrive.

In my personal experience, electrolyte status made a big difference in the frequency of black toenails. Before I made my own electrolyte supplement, I had six to eight black toenails on a regular basis, just like many of my ultra-running friends. When I got the hang of how to use the supplements, my black toenails gradually healed and I ran ultras for five years with no more toenail problems. I made no significant change in shoe or sock type. In terms of terrain, I actually ran more difficult terrain over those five years.

Sodium intake can be on a hit-or-miss basis, taking whatever might be salty from the aid tables, or it can be controlled by taking a supplement. I developed SUCCEED! Buffered Electrolyte Caps (S! Caps), with 341 mg of sodium per capsule so I would know exactly how much sodium I was getting throughout a run. While individual results vary, low-sodium problems can be avoided by taking one capsule per hour, with water. Since I've used them, blisters and black toenails problems are a thing of the past.

Copyright 1999 Karl King, all rights reserved.

Merry Christmas

2006-12-19T15:41:00.000-06:00

It is just a few short days away - and just in case I forget......

Have a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season and All the Best for Healthy and Successful New Year!!

It's about time!

2006-12-18T17:06:00.000-06:00

Okay - I am finally back. The last time I posted was the day before the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa. Well, that is over and many days have passed. I am coming back from that and am ready to move on.

I was VERY disappointed with myself in Tulsa. Let's just get it out of the way - my time was 6:10:29. Some tried to console me and say I shaved 3 minutes off of Chicago. But still, I was not happy. And again - it was my fault. I really wanted to run the entire marathon with Christine, but I only made it 13.1 miles with her. Seriously - we crossed the half way point, I tried to catch and return a phone call (from her husband!!), had a coughing fit and could never catch her. But then - she runs continuously, where as I usually do intervals. See - my fault.

Anyway - the night before the marathon we made our shirts and they turned out great!!

Getting close to the half way point

The morning of the marathon was terrific. A tad chilly, but once the running began everything was wonderful.

Prior to the race starting there was a fly over by some old time planes. That was pretty cool.

And then the gun went off - and we were out of there. The crowd thinned out quickly and miles started slipping by.

I can tell you one thing for sure about running in a relatively small event (around 2500 participants total) - no lines at the port-a-potties. Not at the start, not during and not after! LOVED that.

There wasn't as much entertainment as I anticipated and the "crowds" were pretty minimal, but the volunteers were great - very friendly and encouraging. And that matters - a lot!

I met several people on the course who were part of the 50 States Club. What a cool bunch of people. They were so friendly and encouraging. And they were recruiting, too!! Funny! And the amazing thing was - many of them had participated in the previous day's marathon - The Oklahoma Marathon. And I thought I was nuts!

We saw the parents (my mom, Chris's dad), Don and the kids a couple times along the course. That was very nice - even though my mom doesn't really know when to leave me alone when I am in the "Bite Me" zone!! Sorry, didn't mean to snap when you kept asking me if I needed anything!!

The course was mostly an out and back with a few diversions thrown in. The one major downfall was that we ran mainly on concrete. Chris could feel the difference, but I didn't really notice. But my right knee and left ankle did. My ankle started hurting and felt swollen. My knee had a pain in it that I had never felt before and a couple times I had to walk for an extended amount of time to let it "recover." The only thing I can attribute it to is the running surface.

The time kept ticking by but the miles were taking longer and longer to finish. And the demons made an appearance and didn't leave until several days later. The doubts in my ability, in myself in general, flooded my thoughts. And they nagged me. They ripped me a new one, sewed it back up and then tore out the stitches. I know - sounds gruesome and IT WAS!! I hated myself so much those last few miles.

But as you can see from my finisher picture - I hid if for the camera!!

Since then I have come to terms with my time. The demons are still there, but I have closed the door on them so they are not as loud as they were.

I have rested a lot since the marathon. Probably not the best thing, but I needed a break. Besides - I needed to let my knee fully recover (took a couple weeks before I didn't feel anything).

I completed 18.5 miles this weekend and felt good about it. I ran with a friend from miles 2 to 18.5 and we did 4/1's most of the way. Boy, could I tell the difference in doing what I am supposed to do. Makes me think I might be able to do Houston in under the 6 hour time limit. One more long run next weekend. That is when I will decide if I will do the full or the half.

Wish us luck!!

2006-11-18T15:23:00.000-06:00

Miss Chris designed these for our shirts tomorrow. We will be ironing them on tonight.

Way Cool!

2006-11-16T11:07:00.000-06:00

http://usaattacked.com/100_years_of_pictures.htm

Have fun!

Bike Gods

2006-11-15T09:10:00.000-06:00

The Bike Gods are out to get me!! I swear!!

First was the fall on Sunday. They were getting back at me for not being on my road bike for several weeks. And not only that – it was for running reasons. SHAME!!

Then this morning they remembered that I have another running event coming up which translates to - I will not be on my road bike again for a couple more weeks.

No consideration was given to the fact that I ride my mountain bike every day to and from work. Day, night, wind, rain – I am on my bike. No that is not good enough for them. I need to be out there more. Paying more attention to the bike. Training more on the bike.

Even when they know I have signed up for the MS150 and that I will start my tri training in earnest after Thanksgiving. No, not good enough.

And to show there displeasure they turned their back on me for a brief second. While I was riding my mountain bike. On a gravel path. Around a corner.

In that brief second of ignoring me the bike slipped and........WIPE OUT!!

