Kim's Running

Florida Summers

2011-07-08T08:49:00.003-04:00

Back in the humidity once again! Not that it's bothering me since I fractured my foot June 2nd!!!!!!!!! Sheesh, I can't stand it...lol. Finally was into some serious training and I stepped in a hole. Bent my foot in half. That was at mile 6 of a 7 miler and yes, I finished my run. It was sore but not deadly. Next day I ran 3 miles. It hurt but when I stopped it was...well, deadly. I waited a few days, had it x-rayed at the local walk-in clinic and the doc said no breaks. She said it was a strain. So I went on vacation and walked/limped around St Augustine for 4 days then off to Tampa and did Busch Gardens for 2 days. Tried running, tried the elliptical...failed at both.

I ran into my coach at the grocery store...had to hide all the junk I had in the cart...and she sent me to Dr Fava. She's a chiro/sports doc who also runs. She sent me off for an MRI and VOILA!! Stress fracture that was healing! (I need to write "stress fracture that is healing" or I freak a little inside.) No surprise by now but I was and am still deeply offended by that hole. I was also worried Dr Fava would attempt to ban me from my Vibrams because I would not have given them up. But guess what??? She's a Vibram runner too!! Match made in runners' heaven! She says when you step in a hole something's gotta give and if I were in regular running shoes it could have been my ankle...so no blame for my Vibrams. YAY!

Foot is feeling a lot better. I should be on a bike by next week. I was supposed to do pool running therapy but I slacked on that. Pushed me back a whole week before I could bike. Shoot. My own fault. Therapy is going well. I can walk fine and it barely bothers me now unless I put too much pressure on it. Like attempting to run. Which I don't do, Dr Fava, in case you're reading this! ;)

Obviously my training has stopped. Missed the Firecracker 5K that was supposed to debut my phenominal PR slash. I went anyway, lil tug in my heart because I love that race, but instantly felt great when I saw my friends! And who pulls up and parks beside me??? Dr Fava!! In her Vibrams!!! LOVE IT!!! I sliced watermelon and helped set up for awards then got to the finish line to CHEER! I looooove cheering at the finish line. LOVELOVELOVE! From the 15 minute kids to the finishing new runners...I just love the energy and pride in every person crossing that line. I also love doing the awards. Placing the medals around my friends' necks, handing over the trophies...makes me so happy!

I woke up that morning feeling a little sorry for myself. By the time I was driving out of the parking lot after the race, I remembered something so much more important than a missed 5K. I remembered that running is a package deal. Training is mine. PRs are mine. Goals are mine. But none of it would matter as much as it does without my fellow athletes to share it all with. I got so much joy waiting at that finish line, watching my friends coming through. I'll be back at it soon enough. And then I'll be even happier!!!

Exciting Stuff Is Happening!!

2011-05-21T11:01:00.002-04:00

FINALLY feeling great! Got a new med and it's like a miracle...Discovering MIX1 at one of the half marathon expos was also a huge plus. I have one in the morning and another around 4pm and I feel more energetic. I plan on continuing that through out the summer.

Now that I feel "on track" no pun intended...I feel ready to take on the full marathon once again. I have a personal trainer!!!!!!! Heather Butcher who owns TriFitSports here in SW Florida has taken on the challenge of getting me to qualify for the ultimate goal of running Boston!!! I am very excited!!! I was talking with my husband one day about wanting to qualify and he said if I was seriously ready I should call Heather. I think I was sending her an email before he finished the words...lol. My husband's support has always been so important to me. This gift is amazing and I am so thankful for the opportunity. Without his confidence in me and his words of wisdom I don't know where I'd be. Love him!!!!!!!!

Marathon training won't start until Aug since I plan on running Space Coast in November, but after meeting with Heather, we decided to get a jump start with some speed training for the next 8 weeks. That gives me a chance to work on the nutrition part of training too. I'm really curious to see how fast I can get with this 8 week training. I'm getting ready to embrace the pain!

Finally broke the 26 min 5K barrier!!!

2011-01-28T10:44:00.003-05:00

This is me at the finish line of the Lamarque 5K...notice the JOY on my face as I realize I came in at 25:37!!! I am still grinning like a dork and I don't care!!!!!

I ran it in my Vibrams. I love them! When I run in my regular shoes after the Vibrams I feel like I have wooden blocks on my feet. I'll be buying the New Balance minimals right off the belt in March. Hoping to run a half mary in either those or the Vibrams for the Sarasota First Watch Half Mary in March. So far I've done 6 miles in them with out any problems. Happy with that.

This weekend is "Kim and Kristi's Awesome Adventure". We have the Warrior Dash 5K
up in Lake Wales on Sunday and we are FIRED UP! There are mud puddles 2-3 feet deep, fire pits, logs and BEER! You get a hat with viking horns with your medal at the finish!! We'll get before/after pictures. We've been signed up for this for MONTHS!

Feb 27th is the Gasparilla Half in St Pete. Then March 13th is the Sarasota First Watch Half .
Sprinkle a few 5Ks in there. I'm looking for a 10K. I've never raced one. That's on my "to do" list!!

Still trying to figure out this colitis thing. Makes me crazy. Something that seems to work one day will knock me over 3 days later. If anyone reading this knows anything about running with colitis please feel free to give some tips. Doc said long distance doesn't usual go well with colitis but...what's "long distance" anyway??? Some people flip when I say I ran 3 miles...lol The trick will be finding fuel for long runs. It's been a hit or miss...

Happy running everyone!!!!!

Disney Half Jan 10, 2011

2011-01-14T09:45:00.007-05:00

I ran this half with my Sole Sister Kristi. I think Disney has great events but I had sworn off doing their races after that Mini Mouse 15K a couple years ago. They're VERY crowded, expensive and too confusing getting to my car at the end. With the issues I've had I hesitate to spend big money on races I may not be able to do.

BUT (always a but) Kristi needed a relay partner for the Wine and Dine last Dec...I ran that as a freebee and then guess what??? Got another chance for a Disney freebee for the half! I was excited to run it with Kristi...even though she's as directionally challenged as me finding her way around...haha! We always have a great time. She's been an absolute God send...she keeps me positive when I'm not feeling well and have to stop.

Here's the not-so-good part. By the time we found out I'd be using this bib number it was too late to change the info...we had to start in corral "G" with the walkers. Please let me say that I think it's WONDERFUL to see anyone out there doing a half mary, I don't care how long it takes them. BUT (yep, another but) for someone who usually starts in corral "B" it was really tough getting through the crowds. I spent so much energy dodging people. Zig zagging, running on grassy slopes and getting cut off while people were stopping short for Disney character pics was frustrating. Some people were even holding hands while walking. I couldn't get through.

I tried speeding up when I saw a window but that was a disaster since I haven't quite figured out the nutrition part of running long distance with colitis. I crash and burn anywhere from 8 to 10 miles and this race had no exceptions. I should have gone out a little slower and paced better. There's a saying about hindsight...nuff said bout THAT.

Finished with out a PR. 2:23. I ran the last half on valuim with a 2:21...LOL...I did finish it. I will (try) not to complain. Kristi got a PR!!! 2:08!!!! Very proud (jealous, same thing) of her!! xxxooo
At the expo, I bought an MP3 player...it comes with a silicone arm band that snaps on like those snap bracelets the kids had years ago. It's hot pink (my color) and uses a mini chip. I have been unable to find this chip. They only had MICRO or REGULAR sizes, so irritating. I emailed the company and they're sending me the chip for free! NICE! I cannot wait to get it and try it out. If any of you have one of these, let me know what you think!!!

Christmas Eve!!!

2010-12-24T10:04:00.002-05:00

WOW!! This year just FLEW by!! I can only wish I could run that fast! Ha!! The new year is just around the corner and I am SO ready! I have a renewed confidence in myself for meeting a few specific goals. #1 is qualifying for Boston, of course, but I plan on having fun along the way. Kristi and I are doing the Warrior Dash in January for starters. It's 3.25 mile obstacle course through mud puddles, tunnels and who knows what else!!! You get a hat with horns at the end!! Then it's back to serious distance training.

I've had a couple pain free runs and it feels great! Finally finding out what the problem has been is a relief. Finding foods I can eat to sustain long runs is the new battle. I am trying out a protein shake mix today to see how that goes. It's a whey powder...should be fine. One thing I can't do is the GU Chomps. BUMMER! I love those things! I don't know if it's the sugar or the caffeine (seriously???) I can drink coffee but chocolate hurts within 10 minutes. I can eat turkey just fine...too bad tryptofan makes you sleep!! (actually, it aids your body in making vit B...which is good for muscles!!!) Trial and error I guess! Maybe shedding a few lbs will add speed...I'm so lazy when it comes to speed work! UGH!

Gotta run (haha!) I have a few last minute Christmas things to do...I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends this weekend!!! Here's to a new year, new goals, new joys!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Running In SW Florida In December

2010-12-14T09:07:00.002-05:00

It's freezing. Seriously. It's 32 degrees here this morning! There was a reason I never did any running when I lived in Massachusetts, and this temp is it. Luckily I can wait until this afternoon when it'll get to about 55 for my run, but I feel bad for my northern runner friends.

I have been running very regularly the last couple months. Had a few bad days but I found the PERFECT running partner and she's been so supportive on the tough days. I told her I was her box of chocolates since she never knows what she's gonna get with me...lol. Kristi and I trained together for a half mary in St Pete Nov 21st. We had a realistic goal for 2:09 but a hopeful goal closer to 2. Our long runs were strong and we were ready for this race!

1 week before the race, I had a doc appointment. He's a GI (gastro) specialist who does a test for stones in the bile ducts. When I got there he said it was not stones, he felt that I had a spastic colon. SEXY! Ugh...so he put me on a pro biotic and Librax to calm things down. For those of you who don't know what Librax is (and I didn't bother to question) it's a muscle relaxer and has some sedative qualities to it. You see where this is going, dontcha??? Within 3 hours the pain I've lived with for 5-6 years subsided. I was sooo happy!! It was a miracle!!! So I FAITHFULLY took it 3X a day right up to race day.

At mile 8 I felt sluggish and "weird". I had my fuel belt and was drinking Title Run (awesome stuff) so I was confused about why I seemed dehydrated. I kinda mentioned it to Kristi. By mile 10 I was hitting the wall. I was so shocked, I couldn't believe it. I told Kristi I needed to walk a minute. She refused to leave me (makes me cry). I knew I had to ditch her or I was going to screw up the race for both of us. As we came up on a crowd I ducked behind them. I saw Kristi trying to find me but I hid until she finally ran on. Then I could walk.

My legs were like lead jelly. It felt like I did when I hit the wall at mile 23 in that marathon a couple years ago! I walked and drank the rest of my bottles, I even stopped for water and Gatorade. I was able to start running again by 11.5...then I heard the crowd screaming around 12 miles. I took off, not fast but I was running. That finish line was so beautiful!! I heard Kristi screaming for me and I ran to find out her time. She did it in 2:09:22! I was soooo proud of her! We would have loved to finish it together but I can live off the joy of her finishing in our goal time very happily! WooHoo!

Fast forward to 2 days later with me at the doc for a recheck. I'd had a couple things happen I don't want to advertise here in blogland, but it prompted a colonoscopy. I know, it just gets sexier by the paragraph! But when I told the doc I'd just run a half mary...he's a runner too...he looked at me funny and said I basically ran that race on valuim. He would have told me not to take it a full 24 hours before a race of any kind, never mind a half mary. He couldn't believe I finished it. So now my 2:19 seems pretty flippin fabulous!!! LOL...it's a PR too, might I add. YAY!!

Ok, so colonoscopy was done last Thursday. We have a diagnosis after 6 years of BS. I have colitis and a spastic colon. No wonder I was dehydrated. And my weight goes up and down by 10 lbs constantly. Not to mention all the nutrients that weren't being absorbed. Sheesh. My guess at food allergies was pretty close, but by avoiding certain foods I never would have fixed it myself. The avoid list is a long one and it differs for everyone. Beer is out but it's worth feeling sooooo awesome! Chips (sigh), fried foods, salad, seeds and nuts are common trigger foods so I've been starting with those until I see my regular GI doc today.

I am so relieved to finally know what's going on. Running with colitis can be a challenge but HEY...I L-O-V-E a challenge. That's why I run.

Kim's Running!

2010-09-27T09:26:00.003-04:00

I've been busy the last 2 months with getting my hydration and nutrition in order. It's a fine line keeping it balanced!! If it's too hot I don't run. If I feel "off" at all I stay in. I've been slowly gathering momentum...I feel FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

When I'm not running I drink Power Zero and lots of water. I drink full strength sports drinks and 100% juice on days I do run. I'm taking a multi vitamin 2x a day, potassium once daily and I did buy some sodium pills but I'm hesitating with those until I see my doc. Not sure how to take those. My nutrition has improved some but my chip addiction is a hard thing to give up. Ok, beer is still a fave too...lol! But my muscle strength is improving dramatically and the leg pain/cramping is GONE! I hardly ever get headaches anymore but if I do feel one coming on I pump up the hydration.

I've run a few 5K races and have been improving my times each race. The last one was MDA 5K...I ran that one in my Vibrams and it was the best race this year!!!! 27:44...not a PR but what a strong run that was. Best I've felt in, well...years actually. 1st race in my Vibrams. I plan on wearing them again at the Gasparilla 5K next weekend (Oct3rd). My PR was accomplished at that race...curious to see what I do this year. A few of us meet on Mondays for speed work. I hate it, I'll admit it. I think it's the track. BORING. But I love seeing my friends and talking the talk...lol

I have a half marathon relay planned in March with my friend Kristi. We're so excited!!! We named our team "Sole Sisters"...isn't that cute?? We're a perfect match. We run the same pace, have the same goals and we seem to really motivate each other. We've been doing our Saturday long runs together and it's been a huge help getting me back into some decent distance. Last Saturday we did 7 miles in 72 minutes. Felt great except for when Kristi almost stepped on a black snake. She screamed and scared the life outa me!! My legs froze up for a quarter mile and I really wanted to walk it off but Kristi said NO!! And I was not about to let her pass me so we kept going. Do you know how hard it is to run while you're laughing, knees weak from snake fear??? It was hard...lol...but we did the entire 7 miler no stops. We even got a good tempo/sprint the last quarter mile. I love ending runs like that. I am really enjoying running again!! So happy!!

So I plan on slowly adding the mileage, stepping up my speed work and concentrating on nutrition. I am on week 2 of eating better and I've lost 4 of the 10 lbs I found while on the mend. I'd love to get back into yoga...might even start that P90X I bought last December...haha! Maybe.....

LIFE IS GOOD!!!! I AM HAPPY!!!!

I'm Still Standing!

2010-07-30T11:04:00.003-04:00

And sometimes that's all I'm doing. I run when I can and I mope around when I can't. This chronic dehydration issue is a pain in my running shoe. I honestly thought finding out the problem would make everything fine but I'm learning that chronic dehydration is just that: chronic. Florida summers are not helping matters. For the first time in my life (yes, life!) I am looking forward to the winter. (I bet Sherry just fell off her chair...lol)

I feel SO MUCH better on a daily basis, that it frustrates me to not be where I'd like to be at with my endurance and speed. I couldn't understand why I was still having issues until I researched CD and found out something veryyyyy interesting. First, my doc figures I arrived in Florida 7 years ago probably already dehydrated. When I started running 2.5 years ago, it made it worse. Obviously. So for all that time, my body went into survival mode and started hoarding the "good" stuff. Like cholesterol, red blood cells...FAT. My cholesterol is so high that I'm embarrassed to post it, but it's around 300. We're attempting diet changes before meds and hydrating may bring it down. Anyway...when your cholesterol is high, a shell forms on the cells in your body making it difficult to absorb h2o, vitamins and minerals. I'm not sure if this shell is reversible...I need to call my doc about that. This means the well runs dry quicker than normal and exercise depletes it even faster. Fatigue sets in and misery soon follows...lol.

This info is very valuable for me. I have learned to pay serious attention to my body and stop ignoring the signals of dehydration. Unfortunately, it has cut my running down A LOT. I haven't run more than 3 miles at a time since January. For a distance runner, that is heartbreaking. For someone who thought running was not going to be an option anymore...it's a step in the right direction. That's what I need to focus on. It's so hard to stop planning for a weekend long run. People keep asking me when my next marathon or half is and I feel that pang in my heart when I say I'm concentrating on the 5K these days. So I know I'll get back to distance eventually. In the mean time I'm attempting to put together my own training program. It's looking like I need to do slower, shorter training runs with a speed play once a week. I plan on slowly adding on to that.

Yesterday I ran 2 miles in 22 minutes...ugh. I had a nice little conversation with myself on the cool down walk home. Went something like this:

ME: Man, you suck.
SELF: Hey, you did 2 miles.
ME: You still suck.
SELF: You're forgetting how you felt just 2 months ago.
ME: Stop reminding me.
SELF: You're being stupid. Need another spinal tap for ole times sake???
ME: No. Those are burned into my memory.
SELF: Remember when it hurt to roll out of bed?
ME: I remember.
SELF: Hey, you just did 2 miles!
ME: Yes I did. Thank you God.

I love my life. I really am a very lucky woman.

On The Road Again (and some 'mill too!!)

2010-06-05T12:20:00.002-04:00

I'm happy to say I feel fabulous! I am running again, but this time I'm really starting over. I'm pretending to be a brand new runner and I'm easing into it gently. I haven't done more than 3 miles yet and no speedwork. Not that I ever got into the speedwork anyway, but I'm taking it easy. Smelling the flowers (and some roadkill) along the way, I stop and talk to people just like the old days! I walk if I feel like it and I don't feel guilty! Which leads me to my ponderings.....

Seems to me, that when I was having health problems I was pushing myself, running like a madwoman with something to prove. I was in so much pain...I can't believe I ran like that. Now that I feel so great I don't seem to have the drive. I am happy to run 3 miles or just 2. I'm not feeling the marathon pull AT ALL. It's soooo weird! I do plan to run 4 miles tomorrow...early to miss this heat. I'm curious to see if that clicks the distance desire back on.

The weather here in SW Florida is BRUTAL right now. The humidity is so heavy you can almost swim instead of run. I am so afraid of dehydration that I've actually hopped on the mill a couple times. Someone told me to incline it a little and I haven't had any shin splints. Running on the mill at the gym is hard too because people stop to talk and I cannot run 6.5 mph and chat. I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to my gym friends for trying to hold a conversation with them while THEY were on the mill. Sorry. I'll never do that again. And please don't try to give me "payback" and stop to talk to ME....haha!!!! I'm just kidding. Everyone who knows me, knows I'm happy to talk anywhere, anytime....TALK ON!!! Great excuse to slow it down...;)

Another gym friend, Lee is his name, walks the treadmill at a full incline doing 2.5 mph. He hikes the Colorado mountains with his search/rescue dog Rusty. (Lee is someone I ALWAYS stop to talk to...he has some very cool rescue stories) But he told me he works his quads that way. Like hillwork. So I've done that a few times. Killer work out. My quads were screaming after those work outs!! Florida is so flat that running over the swells at the end of driveways feels like mountains. I'd probably have to walk the hills if I ran back home (Cape Cod, Ma) I've seen the route for the Falmouth Road race (which is exactly where I used to live) and my quads and hams ache at the thought. Some friends back home talk about running the canal at the Bourne Bridge and I wish I was there.

I biked 10 miles with my husband last week and really loved that. We did it in 50 minutes and my behind is just now feeling better. I need bike shorts before I do that again. We're talking about finding a bike/run race together. I'd L-O-V-E that!!! So I have new goals, new views on my running and I feel relaxed about the whole thing. Summer is here and I'm going to enjoy my family! We're going to Universal soon and we're all looking forward to spending some time together. Even our 2 older girls are coming. This will be my grandson's very first vacation!!

I'm back to loving life.

Starting All Over...

2010-05-16T09:57:00.002-04:00

Now that I'm drinking water, gatorade and juice instead of coffee and beer, I really do feel better!!!! I'm so amazed! And the funny thing is that it's the coffee I cannot cut out. The beer is forgotten. Can you say "self medicating????????" Wow....

As soon as I was feeling better I jumped right back in as if I didn't just take 4 months off of running/excercising. I even ran 2.5 miles in my Vibrams 2 days before my first 5k. DUMMY!!!! Then I ran the first 2 miles of that 5K in 17 minutes, calves screaming before I had to stop and walk. Finished in 27:32 hurting. Came in 7th in my age division, 70th out of about 300 runners. Not bad, not bad at all...Took me a good week to recover, no kidding. But what a fantastic feeling to be back among my fellow runners. I wanted to kiss the orange cones.

I was very upset that my recovery time was so drawn out. I posted my disappointment on my FaceBook page (I'm a crazy FaceBooker) and thankfully my IronMaiden girlie Sherry saw it. She reminded me that I need to recondition. That I can't just think I'm going to pick up right where I left off. Why do I do that????? Sherry is at her 70.3 RIGHT NOW!!!! GO GIRLLLLL...xoxo

I have decided to not run over 5 miles until I shave my 5K PR. I need to concentrate on reconditioning and do some speed work more faithfully. I enjoy the steady mileage of marathon training because I love to crank my music and get lost in my thoughts on the routes. If I run less than 5 miles it feels more like a work out than an enjoyment so I tend to try to bang it out as quickly as possible. I have to try to change my way of thinking! Marathon training is burned into my brain. Neg splits, don't go out too fast, nice and steady....I have to put new thoughts in there. As crazy as it sounds, I don't even know what those words can be....

On a fun note...my 12 year old daughter Emily has decided to go out for track next year!! She'll be in 7th grade and I am ALL OVER THAT! She isn't real active normally so I didn't take it too seriously at first, but yesterday I was headed out for a shorty when she spotted me. She asked if she could come and I said OF COURSE! I suited her up, popped a hat on her head and handed her a bottle of WATER. I'm teaching her the importance of hydration above all things.

Twice around the block is a mile, so we did a power walk to warm up then ran for as long as she could. Which was a quarter mile! Not bad!!! We walked one minute, ran another quarter. Emily held that 10:30 pace the first half mile!!!!!! The second half mile was a little slower with more frequent walks so I will have her slow down a little today. We'll stick with the 1 milers until she can do the whole thing without stopping. She is very excited and so am I...I love this!!! She was talking non-stop the whole time (just like her mom...lol) which is good. That'll keep her from going too fast at first. =)

Very exciting stuff...it's so good to be back!!!

I Have Discovered...SWEAT!

2010-05-04T16:41:00.004-04:00

First...thank you for all the support and emails, it means the world to me!! xoxo

I've been running (or attempting to) for 2.5 years now. Seems like it's more off than on but I am definately feeling soooo much better! My GI doctor said I have gastritis (too much acid) and I have meds for that. What a great feeling not to have stomach pain. It's almost gone! Totally ignorable...LOL. Doc told me he sees chronic dehydration EVERYDAY. He said it's a huge problem here in Florida, even in the winter because we still have the heat. A lot of people move here and never consider how much fluid they're losing. That's me. Moved here 7 years ago and I've loved every minute of it. I was not too active in Massachusetts. Ok, I was sedentary to be honest. So to move here and start running long distance spelled disaster for me.

It has taken me almost 4 weeks to get used to drinking fluids. I didn't realize how little I was taking in. Now I have a beverage in my hand ALL the time. I cut coffee back, barely drink beer anymore and now I go from water to gatorade to juice. At first I was running to the ladies room every 5 minutes but now I seem to have gotten used to it. And guess what?? I really do feel better! I was a little insulted at first that the doc didn't think I knew how to hydrate (HA) but I started thinking about it and realized I didn't drink before a run because of issues I was having. (bladder) and that I hate carrying a bottle or wearing a hydration belt. I love to feel free when I run and it's pretty tough to feel free with a few sloshing bottles strapped to my mid section. HATED THAT! Speaking of sloshing...I didn't like the feel of my stomach with water in it either. So I figured what's a few miles...I'll drink when I get back. WRONG.

Once you become dehydrated you can't just suck down a bottle of water or gatorade and think all is well. It's not. I learned I need to hydrate with about 21 oz THE DAY BEFORE, not just the morning of a run. Then after the run, you need gatorade AND water to BEGIN to replace what I've lost. Doesn't stop there. I need to continue to hydrate for the rest of the day. I NOWHERE NEAR was hydrating. Ever. No wonder I was sick. Sheesh.

For the last week I've been very slowly hitting the road. I started with 2 miles, stopping every quarter mile to drink (30 seconds) and stayed with that until I was getting 2 miles done in about 19 minutes. I also wanted to get used to drinking while running. Yesterday I ran 2 miles in 19:08 (?) about...so this morning I felt ready for 3 miles. It was 90 degrees and 87% humidity. Nothing I haven't run in before. But this time I was determined to incorporate the drinking. I still had to walk to drink but not for as long. I noticed the other day I was sweating unbelievably. I had never really sweated before. (good sign of dehydration right there) When I got home, sweat was just pouring off me. While I waited for the cool down before I showered, I couldn't believe how much sweat there was!!!!! I am thrilled to know I am hydrating properly now.

My legs feel great, barely even a cramp and that's probably just normal from running. No headache either. I think I'm ready for the County Line 5K this weekend. I'll probably be nowhere near my PR but that's ok. I'm back!!!

Long Overdue Update!

2010-04-23T11:49:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I haven't been in here in 2 months! I think I may have run a total of 6 miles between then and now. But I'm hoping that is about to change!!!!!

I decided to call the GI doc I saw 5 years ago for stomach pain at the time. I had burned my entire GI tract from too much Excederine back then. I was taking that for pain...(had a hysterectomy 5 years October) and the doc said it would take years for the tract to heal. I have been having pain ever since, but chalked it up to that. I'm a PRO at ignoring stuff.

When I told him my symptoms he immediately said my leg problems are from being dehydrated!!! I thought " WHAT"????? How can that be???????? It's been 2 years since these problems started. Can you be dehydrated for 2 years and not catch it in the labwork??? So I have cut out beer (one week today) and trying to cut back on coffee. I've upped my fluid intake and am drinking more water.

Anyway...I saw this doc last week and he did an upper endoscopy last Monday. He said I have gastritis and a possible infection. He took a biopsy to identify the infection and I see him Tuesday afternoon to find out how he's going to treat it. I am soooo hopeful this is the answer! I do notice my headaches have stopped. I love that!

My fingers are crossed...my toes too!!

Hmmmmm

2010-02-13T14:36:00.003-05:00

Well, I know right where my running shoes are. All of my sports bras are clean. I have a drawer full of socks. My fave running outfit is washed, dried and waiting. I have 2 fuel belts and plenty of GU packs/chomps. I noticed today, that my ears are not sore from my headphones rubbing them. I even cut all my hair off and was looking forward to running without a hat on.

I noticed this the other day when I was wondering when I'd be back out on the road. Wednesday seemed like just another day where I wasn't feeling well. Had a headache as usual and my legs were really cramping and painful. Especially my right leg/foot. I was nauseous and just feeling crummy. My daughter, Kirstin, offered to work for me (just one plus of us working together) and I felt relieved to be able to lay down.

At about 6pm, I felt a sharp pain in the center of my chest. I stood up and it got worse. It was hard to breathe and I felt dizzy and more nauseous. After 10 minutes it relaxed, I was soaked from sweat so I jumped in the shower. It happened again while I was in there so I got right out and called to my other daughter, Kerri. She called 911 and Bobby. By the time the EMTs came I felt fine again and felt stupid. But then it happened again while they were here so off we went. Happened again in the ambulance so he gave me a spray of nitroglycerin.

