Lucky Number 7

Not feeling so lucky

2011-05-26T14:31:00.002-05:00

It's about that time of year for me to begin really experiencing my symptoms. I have been feeling a little beaten down for the last week or so. I have to say that it is getting increasingly frustrating to feel like I am embarking the best condition I have been in since moving back to Fort Worth yet still feel breathless between Zumba and Combat songs. Now for the last 3-4 weeks I have felt the weakness start in my arms and move to my feet eventually causing me to stop hit pause and delay the next song bluffing and talking about random ways to get and stay involved at the Y until I have gained enough air and confidence to try again and push play.

Before moving here, I ran and trained for marathons with two friends and over the course of 2 years managed to run myself to the fittest condition I have ever been in. I moved here to begin my journey at the BCC YMCA and found myself really happy and suddenly pregnant. God works in amazing ways and I am truly blessed to have the small family he has given me. After our lil' man was born I found myself overweight and uncomfortable in my skin. I was encouraged by a sudden interruption in my vision to see a new nuerologist and soon discovered I had an infection/parasite in my brain that was attacking my optical nerves and causing me to lose my eye sight. In my own persistant way, we were able to make the parasite dormant and I was able regain my vision again. I also wanted and still deperately want to be able to handle my core temperature going up like a normal person. A year or so later I was given a detrimental blow to my endurance junkie ways. It was scientifically proven that I will not ever be able to do the things I used to do. I was told, unless I move to a colder region of the US or invent some weird device/shirt cooling system to keep me cold I would have to give up on bucket list goals like attempting to qualify for the Boston Marathon or anything of that nature. It is unlikely that I will even be able to tolerate the beating our great state of Texas provides during the summer months long enough to get from the parking lot to my office, a few hundred yards away. It can be mentally defeating.

So that sort of brings me to this week. Normally, I don't write much about my symptoms because I don't want to seem as though I am a complainer. I have been given this body and my talents for a reason. At the end of my AMAZING life I will stand before the Almighty and have to answer for the life I have led. I refuse to stand in front of him and tell that I gave up because of the adversity that has been so boldly placed in front of me. I have been put on this earth to inspire, encourage, teach, and motivate. There is no doubt in my mind, I am doing what I was meant to do.

So today, I am not feeling so lucky. I am feeling tired, hot, hotter, and not nearly as strong as I look. If you were to look at me, you would see that I am fit. I do workout. I do work very hard...but my insides sing another song. It is like my brain and my body are at war. My brain says, "Push play and dance". My body says, "Slow down sister. I will make you slow down whether you want to or not, and should you not listen to me, I will force you to hear me and I will cause you to verbally stutter, feel as though you are floating on air, and if that is not loud enough to make you stop I will make it so you have a hard time raising your hands over your head. I will cause you to have mental fog so dense you can't see straight."

My reaction to this war is usually defeat, anger, and then stubborness. When I tell people about my condition, they always ask why do you keep doing this if it is that hard? I don't have an answer. I would not be me if I did not try to persist through it, move around it, or try to find ways to beat it. It's like a game to me. How hard can I go before I am forced to step back? How close can I get to the line before I cross over?

So, since I have taught more than I should have this week I find myself at home, trying to sleep but somehow continuing to think about Body Pump, Body Combat, and Zumba; my three new favorite classes to teach. I am laying there thinking, how am I going to be able to teach Combat in a couple weeks and still function the rest of the day? It is a very real question I began to entertain last night. I am not sure. I could hardly make it through 30 minutes of Zumba lastnight before feeling completely defeated and motivated to run for the hills. I did not and thank goodness I had some good friends to bail me out for few songs while I regained a tiny bit of feeling and caught my breath. I am wondering though...how appropriate would it be to teach in as few clothes as possible at the Y? Ha, another strategy to attempt to dodge the inevitable.

Eventually I will have to succumb to Ross Syndrome and drastically change my life in lieu of being able feel my feet consistantly but not today. Today, I am going shopping for skorts that fly through the air when I dance. I am looking for one in hot pink, black and lime green. I will look at shoes that allow my feet to be cooler and move freely.

Perhaps after shopping I will feel a bit more lucky!!

Sisterhood

2011-04-13T13:40:00.002-05:00

Last weekend I was able to spend some time with by BFF from my TCU days and discovered the power of sisterhood. I have sisters, two of them in fact. I am very close to each of them, but what I found at this celebration was different from traditional sisterhood. Hotty Hubby, Lil Man, the blonde dog, and I all got in the car a little too late on Friday night and made our way to Cedar Park where we were staying with my brother in law. We were about two miles from his exit when we hear from the back a very groggy Lil man say "mommy my head hurts and I think I am going to throw up". Now, with him being 3, we hear this sort of thing all of them time. Especially when he doesn't agree with the activity we are doing or want him to do. We were not in a place where we could just pull off the highway. We needed an exit, but the exit did not come fast enough. Sure as Hotty Hubby put the blinker on, projectile vomit begins to spew, the really stinky kind. Ugh, gross. Chaos ensued with a quick change of clothes, and a mommy sort of wipe down but we eventually made it to Uncle's house where I immediately put little guy in the tub. Hotty Hubby and Uncle both make a quick run to the car wash to anti-stink the car and sleep shortly followed. I had to tell that part of the story because I was freaking out inside that this event would set the tone of this super quick trip to Austin. We all rested well and got up the next day feeling and smelling much better. Once we all had breakfast, I realized I had to get a gift. It seems my "Y" life gets in the way of extra stuff like shopping for a baby gift. I had the perfect gift in mind, but no time to go get it. I figured Cedar Park had a Baby's R Us somewhere and they do. I never found it or my perfect gift. I was able to settle for the second best perfect gift . I got her a scrapbook. It is funny because I love to scrapbook and until our Lil man came along I spent almost all of my time scrapbooking. It is my contribution to further educating future family members of their past in a very colorful and creative way. Once I found my way to South Austin for a Baby Shower I walked in thinking, I am only going to know one or two people and for the most part that was true. It didn't matter though. I was there for my friend who was embarking on the most amazing journey. One I did not fully understand until I joined the club myself. I walked and a different friend from college walked up to me. Robin and Manda had been friends for almost as long and Manda and I have been friends but Robin and I had never really hung out. Outside of being Thetas, we didn't really have anything in common. I was an athlete and gym rat, who dated this dude from Denton and spent more weekends there than on campus. She was a theater girl, RTF major, and a good kind of different from me. We were joined by Theta and that connection would reunite us. Manda and Robin kept in touch and the three of us would sometimes cross paths when Manda would visit FW. We immediately picked up on wherever it was we left off and enjoyed each other's company. I discovered that she still lives in FW and being so close we should hang out. We talked and tag teamed the gift opening/notetaking job. She is probably way better at that sort of thing than me, I get so involved in gifts and cards to write down what gift is from who. The really cool part of my story did not really happen until after the party was over. By 4 o'clock or so several people had left. Manda's co-workers and future in-laws had all said their goodbyes and moved on to the rest of their weekend. The shower was thrown by Manda's mom and several of her friends. This was a collection of women who have chosen to stick together through life's ups and downs. We all gathered around Manda to talk about mommyhood and friendship. Robin has not officially joined the mommy club, but she is such an amazing friend we embraced her into our group. She will get there in her own time, we all do. It hit me like a ton of bricks when one of the ladies said she remembered Judy's, Manda's mom, shower for Manda. They talked about the gifts they gave her and how the celebrated the momentous occasion. As I was sitting there listening, I realized quickly though our small group of three did not equal mass of her mom's group, the meaning and relationship was the same. I was sitting there thinking oh my goodness, Manda has been in my life longer than my husband and child. She knows things about me that perhaps he doesn't, although I am not sure I could say what if put on the spot, but you get what I am saying. She remembers the Sigma Nu party we went to before driving to Dallas to the club I met my hubby. It warms my heart and makes me smile to think I have friends like this in my life. We are sisters in many ways. We have chosen, like Judy's friends, to stick together through it all. I have spent a significant amount of time in the last year or so thinking I need more girlfriends in my life. My time is spent building relationships and sharing myself with others. I do it everyday and have no problem doing it, but how well do we really know the people that are building those relationships with? We like to think they are solid relationships and friends we could call on at a moment's notice to bail us out of what ever situation has arrived. We call on those friends when we need support, encouragement, and accountablility. I guess, I am thinking about how deep those roots go. I believe that true friends like Robin and Manda only come around once in a while. Manda and I spent about a year or so not talking to each other because life just got in the way. That time apart somehow changed us, maybe for the better...who knows. People snicker about Facebook adictions and the level of false intimacy it provides, but it was through Facebook that we reconnected. I could not be happier we did!! We have hung out more in the last 3 months than we have in the 3 years!! We do what sisters do...pick up where you left off and keep going. I get emotional thinking about what those friendships really mean to me and how they have made me the woman I am today. I left Manda, Robin, and Judy that day thinking I am glad to have friends like this. It is rare and I am so LUCKY to have them in my life. To my new friends, I only hope that we can create roots just as deep and impactful!! The future only knows which of my new friends will stay in my life through thick and thin and all of the ups and downs life will bring. I am really thinking....I am so incredibly LUCKY!!

Fear

2010-08-14T11:22:00.003-05:00

"Have you ever looked fear in the face and said, I just don't care?"

I have. I hate Ross!! It scares the shit out of me!! No one knows anything about it, including the most brilliant docs in Dallas!! I feel like I never know what kind of body I will wake up with each day. Which one will it be? Will I float in the air on stubs and feel weak and beaten down or will I get the be the Rockstar I know I am? I look fear in the face everyday!! This week I have taught 10 classes this week with every format under the sun from Water to Yoga to Cycle to Zumba. Monday was the most disasterous when I was teaching Aqua Zumba for a friend. My feet were gone right from the get go. I have very little recolection of the class, meaning I know what my playlist was because I just took my Wednesday music and modified the moves, but as far as smiling, connecting, having a great time??? Who knows??? I hear it was a great class!! I just wish I could have remembered it!!!

I know, I know...not certified yet, but what does a Fitness Director do with 40 people expecting to dance underwater?? Wait, did that just sound weird, well guess what...it is, but people are coming like drones because they are addicted to it!! Can you imagine a lady or man who weighs more than 400 pounds saying "F you fear, I am going to shake it like nothing else underwater and I don't care who is watching" and then actually doing it? It is crazy inspirational!! I have people tell me everytime I teach that I have such positive light and spirit that I am motivational and inspirational but the truth is, I am no different than you guys!! I gather as much strength as I can every morning no matter what my body is telling me and I come to work and get inspiration and motivation from the members in my classes!! Fear has no place in my life or yours.

I decide everyday that I will live a healthy and active life because someday when Ross actually does destroy my body I can look back and know that I have lived an extremely blessed life!! And if Ross just leaves me alone with the limitations (I hate actually admitting that I have any after the endurance training I have put in over the years) I currently have, well then I know I will continue to get to do what I absolutely love to do!!!

Decide to face fear today and take steps to live a healthier life......and.....

Dance like you mean it!!!

History is so fun to look at!!

2010-08-11T16:15:00.005-05:00

A really really long time ago my best friends name was Melissa Donaldson. I can't remember how we met, but I remember her being my fave person to hang out with. Our families hung out a lot too, which meant our parents were good friends and we got to hang with each other even more! Our families camped, participated in girl scouts together, and traveled together. I remember feeling completely crushed when her family moved back to Cali.

I recently discovered the magic of facebook. She reached out to me and I gotta be honest it kinda freaked me out! I mean, I look different and I am married now so my name is different. So I was skeptical when she started asking me questions about how my life is. Freaky....so I politely asked if she ever lived in Oklahoma. She was a little shocked that it seemed as though I did not remember her. I did, but was kinda weirded out by the fact that she actually found me. I don't have anything public about where I am from or my maiden name listed anywhere. Weird...so anyway she asked if she could post some pics from way back and I thought okay...if this is really her she is going to post some potentially embarrasing photos but it would show me if it was really her. Look it was!!

These are absolutely histerical!! Look at my glasses!! What is she doing???? I have no recolection of this photo but it presents the opportunity to get a really good chuckle in!!

On to Zumba, for the 2nd time today!!

~Dance like you mean it~

It's a cold world out there...

2010-08-09T14:40:00.003-05:00

So I have now worked at a YMCA exclusively for the last 7 years. I started in the Dallas Association as a personal trainer and occasional group ex instructor. I have been in my current position for the last 3 and 1/2 years. I am the Health and Wellness Director. Until recently I only taught classes at my YMCA's. I have since added a couple of classes here and there. I recently became aware of just how special the YMCA is, and I think you will agree after I tell you this story.

I was interested in suplementing my income with an extra class here and there, like I mentioned. Well, good news travels fast and some folks in a not so far away suburb of Fort Worth called to see if I would be interested in teaching Zumba at their gym. They don't currently have Zumba so they were anxious to get it going. I drug my feet a little then thought, why not? So I responded to the email and phone call. Not so long after that I got a call from this individual letting me know she would be in my class that night and that she would be bringing a few friends by. I was actually pretty excited.

Earlier that day I had been to the Zoo with the little man and Day Camp. If you know anything about Ross Syndrome and it's symptoms you know that high temperatures will take you down faster than you can say, "Holy cow, it is really hot". Well, it was hot. I tried to rest up before class so I could present a great playlist with fun moves. About a third of the way through class, my feet were gone. It was like my upper body was floating in air and moving to music and mentally I was really foggy. I quickly responded and switched up my playlist so that I could sit for a couple of minutes while the music inspired a participant lead dance off. It was great!! Once I felt my feet again, I stood up and began to lead the class again.

The guests finished class and giggled and wiggled through an hour of cardio. They came up to me after class and introduced themselves. I was warm and friendly, but boy oh boy, I had no idea I was being criticized and judged by them the entire time.

The next day I touched base with the coordinator from the other facility and we talked about how they would implement Zumba and where I fit into the picture. She assured me that she could make me a better instructor. Ha, I thought. I, admittedly am not the best instructor, but I am pretty freakin' good. So, I began to get the feeling that this was not going to work but I continued to keep an open mind. She informed me that they have a strict uniform policy that would allow members to immediately recognize me and associate me with the Zumba format. We, all of the other Zumba, instructors would play the same songs and do the same choreo in the same order. I became more and more uncomfortable with this idea. I pondered it and questioned whether or not this would work for me. I ultimately decided that it was not going to work. I sent the coordinator an email letting her know that it was not going to be a good fit for me and listed out reasons why.

Her response was appalling!! She let me know that my moves were too repetitive, and that her gym would pull from a "broad version of the choreo Zumba sends us". She said that any sort of sitting during a class is taboo and would not be tolerated at her gym. I don't disagree, but when you can't feel your feet would it have been better to stumble around like a drunk person??? I let her know that I have invested a significant amount of money in the Zumba line of clothing to promote and be recognizable to our members. Her response to that was that the hot pink pants I was wearing showed sweat on my bottom as though I wet my pants and "well, with all of that shaking and jiggling, I am sure that is not the presentation you are intending. That is why we require our instructors to wear black bottoms, it hides all of that yucky stuff". I read that in her response and I could feel the steam coming from my ears like some crazed cartoon character. How dare she? Have I been protected in the Y world for that long? People sweat lady, and sweat in different ways!! I would love to finish a class sopping wet~Ha... ON BOTH SIDES OF MY BODY AND IN EQUAL AMOUNTS!! Perhaps if I did, she would not have been so worried about the fact that I have butt sweat!!! Get a life lady....and don't be so judgemental. You never know when and how your life will change as you age and various parts of your body begin to fail you. I embrace the fact that I am not tinney tiny. I am real. I am curvey. AND I ONLY SWEAT ON ONE SIDE OF MY BODY!! Deal with it or walk away, I don't have anyone to impress, even if I am wearing hot pink pants with a coordinating shirt and shoes, and headband. Mediocre instructors don't pack classes!!

Dance like you mean it folks, and don't worry about what others think of you!! Life is too short for nonsense like that!!

Zumbathon

2010-08-05T16:39:00.003-05:00

We are scheduled to host our 2nd Zumbathon at the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA on Friday, August 20th from 6-9pm. All proceeds go to step up for kids, the YMCA's scholarship program for families who cannot afford the cost of a program or fee at the YMCA. Get your tickets today to take advantage of the earlybird price!
~Dance like you mean it!!

Long Time No Chat

2010-08-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

I have decided to maybe get back to blogging!! I need to keep track of a few things here and there!! So I miss my online journal. I have been facebooking though!! I will start posting events and happenings here and there, so if you find me...stick with me and I will keep you in the loop!!

