Epiphany

After a really rough day and doing my darndest to push my boyfriend out of my life I recovered from the latest emotional break down!

The day started off well until all of 8:00 am, then it went downhill, Jose’s school called and blah, blah, blah. Found out a very good possibility for employment fell through, went to my farewell luncheon (and felt loved!), Cuervo’s school call and he got suspended for two days, the pressure of everything hit me (again), I tried pushing my boyfriend out of my life but the stubborn fool won’t budge (which I am VERY grateful for!).

As I was driving home fighting back the tears I thought about the last six and a half years.  I can honestly say this chapter of my life has been full of accomplishments.  This chapter of my life is the chapter that has shown me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.  I quit smoking, I started long distance running, and I have completed a multitude of races. I am a triathlete, I am a marathoner. I have not only started obtaining my bachelor’s degree, I am so close I can see the end of the tunnel.  I have taken the time to get to know me and learn my likes and dislikes and most likely found my prince charming.  I have learned that no matter how many times I trip, I have an amazing group of people around me ready to catch me.  I have learned that the worse the news the bigger the hugs. I have learned how not to admit defeat but to come out swinging. 

I am cautiously excited to see where the next chapter of my life brings me!  

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

5 Days left

Ok, really it is 4 working days and an hour and a half left before unemployment time and this week is already starting off rough.  I kept waking up last night in pain which has continued on into today, throw into the mix kiddo issues and you have a wonderful day!

Last Monday I decided to be funny and wear my hair in different styles every day until my last day. I figure my last day won’t really be a full day so I might as well have some fun.  I have come to be known for my happy go lucky personality and my crazy fashion sense. Today I am walking around with BRIGHT red hair in French braid pigtails! Part of me is looking forward to some much needed time off, but I would much prefer it to be on my terms instead of unemployment terms. 

All I can say is time to sit back a moment and figure out where I want my life to go from here!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Don't let the fat unemployed chick beat you!

Ok, I have posted anything on here is just about forever (ok, going on two months). I am still alive but boy are things going in all directions!

First and foremost I did Tri for the Cure and had a ball! Had some minor foot issues, but they weren’t a huge deal (ok, I got some major hot spots, but they eventually healed!).  I skipped Rattlesnake and Harvestmoon for medical reason; it because very clear I cannot do more than one race per month, no ifs ands or buts about it.  I did complete the Coast to Coast Challenge and had a ball!  My next “race” is on 1 Oct 11 and is a Pumpkin run, this is more of a therapy run because it is the day after my last day at work, yes, I was hit by a “force reduction”.  The weekend after that I will be participating in the Denver Half Marathon, I was going to do the half, but I was just not feeling it!

I am looking at this lay off in as much of a positive light as possible… My full ironman is next November, this will give me time to train! I guess I am not supposed to see it that way, but if I look at it any other way I might be facing another break down and I refuse to deal with that!

On a more personal note, about three months ago I met someone and he has proven to me time and time again how much he cares.  He came up to Tri for the Cure to cheer me on, he picks me up after a 10 mile run and I am all stinky and sweaty! All four of my boys like him, it took Charlie a little while to get used to him, but after a trip to the dog park I think Charlie gave his slobber of approval. Freddie is easy!

This blog may morph again into an unemployed triathlete blog, we shall see!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Tri for the Cure

Here I am less than a week away from my first tri in two years and I am so excited.  I am not doing it for time, I am doing it for the fun of it.  It is invigorating seeing newbies get their first taste of the tri world. It is amazing seeing the camaraderie between the women.  It is just… I can’t wait!

It occurred to me last night that for the next month I have something going on every other weekend!

7 Aug 11	Tri for the cure
20-21 Aug 11	Rattlesnake triathlons
4 Sep 11	Half Marathon
11 Sep 11	Harvest moon long course

At this point in the game I am not sure I will do Denver has a full or a half.  I am not to horribly concerned either way.  I think this season has turned into a ‘let’s have fun’ season, which is fine with me! I am not sure when this change happened, but it did.  It might have something to do with the fact I know next year will be a lot of hard work and I am just not feeling it this year.  I want to go out and enjoy the scenery and just have fun.  It has been a bitch of a year and I want it to end with a smile on my face!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Ride for the Cure

Ok, it is not a race, but I will still do a report!

Saturday morning I woke up so much earlier than any normal person should and somehow managed to get dressed, got my bike loaded up on my car and hit the road.  Packet pick-up and all that took place the morning of so I didn’t have to do any back and forth driving.  I got down to the Pikes Peak International Raceway around 5:15, it was still dark! I stumbled my way into the building and got my goodie bag, picked up breakfast and stumbled back to my car. I got my number attached to my bike, helmet and wrist; filled up my water bottles (all 4 of them!) and then climbed back into my car for a little while and ate my breakfast.