Long story short...it happened off and on for about 5 hours. CAT scan looked fine, blood pressure came back down and the cardiac enzymes were fine. Doc said he couldn't be sure it was not my heart so I spent the night. It did not happen again, just little twinges now and then. I went home the next day, have to take aspirin daily and follow up with my doc. A nurse suggested seeing my GYN in case it was ovarian cysts bursting. As much as I'd love to chalk it up to cysts, I've had them burst before and it never hurt my chest, just very low in the abdomen. But we'll see...I'll see my GYN. I don't have an appendix, gallbladder or uterus so it was narrowed down pretty quickly. It did remind me of gallbladder pain but more intense, like labor contractions.

I feel fine today, just headache and light headed. My legs still hurt. I haven't been out running for 3 weeks. I haven't been to the gym either because I was hoping if I took it easy I'd be out and running since the marathon is in 2 weeks. nope.

So I will miss another marathon. No sugar coating this one. I am extremely unhappy. I'm angry and disappointed. And that's all I have to say I guess.

3 Weeks To Gasparilla Marathon!

2010-02-05T07:53:00.003-05:00

Wow, did that come up quick!! I'm very excited! The last 2 weeks have been tough training. I haven't been able to get through 7 miles without a lot of walking. My old problems have returned at a very bad time. I started to FREAK OUT, but decided that wouldn't get me anywhere but in a worse slump. Instead I've re-evaluated my goal for this marathon. Like I had a choice...LOL...

I am going to run an easy 5-6 miles today to see if I can get that groovy-groove back and if so (fingers crossed!) I plan on running for about 3 hours on Saturday. Distance will not be determined before hand...I'm just running to make sure I have the endurance. Time VS distance!

The Boston Qualifying attempt is shelved for this race. Yes, I was very disappointed. I figured I would miss it by about 20 minutes anyway, but I was going to start off with the 4 hour pace team and take it from there. Now I will start the race with about a 10:20 pace for a couple miles and slowly speed it up. If it's feeling good, I should get to a 9:15 pace by about 5-6 miles and I'm hoping to hold that for a while. I feel that by starting out slower than need be will be the key to a successful marathon.

Taking the pressure of a huge shave for this race has made me remember something really, really important. I LOVE TO RUN. I also love to set and attain goals, but the most important thing I so need to remember is I LOVE TO RUN. The one thing I will be doing on Feb 28, 2010 is running. I win!! So whether I get to the finish line in 4:00:59 or 5:00:59 should be irrelevant. But it's NOT!! Hahaha!! I still want a sub 4:30 finish, don't let me fool ya, but my attitude is morphing toward a "take it easier" approach, that's all. It is what it is.

I'll set a new goal for the finish time after Saturday's longy-long run. I'm looking at it as a "see-where-I'm-at" training run. With just 3 weeks to go I should pretty much be able to predict my race finish time.

Happy running everyone!!!!

Lamarque 5K Jan 16, 2010

2010-01-18T18:03:00.003-05:00

This was the 2nd time I've run Lamarque 5K. I love that it's only 5 miles from home because I know all my runner friends will be there. The first time I ran this race, I had only been running for about 8 weeks. I was still very new and didn't know a whole lot of people. I knew The Morgan's, the Geyer's and a few others. At this race, I met 3 people who have always stood out in my mind for their friendliness and advice. They seemed to know I didn't know many people and made a point to welcome me.

First was Josephine. I used to call her "blue shoes" before I finally learned her name. She's in her sixties (which you'd NEVER believe) and had won Grand Masters. As she stood on the stage in front of my husband and I, Bobby leaned over to me and whispered "Look at her legs!! Fantastic"!!!! LOL...I agreed. Josephine is a beautiful woman, inside and out and I am so proud to be her friend. We joked yesterday about it being our anniversary, but in my heart I know we were meant to be friends. Love her!

Second person I met was Chuck. He's a JOKERRRR!!! LOL...we talked for awhile while waiting for awards to start. He told us a few stories about his running days. In fact, I talked him into telling me his most favorite running story EVER because I wanted to compile stories for a journal. Chuck is a fun runner. I always look forward to seeing him at the races. He is another favorite of mine.

Third person I met that day was Dick Shank. As I was remembering him last week, I realized I had not seen or talked with him in quite a while. I figured it was because I'd been sick last year and somehow missed him at the few races I did make it to. Luckily, we were connected through the yahoo Zoomers page and I had his email. I shot an email to him last week asking if he'd be at the Lamarque run. A few days later I was happy to see he'd responded to my email!! I happily opened the reply and instantly felt the tears come. The response was from Dick's wife Eileen. She said she was sorry to have to tell me that Dick had died of cancer last September. No. I am so sorry I didn't try to contact him sooner. I wish I had been able to tell him what a wonderful person he was and even though we didn't know each other really well, he made a lasting impression on me. Dick was in his 80's, very tall and a great runner. He told me he saw potential in me, that he thought I was a natural. He told me to stick with it. He said I'd get faster before I knew it. I can picture Dick and Eileen with their friendly smiles and welcoming words like it was yesterday. I feel sad, but glad I had the chance to meet Dick.

The running world, the whole world, has lost a special man to cancer once again. Dick, you may be gone but you'll never be forgotten. May you rest in peace, no more pain or sickness. Lamarque 5K was not the same without you.

River, Roots and Ruts Race Report (LATE)

2010-01-09T10:51:00.020-05:00

For some reason the pics won't let me edit....so they're backward (time-wise...end first) !!!!!!

Frank, Kim and Ed

Kim

In case you missed the last pic....Kim again

Scott crossing finish line!!! YAY!!!!!!! 2:09 finish!!!

Scott ans Kim crossing finish line!!!

And he's OFF!!!!! GO SCOTT!!!!!

Frozen fingers chip exchange!!! BRRRRR!!!

I couldn't undo the velcro...haha!!!

Scott waiting patiently and freezing.

Scott at a NOT FUNNY sign..ha!

And we're off and running!!!!

Crazy half naked kids. Where are their mothers????

Scott and Kim at the finish! Did I mention 2:09???

Brrrrrrrrr!!!!!

Getting ready...do I look happy or what?????

Jan 3rd I got an email from Sherry that she was injured and unable to run this relay with her husband. She was looking for a replacement partner for Scott and was anyone interested? !!!!!!! I immediatley wanted to do it, but I saw that this message had gone out to a few people and I was just reading it about 10 hours late. Feeling bummed, I logged off. Thought about it and logged back in. I figured the spot would be covered, but just in case I shot a reply saying I'd love to do it if they still needed a partner. Unbelievably, I got a message from Sherry that the spot was still open and I had it if I wanted it!!!! YAY!!!!

This race is very, very popular and had filled up a while ago. It's a major trail run that I honestly would never have signed up for because of my balance issues and numb feet. Those two troubles equal BADNESS on a trail...LOL...but I've been feeling FABULOUS the last 2 months, balance and leg/feet pain have been much improved so I WAS IN! Sherry and Scott know I've just returned to training and they understood my times might be blah considering I never trail run, but their optamism inspired me. Gave me mucho confidence. Sherry repeatedly told me to run it as a "fun run" and not worry about times. Yeah right...lol...I reminded her we were both cut from the same cloth and I was planning to run my ass off. Especially since I'd be wearing HER NAME!! Extra pressure!!!

We drove together and arrived at the park at about 35 degrees. Yes. 35 freezing degrees. Oh, and it was about 6:30am. Sherry and Scott gave me the first leg which was 6 miles and flatter. (thank you guys again). The track kids were in shirts only and as a mother, I wanted to cover them with blankets. Crazy kids. I saw 2 of my favorite friends!!! Ed and frank were there for the relay too...I was thrilled to see them. We saw a few others that we know, and I met Sondra's brother too.

We all lined up at the start, not minding for once that we were crunched together. Did I mention it was freezing??? I opted to keep my long sleeved t-shirt on over my running top and I'm glad I did. The first 3/4 mile was pretty flat but winding, pace was about 8:30. Then I hit a mountain. I went easy for the first 2 because I have a full mary in 7 weeks (didn't want an injury) but the third mountain looked like I'd need some momentum. I flew up to the top so fast that I found myself in the air looking down the steep decline! It was exhilerating!!!! I almost fell running down that, but I managed to stay on my feet.

The path got very narrow and I found myself stuck behind a woman for awhile. Finally the path widened and I kinda yelled out "passing on your left!" and heard an echo of that about 6 times behind me...lol. She let us go and I let the people behind me pass. I had enough pressure running for Sherry, I didn't need the 6 pairs of feet stomping behind me...lol

I was averaging about a 9 minute pace, but I really started bowing to the steep hills by mile 3 or so. It wouldn't be worth missing my full mary. There were a few very cool turns that actually went around the base of a hill...like running on the inside of a bowl! The woods and path made for a relaxing atmosphere but the cold was, well...cold. At one point I tried to blow on my frozen fingers but the air turned cold before it hit my hands. My right foot was numb and the big toe was KILLING me. I knew it was the cold.

A couple times I could have gone off track but thankfully a man in a bright orange t-shirt was ahead of me and I could catch glimpses of him enough to follow. By 5.5 miles in, I could hear people cheering so I knew I was close. I stayed steady watching for a clearing for the chip exchange. As I shot down a hill, I heard my name and was shocked to see Sherry and Scott IN THE WOODS! No clearing...just a wider path for the trade...I almost ran past them but Scott reached out and literally pulled me off the trail....Hhahaha! My hands were so frozen I couldn't undo the velcro fastening for the chip...brrrrrr!!! I made that in about 61 minutes. Not bad!

Scott took off, glad to be running instead of standing in the cold. Sherry had my sweatshirt with her and I happily put that back on! Then we walked to the fnish line to wait for Scott.

Scott had the last leg, which was 7.1 miles and much harder. After about an hour, I left Sherry at the finish line and walked to the 13 mile post so I could run in with Scott. He came flying around the corner and I yelled "How'd it go???" I'm laughing NOW, but he yelled right back..."That SUCKED!!!!""" In that split second I thought 2 things at the same time....1) Poor Scott and 2) Thank God I had the first leg!! Isn't that awful???? But he's a way better athlete so it was kind of even LMAO!!! Just kidding Scottt....heehee!!! (about the fair part, cuz he is a better athlete)

Scott came in at 68 minutes, giving us a 2:09 finish time!!! AWESOME!!! We came in 4th for mixed relay too!! We were very pleased!! I just had the best time running that relay. Great friends, wonderful opportunity and what a cool trail that was. I am now a trail lover! Sherry assures me I did her name proud and for that I'm so happy. I got to keep the finishers medal, it's made from recycled glass! I'll get a pic of it... We hit a stop for hot coffee for the ride home. We sooo needed to defrost! I was sick for 3-4 days with a bad cold after that, but it was worth it.

Thank you Sherry and Scott, for the great time, the opportunity to run a race I never would have signed up for and for our friendship. And guess what? I'm STILL smiling!!

Week 6 Marathon Training!!

2009-12-21T13:34:00.002-05:00

I'm so busy with the holiday but I managed to get my long run in. I did 13 miles Saturday in 2:12! Very happy about that. It went well despite not fully preparing myself. Obviously I was too busy to plan for this run!

I used "map my run" for the first time. It took me FOREVER to map out 13 miles. I thought it would be cool to do a big loop through town instead of the boring "out 1/2 way and turn around" routes. 1st mistake. The route was a lot longer than what I mapped out and I had to turn around at a point I knew was 3 miles back to my house. So I lost my traveling water station (husband on his bike) and he got worried when I wasn't where I was supposed to be. (Worked out fine though)

2nd mistake...forgot my GU packs. I was sooooo looking forward to those blueberry/pomegranate GUs too!

3rd mistake...should have given my husband water AND gatorade for hydration and maybe some chews for nutrition. I know better. I'm a little disappointed in myself.

4th mistake...as I came up on mile 3-4, I noticed my left baby toe was starting to hurt. The seam on my sock was rubbing it. I should have stopped to fix it but I did not. Now I have a huge blister on my toe. I whacked it on the corner of a chair and ripped a nice healthy layer of skin off it last night too. Good times...lol.

5th mistake...and this had nothing to do with my run, but I had my work Christmas party last night. Have you tried walking in a pair of heels the day after a half marathon?? Sigh...I should have gone to the party barefoot....lol.

Anyway, after the run Bobby and I were headed to the mall to shop. I didn't feel so good. I was nauseaus and I know it was because I didn't properly hydrate and replace nutrition. Pretty dumb. But that's why we have these trial runs. You can bet I won't ever forget these things again.

In closing, I did run 13 miles with one stop. I stopped at my daughter's work and she ran me out some water since I'd basically ditched Bobby by this point. I was there less than a minute and then finished the last 2 miles back.

That's it for now!!
Happy running!!!!!

Week 5 Of Marathon Training

2009-12-15T12:05:00.004-05:00

I'm into my 5th week of training. Last Saturday I was due for a 13 miler but I woke up Friday with a slight flu. Saturday morning was worse so I decided to put off the run until Sunday. I'm sure you can see where this is going. You are CORRECT! No long run for moi. Grrr.

Yesterday I tried a 2 miler. It was pretty warm and I had trouble breathing. I also don't like the feel of boogies running down my face. SEXY!!!! I grew concerned that a modeling agency might drive by and want me for the cover of some magazine, so I did the 2 miles in under 18 minutes and went home. I may have saved the career of a struggling model. =P

Last night I stumbled on HULU. It's a video/movie site where you can watch movies for free. I searched "Spirit Of The Marathon" and guess what??? YES!!!! They have it!!! I watched it. I saw it last year at the cinema but it was before I ran one. Watching it last night was wonderful because I could fully understand how everyone was feeling this time. Their hopes, dreams and of course...fears. I just love this movie!! It got me totally fired up!

So this morning I was dead set on doing my 13 miler. You may be thinking to yourself...."Aren't you sick, Kim??" Well, technically, yeah. But mentally...NO WAY! I just watched SPIRIT!! I am WOMAN!!! (Didja hear me roar?????) I headed out with high hopes. That were slowly slipping away as I went along my somewhat merry way. My pace was oh-so-slowwwwww...but I was actually ok with that for once. I just wanted to get the miles in today. But by mile 3 I could barely breathe and my nose was making me crazy. I turned around at 3.5 and trudged back. And I do mean trudged. It took me over an hour to run 6 miles. Surprisingly I am SO okay with that. I think I've matured as a runner. Being unable to run for almost a year taught me a few lessons. One of which is ya can't give up just because you have a couple of tough runs! I can chalk up today's run to a toughie and move on. It's a done deal. Plus...I still ran while sick. This means I have me some endurance...YES!

I have made the decision to just relax and get over this virus. I'll pop out for a few slowbie shorties this week...hopefully do some 800's before Saturday. I'll do the 13 miler this Saturday instead of the 8 that my training plan is calling for. I'll skip the 8 and do the 15 miler the following Saturday to get back on track. (no pun intended) Any advice on this plan will be greatly appreciated my fellow runners!!!!!!

Marathon Training Is ON!!!

2009-12-08T08:45:00.003-05:00

I'm training for The Gasparilla Full Marathon on February 28, 2010. Sarasota Grouper Full has been discontinued and this is the last year for Gasparilla to host a full, so I'm happy to get to run it. It's a beautiful course, cool and flat. A perfect run for you-know-what.

I am into my 3rd week of training and feel so good! By slowing down my long run pace, I can go on FOREVER without any walk breaks. Eating better (oatmeal), potassium and B-12s have made a big difference. A month ago I had trouble with 5 miles, having to walk and feeling weak. Last weekend was my longest run since almost a year ago and here are the details...

Friday afternoon my husband and I headed out for our bi-yearly kid-free weekend away. We just drove up to Siesta Key and stayed until Sunday. We talked about my 11 miler and decided Saturday morning would be perfect. Bobby had his bike and would be my traveling water station. But we woke up to rain and cold weather. We went to breakfast, hit the mall for some Christmas shopping and had some lunch. By 1pm it had cleared up and was looking better.

We went back to the resort for a nap about 2pm. I woke up at 3pm and literally threw my running clothes on and was out the door before I could change my mind. It was about 68 degrees and I know you northerners are thinking PERFECT weather, but this Florida chick was C-O-L-D. And I hate being cold.

I had on my new NB running skirt (which kept falling down until I finally had some sweat to keep it up) my new NB visor and a sleeveless running top. I knew I'd be fine by my 2nd mile. My training guide called for 11 miles with a 10:40-11:20 pace. This is the endurance phase for a 4 hour marathon. It's all about getting the miles down, not speed. But you know me. I always go out too fast.

First 2 miles were 9:21 and 9:34. And that's with trying to go slow. Trying to tame the horses...arghhhhh!!!!

Mile 3...9:56
4...10:01 (this is the pace I wanted to hold
5...9:03 (WHAT??? I was warmed up!!!)
6...11:04 (slowed for a water stop w/hubby AND ran headfirst into the wind)
7...10:26 (making my way back to a 10)
8...9:52 (feeling very good)
9...10:14
10...10:04
11...9:32 (gotta love me a neg split!!!!)

I had some blueberry-pomagranate chews and 2 gel packs, same flavor. PURE yumminess!!! It was all I could do to eat them one at a time every 2 miles (or sooner). Oh delish!!!! I'm going to hang a gel pack off the front of my visor like the bunny at the horse races! Yummmmmmmm. My husband rode up beside me and handed me an open bottle of h2o so I didn't have to slow down at all after that 6 mile point. I'm going to string some chews on a nylon thread as a bracelet on my next long run. Bite em off as I go, like a candy jewelry thing. Maybe the cooler weather will keep them from getting messy. I'll let ya know how that goes.

At the end of the 11 miles, I honestly could have kept on running. What an awesome feeling it was stopping at mile 11 and knowing I could have kept going. Bobby was putting his bike in the van as I came down the street and I ran to him, crying. What a baby, huh? It was a pivital moment though. A couple months ago the doctor told me I would not run another marathon. After that 11 miles I know he's wrong. I CAN do it. I am so happy!

I have a friend on my FaceBook that I have known since 4th grade. Ray is a runner who has 8 marathons under his belt and is running Boston for the 4th time! I told him my splits and explained my training guide and asked him if he thought I could do a 3:50:59 instead of a 4:00. He says YES! He advised me to add some weekly mileage and to do some 800s instead of the 400's. That's all I needed to give me a bolt of hope to BQ. I want it. I need it. I will have it.

Regina talked about fear in her last post. I soooo truly understand what she's saying. Fear will hold me back if I allow it. Fear will keep me from my goal if I let it take hold. Fear has icy fingers that will grip the hopes and dreams I have for myself if given half the chance.

Not this time buddy. This girl is going to run Boston WITHOUT fear.

Getting Stronger!

2009-11-29T10:10:00.003-05:00

This week has been pretty hectic...the holidays always are! I did get MOST of my training runs/exercises in...

I am extremely bummed that the Sarasota Grouper Full Marathon has been called off. The PR guys decided to work on the half marathon because of lack of registrants. There are usually about 3,000 runners but only about 450 run the full. Total bummer. I'm glad I had the chance to have run it once though!

I have chosen the Gasparilla Full on Feb 28, 2010 instead. This will be the last full for Gasparilla too. Gives me even more incentive to run it. My friend Bill Bonetz is running it also!!! MORE incentive! Bill is running Space Coast tomorrow. His wife Mary is doing the half. I'll be tracking their progress!!!

Turkey Trot 5K was awesome. I was hoping for a 25:55 but I did 26:31. Missed a PR by 2 seconds...lol. BUT...I beat my friend Josephine. (With love and respect..haha!) I felt great after that race. Very minimal cramping/pain for the first time in over a year. Very pleased.

I did my 8 mile training run Saturday. It was SO COLD...I had to wait until after 1pm for the sun to warm up. About 1/2 a mile out my boyfriend, Garmy, kicked. Guess he can't keep up with this ole girl...haha! I did my regular 3 mile loop back to my house...ran in and changed his batteries and ran right back out. I ran the 3 miles in just under 28 minutes, a faster pace than I wanted for a long run but I think it helped tame the wild horse inside me because I held a steady 10:10 for the next five miles. Heather was so right about slowing down. I ran the 5 without stopping and I ran an 8:40 on the last half mile. LOVE the strong finishes.

Today I feel fabulous! Changing my nutritional habits, the B-12 and potassium seem to be making a huge difference. I also have embraced the dreaded OATMEAL. UGH. Could there be anything more gross?????? Heather swears by it, so I gave it a shot. I'm sure she doesn't put 3 tablespoons of butter and a half a cup of brown sugar on hers though. The whole time I was eating it, I willed the stuff into my muscles. Instead of wanted to spit it out, I actually got it all down. Feeling so good after the longest run I've had since last March will keep me on track. I'm FIRED UP!

I am going back to the gym next week. I dropped out while I fixed myself. All the exercise classes combined with running was too much. I'm going to work it all back in slowly, starting with spin and yoga. I soooo miss yoga! My husband and I are waiting for the P90X too. That will work in very well with marathon training. It'll get Bobby back in shape after the back and neck surgeries too.

Now I will go check out Celmore...see if he's still on track too! I'm sure he is!!!!

Marathon Training

2009-11-22T21:21:00.003-05:00

Yeah...MARATHON training! As in FULL. I have decided to go for it! I finished my 1st week of training and I have gone completely off the guide. I did 6x400's Thursday, (7:35 pace each lap) but after that, I ran to the beat of my own feet. As usual. I don't know why I even attempt to follow a guide! I am going to use it as just that though...A GUIDE. If I learned one thing in the last 2 years of my running...it's LISTEN TO MY BODY...and I am this time. And it's working!

I also got a little advice from a very, VERY respected person in our running community...Heather Butcher. I saw her the other day and told her I did 7 miles in 71 minutes. Which I was (and still am) proud of. Then I told her I walked a few times. She told me if I had to walk, I was going too fast. Hmmm...seriously?? What about the Galloway method????? At the time of our conversation, I thought 2 things...1) Could I really be going too fast??? and...2) I'm gonna just keep on keepin' on.

OH...and Heather also told me she HATES to run distance when training! WHAT??? She's done like...3 IRONMEN and 12 full marathons! She told me she mostly does 400's. And her times are to die for. I know I'd die for them. She also told me to cross train with swimming and bike. But I don't really get into those. I will attempt another spin class Monday night though.....

So Steve came over this afternoon and we decided to do 5 miles. I was scheduled to do 7 yesterday, but the 6x400's I did Thursday kicked my behind. I also had my little grandbaby Collin Saturday from 6am to 5:30pm. By the time he left, I wasn't running anything. Today I was still sore and tired, Steve is just recovering from ankle and knee glitches, so we agreed on 5 miles. He had done one 4 miler a couple weeks ago and was ready to go for 5.

As we started the run, Heather's advice came back to me. I thought...ya know...it won't kill me to slow down about 15-20 seconds a mile. Plus I wanted Steve to finish comfortably without pain...I silently agreed to myself I'd stay at 10:15. Or so. I was surprised to keep finding us at a 9:30 pace. I kept signaling to slow it down. There is a patch of grass at one point on the route that I never run across (balance and neuropathy issues) and I did still walk that. Mighta been 15 seconds. We continued on, by mile 3 or so, we walked again, about 45 seconds, so I could chew a glucose tab. Those don't feel too good when you breathe them into your lungs, it's a good idea to walk when eating those. Unfortunately for Steve, that walk ruined the rest of his run. He had to walk/run the next mile or so then called it quits because of his knee/ankle.

I kept running ahead about 1/2 mile and back tracking to stay close by. I did finish the 5 miles. The average pace was 10:15...and ya know...I did feel fine. Even tonight...the cramping is minimal and I don't feel like I over did it at all. Tomorrow I'm going to just do 2-3 miles. I want to save something for the spin class...

The training schedule I chose from the "4 months To A 4 Hour Marathon" is a very good plan. I will commit to the shorter runs during the week, long runs for a weekend and the 400's. I'll just do them when I feel it's the best time. Even though the 400's totally wore me out, I kinda liked them. =)

Thursday is the Turket Trot 5K. My family is going and I love that!!!! Kirstin is walking it with Collin and her friend Ashlee is going with her with her baby Madison. Bobby is bringing Kerri, Emily and Robby too. Steve is thinking about it. He's being a chicken. Or shall I call him a turkey????? LOL

Back To Blogging

2009-11-17T07:58:00.006-05:00

Training for the Sarasota Half Marathon (3-15-10) begins Saturday, Nov 21st. I have read and reread "4 Hours To A 4 Hour Marathon" at least 4 times. I bought this book when I was attempting to begin to qualify for Boston last year. "Space Coast Marathon" was to be my 4:40, last year's "Sarasota Grouper" was to be my 4:20 and then this year's "Space Coast" I wanted to be REALLY optimistic and go for the 3:50:59 to run Boston 2010.

That never happened and I was so bummed. I've been optimistically hopeful about getting some miles in. I decided that if I could do 8 miles by Nov 21st, I would get back to training. Last Saturday I did the 7 miler and survived it! This Saturday is the 8 mile run that will signify my being back in training. I am thrilled, excited, hopeful and most of all...READY!

This book has training guides for finishing times anywhere from 4 hours up to 5 hours, depending on your level of running and your goals. I've tailored it down for a half marathon with 4 months to train. There's a tiny kernel of hope that when I get to week 6 (15 miler) I may be able to do it. If I can, I am going to continue on with the training and attempt the full. So, yes...I'll be really doing the full marathon training for the first 6 weeks. This gives me the opportunity to pull back and be satisfied with the half if need be. I'm following the 4 hour guide knowing full well I can switch to a slower guide at any time. Have I convinced you? LOL...

The reason I'm training this way is because, truth be told...the problems I'm having with my muscles are not new. I just didn't understand that the pain was not normal when I started running. Nov 2, 2007 was the first time I ever ran, and I got right into training for the full marathon to be run on Mar 2, 2008. I ran one marathon while having these problems...I can do it again, right????

That's right folks!!! 4 months into running and I completed a marathon. I see now what a feat that was. (do I sound all proud of myself???...LOL) At the time I had no clue. To many things. So it took me 5:33:38 to get to the finish line. Not w/o injuries. I ran through pains that I should have seen as a signal that something wasn't quite right, but I didn't know. Now I do know...armed with all these valuable lessons learned, I'm ready to take on my 2nd marathon. I'm wondering if, by ignoring the signals last year, if I damaged my body to the point that I couldn't run at all... Who knows? I'll find out this time by paying closer attention.

I will also be paying closer attention to nutrition this time. My husband and I are discussing the P90X program. So far it looks like the perfect program to go hand in hand with my training. My husband just had 2 back surgeries since May and he's ready to get back to cycling and the gym. He's feeling very unenergetic, tired and a little down. I think doing this program together will benefit both of us.

If any of you have done this P90X let me know how you like(d) it. I know a few people who are doing it and they LOVE it...they look fabulous too!!!

I just peeked at the schedule and I see I'm supposed to do 7 miles this Saturday, not 8. And 9 miles the 2nd week...and the training pace the first couple weeks for the 4 hour marry is 10:40 to 11:10. I think my pace for the 7 miler last Saturday was 10:15. I'm screwing it up already....LOL

So I'll do 7 again this weekend. =P

7 miles...Did I, Or Did I Not.......

2009-11-15T14:11:00.003-05:00

I did!!!

Saturday morning I woke up with my husband around 7-sh. He was leaving for work and I poked my head out of the covers to kiss him goodbye. It was then that I realized it was freakin cold. It was like 65 degrees or something close to that freezing temp! Living in SW Florida is supposed to guarentee WARMness. But it does get chilly now and then during the winter months. You'd think having lived 36 years in Boston would make me "ok" with 65 degrees, but no. I hated to be cold there, I hate to be cold here.