Food Log

2009-10-04T09:18:00.003-05:00

I think this will help a little. I am having so much trouble getting the food thing back under control!! I am doing better and dropping weight, but I am far from where I want to be. I was looking at my archives and noticed that I am not eating the same as I used to. I am close but not quite.
This morning is the Benbrook Women's Tri (Sprint). As staff we all had to be here at 5:30am. It has been a very long time since I got up this early. Now with my Little Man at home, it is really hard to wake him and chance a day of crankies just so I can go for a run. I have just waited a little longer and started running at 7am. Anyway, we are all here and supporting women of all ages and sizes complete their first or hundreth sprint tri. It is very exciting, crappy weather, but exciting. I get so tired of non-athletes griping and complaining and calling these women crazy people or freaks. As I see it, they have trained hard and for at least a few months for this event. They deserve their time to shine, crappy rainy weather or not. There, done with that.

Now for some accountability!!

Breakfast at 6:00am~
Banana
Oatmeal Packet
MNS and Slim
Snack at 9:30am~
Vanilla Sandwich cookies (it's all I had)
Tea with Splenda and milk
Lunch at 1:15pm~
1 cup Chicken broth and Noodles
Maple Doughnut
Snack at 3:30pm~
2 ounces Swiss Cheese
Dinner at 6:15pm~
Cheesey Potato Casserole

Weight Checkin: 187
Exercise: None Yet

Calories:1607

Fall Breakaway 5K report

2009-10-03T15:26:00.002-05:00

Okay, I need some tips on running 5K's at 9am. It seems my tummy and bladder are confused. I tried to wait until the last minute to get up and head to the race, but Hotty Hubby hates being late. So we showed up an hour early. Yikes!! I was starving by 9 and had to pee like crazy before mile 3. So what do you do? I guess I should have eaten before we left the apartment and well, tried to go pee before we started? Anyway, hotty hubby and I went to the KAT Fall Breakaway 5K. It was listed on my previous post. We had a great time!! It was not too crowded, but it was very hilly. It was in the TCU area...my favorite part of FW!! We finished in 42:35 (13:42/mile). Not sooo bad, but we could have finished faster had I not had to go pee so bad. I was afraid at one point that the next step I took would be like a dam breaking and all the pee would just come flowing!! Yikes...we had fun anyway!! I hope to be able to not have the bladder problem on October 24th. We will see.

Blog on friends!!

Great start to the week

2009-09-28T22:05:00.003-05:00

So my actual birthday was a bit of a bummer, I share it with my mother in law. I know, damn the irony. She turned 60 and I turned 32. Saturday was fantastic, but my birthday was yesterday. I know my hotty hubby will eventually redeem himself. Enough about that...

I ran about 1.25 miles this evening with a friend as I was training him. It was slow and I felt like a race horse wanting to go fast. It was good that I didn't my friend is just getting started into the running thing. After I got home from work, I decided that since I was sans Little Man and Nikko I thought I would go for a run. A boy, did I ever run. I ran about 4 more miles. At first I was just running because I was still a little iritated with Hotty Hubby. So I ran until the white noise in my head went quite. It took about 2 miles at about a 12 minute/mile pace. I was pooped but then I started listening to the words of the music I was streaming. I love my IPhone, more specifically I love Pandora on my IPhone. Anyway, I was listening to Breaking Benjamin. Ordinarily this is heavy and dark music and I choose to listen to light and airy music. But tonight I wanted to do some internal fighting. I am ready to stop using my mycoplasma as an excuse. Of course this is easier when I am running and it is not 200 degrees outside. Nonetheless, I needed to kick my spirit into gear. I enjoyed the music and the run. I am tired, my legs are quivery, and lower back is a little crabby. I finished my 4 miles in about 54 minutes, slow but done!! What a way to start the week.

I would like to write more, but it is time for bed. I am wiped out!!

Blog on friends!!

Fall is coming!!

2009-09-27T16:50:00.002-05:00

I am so excited. I have officially kicked off my fall running season. I starting running with SuperMan on Monday last week. Hotty Hubby and I ran last Saturday. This weekend has been filled with birthdays, family, naps, and food. It has been nice. I am totally embracing my 32nd year. I am proud of the first gray hair that dons my head. Well, maybe that is taking it a little too far. Haha. I was mortified when I saw it. I don't know whether to die my hair or pluck it out...hmmm.

I think I want to try to train for the Dallas White Rock half. I may not be very fast, but I want to do it. If we continue to live in a place that is 80 degrees or higher 10 months out of the year, I will not ever be able to fully devote my training to doing anything fast. Just when I think I am fit enough to handle more, it gets hot and I can't continue. It has really been a very difficult transition for me. I am only able to really train from October to late March. It sucks!!

Here is my training plan:
Run 4-5 days a week; standard long runs on the weekends.
October 3, 2009~Fall Breakaway 5K
October 24, 2009~Pink Out 5K
November 22, 2009~Turkey Trot 5 mile
December 13, 2009~Dallas White Rock Half??
January 19, 2010~Too Cold to hold 15K?
February 14, 2010~Austin Half??

We will see how all of this goes. I need some training partners!! I have Hotty Hubby and SuperMan, I think we will be okay!!

Gotta Go!! Blog on friends!!

I love hills!!

2009-05-12T13:52:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I ran 5 of the hardest miles ever!! It was a running day so I hit a stopping point for the day at work and just took off. I was planning on running at least 6 possibly 7. I settled for 5. It is basically all up hill. Okay, so there were some down hills, but mostly ups!! Yikes!! It is a route that my friend Superman and I have contemplating. He has since broken his foot in Boot camp. Hopefully he will be ready to run soon!! I do so much better with a partner. Hotty Hubby has decided that running just looks to painful to participate. Bummer. Here's the coolest thing about this route...my sitter's house is at the top of the hill!! I can run to visit my J man. They were loading up to go swim practice and he was not happy, so I just turned around and began my trek downhill and back to the Y. It was sooooooo hard. My friend and sitter came in to the Y and announced to everyone that I was running back from her house. The hills are that big!! They all were cheering for me when I can staggering back in the front doors!! Superman was thoroughly disappointed that I had gone without him. I told him I would do it again. Hotty Hubby now thinks I can climb Mt. Michelle on my bike pulling the J man. I think he has lost his mind.

I started to get a little frustrated that I was so slow, but before I could finish the thought, I put it away. I am slow and I need to deal with that. It is getting to be summer time and I only sweat on one side of my body. I need to deal with that. I would like to just put that out of my mind and be happy that I ran 2.5 miles UP HILL!! I did something that most people are not even willing to think about trying. I am proud of that. I see the beauty in that. I am strong and powerful!! I am capable of running tough terrain in the heat and humidity, so I am going to deal with the rest of the stuff that just seems to get in the way. Worrying and getting angry at the fact that I can't sweat on one side is not going to make sweat magically appear.

So here is my plan...go on with life as planned, but just at a slower pace. I can work with that, because I know that when it cools off in late October, I will be in better shape than if I were to give up running all together. I will keep putting on my shoes and lube up just like I do during the winter. I will just have to go earlier and slower to beat the heat. I can have a longer look at the beauty that surounds me. Besides, Superman will not wait for me all summer and if I want to conquer some longer distances this fall, I can't afford to not run. So I will run now in preparation for what is to come. I will run to conquer what I believe to be a real physical limitation. I will move on. I will let it go, and get on with my journey. The finish line is always sweeter when you have to work really hard to get there.

Blog on friends!!

Hot, Hot, Hot

2009-05-08T14:34:00.002-05:00

It is hot outside today!! There is no way around it. Just plain hot. I have a little bit of a renewed spirit today, because yesterday I found out that my mycoplasma is now dormant. Meaning, it is no longer attacking my body!! It was wonderful news!! I had the blood work to confirm it. I am still left with the heat intolerance, but not as bad. I don't have those stroke like symptoms anymore, but I get hot and miserable. That is not any different that any other human testing their limits in the heat.

Did anyone watch the Michael J. Fox thing last night? One word: Amazing. I thought I was an optimist!! He is an incredible human being! More to come on that. I would like to spend more time writing about this!

I rode 30 miles this morning. It was hot and sweaty!! I rode the first 15 in an hour, that was really good for me!! The last 15 however took me almost 2 hours!! I had to stop and keep pouring water on my right side. The tough part was that not all of the water fountains are functional along the Trinity Trail path. Most of the dog water fountains were up and running, and near the end of the ride, that was okay with me. I wasn't drinking the water and I was planning on showering the moment I walked in the door anyway!!

I decided that I will participate in an indoor volleyball league this summer. I don't know how it will go, but it is worth it just to keep working out!! I plan to still ride and run, and definitely swim, but as early as possible. I am also not going to focus on speed. Just distance. Everyday that I get to go out is a blessing. I could have been told that I was losing circulation and was going to lose my legs, but I wasn't. I was told that I have heat intolerance. Big deal!! I will learn to continue to work with it!!

I have to go for now!! Blog on friends!!

Slow running days are here again!!

2009-05-06T13:31:00.002-05:00

The humidity is relentless around here. I was getting prepared for the heat, but totally forgot about the humidity!! That will wipe me out faster than the heat I think. I am struggling a bit with deciding what direction to go in now that I have found out about the permanent damage to my body. Those damn parasites!! The mycoplasma has done permanent damage. I will not ever be able to workout in the heat again. That leaves me sort of lost. I have always been an edurance junkie and I love to run and ride outside and what a perfect time to go, except the whole sweating thing. Poor pitiful me...blah blah blah....

Moving on. I did try to run today. I was a little late, but I did it. I ran 2 miles in 28:40, and walked the last 2 because I was burning up. I finished walking and completed my low effort workout in 1:15:30. I did stop to give Nikko and myself a big drink of water. I am just not sure what to do. Run anyway and give up on getting anything productive done during the warmer months? Run on the dreadmill? Transform into the ultimate group ex junkie? Advice? Hotty hubby thinks we ought to design some sort of jersey/shirt that has freezer pack pockets in it, so I can run with ice bags...he has lost his mind. I will just keep plodding along, literally!!

Run on friends!!

A big finish and some sad news

2009-04-27T22:18:00.002-05:00

This weekend I participated in the Tri Benbrook Sprint Triathlon. I had a great time. I thought I had done really well until I just looked at my previous sprint times. Here is the breakdown:
Swim 300m~6:36 (2:12 pace)~October 2006
Swim (July 2006) 500m OW~14:18 (2:52pace)
Swim (May 2009) 300yd (2:13 pace)~6:38
T1 (October 2006)~2:05 (I thought I was quicker)
T1 (July 2006)~2:34
T1 (May 2009)~1:38
Bike (October 2006) 13.8miles~47:30 (17.4mph)
Bike 20K July (2006)~43:28 (17.1mph)
Bike (May 2009) 13.8 miles~59.48 (13.8 mph)
T2 (October 2006)~1:17
T2 July (2006)~2:44
T2 (May 2009)~1:32
Run 5K October 2006~39:48 (12:45's)
Run 5K July 2006~45:31 (14:35's)
Run 5K May 2009~44:39(14:19's)
Overall time: 1:37:17 October 2006
Overall time July 2006:1:48:50
Overall time May 2009: 1:54:18

I can say this about yesterday...it was crazy windy!! The temp was a balmy 75 degrees or so but the wind was gusting around 25-30miles an hour. I was trying to keep my heart rate in my heart rate zone since I have a big race planned for May 24th. I know that slowed me down quite a lot. I hope to do better next month. I did have a good time though.

Now for the sad news, I will not ever sweat on my right side again. That is quite tragic because that means that I will never be comfortable in the heat again. I guess I somewhat expected that, but I had hope that it would get better as all of my other symptoms did. I will just have to figure out some other sport to participate in during the summer months until we are able to move somewhere cooler. Maybe Canada?

Blog on friends!!

No Half?

2009-04-21T21:51:00.002-05:00

So as it turned out I had procrastinated myself right out of the Lonestar Half Iron. I was crushed. I have spent 3 months on gruelling training. Well, maybe it wasn't soo bad. I was pretty upset though!! I got myself registered for an Olympic in Carlyle, Illinois. I am pretty fired up about that one!! I will get to use my spanky new wet suit. I am a little nervous though, the water temps are expected to be around 70 degrees. Yikes, that is cold!

I am still training, just now with a slightly different perspective. Somehow the olympic distance is not so intimidating. I can do it. I am ready for it. Now if I could just drop another 15 pounds!! I am working slowly at it. I have been adjusting my diet here and there. It is tricky!! I don't know if it is because the first time a lost a significant amount of weight I was in my 20's or if I am just not getting enough food? Who knows, I am still going to persist and defeat the fat!!

I am running in the Benbrook Sprint this weekend. I am a little excited about it. I swam today and finished a long 2000 yard swim in 56 minutes. I actually did 20 x 100's. My goal was to finish each one in 2 minutes. I did achieve that goal for the first few and then my arms got tired and I lost focus on my form. I noticed that every time I took a breath my butt sunk down a little and then I would have to work even harder to get balanced. If I stayed focused, I could take a breath without sinking...I would just roll a bit further and tuck my chin. That was a little tricky because I kept drinking water. Oh well, I will keep trying. Tomorrow is another swim and I am ready to stay focused.

Blog on friends!!

Mycoplasma

2009-03-19T13:55:00.002-05:00

Unlike bacteria, the Mycoplasma has no cell wall. This enables it to invade tissue cells, incorporating the cell's nutrients, and using the cell to replicate itself (much like a retrovirus). When the Mycoplasma breaks out of the cell, it takes a piece of the host cell membrane with it. When the immune system attacks the Mycoplasma, it also gets "turned on" to attacking the host cell. In this way, an autoimmune condition can begin. Autoimmune conditions associated with Mycoplasmas include arthritis, fibromyalgia, myositis, thyroid dysfunction (Hashimoto's or Grave's Diseases), and adrenal dysfunction, signs and symptoms of Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The Mycoplasma organism has the capacity to invade cells, tissues and blood, producing systemic infections in numerous organ systems. According to Dr. Nicholson, it can penetrate the central and peripheral nervous system. Because it has the ability to damage the immune system by invading the natural killer cells (NK cells) of the lymphocytes, it weakens them, reduces their numbers, and renders them susceptible to viral infections, such as Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV6). It may also explain some of the environmentally sensitive responses that are seen with CFIDS and MCS.

I have had this infection for about 10 years or so. We think. All I know is that I met up with this Neurologist and have not felt this good in a really long time. I did not think that this thing was affecting my everyday life and it was!! I can get up in the middle of the night and not feel drunk, I don't have the strobe light sensation when closing my eyes that I did, I have an abundance of energy, and my endurance is so much better!! It is crazy!!

This morning has been full!! I was scheduled to run with one of my co workers~we'll call him Superman~ and he stood me up. I went home and took Little Man and Nikko for a 3 mile run. I am a bit tired today, so it wasn't fast (about 43 minutes). Plus, I am 2 weekends away from my big race and am not ready to push myself really hard yet. I came back to the Y and helped teach boot camp. After that I taught Tai Chi, and will teach Cycle here in a bit. Tuesdays and Thursdays are typically like this now and it can get very exhausting. Anyway, my run this morning was good. I love the smell of spring. I am worried about the heat coming on so early, but then again, isn't it about time for it to get warm?

Tomorrow is Little Man's first birthday. I am so excited!! We are having a party this weekend at a local park. All of our family is coming in and a few friends are going to help us cook out and play!! It is going to be so much fun!! I can't wait to share some pics!!

Everyone should go outside and play today!! It is beautiful...especially if you are in the North Tejas area!!

Blog on friends!!

I need an update!!

2009-03-18T08:34:00.002-05:00

Runner Susan if you visit me, I am in need of a serious update!! Can you help me update my blog?

Now for the serious update!! As it turns out my sweating thing is not such a cool trick!! I have been seeing a new Neurologist/Opthomologist and he has discovered the secret behind it all!! I am being treated for a micro organism called Mycoplasma. It is airborn and there is absolutely no way to determine how I picked it up. Stranger than strange...hotty hubby and little man don't have it. Without treatment, it would have eventually killed me. But now I can live forever!! Haha. I take a heavy dose of medication every morning and after a month, I can say, that maybe I don't hate Texas after all. My eyes are better, I have very little speach issue anymore, and my neurological jitteryness is gone. But wait, before you ask, no I still don't sweat on my right side. Which poses the question: Am I still heat intolerant?

That is the perfect intro into topic number two: LoneStar Half Iron Man Triathlon.

Feeling miserable in my post baby body, I sat with hotty hubby and decided that I would in fact train for a long distance tri. Am I crazy? Maybe...but it has been fun! I actually started training in January and have stuck with it. I feel awesome. My post baby love is still hanging around my body, but I figure it is the high dose of Prednisone I am on. That will be decreased again soon and I will drop the lbs. My race is Sunday, April 5 in Galveston. I could not be more excited. We have postponed any and all other races to save for this one. Runners beaware, once you cross over to the dark side of triathlon, you will go broke!! Between the wetsuit, the race entry, the bike maintainence, and all of the gel and food you need, you will need a second or third job just to pay for it!! I will keep you all posted!!