The hand is a little gouged, the elbow is a tad bloody and the entire side of my leg has a beautiful case of road rash (or is that gravel rash?!).

I promise Bike Gods, not to ignore you again.

PLEASE forgive me!

1 more week to #4

2006-11-12T18:04:00.000-06:00

I so wanted to run on Saturday morning, but it was not to be. I had water duty. But it was okay. I would make the most of it. On the way to my designated station (Waugh and Memorial - the bat bridge!) I stopped off at Starbucks for a peppermint mocha. Yummy, but most importantly it was hot because it sure was windy and chilly out there.

As I am parking Ginny and Anne show up with the water and Gatorade and we set up. Then the wait for the runners begin. I have nothing to do because I did not come prepared. I should have brought a magazine or book, so instead I open the car doors and blare Christina Aguilera on the stereo (I just love her new cd). So, in case any of you were around that area on Saturday morning and were wondering who that crazy lady was dancing on the side of the road - that was me!! Hey - the TNT folks got a kick out of it and that is what matters!

After the last of the participants came by it was off to the park for some shrimp. The coaches from fall and winter season put on a shrimp boil for the runners. Fun times.

Then it was home for a nap because I was really worn out from all that dancing!

Once the nap was completed I took off for my 10 miler of the day. I ran around the golf course, did 2 laps around Rice U then retraced my steps and walked the rest of the way home once the watch beeped 10 miles (not very far from my apartment complex). I stopped at almost every water fountain and walked about a minute every mile. The Garmin says I did 10.08 miles in 2:06:13 at a pace of 12:31 with an avg HR of 158 and a max of 170. But when I uploaded the same information to MotionBased it says I did 10.64 miles in 2:06:13 at a pace of 11:51 with an avg HR of 157 and a max of 170. Which one do I believe? I really want to believe the numbers from MotionBased! (wonder why!)

This morning I aired up the tires on my bike and took off for the LBS and a nice 30 mile ride around Houston. It sure has been a while since I have been on my road bike. Felt good. Except for when I didn't unclip fast enough and fell over (was thinking I would go through the intersection but changed my mind at the last minute). Just call me Grace! My right knee made initial contact with the pavement and is nicely bruised and skinned. And the left leg has a nice bruise close to the knee where it whacked into the bike frame. Only major damage was to my ego. I swear - I can be such a klutz!!

Once I got back home I put on some very thick socks to warm my feet up while I made breakfast. It didn't work. I had to have a nice long soak in a hot tub to get the chill out of my body. It is not like it is cold here or anything, I just couldn't shake it. Guess I should have worn my sock liners. Next time.

Tomorrow is ball class and I will have to do my running during lunch the next couple days because my nights are full (yeah - it happens every once in a while!!). Then on Friday I am off to Tulsa and marathon number 4. I just keep saying to myself that I did the same thing back in '05 and did just fine and shaved 20 - 25 minutes off my previous months marathon time.

Pics

2006-11-10T13:36:00.000-06:00

Quilt Show

One of the quilts on display at the International Quilt Festival. This one reminded me of a wheel.

I really liked this one because of all the colors, and that it seemed pretty random.

For all you dog lovers out there!

And the rabbit lovers (that includes me!!).

Glenwood Cemetery

One of the interesting monuments at Glenwood Cemetery. So modern.

This is a HUGE Live Oak tree in the cemetery. There are cables all in it helping support its mammoth limbs and to help protect it from lightening strikes.

I just loved this little gravesite. It is sitting on the side of a hill and is decorated up wonderfully with plants, chimes, windmills, Halloween decorations, etc. I am assuming this little girl died from cancer because of the LiveStrong bracelets on the wrist of the monument. She is obviously loved and missed.

Happy

2006-11-10T13:09:00.000-06:00

I said I would go to the park for some speed work with the group Wednesday – but it didn't happen. On the way there I stopped off at a local gas station to change my air filter. I had tried to change it the night before but I could not undo the screws. The dang mechanics at the last oil change place had used power tools on the things and tightened them so tight I could not get them to budge. Ticked me off, to say the least.

Well, two broken screw drivers later at the gas station and they finally were loosened – they had to get the power socket wrench out. See, I told you they were tight – it wasn't me being a weakling! After that I told the guy about driving down the highway Monday morning and my TCS (traction control system) and check engine light coming on and my car shifting down to third gear and the D4 light blinking. He ran a diagnostic for me and told me I was having problems with my transmission. What JOY!

So, he resets the computer and I go home to dig through all my papers on my car. And what do I find – an extended warranty for my automatic transmission!! Thank goodness!!

The next morning I drop off the car at the dealership so they can check it out. This is when I was told they might not be able to do anything since the codes were cleared from the computer because what I had written down on a slip of paper was not good enough. Not too happy, to say the least. But he said they would check it out anyway to see if there was still something in the computer or to see if they could make the light go back on. Well, no to both of those but they were still able to come up with something so I have a new transmission on order. Back to happy.

And to celebrate I went to an Indian restaurant for lunch with people from work. And after work I went for a four mile run around the golf course to burn it all off. The first loop (2 miles) I did in 22:45. The second loop was completed in 21:45. Nice negative split! Made me happy! What a nice way to end the evening!

Bloggie Friends

2006-11-09T17:12:00.000-06:00

I forgot to mention I met a couple bloggers in my post yesterday.

First was JohnnyTri out at Iron Star. I was wandering around looking for the volunteer coordinator and there on the side lines was this guy in a red visor. I said "Johnny" and he turned around, so it must have been him. We introduced ourselves and chatted a few, then it was time for me to get on with my volunteering duties.