I put a long sleeved t-shirt on under my 2008 Sarasota Grouper Marathon shirt and hit the street. I was hoping that by wearing this shirt, my body would remember that we've run major distances together in the past and maybe trick it into thinking 7 miles wasn't nuthin but a thang.

I had a bagel with peanut butter, orange juice and of course 2 cups of coffee before this run. Figured I'd be waiting for the sun to warm up before I ventured out anyway. I took some Aleve and some B-12. I wound up waiting until 9am. I had 3 glucose tabs in my zipper pocket, already halved and NOT in any protective cover (such as a baggie) so I could grab them easily while running. I had thought it over long and hard about water/gatorade stops and decided against it. I was only planning on running for 80 minutes or so and it wasn't 95 degrees out. I felt comfortable skipping hydration. I pass stores and a field that has a bubbler too, so opportunity would be there if need be.

I got about 1.5 miles out and was wishing I skipped the t-shirt. By the time I hit 2.5 miles I was pretty hot. I slowed to a fast walk, reached up under my top and ripped my t-shirt right down the middle. then I pulled it out through my sleeves. Right on Sumter Blvd....ha! I felt so much better! It felt as freeing as I imagine the bra burning 60's were for my parents' generation!!!

I was feeling pretty good after that. So good in fact, that when I glanced at Garmie I saw that I was at 4 miles. I meant to turn around at 3.5. I also noted I was out 41 minutes, pleased with that pace!! I turned around and continued on. I did some walking breaks...about 30 seconds maybe 3-4 times. By the time I saw the bridge (my visual that I've got 2 miles left to the end) I was really feeling the muscle fatigue. Disappointed, I peeked at Garmie and was SO SURPRISED to see I was actually at 6.32 miles!! By running half a mile further out, it shaved a whole mile off my brain! WOW! I love these kind of mind games I play with myself.

My hips and behind my knees were pestering me a little but if my calculations were correct, I could run into the middle school at the tennis court gate and finish mile 7 right at the bubbler! I tried to kick it up a notch but I could only hold at 9:45 pace. No worries! I got to the bubbler at 6.93 miles...HAHA!!!...so I ran past it (looking at it longingly) and kept going until I heard the beep signaling 7 miles. Then I turned around, walked to the bubbler and drank for about 5 full minutes. I had a mile and a half walk home from there. Perfect cool down!!

So I did 7 miles in 71:12. I think that was an average pace of 10:15...I'm am happy with that. This is the longest run I've done in 9-10 months!! It gives me such hope to do a half in March. I promised myself if I could get an 8 miler in by Nov 21st, I'd begin serious training for the Sarasota Half. I have been trying a few things with my diet, B-12 and glucose tabs. The muscle cramping/fatigue is still happening, but I can get through these longer runs now! I also do not run until the twitching/cramping slows to a dull roar. If I need a 2-3 day recovery, so be it. If I need to run 2-3 miles instead of 5-6...fine. I see that I need to be flexable if I want to continue running. We may never find out what the muscle problem is, I don't plan on hanging around, wasting away while we figure it out.

My brother-in-law's injuries are healed and we did an easy 2 mile trial run Friday night. It went very well. He felt that his cardio and endurance had slipped a bit by taking 2 weeks off, but I know he'll get that back very easily. He has plenty of time to catch up and get into training for that half. I was worried he'd stop running since he had to take 2 weeks off so early into starting but he's back! YAY!

Made The 6 Mile Run!

2009-11-10T18:28:00.003-05:00

Well HEY!! I set out this morning thinking I'd run for 1 hour or 6 miles, whichever came first. I was feeling the weary fairies by 4 miles, but when I checked my Garmin I saw that if I kept my pace I could have BOTH! I really was surprised since I haven't had any decent mileage since last March. I felt pretty confident I could do the hour but I thought I'd be at about 5.5 miles. I'm happy and hopeful about a certain race that comes through Florida every spring, but I'm not making any promises just yet!

I met a blogger on here, Celmore , who is also back in training mode. He happens to be readying himself for an 8 miler the same weekend I am, ( Nov 21st) so we agreed to kinda cheer each other on. I've been trying to read through his blog to see what he's accomplished and it looks like he's an Ironman! I haven't found that post yet, but as soon as I have a free hour I'll try and check it out! By the way guys...he has some free stuff he's giving away so check out his blog!!!!!

My bro-in-law, Steve, has been running since he quit smoking 3 PACKS A DAY. Yes, 3. Yikes. He was really doing well until he hurt his knee and ankle. I'm not sure what's going on, but he took about 10 days off and is feeling better. He tends to begin a run with a sprint. He ran on his high school track team and he was still in track mode...lol. Only he's 39 now. Last time we ran, I didn't hold him back. I let him just fly. He actually did well with an 8:30 pace for about 2 miles. Then he was done. LOL! I figured he needed to do that to realize why we try to stay at a 9:30 pace during a training run. He got that message!

I'm going to get back into yoga. I went last week and it was soooooo awesome! Unfortunately my husband is late getting home tonight so I had to miss it. Maybe I'll catch tomorrow morning's class before my sweet Grandbaby Collin comes!

Happy running everyone!!!!

I'm Running!

2009-11-09T12:59:00.003-05:00

I have been quietly chipping away at some mileage. I've actually accomplished my 5 mile goal! Did that in 48 minutes too. I am pleased, but if I want to run a serious half marathon in March, I need to run 8 miles by Nov 21st. I'm following the "4 Months To A 4 Hour Marathon", only I'm hoping to run the half Sarasota Grouper Marathon in March. I want to try to follow this training guide and see how far into it I can get. If my muscles decide to cooperate I may do the full. Pipedream, I know...but I refuse to give up the full marathon just yet! Anyway...the training for that needs to start Nov 21st and the first run is an 8 miler. I will not pay too close attention to the speed part of this training. I'm going for distance instead. That was just written with a little voice in my head saying "yeah, right"....LOL

Making it to 5 miles was a very joyous moment! I also got a race in...5K...and finished that in 27:26. No PR, but the course was pebblestone, dirt, sand and grass. It eventually became concrete by the last mile, thank heaven. Had I known the touraine was not street/sidewalk I would not have run that one. I'm no good on the uneven routes! Between the neuropathy and the balance issues I like to stay on the flat land. I did get a medal for 2nd place age group so I'm glad I did it.

I still do not have any answers as to what my muscular problem is. Ruling out MS was wonderful. McArdle's Disease has also been ruled out. CPK level was 44. That news was VERY good because now I know I'm not damaging anything by pushing myself. I have no idea what is going on, neither does my doctor. I have a few levels that are very slightly elevated, but nothing enough to indicate any reasons for my issues. My blood pressure has gone from 90/60 all my life, to 135/80. I was concerned about that but the nurse said it's in normal range. I thought that could be why I wake up with a headache/nausea everyday since the spinal tap, but I guess not. The doctor wants to see me in Dec for a follow up. I see no point in that.

I have a few alternative things I may try. In the meantime, I'll just keep going!

So I ran 3 miles this morning in 28:13. The wind was blowing like crazy! In Florida, the wind kinda goes in a circular motion, so you never really run WITH the wind...lol. At one point I was at an 8:40 pace but as I ran into the wind it went to a 9:50! It felt like I was running in place!

My husband is feeling better since his cervical fusion and is going to get back into his cycling. I'm excited for him! He has always been into the gym and healthy living, so this time off has kinda left him feeling bummed. He feels so out of shape and blah, but trust me...he's still looking very good (and he's still a major sexy man!) I think mentally he'll feel better getting back to exercising. No weight training yet though. He's still healing! His doctor said ok to the bike. With all the hours he puts into work and family, he needs his own time. I'll be supporting his way back into healthy living!!!!!!

Thriv Sportswear

2009-10-21T08:28:00.006-04:00

About a week or so ago I got an email from Jonathan from Thriv sportswear. http://www.thrivnp.com/women He said he saw my blog and wanted to know if I'd try out a shirt. I said I'd be delighted! Not even a week later the shirt has arrived....

Here's the cool thing...UPS had just delivered my New Balance "Susan G. Komen" running shoes...HOT pink!!! I was in my running clothes and new sneaks when a package arrived. I ripped it open and pulled out a white t-back top. It's the shirt shown above, only in white....It is sooooo soft! I was surprised at how cottony it felt, I was expecting that nylon wicking material. It's made from bamboo, organic cotton and elastane. It is the softest material...some of you may know I do machine embroidery/sewing...I know a nice fabric when I feel it. I really like this material.

I need batteries for my camera and then I'll post a pic.....

BUT...my question was this...would something so soft, so lightweight be good for running? A lot of the tops I wear feel heavy. Or they're nylon/polyester and they don't fit me well. Most t-backs do not fit me properly, add the t-back sportsbra and I hate them. Most tops are clingy around my waist and I hate that too.

This top is white and t-back. I put it on and it actually fit! I checked the size and it's a medium...(I usually buy large) Very lightweight and soo soft. It fits me in a flattering, feminine way. I headed out for a 4 miler. As I was walking out, hubby was walking in...he pointed out a chocolate smudge on my shirt. HOW??? I had it on for 15 minutes! I got a cloth with cold water and gently rubbed the spot. It came right out.

Ok, nice material, fits me flatteringly and chocolate washed right out of it. So far so good....

Off I went...I did not feel constricted. Not one seam irritation. It was like a second skin. I could feel a breeze through this shirt. I did not need to re-adjust once. No pulling down, up, or even a strap irritation! It moves with me...I L-O-V-E it!!!

My husband walked the dog while I ran, so I wound up walking about a mile back to the house with him. By the time I was in my driveway, my shirt was DRY. No kidding! I don't think I've ever come out of a run with a dry shirt.

I'm going to wash it and try it out again Thurs morning. The weather here in south Florida has been cooler this week. By tomorrow it'll heat back up and I'll give this shirt a SWEATY run!! I have a feeling it'll be FABULOUS!!!!

Here are the Susan G. Komen running shoes from New Balance. I usually wear Asics but these had a style I couldn't turn down. They fit great and feel wonderful! I'm happy to find two brands that work so well with me! The laces are weird...they're shaped so they don't come untied (I'm assuming)...

Boca Grande 5K

2009-10-07T09:52:00.005-04:00

Yuli, Jane, Debi, Kimmi and Louis at Boca Grande

This is my favorite race! It's run twice a year, in Oct and Feb. I have run it 4 times so far. I got my PR in this race last year. 26:30, after partying until midnight and waking up at 4am!!! I think I may have still been "feelin' good"...LOL

My husband had a cervical fusion (that's neck, not cervix...lol) 3 weeks ago. He was still on leave from work and he was able to come to this race. I felt good knowing he'd be at the finish line. He feels fabulous, no pain!!!

It felt a little cooler to me, but Betty (fellow Zoomer) told me she thought it was humid while we were at the starting line. I thought nothing of it until at about 1.5 miles out when I ran into a warm cloud that stayed with me to the end. Betty was right...it was humid. I think I felt the cooler air off the ocean at first. Fooled me for the 1st half of the race!!

I've been running with my brother-in-law Steve and my daughter Kerri the last 2 weeks. Steve quit smoking and wanted to add running to his workouts. Of course he thought of ME and my cool running abilities...lol. By his 3rd run he was up to 3 miles without stopping. With a 32 minute finish! Very proud of him. My daughter Kerri has been telling me for 2 years she wants to run but never has. She came home with a new pair of Asics the other day and now she's up to 2 miles! Tomorrow is her first 3 miler and she'll do great! The coolest thing is, both of them LOVE running! One of the greatest things my coach taught me was how to love running. This is something that's so important for me to pass along, so seeing these two running and LOVING it warms my heart.

Debi is training for her first half marathon in Feb! She's going to run with us too, since Steve and Kerri are also training for the half in Feb. Well, they don't know that yet...but they are...lol. I figure I'll slowly and quietly add on the mileage and see how they feel. Right now 13 miles feels unattainable to them. Seeing how quickly they're adapting to the cardio and distance is telling me they can do it. I'm excited for all 3 of them!!!

So with being in on three people's training runs, turns out I ran 15 miles last week. Haven't done that since before that evil spinal tap. My legs are still spasming, as is my back but I can run through it. I was running through it for over a year anyway...LOL

Back to the Boca race (got off the trail....)

This was the 5k/10k run. 100 people ran the 5k and I think 125 ran the 10K. Not too many runners, maybe because of the heat, economy or a bit of both. I felt good by half a mile. I was happy to be holding a 9 minute pace. I could see Mary up ahead and I kept my eye on her. I didn't see Tina until after the turnaround and was SHOCKED to be ahead of her for once!! That gave me the boost I needed at about 2 miles. It was here that I started to pass some people. It SOOOO pays off to start off a little slow. Once you get warmed up you can kick it up a notch and start passing the peeps who go out too fast. Great for the ego...LOL

I started my sprint at the 3 mile marker, slowly picking up speed. I saw Bobby at the finish line and gave it all I had left. Ed, Joan and a few other friends were there and I could hear them yelling my name. That is such a big help! They know I've been having troubles and how happy I am to be back. I finished at 27:32. One minute slower than my PR! I am happy. Thrilled!!! =)

We went and sat down, waiting for the awards. Those tiny black bugs ate us alive! My legs won't stop itching. Anyway...I made first place in my age division!!!! I love this race!!!!

I Pimped Out My Garmin.

2009-08-31T21:47:00.003-04:00

Sigh. Garmie and I connected in a positive, loving way about a year or so ago. We have gotten soooo close through our runs together. Through the heat, rain and insects...through the early morning dawn, thunder storms and spider webs. We've loved each other. So many times it was just us. There were times when he'd just conk out on me right in the middle of a fantastic run. I never got too mad, I'd just replace the batteries lovingly, accepting the tear filled apologies. I'd whisper that the little things were easy to let go since he'd never failed me when I really needed him.

Then last summer my running took a nosedive. Garmie was there. I had to cut so many runs in half. Garmie stayed anyway. I lost sight of my goals but Garmie refused to be put away. The guilt of watching Garmie day after day, not able to track my runs anymore were too much.

Then one morning on a shorty run with Elizabeth, I realized her 3 mile run was closer to 3.5 miles. She had measured her loop by driving it, as we all have done. I looked at Garmie. His face lit up. OH the little timer needed to feel needed again! Who was I to hold him back??? Why cause this kind of pain??? With all the love for my Garmie in my heart, I called out to Elizabeth. I told her Garmie let me know her 3 miler was off a bit. She was surprised, but didn't seem to let it bother her. But Garmie and I knew what this could mean on her 14 miler she had planned for that weekend. It could mean a couple extra miles! NO!!!!!!!!!!!

"Take Garmie on your long run this weekend Elizabeth", I said as I removed him from my wrist.
"No, that's ok...I can recheck the route" she answered.
"Please take him, just while I am off the road for awhile." And I proceeded to show Elizabeth how to work him. The entire time I was giving her the instructions, I knew she'd fall for him, just as I had. They needed each other.

That was about 5-6 weeks ago. Elizabeth keeps offering to give him back but I wasn't ready. I couldn't even get out of bed most mornings, never mind trying to meet his needs. But Elizabeth could. Elizabeth has. Garmie must be loving her. She's doing some major mileage on her training for her first marathon. I think of him often, wondering if I'd know when the time would be right to take him back. Would he send me some kind of message???

Oh yes. Garmie loves me still. Elizabeth had a 16 miler about a week ago. She told me she glanced down to check her pace and saw that Garmie's face was blank. Nothing. No emotion, not even a blink! I know what you're thinking...his battery died. Maybe...maybe NOT. Maybe this is the sign I've been waiting for!!! He's calling me back! He knows I've had a couple decent short runs and he wants me back!!!!

The time is right. We will be reunited by this weekend. I know Elizabeth will understand. I plan to let them be friends. There will be times when they'll need each other and I will gladly give them visitations. I'm glad Elizabeth was there to help garmie get through my time off, but when all is said and done, Garmie and I belong together. And together we will be!!!!!

PS. How long before I can erase all their run history from the memory?????....LOL

Posting While Sweating....

2009-08-31T09:16:00.002-04:00

That's what I'm doing...sweating!! Made it out for a shorty this morning. There's a 5K this Saturday and I REALLY want to run it. Problem is, my pride is insisting I come in under 30 minutes but my brain keeps reminding me it might be closer to a 33 minute finish. Eh, could be worse I suppose. Take my first race for instance... No really...take it! Ha!! Just kidding...it's mine and I love it.

My first race was a 4 miler called The Scholarship Run. I had been running for 6 weeks and my coach thought it was time for a race. What I didn't know then was this race was the door to the competitive athlete inside me. Only I wasn't thinking that whilst runnin' it. Noooooo...the thoughts I was thinkin' were closer to..."OMG...what the heck am I doing here??" and..."How can I call a taxi to get me to the finish line??"

But then something funny happened when I saw the finish line up ahead. I felt a chill, I was sweating profusely, my heart was racing....yes! I was dehydrated. HAha...just kidding....I felt the first fluttering of the thrill of the finish line. Then I got 2nd place in my age group. I LOVE that medal still. But most important was the sense of accomplishment that day. I'll never get sick of it.

I write about that race because it popped into my head during my 30 minute, 2.5 mile run this morning. I was starting to feel a little disappointed because I can feel how much I've lost from having to take so much time off. I am very impatient by nature so even though I KNOW I need to build it all back up, I WANT TO PICK RIGHT UP WHERE I LEFT OFF 2 MONTHS AGO. But I was feeling just as I did during that Scholarship Run 2 years ago. Tired, achy and my cardio felt awful. I was thinking it was going to take me forever to get it all back (if it can be done). But here's the thing: I ran and FINISHED an entire marathon after only running for 4 months. I did that. Me. From zero to 26.2 in 4 months. Can you feel my pride??? Can ya now?? How bout now??? Righttttttt NOW??

Anyway...I reminded myself this one important fact: I am a runner. Even if I've had to take time off. Even with having to drop some exercise classes. Even though I feel like I'm starting ALL OVER. I AM A RUNNER. Sometimes we runners have some hills to get over. I've read about it, talked about it, listened to other runners talk about it and have had to get over a few of them myself. It can be done. We, as runners, have a little something called thick skulls (JK) We have persistence. Goals. Calf muscles!!!!!!!! So I am trying to be ok with starting all over. I also understand there will be more times when I'll have to take time off again. Ok. I can do it.

Some people call them mountains.
We call them speed bumps, don't we????

More Cool News!!

2009-08-22T22:57:00.003-04:00

Sherry...I will take you up on that fun run VERY soon sister!! Remember my "Smell The Flowers" blog post?? We're gonna smell us some flowers!!! YAY!

I'll see my regular doc Monday...I trust him to point me in the right direction on this. I will definately try a major diet change though. Not until Monday, BUSCH GARDENS tomorrow!!!!

Here's the exciting news:

Last week a group of coaches came into the restaurant I work at. They told me they have a football team that was looking for a running coach to help build their endurance and speed on the field. Would I be interested! I had to tell them I haven't even been running 2 years yet and I'm having some medical issues. I have no certificates or even classes. They asked me a few questions and said they'd really like me to consider this. I was so flattered!!! (still am!!)

They asked me to stop at the field this morning to meet the team. I was expecting 12-14 year olds but this team is all men! Turns out the team is one step away from being PRO! WOW!!! Everyone was very nice, I decided I'm going to do it! It starts in 2 weeks and I will have some plans all printed out for them! I can't wait!!

This opportunity is just what I needed. It won't require me to run on sprint/dashes...I'll be timing them for that. The longest run we'd probably do is 3-5 miles. Even on a bad day I can be there for that!!! Did I mention I love football?? I'm a die hard Patriots fan! This is gonna be FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sweet little punkin was here tonight. Kirstin and Chris went out for dinner and I got to babysit Collin! He just LOVES his Gramma. We already have a very strong bond, Collin and I. Kirstin was a little emotional the other day...when I picked up the baby he smiled the biggest smile ever! Kirstin said he doesn't smile like that for her. She asked if it meant he loves me more. Oh Kirsty...OF COURSE HE DOES! I'm his Gramma! LOL He's 6 weeks old already. It's going so fast!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!
xoxo

I Have Some News!

2009-08-21T09:59:00.004-04:00

First of all...thank you so much for your kind comments and emails! The support that comes from all of you helps more than I can put into words! Thank you, thank you!! xoxoxoxoxoxo

Ok...Dr K from Tampa called me yesterday to let me know I DO NOT HAVE MS! Oh happiness!!! My EEG stuff all looked great, so the Lyrica is doing it's job. The last 5-6 weeks of headaches/vomiting etc was from the spinal tap. Dr K said that headachy people do not do well with spinal taps. I coulda used that little gem of information, I'll tell ya. I honestly thought I was dying. Even had my funeral music picked out on a playlist in iTunes. No kidding. Ok, I'm kidding. I'm not that gruesome. Hardly.

The MRI showed a past bleed or enlarged artery deep inside my brain. Doc says it's old and healed and there's really no way to tell when it happened or if it's the cause of my seizures. He said he's pretty sure it shouldn't be a problem for the future but it's something to remember if I ever get a blinding headache. Ok...noted!!!

So what's the problem with my muscles??? He's not sure as he's an MS expert, but he did say it could be metabolic. He mentioned I probably won't be running any more marathons. Oh...yes...he...did..say...that!!!! He doesn't know me too well, now does he??? I actually laughed on the phone when he said that! He laughed and said ok, but he didn't reccommend me doing a tri because of the swimming. Which at first I didn't let register, but my husband says he probably thought it wouldn't be good if I was out doing a 2 mile swim and my muscles decided to quit on me. Being out swimming wouldn't be an ideal place for THAT to happen. As I've never had the urge to be shark bait, I won't worry about that.

Me being me and having major access to Google...I perused the buffet of medical problems and found something I could use. (LOL) There's a metabolic "thing" called "McArdle's Disease" that fits my pain-in-the-ass (and legs) symptoms. While I am not convinced of anything until I see my Doc next week, I was surprised to see one thing that really stood out: "What Do Marathon Runners And McArdle's Disease Have In Common?" Turns out that they both have trouble with the glycogen "hitting the wall" thing. Which is how I feel after running a shorty these days! I went ahead and emailed Doc K in Tampa with my slueth-like findings. I will have an answer to this!!!

So anyway...I got the go ahead to start my training back up. I am going to go slow. I want to try a few things that I read about with the glycogen replenish stuff. Elizabeth (LIZ as I fondly call her) has been getting into this subject and I will be gathering info from her. She has her wee little 16 miler planned this weekend. I figure 16 miles might be a tad too much for me right now, so I'm going to meet her there around 8am on my bike and then run the last couple miles with her.

Let the games (re) begin!!!!!

Hugs to all!!!!!!

Time To Take A Break

2009-08-14T08:06:00.003-04:00

The last few months have been difficult, I'll admit that. I've tried to keep up with my exercise classes and running but I acknowledge the time has come to take a break. This has NOT been an easy decision to get to but I see that my running has totally taken a dive. It's hard to keep a running blog when ya can't even run. =/

Last week I planned to run a 5k race. I knew it would be a toughie but I wanted to see my friends. This was their chance to really kick my butt (ok, they always kick my butt anyway). The alarm went off, my head was pounding as usual. Laid back down 3 times after the snooze kept going off. The nausea taunted me, I knew I couldn't go. My husband knew I wasn't feeling well if I was skipping a race and he pulled me close, telling me everything would be fine. We don't get too many cuddly mornings, so I nestled in and went back to sleep.

I woke up about 8:30 and decided I'd meet up with Elizabeth for the last couple miles of her 14 miler. By the time I actually found her, she only had about a quarter mile to go. I hopped out of my car thinking a quarter mile would be easy. Wrong. I could not believe how I was feeling. I knew then I probably needed a break, but I pushed the thought from my mind.

Elizabeth did her 14 miles in 2:22! She averaged a pace of 10 minutes and she looked FABULOUS when she was done. We went back to her house to get her dogs and went for a walk as her cool down. I feel so proud of her, training like she is. But I feel sad sometimes because not long ago I could've kept up with her. I've been telling myself I would catch up and run the marathon in December with her, but I know I can't. Just typing those words bring a lot of emotion.

Anyway, by Sunday I was still nauseous, headachey etc. Usually by noon or 2pm I'm feeling much better, but this time it was hanging on. Monday was worse. I couldn't even eat. By Tuesday I couldn't even stand. It was a vicious circle...headache/nausea kept me from eating and drinking and being dehydrated made it all worse. I called my doc, he was concerned the spinal tap last month had something to do with it and told me to go back to Tampa. My husband agreed but I just didn't want to go!

By 9pm I decided to go. It was ugly, I won't go into all of that but I will say this: IV meds are soooooo good! The doc gave me some dilotted (? spell) Ohhhhhh....I loved it. They wanted to do another spinal tap but didn't because if my last one was part of the problem, it wouldn't be wise to do another. As if I'd have let them. I have many tests pending, answers should be coming in soon anyway. Some tests say MS, some do not. The Tampa doc wants all test results before he makes any diagnosis, so he has not told me a thing. I'm still hoping for a vitamin deficiency (HA)

This has all been going on for a year. I could run through muscle pain and cramps. I could run through twitches and muscle weakness. I could get back up when I fell. I honestly tried to keep going, but I can't run through fatigue and nausea. The headaches are worse in the morning/early afternoon, so I was hopeful about running in the evening. It's hard to run with a headache though. The meds I take for that leave me kinda..."high". I'd probably fall and break a leg if I tried to run...lol. The headaches aren't really going away anymore either. I'm curious to know if I'm having seizures during the night???

All of this means it's break time. I told my husband I feel like I'm giving up! Bobby says it's not giving up, it's focusing on my health instead. He's right. He says I'll get it all back. I'm going to hold him to that! So for now I'll go cheer on my friends at the races. I'll be supportive of my friend Elizabeth, who I KNOW will R-O-C-K that marathon in December!! I'll come in here and read all your blogs. I realized I'd been avoiding your blogs. As much as I love reading them and cheering all of you on during your trainings, it was making me sad. I selfishly avoided reading them and I'm sorry.

I'll be around so keep up with all those training runs!!! I really do care!!! I am on FaceBook and I'd love to be connected to you all. Just search Kim Cusick. Let me know your blog name though, because I don't add people I don't know.

Steve, as much as I REALLY REALLY wanted to run that half up in Boston in Oct with you, I'm going to have to skip it this time. But stay tuned, I will be back! Let me know if you're still running it. I'm hoping to be up there in Oct for my 25th high school reunion, so I can cheer you through the finish line if you run it!!!!!!

They took the couch out of my exercise classes! I used to go in and lay on the couch while everyone exercised. That way I was still maintaining my "being there" even when I wasn't actually doing anything. Lately I've been laying on a yoga mat and doing most of the exercises. I'll probably still do that. The group doesn't seem to mind...lol

Ok, keep running. Keep blogging, I'll be reading them! Stay in touch because I WILL be back.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Kim

Evening Runs Are Awesome!!

2009-08-06T13:11:00.003-04:00

I ran with my girlie Elizabeth last night. It was still light out, as I figured, but it still had an early evening feel to it. We ran from Elizabeth's house, which is a little like farm country. The houses are farther apart and set back from the road, making the route very peaceful and serene. Some families do have horses so I could smell them. Call me a weirdo, but I actually love that smell...lol. It reminds me of the summers when I used to stay with my Aunt Rozanne in New Hampshire.

I went every summer from age 5 to about 11 or so. She had a farm with goats, chickens, cows, dogs, cats and even bees! And of course, she had a horse named Firefly. A great big Morgan. I'd give anything to lay in that pasture again. Picking raspberries and strawberries. Listening to nature. It was pretty cool to leave the city every summer and spend that time with my Aunt. She passed away from cancer in 1987. I still think of her all the time, and miss her.

ENOUGH NOSTALGIA!!!!!