My run last weekend was particularly exciting. I was scheduled for a really long brick, but decided to switch the days and run. So I was scheduled for a 2 hour run. I ran the entire time!! I am not sure if I have ever done that. Before you start thinking to yourself wow that is fantastic, I was so slow. I only ran 8 miles, but I ran it!! I have been adhering to a very strict training regimen following a different way of training your body. I workout at a very low heart rate. My zone is 130-144bpm. That is approximately 65-75% of my max. If I go above that, it would take too long to recover and I would not be ready for my next run, swim or ride. In theory, this actually makes you run faster over time. I was a sceptic. When I first started I walked most of my sessions and stayed with in my zone. Now, I run 15min miles and stay in my zone. Now at the race, I will need to keep in my zone until mile 6 of the run. After that, all bets are off and I can run faster if, I can.

I will say this: I am faster. I have been cheating a little on this plan and have added a 3 mile tempo run one day a week over the last couple of weeks and taaadaaahhh, I am a 10:05 pacer. At least for 3 miles. My heart rate was obviously too high on those runs, but the plan is working. Cool.

Little man is awake and summoning me for some breakfast!! I love having a little one!!
Blog on friends!!

Heck yeah, I like the cold weather

2008-12-05T08:05:00.002-06:00

So I have been running again and I must say that it feels WONDERFUL!! I love the fact that at 6:30 or 7pm the temp is right around 50degrees. Fantastic!! Saturday I had a rough day and ran 2.7 miles in a little over 29 minutes. I ran on Monday night and finished 3 miles in 33:46 (11:15pace). Last night I ran 2.8 miles in 29:13. I haven't run this fast since leaving FM, RunnerSusan, and Massoman. It is sooooo cool. But let me ask this...is there anything that will deter skunks? I had to cut our run short last night because Nikko spotted skunks....and then one chased us a bit, or at least appeared to chase us a bit. Hotty Hubby has been sprayed before, earning him a well deserved day off. But nonetheless, it was stinky! They are all over the Trinity Trail path at night and I don't want to be sprayed. Should we call animal control??? Isn't that their home??? I don't know what to do...except cut the run short everytime. Which kind of stinks. Hahaha.
Blog on friends!

Turkey Day Top 5

2008-11-27T18:49:00.002-06:00

Today the fam and I walked in the FW Turkey Trot 5K. It was fun!! I am listing out 5 of the funniest comments we heard this morning:
5) "I can't see you, but I am waving my arms and wearing turkey legs on my head."
4) "Your dog is huge!! What kind is it?"
3) "Hey look at that guy, on the left, wearing the hat." (There were almost 10,000 people out there, all wearing hats and probably half were guys. Kind of funny.)
2) "Whoa, check out the wheels on that thing." (I heard this guy say this as they were passing our little guy in his Chariot. I secretly grinned on the inside...yeah he has big wheels.)
1) "Happy Thanksgiving." (Okay so not that funny, but pretty cool to see everyone really getting into the spirit.

We had a great time!! I miss the days of 5, 10K's and half marathons just for the fun of it. I think I might have to get back into the groove of things!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Blog on friends!!

Indoor Cycling

2008-11-26T15:28:00.002-06:00

I have a new passion. Well, maybe it is not a new passion, but one that has really developed into something wonderful. I think if I taught more often I would totally get burned out, but I only teach once a week; usually. There is something about turning the lights off, the music up, and working really hard that just ignites my motivation. I lose whatever stress I have in 45 minutes. It is crazy. I guess it is not that strange. I notice that I have a pattern. I remember running with Runner Susan and Massoman through our usual running spot, way back when, and my favorite part was the darkest part. I remember feeling the same way. Getting lost in the moment and just going with it. When I get lost like that I can work harder. I seem to forget any pre conceived notions about myself, what I look like, what I have to get done, whether or not the child watch staff is going to come find me because the little guy is tired and hungry....it all just disappears. I love it and I need it every week.
I have noticed that there is a group of members that started taking my classes right around the time I inherited it. They were like me, a little out of shape, looking for something, and a little bored. Well, we have a 3 hour time limit to let people sign up for classes because we only have 10 bikes. My class is at 5pm, so people can call and reserve a bike at 2pm. At 2:07 I had 3 people on the waiting list. Other classes are not filling this fast or not at all. They love me as much as I love them!! Yay!! It has gotten to the point where I will need to discuss the need for more bikes. I probably won't get them, but I will ask anyway. Right, back on track...the members who started with me in August. We have slowly worked our selves into a frenzy. It is not considered a great class unless we are all exhausted and sopping wet from sweat. I had such a great time. I am looking forward to it next week.
Tomorrow the fam and I are all walking to the Turkey Trot in FW. We will push the little guy and take the pooch along for fun. In all, I suspect we will walk about 6 miles. That is a nice appetizer before we all stuff ourselves with some really good food.
Blog on friends!!
Happy Thanksgiving.

I have got to get better at blogging again!!

2008-11-22T15:01:00.003-06:00

Check out the little guy!! This was about a month and a half ago!!

I miss blogging so much. With little guy, there are only a few precious moments I get during the week to log everything I am doing. I have been working out, just not the way I used to. I miss it. I am debating paying for a running program just to have some friends to run with. It is very hard to run pushing a jogger with a dog attached to your waist by yourself!!! It's not just hard because I am by myself, it is also hard because I am pushing a 20 + pounder with a dog pulling on me!! I find myself getting frustrated because I am walking when I know I can be running...if only I had some accountability with me!!

On another hand, I have been riding with hotty hubby a bit. We rode about 10 on Monday (little guy and I rode 5 to meet hotty hubby, then we rode back together). Today was wonderful. The three of us rode about 19 miles together. It was slow, relaxing, and fun. Hotty hubby convinced me that he should start off pulling the trailer because there might be a head wind. I said okay. I should have painted gullible on my face. At mile 9.5 we took a break and switched. I had a head wind all the way back!! Sucker!! It was nice though, because I really got a great workout. The trees along the Trinity Trail path are beautiful. They are changing and there are some very scenic spots along the river. It was hard at the end and my legs are a bit wobbly now, but I loved it. I soooo desperately want my old runner body back!! I will get there!! I know it. It is just taking a bit longer than expected. It would seem that I am not going to lose the rest of my baby weight until I am finished breastfeeding in March. If I cut calories, I lose milk supply. If I keep eating the way I am, I gain or maintain weight. It is all a little unnerving!! I know it will all go away eventually. I just have to take it day by day!! And workout by workout!!

Blog on friends!!

From arrgg to ahhhh!!

2008-04-21T21:57:00.005-05:00

I am ready for my cape and my initials "SM" for supermom!! I have been so exhausted!! Hotty hubby does not get up during the night to help with our J man. I get it, I am the source of his food. I have gotten more time off, and rightfully so I might add!! I get it already! He, hotty hubby, is just not as "team oriented" as I had hoped!! Too bad!! This is something we will definitely discuss, eventually!! For now I will cherish this time to myself with our J man!! It is time I will never get back!! So I will take it!!

I found out today that my maternity leave is shorter than expected!! As it turns out I have to go back on Wednesday!! Sad!! I could finish my 6 weeks that I wanted, but it would be unpaid!! After receiving the bill from Cook's for J man's 10 day stay, I can't afford to take any unpaid time off!!

I talked to my mom today to vent and she was back to her old self!! I was telling her about my maternity leave issue and mentioned that I had to go shopping because I need some transition clothes!! You see, I worked really hard to get to a size 8 and sometimes a 10 before getting pregnant. I realize that it takes a long time to get back to pre pregnancy shape. For some, they never lose the weight. I won't be one of those people. I have important lifestyle lessons to teach my son. But OMG!! My mom made me feel like a total loser for having to go purchase size 14 dress pants for my early return to work. I would like to thank her for spurring on a great run and welcomed feeling of general sorness!! Thanks for the support ma!! Oh by the way, I had a baby 5 weeks ago!! Geezzz!!

Yesterday hotty hubby hurt his back. He has been walking around like an 80 year old man!! All hunched over and all!! Yikes!! Tonight after work he came in and pointed out some pretty good swelling!! After much discussion and 2 phone calls to his mom and mine, he took 800mg of Advil, put an ice bag on his back, and has been in bed ever since!! We think perhaps that he had hurt it by leaning improperly and sitting too much in this old recliner we have. It is his fave chair and the source of many sour feelings about his workout ethic!! It has significantly gotten better since he has been cycling over the last 2 years or so. I still hate the chair!! I hate what it promotes!! Hopefully hotty hubby will be to his normal self soon! J man misses him!! I miss him!!

I went for my first run in like a year!! I took J man and Nikko!! You should have seen the looks I got!! Picture this: Nikko hooked to my right arm, both hands on the everyday stroller, and a slightly overweight new mom huffing and puffing her way down the trail!! It was either inspiring or one sad sight!! I needed to blow off steam!! I figured if I can walk 3 miles, I should be able run 3 miles!! Well, I did, but only I did it in super slow 3 and 1's!! I started to get all worked up untl I looked down and saw the most inspirational face a mom could see!! I suddenly dropped all frustrations about being overweight, slow, out of shape and out of breath and just ran!! I also began to worry about the shaking the everyday stroller was doing. Let's face it, the trail is not that smooth. Does anyone else run with an every day stroller? J man is not old enough to go in to the jogger stroller, yet. It didn't appear to be too bad, and he appears to be just fine!!!! My legs are quivery, I am exhausted beyond what I thought I would be!! It is sooooo wonderful to feel physically tired!! I have missed this feeling! Curious about the sudden inspiration? Just check out the cute pic at the top of the page!!

I must go for now. If I go to sleep right now, I will get in one hour of rest before having to get up and feed J man again!! How tiring!! Thanks for listening friends! I am not sure what I would do with out you!!

Blog on!!

Sleepless nights, but so worth it!!

2008-04-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I was at my wits end by Friday last week. We were on a "eat every 2 hour" type of schedule. Only, J was not taking breastfeeding lightly, we were having a weight gaining issue so we were bottle feeding. I created an instant gratification, lazy bottle feeding boy!! Well, that has since changed, but man this is so tiring. I had my first round of symptoms since being a new mom. I woke up for a 3 am feeding and thought the room was on a roller coaster!! Yikes!! Thank goodness my parents came in town to give me a well deserved and needed rest break!! We have gotten the whole breastfeeding thing down now, and we slept through most of last night!! Yay!! 4 consecutive hours!! I kissed the whole trying to breastfeed, then pump, then get J to fall asleep thing goodbye!! I have a new found respect for my mom!! She is the most knowledgeable person childbirth and breastfeeding!! I guess, she should be since she had 3 kids and she is a labor/delivery nurse!! It was so helpful! Since I was in a special circumstance, I did not get to learn everything I was supposed to before birth and in the hospital before leaving. She came in and helped me and last night was so much better! Yay!! Now if I can only get the working out thing back under control. With some extra rest, it should be easier to find energy to walk or maybe even try a ride with hotty hubby! All in due time!! For now, I am going to enjoy the new love of my life!! (Hotty hubby still ranks pretty high, but our J man takes the cake!!)

Blog on friends!!

Our J man!!

2008-04-05T14:46:00.001-05:00

I did not know that hotty hubby had put some pics on the computer while I was sleeping!! Weighing in at 7.23lbs and 19 1/2 inches long!! This picture was taken on March 20, 2008 at around 8:00pm!!

Blog on friends!!

It feels like forever!!

2008-04-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

I have not written in this blog since October? Wow!! Well, Jackson has officially made his appearance. He was born on March 20, 2008. I have managed to lose my cable that will allow me to download pics, otherwise they'd already be up!! I am enjoying motherhood so far, except the sleepless nights. I feel like I walk around in a fog during the day and am wide awake at night. The hypersensitive hearing doesn't help.

I will have to post some pics. He looks like my hotty hubby, but with blue eyes. We have a triathlete in training. He really has some active legs. Good for cycling!!

No training report. I have been very limited on how active I can be. I had a slight case of pre-eclampsia before Jackson arrived. Hence, his early arrival. I now have to wait my 6 weeks before I can begin to run again. I hear my pelvic floor is not ready yet. That sounds so strange!! Ha. Well, our J man is sleeping, so I am off to knap!!

Blog on friends!! I have missed you!!

The perfect fall morning

2007-10-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning, much like the rest of you, to brisk cool weather. There was that old familiar gravitational pull just under the bed this morning. I love that!! When you know that it is cooler and you just want to stay snuggled up in the covers. That is precisely what I did this morning. Oops, I was supposed to lifeguard at 9, but thank goodness I have back ups!!! Nikko and I went for an early walk. We walked about 3 miles in just over 45 minutes. Not bad for a pregnant lady. Hahahaha!! But you all know me, when the temps hover around 60 degrees I am feeling invincible. We walked the Trinity Trail Path. I guess that is the official name for it these days. We just call it the trail. We watched the fog clear over the water and give way to some beautiful spider webs all over the place. What a great morning. I am still finding myself lacking the motivation to go to work.

Our last ultrasound showed that we have a healthy baby. It was last week. We actually went in for the "screenings" for things like Down's and Trisomy 18. So far, we are healthy. I am carrying the most active baby. I can't really feel it yet, but wow. The sono showed a jumping bean!! Hahaha!! He/She definitely doesn't like the sonos!! Eventually I will feel him/her just jumping away!! I keep saying that I am growing a volleyball player!! One could only hope!! Ha!! Well, I have officially wasted way too much time. I have got to go to work!!

Tri Report coming up!! Yes, I actually did a tri last weekend!! More to come!
Blog on friends!!

This week has really flown by!!

2007-09-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

Where did the week go? I have been at a training all week. Well, actually just Monday through Wednesday. I spent yesterday playing catch up. Today I will put on my favorite hat. I will be personal training this morning. I am also training a couple of new staff. That is fun!! After that I do have to do some real work~administrative stuff. But the fact that I get to spend the morning doing my favorite job makes me smile. Oh, and it's Friday!!! That makes me smile too!!

So last night, hotty hubby and I were trying to pick out names for the little one. We don't know what the gender is, but we can still have fun. He was so cute. He actually got a little emotional thinking about being a dad. Tears were in his eyes. I was watching him with my hormonal eyes and just laughed at him. I started teasing him and called him daddy. Hahahaha. He got even more emotional. It was definitely a side of him I did not expect to see this soon!!! This is exciting!!

We are going to OK to tell my family this weekend. Really, tonight. I am really nervous. I am not sure why, but I am. I will have to fill you all in on how it goes later!!

Blog on friends!!

It's funny how life throws you curve balls!!

2007-09-08T19:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I have an announcement. Beck party of two is slowly becoming Beck party of 3!! We are pregnant. It has come as quite a shock for us, but we are happy for the new blessing!! Officially we are about 9 weeks along. Let me tell you, for what it is worth, so far it is not all it is cracked up to be. I am tired, fat, hungry and sick all at the same time. We have actually known for a while, but did not want to tell anyone until we had our first sonogram. It is really hard to tell that there is a baby growing inside of me, but it is. What an exciting time!!

This weekend hotty hubby and I rode in the Cowtown Classic Bike Rally in Crowley. We rode what we thought was 32. Turned out to be closer to 38! I averaged a slow and leisurely pace of about 12.7 mph. It was a great ride. It did not get tough until the last 6 or so. Not too hilly, not too flat, and great weather. I have to be very careful not to get too competitive with myself! The Doc says, I can do anything I want, just be mindful of my level of fatigue and the time spent exercising. I am not allowed to do anything over about 3 hours. Ha!! That is so funny. Marathoning over the next year or so is definitely not in my future!! I am still going to do the Women's Tri in October!! I am excited about that!

Work is still so stressful!! I am so short staffed and the employees that I have think they can only work when they want to. So I have people left and right not showing up for work!! I am so frustrated!! I am at a loss. I don't know where to find employees, ahem...responsible employees!! I have job listings posted all over FW, but to no avail!! I hope things will get better. I really miss training. I don't have to be responsible for anyone but me!! There may be something to that!! I will keep working on hotty hubby on that one!!

Blog on friends!!

Off to St. Louis for a long weekend!

2007-08-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

I have had no time to do anything but work and sleep. I am really short staffed. I lost a bunch of lifeguards and have spent more hours on the guard stand than in my office. It was a long and exhausting week. Hotty hubby and I are off to see my sis in St. Louis. I can't wait to get back and share some really great stories with you all!!

Blog on friends!!

I love the weekends!!

2007-08-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend hotty hubby and I have just slept and rested!! I think my friend PM thinks I might have fallen off the face of the earth! I need to give her a call. She wanted to ride last weekend, but I was at training all weekend!! It looks like I won't get to go to any rallies until after Labor Day. Not much running around here. I was so busy and consumed with my own thoughts and anxieties that I did not have the energy to get out the door. I did manage to get in a very slow 14 miles in on the bike yesterday and today I am off to the pool to get in some swimming.