The next blogger I met was fellow 2006 Chicago Marathoner TxRunnerGirl. Here we have been e-mailing each other details about when we will arrive, phone numbers, etc. but don't meet up in Chicago. No, we finally "run" into each other running along Memorial this past Saturday! I recognized her from her marathon pics so I promptly called her by the wrong blogger name! She still stopped! That was so kind! I do not think I will do that again!

Okay – next on the list are Vic and BunnyGirl!

What have I been up to?

2006-11-08T15:36:00.000-06:00

Well, that cold I came down with after the marathon put me out of commission for close to 2 weeks. Biking to work was difficult enough, if I had added running to the mix I would have probably coughed up a lung!

So instead of running I drove SAG for the TNT cyclists’ 100 mile ride on Oct 28. What a beautiful day for a ride. I met up with the group at 7:15 out at Katy Mills Mall and set off around 7:30. The coaches had scheduled breaks every 20 to 30 miles, but I made sure I was available every 10 to 15 just in case something came up. And while I waited, I sat in the van and read my book. It was GREAT!! One of the highlights of the day was the wagon train we came across – they were practicing for the Rodeo.

I had planned on going to look at the stars with some friends after that, but figured it would be better if I stayed home and rested up for the next day.

On Oct 29 I volunteered at the Iron Star half iron triathlon. I told the guy in charge I didn't want to be there too early so he put me at the finish line. I arrived around 11 and was given the back-up to the back-up timing device. What I did was punch in the number of the triathlete when they crossed the finish line so just in case the first and then the second timing mat failed there would be a record when the participant finished. Yeah – loads of fun!! But it was interesting. I saw the first guy to cross the line just under 4.5 hours and the last two participants to cross around 9 hours before the mats were picked up. There were still a couple participants on the course (I saw them when I was driving home), but the time was past. I felt so bad for them. They had come this far, but still had a mile, or 4, to go.

I saw a couple people I knew cross the finish line. Dr. Jordan – my vet, Nathalie – fellow TNT mentor, and the most inspirational was Bill and Dana Sue – TNT Honored Teammate and TNT mentor/coach and husband and wife. Bill participated with me and my fellow teammates in the CapTexTri in 2005 and has gone on to participate in numerous other endurance events. Dana Sue has raised thousands of dollars in honor of her husband and other cancer survivors and victims and qualified for Boston in her first marathon. They crossed the finish line together at Iron Star holding hands. It was an awesome sight!

After that is was back home for some more resting. But it was to no avail. I called in sick Tuesday and Wednesday because I had to get better by Thursday – Michele (my bonus mom) was coming into town for the International Quilt Show.

It worked a little. My coughing fits were not as severe or as often.

I picked up Michele at the airport on Thursday night and we came back to my apartment where we had dinner and prepared for the next day of wandering the GRB looking at all the goodies they had to sell (fabric, sewing and quilting machines, patterns, crafts, beads, etc) and the quilts on display. My feet sure were hurting by the time the doors were shut that night!! We came home with a few items, but Michele was a little disappointed she hadn't bought more!

Saturday morning I decided to attempt to run again and made it over to the park by 6:15. A little late, but it turned out to be a good thing because someone needed some assistance. Anyway – I ended up doing 11 miles and had a great run.

After that it was back home. After getting ready we headed over to Glenwood Cemetery to check out the trees and grave stones. I got sucked on by tons of mosquitoes and bit by fire ants. What joy!! We then took a drive through The Heights, River Oaks and Memorial Park, had fish tacos at Los Cucos, did some shopping in Highland Village and then went home for movies and a light dinner.

Sunday we did some more looking around and shopping. We then headed back to the quilt show for the final hours and to check out some of what we had missed the first time around. After that is was back home for a nice relaxing dinner.

The next morning we were off to the airport and said our goodbyes. I really enjoyed having Michele visit.

Since I wasn't feeling horrible anymore I went to ball class that night and yesterday, during lunch, I went for a 3 mile run around Rice. Finished in just under 33 minutes, which is pretty good for me! And, of course, I went and did my civic duty and voted last night. Tonight I am off to Memorial Park for some speed work with the group. Maybe I won't do too horribly in Tulsa.

I will post some of the interesting pics from my outings tomorrow.

The trip (warning - long post!!)

2006-10-26T15:11:00.000-05:00

The Days Before

Friday started early, but I was ready. I carried everything I would need for the marathon with me and packed the rest. I was not chancing the airline losing my shoes and gear!

I arrived in the Windy City and we eventually made our way to Harvey House B&B. We settled in, did some unpacking and then headed for the train into the city and the Expo. I picked up my packet, grabbed lots of freebies then it was off to dinner then back to the B&B for a good nights rest.

The next morning we lazed around and eventually made our way into Oak Park to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright museum and other interesting architecture in the area.

Interesting house

Another interesting house

Look - another one!!

Frank Lloyd Wright house/museum

Frank Lloyd Wright Unity Temple

After that it was time for an early dinner at a local pasta place and then back to the B&B to prepare for the marathon and to hopefully get a decent nights sleep.

Marathon Day

Woke up around 5:15 am and slowly got ready and then headed for the train.

Waiting for the train. Thank goodness the train didn't start running any earlier than 6:30, otherwise my mother would have wanted me on it!!

Well, we made it in plenty of time so I stopped off at a restaurant for a pre-race potty break and then it was off to the start.