So Elizabeth....she doesn't like to be called Liz, Lizzy or Beth. I save those names for when she runs ahead of me, only she can't hear me cuz I'm too far behind. Clever, I know. Anyway, Elizabeth and I headed out. Even talking, we were running at a 9 minute pace. She has MUCHO endurance because she'd been training for a half marathon recently. She wound up with the flu and missed it so she changed her plan to do a full in December. I kept up until we hit 2 miles. Then I had to walk. In fact, I had to walk 4 more times in the next 2 miles. I was soooo frustrated! Elizabeth ran up ahead and turned back a few times to let me wallow in my misery alone. I didn't wallow for long. I ran when I could, walked when I couldn't. I'll get it back.

After the run we talked outside until the mosquitos came. They're as big as dragonflies! I thought I got eaten alive but I don't itch at all today. Probably a good thing because we'd still be out there talking!

I went to my exercise classes this morning but left early. I had (have still) a wicked headache. I'm waiting for the drugs to kick in right now. I have to work tonight.

Saturday's plan is a 5K "Run 4 Reason" in Punta Gorda. Steph is running it with me. Elizabeth has her little 14 miler that day so she's skipping the race. Whatever Lizzy. Fine with me Beth. Have fun with that Liz. HA!! Just kiddin'. I'm so jealous. I would love to run 14 miles with her! I need to find out if Maria is racing....she works most weekends. Maria runs a 19-20 minute 5k. So it's not like we'd see her anyway....LOL

Ok, off to do some laundry before work.
Happy running!!!

I'm Still Kinda Running!

2009-08-05T17:20:00.003-04:00

I am averaging one run a week! ARG!! That spinal tap was pretty awful. My back still hurts. I very gently got back into yoga, spin, pilates and on the ball classes. While I am usually known for being happy and positive, I'll admit I've had a few downer moments. Testing is still underway and I go to Tampa once a week for various tortures/tests. The doctor said he won't give me any results to anything until all the tests are finished and he puts it all together.

I did find out from my regular doctor that they're fairly certain it isn't MS. When I asked him what they're thinking he explained it wasn't for him to determine because technically I'm under Tampa's doctor's care. I stared deeply into his eyes trying to read his mind, but he had that physician's wall up. Well fine. See if I care. I don't wanna know anyway.

I ran last Saturday with my girlies, Steph and Elizabeth. I did a 4 miler. They ran on ahead and got lost (HA...that's what they get for deserting me....lol) They wound up doing 10 miles! They also found one of our other girlies...Maria along the way. I felt so sluggish for that 4 miles, I was afraid to look at my Garmin, but I actually did 4 miles in 41 minutes. That's fine for a training run. With all that's going on these days I'll take it.

I'm going to meet Elizabeth tonight for an evening run! I haven't run at night! Ever!! We're doing 4 miles. Steph can't make it and Maria works nights so it's just us. I guess I should remember it's still broad daylight until 8:30pm, so it won't really be night. It'll still feel weird though...

I'll be back later to blog about my late-in-the-day run!

Grandson news: My little Collin is still absolutely precious! He now weighs 8 lbs 7 oz, 20.5 inches long! He just LOVES his Gramma!!! Poor little guy got his circumcision last week. My daughter cried more than he did! It's all healed up nicely and mommy and baby are fine. Collin will be 1 month old this weekend. We're making cupcakes to celebrate!!!!!!

Misc Updates...

2009-07-20T18:11:00.003-04:00

I haven't been out running for almost 2 weeks. Blah. The first three days of neglect were fine because my grandson, Collin was born and he's worth missing some exercise. The other 7 days were not spent in a fun way.

Had a spinal tap gone wrong. That put me in bed for 5 days before I decided the doctor was correct in his assumption that I had a spinal leak and needed to go back to the hospital. After 15 hours in the emergency room, they patched the leak. Let's just say that wasn't a good time. Let's also just say I will never have another spinal tap fer nuthin'.

Today I left my house at 6am for 2 appointments up in Tampa (1.5 hours away) Got there, got lost IN THE HOSPITAL, cried to some unknown woman who was sweet enough to walk me to where I was supposed to be. (1.5 hours LATE). My tears must have scared the women at the desk because they got me in to see the doc anyway. It pays to be overwhelmed.

After that test I had to drive to a different area for the MRI series. Should have been 20 minutes. Took me over an hour. BUT...I made it there 20 minutes early! I hate driving in strange cities! Spent a relaxing 2 hours in the MRI machine. Ooohhh...good times. Even had headphones with music. Too bad the bangs from the machine drowned the ability to hear those songs. I think I fell asleep in there. In the end, I found my way home just fine, even if it did take 2 hours to get home. With no traffic. I found peace, solace if you will, in that car ride home. Just me 'n the tunes.

Doc says no strenuous activities until Wednesday. I might hit yoga tomorrow night. I also might try one other strenuous activity this evening...teehee! =)

Anyway...this could be MS or some other kind of central nervous system disorder. Maybe even an auto-immune disease. I vote for a vitamin deficiency! Sounds way easier to fix if you ask me. No matter what, I plan on continuing with my life just the way it is, only with drugs and alcohol if need be. Just kiddin....mebbeeee. I have a stash of stuff in my drawer for "just-in-case". Kiddin.

I was laying in bed last night thinking about "what on my body does not hurt"...I know, I know...seems like an odd thing to think about. But that's ME...looking for a positive. Guess what doesn't hurt. AT ALL. EVER. My glutes. It's true. I don't have a pain in the ass. Isn't that nice? Speaking of asses....I decided I want a heart shaped ass. Upside down heart shaped. Wouldn't that be cute? Not that you'd ever know. I'd never show anyone. Well...maybe I would if it was that cute, I dunno.

I have a 6 mile run planned for Wednesday morning with Elizabeth. I'm really excited about hooking up with her because we're the same age, same pace and we're both WOMEN! Yes...it's true! Only she has more endurance than me right now. That's a good thing as it will keep me on my competitive toes! Elizabeth has a full marathon planned for December. Her first one! I really want to run that one with her. I'd kill to finish in 4:20...LOL...what??? I can dream, can't I?????

There's A new Man In My Life....

2009-07-16T21:10:00.013-04:00

Last November, my daughter Kirstin introduced me to a young man (very young may I add). I'll admit that I was not too impressed. I was surprised and not just a little scared. I didn't feel a huge connection. At first. But then I met him again just a few weeks later.

I felt a bit excited this time. My heart was racing and I felt it do a little jump. This young man was excited to meet me again too. I could hear his heartbeat. It was strong and loud. It sounded like a horse galloping! I looked at my daughter as we both listened to this wonderful sound and we smiled at each other. Both of us loved him at that precise moment. Instantly and unconditionally in love.

As the months went on, each time we got together, I could feel our bond deepening. I'd tell him how much I loved him. I could almost hear him answer me back.

In January I saw him for the first time...on screen. His little spine was perfect, his legs looked long and strong like a runner. He turned his head toward us and raised an arm as if to say "hello!" Kirstin and I cried with happiness to have this sneak peak at him. The image is forever in our minds. (and on youtube under kimmycu search) =)

I got to see him many times as the months came and went. What an active little guy! Every time he came by, I'd tell him I loved him.

Then last Friday morning I got a phone call from my daughter, Kirstin. She told me it was time to meet this little man in person! I woke my other daughter Kerri and we met Kirstin and Chris at the hospital. (we actually beat them there) We went to a special room and helped get Kirstin comfortable. She was so strong and brave! She breathed through some pretty intense pains until she had an epidural to give her a chance to rest.

About 9 hours later, it was time. With Chris, Kerri and I supporting Kirstin, this new life emerged right before our eyes. What a miracle! "Hello Collin Mitchell!" "I love you!!!!" He answered back with a tiny yelp and it was music to our ears! Chris was pretty overwhelmed and asked Kerri to cut the cord. She did and Collin was placed in Kirstin's arms. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Collin weighed 6 lbs 5 oz and is 18.5 in long. His hair is jet black, his eyes are dark. His feet are long and skinny! He is perfect. His cry is sweet music. His little noises are soothing. His scent would bring in millions if it could be bottled. He is wonderful. He is pure. He is my grandson.

Kirstin brought him over to my house today. As we looked at his precious little face, she asked Collin where he's been all her life. She said she feels complete. I told her now she knows how much I love HER. We cried a little, happy tears full of love. For Collin and for each other.

Daddy, Mommy and Collin

Gramma and Collin
Emily, Grampa and Collin

Firecracker 5K Race Report

2009-07-04T17:30:00.011-04:00

I was sweating by 6:15am. It was THAT hot 'n humid today. I was on this race committee and had registration duty which is the only reason I was there so early. Cindy was there with her 3 month old daughter, Emily Grace so what I REALLY did was hold the baby until she fell asleep, then I handed out t-shirts. Ha!! Grandma practice!!!

Kim and Kayla at the Firecracker 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kayla came in with her husband Josh around 7am and I could tell she was a little nervous/excited. We wore gray tops and black shorts so we could match (it's a girl thing). Deb showed up soaked and out of breath. Seems she decided to "warm up" with a 6 mile bike ride to the race. Gotta love Deb....LOL...and I do!!! Steph and Elizabeth came soon after. All of us were excited for Kayla's 1st race!

We were NOT excited about the heat and humidity. We usually run at 6:30am and yeah, it's still hot but even an hour later it gets BRUTAL. I could only hope some people had their sprinklers on to run through!

One really cool thing that happened...when the national anthem was being sung, someone from the front started singing along. One by one everyone joined in. It was such a touching moment. It gave us pause to think about our men and women over in Iraq. Hopefully they stay safe and come home to their families soon.

The horn went off and away we went. Starting off already hot and sweaty was making us feel like it might be a tough run. It was. We did the "hop-around-the-kids" dance and got through that without a fall. I love seeing the kids there but they tend to run in a zig-zag pattern...haha! We made it to the first mile in 9:15, very nice. I looked over at Kayla and she was going strong! We got to the half way turning point where our friend Ed was monitoring and he gave us the lucky high 5. We made the turn in just over 14 minutes. I was PUMPED! Kayla's goal was to come in under 30 minutes and I sooo wanted to see her make that time.

By the time we got to the 2 mile marker the sun was just beating down on us. Sweat was pouring off all of us. We slowed a bit about here. Kayla wanted to go without a walk break but with the elements being what they were I pulled a coach card and called a 20 second walk. I pointed out that the crowd wasn't really getting very far ahead of us. Everyone was slowing down.

After a quick (silent) evaluation of any health issues (like heat exhaustion) we started back up. We caught up to the crowd we were basically with when we took the shorty walk break. When we saw the 3 mile marker we kicked it up a notch. It looked like a close one to come in under 30 minutes. When we saw the finish line we booked it in to the sounds of Michelle (Kayla's sister) and Josh screaming for Kayla!!!! It was so exciting!!! We made it in in 30:02! Soaked with sweat and looking for water.

I was worried Kayla would be disappointed we missed it by 3 seconds but she was thrilled! I reminded her we actually took at least 7 seconds to get to the starting line, so in REALITY we did finish in 29:54. Josh and Steph agreed. These are the times I wish we had chips. Anyway, Kayla wanted to take off before the parade got started but I talked her into waiting for awards. What she didn't know was I have CONNECTIONS and found out she PLACED IN HER AGE GROUP and had a medal coming to her! And the really cool thing was...my friend Kimmi and I were the award announcers and I was going to be able to call her name! OMG...can I even get my feelings across in this blog???? No, I cannot.

At the women's age 25-29...2nd place in her age group...KAYLA!!! I had tears, I swear! My voice even cracked a little. I am so very HAPPY!!! After all the awards went out I ran over for big sweaty hugs!! She is so thrilled! Kayla had a surprise for me! She gave me a gift certificate for a massage!!! How sweet is that?!? I am looking forward to that, I'll tell ya!

Today was a satisfying finish to a wonderful training with Kayla. We trained hard together, running at the crack of dawn. In the rain. In the heat. Even swimming through the humidity. We had fun, we ached and sweated, we planned for this day with excitement. Our friendship built strong and quickly over such a short period of time. Kayla leaves for Japan next week and I will miss her terribly. She is sweet, fun, intelligent and so full of life! I predict many more medals coming her way. I am genuinely blessed to have her for a friend.

I Think I'm Back Now...

2009-07-03T08:42:00.005-04:00

It's been a very busy few months here in my world. My husband had his lumbar fusion. He was home for 6 weeks and just went back to work! He's feeling great and has no pain after 25 years of back problems. Very happy about that!

My daughter, Kirstin is having a baby!! Very soon, in fact. She saw the doc last Tuesday and she's 2 centimeters! (I cried) I can't believe we're going to be grandparents!!! His name is Collin Mitchell and I love him already.

I cut down on my work hours to spend the summer with my 2 youngest kids. They usually go to day camp for the summers but I see them growing up so fast that we decided to take this summer to spend together. It's not as fun/easy as I thought it would be (LOL) but I'm still happy to be able to spend this time with them.

I am still having problems with my legs etc. I'm about to begin a gluten-free diet. I also have 2 days worth of testing up in Tampa coming up which includes the dreaded spinal tap. I hope to have some concrete answers some time in this century.

I have been running with my friend Kayla 3 times a week, legs permitting. She has been a God-send because she keeps me going. Kayla leaves for Japan with her Marine husband next week and I will miss her so much!

We've been training for Kayla's very first 5K race! How exciting is THAT?? She had a goal of completing it in under 30 minutes and guess what? We ran a test 5k at race pace and she came in at 29:25!!!! I'm sooo proud of her!!! I honestly believe she will finish in 27:30. We do long runs every Saturday and have gotten up to 5 miles. I think Kayla is going to be a distance runner. She has all the signs and symptoms of loving the distance runs....lol. Before she leaves on Friday we plan to get a 10K run in. Maybe a little farther, we'll see. Kayla hopes to find some runner friends on base. I know she will, she's a sweetie!!!

We ran an easy 4 miles yesterday. Kayla doesn't usually talk when we run but this time we chatted the entire time. We finished the 4 miles without stopping and we both felt like we could have gone on forever. Proof this girl is a distance chick! She's fired up!!!!!! Mee toooo!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is "race day"...4th Of July 5K. I can't wait to see how Kayla feels about racing. I'm betting she's gonna LOVE it!!! I am also looking forward to seeing my fellow Zoomers Running Group. http://www.zoomersrun.com/ in case you're curious! I haven't seen some of them in a while.

I will be posting a race report tomorrow night. Hopefully I'll have some pictures too!!
I miss my blogging friends! Hopefully I still have some! =)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Summer Running In Florida

2009-06-04T11:25:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe it's been a month since I've posted! My husband had his successful lumbar fusion May 5th and we've been soooo enjoying our time together. Until now. The kids are out of school for the summer. We are not alone anymore. We have to share each other with the kidlings. Sigh. It was nice while it lasted. Bobby goes back to work a week from Saturday. We are staying on Siesta Key Beach for a few days as our last hurrah! Kids included.

Now for my running news. I am slowly getting back into it. I work with a young lady named Kayla who is a runner! YAY! She mentioned that she hadn't run in a longggg time and wanted to do the Firecracker 5K. I just so happen to be on the committee for that race and I was thrilled to hear her interest. YAHOO!! I also have been in the market for a new runner friend since Reg went back to Canada (I have a little story about him...later)

Kayla and I have worked out a schedule where we can run together 3 times a week. She told me she was slow and hadn't run in quite some time. PPPFFFFTTT!!! Our first run together showed me a little of what this chick is made of! She can run!! I can see she is a natural runner. Her breathing, rhythm and posture are very good. She has such a quiet landing I can barely hear her. I am thrilled she is not in my age group. What??? I am competitive....lol. Kayla is only in Florida until the end of July. Then she goes off to Japan with her Marine husband. I won't think about that until the time comes! =(

This Saturday I'll run my 1st 5K race since Easter. Last year we had a young mother from our town get kidnapped, raped and murdered. The story is horrendous. Her husband has completely absorbed himself in keeping her memory alive for their two young boys. This race is for her, Denise Amber Lee.

Kayla is contemplating running this 5K and I hope she does. It'll give her a PR for the 5K in July. She's a little nervous and not sure she's ready, but I know she is. I'm so excited for her!

Medically, things have been really good. The meds the doc gave me are helping immensely. If things continue this way, I'll have new goals!!

Speaking of new goals...remember my Canadian friend, Reg? He jokes that every time I ask him a question about things he's done and he says he hasn't done them, he winds up doing them.

For instance,
I asked if he'd done a half marathon. He said no. Now he has.
Ever fall while running? Never. He fell during the half marathon.
Like to race? No, not competitive. Now he's thinking about speed.
Seen a snake yet? Nope (thanked God under his breath) Found a snake in the house he was renting!

Reg told me not to ask him anymore questions. They're like little omens I guess. So last week, I sent him an email. All I said was: Have you ever run a full marathon? He answered with one sentence: No, I have not run a full marathon.

TeeHee. I just sent him a book. I can't wait for him to get it! It's called "4 Months To A 4 Hour Marathon". Haha!! I'm taking a chance writing it in here, but I can't hold it in any longer! He'll be back in November, which is 4 months to the Sarasota Grouper Marathon. Perfect huh? I think so too. I wonder what Reg will think...lol...

Busy Week Ahead

2009-05-04T08:55:00.005-04:00

Crazy-busy week...Bobby goes in for his surgery at 6am tomorrow. It should take 4-6 hours. He's ready! I told him I'd be the best nurse he ever had because I learned a few good tips from "Misery". I think that'll keep him from getting too cranky....lol

I saw the doctor Friday. He told me my MRI scans look awesome, so I might not have MS! He said the MS Specialists will know what to look for, as there are many diseases of the central nervous system. A lot of them have the same symptoms which makes it complicated to diagnose. Right now I feel awesome so I won't worry about it too much. The meds the doctor put me on help the neuropathy in my feet/legs immensely. I hope to be back to running soon. Right now my #1 priority is Bobby.

I am going to go update myself on my blogger friends right now. I feel so out of the loop!!!!

Feelin' Groovy

2009-05-01T15:30:00.002-04:00

Thanks for all the kind comments on my current donut fixation! They are delish, eh???

I am having a glorious week! I feel good and even got in a fab yoga workout with my peeps at the YMCA! It was good to see everyone and get back in the swing.

I ran 1.5 miles right after that class and felt pretty darn wonderful!!! I haven't had a chance to get in any more running this week between my doctor visits and helping my husband get ready for his SPINAL FUSION this coming Tuesday. That's right, surgery for a man who hasn't missed a day of work in about 14 years. And that was one day where he was deathly ill. Still only missed one day, the maniac.

He'll be home with me for 6 weeks. He will be going ape shit within week #2, I just know it. I'm starting the "honey-do" list tonight. All joking aside, he's very healthy and he's soooo ready to have his surgery behind him. I'll just be here to keep him comfy and happy.

Gotta run...kids are coming!!!!!

Still On Break

2009-04-26T11:15:00.002-04:00

I haven't been able to run since Easter.
I just ate 3 donuts.
That's all I have for today.

Getting My Groove Back

2009-04-15T17:00:00.002-04:00

The past week has been busy. Not much running, but I did get a 5K in the day before Easter. It was the "Eggs and Ears" 5K in Fort Myers. I was not feeling well, a little nauseous and had a headache. I think I've had a headache for about 8-10 weeks now. My left eye hurts too but what can ya do????

My friend Josephine has a pulled hamstring but she wanted to run this race. She usually gets the Senior Grand Master Award with an average time of 25 minutes so I've NEVER beat her. I'm usually thrilled to have her in my sights at these races!! We both decided to be happy if we made it across the finish line under 30 minutes.

My iPod really helps me do a little meditating thing when I run. I can almost leave my body, no kidding. I had my Garmin on and I checked it periodically and saw I was hanging in at a 9:45 pace. Fine with that! BUT WAIT!!!! As we made the turn at the halfway point, I saw a woman jump the median! I never saw a cheater before! I got all fired up and actually passed her. I got a good look at her and was prepared to tattle if she attempted to accept an award. Which she didn't, lucky for her.

At about this point I caught up with Josephine. She was struggling and in pain. I was holding my steady pace, about 9:10 by then. I thought I could pass her but it felt so wrong! I knew if I did, I'd only be doing it because she is injured. Seemed unfair. Seemed like a golden opportunity too...LOL. Josephine knows I love her and I figured she wouldn't mind me beating her JUST THIS ONCE. So when I saw the 3 mile marker I kicked it up like I always do at that point. I did beat her, but it will be the last time. After the race we laughed, I love her!

After I got through the finish line I went and sat between 2 cars in the parking lot for about 15 minutes in case I puked. I felt awful, but I ran it. 28:34, 30 seconds ahead of Jo...lol. I never did get sick but I'm still nauseous today, 4 days later. UGH.

I actually placed 3rd in my age group! What a surprise. All in all, it was a great day. The medal is on a pink ribbon, my favorite color.

Reg left Monday morning for Canada. We had a great Easter dinner with Reg and his Mom. It was a perfect way to send them off. Reg called this morning to let me know he made it home in one piece. I miss him already! He was my motivator and support system. Now what am I gonna do???????

My last MRI came back fine! YAY for that! I asked my doctor if that meant I didn't need to see the MS Specialist and he said I still need to go. I looked up "normal MRI with MS" and I guess that doesn't rule it out, it only helps for a quicker diagnosis. Spinal tap it is, folks. Fun stuff. From what I understand, you need to lie flat for 24 hours after a spinal tap. Sounds like a little "ME" time....lol. The "happy medicine" is wonderful. I can deal with this so much better.

Thank you once again for the kind emails and comments. It really makes me feel better!!!
xxxooo
Kim

Back To Running

2009-04-08T16:28:00.002-04:00

First, thank you all for the tremendous caring and support you've given. It means the world to me. My family and friends, at home and here in blogland, you've helped me get my determination back. Thank you, thank you!

I ran today for the first time in 16 days! It's good to get that over with. Now I can stop worrying if it'll ever happen. I barely had any pain, which is nice. The weird thing was that I kept losing track of my feet/legs. It felt like they were not in sync with the rest of me. I finally did a 30 second walk to get my groove back but I think I'm running like I dance. A little O-F-F....lol

I did 3.1 in 30:31. No PR, but I will not be complaining today. I saw the doc Monday and he gave me a little something to help me "cope". And it's working BABAYYYYY! I was on the verge of freaking out. Ok, I was deeply into freaking out. Neck deep. It was a mistake to Google "MS". I promised myself not to do that anymore until I have a concrete diagnosis. Or until I think of something I need to check out about it. Which reminds me..............................just kidding!

I go for another MRI in the morning. My husband hates those. I think of them as a little vacation. Doesn't bother me at all.

Easter is Sunday. It's also my 13th wedding anniversary! We're having 14 people over. Reg is coming too! Reg leaves for Canada Monday. I thought it would be a great day for them to come hang out and have a nice visit before they leave. I am going to miss him. Reg and I have become very good friends. He'll be back in November and I'll be waiting with my Asics on!!!!!

Happy Easter everyone!!!!

April 2, 2009

2009-04-02T11:31:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in a while because I have a few issues that I was (am) not sure anyone would want to read about in a running blog. I think I'm at the point where I am ready to put it out there because I am becoming too sad to hold it all in anymore. I find myself getting very, very angry when the sadness kicks in. I decided that if something this serious was happening to any of you out there, I would want to know. Of course I would want to know. I have posted about some of it, not realizing it was all connected so you may know more than I realize. (Or even remember talking about)

I have friends here (in real life!) who know some of what's going on. I haven't poured it all out since I have not been diagnosed yet. I try to explain why I've been missing my beloved yoga class but the sadness and fear of the words keep me from saying too much. Mary Anne, a friend from yoga, asked me yesterday, point blank why I'm not posting. I told her there is a possibility that I could have MS. After the class I really thought about Mary Anne.

Mary Anne, thank you for caring. I know I haven't seen you too much these days, but I'll miss you when you go back to Michigan.

Last June, during the Endurance Project training runs, I had some serious bladder control issues. Sometimes I would lose total control, most times I could stop it when I realized it was happening and there are times when I feel like I need to go SO BAD and nothing happens at all. That has not gone away. Gyno says it's a keigal issue even though I had complete control during the test. So no changes there.

Same time, I noticed my eyesight had changed overnight. I went from perfect vision to everything being blurry. It kinda came and went over the next few months. I ignored it for the most part, I am a very busy woman ya know! Anyway, by March my husband had been listening to me complain enough to tell me to see a doctor. I went last week or so. My vision is worse in one eye. The letters were moving even though the page was taped to the wall. I could not focus, but the doc said all I need is reading glasses. (I got pink ones with little hearts on them...so cute) Then he dialated my eyes and found glaucoma with 60% cupping. One eye worse than the other. I asked if that's why my eyes hurt. He said no. Glaucoma causes blindness WITH NO SYMPTOMS!!! I urge everyone to go for an eye exam. It's common and can be treated!!!! I have an appointment with an opthamologist Friday morning for the full exam. I will not go blind.

Also in June during training, my quads were feeling very fatigued. After 2 miles, I could barely run. My feet were (are) numb and tingly, shooting pains go from toes to knees. I was in training for that FCA Half marathon and refused to give in to these things. I missed a couple races. We did a trail run that I found to be very painful and also noticed during that trail run that I couldn't feel my foot placement. The pull back on my right leg started becoming weak by then and is still a major problem. I started needing recovery time from a mere 4 mile run. I figured I was over training. I basically ignored it.

I started falling. I even cut my toe pretty bad and never felt it. This is what made me call my doctor in February. (prompt attention, I know) I had been feeling dizzy, disconnected, confused, problems holding pens and writing. My hands and lower arms are numb and tingly now too. I was tired but unable to sleep. When I called my doc, his nurse told me to go to the ER. I asked if I could just come in and see him first, she refused. I was scared, but I didn't feel I needed to go to the hospital. So I called my kids' doctor's office and spoke with HIS nurse. She told the doctor why I was calling and he told me to come in at 8am the next day. I wasn't even his patient. I am now though.

Dr "R" examined me, poked my feet with a needle and then had me walk around. He asked a buncha questions and asked me if I knew what MS was. All I knew was Montel has it and is walking, Annette Funacello has it and is in a wheelchair. Oh!! And I also knew I wanted NOTHING to do with it personally. Dr "R" knows I run. We just looked at each other for a minute, I was shocked and scared, he was concerned. He told me I only felt half of the needle pokes. Numbness in both feet. He set me up with a nuerologist. I posted about him a while back. He did a sensory test, nerve conduction, EEG and an MRI of my spine. He said I have a lesion on the left front lobe in my brain, complex seizures, sensory malfuntions and nueropothy. Then he told me I couldn't run. When I cried, he asked me if I got paid to run and when I said no, he kinda shrugged his shoulders. Like "oh well". As I left that office, I stopped at the desk and canceled my next appointment. I have not been back, but I promised Dr "R" I would go if/when he tells me to. But I'm still mad. The nuerologist never did the MRI of my brain, only spine. Dr "R" found that to be odd, but says we will get one.

So since that appointment in Februray, things have been happening. The pain muscle fatigue and numbness comes and goes. No rhyme or reason. I had been running until about 10 days ago. I tried to run yesterday with Reg (my Canadian friend) but it took me 14 minutes to go one mile, and I had to stop midway. It felt like I had 20 lbs weights attached to my limbs. I was exhausted. Reg and I walked the 3 miles, he didn't leave me. I am still exhausted. Last week I was in bed for 3 days. I had to call out at 2 of my jobs because I just didn't have the energy to move. My left ear started hurting at that time too. Still kills. Dr "R" saw some fluid behind the eardrum and gave me some meds but it hasn't gone away.