By the way, the weather is amazing around here huh??? My fam in OK are all under water. Poor folks, they're stranded at the house with water all around. How did all of that rain miss us? I mean really, that is a lot of rain. We were watching some high water rescues and saw a person fall off of a helicopter. Ouch. I think she just fell about 20 feet or so and into water, but still....yikes!! My prayers go out to them all. I hope they are all okay.

Runner Susan, how is the moving going?? I hope you all are enjoying the nice weather!!

Gotta go swim!!
Blog on friends!!

Busy Weekend!!

2007-08-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

So far this weekend I feel as though I have been working out all day each day!! I have been attending SilverSneakers Workshops. This is the insurance program that allows seniors to join certain facilities for free and take these aerobics classes. I have taught a couple in the recent past and thought, you know I should really be more trained in this area. So I went. It was basically a 3 day training in chair exercise and water aerobics. It was nothing too strenuous, but it was like attending a 3 hour training where the first hour of every session was a repeat. We learned about how the program got started, why it started, when it got started, what type of seniors to look out for and so on. Of each 3 hour session only the last hour was the juicy stuff. It was a little frustrating. I might have left yesterday, if I had not carpooled with a couple of my employees. That would have looked horrible!! Oh well, I endured.

One thing to note, on Friday we were stuck in traffic on 635 hell, and lucky for the ladies I rode with I am familiar with the area. So we jaunted over towards Coppell. Would you all believe that I actually felt a twinge on homesickness for the area? Strange. It passed as quickly as it came over me, but I was missing my friends and having all these memories of all of the running and riding I had done through the area. I am still working on finding the right riding and running buddies here. It seems that everyone here is so stinking fast!! I can't keep up. I was considering a 5 mile run tonight with the tri group but their easy run is "possibly a sub 10 miler"!! I might could keep up for what a mile?? Hahahaha!!

I rode on Friday again with my friend RW. She is truely the fittest, leanest, and genuinely caring person I have met in FW so far!! We rode 26 miles averaging roughly 14 mph. It was great. Afterwards, I pulled the captain's chairs out of the Jeep and rested a bit before going inside to lead a water aerobics class. I felt great all day!!

Saturday morning started off with 500yd swim with the tri training group. I have officially started training for the Benbrook Women's Tri. It is October 7th. The swim was good. It was consistent. Nice. Today, or should I say tonight hotty hubby and I will ride for 1 hour. It is on the schedule!!

Well, I am off to enjoy the rest of the weekend!! Thanks to everyone who has stopped by to say hi!!

Blog on friends!!

Smart vs. Not so smart

2007-08-09T18:02:00.001-05:00

Okay, let's play a game. Smart vs. Not so smart

Having a plan to run 4 miles on Tuesday morning=smart
Waiting to run those miles until 7:00am=not so smart

Putting new music on MP3 player=smart
Forgetting to put new batteries in MP3 player=not so smart

Taking Nikko with me on the run=not so smart
(she got way hot)
Jumping in apartment pool before heading back into apartment=Way Smart!!

We finished a slow 3 miles in 36 minutes and walk/jogged the rest to round out 4.2 miles in 54 minutes. Shameful, but I got it done.

I have spent the afternoon learning how to teach SilverSneakers classes. Pretty fun, except for the part where we had to pretend to be 65 or older. How do you actually do that? My teeth are still intact, my joints still work properly, and I don't require additional oxygen to function properly. Hahahaha!! I should not be so mean. I did learn a lot today.

I think tonight, hotty hubby and I will go for a ride. I will have a hard time convincing him to go too far, due to the fact that he drives the car with no A/C and I think we actually hit 100. If not, we were close and the heat index is there. Hummm. I want to go on vacation. Has anyone been anywhere amazing lately?

Blog on friends!!

Vegetarian?

2007-08-06T08:22:00.000-05:00

I have been headed this direction for a couple of years now. After reading Fast Food Nation and watching the movie, I have taken the plunge. I will eat fish though. I am now on day 2 of no meat. Hotty hubby is going to take a little longer, but he has decided the same. If you haven't seen that movie or read that book, you should. It is enlightening. It is disgusting. And it might just change your life. I had an upset stomach all weekend!! Nikko agrees, vegetarian is way cool!! Hahaha!!

I kept to my promise. I did not do a lot of anything except continue to clean the apartment and rest. I rested a lot. Hotty Hubby and I are recommitted to figuring out the sweating thing. I now have access to one of the best teaching hospitals in the nation. I hope to find some answers. I wanted to do the Dog Day Duathlon at White Rock, but it was so hot!! I spent very little time outside over the past 3 days!! It is nice, but everybody needs a little sun every now and then.

Today's workouts look like this:

Eliptical 45 minutes

Weights

Teaching Kickboxing

Teaching Water Class

Beginning tomorrow, my class load is dropping at a rapid pace. Tuesday only 2 classes and that is it for the rest of the week!! Yayayaya!!!! Next week, I will teach even fewer!! I can finally get back to my own thing!!

I must go for now. Nikko is demanding a walk and I have to get ready for work!!

Blog on friends!!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

2007-08-03T17:40:00.000-05:00

Okay, so maybe it is not as hot as last summer but the Texas humidity is a killer!! I rode with some friends this morning. I believe we rode 21.66miles. I can now say I have some riding buddies. I just hope they can put up with my weirdness!! (you know the whole sweating thing)

I had a great time until 18 or so. I was really hot. My friend Tarp seems to think it must be an electrolyte problem. I am still convinced it is not. I wish it were that easy. I think I might humor him and try the concoction he is suggesting. But, what I guess I don't know is exactly how much electrolytes does one need per hour of exercise? I know there has to be a formula out there somewhere.

This weekend I am resting!! I have taken today off for the most part. I am not sure you really take a day off when you work for the Y. People call for this and that. I can't help but to worry that I might be missing something pretty important.

Hotty hubby and I will likely ride. How far? How long? Hard to say. I know we are having lunch with the in-laws on Saturday. Other than that, who knows. I would like to get a swim and a run in. Not too far for the run though, I think we might hit triple digits this weekend and I don't have my early morning friends here in FW with me. Most of my tri friends are headed to RiverCities in Shreveport, LA (I think).

I have been re-inspired since getting back on the blog. I need to figure out how to give my site a make over. I am not so technologically savy. I must learn!! My profile pic doesn't look too much like me. Haha, still me but just a couple of years old. And a new masthead (is that what it is called?)

The other plan for the weekend is to seriously put together a plan for fall. What tri's and marys or half marys and rally rides I want to do.

So far on the list:
Benbrook Women's Tri (October 7)
FW Turkey Trot (Turkey Day)
White Rock half (?)

Hotty hubby and I have talked about a few rides, but have not fully decided on anything just yet!!

Blog on friends!!

32:29!!

2007-08-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

Wow!! Last night after work, I was motivated to go for a run. I really did not want to run on the dreadmill so I went running on the trails. Oh the luxury!!! I know some of you are jealous!! Haha!! Well, it really felt great to run lastnight. Nikko and I did not stop to walk. That was the first time in such a long time!! I did time myself but then hooked my watch on Nikko's collar. I was curious!! And I was excited to see the results. I am considering running the White Rock half. I know, don't get ahead of myself. It just finally felt good. It helped to have a bit of motivation to finish quickly too. I wanted to watch So you think you can dance. That is my fave show on right now!! I am totally hooked. I just wish I could dance like that!! Amazing!!

Well, I must get ready for work!!
Blog on friends!!

Can it be August already?

2007-08-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

I feel like I have just moved across town to FW. How can it be that we actually moved 8 months ago? I am well on my way to beginning to train for my 3rd sprint tri. I am anxious to get going. I just have to stop teaching so much!! I am hoping by this time next week, I will be able to report that I am only teaching 3 classes a week!! With a great deal of luck, I will be able to report that I am I not teaching any more classes and I am not working until 9 three days a week!! I plan to get in a 3mile run today. I am thinking probably on the dreadmill due to the heat. I am only teaching one class this morning and I am quite tired. I do love to run!! I also have an 800 to swim today as well. Hummm. Where is runnersusan?? I went to her blog, but no posts?? Has she dropped off the face of the earth?? I must get to work!!

Blog on friends!!

Hi everbody, I am back!!

2007-07-29T09:51:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I dearly miss everyone!! I am back on the blog world though. Working for the Y full time is really really hard. I will fill you in on the the chaos that I now call life. I work basically 7 days a week. (Not for too much longer, I think I am on the brink of hiring a few people.) I work a regular day, but wait, I also teach 3 classes on Mondays (cycle, kickboxing, and water aerobics); 2 classes on Tuesdays (cycle and strength class); one on Wednesdays (extreme strength), 2 on Thursdays (cycle and Legs, legs, legs); one on Friday (water aerobics); and one on Saturdays (cycle). With all of this teaching, there has not been much training or working out at all!! This has been it. I typically work 12 hour days because of all of the teaching. Like I said, things are going to get better soon!!

I haven't been training, but hotty hubby and I have been riding a little. Yesterday we rode in the Tour de Goatneck in Cleburn. Hotty hubby is donning new wheels. He now has a Bianchi Castro Valley commuter bike. He loves it and it fits him well!! I am still on the cadallic of cannondales. Ha. I haven't gotten a new one yet. It is coming, just not yet. Maybe for my birthday??? We rode 27 miles in 1 hour 53 minutes. We averaged 14.6mph. I think we were stronger this year than last, but I can't find in my blog anywhere that I posted about it. We felt great!! Both of us are approximately 6-10 pounds heavier than we were this time last year.

I find it incredibly difficult to find the balance between work, healthy eating and my former workout plan. Currently, I don't have any "new" running buddies. I recently joined a new tri group, but have not really gotten into it yet. I am now a member of TriCowtown. I am excited to get started!!

I should go. I have to get ready to head to the Y for some personal trainer meetings!! I miss you guys!! I plan to get back on track with posting and working out!!

Blog on friends!!

Long lost friends!!

2007-03-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

I have been so swamped!! I miss everyone!! I want a group run before it gets hot out! I have been sitting in trainings, meetings, and getting things done. That said, I have been having fun too. I have, since my last blog, taken over a team for volleyball. A coach so very unprofessionally quit mid season and now I have to take over. So you can add that to the mix. Kevin, Nikko and I spend about 2-3 evenings a week out on the trails walking, running, or riding. It has been so nice!! I miss my friends terribly!! To the point of tears these days!! I really miss you guys. I have been rock climbing too!! That was fun. I plan to go next week. It should be a blast! Gotta go to volleyball practice.

Blog on friends!!

Oh blogger, I have missed you!!

2007-01-23T07:07:00.000-06:00

Wow, it has been so long since I have posted. I have had the worst time making the move across the metroplex. It is a good move, I am glad I am here, but oh my goodness. The weather, the work, the weather....uggg. I love the cold weather though. Work is good. Work keeps me so busy I lose track of time. I have been chaotically (is that even a word?) working out. I now teach a cycling class on Mondays and a core class on Wednesdays. I don't teach anything else. I couldn't. I don't have time. Hotty hubby hates the commute. It is hard. He doesn't complain, but he came home and then went on a 15 mile bike ride last night. We still have boxes everywhere. It is quite stressful, having stuff everywhere. Nikko and I have been running. We ran Sunday (only about 2.5miles), and last night (somewhere between 3 and 4 miles). We are getting spoiled that the trails are so close. I love it. I miss all of my clients and running friends!! Perhaps we can all meet up and run at the Oak Grove park?? Is Massoman and his BW in London??

Blog on friends!!

A case of the Mondays, but wait...

2007-01-09T20:18:00.000-06:00

It feels like Monday. Is it Tuesday or did I somehow skip forward to Thursday? Who knows!! With the commute, everything that needs to be done at work, volleyball, running, packing, oh and sleeping I have run myself crazy already. It is very possible, I know I don't have much going on so there shouldn't be any reason to be wiped out. Ha!! Work is non stop. It is a challenge, perhaps one that I took a little too lightly. I am overcoming it all, but it is just so much. I almost had to fire one person, hire one person, and interview another. This is way more action than I anticipated during my first week. Whoa....sigh. And we can't move into our new apartment until Thursday instead of Wednesday. Oh well. I ran on Monday on the trails and boy did it feel great. I ran about 3.5miles. It was so great. No traffic, no one nearly hitting me with their car, no running before the sun came up...it was nice. I had to go running. My brain was mush, I had to go so that I could get focused for the rest of the afternoon. Hum, I guess I am one of those people that just has to take a break and get away. I have got to go, I need to pack some more.

Blog on friends!!

What a whirlwind kind of day!!

2007-01-05T19:09:00.000-06:00

Today was my first day "on the job". Ha. It was good. The commute was tough, but not too bad!! It took me longer to get home than to work. That was opposite of what I expected. I was met with smiling faces and a lot of support. I have a really cool office too. I overlook the pool and fitness center. Nice. I have a lot of work to do, but I know with some time, I will get it all done. The day went by so fast, I don't even really remember everything. That's pretty normal right?? I can tell you all one thing, looking at the pool inspires me to get my workouts in!! I am riding in the morning with my friend PM, probably 21 miles or so. I am looking forward to it. After that I have a huge day of volleyball. Every team plays tomorrow and it is only a one day tournament so I would like to see everyone play. Whew. That is a lot. I must rest up for now!!
Blog on friends!!

It's official!!

2007-01-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

I am now employed by the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA. I am now the Health and Wellness Director. It sounds official too. Ha!! How ironic is it that I competed in the Benbrook Women's Tri just before being laid off and now here I am, one of the Directors. I am met with mixed emotion though. I really wanted to move away from Texas and the blazing heat, but to no avail. I am excited about living in my favorite spot in the metroplex. It sort of feels like I am moving home, only it is not home. Strange. I have taken a couple of days off and just done nothing...well, I have packed, packed, and packed. Geez, I have a lot of crap!! I have taken some time to read, reflect and oh yeah, packed. Nikko is confused, but she will figure it out. She will be so happy on the trails. Hotty hubby and I have rolled over 100 miles since Saturday. On New Year's Day we and another one of my friends rode in a 28 miler out in Blue Ridge. A tiny town north of here with a few other people. I surprised myself at one point riding 16.5mph into the wind with a group. We all finished and celebrated by having some black eyed peas and cornbread. Yummy!! I intend on writing more regularly now, since I won't be 15 minutes away from my dearest friends. I miss you all already!! I haven't even moved yet. That is a story for next week!!

Blog on friends!!

OOOOOOH my gosh my legs hurt, but man that was a good race!!

2006-12-10T21:06:00.000-06:00

We, RunnerSusan, Massoman, and a few other RBF'ers met this morning to run the White Rock Marathon. RunnerSusan, Massoman, and I ran the half. All three of us had a great race. The weather was perfect and I PR'ed. I finished in 2:41. That is 11 minutes faster than the last time I ran a half. Here is my progress report:
2004--"The Half":
2:54 (13:21 pace)
2005 "The Half":
2:52 (13:09 pace)
2006 "White Rock Half":
2:41 (12:15 pace)

That is fantastic!! Way to go RunnerSusan who finished in 2:24 and Massoman who finished in 2:04!!! You guys rock!!

How can I be so stressed with cute faces always smiling at me like this??

2006-12-09T13:46:00.000-06:00

Aren't they so cute???

Things are looking better!!

2006-12-09T13:30:00.000-06:00

Okay so the job stuff is still hard to deal with, hence me running a half marathon without fully training for it. I was so tired yesterday after driving back from Austin that I forgot to get my t shirt when I registered. Arrrggghhh. Now I think I might have time tonight after I work at a little part time job until 5, I will rush downtown and pick my t shirt. Bleh. So here is where we are with the job stuff. FW rejected me. That was okay, I was not sure I wanted that one. Hoboken wants me so bad they have waited almost a week for a response. I think I might want that one, but I am not sold. Austin wants me, doesn't want to pay, or allow me to have any sort of creativity with my job. Also, I would not be allowed to coach to make up for the pay cut. I don't want that one. I will turn them down tomorrow. South Carolina, I want. I don't know if they want me. I really want that one!!! That one makes my heart skip a beat. I love what I have learned so far. Today, a different FW called. They want me. I will go meet their staff next week sometime after South Carolina. Everything hinges on what happens in South Carolina. So we have 3 choices: Hoboken, NJ; South Carolina (if they offer), and Benbrook, TX. Financially I must take one. I cannot hold out for much longer. If South Carolina offers, I will take it no doubt. Should they not, I will likely have to take Benbrook for practicality reasons. It is cheaper to live here, would not be that hard to move there, would not have to fly back and forth to see my husband on the weekends and he would not have to leave his job for the moment. Oh yeah, it is a nicer facility and well supported by the community. The pay will be close to the same, with FW coming out on top likely by a couple grand a year (when you consider cost of living). Hummmm, but then I will be stuck here, in the heat which is what I have been trying to get out of for the last 4 years!! What to do???????
Blog on friends!!