Heading to start line.

Packing them in - it was amazing the amount of people!!

I said my goodbyes to my mom and Tom, and then I headed in. 10 minutes to go. 5 minutes to go and the wheelchair participants are off. GUN!! And here I go. But beware of where you step - there is clothing and plastic bags EVERYWHERE!! You definitely do not want to trip in that mess!!

9 minutes and a few seconds later I cross the start line and the running begins.

Take it slow, Jill, you do not want to go out too fast.

Look at all those people on the side lines. Listen to all those people.

Wow, there is mile marker 1, and I haven't been doing my walk breaks. Probably because I can't hear my Garmin! I have been going slow, it should be okay. I will just keep going.

There is the mile 2 marker - I am looking for you Mom and Tom. I can't see you - I wonder why?!!

The throng on the run at mile 2

Mile 3 - okay time to start looking for Brenna.

"Jill, Jill"

A quick turn around and I see her!! A quick hug, some photos, a little catching up and then I am on my way again.

Boy, I sure have to pee. There are some port-a-potties with huge lines. I can go a little longer.

Mile 4 goes by and I am still running. Feeling great!! Oh - look - there is TNT Coach Dan! What a welcome face to see!! He ran with me for a couple minutes and then he headed over to 11 to check on the other runners.

Mile 5 goes and I REALLY need to take a potty break. Where are those darn port-a-potties? I see a gas station with a line and make a pit stop. Lots of other people are in need of a pee break, too. And some of them are crazy enough to go stand or squat over in the park. Not me. I have a little dignity!!

Pee break over with and it is back on the road. Less than half a mile later I see the port-a-potties!!

Miles 6, 7, 8 and 9 fly by. I am feeling great. I have only taken a couple breaks - walked some of the water stops, talked with Brenna and stood in-line for like 8 minutes.

Mile 10 goes by and there is my mom and Tom!! Yay!!

Mile 10 and smiling. Hugs, hellos, pictures. I grab a gel then head back on the course.

Miles 11 and 12 float by. Mile 13 - it is Brenna again. And she has dragged David out of bed this time!! More hugs. More pictures. More catching up then back on the course.

Half-Way there!!

Only 13.1 more to go!

Miles 14 and 15 - starting to finally take my walk breaks. But I think the damage has already been done.

Miles 16, 17, 18 and 19 - getting a little tired. Could it be any more cold! Oh and I have to pee again!! This time I find the port-a-potties right away and the lines are nil! In, out, on the course. And what do I see in front of me? A purple TNT singlet with "Running Jayhawk" printed on the back. Wow!! I run up, tap her on the shoulder and say "Hey, I've read your blog." I tell her my blog name and she says "Yeah, I've read yours, too." Is that not crazy or what? We chatted a bit. She says she has been having a rough day and could really go for some food since she upchucked all her breakfast earlier. Even with the nerves she still kicked some tail and finished in 5:55:28! Way to go!

Mile 20 - 10 K to go! Thank the Lord!! I am beat! And I have to pee again!! What is the deal?!!

Band at 20

Looking rather tired

Potty break number 3

Hydrating

Miles 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 when is this going to end?! Oh, look - there is Coach Dan again. He comes over and runs with me a little and tells me it is only a little bit further. Just down here about half a mile then a turn and a bridge and then another turn and then the finish.

Mile 26 - this is so WRONG! You do NOT make someone run up a hill the last few hundred meters of a marathon. If you think I am running this - you are CRAZY!! But at least I get to see my personal cheerleaders (Mom and Tom) one more time before I cross the line!

Just a couple hundred more meters

Finish Line - 6:13:41

I finished - next time I will do better

After getting my medal, thermal blanket (what a wonderful thing!), some water, food and my pic taken I headed over to the meetup area to wait for my mom and Tom.

Buckingham fountain - meet-up area

We then headed over to the TNT tent to see if anyone I knew was over there. I saw Bill, Bev, Emily, and Janie. Great folks.

TNT cheerleader

It was then time to go back to the B&B for some relaxation and eventually a nice hot bath. There was no way I was taking an ice bath this time around!!

Day after

I woke up around 2 or 3 am with a wonderful sore throat. I went back to sleep hoping it would go away, but it didn't. I, actually, think I was fighting getting this cold for several days but had told myself there was no way I was getting a cold before the marathon. I guess it worked!!

After getting ready and having a wonderful breakfast at the B&B we headed over to The Field Museum.

Christopher Columbus statue with friend - I just had to laugh at this crow perched on CC's finger. He was having a grand time up there just cawing away.

Field Museum

Sue - most complete T-rex

Even though the walking and stairs were a little painful, I think they really helped in the recovery process.

Riding the train

Final Day and some other pics

The final day in Chicago we drove around the city quite a bit to have a look around and then it was time to head to the airport and home.

Buckingham fountain - clean again. Why couldn't the weather have been like this for the marathon?!

The photographer

Navy Pier

Chicago Skyline

Chicago Library gargoyles

Quickie

2006-10-25T16:32:00.000-05:00

The weather was COLD!! Not that I really minded. I am just thankful it wasn't raining or snowing. But one thing is for sure - I have become too acclimated to Houston heat!

The crowds and volunteers were fantastic! There were people everywhere, cheering everyone on and making sure we got to the finish line.

I saw my Mom and Tom at miles 10, 20 and 26. Very welcome faces to see out there on the course. Thank you so much for being there and supporting me. Also, my mom took tons of pics that I am very thankful for!!