The right side of my face went numb and twitched for about 5 hours a few weeks ago. That hasn't happened again. Every muscle in my body twitches, tightens and feels fatigued. I have a headache all the time. It hurts to sit, stand or lie down. My feet constantly go into a cramp. When I walk, I feel like I'm trudging through the snow with a wet blanket on me. I don't recognise people, I forget their names and I worry that people think I'm crazy. I feel crazy. At times, I wish I was crazy.

Yesterday at work, my supervisor asked me to add a person into a program. It did not work, so I tried it 50 times thinking I was screwing it up, afraid to tell her I couldn't do this simple task! After a half hour, I went and got her, telling her I couldn't do it. Trying not to cry. She knows everything and has been wonderful, helping me without ever saying a word. She tried to enter it and there was a glitch in the program! It wasn't me!!! I was so happy...lol.

I waitress 2 nights a week too. I cannot remember a simple drink order. I write down EVERYTHING and still get confused. My manager asked me if I was "for real" one night because I couldn't remember what came with a certain sandwich. I've worked there for over a year. I finally told him what's going on last Saturday. He is being very supportive. The people I work with are too.

So now I will see an MS Specialist up in Tampa. Dr "R" is getting everything together. He told me they'll probably want a PET scan. I looked up some info on diagnosing MS and have learned I'll probably be having a spinal tap too. I am so so so scared. I hate feeling like this. I'm tired of being tired. My family is so wonderful, I am lucky.

I'm going to take a break from running the rest of this week. I'll plan on a run Sunday. See how it goes. Dr "R" says to continue with exercising and running when I am able. It's very important. I don't enjoy yoga anymore. It's too painful and it upsets me when I'm unable to do most positions. I'll try it again next weekend though.

Well that's where I'm at now. I'm sorry this was a complaining post, but thank you for the opportunity to let it all out.

See you all soon.

Venice St Patty's Day 8K

2009-03-18T22:20:00.002-04:00

My running habits have become a little erratic. I'm lucky if I get out there twice a week these days. That being said....I ran my 1st 8K last weekend!

I didn't even know there WAS an 8K. It's like 4.96 miles. Weird, but I'm game! A ton of people showed up for this race. I've said it before, I'll say it again....I just L-O-V-E being with these running people! They come out of the woodwork to race! Where are they all when I'm all alone, wishing I could find someone to run with????

Even Chuck showed for this one, I still think it was for the green beer....LOL

Anyway, I decided since this was my 1st 8K and no matter what I'd be PR-ing, that I just wanted to finish it in under 45 minutes.

And I did! My finish time was 44:52....LOL. Reg came in at 40:50 and Ed finished in like 36 minutes!

I was moving along at a steady pace when Tina went by me. I kept her in my sights and finished about 30 seconds behind her! At the end of the race I came side to side with an older man who I basically ran the whole race with. We took turns passing each other. When the finish line came into sight I asked him if he wanted to do a little sprint finish. I told him my coach always told me to finish strong. He said that was funny...his coach told him the same thing, only it was 30 years ago! We laughed and took off. I think he let me win because I did make it over the finish line 1 second before him. What a sweetie!!!

After the race we went and had a little breakfast. And green beer. We went to hear the awards and guess what??? I made 3rd place in my age division! I'm very happy!!

I'm not sure when I'm racing again. I need to check the schedule.

Thursday Run

2009-03-07T19:30:00.002-05:00

This week has been busy between work, meetings and a sick little boy. Robby is back to feeling wonderfully full of life, but now I have his sore throat. Better me than him though!

After the Gasparilla 15K last weekend (you remember...the race I ran with RYAN HALL), the first chance I had to run was Thursday. I was still recovering for a few days anyway, but it felt like it had been FOREVA since I ran!

I met Reg at the gym at 9:30 and we picked the residential neighborhood with the nice paved road for our start. While we held a nice 9-9:30 pace we chatted about the race and the week. Both of us are very happy with that race. Reg's race photos came out AWESOME, mine make me look fat...blah!

Reg had a little visitor at the house he's renting for the winter here. It was a 5 foot long Black Racer snake. Yumminess. Reg was NOT pleased....LOL...I can't blame him. Those snakes eat Canadians!!!! HA!! He got it out of the house, but not before the snake whispered "I'll be back while you're sleeping." LOL..just kiddin'

Now Reg has a tv that's turning itself off and on at odd times...niiiiiice! I wonder what the ghost's name is..... It's safe to say Reg's visit to Florida has been eventful. I don't think he'll forget THIS particular visit. Not that I'd let him.

Anyway, we came out of the residential and decided to run the block too. We ran 5 miles in 44 minutes and walked back to the gym for the cool down. Very pleasant run, as usual. Reg is only here for 5 more weeks. I will miss him!! I am going to strive to pull off a 25 minute 5K before he leaves. How's that for being optimistic??

After Thoughts Of The Gasparilla 15K

2009-03-03T09:53:00.002-05:00

This post is an updated race report. There may be some repeats!!!!

It's been 3 days since the race and I'm still pretty thrilled! I also found out that Ryan Hall ran it too! So I can say I ran a 15K with Olympian Ryan Hall. Ok, so I didn't actually run WITH him, but I saw him fly past when I was at about mile 3-4. He was approaching mile 8....LOL.

The crowd was screaming as he ran past, but I thought they were yelling because the first wheelchairs were coming in. Little did I know, the blue and black blur racing past was Ryan Hall. He finished in 43 minutes, right about when I was hitting the half way point. Very exciting stuff!

Here are the results from the race page. I feel very good about these numbers!

Age: 42 Gender: F
Distance 15K
Clock Time 01:26:54
Chip Time 01:25:08
Overall Place 1671 / 4204
Gender Place 554 / 2055
Division Place 68 / 268
Age Grade 57%
Pace 9:08.0
Half 0:41:12

I had to go into this race with a different state of mind. I trained for distance from the start of my running. That included hitting the water stops with a 30-60 second walk break. The training runs I did with Reg had a few rough spots. I realized that every time I stopped for one of these breaks my legs were so fatigued and crampy that it was very difficult to get going again. Even in a 3 mile run! Reg suggested I try to run through it, not stop for the breaks. It went against EVERYTHING I believed in. Walk breaks were a part of my distance running. But things have changed. My feet and legs needed a new approach.

A few days before the race we had a 3.25 mile easy run. Not even 2 miles out I could feel the usual problems. I told Reg I thought I needed to walk already. He looked over at me and didn't say anything. Normally at this time I would walk. I decided to try to see how far I could get. I started thinking about what I'd be wearing to the race, the size of the expo, Bondi Bands!!! I stopped thinking about my legs and feet. Next thing I knew we were done. Reg was right, I needed to just run straight out, no stops. Could I do that for a 15K???

I stood at the starting line, Reg and I talking to the people around us for awhile. It occurred to me that this might be my last decent distance race, I have accepted I won't be doing any more marathons. This race was the test. I promised myself at that precise moment to try not to stop at all. What did I have to lose? Worse case scenario was that I'd stroll over the finish line at a 17 minute pace. Best case was I'd get a new PR.

Away we went. We dodged fellow runners, walkers and parked cars. We stayed together, our pace changing with the availability of space and finding those spots we could jump into. We found a steady crowd doing our 9 minute pace at about 2-3 miles and stayed with them for a mile or so. At the 4 mile marker I was sweaty and feeling like I was ready for a water/walk break. As I came up on the water table I slowed to take a cup and instantly decided NOT to walk. Try running while sipping water. I almost laughed! I slowed to about 10:30 pace for that but caught back up to Reg, back in the 9 minute pace.

My right foot was cramped up. Can I please catch a break, just for today????? The sharp pains in my quads said no. I said to myself...."Self, is that a favorite song on your iPod"?? Why yes self, it sure is!!!! I put my eyes on the man in front of me, letting my feet keep up with his tempo. Glancing at my Garmin we were at a 9 minute pace. Cool! I let my mind wander back to the man I was following and my music and I felt lighter.

By the time I saw the 7 mile marker, I started to worry about holding this pace. I also realized I had lost the man I was behind and Reg was getting further away from me. Garmin said I was still at the 9 minute pace, so Reg had sped up. I saw him looking for me, I could see him, but he had lost me. Too many people for him to be looking behind. I was kinda glad because I didn't want to hold him back. Being able to keep him in my sights for the mental support was awesome though.

By mile 8 I was hurting. Once again I lost myself in my music and the person in front of me. It was harder to do the meditation-type thing by now. I pictured myself at the end of one of our 3 mile runs. Mind over matter does help! Next thing I knew, I was in sights of the finish line. Relief took over and I felt that shot of adrenaline. I sped up a little, just wanting to be done. I had lost sight of Reg by then, but I knew he'd be at the finish.

I almost knocked someone over getting across that line. I yelled out SORRY!!! But I was sooooo relieved to be done. Relieved and very happy. With a new PR of 1:25:08!!

So here's where I'm at now. The 15K is going to be my marathon. It's a decent distance, it's a chance to compete at a different level than the 5K fun runs and it still requires some training. I love the training part.

Running the Gasparilla 15K taught me something about endurance. Endurance isn't just running a marathon. It's overcoming the obstacles life can throw at you. When life throws you lemons, don't just make lemonade....jump over that lemon tree.

To the lemons, I say....I WIN!!!

Stop The Presses!!!

2009-02-28T18:20:00.003-05:00

I made a little mistake. Doesn't happen often, but it happened today. I took the two minutes off from my Garmin, not the clock.

Gasparilla 15K results post has the wrong finish time!!!!!!

My REAL finish time is 1:25:08. Still a 15 minute shave so I'm ok with this minor infraction.

Gasparilla 15K

2009-02-28T11:39:00.014-05:00

Reg came and picked me up at 5:15am. This would be my 2nd 15K.

We parked and walked across the street to the the expo for packet pick up. There were thousands of people there. I told Reg I always get a funny feeling when I see so many runners gathered together. Running can be such a lone sport that I sometimes feel alone out on the road. Like I'm the only person who runs. But when I go to the big races I'm overwhelmed with the camaraderie of my fellow runner.

Publix was a major sponsor for this race and there were Publix banners everywhere! My husband had to work today and couldn't come with us. As I looked all around at the Publix signs I thought of my husband, who works for Publix. I could picture him in his shirt and tie, looking so handsome. But enough abouthim....and Publix...LOL

Reg once again let me know he was running this race with me. Once again I had mixed feelings about that. I was glad to have him with me, but I didn't want to hold him back. He gave us a finish time of about 1:30. My last 15K PR was 1:40, so I felt comfy with this goal. I felt hopeful too.

The first 2 miles were the bunny hop, dodging walkers, stoppers and even a few parked cars. We kept to a 9-9:30 pace for this. It was a little warm and very sunny but it felt great. I didn't really work up a sweat until about 4 miles. By then the crowd had thinned out a bit and running was easier. At about mile 6 I felt the first sign of the dreaded muscle cramping, especially in my right foot. I was worried if I had trouble Reg would stay, so I kinda hung back a little, keeping him in my sights for mental support. By mile 7 I knew he couldn't see me and he did go faster. I think I lost sight of him by mile 8 or so.

I kept watching my Garmin and was so surprised to see I was holding the 9-9:30 pace. Earlier in the week I decided to try to run this one without any stop/walk breaks. I have a really hard time getting going again once I stop and walk so I just wanted to get as far as I could. This was tough at mile 8. The pain in my feet alone made me want to stop, but I had something to prove to myself today. So I kept going. My doctor did tell me I'd get used to the pain and he was right. A few times I actually let myself think I was going to make it. =P

Mile marker 9 was a sight, I'll tell ya. The timer said something CRAZY, like 1:17. Plus take 2 minutes off that for my true time start. Wow, no way! As I came around a bend I could see the finish line. Like a true endurance runner, I reached into the tank for a strong finish. I soooo love the feeling of crossing a finish line with some energy left in me. This time I was surprised to find some...haha!

I looked up at the green and white balloons with the Publix sign as I crossed the finish. I thought of Bobby at work and I could see him smile in my mind. He was going to be so proud of me!

Reg came running over yelling my finish time.

1:23!!!!

I'll admit tears came to my eyes, I still can't get over it! Reg finished in 1:20!! We are thrilled with our results. All the running we've been doing really paid off. I am extremely happy today. I ran with a great friend. I found a distance I can accomplish. I got a new PR. Shaved almost 20 minutes off my last PR!

And when I talked to Bobby he said what I knew he'd say: "I'm so proud of you!"

Boca Grande 5K Race Results

2009-02-23T08:57:00.002-05:00

This is my 3rd time running Boca. It's one of my favorite races because of the beauty all around. I'm usually so busy looking around that I miss all the mile markers. Every time I get to the 3 mile marker I feel so surprised!

This is the first race where I decided to get the t-shirt in my size. I always get them for my husband, who gets a kick out of wearing these shirts when he doesn't even run. I felt a little remorseful as I put the shirt in the car, wondering if I should run back in and switch the size. But I didn't.

Reg and I made our way to the starting line and chatted with everyone. We were just behind the elites, who were the sub 6 minute pacers. Let me just say this...they're mostly the 16-19 year old track team with their skinny little legs that become a blur when the starting horn goes off....whateva! LOL

I was talking to some friends and lost Reg, but I figured after our half marathon disaster, he was staying away from me. Before he disappeared though, he pointed to some orange cones. I promised him the orange cones on Boca Grande wouldn't get him. These are runner friendly orange cones. He didn't look convinced. In fact, I think he was having flashbacks...

So the horn goes off, we start running. After about 3 minutes I realize I forgot to turn on my Garmin. SHOOT! I hit the on button and kept going, looking up ahead for Reg and the people I try to keep up with. I was surprised to have Ed, Josephine and Mary still in my sights. Well hey!! I decided to hold my pace instead of thinking I was going too fast. That's what happens to me when I race. I get worried about going out too fast, which makes me hold back. Endurance training is hard to kick, but I'm making a huge attempt to switch out to short distance thinking...

By half a mile in, the crowd thinned. Seemed pretty early for that, but what do I know??? As I passed the 1 mile marker I heard a hello and looked to my left. It was Reg!! Turns out he had gone to the back of the starting line, not realizing he was facing the wrong way. He said when the horn went off and the crowd ran off he was left behind. *chuckling right now* teehee!!! (Reg, I'm sorry for laughing but that was the funniest thing I've ever heard....LOL!!! So anyway, Reg had to book it to catch up. He ran with me for a little while and then took off.

At about 2.75 miles out I heard someone running behind me, catching up. I kept my pace and watched a woman run by me. I decided she wasn't in my age group, so I let her go instead of hip-checking her like a pro hockey player. When I saw mile marker 3, I was feeling good so I kicked it up a notch or two and ran by Little Miss Passer. I was right behind Mary! No freakin way!! I thought about trying to pass her, but I had "Sylvia's Mother" by Dr Hook playing on my "NEW iPod SHUFFLE THAT MY SWEETIE GOT ME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY" . It's hot pink too, my fave color!!!! Lalalalalala!!!! Anyway, kept me kinda mellow and feeling the '70's love so I stayed right behind her instead. I could hear Little Miss Passer behind me and planned to keep her there just in case she WAS in my age group. I'm no dummy.

Ran through the finish line and was pleasantly surprise to see the runners who are usually at the water stations by the time I come through. Turns out I had a new PR folks. Lemme say that again: I GOT A NEW PR FOLKS!!!!! YES!!! My last PR was 27:25. My new PR is 26:34. Almost a full minute shave!!! Oh, I'm liking this. I'm also shocked since I've been having all this trouble with my muscles, but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Another very sweet thing happened after the race. A man I've never seen before came up to me and told me he saw me coming out of nowhere. He said I was flying toward the finish line and said it was pretty cool to watch. AWWWWWW Mr Runner Friend, how sweet you are! Wish I knew who he was so I could ask him to post those beautiful words here for all to see....lol

I saw Little Miss Passer and called out to her...we laughed and sat together for the awards. Her real name is Dianne and she's from Syracuse, NY. She's in the 55-59 age group (coulda fooled me). I was glad I didn't hip check her. She was a nice lady!!!

The awards ceremony was eventful too. I won a door prize. You won't believe it, but I got a second t-shirt with a paid voucher for next year's race! I was thrilled about the t-shirt because now Bobby has one too!

I placed 3rd in my age group, Reg placed 3rd in his too, at 25:28 (GO REG!!!).

Next race is Saturday up in Tampa. The Gasparilla 15K. This will give me a chance to find a decent distance race to run while I'm figuring out my new limitations. Full marrys are out. Might attempt another half. I want to see what this 15K will leave me feeling.

Sarasota Grouper Half Marathon Race Report

2009-02-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

I might have slept 2 hours the night before the race. I just could not relax. I met Reg and Mike outside at 4:45am, Reg was driving. We parked less than a mile away and did a fast paced walk to the starting area. By the time we got there we were already sweaty and feeling sticky. It was soooo humid! Not good at 5:45am already.

I spotted Ed, Joan, Mike, Frank and Josephine as we walked over. They rode in on the "love machine". That's Ed and Joan's camper we took to the Endurance races over the summer. They invited us to ride with them but we wimped out for the extra hour of sleep. Seeing them pile out of the love machine made me wish I sucked it up and rode with them (for a split second...lol) My husband opted to sleep a little later too and would be meeting us at the finish line. With the hours he's been putting in, I was feeling the love when Bobby said he wouldn't miss this one.

We went to the 9 minute pace corral and felt the excitement all around us. I truly, truly love this part of all the races. Everyone is happy and excited. It's palpable. Sharing the road with over 2000 fellow runners is an amazing feeling. Running can be such a lone sport, to be surrounded by so many people who share this crazy love makes me happy.

We sang the national anthem...even Reg from Canada sang it! He knows all the words! I am impressed! The gun went off and we kinda did a little skippy run through the crowd. It was pitch black, a few spot lights were shining but it was still hard to see ahead of us. I was behind and to the right of Reg (my usual spot). At about a quarter mile out from the start I saw a man in front of Reg jump up and over. Unfortunately, Reg was too close to see that it was an orange cone the man was jumping over. Reg hit it full speed and went flying. It was very dark and I hoped against hope it wasn't Reg, but it was. I stopped and helped him up but it was too dark to see anything. I asked him if he wanted to pull out but he refused. This was just one of the many moments of determination Reg would be showing while running this race.

Let me stop here a minute to remind all of you something. This half marathon was going to prove to me that I either would continue to run distance or become "Princess Of The 5K Races". I have neuropathy in both feet/ankles and have a "yet to be diagnosed" problem with my muscles following commands, feeling sensations and cramping from hip to feet whether I'm running or sleeping. Balance has also been an issue. Very frustrating.

Reg came to the gym I work at to sign up while he would be here visiting from Canada. I had the good fortune to be working when he walked in and I instantly recognised his runner legs. You know what I mean. So I casually mentioned Runners Club was meeting the next morning. He said he'd be there. I asked him if he did marathons and he said no, 15k's were his longest races and he had no wish to ever do even a halfer. He runs those distances, he just never had a desire for the half or fulls. I told him I was hoping to do the Sarasota Half but he was less than interested. At that time, lol.

We have become very good friends while I frantically try to keep up with him. He knows about my leg issues and has been so supportive. We did all my long run preparations for this half together. He supported me all the times I had to stop, either from leg fatigue or pain. He knew how worried I was about this race. Then one day he said he was going to run the half with me. I was very surprised. What I didn't realize at this time was Reg meant RUN WITH ME. I finally got it when he said we'd cross the finish line together, no matter what. Words cannot begin to describe my feelings. I'll leave it at that. I'm sure you know.

I kept telling him if he felt the urge to fly to just go, I'd be fine and meet him at the finish line but he ignored me. At the starting line we hugged and said good luck. I again told him to go if he felt the pull. He said NO WAY. Wow.

All of this went through my mind as I saw Reg falling. As I helped him to his feet I asked if we should pull out, he said no and away we went. As we ran he told me he thought his elbow was bleeding, his knees were sore too but we couldn't see yet. Then the sun started to come up. I was behind Reg and saw a very large dark spot on his brand new pure white singlet. He was bleeding. A lot. I thought it was his side but it turned out to be that elbow. He had blood pooling in his hand! We started watching for a med tent. I was so worried it made me have to pee! Good friend I am, huh??? He's bleeding out and I had to stop THREE times at the port-a-potty. In line too. Reg waited every time.

At about this point I spotted Sondra, Sherry's friend. Reg was up a little ways so I was talking with Sondra as we ran around a huge cull-de-sac type circle. Reg ran back to me to tell me he saw a med tent but we had to back track a little. He had the nerve to tell me to go on. Like I'd leave him. I told Sondra we'd see her at the finish line and I followed Reg to the med station. OMG...that was a nasty, nasty cut. The doctor said he needed stitches. I told Reg we were stopping the race. Here's where he showed his determination a second time by saying NO. I reminded him he was BLEEDING and needed STITCHES. He asked the doc to dress it up and back on the road we went. We caught back up to the 2:15 pacer, we were happy to see him. I was feeling some leg fatigue by now, kinda earlier than usual but I put it out of my head. I could see Reg's elbow was bleeding through the bandage. We watched it until he finally decided it needed to be redone. A different med tent was back at least a half mile. Reg again told me to go on, he'd catch up but of course I ignored him as we ran back to the doctors.

There were 3 doctors at this station. They were very nice. They all cleaned him up and asked if he was planning on stopping at this point. Reg asked if it was safe to continue and they said yes. I had mixed feelings at this point about continuing but as the doctors bandaged Reg I saw that look of determination for a third time. I didn't bother to voice my worries.

Getting started back up after this 10-15 minute break was very hard for me. Reg is in fantastic shape and I could tell I was sooo holding him back. There's a small hill at the bridge, the bridge itself is a steep incline and my legs were not into it. I wanted to cry. I was glad Reg was ahead of me and couldn't see. A couple times he got pretty far ahead of me and when he turned to check on me and saw I was too far back, he'd stop and wait. I told him to go on. He said we would cross that finish line together.

I saw so many friends and that kept me happy. As guilty as I felt holding Reg back, I was so thankful every time he stopped to wait for me. By mile 9 I was hurting. I was also mad. I pulled Reg into a race I couldn't even run. I felt so emotional. I realized my bad attitude would only make us miserable so I sucked it up. I walked/ran pretty much the last 2.5 miles. At about this point I heard the pitter patter of big Asics wearing Mike feet...LOL...he'd caught up with us and was just enjoying himself. A couple times while running I stopped and hoped they'd lose me. I wanted Reg to get a strong finish, but every time he knew when I fell behind.

When we saw the mile 13 marker we said goodbye to Mike. He'd decided to run it last minute and ran it bandit, had to skip the finish line. We ran to the finish line together. I saw Bobby and that gave me an adrenaline rush as we crossed the line. I was so relieved to see my husband. He was relieved to see me too because it took us a lot longer than I told him it would. He told me later he was worried I'd be upset to not PR. I was. And am still, but all in all I am glad we ran it.

Finish time: 2:46:16....oh man...LOL

Reg went to the doctor yesterday but I haven't heard from him yet to find out if he did get stitches. He told me he felt fine as far as the run but was sore from the fall. He admitted he's a bit disappointed with our little journey through Sarasota too. Can't blame him.

I saw Sherry and Sondra at the finish line. They did fantastic, I'm so proud of them both. Sherry knows how I felt about this race and I knew I couldn't fool her. Sherry and Sondra let me cry and be sad. It's a girly thing I think, to be able to just be honest with the grief I was feeling and cry a little right then. They both stayed and talked with me for a while. It meant the world to me. I hope they know it. xoxoxo

I rode home with my husband, who knew how I felt without us even having to say a word. He said all the right things and listened to me ramble on all day. We went out to dinner that night, just us. It was so nice. We had a quiet evening together and I felt so much better.

So, here I am with all kinds of emotions. It took me this long to write this post because I feel so torn. While I'm happy I can run, I really wanted to run Boston someday. But unless this problem with my legs gets solved that isn't going to happen. Then there's a little voice inside me that's saying "how bout one more try"....

Halfer Sunday

2009-02-12T14:22:00.002-05:00

This is gonna be short but sweet peeps!

Been training for this half. Hasn't really gone along as I had hoped but with the GREAT help of my runner friends, I am running that half. Reg, Ed, Debi, Frank and Josephine are all running the half and Bobby (not my husband) and Chris are running the full. Bobby'll probably finish his full about when the rest of us are finishing our half...LOL!!! I'm holding out hope that Mike will be joining us...(C'monnnn MIKE!!!!)

My husband is meeting me at the finishline. Jim and Bethany will be in strategic spots along the way to kick our butts if we look like HELL...LOL

Reg (from Canada) has been extremely helpful. He's been pacing me and encouraging me every step of the way. Even when I was 15 minutes late for our run last week! Wait'll you hear this:

I was 15 minutes late for my run with Reg. He started without me so I went the opposite way figuring I'd meet him somewhere along the way. As I ran along, feeling bad that I was late etc, up ahead was a policeman stopping traffic. I ran up to a guy standing there and he told me someone got hit by a van and the coroner was taking him away. HIM??? HIM WHO??? He didn't know anything other than it was a "he". Of course my guilty mind thought it was Reg because every time we run across that bridge I tell him not to get hit by a car and we sprint across it. I ran to an officer and asked if it was an athletic middle aged man and he said no. I didn't believe him. I ran as fast as I could over the bridge and as I got to the corner here comes Reg. OMG!!! I was so happy to see him! I hugged him and cried a little bit. He told me I must be a sensitive person. Well yeah, call me sensitive...LOL. We had to walk awhile so I could calm down. When we passed the bystander who told me what was going on before, he asked Reg if he knew how happy I was to see him....haha! REG IS ALIVE!!!!

Reg has never run a half marathon. That surprised me because he runs all the time. Distances too. I can't imagine not competing. Reg decided he is running this half marathon. With me. Not running to compete, running to stay with me the whole way. I keep telling him if he feels the pull to take off to just go. I don't want to hold him back. But Reg says no. He's running this halfer with me. I can't believe someone would do this. It means the world to me that Reg is running this with me. I have my worries about finishing because of my muscles acting like 2 year olds who don't listen. So far we got to 10.12 miles before I couldn't go on. Hopefully we can get to 13.1 Sunday. If I have to roll the last 3 miles I will. Haha! Just kidding. I'm gonna do cartwheels across the finish line.

Saturday Long Run

2009-02-07T15:52:00.003-05:00

Got a nice run in this morning with my Canadian friend, Reg. I keep calling him Reggie but he doesn't really like that. He told me that the first time we met. I keep forgetting until the last syllable is out of my mouth, then I make a point to say "Reg" the next buncha times I say his name.

So anyway, me and Reg did a 10 miler this morning and here are the stats...

Run time: 1:44
Run distance: 10.12 miles
Avg pace: 10:20
Best pace: 6:50 (no Jim, we didn't run down a big hill, hardy har har)

Good news: We're done with long runs since our half marathon is a week from tomorrow.
Bad news: I got a bra burn. Yep. Right in the middle. In between. You know....THERE!

Here's what happened, and I blame my oldest daughter for this. You'll see why.

She's mad at me so she stopped "helping" me with the laundry, so the best running bra I own (which isn't even a running bra) was still in the laundry pile from Wednesday's run. I never even gave it a thought until 10 minutes before I was headed out the door. No special bra. Shoot. I grabbed the first one out of my drawer, strapped 'em in and took off without a thought.

About two miles out, I was thinking about 'em again. In fact, I was thinking about 'em for the next 8.12 miles. I had a tank top under my shirt so I tried pulling that up through the bottom, but forget it. Bra burn is here people. And I felt it in the shower worse than ever.