How about this for a change of scenery??

2006-12-05T15:47:00.000-06:00

Okay this was supposed to be at the bottom, but you get the idea right?? Hotty hubby with a bald head....yummy!! Heehee!! This is Washington Street. The Y is just few blocks down from where I took this pic.

This is where the dog park is. Can you imagine this skyline?? We don't get this kind of thing in the Big D. BTW, I am convinced that the Big D is a mini me of the Big Apple. There were odd coincindences that made us feel like we were really in Dallas. Strange!!

This pic was taken from the Hudson River on the Jersey side. We were still in Hoboken. We went back later that night to look at the lights. Just so you know, the skyline goes way beyond the parameters of my camara. I just love this pic because of the trees. In fact these might have been the only few we ever saw while there. Hummm.

Running with Nikko is so much fun!!

2006-12-05T15:07:00.000-06:00

She, next to my human partners, is the best pacer and motivator. If we are not running fast enough I get pulled along until we are moving at a speed that is good for her. On our last few runs, she has gotten tired and slowed down enough to nudge my hand. I think she is secretly looking for treats. Silly girl, I haven't carried treats on a walk or a run in quite some time. Wouldn't it be nice if the world revolved around you all of the time. She might actually think differently, she stays in a crate when we are not home. So far we are up to 5 miles at one time. She loves it. Every morning she watches me go for the door and makes sure I am not going to grab her leash. I get the cutest head tilt and ear perk. It is so hard to resist sometimes. I don't think the Y would appreciate me bringing her with me on the days I don't get to run. Nikko has been the top of disscussion today. I thought I had decided not to move to Hoboken, New Jersey. The Y there has a whole other idea. I told them that I was not sure if we could find a place for her there. He did not realize that I had an 80lb dog. That brings even more difficulty in finding somewhere to live there. Among other things about the job, that is one of the reasons we thought we had decided against moving there.

While we were in NYC we had a blast. I think hotty hubby and I walked for 10 or more miles. We saw so much stuff!! We had a blast!! I will post some beautiful pics!!

Blog on friends!! I miss you all!!

A soggy head

2006-11-19T19:41:00.000-06:00

Okay, I now feel like I am underwater. My ears are so full of fluid. I am going to have to go to the Doc because, I think I might also be running a low grade fever. Yuck!! This is not good. I have 3 maybe 4 interviews in the next 48 hours and I am starting to feel crummy!! Not good I say. I did not run this morning. Runnersusan started it, she called first. I called second and Massoman told me that his BW was third. All three of us wanted to sleep in. It seemed that he was the only one who wanted to run. How is it that I can go to sleep with such great expectations, but a mere 7 hours later I am singing another tune. I walk around the rest of the day grumpy because I did not get a workout in. Arg!! This cycle is getting frustrating!! I have to go. I have a few workouts to get done before the night is over and my head is floating around!!

Blog on friends!!

Mad Dash

2006-11-18T15:54:00.000-06:00

I ran in the 3rd annual Dorothy's Dash metric half this morning. I have decided that I really don't like to "race". I would rather just train and never race. I think maybe I have performance anxiety or something. Or.....it could be that 8 miles is the longest distance I have tried to run since like May or June. Hummmm....I wonder what made this run so hard??? I finished in a slow 1:38:16. At least that is what the official clock said. I think my G mini said something closer to 1:36:something. I don't remember. It said I ran 11:36's for 8.3 miles. Hummm. I was hoping for 10minute miles. I started off with the first 3 miles at that pace, then it just fell off. That particular part of the run is/was more hilly than what I was used to. My MP3 player also died before the 2 mile mark, so I was left to my own mental demise. Around mile 4 I had to pee, but there was no potties up until that point, so I had to slow down or run is soggy shoes for the last half. I also got very hot. I overdressed a touch. I wore capri tights, a long sleeve running shirt and a hat with gloves. (a baseball cap). When I finished I had taken my gloves off, rolled my tights up and took my shirt off. I was warm!! Yuck!! Well I suppose this run was a great warm up for the Turkey Trot (8 mile) on Thursday. At least now I know that I can complete this distance.

Also, I have fluid in my left ear. It is kind of like I have been swimming, only I haven't. I can hear it when I walk, talk, and swallow. It stinks!! I had Massoman's BW work on my sinuses yesterday, I wonder if that has anything to do with it???

Blog on friends!!

Job stuff is a bit overwhelming.

2006-11-17T13:31:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have been so busy over the last 24hours!! I panicked because I did not hear anything on Tuesday or Wednesday. Thursday and today on the other hand...my phone has been ringing off the hook!! Next week will be nuts!! I am going to have 3 interviews and possibly a 4th. They range from Fort Worth to Chattanooga, to Sheridan (Wyoming), to Greenwood (South Carolina). What do I do if FW offers on Tuesday and the rest of these are all round 1 interviews?? FW, I don't really want...but I don't want to let it slip by out of fear that I won't get something else. What do I do?? How long can I table an offer?? Do I tell them I am interviewing elsewhere?? Argggg, I don't know what to do!!! Some help would be fantastic!!

Blog on friends!!

A super fast run and a super sore back part 2!!

2006-11-14T10:21:00.000-06:00

I got up this morning with hope that my back would feel better. It does, but it doesn't. I know that makes no sense at all, but it is true. I can breathe and it doesn't hurt, but I still cannot look down at my feet or twist with out it hurting. I have put more heat on it and I am still resting a bit. I ran with Massoman and Runnersusan this morning, again with the hopes it would loosen up. Runnersusan and I went 3 miles and felt like it was awful. It was hard and we both at one point wanted to stop and walk. Out of fear that walking would hurt my back even more, I resisted and so did she. Lucky for the both of us because we finished in 28:27!! Wow!! No wonder it was hard, we were flying!! We saw a shooting star. It was totally cool. I am so happy that it is cold here and I am running the way I think I should be running. It is an awesome feeling.

Blog on Friends!!

A super fast run and a super sore back.

2006-11-13T13:06:00.000-06:00

This morning despite my middle back shouting at me, I ran with runnersusan and donkey. I was hoping that the running would loosen it up. It hasn't in fact, it might be a bit worse. I have rested all day, taken Advil and drank tons of water and electrolyte mix. I am well hydrated. It is totally muscular, but it hurts!! I can't twist, bend, bring my chin to my chest or breathe deeply without it hurting. Yuck!! This has happened before and I don't remember if there was one thing in particular that fixed it. Hummm. More rest.
Oh, oh, oh our run was super awesome!!! We ran 3 miles in 29:23 and we walked a short bit due to the misbehavior of runnersusan's ipod, it would not stay on her arm. We were shocked because along with the ipod, donkey was quite a pill for runnersusan. It was great!! We need more runs like that!!!!

On the job front. No one has called back for a second interview, but it is only 1:00pm on Monday. It may be a few more days. Also, a Y in Austin called and wants to chat and set up an interview. That's exciting. It still gets very hot there. Hummm. My quest for colder weather is diminishing I am afraid. I will keep you all posted!!

Blog on friends!!!

Sleeping in is great!!

2006-11-12T09:33:00.000-06:00

I chose this morning to sleep in instead of running with runner susan. I called her to make sure they were going to run, but when I did not hear back I took it as a sign that I was intended to sleep in. I will run today, just a bit later. Hummm. Only 3 kids showed up last night for tryouts for 16's. That's my age group. I was a bit relieved. I have to get through one maybe 2 more tryouts. I still may have a team, but it is not looking like it. I am glad because if we end up moving I don't want to have to leave a team. That would be so hard. I have an assistant just in case I do have to but I don't even want to do that. Yikes!! I have got to go to Petsmart. We are out of Chow for the Nikster. She's hungry and I must go. I will blog later.

Blog on friends!!

Ahhh, I am so tired!!

2006-11-11T16:28:00.000-06:00

What is up with me?? I am so tired. I was tired all day yesterday and today I am wearing out quick. It is only 4:30 and I am ready to go to sleep!! What?? I have been busy though. This morning I met my cycling buddy and we rode our usual route plus 2 miles. We didn't talk much, but that was okay. I had time to just be. I reflected and thought about things hotty hubby and I need to start doing to prepare for a move. I still don't know where we will go, but we know we are moving. I also reflected on the amazing times I have had with my running, tri, and cycling buddies. Some have been good and some have been really bad. I am embarrassed to say I have not always been a good friend, but I have tried. Sometimes my maturity gets the best of me. What do you expect from a 20 almost 30 something??? We all have our times. I want to remember everything. On Friday I was at a Thanksgiving Feast at the Y for the AOA's and I just watched and thought to myself...I am really going to leave these people. I will miss some of the seniors but I am ready to go. Thank you everyone for all you have to for me!! You have changed my life. Thank you!!

Blog on friends!!

One sad yellow lab

2006-11-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

Poor Nikko got left at home this morning. Hee. I had to go right to the Y and workout with a client this morning so she had to stay home. She gave me the saddest face as I walked out the door. RunnerSusan and I did have a stellar run though. We did 3 miles in 30:11. Yipeee!! We later did some lower body weights. I am going to be sore tomorrow but oh well. I had fun in the process. I think I might do some cross training in between clients. I don't know. I have one more tryout until Saturday night. Yay. Ha. I am excited.....um....really I am.

Blog on friends!!

I think it was rumor!!

2006-11-05T12:33:00.000-06:00

No rain. Ha!! We must have been kidding ourselves. We live in Texas. It doesn't rain in Texas. Ha! Well yesterday was great!! It was good and cold. We rode 32 miles and took it easy. I saw some of my Iron girl friends from over the summer. They were trying to talk me into training for the Galveston 70.3. Hahahahaha!!! The funniest part, I am actually considering it, if we are still here. Hotty Hubby may join me in that training. I am totally fired up about that. He just needs to learn to swim better. Anyway, the 32 was great and just the right distance. I had to rush back and go to work at a craft store for 5 hours. It is pretty neat. They pay me to make scrapbooking stuff. How wonderful. This morning I was supposed to me the Trot group but they keep standing me up. This is particularly frustrating because I would have done the half with runner susan and massoman if I knew they weren't going to be there. It ended up being okay because I met massoman's BW and we ran 4.5 without taking a walking step. It was so good. I felt so good that I went home and grabbed Nikko and we went another 2.5. In all I ran 8 miles this morning. Yay!! I haven't felt this good in so long!! Fabulous!! I have to get to the grocery store and then tryouts round 2!!
Blog on friends!!

A good start.

2006-11-03T18:29:00.000-06:00

I am off to a good start this weekend. What does that mean?? I don't have much to do. I would love to run in the Half this weekend, but I am scheduled to lead a Turkey trot group on a short run. This will be the first time in 4 years that I have not run it. Sad. Tomorrow I am going with hotty hubby and another one of our friends are going to the other side of Dallas for a rally. There has been much debate on which distance we should participate in. We were thinking 58miles, but then it might rain and neither one of my cohorts is into cold wet cycling. Yuck!! I tend to agree. Hmmm. So now we are thinking the 32miler. I will fill you all in later!! Happy Friday!
Blog on friends!!

I got 2 interviews!! Oh yeah!! Oh yeah!!

2006-11-02T11:32:00.000-06:00

I have two interviews!! I am so fired up!! I was starting to think maybe I was not really qualified for the jobs I was sending resumes to. The first phone call was last night. The location is in Ft. Worth. The good news is that of all the places I'd want to be in the metroplex, Ft. Worth is it. The bad news...it still gets over 100 degrees during the summer in FW. The second is in New Jersey. I have never been there, but it sounds cool. (Actually probably cold.) Hotty hubby is not really responding,except sending me maps of where these places actually are. Hahaha! I don't know what that means.
On to my workouts.
This morning runnersusan and I with pooches in tow ran 3 miles. We were both very tired and walked a bit. It was a gorgeous morning. It was a brisk 38 degrees. Nice. It took us somewhere around 35 minutes. After that we lifted about 30 minutes. I will be sore from the weights.
I must go!! Blog on friends!

Happy Halloween!!

2006-10-31T18:35:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone is having a great halloween!! I love this time of year!! Nothing to report on the job front, but it has been a productive day. This morning, despite the high humidity (93%), I ran 4 miles with Runner Susan, Massoman, his BW, Nikko and Donkey. It was hot. I walked a touch, but still finished in 46:32. Not too bad. Not so great either!! I hate it when it is hot. Late this morning a cold front moved through and even though it only dropped like 8 degrees, it feels like it dropped 20!! I love it when it is cold!! I don't have to tell you all that. You all can tell that from my past entries.
Blog on friends!!

Things are looking up!!

2006-10-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

I have not had too many hits on the ol' resume, but then I have only sent out about 15. Runner Susan tells me it takes 20 to get 1 hit. I suppose I will keep trying. In the meantime I have been doing some stellar running!!! The weather, with exception to this morning, has been amazing. I think the cooler weather and decrease in stress with my other old job, I've been motivated to get some really great running in. Tuesday I ran with Massoman, and Runner Susan. We went out for about 4miles. RunnerSusan took her first tumble but saved the tights. I finished in 45:12. I will say I did not stop the clock when she fell, so I could shave a few minutes off. I don't know how much though. Today I met the crew again, minus Massoman (he went way earlier!!) and ran 3 miles. We ran easy this morning. It was humid. Like 81%humidity today!! This morning at 5:30 it was already 67 degrees. Tuesday was 50 degrees and 30% humidity. This folks is why I want to move away from Texas. I want cool/cold weather!! I don't want to be hot anymore. That gets very old. Keeping my chin up!!
Blog on friends!!

Too bad I was so relaxed!!

2006-10-23T20:29:00.000-05:00

This is because just two measely days later I got laid off. I no longer work full time. Some of you may be confused by this because I work so much. I don't work for a company with a boss that has no idea what human respect is. I will leave it at that. I was totally shocked and upset. It basically went something like this: Boss: I have to let you go. This is a basic lay off type of situation. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it. Me: You're kidding right? Boss: No. I am very sorry.
So I went home and cried my eyes out and bawled into the phone to my hotty hubby and then gathered myself to work at the Y for 4 hours. All done with a big fat fake smile on my face the whole time. I learned the art of fakeness from my mother who performed it perfectly everyday of my life as a child. I suppose when you learn from the best, you become the best. Please don't confuse my sincerity with the fakeness I am describing to you now. I am almost never that way. I despised it as a child and now as an adult. I could not cancel my appointments. I need to keep a regular schedule to keep the finances in line if you all know what I mean.
Sunday I went to the grocery with calculator in hand and strict orders to only get what is on that list. I was quite embarrassed. I am sorry if there are some of you out there. In my part of town, you get stared at if you stand there and calculate how much your groceries will cost. It's not that we have to do this, I am just trying really hard to stay with in the budget. Now that I am not bringing in as much I cannot just spend what ever I want at the store. It is quite humbling. I am looking for another job. Hotty hubby and I have decided that we are ready to move away from here. We don't know when or where we will go, but we are pretty sure we are going to move. So if any of you out there know of some one who is hiring an Exercise Physiologist, please post me a comment!!! I could use all of the help I can get!!

Blog on friends!!

Has it really been that long?

2006-10-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

Wow!! Sorry about that!! I am back from a weekend of relaxation!! Forced relaxation!! It rained and rained!! I should have run with Runnersusan on Sunday, but just could not bring myself to get out of bed. I then proceded to scrapbook all day. I mean all day!! It was wonderful. I even signed up for a Restoritative Yoga class. I forgot about it and did not even go. I plan to do some dreadmill running this evening, but I am not sure how far. My eating with the exception of this weekend and today has been really really good. But every now and then even I must cheat!! I am off to work for the evening.
Blog on friends!!

Last minute registries are not all bad!!

2006-10-08T15:41:00.000-05:00

I decided late to do the Benbrook Women's Sprint Tri yesterday. I kept flopping back and forth on whether to do it or not. I did and it was fun!! I arrived early~around 5:40 to tranisition. I went by myself, so there was no stress!!. I got set up and noticed that there were only 3 bikes on my rack. I had all of this room. It was great. I sat and set up and then walked around to see if I knew anyone. I had heard rumors about some Fit2trainers going. I found 2, former Irongirls. It was great to see them. The weather was perfect. Cold at the start and fabulous by the end. I think it was only 70 degrees when I finished at 10am. It was a 300m pool swim so I knew I'd be comfortable. After that was a 13.8 mile bike ride. A 5K run followed the ride. I felt good the whole time. Exept my legs were noodley at the dismount line and I fell. Oops. Not a crash, just a tumble. Hahaha. Here is the break down with comparisons from Irongirl in July.
Swim 300m~6:36 (2:12 pace)
Swim July 500m OW~14:18 (2:52pace)
T1~2:05 (I thought I was quicker)
T1 July~2:34
Bike 13.8miles~47:30 (17.4mph)
Bike 20K July~43:28 (17.1mph)
T2~1:17
T2 July~2:44
Run 5K~39:48 (12:45's)
Run 5K July~45:31 (14:35's)

Overall time: 1:37:17
Overall time July:1:48:50

Progress feels so good!! I did not have any dizziness, numbness, or otherwise weird Horner's syndrome stuff. Yay!! Cooler weather does a body good!!