I saw my friend, Brenna (we trained for our first marathon and triathlon together) around miles 3 and 13. We chatted a couple minutes, had our picture taken together and then I was back on the road. She is great.

I saw Houston TNT Coach Dan at miles 2.5 and 25. He was so encouraging and I am so thankful he was there to cheer us all on - TNT alumni and participants alike.

One surprise was seeing/meeting Running Jayhawk around mile 18. I had just finished taking a tinkle break in the port-a-potty and when I started running again I saw this purple singlet with "Running Jayhawk" spelled out on the back. I, of course, had to catch her and tell her that I have read her blog. Too funny!! BTW - congratulations on a great finish - even with all the anxiety.

And finally to what you really wanted to know - I finished. That was my ultimate goal. I would have really liked to have finished under 6 hours, but it did not happen. Final time was 6:13:41. One of these days I might finish under 5:30. That would be nice!! But I need to stop getting caught up in the excitement of the whole event and stick with my plan. Which does not include running for 10 miles with only a couple rest breaks (talking with friends, potty break and water stops). I didn't train that way so why in the heck do I race that way?!! You would think I would have learned my lesson after my first marathon, but NOOOOOO!!

Oh well, another couple weeks of training should help me (hopefully) keep up with Christine when we do the Route 66 Marathon on November 19.

That is it for now. I will have some more pictures and details in the coming days. But for now I will leave you with this.

Me - the day after!

Chicago Bound

2006-10-20T00:16:00.000-05:00

Well, in a couple hours I will be on my way. Marathon number 3. My goodness - the nerves are starting to kick in. But the excitement is building!!

My mom and Tom will be there supporting me in my quest to complete 26.2 miles. I have called my friend in Chicago and she will be cheering for me at miles 3 and 13 (before I start getting pissy!!). I will have lots of TNT friends running with me and attempting the same feat. And, of course, I will have all my family and friends cheering me on in spirit.

Thank you!!

I will let you all know how it goes when I get back!!

I stole this

2006-10-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

I saw this on Miss Tx Runner Girl's blog and liked it so much that I thought I would pass it on.

Chicago Marathon Course Video

For me

2006-10-17T16:44:00.000-05:00

The time is getting short. On Friday morning I will be flying to Chicago to participate in my third marathon (my first in a year and a half).

I am excited but I am also a little nervous.

I am not where I could be. There are so many things I could have done better in my training, but you know what - it is okay. I know I will never be the fastest runner. I will be happy to just be a middle of the pack person versus a back of the pack person. I am starting to come to grips with that. I might even start logging my pace and letting you see it (especially now that I have my Garmin!!). Baby steps!!

This past Saturday was my final long run (10 miles) and I think I did pretty well. I even received a couple compliments on how well I have improved and one on my nice looking calves!! I ran strong and it felt good. I have a lot of improving to do - speed, walk breaks and poundage. But with the cooler months approaching I think things will start falling into place. This is good. Because there is so much I would like to do.

I started my journey into running wanting to lose weight. Which I did (and which I gained back after breaking my toe!). I then decided to try a triathlon and then next after that was a century ride. Well my next adventure is a half-ironman, and maybe one of these days a full!! Some people wonder about my sanity, but most of them are not into this running, biking and swimming stuff.

It seems like I have always been battling my weight. But looking back, what I have really been doing is try to look good for other people. There seems to have always been someone criticizing the way I look since I have hit puberty. Friends, family, random people on the street, you name it. And it has not always been my weight that they have commented on. And you know the worst part - I didn't look bad, I actually looked pretty darn good (what I wouldn't give to have the body I did back in high school!).

I know – some of you are saying deal with it. But that is sometimes hard to do when you are 13, 15, 17 years old and trying to fit in with all your peers.

Through the years I have always said "I will show them, I will lose this weight and look so good they are going to regret how they treated me." But the reality was, I went on a diet, lost some weight, went off the wagon, and gained it back with some extra.

But you know what? I am finally realizing I shouldn’t be changing my body for other people. I should be changing it for myself. Yeah, I know, took long enough!!

But that is finally where I am. I want to change for myself. And you know why?

So I can be faster in the swim, faster on the bike, and faster on the run.

So I can run a 5K without having to take a walk break, and then eventually a 10K and then...

So I can run a sub 30 minute 5K, and then a sub 27, then maybe even a sub 24.

So I can finish a marathon in less than 5 hours, then under 4 and a half.

So I can have an average speed of 20 mph on the bike during a triathlon.

So I can look good in a wetsuit!!

I still have a lot of demons (in my own mind) to overcome, but I will get there. I will succeed. But most importantly I am not going to do it for someone else,

I am going to do it for me!

Happy Birthday!!

2006-10-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

Happy belated Birthday Daddy!!

Weather forecast

2006-10-16T12:52:00.000-05:00

Sunday 10/22/2006

High 45/Low 31

Cloudy and chilly for the Chicago Marathon. A threat of some rain possibly mixed with snow. Increasing north winds.

Brrr!! Sounds like it is going to be a bit chilly!!

Surprise!!

2006-10-12T13:03:00.000-05:00

I am back. Not liking it, but I am back.

Vacation was great.

Went over to have dinner with my paternal grandparents on Wednesday. We chatted a bit in the living room, then made it over to the dinner table. At my dad’s seat there was a bag of licorice my grandmother had brought back from Branson. At Michele’s seat there was a package of soup mix, and at my seat there was a big gift bag with tissue paper.