Doesn't hurt now though. But see if I buy HER those blueberry poptarts she loves so much. Not this week ladies and gentlemen. She'll be sorrrreeeeeeeeee

The run was a good one. We talked the entire time. Me with a lot more effort than Reg. Also, here's the thing about Reg: he likes to be about 8 inches ahead of me AT ALL TIMES. I have figured out (finally) that if I speed up so I can HEAR WHAT HE'S SAYING...he just speeds up. That's why we've been running so freaking fast. But I caught on last week so now I don't try to catch up anymore. I'd rather be able to talk. This little bit of info is what's gonna get me a new PR for a half marry folks. Cuz in that half, I'm not going to speak to Reg. I'm going to wear my iPod so I can't even hear him if he tries to talk to me. And guess what else??? Yes. You are quite correct everyone: I am going to try to run BESIDE Reg. YEAH BABY.

I'm thinking I'll just keep an even sub 9 minute per mile pace until 7 miles, then go for it. This could be a joke, who knows. I'll find out, won't I? As long as my legs don't start ignoring commands, I should make it just fine. Our leisure runs have gone well, my feet didn't get numb until about 9 miles this morning. The stabbing pains in my legs came and went but I'm learning to ignore that. The mind is a very powerful thing.

My friend and coach is runing his marathon Sunday morning. Originally he wanted to Boston Qualify but that particular race is full, registration has closed for 2009. What a ripoff!!! Jim said he feels like the pressure is off, so I think he might be doing a joy-ride marathon Sunday. I know a few friends have asked me if I would post Jim's results here and OF COURSE I will...as soon as I get them. Jim's wife, Bethany and her brother (who came down from Massachusetts) will also be running this race. I'll get all their results posted...PROMISE!!!

Ok, I need to go clean the house so my husband doesn't know I spent 3 hours in the hot tub today. WHAT???? It was so cold I was afraid to get out!!! It's like 62 degrees here in SW Florida. That's like 30 degrees for you Northerners. Ya, chilly! Our plants are even dying. Imagine trying to get out of a hot tub????

Have a fun weekend!!!
xxooxxooxxoo

Running Again...

2009-02-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

I've been busy with running, having a grandbaby (tons of fun that's becoming), working and reconnecting with old friends on Facebook. I feel like I don't have time for anything!! My husband is working 12-15 hours a day and I am feeling the loss of having my other half here. I feel a little lost. =( Even the kids are pretty quiet. When Bob does get home we are on him like Asics on a marathoner.

BUT...I am running again and I'm very thrilled to say I'm overcoming a few of those health obstacles that popped up over the summer/fall.

I can now get 10.6 miles (in 1:45) before the pain in my feet make me stop. I'm getting used to the muscle weirdness too. A numbness starts at my hips and spreads down to my knees, then my muscles just stop working. My cardio seems fine so it's very frustrating to have to stop when that feels strong. I don't bother trying to run through that anymore, so I haven't fallen. Although Jim says not to do another long run (hopefully he's not reading this) I'm meeting Reg Saturday for one more long run before the half on Feb 15th. I want to go into that half KNOWING my legs will behave. It seems like I get further and further each time, so one more long run for me.

Last night in yoga was THE BEST balance I've had in about 6 weeks. Jim decided to add some leg (quad) holds in yoga that are extremely painful. At first I couldn't even do them. Now I can hold them for half the time. The pain is unbelievable but I think it'll help when I'm running and it starts up. I used to have to stop after 2 miles, getting to 10.6 was so wonderful. I'm skipping yoga this morning because Reg noticed I have my hardest times when I run right after a yoga class. Maybe it's too much? We'll see since I'm meeting him at 9am today.

I used to use yoga as a stretch/condition before I ran. I'm not sure I like that I can't do both anymore so we'll see. I'm glad Reg pointed this out to me, I've been trying to just get it all back so determinedly, that I didn't put the two together.

Jim has his full marathon this weekend on the east coast of Florida. Boston registration is full, so if (WHEN) he pulls that BQ time, he'll be running Boston 2010! Good luck jim!!

Monday, Monday...

2009-01-27T06:58:00.003-05:00

Even though it's now TUESDAY! Monday's are a busy day. With my husband's new schedule it's a little less exciting too. He's pulling 15 hour days and I don't like it too much. By the time he walks in the door, he's all done. Nothing left... =(

I met Reg (my Canadian friend) at the gym for a 5 miler. He's convinced he can get me across the finish line in just under 2 hours! I know HE can run that, but I'm not sure I can. Maybe if my legs would start obeying my commands, I can. The numbness is making me crazy(ier)!

Anyway...we took off, talking away. I looked at my Garmin and saw 8:10 pace. WHAT??? And we'd already run our first mile! I immediately worried I'd use all my energy and not even finish 5 miles, but Reg kinda laughed and pulled me along. We had to keep slowing down, mostly because I was freaking out. I didn't run this speed when I was feeling good! I was thrilled and worried at the same time. All I could picture was Jim telling me to pace myself for the long haul, don't fly the first few miles, save some for the "bank" at the end of the run. My endurance training is fighting my speed training.

I've had this conflict from the start. Even in a 5K race, I prepare myself mentally to run 10 miles instead of a 5k. I've discussed this with Jim, he said I need to change my thinking for different mileage, but I am stuck in marathon training. I need new words for my brain. Jim is in massive marathon mode. He's trying to qualify for Boston, his marathon is in 2 weeks. I know he thinks he's running on the fence with his time...it's gonna be a close one but I know he can do it. He runs so effortlessly, very into the negative splits. His 2nd half will be faster so if he hits the halfway mark at the right time, he'll make it. I am confident he will. His marathon is 3 hours away, so I can't be there to see him cross the finish line. Kinda bummed about that. With my husband working such crazy hours, I won't even ask him to do a 6 hour round trip to watch my coach QB....LOL....

So back to my run with Reg. We noticed that if I looked at my Garmin and realized we were under a 9 minute pace, I'd need to walk 15-20 seconds. If I didn't look at all I could keep going. MIND OVER MATTER! This proves mentality plays a huge roll in my running. We have another 5 miler Wed. I'm going to give Reg my Garmin, he won't tell me what we're doing. Let's see if I can trick my mind....

Here are our stats:

Run time: 46:51
Distance: 5 miles
Avg pace: 9:22
Best pace: 5:43 (!!!!!!!)

See what I mean??? I have NEVER run 5 miles in 47 minutes. I am thrilled.

Glaven Q. Heisenberg

2009-01-25T19:07:00.002-05:00

Glaven....where the heck did you go?????? If you're looking for attention, you got it, now get back here!!!

UPDATE: GQ is only gone a few days. He'll be back to entertain us soon.

Make That 10 Mile Run A 9 Miler!

2009-01-24T21:32:00.003-05:00

Oh I'm so happy!!! Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalaaaa!!!

I met Reg and Mike at the gym at 3pm for our long run. Within moments, my prediction of angel vs devil became evidentally correct! Mike asked if we were still doing 8 miles, I said no. We're doing 10. He said 10!! I said "8....10....what's the difference??? LOL He laughed and said ok. Then he asked what pace. I said 10 minute pace. He said "10 minute pace!!" I started laughing because I knew he'd want to do a 12 so we could chat. Mike and I have great runs together, we can talk about anything. I so enjoy our runs together, honestly.

But today I was on a mission. My running history has been so off the wall. I'm slowly getting control of my leg muscles back. A few weeks ago I could only get 2-2.5 miles out before my legs did that numb/weird thing and I'd have to walk back. Then I got to 5 miles before it happened. I was hoping the timing would keep doubling and I'd get to 10 miles this time.

Nope. I started feeling that leg fatigue at about 6 miles. I ignored it. By mile 7 my feet and lower legs were numb. I had to do short walk breaks for like 15-20 seconds every 4-5 minutes. By mile 8 I felt like from my hips down were detached. I pinched my quads real hard and didn't feel a thing. I was running a little sideways. I told Reg this and we switched sides so if I fell I wouldn't fall on him...haha! Kidding, we switched so I'd be closer to the grass. I let him know I was going to stop at 9 miles. Which I did. Reg kept running the last half mile back to the gym. Mike had just arrived there when we walked in too.

And HEY!!! I almost forgot to tell ya....we put our drinks on a fence post and when we got back to them someone had taken my Gatorade!! Hahahaha!!! Little monkeys at the skatepark, I bet.

Here's the run history off my garmin:

Run time: 1:31:58
Run distance: 9 miles
Avg pace: 10:13
Best pace: 6:01

I showed my coach, Jim, who was at the gym when we got back and he said I did a great job! Nothing like hearing that from your coach!!!!!!

I feel a little worried about how far I'll get during the half marathon. It's 3 weeks away, I'm hoping to condition my muscles by then. I'll be potassium loading while everyone else carbo loads...lol. Reg gave me some pretty fantastic news. He said he's going to run with me for the whole half! I was very surprised since he can easily do it in wayyyyy under 2 hours. He said he didn't care about his time, he is going to run with it me. I'm very touched. Very happy. He kept me motivated through out today's run. I was feeling really nervous at the 6 mile mark when that old familiar heaviness began, but we kept going. Every time he said I was doing well, it gave me a surge of energy.

This 9 miler is the longest run I've had since October. A very long time. It feels so fantastically wonderful to sit here and write this post after only 8 days after hearing my doctor tell me to run with my feet side to side. I knew when he said that I was NEVER gonna run from side to side. I'd fall first. Maybe get a pretty pink cast, but NO running side to side for THIS CHICK.

And I was right. I love when that happens.
Lalalalalaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

EDIT FOR MELANIE: No...lol...but I'd be willing to visit in the summer....hahaha!!!

Ahhhhh....Saturday!

2009-01-24T10:48:00.003-05:00

Saturdays have always been the long run days. Until October! Between the IT band bull-oney and my muscles going into hibernation, Saturdays had become an emotionally painful day.

UNTIL NOW!!

Have I told you lately, that I love you....potassium????? I love potassium! I can even slug down that tonic water like a Bud Light. I miss my Bud Lights. No more alcohol since the seizure meds. Sometimes I mix the tonic water with the tomato juice and pretend it's a bloody mary. Not too bad. Oh well, maybe no beer will help me lose these 6 lbs I found over the holidays.

I met Reg at the gym at 10am for a 3 miler Friday. I wanted to keep an even pace and see how it would go. We did...

3.03 miles
28 minutes
9:20 ave pace.

I am pleased. My legs felt great and it felt wonderful to be out there again. Reg is from Canada and he even said the weather has been cold. LOL!!! Take that GQ!!! I love running with Reg, he keeps my pace up and he TALKS! He has that Canadian accent. He says ooot for out. abooot for about...kinda fun teasing him abooot that since all I ever hear is YER FROM BOSTON, AIN'TCHA?!?! From all these Floridians.

I did need to stop a few times for about 30-45 seconds. My cardio seemed sluggish. I am fine with the feet/ankle pain. Doctor was right, I am getting used to it. He also knows me well enough to know I don't give up that easily. My muscles are listening again!

Soooo...Mike, Reg and I are doing a 10 miler today. We meet at 3pm, when it might be warmer. My hopes are to hold a 10-11 minute pace throughout, but it's been a loooooong time since I did any distance running. I'm going to think of this as a fun run before the half. I'll have Mike to make me take it easy and Reg to keep a faster pace. This should be fun....LOL. Kinda like the angel vs devil on my shoulders. Plus if I fall these two strong guys can carry me back to the gym.....LOL All kidding aside, I still run a little to the right, but my balance is better. Yoga is getting better too. I am determined to get back on track.

I'm SOOOO excited!!!! I'll be back tonight with my 10 miler report!!!

* Special congratulations to my sweetie. Congrats on your promotion. You deserve it. You're a fantastic husband, father and provider for our family. You work hard so I don't have to. (just kiddin') Seriously...you work hard for all of us and we appreciate your commitment to us. After a 12-14 hour day, you come home and smile when we all jump you in the driveway. Even the dog races us all to the door. You're handsome, strong, sweet tempered, loving and kind. You are everything I ever wanted for my children and for me. Plus you're easy on the eyes....LOL

Luv ya Babe!!!!
xoxoxoxoxo

Friday Already???

2009-01-23T08:13:00.003-05:00

This week flew by!
I'm back to my classes and feeling so much better. It's weird to do the spin class and actually feel my legs. I still have a little weakness on the right side, arm and leg, but I'm going to get back to machine workouts. I totally feel it in yoga. My balance seems to have improved though. Maybe the seizure meds?? Not sure. I'll see the doc soon.

I'm meeting Reg (from Canada!!!) at the gym this morning for a little 3-4 miler. We have an 8-10 miler planned for Saturday. I need to see where I'm at since that half marathon is only 3 weeks away. Reg even said it was freezing here!

The only half I've done is the one I "ran" with that IT band yank. So my PR is 2:30. As painfully ego bashing as that felt that day, I'm kinda happy about it now because I can probably beat that at least by a minute or two...LOL

I tested my coach the other day to see if he "yeses" me about my abilities. I asked him if he thought I could go for the full instead. He gave me that "coachy" look that only they can give and said "don't be ridiculous". Ok, ok. I was kidding. Kinda. I don't know what it is about the marathon that pulls me in.

Cold For Florida

2009-01-20T21:28:00.002-05:00

We're getting a cold front. I don't really like that. Cold+running=not for Kim.
But, we have Runners Club tomorrow at 10:15, so off to the mall I went this morning. First of all, I hate the mall. I like to buy things online (which reminds me, I came online to buy "Spirit Of The Marathon" but stopped here first. I'll make this post quick....

Anyway....to the mall. I needed a pair of running pants. I found some black ones that had a $44 tag on 'em. I had a gift card from the hubster, so I grabbed 'em. On my way to the trying on room....the fitting room! Yes, that's what it's called....I saw a pink running top. Grabbed that too.

Once in the fitting room, I stood real close to the mirror, trying to peer in. At times I'm quite convinced there's a man sitting there in a recliner with a brewdawg and a bag o'chips watching me undress. (lucky guy, I'm sure you're thinking). So I always make sure my undy-things are matching. Ya know....just in CASE! I couldn't really tell, so I pretended no one was watching as I tried to keep my body covered while changing. not easy.

So I turned around, cuz if the man in the recliner saw the front of me...he'd want me, and I'm married, so why torture him???? Exactly. I tried everything on, pants fit perfectly, the top is kinda weird with the t-back thing, but I just got a new bra that has that hooky thing that holds the straps together in the back so it looks like I have a real-live sports bra on. Which I never do. I hate those. Oh, that reminds me.....ladies, do we have to wear a bra if the tops have those built in ones????? Inquiring minds wanna know.

I decided to buy them both and went to the closest register. Here's where it gets freakin tricky. As the cashier rang up my stuff, she looked over at me and said...."Are you eligible for our senior discount?" I looked back at her, innocently quizzical and said...."Huh?" Then she had the NERVE to ask..."Are you over 52 years old?" I was and still am, crushed. I usually get carded when I buy alcohol. Stupid lady. Then I thought of the guy behind the mirror. He musta got a good look at my body. I bet he phoned up to the register to give her a heads up that an ole lady was on her way. That ass! I wasn't sure who I was more mad at....mirror-man or stupid-cashier-woman. So I hate them both equally.

She apologized as she handed me the bag. I said it's ok, but that I was going home to color my hair. When I realized my clothes were on sale...pants were $14 and top was $12 I decided to almost forgive her. But screw that. She called me OLD!

4 miles!

2009-01-18T15:54:00.004-05:00

Oh, I'm just a blogging FREAK today!

First, Congratulations to Vanilla! He finished his first marathon today!!! I think he ran up and down a dumpster. First Nic the Chiropractor runs around an ice rink 95.4 times, now we have vanilla marathoning dumpsters. Both of these guys deserve a big congrats!!!!! Awesome guys!!!

I'd give Jim's race report on his half marathon today, but I haven't heard from him yet.
EDIT: Jim ran a 1:43 half marathon!!! Way to go coach!! NEXT: BQ.....

After I saw that vanilla finished his marathon and was still alive, I set out the door for my own little jaunt. It took me a while to feel warmed up.

Run time: 42:34
Distance: 4.01 miles
Average: 10:37 pace
Best pace: 6:51 pace

The first 2 miles I felt like I was dragging, and I was. I think I was at an 11 min pace. The last mile felt the best. I almost went an extra mile, but if I want to do the half Feb 15th, I'd better ease into it.

Tracking Vanilla's First Marathon

2009-01-18T12:07:00.002-05:00

I wanted to go for a 4 miler this morning but I can't leave my computer!!! Vanilla is running his first marathon and I'm GLUED to the tracker and to his blog. So far I've had 3 cups of coffee, some yogurt with granola and I just had 2 pancakes...all sitting here in front of my computer.

Candis is doing an awesome job posting his splits! I wish I was running too!

I need to see if i can find Razz.....

My coach Jim, ran a half this morning as part of his training for a full he's doing Feb 8th. I tried getting ahold of him to get his time, but no answer yet! Knowing him, he's running it twice....

Potassium: It's What's For Breakfast

2009-01-18T10:39:00.003-05:00

I don't think I've ever been so happy to take medication/vitamins. *snoopy dance*

I met Mike yesterday at the gym at 3pm for a 3 miler. My last run was last Tuesday and it didn't go too well.

We started out slow and steady. Right away I could feel the difference! My feet actually lifted off the ground! They didn't feel like I had 25 lb sleeves on them. Yippeee!!

Now this was no 95.4 laps around an ice skating rink, but it felt pretty spectacular to ME! My feet and ankles are still getting tingly, numb and ok...they do hurt, but it was the cramping and fatigue in my legs that was so bad. 2 miles felt like 10. It was like hitting the wall 15 minutes into a run. Not a good time.

Here's the stats from my Garmin...

Run time: 30:13
Distance: 3.02 miles
Average: 10:00 min pace
Best pace: 6:46 min pace
Calories: 308 (that's a rip off) But don't worry, I ingested at LEAST 3 times those many calories as soon as I got home. I'm no idiot.

Half Fast/Vanilla alert: Follow Ian's marathon splits here!!!!!
Looks like he finished the 10K split at 1:04:08 at a 10:20 pace!!! GO VANILLA!!!!!

I Got Some News...

2009-01-17T21:07:00.002-05:00

Went to see the neurologist (Dr L) Friday morning. Got some answers. One was not surprising, one was kinda discouraging, the other was very upsetting. Here they are, in said order:

1. Complex seizures, which I suspected anyway and my family doctor (Dr R) had already called me into his office last week to deliver this news. Back on seizure meds...so be it. Been there, done that. (got no t-shirt)

2. Poly-neuropathy, which I also knew from that visit with Dr R, so no surprise. Dr R told me it was not something that would go away but that I'd get used to it. He said running will not make it worse, but the pain was here to stay. Sucks, but I liked that he didn't say no running. Being an endurance runner, overcoming pain is what it's all about. NNNNext!!

3. Muscle cramping. This was the biggie. This is very painful and together with the imbalance was stopping me from running. Dr L told me he was still testing to figure this one out, but that he didn't think any of the 3 were related.

Here's the upsetting part. He told me to go to the track and instead of running on the line, to have my feet land on either side of the line. Yeah. Like a gorilla. SEXY!!!! But that's not even the insulting part. When I started to cry (both from fear and anger) he looked me in the eye and asked me if I got paid to run. I said no. Then he shrugged his shoulders. He dismissed all my goals in that instant. Like they didn't matter.

He doesn't know me very well, does he???

Anyway, he gave me anti-seizure meds that have a pretty cool side effect: helps neuropathy while it's controlling the seizures. Nice. Seems that the type of seizures I have make me forgetful, confused and tired. Like Alzheimer's. Seriously. Many times I thought I was going crazy, so I'm happy with this getting fixed/controlled.

He gave me meds to help me sleep which also contain a muscle relaxer. He hoped that would help with the cramping. He also told me to take potassium once a day and to drink quinine water. I couldn't find that anywhere. I saw Jim at the gym and he told me it's in tonic water. I went and got that. Diet tonic with quinine. Oh yumminess. It tastes like I chewed an aspirin. BOGUS. Oh, Dr L also told me to forget the bananas and drink tomato juice. It has way more potassium in it! YAY!! I don't really like bananas anyway, but I L-O-V-E tomato juice. I mix the tonic with the juice and I have a virgin bloody mary. Which is good, because I cannot have beer while I'm on seizure meds! BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll move on.

Now here's some miraculous news:

I took all the pills/juice/quinine/(oh, and I took it upon myself to get some B-12) throughout the day. Went to bed at 11pm. Woke up, and here's where the miracle comes in. *giggling*

I woke up at 8:15am, not 5am. I woke up naturally, not because my feet and legs were cramping. At first I thought I must be paralyzed so I woke my husband. I got out of bed and walked and my legs felt like they were a part of me again. Yes, my feet were tender, tingly and numb...but my legs felt wonderful! I couldn't believe it! I still can't. So I called my friend Mike, knower-of-lotsa-stuff. I told him all of this and asked him if potassium worked that quickly and he said YES! It's fast acting. Also, the fact that the meds I'm on have muscle relaxers and side effects that help neuropathy probably are a plus! OH YAY!!! We promptly set up a time to meet at the gym this afternoon for a little run. *Running report tomorrow*

Sooo...tonight, I feel like myself again. Which ever thing is helping me, I don't know...probably a mix of all of it together. I feel so good! My eyes feel better, clearer. My crampy legs are 85% better. Feels like a gauzy veil has been lifted from my body. Bobby said I'm back to my old self.

And I'll give y'all one guess as to what I'll be doing February 15th......first correct guess gets a custom made lil something from Kim's In Stitches. Ooooohhhh....lucky...LOL

Freezing Here In Florida (updated)

2009-01-15T09:54:00.007-05:00

This post has been removed by the author on the grounds it was misrepresenting her true feelings. (kinda...HA)

My previous post (that I'm editing now) was horrible. I'm ready to be me again.

Thanks for the kind words, it helped...A LOT!

Now here's a funny little thing that happened just this morning:

My daughter, Emily who is eleven (magical age) is a slowwwww poke in the morning. I must repeat myself 50 times coaxing her to get ready for school. This morning I said, exasperated-like..."Em, why can't you move a little quicker?????"

She looked at me and said matter-of-factly..."Because Kirstin dropped me on my head when I was a baby."

Which is true. Emily was about 5 months old, Kirstin was 9 years old when that happened. She never even cried. But it's true just the same.

Now this is not as funny as the vagina chronicles but proof that our kids are punny.

Gotta love 'em!!!

Hey...GQ tagged me!!

2009-01-13T19:35:00.006-05:00

I was sitting here, finally getting a free moment to read my favorite blogger when I felt an unmistakable hand on my...ummmmm...shoulder. TAGGED!! This should be fun!

your 4 favorite memories from 2008

1. When my son told me he was going to get a tattoo on his arm when he turned 18 that says "Momma's Boy". He was eight, and I got that in writing....LOL
2. Over hearing my two daughters, 19 and 22 at the time, talking about how lucky they were to have us as parents. I cried and ran into the room to hug them.
3. Having a hysterectomy in 2006. I know it was 2 years before this timeline, but I'm still overjoyed with this permanent form of birth control. I hope it's permanent anyway. Can a fetus hook onto my vaginal walls and survive for 9 months???? If they can, I will be prego soon.
4. Running the Sarasota Grouper Run Marathon. What a phenomenal feeling, crossing that finish line!

your 4 favorite movies watched in 2008

1. "Overboard". I love that movie. Goldie Hawn and Kirt Russell R-O-C-K!!!!
2. "Grease". I love that movie too.
3. "Spiderwick Chronicles". I loved the little fairies.
4. Ok, ya got me. I don't sit long enough to watch movies.

4 of your favorite foods in 2008

1. LOBSTER
2. pasta
3. potato chips.
4. cheesecake

4 places you loved in 2008 (if the "love" gets past second base, include pictures)

1. I love living in SW Florida. First time I ever felt like I was "home".
2. St Armand's, Sarasota. My husband and I have gone there for a weekend alone for a couple years now. The hotel is so nice....lol.
3. Crow's Nest Restaurant with my husband and my in-laws. We hadn't seen them in a while and it was so nice for the 4 of us to get out without the kids and visit. I'm so lucky to be a part of this family.
4. The finish line at the Sarasota Grouper Run Marathon. If it hadn't miraculously appeared when it did I would've died.

4 events you loved in 2008 (ditto)

1. My daughter, Kirstin is having a baby. We found out in November. I'm going to be a Grandma! 2. My first marathon: Sarasota Grouper Run
3. Endurance Project for the FCA Half Marathon! That was so fun!!
4. Heard my friend (and coach) perform some of his original songs live.

4 things you liked in 2008

1. My jaccuzzi
2. Going to the beach while the norther parts of the world were covered in ice and snow.
3. Running with some very special people I can call my friends. I love them all, very much.
4. Writing my blog and meeting some really wonderful people. Funny, supportive, and very special. You all have a spot in my heart.

4 things you are looking forward to in 2009

1. Re-learning how to run, now that my feet and legs have decided to NOT cooperate. No biggie...I've overcome worse.
2. Celebrating the 22nd anniversary of my daughter, Kerri's liver transplant. Doctors gave her 8 years. She'll be 23 July 23rd. Yes, a huge success!! (love you Kerri!!!!) If you guessed this was an answer to number 1...YOU ARE CORRECT!
3. My 13 year wedding anniversary with Bobby. We met 16 years ago and he's the luckiest man I know! LOL...just kiddin'...I'm the lucky one!
4. Holding my very first grandbaby. We don't know if we're getting a boy or a girl, and we don't care. I cannot wait to see this baby, kiss and hug and whisper how much I loved him or her before they were even born. Oh...and seeing my very spirited daughter have a child JUST LIKE HER! LOL

4 people you tag

Sherry...because she my real life friend who I met here in blogland! Luv ya girl!!!
Melanie...becaue I love Canadians!! And because she is an inspiration to so many!
Steve...because he's my Bostonian Brutha!!!
Danielle/Joe...because once I figured out they were not one and the same, I was almost disappointed!!! LOL

Sarasota Grouper Run

2009-01-11T10:22:00.004-05:00

Boca Grande, Florida

This marathon is coming up in 34 days. I have a spot in my heart for this race because it was the first (and only) marathon I ever did. I had my heart set on running it every year but with my legs having a mind of their own these last few months, I gave up on even running the half. After having to drop out of The Space Coast marathon last November, I really didn't want to sign up for Sarasota unless I knew in my soul I could do it. My training has pretty much sucked beyond reason so I had given up on running any decent distances.

Well I have changed my mind.

I found out some part of what's been happening last Friday. The rest will take a few more tests but the doctor said we might never get all the answers. There's some complex seizures, polyneuropathy and although my brain sends out commands to my body, my body won't return the phone call. The sensory response team is away from the desk, the lazy ass bratties! The leg muscle cramping and weakness are undiagnosed right now, and maybe forever, but my doctor said running WILL NOT MAKE THINGS WORSE!! Music to my ears! He said I will eventually get used to the numbness, tingles and pain and I need to learn to run through that. When I looked at him like he had 6 heads he said yes, this is a "forever" thing. Won't go away.

That kinda bites. But ok.

So I headed out to Boca Grande on Saturday. My friend (and coach) Jim, his wife and more friends were running their 20 miler. (oh the agony of knowing how far into training I should be!!) As I took my sweatshirt off, I also left behind my "pity party" feelings. My pink NE Patriots sweatshirt soaked them up and whispered "just enjoy this run". I can do that, I whispered back.

I came into the run 2 hours later than everyone since I was only looking for a 5 miler. As I walked to the corner wondering how far away they all were, a flash of red went whizzing by...it was Jim! Perfect timing! I fell into step for about a mile or so before he went back to his pace. I turned up my iPod and tried to take in all the beauty of Boca Grande. That's impossible, beauty is everywhere!