Blog on friends!!

Good Morning!!

2006-10-07T13:05:00.000-05:00

Hello all! I am proud to report is has cooled off a bit!! Yay!! I am feeling better. I don't know what is wrong with me. I should just relax and enjoy running for running's sake. I should shift my focus away from times and more on the joy I get from running. I can do it. Let's see. Thursday's run was better. I think I have reported on it already. Yesterday I was inspired to do some interval training. I ran 1 mile (12:00) took a rest and ran another (11:45). I went to do some weights (seated ball chest press on cables and standing reverse grip rows) then back to do another mile (11:00). I took a short pit stop and ran one more (10:45). It was nice. I then trained a client and went to a different location and swam 2 x 500 (11:36~I think I counted wrong, and 12:58~see, what's the difference? I swam harder on the 2nd one???). I felt great!! This morning I met a small walking group for a quick walking jaunt to the park and back. It was a cool 59 degrees outside. That is like 20 degrees cooler than my run on Tuesday morning. Fantastic!! After the walk I loaded up the bike and went for a casual 18 mile bike ride. No pushing it, no high heart rates, no timing. Nice. I am now headed off to the other side of FW to register for my 2nd Triathlon. I have to call Runner Susan and tell her I can't run the 10 miles on the schedule. My goal was to get in 2 tri's before the end of the season. And here it is. Besides, for me right now at this moment the tri sounds like more fun than the 10 miles. I could still get that in....just after the tri. I am addicted to the multi sport training. It is fun. Well, I must get to FW and back before the big game comes on at 2:30!! GO SOONERS!!!

Boomer Sooner ya'll!!!

Chin up!!

2006-10-04T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am feeling a bit better. It has been really hot. I hate it. I resent it. I will get through it. I am so incredibly far from BQ ing. I don't know if I will ever get there. It is okay. I don't feel like I am doing that much. I workout just about every day. I don't think it necessarily working out hard. Sometimes I do, but some times not. How do multi sport people do it?? I can't even imagine training for an IM!! Or even a half IM. I have been trying to cut back on working out, but it is hard. I depend on it to get through the day. It is my escape. FYI, no running today. 30 minutes of playing around on a volleyball court and 30 minutes on the eliptical watching LOST (highest heart rate=125!!!). I don't consider this too hard. I don't know, maybe I am doing a lot. I expect a lot from myself and I feel crappy if I don't workout. Hummmm. This too shall pass. I will continue to run and try to have fun doing so. It is running season despite the heat and that is what I will do. By the way I have not ridden my bike all week!! Some of you would smile about that. Hahaha!!
Blog on friends!!

Struggling a bit.

2006-10-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

I have to be really honest for just a bit. I am struggling a bit. I don't want to run. I am not motivated to run. It is hot and I am really really angry. After I am angry, I am feeling guilty for being angry. I want to run with my friends. I want to hang out with my friends. I would rather get up at 5 meet them in the parking lot and wait for them to run the mileage and then celebrate with them once they are finished. How does one go from believing that she is meant to run and to touch other people's lives through running all of the sudden find no joy in what she is doing? It is not fun. It hasn't been fun for a year. I am going to end 2006 the way I began it. Lots of good intentions, high expectations, and complete frustration. I am at a bit of a loss. I am going to continue to plog through hard (for me) runs and easy ones too, but I cannot continue to be angry. I want to not feel sorry for myself, but how do I do that with out giving up the very thing I love to do? Be glad that I cannot cool myself on the right side of my body?? I am grieving. I grieving the idea that I might someday BQ. I am sad and upset and want to go back to the way things were. I was not heat sensitive when I first starting running with RunnerSusan. Those were fun times. Now.....not so fun. Not because of Susan, but because I am miserable. I wish I could find some magic pill that would make all of this better. For those of you that know me, know that this is not me. I don't like easy answers. I like to work for everything. I appreciate it more. Perhaps I just have to work even harder to over come this.
Monday workout: 40 minute indoor bike ride (stationary bike)
Tuesday workout: 2 miles running, 2 miles walking, and 2 x 400 in the pool (I had to do something to feel better about myself. The run this morning was rediculous!!)

I can do this. I will get over this eventually. I just hope it is sooner rather than later.
Blog on friends!!

Great morning for a run!

2006-09-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

This morning I met the gang for our Tuesday run. Instead of track work we all made attempts to run negative splits for 6 miles. The temp was around 55 degrees and no wind. It was beautiful. I however in not in that great of shape, yet. I had to stop at 5. Actually, I ran hard for 2 miles, slacked off for 2 and ran pretty well for the last 1. I felt like I was running on jelloey stilts. My legs were tired. I have not built up the muscular endurance I need to be running that style and distance. I will have to work on that. I felt good, great really. Yesterday I rode to work. I rode really well on the way there, but PR'd on the way back (19.2mph). I have not ever ridden that fast before, unless I was going down hill. It felt great. I am paying for it today. My legs are sore and I am tired. Hohum. I am going to enjoy the rest of the day!!
Blog on friends!!

Finally a cooler morning!!

2006-09-24T13:14:00.000-05:00

I love it. Fall is officially here. Did I say that a few days ago??? Well according to the calander, it is fall. Woooohooooo!!! Yesterday I rested. I shopped actually. I felt the need. Hahaha. Shop therapy, I miss my sis. I did get some super cute pants, a sweater, and all of it in a smaller size. Gotta love that!! I am fired up about my work paying off. This morning I was supposed to meet a small walking group, really small (today) only 2 of us. We walked 3.32 miles. After that hotty hubby and PM and I rode 18.5 miles with a strong head wind in 1:11. Nice work!!! Hotty hubby is going for a new look. We shaved his head last night. For those of you who know him, he looks quite different!! Hahaha. Hey massoman, you could ride too. I am sure we could find you a bike!! It is a cool thing!! I am having a great time with it. Are we lifting in the morning?? If so, could we meet at 5:15 or 5?? I am training someone at 5:45~5:50. Let me know!! Hey btw, how did the 15K go?? I forgot to ask!! Runner Susan, how was the Tour de Fleurs?
Blog on friends!!

Where has the week gone??

2006-09-21T19:57:00.000-05:00

It is Thursday already. I have been very busy. Monday I went back to the neuro doc again. His answer??? Horner's Syndrome. I knew that is what it is. I did not need to spend all that money to have him tell me that. I already knew that. Argggg. Not sure what is next except that we just "wait and see".
Monday workouts:
Bike commute 6 miles
Brick workout: 3.32 miles
Tuesday:
Track workout with the gang (1 mile warm up, 1 mile for time, 1 mile cool down)
Bike commute 13 miles
Wednesday:
Off
Thursday:
3 mile tempo with the gang (33:27~11:11's)

Gray's anatomy is on...must go!!
Blog on friends!!

Renewed spirit.

2006-09-18T07:59:00.000-05:00

It is amazing outside today. This morning I woke up with a spring in my step and smile on my face. I walked outside and knew exactly why I felt this way. There was a change in weather here. It is about 62 degrees outside and brisk feeling leading into the rest of the day. I walked Nikko and wore a long sleeve shirt and shorts. Even she had a frisky feeling this morning. Please forgive my last few entries, I am not sure what kind of slump I was going through. I miss my sister and spending a whole week with her and then back to nothing was a bit more emotionally taxing than I expected. Also, her wedding brought about feelings of sadness when thinking of my grandad. He passed on in 2002. I have felt such a deep sense of sadness, bringing me to tears, lately. I think it has passed. It was strange yet incredibly Karrie. It is the time of year. I am always this way, I think. Cooler weather reminds me of my past. I feel closer to my friends and have a wonderful sense of appreciation for everything. I love it. Finally fall is here. I feel it in my bones. We may have a few more days of warmer weather, but the mornings here will be cooler. Yes, indeed fall is here.
Blog on friends!!

Wearing many hats

2006-09-17T10:41:00.001-05:00

I have decided that I am not entirely sure vacations are a good way to "escape" from life. I have come back to a ton of work and training to get done. I feel like I am back in High school or college and I have missed a few days and now am bombarded with stuff to get done. Uggg. I have had one crappy day last week where everything broke (computers at my full time job), I felt inadequate as a trainer and wife. I think I place too much emphasis on what I think a good wife should do. For instance, cooking dinner or at least having some idea of what dinner will be or keeping up with housework. Both of these things seem impossible to stay on top of. I am just too busy right now. Testing and training simulataneously picked up. I spent 3 out the 5 days last week exhausted. I bickered with Hotty hubby and had a brutally honest conversation with a client about lapband surgery or gastric bypass surgery. It has been a really tough week.
Hotty hubby and I went to FW Trinity trails yesterday and rode 26.5 miles. It was fun. I was so stinking hot. I hate the weather here and hotty hubby doesn't get that. I suppose we all make sacrifices, but I am getting really tired of always being the one who has to give in. I apologize for my poor attitude today, I am just sick of the weather and desperately want to live somewhere cooler.
Blog on friends!!

Wearing many hats

2006-09-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

5 shots, 3 glasses of wine, oh yeah and wedding

2006-09-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

I am detoxing. I have had way too much alcohol, well only on Thursday and Saturday but who is keeping count??? Bachelorette party on Thursday in downtown St. Louis, there were free shots~what more could I say?? Wedding at a winery and the wine was free (well, to me anyway). Sometimes it is great to be 28 and behave like a 28 year old. I think too many times I find myself having to be the mature one. But every once in a while it is great to just go crazy and drink and dance and sing and behave like a 20 something. I was fortunate to not have a hangover either day. I consider myself lucky compared to some of the other girls that we were with. The wedding was so beautiful and my sister was so happy. The weather was amazing and did I mention that the wine was tasty??? Dinner was good, music was better, party was better still. I had so much fun. I did workout 2 times in 9 days. How sad. I was on vacation......riiiiiiiggggghhhhtttt. Hahaha. I will post some pics when I filter through the 200 I have. I am so not kidding. Apparently I have an affinity for taking pictures when I am intoxicated. Hahahaha. I should go now. I am getting up early to kickstart the whole half marathon training again. My goal is to run the White Rock half in December in under 2:30. I know I can do it.
Blog on friends!!

Hello everyone!!

2006-09-03T17:19:00.000-05:00

Hello from St. Louis!!! I am officially on vacation, but not out of touch!! Sorry runnersusan for reminding you!! I heard you talked to hotty hubby! I hope everyones' run went well. I don't have any definite workout plans this week, except for a bike ride on Thursday!! Hotty hubby and bride sis are all fired up about going. If you guys think the weather in Tejas is gorgeous, try visiting St. Louis and Chi town. OMG!! Hotty hubby asked if I would want to live in Chi town?? I said yes. Don't let me fool you, we don't have any intentions of moving quite yet. I really want to, but he is not sure yet. Anywho, I will keep you all posted with pics and stories throughout the week!! The big wedding day is next Saturday. We are headed out for a Jazz festival in honor of Labor Day.

Miss you guys in Tejas!! Happy running this week!!
Blog on friends!!

Wow, it is has been crazy busy!!

2006-08-31T19:46:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not blogged in a while. I have had so much going on this week!!! I ran 12 tests, trained 6 people on Monday, 2 on Wednesday, 4 today, and will have 7 tommorow!! Holy smokes that is a lot. I set this goal for myself this week. I wanted to commute on my bike 3 days. I have only commuted 2 so far. I will have to ride tomorrow in order to make my goal. I think I have been fired up about the weather!! It has been so pretty. This afternoon was the first day all week that it has been hot. It did cool down relatively quickly this evening though. Cooler weather makes for a much happier Marathena. Here is a quick run down of what I have done as far as workouts this week:
Monday: Lifted with Massoman and commuted by bike 19 miles.
Tuesday: Track workout that was 1 mile warm up, 3 x 800's (4:18, 4:09, 5:30~okay I got really tired), and survived my first day with 6 tests in a row in over 6 months.
Wednesday: No workout
Thursday: Ran 3 miles with runnersusan and masso man (a stellar tempo of 31 minutes!!!) and Commuted by bike 13 miles.
Friday: Not sure yet, but I think I will ride (I have to).
I must have dinner and go to bed I am pooped!!
Blog on friends!

Celebrate health!!

2006-08-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend I celebrated my health by going to a fitness conference. Watch out clients, I am really fired up!! This conference takes place every August. Last year was my first time to go. This year I knew what to expect and looked forward to it since January!!! It is information overload and physical overload. You take 11 classes. These classes can be lecture or activity. I did mostly activity classes. These are classes that we don't necessarily have a the Y, but are fun to take nonetheless. I have a ton of new ideas for my peeps!! Hahaha!! Thank you guys for all of your support. I am also finding myself getting out of this anxious, fearful, depressed lack of running funk!! I am excited about what is going to happen this fall. Who knows what my diagnosis will be. I may never get one and that is okay with me. It's been okay for 6 years now. My hotty hubby has been a true inspiration for me. He has picked up cycling like a champ. He rode is bike to work last week 4 out 5 days. He couldn't ride on Friday due to a meeting in the middle of the day (not at the school he works at). He is talking fitness, nutrition, and going on group rides with out me!! I am so happy for him. He has kept me focused the last few weeks. He keeps asking about BQing and when I think I might actually get there. I love it. I may never BQ and that is okay too. I guess what I am gushing is a sense of peace about where I am right now and being okay with the unknown. (At least I am trying to be okay with the uncertainty of what is next.) For now I think I will start putting together workouts for next week.
Blog on friends!!

I'm normal!!! Well....sort of.

2006-08-25T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well folks it turns out that I not only have a normal looking brain and brainstem but it also looks like I have a normal spine as well. For those who don't know I have some pretty weird neurological problems of unknown origin. We, family and close friends, were all thinking for sure that I had MS. Even my neuro doc last month thought I was a shoe in for the disease. In July, I was restricted by my doc from running or biking "long" distances until we get a diagnosis. He said, "Go exercise but limit yourself to how long you are out in the heat and the humidity. Oh, and you need to scale back your marathon training and consider not running in New Mexico." I was in like week 12 of the schedule. Now I will give you that it was NOT going well, but I was doing it. My training has been at a total stand still since then. I have been running minimally, bike moderately, and swimming moderately. I think I have run/walked the regular 5 mile loop with runnersusan and massoman only 2 times since July. This has been tough. I had 4 MRI's of my brain, brain stem, and spinal cord. Guess what??? No MS!! No signs of past lesions, stroke or brusing. (I think I spelled that wrong, but whatever). I demanded that I get released so that I can go outside and play with my friends and try to build back to where I was. I am struggling psychologically with no limits to break through or marathons to train for. I keep hearing everyone talk about what they want to train for and run this spring and all I can think about is how I am not allowed to train. This has been my adiction for sooo long!! My doc's assistant told me that he could not release me to play outside; that I'd have to wait until September 18th (my follow up appointment). I told him that I was frustrated and was going to ride my bike to work tomorrow (which was actually today). He said he'd note that in my chart. Hahahaha!!! I had a great ride this morning and afternoon. Sorry runnersusan for not calling you last night. I was really upset that I did not get any answers from the MRI's. Today I am thankful I have no MS, cancer or tumors. There is something else wrong, but we don't know what yet. For those who don't know, I only sweat on one side of my body (from head to toe), and my pupils dialate independently. That is only letting you know about 2 symptoms. I could go on forever. I don't have time or the desire to divulge more info!! Bottom line....I am normal so far!! That is definitely something to celebrate.

Blog on friends!!!

Humility does a body good.

2006-08-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

I must say I am hating living in Tejas more and more with every 100 degree day. My Jeep is on the fritz, again. bleh. It has been at the shop now for a whole day. I know that might not seem like very long, but it is the only car we own with AC. You got it folks, no air conditioning. Hotty hubby was kind enough to ride to work today and let me have the car. I figure not so bad. I tested patients today so I thought I only have to drive the hot car for a half day then I can get to drive the work van with ac. Not so much. I get into the van and drive it to FW and discovered along the way that the ac was not working. OMG!!! I walked into the Dr.'s office looking like I just got out of a pool. So much for professionalism. As I walked my equipment into the office I could hear the office people talking and whispering. I was humiliated. Not only am I super sensitive about only sweating on one side of my body, I now am making an announcement with my scrubs. It looked like I peed all over myself. Actually only down my left leg. Wait it gets worse. I finally get back to the office to drop off the equipment and let my boss know that the ac was not working and he suggests that I walk back out to the van and make sure that I have the AC button pressed in. What was this guy saying....I am not intelligent to know how to operate the ac a car??? Urk!!!! I have been hot and sweaty for days. I am soooooooo over the heat!! I am really and truely hating Tejas heat!! BTW I have another MRI on Thursday. Should have results on Friday!!