I was only doing 44 miles, I didn’t want to push myself to hard because of the last few weeks.  The 44-milers were scheduled to start at 7:00, but I took off early.  As I was crossing the start they asked if I was a 44 and I told them yes and they said to have fun!  The first 10 miles flew by quickly, it was nice and cool, there were minimal hills, it was nice.  The first rest stop was at mile 14(ish).  Just my luck I get in there, unclip right (as usually) and fall to the left! Everyone was watching! I banged up my knee nicely (picture doesn't do it justice) but I shrugged it off and said I decided it was time to lay down!  Everyone was kind and helped me up.  I grabbed a banana and an orange slice and continued on my way the next hand full of miles were a struggle because there was nothing. I didn’t see any people, I did see a dead snake in the road. The view of the mountains in the distance was beautiful! Ok, and it had some good hills in that area.

I make it to stop number 2 and guess what, I fall over again! Really?  You have got to be kidding me.  The two ladies who were at the last stop just laughed and applauded.  Everyone else freaked out because they thought I was hurt.  We explained to them that I seem to working on perfecting the art of falling at the moment.  I had to have the bike guy check out my bike because my chain was slipping, took him a little while but I was back on the road.  Enjoying the ride once again, the view was amazing, the hills gave me something to work on and my chain started acting up again.  I managed to avoid my middle ring without to many issues.  Flew down some hills, fought my way up some hills.

Rest stop number 3… guess what , no, I did NOT fall that time! I looked around and the two ladies were not there, see they were bad luck for me!  Got another banana and a slice of orange and for the last time hit the road.  Felt great! I realized as I was approaching the end that my back tire was flat, but at that point I didn’t care!  I stood up most of the way to keep as much weight off the back as possible. I crossed the finish line and got a medal!  I didn’t expect that. J

I put my bike up (without falling), changed shoes and headed into the little expo they had set up.  I think this was their first ride, there weren’t many people there. Of course there was a booth set up for Susan G. Koman stuff, I got a running hat and two bottles/cups things.  There were only a few other booths, it was nice and small.  The food consisted of BBQ and pizza. Borriello Brothers has some good pizza! Plus there was beer or root beer, the root beer was YUM!

After eating I hit the road back home, stopped by the bike shop so they could figure out what the heck was going on with my bike and fix my flat (I can do it, I just chose not to!).

I would have to say besides the fact this ride was for a good cause, it was an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning.  The course support was great, the other riders were wonderful.  I really enjoyed it and assuming they do it again next year, I will be out there then too!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Slowly

The past two weeks have finally started getting the way they should.  I have made it for some kind of work out all except 3 days, which isn’t bad. I got my first run of the season in with BRC FIT Team, it was short but it felt great!  I am having fun not only breaking in new shoes, but new inserts, as well! I have been really good about hitting the gym after class, but last night after class I was just to tired, so I went home and went to bed. Tuesday I got in an awesome 5-miler.  I am probably going to take today off too because this weekend is going to be a long one. Tomorrow I will be participating in Ride for the Cure. I am going to go for the 44-miler, I am not up to the 72 miler yet, maybe next year! Sunday I will take a leisurely run on my favorite trail followed by a nice dip in the pool.  Not sure if I will go indoor or outdoor, either way I will take it nice and easy and just relax. 



Ride for the Cure course and elevation



I am also officially signed up for my first race for next year! I will be running the Colorado Marathon again! I am going back to the full, but then again next year I have more than a week or so to get ready!

Here is to a great weekend! 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Now get over it!

The past two weeks have been… interesting! Between Jose “being allergic to latex” to “no, he is not allergic to anything, get him to the dermatologist NOW” to “this and this are an infection, but I don’t know what that is at this time” throw in the mix my neck/shoulder having a hay day with me all last week resulting in an ER visit on Friday. 

With that all said, this week I felt like I was pregnant again, not because of the swelling and vomiting and all that but because of the emotional roller coaster.  Monday was off, YAY! Tuesday I started school again (I am getting there, I swear) and having a wonderful workout afterwards.  Wednesday I had a follow up with my rheumy (always upsets me) he is still standing by his diagnosis of lupus (hey, I can hope, can’t I?), got lectured for not calling him about the ER, got an entire shopping list of prescriptions (makes the situation even worse).  I got home (in the pouring rain) and told my sister I need fried rice for dinner (my comfort food).  Thursday was another school night and I returned to the gym to do 5.5 miles, ok I didn’t get that much in, but the 3.2 I did get in felt great.  I also got another mini set of weights in.  While on the weights I was able to think.  My resounding conclusion was life’s a bitch, now get over it.  By the time I left the gym I was feeling good, relaxed and nowhere near as down as I was Wednesday night.

I contacted my running coach and let her know about my new meds (can cause issues with my lungs) and let her know the rheumy wants me to keep up my activity as long as my body will let me.  I still have Beach2Battleship in my view.  I will do it, I will finish, I will have a smile on my face!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

"Put me in charge . . ."

This was written by Alfred W. Evans and printed in the Waco Herald Tribune paper on November 18th of 2010.  