As I eased into the second mile I felt my cardio kick in, I was warmed up fairly quickly. Good, good. I felt strong. At the end of the 2nd mile, my feet were getting tingly and numb. Nothing new, been ignoring that for months. Then the muscle fatigue started. The mild cramping and shots of pain made it feel like I was on mile 10, not 3. This is where I usually stop running because I didn't know what was going on, but this time I persisted. The doctor said it won't make anything worse so I threw all thoughts aside and kept going.

Jim had turned around somewhere up ahead and was running toward me by now so I turned as he came by and ran beside him. We were at about 9.5 minute pace. Me at my 3rd mile, him at his 14th. As we ran he was giving me tips on "when" I run the Sarasota half this Feb. At first I was speechless. He knows I haven't been running and why. My heart did a little flip. Was he serious or just being nice? He knows how I feel about Sarasota and how bummed I've been. He also tells it like it is. I know this very well. I trust his judgement but ???????????

So I asked him if he really thought I could do it. He pointed out that my cardio was fine. I hadn't lost that. I looked at my Garmin and saw we were running a 9 minute pace and I was talking. My legs were numb at this point, so I had run through the weirdness. My heart rate was comfortable. I was doing the distance rate I was at last summer. Jim said to go into the half with the thought of it being a fun run. No goals, no worries about speed or finish time. To just do it. I thought about all of this while I was ending my 5 miles.

Jim continued on to finish his 20 miles, I went back to the inn where Jim and Bethany were staying to sit by the pool. My feet were getting those stabbing shots up through my lower legs by this time so I dropped my legs into the pool. I noticed the water didn't seem too cold but after 15 minutes or so the freezing water brought some feeling back. The stabbing pains were slight, much better than lately. I'm going to try this again next time I run.

Once everyone got back to the inn, I congratulated them and smiled when they went looking for the Bio Freeze....lol. I know that even though they were sore, they were feeling very accomplished and satisfied. A small shot of envy passed through me but then I remembered Jim telling me I could do the half.

Sometimes that's all a person needs. For another person to tell them they believe in your abilities. Takes away the fear of failure when someone you trust, who is in a position to KNOW tells you YOU CAN. When I got home, I told my husband that Jim said I had it in me to finish the half marathon. Then my husband said something so sweet. He said...

"If anyone can do it...YOU can."

OMG....I'm going to run that freakin' half marathon!

Hmmmm...

2009-01-08T11:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday's run with Runners Club sucked. I'm so frustrated. I will have some answers to what ails me on the 16th. Then I can take the magic "whatever they have" and be back to normal. Right now I'm not sure I'm even running the Sarasota Half Marathon Feb 15th. Last Saturday I did a 6.5 mile run and although I struggled, I did do it. That gave me hope that I could at least do the half, but after yesterday's flop of a 2.5 mile run, I need to back away from thinking I'll be doing much distance.

I've had a nerve conductor test (fun), an EEG and an MRI of the spine (this morning). I think those 3 tests cover everything, don't you?? I have some really fabulous swear words being screamed out in my head, but I won't type them out here. I am a lady, after all. But I AM thinkin' 'em.

All that being said, and I know I'm a wacko (so need to tell me), but this Saturday a bunch of my friends are meeting on Boca Grande for a long run. Some of them are doing their 18-20 miler (yes, I am crying) but I am going even if I can only go a few miles.

I DON'T WANNA BE LEFT OUT. I FEEL LEFT OUT.

I apologize now for the obviousness of feeling sorry for myself. Sorry.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!!!!

2009-01-03T11:06:00.003-05:00

I ran today! I'm sooo happy!!

I met Chris, Jim and Maria at the gym this morning. I wasn't too sure if I'd do the whole 6.5 miles but I really needed to give it a shot. I hadn't run for 2 weeks because I was still sore from falling and also the stress of waiting for some answers from the doctor was getting me down. I went from completely ignoring aches/pains to totally concentrating on them and I was becoming a freak.

I'm going back to ignoring them.

So we decided to do the same route we did for the Firecracker 5K last July. Twice plus a little longer to make it 6.5. Maria took off like the mad woman she is (yes, I am jealous), the 3 of us started out slow. This was my 1st time out in 2 weeks and I felt FREE! The weather was perfect. 68 degress and breezy. Gotta love Florida!

I went back and forth from running with Maria and then the guys. Me and Maria talked about our husbands, our lives....ya know, girlie stuff. then she'd move on and I'd wind up back with the guys. They'd be spitting and talking about the logistics of running a marathon etc. I got a kick out of that....LOL. These are grown men. Sigh. (I loved it) Especially when Jim said he could spit on a fence and leave it hanging there 4-EVA! Yummy stuff...ha!!

We finished the run in about an hour, I am pleased. I called my husband on my way home and he was about to go for a bike ride. I was all fired up and told him to wait for me. Unfortunately by the time I walked into the house it felt like needles were sticking into the bottoms of my feet and my legs were cramping. So I'm here posting on my blog instead. But my husband looks H-O-T in those bike shorts...teehee...

Wait...did you hear that? It's the hot tub calling my name!! Gotta go for now!

Still Not Running...YET

2008-12-30T22:19:00.003-05:00

The IT band has healed. Finally. Taking it easy the last 10 days did the trick I guess. I don't know why I never thought of giving it THAT good of a rest before!!!

I was looking forward to a shorty run tomorrow with Runners Club but that is not to be. I saw a doctor this morning for some funky stuff that's been going on and got more questions than answers. I had a nerve conductor test this morning...can you say OUCH????? Well I can AND did. That test was not too fun. He stuck a needle into my legs pretty deep and then zapped my muscles. Yeah, good times. It was like a tazer. I'm guessing at this as I have never been tazered but I do watch COPS on occasion and those guys get tazered. I've never even been frisked. Am I missing out?????

I have been suspecting seizure activity for various reasons, so tomorrow he's doing an EEG. I used to have them, but it's been about 11 years since the last one. Seizures don't explain the leg and balance troubles (well, maybe the balance) but he seems like a smart guy. He'll figure it out. He's kinda cute too...LOL...he's very, very funny! He's checking out my spine in a couple weeks too. Soonest appointment for that is Jan 22nd. He said "You runners tend to squish your spines". Ewwwww, that gave me the willies! I should have told him I've only been running one year and the last 3 months wouldn't be counted as running really, but I didn't think to mention that. How squished can a spine get in one measly year?????

He didn't say not to run and I didn't ask if I could. So I'll be running as soon as I get the time. Looks like Thursday will be the day. I am also leaning toward just doing the Sarasota Half Marathon instead of the full.

We shall just have to wait and see. In the mean time, I got a kitchen to put some ladybugs in!!!!

Happy Monday!

2008-12-29T09:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday!! The kids have another week off from school to play with their stuff and destroy the house. YAY! The tree comes down today, I'm sick of looking at it. I know, I'm among the minority who takes the tree down before the New Year. So what. Back in the box by tonight!!!

Funny thing is, I'm leaving the tree out on the lanai up for the entire year. (yes, we had 2 trees) I'm going to decorate it each month by whatever holiday is going on. Valentine's Day is my fave, so I might get that one going real soon. Be good and I might post a picture.

I didn't run Saturday with Chris. My husband and older girls had to work and I didn't have a sitter. Awwwwwww...poor ME! I'll just wait until Wednesday. But Chris had a great run, did 5 miles in an hour. Nice marathon pace Chris! Very proud of you!!!!

My husband won't buy me a red VW Bug so I can make it into a ladybug. Spoilsport. So...the next best thing is.....I'm re-decorating my kitchen in....yep....LADYBUGS! I'm going to the fabric store after work today for the curtains, napkins and placemats. Might even make some pot holders. I already have red as the "splash o color" in there. Decorations, cups and a few things are red. I just have to add my little buggie friends. I'm gonna hit Marshall's too. They have cool stuff there!

Happy New Year everyone!
xoxoxo
Kim

Wii Fever

2008-12-27T05:47:00.004-05:00

Wii got the kids a Wii for Christmas and let mii just say...Wii is F-U-N! The six of us spent a good hour and a half making our mii(s) Christmas afternoon. They're little replicas of ourselves and it's so funny to see them all lined up on the tv. We had just as much fun making them as we did playing.

Robby (my 9 year old son) was boxing and I looked over at him at one point and saw him going bananas....lol...I had to tell him to back away from the tv before he threw the remote through the screen! He had sweat pouring down his face....LOL. Maybe we have a Marvelous Marvin Hagler in our midst.

I also kicked kid-butt in bowling, which is funny since I don't like to bowl in real-life. We're going to try out some more games this weekend. Should be fun. Kerri (my 22 yr old) and Kirstin (my 20 yr old) (who is having a BABY in July!!!) played tennis. I gotta try that. I love watching them all play together. Makes my heart just feel so peaceful. I love my family.

They should make a runner game where you run a race on a treadmill. You can play against people through WiFi on these other games, why not a runner game?? How fun would THAT be???? Talk about cross training!

RUNNING

I saw the doctor last Wednesday. I have a few tests next week and I'll get a better idea of what's going on. Doc told me to run on the grass in case I fall again (HA). He knows not to tell me to stop running. That would be like telling him he can't scuba dive! Not that I'd try to tell him he can/can't do ANYTHING! Wouldn't that be a type of insubordination?? I'm glad I went to see him. He'll get things straightened out.

I am meeting Chris at the gym for a run at 9am this morning. We'll see how that goes. It's been a week since I ran. I have rested, kinda. Didn't run at least. Except for my mall marathon! Came in under 4 hours! I almost BQ'd!!!!!

Taking A Little Break

2008-12-22T19:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

This is going to be a crazy week over here at my house. I'm taking some time out for the family. I'm also thinking I need a rest from exercise/running and now's the time to let my body truly heal. I hurt myself 3 times in 3 days and I will take the hint! I'm not really sure what's happening with my marathon training or the sprint tri I wanted to do in April. I'll play it by ear. I have a good base, if I can impliment a safe "catch-up" I will. If I can't, well then I'll find another marathon or tri for later.

I hope to get a decent run in by the 3rd week of January with Jim, my coach. He's been doing the senior olympics the last couple months and hasn't been able to get in a distance run with us for me to get a feel for where I'm at. Falling twice in a 24 hour period has left me feeling like I was in a car accident...pretty sore all over! My pride is a bit damaged too. Funny thing is, my toe, which bled like a stuck pig and had the top almost torn off...doesn't even hurt. It's numb, like my brain. Thank God for small miracles I guess.

I will still be by to read my special blog friend's posts! I can't go too long without seeing what you're all up to. Especially since my husband is also hooked and reads them aloud to me while I'm busy doing other things....lol. I just won't be posting for now.

By the way.....Jim has qualified in the senior games ONCE AGAIN FOLKS!!! All of us are very proud of him. He is a true athlete!

They Call Me...."Grace"

2008-12-20T13:50:00.003-05:00

And that's because I don't have any. Grace, that is. All my life I've tripped over nothing, fallen off sidewalks, and flown through the air without an airplane. I've been on crutches, limped so many miles and have had so many bruises from banging into things that my husband is worried people will think I'm in an abusive relationship.

One time I took Bobby's bike for a ride. I forgot my feet were locked into those cagey things and slammed on the brakes as I hopped off said bike. Only to realize the bike was attached to my body and not ready to let go. Kim and bike went flying through the air, landing on a picnic table and sending cookies, chips and drinks helter skelter. My father-in-law turned to my husband and said "Kim should not be around things where there's a chance she could get hurt". And then he yelled at me for spraining my hand. That's his way of letting me know I am loved. This all happened 12 years ago in front of our entire families.

Since then, I've had multiple injuries and this was all before I ever thought about running. My step-father used to call me Grace. I've been taking yoga classes twice a week for a year now and I was just thinking about how awesomely balanced I've become. I hardly ever fall these days.

Alas...I spoke too soon. Wednesday I was walking and whacked my foot on who-knows-what. I never felt anything, but I felt something wet and sticky on my sandal. I looked down and saw blood pouring out of my baby toe! Once I washed it off I could see the top of my toe was not attached too well. I bandaged it and it actually doesn't even hurt. I can wear my sneakers just fine. It looks bruised and black now, but no pain when I run.

Friday at the gym, I had a class and grabbed two 10 lb weights in one hand, hot chocolate in the other. (I know, you're wondering what the heck I was doing drinking a hot chocolate before an exercise class. I like hot chocolate, that's why) Anyway...as I stepped off the stage I hit a treadmill with my left foot and was flying through the air. This is not too remarkable in my daily life goings on, but the 20 lbs of dumb bells and a piping hot chocolate seemed like it could pose a new problem. Especially since I had a killer grip on the hot chocolate. Which was in a styrofoam cup.

In the split second before I hit the ground, I let go of both the weights and hot chocolate, hoping to stop my head from crashing into the wall, which is made of brick. The weights are all metal and made a TERRIFIC clang when they hit the wall doing 90 MPH. Hot chocolate spewed everywhere but on ME (small miracle). All I could think of was I'd hit my head, be knocked unconscious and pee myself in front of 50 people. All people I know, of course.

When I did come to a complete stop, I was unsure if I really did hit my head or not. I've been hurt at times when I didn't realize it for a few minutes till the pain became unbearable. Was this one o'those times?? No. I was ok. I have rug burns on my knees and my whole body is aching, but I did not get a concussion or pee myself. My body is wicked sore today but I lived!

As if that were not enough, I was on a long run with Chris this morning and as I was running along on my merry way, I once again had the feeling of being airborne. It's a familiar feeling. I looked down and saw concrete. I pictured my already scraped and bruised knees and thought it would be horribly painful to land on those again so soon. So I propelled myself (yeah, I'm a pro at falling) toward the left, which was grass, and twisted enough to land on my right side. This sent me into a semi-roll/tumble, but my knees were SAFE! My pride was NOT. Chris didn't see me fall, but came up on me while I was laying in the wet, just cut grass trying not to cry. Nothing was hurting any worse than it was when I started the run, but I was just D-O-N-E at that moment. My pride is more bruised than anything. I got up and ran the rest of my 5.5 miles and then decided I wanted to go home. My knee was achy anyway.

I have a Christmas party tonight. I was planning on wearing a sexy dress but I think I need to cover my legs with a dark pair of tights. I'm so sore all over.

I'll take some pics of my new injuries later. You'll just L-O-V-E these.

Running A Full Marathon Today

2008-12-18T09:55:00.004-05:00

Yeah, it's true. I'll be off and running in a few minutes, but first....

My toe feels fine. I get the willies thinking about putting a sneaker on though, so I'll be wearing my best flip flops for this marathon today. Luckily I live in balmy SW Florida. Temps will be 87 degrees by noon. Lalalalalalala!!!!!!!!!

Where is this marathon, you ask? At the mall. UGH! I hate going to the mall on a Monday morning, never mind the week before Christmas. Sigh.

I'm thinking about wearing my Garmin to the mall to clock my speed and distance. I found out quite accidentally that it will keep a record even when I'm not running. Cuz I left it on the other day and when I was checking my last run history after replacing the DEAD batteries, I saw that I went...

25.17 miles in 8:03 hours,
Average pace was 19:11
Best pace was 1:00
No calories burned
No rest time.

The no rest time is very true. I never rest. Even when I'm sleeping I'm moving. OH!! That reminds me!!! I had a nightmare last night. A mean man with a ferocious dog was looking at me. I was so scared in my dream. I woke up with my heart racing and tried (unsuccessfully) to wake my husband for some comfort. And stuff. Took me an hour to go back to sleep.

Anyway...I gotta go shopping. I got me some "husband's Christmas bonus money" to blow on the kids. He LOVES to go online to the bank account and play "connect-the-dots" at the mall's store directory with all the stores I visit. Talk about "big brother's watching"...LOL Last year I went shopping while he was home and he got a pop-up every time I used the debit card...he even called my cell when I passed the amount of $$$$ I promised not to go over....I couldn't believe he "guessed"! That's how I found out he could see my purchases online. Dirty Rat.

Yummy Toe Injury

2008-12-17T21:10:00.002-05:00

My husband thought my runner friends would enjoy a shot of my toe. Yes, it hurts as bad as you'd think. And no, it won't stop me. The square looking thing is actually part of my toe that isn't really attached too well right now.

Can I Even Call This Marathon Training???

2008-12-17T15:46:00.002-05:00

I have not had a long run in months! Sarasota Marathon is coming up quick and the longest run I've had since the FCA Half in October is 7 miles! GAWD...I might be doing the half instead...we'll see. No biggie. I have realized I can't base my self confidence on my long time goals as much as I should be looking at all my other accomplishments on the way to getting to those big ones. If I need to hold back on the marathons for awhile, so be it. I have plenty of time!

3 of us headed out this morning for a shorty. We figured we'd see how Chris's calf and my knees held out. Reg is injury free and rather fast. I am really enjoying running slightly behind him. While he talks at a flipping 8 mile pace, I concentrate on breathing and answering back with minimal wordage. Very minimal. Like..."hmmm, ya?, really? wow and me too". He doesn't seem to notice. Every now and then I pretend to tie my shoe or drop my iPod for a breather break. I realize my cardio has suffered without any nice endurance running, so even though it's taking a lot out of me running this pace, I'm glad for it. Reg pushes me like Ed does, gently and patiently. Who's coaching who here????.....LOL...This is what I love about running with different people. The give and take we seem to find always brings out the best in all of us. Love it!

Chris was not having a good run. His calf was hurting. He did mostly walking, which was smart but I think he's getting irritated with the set back. I sure know how he feels! I hope he rests it.

We did about 4.5 miles, but my Garmin battery died at 1.78 miles, so I don't have all the info. My knees held out just fine, no pain while running at all. I'm afraid to say I'm healed, so I won't, but there's definately some major improvement.

I haven't been back in the pool and I'm losing my confidence again! I need to get back in there soon. Maybe Saturday after our long run, we'll see. But I'm soooo busy these days!

I bashed my baby toe at work today, it was bleeding like a stuck pig! It looks like the top part is detached. I put a bandage on there and I'm hoping it'll feel fine with a sneaker on. It looks bogus.

GQ has a quiz over at his blog that I need to get a closer look at. I think he was making fun of my mathematical skills (or lack of). Ohhhhhh no he DITNT!

Space Coast Race Packet Has Arrived

2008-12-15T17:13:00.002-05:00

When I got in from work this afternoon, a package was waiting for me on the kitchen counter. I instantly knew what it was. My race packet from SCM. I had forgotten it was even coming. I checked the return address to be sure, then opened it up. I am happy to report that not one tear fell. I'm ok.

I'm fairly certain that the reason this is so, is because I talked with Bill B about his race there and got to live vicariously through him. I also have matured a great deal since I pitched that fit when I had to drop out of that marathon. I've grown up I guess.

In all seriousness, I have come to realize something about my running. I started running because I had been pretty sick for a while and needed to gain back some strength. I'd felt so out of control of my own body for so long that reaching the goal of finishing the Sarasota Marathon meant maybe I could take back that control. Making a goal and seeing it through was so very empowering! Running across the finish line that day set me on a very specific road. Until today, I thought that road was "just" about running, but it wasn't. I think the reason I was so upset about not being able to run Space Coast was because I felt like I was giving up, even though I was injured. Didn't really matter the reason, I was angry about not being able to see that goal through.

During the time I couldn't run, I felt sad, but not for the reasons I expected. I was missing the Endurance team meetings/runs. I never missed one, not even when I was sick. I asked Jim, my coach, if I could help coach Runners Club under his supervision and he agreed. He has given me direction and guidance all along but has let me do all the runs. This gave me the opportunity to meet some newer runners and slowly get back into healthy running again. I've met some new people who have similar goals and I'm having a GREAT time! I love the social part of running. The races, training runs and just talking about all of it makes me very happy. The people I run with from Runners Club are very positive and energized about training. When I see and hear the excitement I can actually FEEL it. These moments are just as important to me as running across a finish line.

Running that 5K Saturday, in the freezing cold and wind, was fun. I was happy as I tried to push through that wind. My knee was protesting now and again, but I thought of Sherry, Scott and Sondra who I would never have met if not for running. I thought of Ed and Joan, who are very important to me. I thought of my coach, who gave me the attitude of how to enjoy running. Bob and Carol, who are also special people....there are just too many to mention, but you all know who you are. I thought of my husband Bobby, who at first laughed when I told him I was going to run a marathon but now tells me how proud he is of my accomplishments.

All of these things take the pang of dropping out of SCM.

That being said....I hope I kick Sherry's ass in that triathlon in April!!! LOL (luv ya Sherry!!!)

Clearing Up A Misunderstanding

2008-12-14T09:51:00.003-05:00

This shaving of the 5K is confusing me, and I, in turn, are confusing you. Or "y'all" as we say down here in the south.

So.....My time to shave was 31:05. My best PR is 27:25. I DID shave overall but I was looking for one last PR for the challenge.

Yesterday after the race I was feeling like I ran a not-so-great race, but by last night I realized I am lucky to have even been able to do that race at all. So I'm happy!

Shaving My 5K...Yes or No

2008-12-13T14:06:00.009-05:00

No.

ARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!

But I saw Sherry so it was worth running in the unbelievably cold, windy weather. OMG, it was C-O-L-D! 42 degrees and sooooo windy. The first mile went ok, I had to pull back a few times when my Garmin read 7:40 (!!!) I wanted to hold an 8:30 pace for 3 miles then fly for .1 but the wind was crazy. I hit mile 1 at 8:30, I was happy with that and hoping to maintain but the wind kicked in right after that. I felt like I was running place.

My feet were freezing, my hands were aching and my face was numb. By 1.5 miles my knee was whispering sweet nothings in my ear. And it wasn't saying "I love you". It was saying..."Get the heck off me". I didn't listen. Why should I???? I've been laying low for 2 months now. TWO MONTHS. I've missed 6 races!!! This was the last race of the year for me to shave my 5K time. I had hopes. I had dreams. I had.....a sore knee. And wind. And cold.

I'll admit I was feeling a little bummed now and then. I knew I wasn't going to see a miracle. But ya know what??? I was running my first race in 2 months and I really was grateful for that.

OH-OH-OH!!!! My friend Ed just called me!!! He helped with the race results etc and just called to give me my stats.....28:29 and 1st place in my age division! I am very pleasantly surprised!! You may be wondering why I didn't know this.....I had a 9 mile training run with Chris this morning and couldn't hang around for the results. I was bummed about that because I really love to see my runner friends get their results/medals but I had that prior commitment to run.

But once I got to the gym, my knee was pretty sore. I had a hot chocolate to defrost my insides and contemplated the 9 mile run. Chris came in all bouncy and positive and I didn't want to rain on that awesome attitude so I made the attempt to run. I got about 200 yards and KNEW it wasn't gonna happen, baby. I planted the cooler with the Gatorade and Gu packs at the post and yelled up to Chris. He came back and I told him my knee made other plans. My knee was being a Princess and didn't wanna run. Chris was so fired up he kinda said no problem and trotted off. I felt a wave of envy mixed with pride for him. He will do so well in the marathon! I drove past him on my way home and yelled out some cool "coach-type" words of encouragement. I'll catch up with him later to get the scoop!

EDIT!!!!!!!!!

No shaving my 5K! Sorry for the confusion. My PR is 27:25, I did 28:29 today. The part that surprised me was placing 1st for my age division!!!!

Today is my beloved husband's birthday. He's a lot older than me at 46 years old. I'm only 42, still a chick. He's beautiful inside and out. I'm so very thankful he was born. He's the best husband and father I know. I love him more than I can say. We're going to dinner tonight, I'm looking forward to spending quality time together. Especially later...teehee.....

Here's Mr Birthday Man.....

Love, Love, Love this man.

I'm Baaaaaack!!!!!!

2008-12-10T21:29:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's true!! I can tell you I am once again, a RUNNER! I have run 2 days in a row without that debilitating pain....yippeeeee!!!!

I have been spit on twice though. Chris spit INTO the wind Tues morning and it came back and got me on the arm. Yummy. I woulda thought it was raining, but I happened to be looking in the direction of which the spittle came from. It was clear and minute, so I let it go. Today I got spit on by a new runner friend. In the face! Yeah.....LOL...I guess you could say WE BONDED! What's a little saliva between running buddies, huh?????

So Tues morning Chris and I ran about 2.5 miles. He had a sore achilles, which sucks, and I was so worried about my knees that we did a nice easy run. Very enjoyable and light. No pain and I felt fine after. And he ALLOWED talk time. I know! How sweeet! He read my blog and decided he didn't want to be known as my "fuddy-duddy-running-buddy. LOL...He's a good guy!

Today I ran with Steven and Reg. Reg is from Canada. I guess people REALLY do live there! I thought it was way too cold for human habitat, especially in December, but Reg seems relatively normal...LOL. Kiddin'....Reg is a great guy. He's here in Florida because Canada is freakin freezin. He kicked my woe-begotten ass this morning, may I add.

We started out talking and running easy. Withing 2 minutes, I peeked at my Garmin to find us at an 8:20 pace. Geez! I thought I was going to kill my knees at that pace! I was wrong....we kept going....Reg talks in the METRICS. Sigh. He must not know we Americans revolted against that particular type of measurement. Yeah, we PRETEND to know metrics when we talk about distance AT TIMES. But that's only in reference to races. In our everyday talk, no metrics are used. So we spent a goodly amount of time going back and forth with figuring out distances and paces. Blah. I hate math.

I did need to do some walking, that pace was pretty fast for me as I haven't really been able to let loose for 2 months, thanks to the IT band. But guess what?? I loved it!! It felt like such an awesome workout! I could feel my heart racing, blood pumping, legs eager for the next turnover! Not the blueberry turnover, I mean the leg turnover....anyway....

I was very happy to find out I could really, truly run again. Oh JOY!!!! I'm not sure I would have pushed myself if Reg hadn't led me along. I was still in that euphoria 2 hours later!

Steven decided to wear his cleats for the run. Yes, you read that correctly. CLEATS! I said to him, that he was crazy! He said he hopped into his truck and headed over, forgetting he only had his cleats in the truck, not his sneakers. OMG. He ran in the grass beside us, I was worried the whole time. He's 21 yrs old though. You know how those crazy kids are....LOL. Love that kid.

I have a new goal. I wanna do a sprint triathlon. There's one on April 9, 2009. Chris is interested too. We will begin adding in the training for that very soon. Swimming and biking are great cross training for the marathon, so it should work out well. We're very excited!!!!!! My husband is thrilled I'm adding biking to my menagerie of exercising. This is something we can do together. I look forward to kicking his beautiful ass soon.

Now all I need to do is learn how to breathe while I swim. And keep my legs straight. Oh, and the bike part should be a blast on my Schwinn 21 speed. HA!!!!!

I Am A Swimmer....

2008-12-08T16:22:00.003-05:00

Kinda. I had my first lesson last Saturday!!! It was a "balmy" 51 degrees out and I was hesitant, but I did it! The water was 85 degrees, so it felt fine. Bob, our Aquatics Director and my friend, met me in the pool for my first lesson. Bob was a swim/dive star in high school and college, so I was in good hands. Plus he promised CPR if I was drowning. I had THAT to look forward to. And don't think for one minute I didn't think of faking it to see if he'd really save me.

Bob took a few minutes to explain to me that the idea of swimming is to stay above the water and not sink. Got it. He also explained I had to breathe. Got that too. Then he told me to keep my legs straight while I kicked to move through the water. Ok! Bob told me to reach with cupped hands, like I was pulling the water TO ME. Yes, I promised to do it all.