Blog on friends!!

If it is not a car, it's a boat???

2006-08-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

Okay, first off let me say that I feel about 2 inches tall. My co-director was calling me on Friday night to tell me of a very tragic death that occurred in our area. On Friday, a 15 year old girl was struck by a boat on a local lake. She was tubing and another boat was right on the tale of hers. When she fell off the tube, the boat (which was being driven by an intoxicated man) ran her right over. The boat literally drove right over her little body. The very worst part of this story is that I coached her in volleyball two years ago. I knew her. I was friends with her. Hotty hubby and I walked around in a fog yesterday evening. How could such a terrible thing happen??? I can give you an idea. This morning after walking Nikko, Hotty hubby and I decided we'd head out to the lake for a swim. We were in the mood to wear the pooch out. I decided that since I was out there I'd get in a swim workout. So I told hotty hubby that I'd swim to the other point and come back. (totaling about 1 mile). I made to the other shore just fine. It was when I was swimming back that there was some trouble. I kept hearing a boat, and it sounded like it was really close and moving even closer. So I popped up and began treading water. Oh my gosh he is headed straight for me!!! Is this guy crazy??? I was not that far away from the shore. I was within 25 or so yards from the shore. What can he not see me??? I had on a black swim suit and a white swim cap. I began waving my hands and arms frantically. I was determined to get that driver's attention. Finally he gave me a wave back and moved away. You see when you are swimming, you can't just hop on the shoulder and avoid the boat coming right at you!! I need a bit more time than that. I am not that fast of a swimmer. I suppose I could be if he had not seen me. Anyway, he and the guy wakeboarding behind him created these massive waves that crashed me into the rocks along the shore. I cut my anke and had some serious trouble getting my focus back. I kept seeing that little girls face in my mind. In all different ways. I could see her setting the ball (ugly hands), her smiling at a match I went to watch, and I could imagine the accident. I couldn't shake it. I can only say that I am praying for her family. I don't know what else to do. I have sent a plant and a card, but what else can you do in this situation. I had to get this off my heart this evening. I have no anger for the crazy boat driver this morning. This is refreshing because last summer I had serious anger issues with car drivers and their disrespect for the active lifestyle. I have a bit more peace this summer. Perspective is a wonderful thing!!

Blog on friends!!

It is already starting.

2006-08-19T16:53:00.000-05:00

Last night around 10:30pm I heard my cell phone ring. Hotty hubby comes in and says it's AM. I roll my eyes and look at him and say, "Season is just starting and I have already decided to set some boundries." You see, AM is my club volleyball co-director. OMG!!!!! I am not ready for this. Perhaps when it gets cooler and actually feels like fall I might get excited. I can't get past the heat.

Anywho...I went for a ride with my friend PM this morning. It was a ride that almost did not happen due to the fact that I had a flat and could not get air in my tube. I changed the tube last night and still couldn't get air in. So I showed up at her house and let her tinker with it. Luckily she was able to get air in. We rode in the heat (yuck!!) for 26.25 miles. We usually ride a flat out and back, but today we were intrested in something different. So we took a hillier route. It was a great change. I felt the heat though. Somewhere in between 18 and 22 I got cold. I knew it could not have been dehydration because I had set my watch to beep every 15 minutes and took a drink of water. We stopped at 12 1/2 to eat and rest. (I had a hammer gel and water). I told PM that I needed to stop and rest when I got cold. We did and when I got off of my bike I was really shakey. Weird. We sat awhile and I had a bit of electrolyte drink (Cytomax), and she insisted that I have a cookie. I am trying hard to avoid wheat, but she was persistant. I had one. It was sooo good. She handed me another and I could not resist at that point. I stopped at two. Hahaha.
Once I felt back to "normal" we went on home. I sat awhile at her house and poured ice water on my right leg and on both feet. I could not stop sweating for a long time. I went home and took the coldest shower I could. Not that cold. Also, of particular intrest...my psoriasis is back on my scalp. I guess it is back to no dairy and no wheat.

It is time to cook some dinner. Turkey sloppy Joes and sweet potato fries!! Yum!! BTW, I have mine on spelt.

Blog on friends!!

Just a quick catch up!!

2006-08-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Okay. Dusty~Prediction, yes 5K but at like 7 at night. Massoman~Yes Monday lifting!! I was super busy today at work, so far no workout!! Sad!! I just had the best Mahi Mahi fish tacos!! Yummy!!! Anyway, I am running with RunnerSusan in the morning and then it is off to group swim tommorrow night!! I love big plans!!

Blog on friends!!

Some great workouts!!

2006-08-09T17:32:00.000-05:00

Monday involved a half hour of swimming, half hour of cycling (on my spin bike), then some light weights. Tuesday was an hour long boot camp class. (Unplanned, but I thought it would be fun!!). I am sore. This morning was a 5 mile run/walk (we more or less split the run in half and walked back). It was great. Hot, but good. I am tired now and it is only 5:30pm!! Bedtime????

Blog on friends!!

What a great weekend!!

2006-08-07T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am learning that is one of my fave headers. Heehee!! I am back from a short but wonderful weekend in St. Louis. I spent time with my sis. We put together wedding stuff. For those of you who have followed for a while, this is a different sis than the one who just got married in March. I have two sisters and two brothers (in laws). We did absolutely no working out and ate some really horindous foods!! I broke all of the rules this weekend. Oh well, you gotta live a little every now and then, right? Humm. I got stuck at the St. Louis airport until 10:30 last night. I was supposed to fly out at 6:50 and be home by 8:45. So much for that. I got to bed at 12:30 or so. Yuck!! I was really tired.
Tonight I met my fellow fit2trainers at the lake for a swim. Only, I figured no one would go due to the rain we got this afternoon. So I moved my client to back to 6 instead of 5. We started early and I drove over to the lake to find that they were in fact swimming. I got in a quick as possible and did a couple of drills. Actually everyone did a couple of drills for me since I was late and they were about finished. I appreciated it a ton!! I am learning to site better and less frequently, only I have a tendency to site the wrong person. We went off course a bit. Hey I am still learning. It is okay for now. I will get better. For now I want to get on my spin bike and work of some of the nasty food I ate.
Gotta go for now, I made the mistake of telling one of our coaches that I might head out to the track in the morning at 5:30am. I've got to ride then go to bed.
Blog on friends!!

Tons of workouts!!

2006-08-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

I have been busy. Despite my perscription for a slower training log I have persisted through some great workouts. Tuesday Runnersusan and I spent some time swimming and running. I had a great time. It is always a nice change of pace when I get to go to her gym. It feels like another world. Last night I talked to my mom and then felt compelled to run butt off (5 miles in 59:30). She went on about possibly having cancer instead of MS. This prospect made me want to throw up. She had a point. Whatever kind of cancer she had been researching sounded devestatingly similar to what my freaky symptoms are. Bottom line, I am still more anxious than I am willing to admit out loud. I don't know what is wrong with me, but I do know this....I have the healthiest brain my neuro doc has seen in years. So what ever is going on is not in my head. Hahaha. I have to laugh you know. I am off to have yet another MRI of my spine next week sometime. We will all have to see what happens next.
Tonight I needed to swim, and swim for a long time. I needed a great workout. I had one. I warmed up with 100m. I was being agressive, I know, but then I swam 4 x 400, and cooled down with 100m. It was nice to get out of the water tired. Why is it so much easier to transport myself to another world when I am swimming than when I am running? I just get lost in what I am doing, breathing, counting, looking, and so on. The mind wobbles.
Must head to bed.
Blog on friends!!!

Great swim workout!!

2006-07-31T21:12:00.000-05:00

Tonight I swam with my friend PM. I did a 100 warm up, 5 x 100 (in 2:00 each), 400. It was a great workout.

Blog on friends!!

I am famous!!

2006-07-31T17:31:00.000-05:00

Hahaha!! My friend Calley emailed me and told me I am on the first page of this photographer. They did the pictures for the Irongirl Triathlon.

http://www.asiorders.com/view_event.asp?EVENTID=11328

Blog on friends!!

Here's the news!!

2006-07-25T17:46:00.000-05:00

We are Iron Girls!! This is a pic of some of my teammates from my tri group. We had sooooo much fun!! The one on the end did not actually get to complete the tri on account of a cycling accident. We missed her out on the course.
The swim was great. I finished in just over 14 minutes. That was fast for me. It was nice and cool outside on Sunday morning. The water was warm but the air was cold getting out.
Feeling refreshed I transitioned slow, but felt quick (2 minutes) to get on my bike. Unfortunately someone knocked my helmet off my bike and broke the viser. That is why it looks weird. Anyway, I pushed as quickly as I could through the 12.76mile ride. I finished in an unbelievable 43 minutes (something like 17mph). Let me tell you all this, I HAVE NEVER RIDEN THAT FAST, EVER!! I felt great but was getting hot. I had so much fun going that fast. At one point, I was going so fast I was afraid to take my hands off the handle bars.
I walked the first half of the 5K because my legs were noodley. Yes, that is a word~a very scientific word. Hahaha. Anyway, because it was getting warm and I had not practiced enough brick workouts I needed extra time to adapt to the transition. I was so happy to cross that finish line. I felt amazing. I was excited that I had actually completed it. My first tri!! In all I finished in 1:48:49. I was faster than I had predicted. I told my family it would likely take about 2 hours. I really had no idea how long it would take me.
My family had so much fun. Hotty hubby, my mom and dad were all present and accounted for. They said that they could totally tell just how much fun I was having because everytime they saw me I had the biggest smile on my face. They also had a great time. My mom mentioned that the environment of a tri was more relaxed than that of a marathon. We all had a ton of fun. I am definitely addicted!!

Blog on friends!!

Ohhhhh, my back is killing me with all of this pressure and guilt!!

2006-07-18T14:22:00.000-05:00

Okay, I was supposed to go to the track party this morning at 5:30am and I chose not to go. I called RunnerSusan at 5:30 to tell her to relay that I would be sleeping an extra hour and then I'd head off to the trails. I needed to get in 18-20miles today. I figured trails then a dip in the lake~what a morning. Too bad I decided to torture my hotty hubby with a like 2 hour snooze session. I felt really bad for about 30seconds. Hahaha. I did not get up until 8am. What is my major lack of motivation problem. I feel uninspired to run today. Swim?? I am up for it. Ride??? I am up for it. Run??? No way!! Could it be the oppressive heat? Overtraining? Overwhelmed by this weekend and the high mileage? Likely a combo of it all!! I am looking at my calander and am stumped by when I can get this mileage in. Perhaps on Thursday. The only problem....recovery. Thursday to Sunday~would this be enough recovery? It will have to be.
Hey Massoman, I have been thinking about the answer to your question. I think bleachers would be a suitable switch for lunges and squats, the only prob...bleachers are a form of Plyos. Becareful and give yourself time for recovery. Haha, listen to me....do as I say not as I do!!! You may consider cutting back on mileage the day of and after for rest's sake. What a calorie blasting workout!! Following in the footsteps of Fireman Ken huh??? Way to go!! Sorry for being such a slacker!!

Blog on friends!!

6 days, 5 minutes, and 49 seconds left!!

2006-07-17T07:55:00.000-05:00

Alright guys that is all I have left before my very first tri!!! Yippeeeee!!! I am well prepared and so incredibly excited!!! Over the weekend, the Irongirls spent some time getting to know the course. WOW!! Not wow as in it is the most incredible place ever but, wow as in this is really here....I am really going to do this!! I am so fired up!! My family is coming in and my hotty hubby is going to be there!! My workouts this weekend were light. We rode the course and ran the course in Las Colinas on Saturday. I actually hung with the lead group on the cycling portion, right up until I had to make a pit stop. Luckily there was filling station along the course near the end I was able to stop at. I was shocked that I was able to hang with that group!! I think we were averaging 14-16mph. Yes!!!! It is great what a good bike will do for you!! Also, the Irongirls noticed that I got a new bike. That was cool!! They had only seen my old bike once or twice!! I was glowing inside that they noticed!! Anyway the running part was way hot and I was afraid of pushing too hard without anyone there so I walked half the course. I must say, there is not much shade. It will be miserable!! We will make it though and we will do great!! Yesterday, hotty hubby, PM, and I went for a short and easy ride. We pushed the pace a bit and I think it upset hotty hubby. We finished our regular route in a minute quicker than last time. Hotty hubby rides a MTB with big knobbies, so he has a hard time keeping up. We spent time yesterday talking and looking for some different tires for his bike. He will feel better when we get those on. I have to jet off to work, so I will check in with you all later!!
Blog on friends!!

Not much going on...

2006-07-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

Monday was a recovery day. That meant no exercise. And that was that.
Tuesday I ran 5 miles in 52:50. After training clients I swam. I went to the gym and swam about a mile~just under. I actually did not sleep well last night, so I am groggy today. I had figured that I would have slept better after a swim, but I guess not. Today I procrastinated myself into a run only day. I was supposed to swim again, but I just did not get it done. Oh well. I did however ran off some anxiety over my Dr.'s appointment on the 24th. Those close to me know which Doc I am going to see. I will fill the rest of you in later. Let's just say this is something I have avoided for a really long time. I ran my scheduled 5 miles. I watched "So you think you can dance." Pretty good show. I enjoyed it. I finished in 58 something. I just wanted to run off anxiety. I was pretty successful. Tomorrow is 13 miles. I think I will run half with the tri group and the other half on the trails. I could use some change. Heehee. I am also overdue for another swim. I would like to get it in after training some clients.
I am tired for now and Lost reruns are on, so I should go.
Blog on friends!!

Funny Hahaha!!

2006-07-09T20:46:00.000-05:00

I thought some of you would get a great kick out of this!!! Especially all of you tri babes out there!!!
BTW: It is not really like this. (For all of you who have not been bitten by the tri bug yet...)

http://weshobsonperformance.com/images/video.mpeg

Blog on friends!!

It's all about strategy, right??

2006-07-06T21:18:00.000-05:00

Let me fill you all in. Yesterday was a big workout day!!! I started off with a 5 mile dreadmill run (52:30). I trained a few clients then went home to rest. I still had a brick workout ahead of me. This for all who don't know is a bike with a run immediately following the bike. I rode the spin bike for 1 hour then beat the rain and ran 3 miles. I was pooped!!
This morning I ran my long run (18 miles). I got up early and went to WR lake and made one loop (9.2miles) then went to the Jeep to refill water and Hammer gel. I finished up as quickly as possible--only it was at a snails pace. I averaged 15 minute miles. I am left feeling irritated and sore!! So one, marathena, is left to ponder what it will take to shave approximately 3 minutes per mile off her time in let's say 8 weeks??? Will it be enough to just lay off the other training?? By other training I am refering to the swimming and biking, brick workouts and duathlons??? The simple answer would be a loud YES!!!! Ummm, with that said I also did a swim workout tonight with the Irongirls. I am way tired!! My right hip is bugging me a bit. I am not sure if I need an adjustment or rest or what. Probably both. I will have to make an appointment with Dr. Voodoo. It has been awhile any way. I gotta go!!
blog on friends!!

Happy 4th Y'all!!

2006-07-04T16:01:00.000-05:00

I want to say happy Independence Day to all of yall out there!! It is rainy here in Tejas. I hope we will get to see some fireworks this evening.
Last night I met the Irongirls for a swim workout at the PC. It is this swanky club only the most beautiful people in Dallas get to workout in. Thank goodness, I am one of those people. Hahahaha!!! How disgusting. Heehee!! It was a great workout. I have been feeling like a slug lately, so it was a good motivator!!This morning was the Flagpole 8K. It was pleasantly cloudy and a touch cooler than last year. It was a small race/run consisting of only about 200 people. I finished in just over an hour. I averaged 12:08's. Slower than I wanted but still under 13's. Glad to have it done. I am anxiously awaiting an 18mile run, 27 mile ride and a short duathlon. What a busy week ahead!! Enjoy the fireworks yall!!
Blog on friends!!

What a great day!!