I didn't want to appear too eager so I placed the bag on the floor and ate dinner.

Then the time came to open the present. I was thinking it was going to be something that my grandmother had found on her trip to Branson, so when I eventually got the box out of the bag and saw the Fed-Ex and electronics labels I didn't think anything of it. I proceeded to peel off the tape and pull out the bubble wrap.

Inside the first box was a second box. I pulled it out and was completely flabbergasted.

It was a Garmin Forerunner 305!!!

O.H. M.Y. G.O.D.

My grandparents had bought me a Garmin!!

To say I was surprised would be an understatement!!

That night I charged up my new baby and fell asleep reading the manual.

The next morning I programmed my new baby, strapped on the heart rate monitor and played around with it for a bit before heading out for my long run.

A couple weeks ago I went to the docs and the nurse weighed me, checked my temp, BP and HR. Well the heart rate she came up with was 52 bpm. Shocked me! Just 20 minutes prior to that I was barreling down the sidewalk on my bike trying to make sure I got there in time. So I was really doubting that heart rate. Well, while sitting in front of the tv fiddling with the Garmin and rereading the manual my heart rate was averaging 50, and at one point it got down in the mid 40’s!! WOW!

After finishing with the fiddling, I dressed and headed out to the river for a 14.73 mile long run! It was fun. I enjoyed having my new toy along with me and seeing what my averages were.

Next item on the list is to load the software onto my computer and download my workout info.

The joy of sweat

2006-10-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a rather pretty day here in Richland. I went running down by the mighty Columbia and the water was like glass in some areas. Hardly a ripple except for the boats trolling the waters - most likely for salmon. The air was cool and dry, such a difference from Houston.

While dressing for my run I decided to put on a pair of shorts that are not as tight as my lycra ones, but I figured all would be okay. I have worn them plenty of times before with my amphipod clipped to the waistband at the small of my back.

I left the house and walked the couple blocks to the park entrance and proceeded to start my morning run. The first thing I notice is my shirt is sticking to my skin due to static. The joy of dry air! The next thing I notice, my shorts keep slipping down. I hike them back up. They slip back down. I do it again. And they do it again. And the problem is even amplified because of the amphipod.

I take the amphipod off and stuff it in my bra. That was a pretty sight, I am sure!! The shorts still keep slipping and I keep pulling them back up.

I am getting to the point where I am just going to say the heck with it and go back to the house, but then something magical happens - I start to perspire!! And eventually I build up enough of a sweaty sheen that my shorts stop slipping down and the static goes away! I don't think I have ever been that thankful for sweat!!

Now that the static and slipping have ceased to be a problem I can now enjoy the run. And what a glorious experience it was compared to running in Houston heat! My weekend long run (14 miles) is going to be great!

I ended up doing 6.5 miles yesterday.

And today I ended up going a little over 5.5 miles.

I started along the river and then decided to take a detour over to one of my cousin's for a quick visit with him, his wife to be, their little boy, my aunt and my mom. It was a nice afternoon and a great run.

Tonight it is off to the paternal grandparents for some socializing and dinner.

Vacation

2006-10-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

These past couple weeks have been a bit hectic for me. I have been trying to train and make sure all was taken care of at home and work so I could leave on vacation.

I did the training - 15 miles on Sept 23, 21 miles on Sept 30 and some weekday training thrown in for good measure!

I finished up what needed to be taken care of at work and got most of the stuff at home complete.

Then Oct 1 came and it was time to take off for Washington (state - that is). Richland, WA to be specific.

Sunday was filled with unpacking, greeting all the animals at my dad and Michele's, relaxing on the porch with a vodka tonic, taking a quick walk with the dogs, stopping by to say hi to my grandfather a couple blocks away (my grandmother would be home later that night from a trip to Branson, MO), then it was back home for some much needed sleep!!

The next morning it was up and out the door by 7:30 to head over to Enumclaw to drop off my aunt Janet's dog and to have a quick lunch with her and my aunt Martha.

On the way over we passed multiple vineyards and apple orchards, had a great view of Mt. Adams and as we went over Chinook Pass we had a picture perfect view of Mt. Ranieer and even got a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens every so often. It was a beautiful day.

After getting to Enumclaw (the Black Diamond tri festival is held close to here), we did a little visiting, had some lunch and then it was time to head home.

I was hoping to get some better shots of Mt. Ranieer on the way back, but the clouds had come in and she was was covered up. Too bad. At least we were able to see her in all her glory that morning.

We kept on going and made a stop in Yakima at the infamous Miner's burger joint (well it is famous here, anyway!!). During high school team road trips this was THE place to stop. And it has been that way for years. When my dad and mom were in high school, they stopped there, too. It's got history!

Anyway, after half of a Big Miner Burger, some fries and a small peunut butter chocolate malt it was back on the road to Richland and eventually a nice cozy bed.

Now I need to get back in the training swing of things and go for a run along the Columbia River. It is looking like it will be a gorgeous day and I am so ready to run in cool weather!!

This past Saturday when I left the apartment at 5 am for our 21 miles - the temp was in the mid 70's and the humidity was 100%. Yuck!! And the day didn't get any better from there. I do not know what the deal was but my legs HURT during that run!! Yeah, I know - 21 miles will do that to you. But this was a different kind of hurt. It was like my legs were being stuck with thousands of needles. I tried stretching, didn't help. The only thing that helped was stopping. And I couldn't do that becuase I had to get to the "finish line"!! I finally finished, stretched, went to the store and bought a 10 lb bag of ice (should have bought two) and attempted to have an ice bath. Well, the ice melted too fast so I ended up with a cold bath, but I think it helped a little. I just wish I knew what the deal was. Maybe it was just a bad day. Let's just hope the same thing doesn't happen during the marathon.

