"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!!!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
History is so fun to look at!!
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 r
eally her. Look it was!!
eally 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~
Monday, August 09, 2010
It's a cold world out there...
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!!
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!!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Zumbathon
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!!
~Dance like you mean it!!
Long Time No Chat
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!!
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Food Log
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
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
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Fall Breakaway 5K report
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!!
Blog on friends!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Great start to the week
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!!
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!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Fall is coming!!
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 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!!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
I love hills!!
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!!
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!!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Hot, Hot, Hot
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Slow running days are here again!!
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!!
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!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A big finish and some sad news
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
No Half?
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!!
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!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Mycoplasma
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
I need an update!!
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!!
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!!
Friday, December 05, 2008
Heck yeah, I like the cold weather
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!
Blog on friends!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Turkey Day Top 5
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Indoor Cycling
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 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.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
I have got to get better at blogging again!!
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!!
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