2006-07-02T11:14:00.000-05:00

I need to catch up. I must warn you all though, I am back to my normal happy go lucky, perpetually positive self. Thank goodness. All of those deep thoughts are a bit overwhelming. I agree with Robtherunner though about his comment on my last post. I don't think that the running is my purose so to speak but it is the relationships that I build through running that might the right path. Anyway, I digress.
Friday
Open water swim. I did not feel that great in the water. I struggled the whole 500m. The water was great, no huge waves. I did it only once.
Saturday
Mock Tri. I had a crappy night's sleep. Woke up around 4:15am and could not go back to sleep. I finally got up around 6:00am and got ready to go meet the Irongirls. I went down stairs to load up my bike and forgot Nikko's crate was still in the Jeep. It is usually hotty hubby's job to take the crate out. Anyway, since it was 6:30am (by now) and he was asleep I made a valient effort to get it out when I sliced my finger open. I remember thinking, "yeah, this is a great way to start the day!!" Blood running down my hand, I was furious and still very tired. I got the crate out and ran upstairs to clean my hands up. I was awake and ready to go. I was not about to let this get in the way. I finally hit the road around 7:00. We had a transition clinic for the first hour. I had no idea how technical this was. Everything has to be stacked a certain way and in such a small place. Oh, and your bikes have to be lined up a certain way. Also something I did not even think about. Finally around 9am we started our mock tri. We started with a swim. That was interesting because this was the first time we had a "start". We all lined up and then took off swimming. I can tell you that the middle of the pack is not where I wanted to be. It freaked me out a bit when I kept getting kicked and hit, but I just slowed down and did the breastroke until I was able to calm down. Finally when everyone sort spread apart, I was able to pick back up with the swim. It only took me 14 minutes. (This might be really slow for some of you, but remember this is my first tri--I am a bit anxious.) We got out and ran to our bikes. I took a little longer than I wanted to wash off my feet and get my shoes on. I was off quickly though. We rode this 11 mile route. I think it took me just under an hour. I kept getting lost (missing arrows and such). I did not print the directions because I was under the impression that we'd all be together. I figured I'd just follow everyone....wrong!!! I was by myself for awhile, but at one point I heard someone screaming out. I looked back only to find I was off course. Our coach sort of floated around between riders to try to keep us on track. He'd give me directions and I would forget them before he was finished telling me. I just kept getting lost. A lot of stopping and turning around. I don't think I rode as well as I could have. Also, I was getting pretty hot. I wore my black tri shorts and a black sport bra. Bad move!! Even though I was half naked, black is still not a good choice. I figured since I was wearing very little color would not matter. I am changing my opinion. Anywho. By the time I was finished with the swim and bike it was 10:30 or so. I am telling you, it was hot hot hot!!! I opted out for the run. There was no shade and one big hill. I am wondering if it was the black, the heat, not enough sleep, cramps, not enough fuel or food the night before that caused me to crap out. One other Irongirl skipped the run as well. I was left feeling proud, guilty and freaked out. I was proud that the swim felt easier than the bike (usually the easiest for me). Guilty for skipping the run. Freaked out about how I am going to make it through the triathlon. This is the first time I am second guessing myself. I hope I will be fine. I have made some adjustments to my trianing to get me out in the heat a bit more. I have registered for an 8k on Tuesday morning, 27mile ride/rally on Saturday and a short Duathlon on Sunday (2mile run/9.6mile ride/2mile run). I am forcing myself to get acclimated. I have also invested in trying a few electrolite mixes. Heed, ELoad, and Endurolytes (caplets). I have tried Heed before and wasn't crazy about it. Never tried Eload. I have tried the Endurolyte powder but also, wasn't crazy about it. I tried the Hammer products during running but again wasn't crazy about them. I am curious about how they sit on the bike.
Today
My friend PM, Hotty hubby and myself rode 18.2miles this morning. It was gorgeous. There was nice breeze. We met at 8:00 and rode to the Gaylord Texan. That is always a nice ride. Hotty hubby struggled a bit. He is feeling under the weather (sore throat, runny nose and he says his lungs burn a bit). I am wondering if it is allergies?? Likely. Anyway we finished in 1hour 19 minutes and 37 seconds. My G mini said 13.7mph, PM's computer said 13.8mph. I did try out a new bike this morning and loved it!!! It is older and way modified so to tell you what kind it is would not be of much help. It is a lot lighter and smoother than mine (which is in the shop being worked on). I might invest in it. I don't even feel like I worked out today. Legs are great, back isn't sore anymore and cramps are gone (for the most part). I only wish I could have done the mini tri today instead of yesterday. I feel so much better. Oh, just for my own sake of journaling, I must review the bra I tried out. I wore a yellow and white New Balance bra with clasps and mesh on the back. I have a red and black one already but remember I am trying to avoid black. I like it. It came as a recommendation from a sponsored triathlete. I did notice a difference in temperature. So that was helpful. The only thing I was not crazy about was the cleavage factor. I am a fairly modest woman and don't want all of my goods just hanging about. The other thing I was worried about was the see through factor. When it gets wet, will it be see through? This reminds me of a Friends episode wear Monica is singing on a stage in a bar full of men. They are just cheering her on and on so she stays up there. Chandler walks in and sees her on stage and immediately runs up to there too. He starts standing in front of her and getting in the way. Monica starts to get really mad because everyone is still cheering her on. Finally Chandler tells her why they are all actually cheering for her. Her shirt and bra are totally see through and she has been showing her "headlights" to a whole bar full of men. That is really why they were cheering her on. She was humiliated and ran off the stage. Let's just say I am not looking for that kind of adventure. Hahaha!!!

Blog on friends!!

Intresting thoughts for the day

2006-06-29T11:31:00.000-05:00

I have been reading this book called: If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat. It is by Robert Ortberg. It is very interesting. The topic of the book is finding purpose in your life and discovering what it is that God has called you to do. I suppose I am craving a bit of reality today. Hmm. Anyway, I have spent the last 2 years or so trying to figure out what my purpose in life is. I am not depressed, sucidal, or insane. I just am curious if what I am doing right now with my life is what God intended me to do. I think so, but am I? I think about my passions~running, fitness, relationships, physical challenges, the myth of limitations. Are these gifts from God or are they imposed passions that I have forced to fit into what I think my life should be. Some of you out there may be thinking; whoa Marathena this is so deep. I tried to warn you all I am in a bit of a philosophical mood today. I am left wondering if running, training, and triathloning is my calling. And if it is then what about testing patients? How does this fit in? I suppose through the fitness and health aspect, but it is not something I enjoy and wake up excited to do every couple of days. In this book, the author talks about how sometimes your calling is not something you love or are even good at. Does this fit that category? I am over reaching I am sure. I have no intentions of changing or overhauling my lifestyle or job situation. I am merely questioning my reality. I actually take much pride, joy and fulfillment in what I do every day. Even if I complain about how tired and worn out I may be.
Here are somethings that have triggered these thoughts:
Peter answered him, "Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water. " He said, "Come". Matthew 14:28-29.
"The line between 'Thou shalt not be afraid' and 'Thou shalt not be rediculous' is often a fine one and not easily located. Knowing when to get out of the boat and take a risk does not only demand courage; it also demands the wisdom to ask the right questions, the discernment to recognize the voice of the Master, and the patience to wait for is command."

I think this is particularly intresting because I have been told or asked if I am being rediculous about running. Is running 26.2miles or further for some of you rediculous? Or is it what we are called to do? When we bump up against failure is this some sign that we have missed a turn or have been misguided? Hummm....What are we afraid of? Failure? Isn't failure a big part of growth and maturity? Wow, these thoughts are shocking to even myself. If running is truely my passion, gift, my calling; then my excitement over conquering 12 miles could be explained.

As Arthur Miller says, "It's the lifeblood of a person, the song that her heart longs to sing, the race that his legs were born to run...There's an electricity associated with giftedness. Give a person the chance, and he will jolt you."

Wow. I can only hope that I have that kind of impact on the people I work, train, and run with.

Psalm 19
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

"I love to think of the strong man--a champion, some translations put it--exulting in the race. He knows he's going to be taxed and stretched; he knows it will take everything he's got. But he loves the race. He relishes the challenge. He competes, not for the trophy at the end, but for the love of the game."

If you are truely compelled to run the race as I am, then this strikes you at the very core of your spiritual being. I know for sure the first time I read it, it struck me that way. As I sit reading it to my hotty hubby tears start flowing from my eyes. Why? I guess you could say I am an emotional being.

"I am convinced that if I face up to acknowledging the limitations that pain me most, there is enormous freedom and joy on the other side."

Jesus put it like this: You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of world. Others have come before you. Others will come after you. But this is your day. You are on a mission from God.

How is your mission going? Are you on the right path? Are physical rewards clouding your path? I am on a mission. Are you??

Headed in the right direction, I think.

2006-06-29T11:07:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it has been almost a week since I've blogged. Hmmm.
Monday:
I lifted with my friend Massoman and swam. I was a bit sore from lifting. True confession of a slacker in that area I suppose. My swim could not have been better. I am working so hard in the pool. I completed a big ladder, again. 4 x 50m, 1 x 100, 1 x 200, 1 x 300, 1 x 400, 1 x 300, 1 x 200, 1 x 100, and 4 x 50 cool down. I was a bit sunburned and am showing the true summer badge of training (cycle short line and a swim cap line). That is so hot!!! Hahahaha! Not to mention the ultra sexy sunglasses/goggle eyes.
Tuesday:
I instated a bigger track party. There were 5 of us (BC, JM, Massoman, his BW, and myself~runnersusan slept in and called later to tell me she was sorry she didn't make it). It was a gorgeous morning in FM Tejas. I think it was like 65-67degrees with very little humidity. Fabulous!! My job was to run a 1 mile warm up (12minute mile), 4 x 800 (3:40, 3:40, 4:00, 4:03~smokin' fast!!!) and a 1 mile cool down (12:30). Oh and I was supposed to walk/job 400m between each 800. Since it was so beautiful outside I decided to add this track work onto a long run for the week. I know, or should I say realize, that this is in some way cheating, but I did it anyway. I left the track and headed over to the trails at the Y. I completed half of it (4.75 miles) to round out 10.75 miles in 2:20. I headed home, worried that I had not heard from hotty hubby and checked in. Only he wasn't home. Apparently he and Nikko were out enjoying the unseasonably cool morning. I ran to the fitness center determined to get 12-15 miles in. I jumped on the treadmill to completed 1.25 miles (14minutes). I decided I was done. I did 12 miles in 2:34 (this includes the superfast track workout). I am okay with that.
Wednesday:
Hotty hubby and I went for a bike ride last night. Another fantastic evening. The last 3 have been so pretty and cool. Maybe not cool, but not humid I guess I should say. We rode our usual loop in Coppell. (10miles). I had picked up a movie to watch while spending my time on the spin bike so when we got back I still owed 30mintes of riding. So we popped in the movie (Failure to Launch~kind of corny but still good) and I topped off the ride. Wooohooo!! I have not missed a workout yet.
Today:
At the risk of sounding like a slacker~haha~I slept in instead of getting up and heading over to WR lake to run with the group. We are supposed to run for a total of 40-50minutes with pick ups in the middle. (Warm up 10 minutes, pick up for 3, slower for 2--repeat 5 times and then a 10 cool down). I wanted to go with the group to ensure I would not crap out or slack off. I have to make the very best of these shorter runs if I have any hope to PR in NM. Whoa, too many abreviations. Hahaha. Oh well, I am let to my own demise.

Blog on friends!!

A blast from the past and sweet stress relief!!

2006-06-25T17:04:00.000-05:00

Well, I am back from my HS reunion. It was a good time. We kicked off the weekend with a music fest and then a breakfast with a tour. We walked around our newly remodeled high school and talked about how none of us knew where the cafeteria is or was. Hahaha. Saturday night concluded the reunion with a relaxed cocktail party. There were a ton more people there than I thought there would be. I saw some people I was really excited to see and others I couldn't quite remember and others still that I just hadn't thought of since I left high school. I learned that some of my "friends" are now getting ready to be doctors, are dentists, moms, speech pathologists, lawyers, PR people, and a super talented singer headed off to Italy for a few years to perfect her talent even more. It was a nice party. I am however incredibly blessed with my life here. I love my friends and my life here. The reunion reminded me in such a bold face way that I had in fact grown up and out of my insecurities. I am no longer that person that wants to be in the "in crowd". I don't care to put that much effort into all of my relationships. If you like me and we are friends, that is so wonderful. If you don't like me, okay we can move on. I am no longer going to try to make you like me. I will let you go. To pass over a friend because there might be someone else of greater status to talk to is wrong and I won't be a part of that any more. I left that bad habit when I left home. I revisited that this weekend. Or should I say that revisited me this weekend. I will leave it like that.
Today we rushed back so that I could get in an extra open water opportunity. The Irongirls were meeting for some extra practice. It was so great to see so many of us all in one place. We all practiced going out to the buoy and back (400m). I struggled all the way out--the waves were huge!!! Once I got turned around and headed back I felt better but still struggled. Once we all got back to standing the coach said anyone want to try it again? I think everyone said yes and away we went. Round 2. It just go harder. I made it though and got back. Only this time I was more relaxed on the way back. It was great. By the time I was finished, I was shakey and tired. But oh my goodness I felt great and so relieved from a tough weekend. I swam 800m today in a lake, with huge waves!! Wow!!

About the 11 miles on Friday--I ended up walking most of it due to some seriously sore legs. I think maybe I ran about the first 3 miles then hoofed the rest. I actually only completed 8.5 to be honest. I ran out of time. Too slow!! I had not felt that stiff and sore since Chi town marathon. I felt better by Saturday and not sore at all today. So a frustrating and very difficult (mentally) 8.5miles but it is done.

Blog on friends!!
Oh:
PS: Welcome to my blog everyone who has just joined in. (I learned that several people I graduated with from HS have actually been reading my blog!!) So again--welcome. Stay as long as you like.

Thanks for the support everyone!!

2006-06-22T20:37:00.000-05:00

You guys rock!! Thanks for the support. I know that when I have a bad day you all will be there to give me constant encouragement! Isn't that what we are blogging for anyway??
I have had a great couple of days as far as my workouts go. Yesterday I ran 4 miles in 50 minutes (12:30's). Not too bad. If I haven't said this already I realize that I will sacrifice speed for frequency of workouts. I am okay with anything faster than 13 minute miles!! I ended my evening with a swim. It was fantastic!! I am increasing my distance everytime I get in the water. I did a mini ladder (100m, 100m, 150m, 200m, 300m, 400m, 100m cool down). I was very tired after finishing. Last night I did a larger ladder (100m, 200, 300, 400m, 500m, 600m, 100 cool down). I felt like I could have kept going on the 600m, but I ran out of time.
Today I helped my sis pack up and move away. I am totally crushed. To the point of tears. Tears are reserved for the privacy of my home, yet I find myself welling up in front of my future bro in law, and on the way home from work. I want her to be happy and she was not while she was living here. She is moving, or should I say on her way, to St. Louis. Sad. Hmmmm.......
I did not workout because tomorrow I am going to get that 11 mile long run in. After work, I am off to OKC for my high school reunion. Should be fun. I will give a full report when I get back!! Have a great weekend all!!
Blog on friends!!

Dead Legs!!

2006-06-20T11:17:00.000-05:00

So I did not make it 11 miles on the dreadmill. I did make 4 though. I went over to WR lake after my bike class to finish out another 3. I rounded out my daily mileage to 7 averaging 11:10min/miles. Not as great as I had hoped but it will do. Remember anything faster than 13's will suffice. I woke up this morning ready for another speedy track workout. I met my usual buddies at the local track to get some work done. I was scheduled for 1 mile warm up, 2 x 400, 2 x 800, 2 x 400 and 1 mile cool down. I only made it through the first half of the workout. I am wondering now that I am looking back could I have plogged through the rest?? Perhaps, perhaps not. For my 400's I felt weak and super slow. My times (1:44 and 1:44) did not really show it. I immediately started feeling a bit crappy after this. My legs stiffened the shortness of breath came over me. My arms were super quivery and I felt like I could just fall asleep right there on the track. I sat down, drank some water and got my bearings. When I felt better I got up to make an attempt at the first 800. I started it and stopped. I walked a 400. After getting back around I started my 800 with the thought of I will not stop and just do it, even if it doesn't feel good. I will do it. I did (4:21). That was it. Now I was really sleepy. I sat down and got a bit dizzy. Perhaps I should have kept standing. Oh well. I stood up and my legs were way stiff. I walked to get my water and then started down the track walking. I went to some bleachers and sat down. I nearly fell asleep. My head drooped, I was breathing very hard, and my body shook. I decided that that was not the place to take a nap. I got up and ended up walking 1 mile to "cool down". I continued to struggle with my breathing and stiffness until I got home and layed down. Massoman hinted at the fact that I am on the verge of over training since I had just run 7 yesterday. Maybe he's right. This was the usual hot weather feeling though. Dizziness, sleepy, breathless, and stiff. The humidity was way high here and it felt significantly warmer. The temp was 73degrees. Hummmmmm......this will get better I hope. I am scheduled for a swim this evening and I think I will take it easy!! I will get it done, but slow and steady.
Blog on friends!!