Okay, enough typing. Time to get into my running gear and head for the river!!

Made one decision, thinking on another

2006-09-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

Okay, Sarah told me about this one. It will be taking place at Moody Gardens in Galveston on April 1st. Registration does not open until November 1st, so I have time to decide. This group is also putting on the Longhorn Triathlon Festival in Austin at the end of September. That is one JohnnyTri is thinking of doing, also.

Decisions, Decisions!!

On another note - I finally broke down and bought a tv. I had seriously thought about taking Mr. Jamoosh up on his offer, but I just couldn't wait. But you never know, I have 30 days to return the thing!!

Class

2006-09-17T21:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was another long run. 18 miles in glorious Houston heat and humidity. But it got done, that is the important part. I started strong (in my mind anyway), stayed strong most of the way, fell into a slump for a bit, recovered, then finished semi strong.

The one thing that kept popping in my mind this weekend (first during the run, then today during the ride) was the huge difference in social classes in a span of a couple miles.

Our run route consisted of running from Memorial Park to the George R. Brown in downtown, then coming back and then going into River Oaks before returning back to the park.

While trudging along the bayou on the way to the GRB you pass a number of homeless people, either sleeping on benches or amongst the trees. But it is when you get into downtown the numbers increase drastically. They are wandering the streets, sleeping against buildings, clustered in parks, etc.

Then, less than 5 miles later on the return trip you are passing multi-million dollar homes with 3, 4, 5 car garages with cars that cost several thousand dollars sitting in them. Some houses are gated with their own private security guard and have huge lawns with gardeners trimming hedges and mowing the grass.

As my running buddy and I are looking at these mansions we wonder - where do these people get all their money? Is it inherited? Does it come from screwing others out of their retirement (Ken Lay)? Is it from oil?

And what do they do with all that space? You would need to do a lot of entertaining to want that much space. Or have tons of kids.

Don't think I am saying anything bad about the people that live in these places. If they can afford it they can certainly do what ever they want with their money. Besides they are supporting a lot of other people with their grandioseness - gardeners, pool boys, cooks, nannies, house keepers, etc.

I just find it amazing that within the span of a couple miles you can see people with nothing to their name except for a couple plastic bags of stuff to seeing huge mansions (because you rarely see the people who live in them) with elaborately landscaped gardens.

Anyway, I did 35 miles on the bike today. The highlight was riding amongst the headstones and monuments in Glenwood Cemetery. What a beautiful cemetery with some very beautiful trees.

Intent

2006-09-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Okay.

2007 is the year.

It is the year I will attempt my first half-iron distance triathlon.

For those of you who do not know, a half-iron consists of a 1.2 mile open water swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.

Now which one?

I would like to do the GulfMan mainly because it is close to where I live, I have friends who would be willing to do it with me (Sarah says she is in) and it is early in the season. I am just hoping that it takes place this year. Last year the previous organizers were basically kicked out and they brought in new organizers at the last minute. Lots of confusion, so who knows what will happen this year.

My number one choice for a half-iron (right now, anyway) is The Grand Columbian Triathlon, but that is later in the season so it will have to wait. Maybe I could sign up for it anyway. We'll see.

One of these days I would even like to attempt a full Ironman. One of my friends (Liz – 14:52:55) completed Ironman Arizona this past April and another (Consuela – 12:45:30) completed the Quelle Challenge Roth this past July.

My first choice for a full is Ironman Coeur d'Alene, but by the time I am ready to sign up for one – who knows what I will choose.

Anyway, that is my intent. I figured if I put it out there in blogland I couldn't renig.

Wish me luck!!

What is WRONG with me?!!!

2006-09-11T22:44:00.000-05:00

Registration: Chevron Houston Marathon, Aramco Houston Half Marathon & Houston Press/Smart Financial 5K
Purchase Date: 09/11/06
Category: Chevron Houston Marathon - 26.2 Miles
Event Date: 01/14/07
Name: Jill

Just Not Feeling It

2006-09-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

This evening I went down to the basement at work for the ball class I have been taking for the past month or so. All was good. It is not the most challenging class, but in helps tone some of the areas that aren't that tone and it warms me up for some running.

So after class I head over to the treadmill, get set up and start going. Tonight I decided to try to use the mp3 player on my phone to see if I liked it better than watching the tube. So I fiddled with that for a couple minutes, played a song, it finished and other songs didn't start up again. I fiddled with it some more then shut the thing off. It wasn't working for me.

And during this time I am speeding up to run then slowing down to fiddle then speeding back up and then slowing down to fiddle again. Not helping the rhythm much.

I finally find my groove then start getting hot. I forgot to turn on the fan. So after 10 minutes I stop the treadmill to turn on the fan. Back on the treadmill and back to running.

Then someone leaves the room and doesn't shut the door. I continue going, but the open door is bothering me, so I stop, get off, shut the door, get back on, start running again and then say the heck with it. I am just not feeling it.

So I slow down the pace, increase the incline to 6 and go for a nice long walk while watching NOVA.

Hey, it's better than just quitting altogether and going home.