I didn't sink. I also didn't keep my legs straight or breathe. BREATHE???? No. Not I. I can breath OUT, but I can't be moving around in the water and find the time to INHALE! Then I would drown. Other than those minUUUUte infractions, Bob said i did well. He's sweet, huh?

Then came diving. We stood side by side on the edge of the pool. Arms up, bent forward, head between elbows. My stomach was a wreck. I felt a little dizzy too. Bob said to just let myself fall forward gently. I did it! I was so happy! I hopped back out, determined to actually dive confidently. Took me just a few seconds to go with a little jump. I did it again!! I did a few of those and then I tried a dive further out and it was easy! I L-O-V-E diving!!! I felt so powerful to be diving. I felt so awesome. I swear, I walked around all day smiling. I'm looking forward to practicing swimming. And especially diving. Bob's going to show me a few cool dives, I cannot wait!!!

RUNNING UPDATE:

I met Chris for our long run Saturday morning. It was a 7 miler and I was unsure if I could make it that far (crazy knees) but I figured I'd be there for Chris anyway. Found out a very important thing about my new friend Chris. He doesn't like to talk or BE talked TO for the first coupla miles. Well. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't usually go too long without talking. This is not good. This is a major conflict folks!!! I really tried not to talk to him, but I kept forgetting!! Then I told him I don't need any answers or even for him to be a part of the dialogue. I can talk to myself just fine. Turns out it makes him tired to hear me talk. Pfffft. Nice. I will start wearing my iPod and he can tap me when he's ready for some conversation I guess. It's ok. My feelings are not hurt. Anymore.

All kidding aside, I enjoy running with Chris. He's doing GREAT and showing some serious endurance. By the end of the 7 miles, he was yelling "7 miles ain't NUTHIN!!!" Like Rocky Balboa's coach. Heehee! Hey Chris...."It ain't NUTHIN" man".....LOL (just wait for mile 20.....hahahaha....)

So my knees got tender at mile 5. We did plenty of walk breaks and kept the pace slow so I did actually finish the 7 miles. I probably walked a half mile straight by mile 6, then did a slow run the last mile. Other than sore knees, I felt fine. no soreness anywhere else. I am afraid to say I'm on the mend, but my fingers are crossed for the Winter Waddle 5k Saturday.

I met up with my friend Bill, Mr Space Coast Marathon Man, at our Zoomers running group's Christmas party last Wed. I got all the details!! He had a great time, the weather was perfect! Beardsley had to cancel because he had KNEE SURGERY. Scary, huh???? Bill was wearing his marathon shirt. Very cool shirt. I SOOOO loved talking with him, getting all the details. We'll be running together at sarasota in Feb!!! YAY BILLL!!!!!!!!

Gotta go read my Boggy friend's blogs, I've been absent far too long. Lets see what Sherry and Glaven are up to.......

Ya Gotta Be Kidding Me

2008-12-02T09:09:00.005-05:00

My right knee has finally healed enough for me to run a few miles without any pain. I felt a little pain in my LEFT stupid knee after that 3.11 mile run last week, so I've been taking it easy "just in case". Having the flu helped me make the right decision to not try running, I guess I can thank airborne pathogens for that tiny bit of aided down time. Thanks.

I met up with one of my FAVE running friends, Ed, Monday morning for what we were hoping to be a 3-4 miler. By mile one, my left knee was KILLING me. I felt terrible about wrecking the run for Ed, as we had to turn around and walk back. Well, Ed walked, I limped while complaining and whining the whole way. (sorry Ed) Ed assures me he didn't mind at all. He's a sweetie.

So today, my knee is bothering me. It's the exact same injury I had on my right knee...IT band. I want to shove a needle in there and kill off the nerve endings. I'm sick of this. I've missed 5 races!! 6 if you count the Myakka 10K during the Endurance Project. *scream*

On a good note...I think I won the race series in my running group "Zoomers" for the women! That feels pretty good. Between that and winning the costume contest at the Turkey Trot (that I couldn't even run) I am feeling some happiness peeking through my frustration.

Here's to all my injured running friends: Heal fast, be well and know that you are not alone. You're NEVER alone.

Space Coast Marathon

2008-11-30T18:09:00.006-05:00

I just found the results for Space Coast Marathon! My friend and fellow Zoomer, Bill ran the SCM today. I saw that he was hoping for a sub 5 hour and guess what??? HE DID IT!!!!! Yay BILL!!!!!

Bill finished with 4:58:19...wow! I don't have any details yet, but I know a lot of our Zoomer team mates read this blog so I wanted to get the news out.

Bill and his wife Mary are probably on their way home right now. He must be thrilled!!! I can't wait to get the whole race report.

I need to go through all my pics, I know I have some with Bill in 'em!

Punta Gorda Turkey Trot Race Report

2008-11-28T10:03:00.010-05:00

My husband and I got up at 5am. There was a costume contest going on at the race, so I got back in touch with my Navajo roots and dressed as the Indian Princess I truly am. My friend Stef had some VERY cool indian costume stuff from her daughters' costumes and let me borrow them. Her husband Mark made a bow and arrow holder, whittled a dagger, the feather headband and some collars to add to the dress I already had. He made an awesome 5 foot long spear that looked so authentic. Their daughter even let me take her baby doll that was dressed as an indian too! I borrowed my daughter's moccasins. I was THRILLED!

We got to the race and as we walked up to the registration area, I noticed two things.

1. My knee was killing me.

2. I was the ONLY person in a costume.

My husband, who is very, very shy (we are so opposite, personality-wise) looked over at me and asked if I wanted to change out of my costume before people started pointing and laughing at me. PFFFT. No. This was gonna be even MORE fun, for 2 reasons...

1. This was one race people would never forget me from

2. I was gonna WIN!

The newspaper guy was there, he came and took a picture. I asked him how many other costumes there were. He said two others!! COOL!! Then he said they were both babies. Oh. I can't compete with cute babies! Shoot! Now I won't win. Blah. Whatever. But WAIT!! There were two categories!! Adult, and child. And by "adult", I'm talking age, not porn. Ha!! So my chance of winning came back into sight, and I got to keep my clothes on. Bonus!

They announced the contest, asking all participants to come forward. I pushed through the crowd and stood between the cutie-pie babies. One was an elephant, the other was a turkey. They were adorable! They announced the winner (me) and gave me a $50 gift certificate to a SPA!...OOOOOHHHHH....I'm gettin me an aroma-therapeutic massage!!! Can't wait for that!!!! Truth be told, I didn't even know there was a prize, so it was an unexpected plus to freezing-me-buttocks-off. Yes people. I gets cold here in Florida too. But like the kids in Boston at Halloween, I refused to cover my costume with a winter coat even though I'm just getting over the flu. Proof some people never grow up.

Off to the finish line that I would not be crossing, thanks to my knee. There were so many people at this race that it was tough to find the people I knew. I did see Sherry there with her husband Scott. Her friend Sondra was there too. Sherry got a new PR, but I'll let her post her race report, I won't blow the BIG NEWS!!!!!! (OMG...she totally blew away her last PR)

I saw Bill and Mary, Bill and I ran over the bridge together at mile 20 of the Sarasota Grouper marathon last March. Bill gave me some exciting/sad news. He is doing Space Coast. Sniff, sniff. He hadn't heard that I withdrew from that marathon because of my knee. I'll admit I really wanted to cry. It would have been wonderful to see him there. I had to push away my sadness and just be thrilled for Bill. And I truly am, but man. I wanted to run that race so bad. Bill tried to be nonchalant about it and not mention the extremely cool medal but it slipped out...lol. He felt bad but I UNDERSTAND the excitement, believe me. I honestly feel happy he's going. I can't wait to see his medal and the pictures. How can I not be excited for Bill???? Space Coast marathon is Sunday. I'll be following Bill's progress and I'll post his results as soon as I get them.

Here are a few pictures of the Turkey trot.

Husband Bob and me...

Contestants, you can see why I was concerned about my competition!

Cute babies!

Frank, fellow Endurance team mate and Zoomer!

Scott and Sherry

Sherry crossing the finish line!! GO SISTA!!!!!

YMCA Runner's Club

2008-11-26T11:51:00.008-05:00

Well, well, well. I ran 3 miles today without pain. I did feel some tightness near the end so I walked the last half mile. I'm thinking the Turkey Trot is totally do-able tomorrow! Might not PR, but that's fine.

There's a costume contest so I'm dressing up as an Indian. My son keeps calling me Sacajawea but I was leaning more toward Pocahontas....lol. Someone I know has a few Indian props and one of them is a papoose! How adorable is a papoose??? My husband is coming too, he'll get some pictures and if I look as sexy as I think I'm gonna, I'll post 'em.

Back to Runners Club:

There were 3 of us there today, I figured there wouldn't be too many because of the holiday. My sidekick, Mike (LOL) and our newest Endurance team member, Chris and I headed out. Chris admitted he wasn't feelin' much running love today. I admitted I was still breathing impaired and Mike was in his usual form...always ready. We went with an 11 minute pace...at first...then we got talking and found ourselves at 9 min. By then Chris was into it, like I knew he would be and I found a comfy breathing pattern. If you can call it breathing. We settled into a 10 min pace.

It was a nice leisurely run. We stopped at the bridge and saw huge talapia swimming around. There were about 20 of them. There was a HUGE turtle laying on the weeds. Probably 24 inch in diameter sized shell. We skipped the Garden Of 5 Senses Park, reluctantly for me, but the guys were uninterested today. Now that I know how to use the sundial in there, I get such a kick out of it.

Here are a few pictures of the park... Here's the sundial.

Pretty waterfall...... Cabbage garden........

Oooohhhh, a park bench! There's a bench swing in there too.

I lay on it with my iPod sometimes, when I'm needed some

alone time. Very relaxing place.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. Eat, drink and BE MERRY!

Kisses and hugs to all,

Kim

Unexpected Plus Side To The Flu

2008-11-24T19:24:00.002-05:00

I know. You're probably thinking...."PLUS SIDE"????? Yeah, it's true...and I'm not talking about not having to make dinner, do laundry, or be aware. I'm not talking about being in NyQuil LaLa land, which is one of my fave vacation spots. I'm talking about a real live bennie. Being knocked to the ground for 6 days has made me unable to try to run. I actually took 6 real days off of trying. None of that "oooh, I made it 2 miles" bull. (freakin IT band) I even attempted a core exercise class tonight and had to leave before it even started. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout guys. FORCED sedentary behavior. And I liked it. (said in that voice Carrie's freak of a mother used in that movie...."Carrie".

I woke up this morning feeling rather blah, but so much better than I had been. So I went to work figuring it was only 3 hours. I was very tired but not too bad. Picked up the kids from school, dropped off a prescription, grabbed some groceries, went home, made dinner then decided I could do my class. I got there a little early and while I sat waiting I felt very warm. I was not feeling good at all. I think once I stopped for 5 full minutes I had to acknowledge I wasn't fully myself yet. So I did the smart thing and put the ball away and was walking out the door. Of course by then all my exercise girlie-friends were walking in. I wanted to hang out with them!!!!! But I did not. I'll catch them in yoga tomorrow night.

The Punta Gorda Turkey Trot is Thursday. I really want to run it! I'm pretty sure I can do it. I've decided even if I can't run, I'm going to see Sherry, Ed, Mike, Chris, Steve, Jim, and a whole buncha friends do it. I found out when I had to sit out that 10K during Endurance Project, that I L-O-V-E-D seeing my friends run across that finish line! So no matter if I can run or not, I'll be there.

To all my injured Blogger-friends...it seems to be an injury infested blogosphere these days. Maybe over-training during the summer, maybe you're all just gettin old, I dunno. Rest up, ice...do some relaxing by the fire with your love. Take this time to realize what's really important: you can't run. JUST KIDDIN!!!! We'll all recuperate and be back on the streets soon enough. Hang in there, you're NOT alone. Hail to the Aleve bottle.

Kisses!!!

Happy Sunday!

2008-11-23T09:42:00.003-05:00

My nose stopped running...must have an injury too. HA! Now I have a splitting headache, I'm not sure if it's congestion or from reading this post twice. I'm coughing from deep within my soul and I quite possibly have a fever. My lips are all cracked and dry...Anybody wanna kiss????

On a positive note (betcha thought I was gonna complain some more, huh?) (maybe later)...anyway...On a positive note, I think my knee is getting better. It's not hurting at the end of the day, I worked 2 waitressing shifts without any pain and I can do this now! Which is strange, cuz I could never do it before! As soon as I can breath without coughing I'll give running a whirl again.

Also, it's frickin freezin here in Florida! It was 40 degrees this morning! I do not like to run in the cold. I hate when the inside of my nose freezes and stings. Luckily, if I wait until 11am, it's usually at least a balmy 80 degrees. I can handle that.

The Patriots play the Dolphins today at 1pm. That should be a GREAT game! I hope I have sufficient amounts of beer and chips...I might have to actually shower and get dressed if I don't. GAWD.

I Hab A New Goal

2008-11-21T07:27:00.002-05:00

I wanna run as fast as my nose.
I don't feel well and I'm going back to bed.

Good luck to all who have races this weekend!!!

Mission Accomplished

2008-11-19T18:22:00.002-05:00

YAY! I ran with the Runner's Club today for 2 miles. My knee was sore, but never got too painful. The funny thing was my left knee felt twingy too, so I don't know what that's about. Right now I'm feeling fine. I'd LOVE to run another 2 miles tomorrow and see how it's going but I'll follow the "easing into it rule" for once and take tomorrow off. Well, kinda. I have a spin class at 8:45 I cannot miss.

Chris ran today and did very well. I predicted yesterday that I really thought he'd wind up doing the full marathon and I couldn't wait to see how he felt by his 10 mile run. While a group of us were talking about training for the half, he said "I'm going to run the full." Just like that! I almost fell over! I knew he had it in him! I am thrilled! Then come to find out, he HAS run a half. Not sure how I missed that...maybe because he calls the half marathon "the mini". Yes folks, I know. I finally explained he can't be calling it "the mini" in front of other runners. We'd eat him alive....LOL

I am enjoying running with Chris, he's new to distance and very open to the Galloway method (of which I have embraced). I've always said the reason I love running is because of HOW I learned to run. To have this opportunity to give back what Jim gave me as a coach just feels so awesome. Oh, and Chris called me "coach"...how COOL is that??? Smart guy....lol

Mike ran with us today too. He showed up with two speakers STRAPPED to his body and proceeded to spew forth some funky music. Loudly. Sigh. I should have seen this coming, he's been talking about how cool it would be to have music but be able to hold conversations at the same time. I saw the red flag. I heard the proverbial bell. I know Mike. LOL...I love the guy, don't get me wrong, but today was HYSTERICAL...LMAO! I was trying to talk to Chris and Mike had some kind of meditaion stuff playing...I love Enya but not for running. I couldn't even hear! Mike's lucky I love him, that's all I can say....LMAO!

Steve is the Youth Sports Coordinator at the YMCA and he just started running with us too. He's a sweetie pie! He's 21 years old and doing a great job with the kids over at the YMCA. He just started running so I can't get him to commit to anything, not even a 5K....YET. I'm really hoping to get him into running the half in Sarasota. I know he can do it. I just KNOW it!

My Blog Brother GQ has a knee injury. I'm sending him some healing vibes through the internet, hoping he's healed for his first Turkey Trot next week. He is doing the right thing by resting, icing and taking his Birthday son out for dinner. And getting him a gerbil. (sucker....lol) I can foresee the gerbil blogs coming!!!!!

Wednesday Is THE Big Day

2008-11-18T21:41:00.004-05:00

I'm going to run tomorrow. Instead of the thrill, the excitement, I'm feeling kinda....nervous! I haven't run for 12 days. I have tried to rest the knee and let it heal. I still did my classes, even spin. I should admit my knee felt tender at the last spin class (along with another part of me that should NEVER feel tender) so I kept it a little less ferocious than the others in the class.

Tomorrow I'll just take it easy. Keep a slow pace, do some walk/running. Enjoy the nature and the company. We have a new runner who joined our Running Club. Jim ran with him last week, (I had to go home because I thought I was getting the flu)...(but it wasn't the flu)...(so I missed Runners Club)...(but I wasn't feeling well anyway) ANYWAY...Jim ran with Chris and told me he was doing awesome! Chris is training for his very first half marathon! Just between me and you Blogger-friends...I'd be very curious to see how he feels after running 10 miles. That was the distance I came away from KNOWING I was going to do a full marathon. Out of 15 of the Endurance Project team members, I think Bobby was the only one who got that too. By our 10 mile training run, his wife, Michelle said he was taping the full marathon map of the Sarasota Grouper Marathon to his fridge...LOL..Bobby is going to teach me to dive and swim, incidentally.

I'm so wicked tired. I'll post after running tomorrow.

To all my hurting, injured running friends, please feel better soon. Rest up and be strong for the next run. We need to take care of ourselves so we can do this crazy thing we love so much.

Namaste!!!!

Looking Inside My Heart

2008-11-16T10:48:00.004-05:00

Ya know what? I'm all done with feeling sad about the Space Coast marathon. It's just one race. I will run it next year and probably do better than I would have this year anyway.

Here are a few positive things about running for me to concentrate on...

The weather is GREAT right now for running.
I have some awesome runner friends.
I have some awesome Blogger friends.
My knee is improving, just slowly.
I'm due for new Asics.
I have a new Garmin.
I got my hydrating issues all figured out and no longer "christen" finish lines.
I managed to shave my 5K, even in this Florida summer heat.
I'm a motivational running coach, LOVE that.
I am healthier than I have ever been in my life.
I have run a marathon, so I know I CAN.

Personally, I am in a happy, loving marriage. All of my kids are happy and healthy. I have a job (3 actually), and I'm wearing my pink New England Patriots hoodie. (Ha)

Can it REALLY get any better than THAT without hitting the lottery???

Part 1 of 2 Of "The Last Of The Pity Party"

2008-11-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

PART 1:

My race packet for the Space Coast Marathon is being sent to me. The race coodinator was very nice. She said I couldn't apply this year's fee to next year's race but she's sending my stuff. I feel like we broke up and I'm getting the last of my things mailed to me. I think this is how it would feel, as I've never had a break up quite like this before. Like "Take your cat, but leave my sweater". Sniff, sniff...please pass the tissues Keith Urban.

PART 2 will be posted upon receiving the packet.

I'm going to go color my hair and do my nails. I won't be cleaning the house. My husband will understand, wontcha Bobby????

Happy Friday!

2008-11-14T08:43:00.003-05:00

This week flew by! I didn't even attempt to run at all. I took the entire week off, now I feel like I'll be totally starting over with running. I know muscles have memory but I can only hope mine remember the good times, not the bad. Like my last 5K PR.

I am starting swim lessons next week. I guess I'd better get an appropriate bathing suit for the YMCA! Hahaha!! I'll leave the bikinis at home so the lifegaurds don't go all "crazy" at the sight of a 42 year old woman who's had 4 kids struttin' her stuff at the pool. Not pretty....lol...too bad I never stuck with the Body For Life diet plan. Then I'd be a hot mamma! Oh well.

Speaking of diets...I'm going for a bagel with butter AND cream cheese. Little bit o'salt too. And my 3rd cup o'coffee. Kinda feel like having a grilled cheese sandwich. I think I finished off my BBQ chips last night after work though. can't have a sandwich without chips. I know it's only 9am. I'm startin' early.

And I wonder why I'm not foxy. Blah.

Change Of Plans

2008-11-12T13:27:00.003-05:00

I decided to NOT attempt to do The Space Coast Half. It's in 18 days and I can't even get past 4.5 miles without my knee hurting. In all honesty, I could probably put the pain out of my mind and finish the half, but I know I'd just damage the IT band worse. Then I would miss The Sarasota Full in February FOR SURE. I cannot miss that one. Oh, that would not be good.

I pretty much knew it last weekend, but I wasn't ready to give up. It amazes me how important these milestones become. They worm their way into my heart like a stray kitty. Setting them free feels the same too.

On to some news. I don't really know how to swim, I am afraid of deep water. If the deep water happens to be dark...I don't go in at all. I think swimming will help rehab my knee and keep up my cardio base, something my coach has been saying for a year (and Sherry agrees). Unfortunately, we took the solar down for the heat in the pool because of a roof leak, so now my pool is too cold. The Aquatics Director, Bob, happens to be a friend (and fellow Endurance Team mate) and he said he'll teach me to freestyle! I'd like to learn to dive too. I've never, ever dove into water head first! I can't do it, my feet refuse to leave the edge. I'm nervously excited about swimming. I'd LOVE to conquer the fear. If anyone can teach me to swim, it's Bob. He was a STAR in high school and college! I am going to give it a shot!

I know what you're thinking Sherry....LOL. You're right. If I can do the swimming, I'll be willing to attempt a tri. In fact, I feel a sense of excitement when I think about it. It scares the freakin' heck outa me too.

I think my first lesson is next week.

No Race Report For Kim

2008-11-09T08:50:00.004-05:00

As I type this out, Sherry is conquering MiamiMan Tri...I haven't heard anything from Sherry yet, understandably, but I am anxious. She always does well and I love to hear all the details. As soon as I hear, I'll be posting!!! Keep your skirt on Girlie....LOL...Go Sherry!!!!!!!!

Jim did very well at the senior games. He was competing to qualify for another race and I'm pleased to report HE DID IT! GO JIM!!!!

Mike ran the 5k Satuday (that I missed) and got a new PR: 27:26 which is one second short of MY own PR of 27:25. Kinda funny....lol. It was also his birthday. I reminded him that he's not getting any better...just getting older....LOL

GQ tried out his new sneaks. Got himself a bloody mess on his toe. He traumatized his only offspring by showing it to him....sighhhhhhhhhh...poor little HeisenKidling. Big hugs for Ian!!!!

Friday night at work, my knee was just screaming. It was very busy and I was running around like crazy. That was at 7pm. My boss, John, took one look at me and announced I wouldn't be running any race. That's when I cried. Just a little though. It wasn't so much the 5k I'd be missing, but the fact that I haven't been able to run more than 3 miles since this IT band and I have a halfer in 3 weeks. Blah. Not to mention I wanna use my Garmin for some crazy routed runs!!

I decided if I can't get a decent run in by next weekend, I'm going to cancel the Space Coast Half. There's no point in injuring myself worse and ruining all the other plans I have. I NEED to run The Sarasota Grouper Marathon in February. I will be a very unhappy runner if I can't make that one. My husband assures me that if I need to cancel Space Coast, he'll still show me a good time anyway. Very tempting. But he'd do that anyway!

We've had a little shake up in regards to Phase 2 Endurance Project. Nov to Feb is an extremely busy time for the coaches and we worried about some of our training runs getting sidelined. We're still in negotiations on working this out. There will still be a team, we will be running the Sarasota Grouper Full Marathon in Feb. It'll just be a matter of scheduling conflicts for coaches.

This group will be considerably smaller than Phase 1. I was so shocked to hear people saying NO WAY to the full. I forget how daunting the 26.2 can be. I learned to run with a marathon in mind from the start so it didn't occur to me that it was quite a distance until Jim sat down with me and the map 3 days before that race. That's when I got a "clue" that I was going to be running for awhile. Jim said it was like running from my house up to Sarasota. That's a 40 minute drive. On the highway doing 80 MPH. Yeah. Good times....lol. And it was. I loved every single minute of that marathon and I want to feel that excitement again. Kinda fitting that it'll be Sarasota Grouper again.

I Can't Think Up A Good Title

2008-11-07T13:05:00.007-05:00

I met Mike at the gym at 9:30-ish for a little run. We're running a 5K tomorrow and figured we'd just do a quick 2 miler. My knee was being a pain in the ass (seriously) The jabs of discomfort went from ass to below the knee as we walked to the starting point. Which means one thing, one EYE opening thing, really. I need some oxycontin for tomorrow's 5K. Just kidding. If I'm going to take meds I wanna be on the couch doin nuthin' while I enjoy the feeling.

On a semi-serious note, it didn't really hurt all that much. I've had way worse injuries. Like the hip flexor nightmare. UGH! And that dog bite last January was no picnic either. Or the time I pulled my achilles tendon when I ran into a hole. So you see folks...I guess I can get through this one too.

Mike and I decided to walk 3 miles to stretch out the IT band. We did a loop up and through The 5 Senses park. Pretty cool place. We had a great conversation along the way. Mike was in the military and has been all over the place. He's met so many interesting people and has a million stories to tell. It was nice to take a leisurely stroll through town. Anyway, my knee was killing at about 2.5 miles out but by the time we got back to the gym it felt fine. Weird, but I'm glad to see walking/running isn't making it worse.

I have some friends doing some races this weekend:

Sherry is doing the MiamiMan Triathlon...

I know Sherry will do well, she's a fantastic athlete and a sweet, wonderful person. GO SHERRY!!!! And hurry up and post your results. I hate waiting....LOL

My coach Jim is doing the Senior Games, which if you knew Jim, you'd never believe he was age eligible for that...

Good luck Jim!! I'm sure he'll do well too...he's a phenomenal athlete!

Me and Mike are doing the Punta Gorda 5K, where I'll attempt to leave his ass in the dust.

This is me and Mike at the Sarasota Marathon last March. If you're going to the Punta Gorda 5K, just watch for me sprinting past him....LOL

Up in the northern part of the USA, GQ will be trying out his new Asics.

I'll be waiting for his blog about how new sneaks make him faster....teehee.

Ok, that's all for now. Rock on my runner friends!!!!!

Chow babyyyyyy!!

You're My Butterfly...Sugar Baby

2008-11-06T12:05:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have 2 butterflies, a tongue and no strep throat. I'd be callin' me a winner!

I have discovered a new (to me) exercise called "Spin Cycling". Oh baby. It's a good time. A REAL good time. Except on some parts of me. I don't know how guys ride bikes. I will be chatting with the hubby later tonight, as he's a biker. Hasn't seemed to deter him from other activities that would seem to ME to be deterred from after a guy rides a bike. If it did, I'd be popping his tires every night.

I think this spin class will be great for cross training for endurance. I'm going to ask my coach if he could somehow incorporate some of them for Team Endurance Phase 2! Which starts Nov 22nd! We have 2-3 new team mates, I am very excited. It'll be nice not to have to be there at 6am now that the weather is better. It was too hot to start after 8am during the summer here. Jeez...it was too hot to run at 6am!

I had a 5 mile run planned yesterday with Mike. My knee felt tight by mile 2, no pain. By mile 3 it started to hurt a little but I kept going. By mile 4.5 I had to walk. Mike ran ahead and I thought he was getting the car to come get me BUT NO! I had to limp back to the gym. When I saw him I asked him why he didn't come get me. He said I didn't ask him to. PFFFFT...a good running partner should know when I need a ride without me having to ask. But then I had to admit to him,that had he come to get me I would have been insulted that he THOUGHT he needed to pick me up. So either way, he loses. That's how I roll...LOL (hugs Mike)

My knee was painful this morning but I went to spin class anyway. It seems to have worked it out. I did the grocery shopping and was walking fine. I was sweaty, but no problems with my knee. I wish I had an IT band across my abs. That would be nice! Sick of my fridge being the only place with a six pack around here.

Kimsarunninstill....

2008-11-05T13:47:00.003-05:00

Yep, did 4.45 miles with Mike this morning before my knee screamed "GET THE HELL OFF ME". Being a true athlete (haha) I listened to my body and walked the remaining .64 back to the gym. It was killing me but only for about 15-20 minutes. It feels a little tight right now but I can deal with it. Icing it will help too...

I'm thinking of doing a 5K Saturday in Punta Gorda....I'll have to see.

Endurance Project Phase 2 is starting up on Nov 22nd...very, very excited and happy about that. I think most of our Phase 1 runners will be back!!!!

Off to work, updates later!

*Kim's Running*