Evening Runs Are Awesome!!

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!

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...

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....

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

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.