Remember

2006-09-11T07:20:00.000-05:00

Always Remember the Ones Who Have Fought and the Ones We Have Lost

Fun Times

2006-09-10T19:35:00.000-05:00

Saturday was a cut back day - and I soooooooo loved it! We only had to run 2 hours, and then it was back to the park for a post-run party.

I headed out with a couple running buddies and I was not letting them slack off. I wanted to get at least 10 miles in so no dwaddling at the water stops and no extra long walk breaks.

We did fairly well, but there were a couple times when I had to take the whip out!!

On the way back we started seeing the winter group which was doing 8 miles and had started about 45 minutes after us.

One highlight was seeing Miss Tiggs, and to prove that I was happy to see her I yelled out a greeting and think I woke up half of River Oaks!! Oops. Forgot that it wasn't even 8:00 yet! Oh well, friends are worth it!

We finally made it back to the park and that is when the fun began!

Adult beverage "we only had to run 2 hours" party!!

I put on a dry shirt and assembled my ingredients. Most everyone else was carbo loading with beer. But not me. I needed to replace my electrolytes and get a good dose of vitamin C.

I was making Bloody Mary's!

Ice in the cup, some vodka, some mix, a wedge of lime and a pickle spear and we are set!!

Yummm!

Then the socializing began.

And after and hour or so the rain decided to POUR. We hurriedly packed everything up and headed to Biba's for a solid breakfast.

Next week - 18 miles!

Today I did 43 miles on the bike. Good times. Fun people. Great morning.

BTW - how many of you are planning on the MS150 this year?

Withdrawals

2006-09-08T19:22:00.000-05:00

My TV died on me two weeks ago and I just haven't been able to get myself to part with several hundred dollars for a new one.

I would rather fork over that kind of cash on a Garmin Forerunner 305 and some new running shoes and some aero bars and some real fancy bike shorts and some new tri shoes and a cool tri suit and a swiMp3 and an iPod and ... (you get the picture). And you know what - I would still probably have some money left over for some other little treats.

But no - I want a TV. I am starting to go through withdrawals. My magazines are all getting read. My stack of unread books is getting shorter (that is another thing I could use that left over money for - to restock that stack).

But the new season is about to start and I might go nuts if I can't watch CSI (Las Vegas - of course) and Grey's Anatomy.

What to do, what to do?!

The hardships of living in the 21st century!!

Gulfman

2006-09-08T19:20:00.000-05:00

They do not have any details about 2007 up yet, but I am hoping it is still happening. There was a big brouhaha over it back in March.

If history repeats itself it will be on April 1st.

Who is with me?!! I am talking about the Half-Iron, in case you are wondering!

Why do I do this?

2006-09-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

As one is training for an endurance event, many might ask themselves "why do I do this?"

And why do I do this? Why do I get up before the crack of dawn to go run 18 miles, bike 40, swim a mile or two? Why do I pay all this money for equipment and race fees? Why do I dedicate so much of my time to training for an endurance race and then when it is over wonder what's next?

A couple years ago I was in a rut. I would go to work, come home, watch tv, maybe go out with some friends and then repeat the process the next day. I had joined a gym, went for a while, then stopped. It was boring!!

I decided I needed to get out there more and get my body moving. I joined a softball league and that helped. But I still needed more.

One day I was perusing through the local Leisure Learning catalog looking for classes that I might enjoy taking and saw a class for marathon training. That sounded interesting. I then received a brochure in the mail from Team in Training and decided to check it out.

After the information meeting I signed up for my first half-marathon (which was later changed to a marathon). I diligently did my weekly training runs and made it to most of my long Saturday runs. And in January 2005 I completed my first marathon - Houston. And then I turned right around and signed up for my next - Austin in February 2005.

Then I signed up with TNT again, this time for an Olympic distance triathlon. I trained diligently again. And again I completed what I set out to do - the CapTexTri in May 2005.

Then I signed up with TNT again (do you see a pattern here?!). I was planning on the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2005. But injuries happen, so that was a no go.

But even before the doctor had given me the okay I had signed up for my next event. This time it was the MS150 - Houston to Austin. And while I was training for that I was already signed up for the Shiner BASH and America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.

And now I am training for the Chicago Marathon and the Route 66 Marathon. And then when those are complete I will probably sign up for the Houston full or half marathon and then the Mardis Gras Marathon. And I just might sign up to do the MS150 again and I would very much like to do the Gulfman Half Iron Triathlon. And you just know that a Ironman is on my list of things to accomplish!

So I ask myself - why? I especially asked myself this question these past two Saturdays as I was nearing the end of my runs and all I wanted to do was sit down and take off my shoes.

Last week another participant asked our coach "Remind me again, why I am doing this?" But before she could answer, Desie (our honored team mates mother) responded "because the research money raised by LLS saved my son's life."

This would be true for me during other seasons, but this season I am not raising money. I am mentoring and cheering on everyone who is. But this season I am taking a break from fundraising. This season I am running just for me. And I am asking myself "WHY?"

There are all the obvious answers -

So I can eat what I want.
So I can lose weight. (hmmm...the first answer doesn't really go with the second!!)
So I can tighten up those abs.
So I can enjoy the outdoors.
So I can meet new people.
Because I can.
To make people proud of me.

The list can go on and on.

But you know what?

I think I do all this training and sign up for all these events for the challenge.

The challenge of pushing my body to the limits and then beyond.
The challenge of a new PR.
The challenge of doing something no one thought I could (even myself).
The challenge of overcoming all my mental hangups and all my physical limitations.

That is why I do this.

For the challenge.