A Texan's answer to Welfare

(where else but in Texas ).

"Put me in charge . . . 

Put me in charge of food stamps. I'll get rid of Lone Star cards; no cash for Ding Dongs or Ho Ho's, just money for 50-pound bags of rice and beans, blocks of cheese and all the powdered milk you can haul away. If you want steak and frozen pizza, then get a job.

Put me in charge of Medicaid. The first thing I'd do is to get women Norplant birth control implants or tubal ligations. Then, we'll test recipients for drugs, alcohol, and nicotine and document all tattoos and piercings. If you want to reproduce or use drugs, alcohol, smoke or get tats and piercings, then get a job.

Put me in charge of government housing. Ever live in a military barracks? You will maintain our property in a clean and good state of repair. Your "home"

will be  subject to inspections anytime and possessions will be inventoried.

If you want a plasma TV or Xbox 360, then get a job and your own place.

In addition, you will either present a check stub from a job each week or you will report to a "government" job. It may be cleaning the roadways of trash, painting and repairing public housing, whatever we find for you. We will sell your 22 inch rims and low profile tires and your blasting stereo and speakers and big screen TV and put that money toward the "common good."

Before you write that I've violated someone's rights, realize that all of the above are voluntary. If you want our money, accept our rules.. Before you say that this would be "demeaning" and ruin their "self esteem," consider that it wasn't that long ago that taking someone else's money for doing absolutely nothing was demeaning and lowered self esteem.

If we taxpayers are expected to pay for other people's mistakes  we should at least attempt to make them learn from their bad choices. The current system rewards them for continuing to make bad choices.

And finally, while you are on Gov't subsistence, you no longer can VOTE! Yes that is correct. For you to vote would be a conflict of interest. You will lose your voting privileges while you are receiving a Gov't welfare check. If you want to vote, then get a job."

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

One, two, ummm, two, three?

I don’t know about you, but when I am swimming I can’t never quiet remember what lap number I am on.  So I got a lap counter, this cute little thing by Finis and I took it for its first outing last night.  I set it up on the deck (I usually don’t do flip turns so it was fine having it up there) and off I went.  The only issue I was having was double tapping (which is not a hard thing to do!)

I am still on Cloud Nine about the whole Iron distance race.  On 3 November 2012 (which we are now less than 500 days away) I will be in North Carolina completing 140.6 miles of swimming, biking and running.  My sister and I are already discussing my tattoo; hey, that type of accomplishment deserves to be permanently marked on my body! I have a Betty Boop triathlete already on my shoulder and I am saving my neck for my ironman tat!

I am even more excited to have the help/support of my favorite running store, Colorado Running Company.  I have to start off by saying when I start running my sister talked me into going to Boulder Running Company to get fitted and all that, but the attitude I received from them you can’t run, you are to fat. Now, I am sure they didn’t mean to give me this impression and it has since changed, but something like that kind of sticks with you.  There are three running stores here in town, Boulder Running Company, Colorado Running Company and Runner’s Roost.  I have been to Runner’s Roost a time or two, but I was never blown away by them.  Now, I am not sure how I got to Colorado Running Company (besides in my car) but somehow I made it. I was fitted for shoes with no judgment and had a generally wonderful experience.  After a few visits I dragged my sister in there, she is larger than I am and nowhere near as fanatical about running as I am, but they treated her like she was an Olympic runner.  With all that said, if I see something I like and it isn’t in my size, they have no issues ordering it.  If there is a product I REALLY like they take it into consideration to start carrying it.  I love this store!  They carry skirts (and shirts and other stuff) with their name written across it and I am hoping I will cross the finish in next November with Colorado Running Company written across my rump, because they are one of the driving forces that have helped me get to where I am.  (Thank you John and everyone at CRC!)

I have a few “big races” between now and next November, but all of them are training for November.  I have four triathlons this summer, one is a half IM and it is one of my “big races.” I have a multitude of running races to include a half marathon and a full marathon (a “big race”) and I am started to plan next year! I am excited to be running the Colorado Marathon and I plan on hitting Elephant Rock again (both as training). 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Blow it out your ear!

I think that is my new saying these days! For the longest time (ok, since about 2002) I have dreamt about doing a fully ironman (specifically IM CDA), I have hit bumps and gotten some bruises but every time I get up, dust myself off and continue moving forward.  The latest saga is requesting the possibility of wearing gloves for medical reason during the swim portion of the race.  After Ironman said no even after USAT said yes for medical reason I decided Ironman can blow it out their ear!  I am not a competitor (by any stretch of the imagination), I am fat and slow, but I am a triathlete and no one or nothing can take that away from me.  Sadly, most of the 140.6 mile races are owned by Ironman which makes accomplishing my dream a little more difficult.  I started doing my homework; low and behold I found a few that aren’t Ironman owned.  I found one that won’t stop screaming my name; it seems like it would be the perfect race (they have said gloves are fine, if needed).  I found another around the same time of year (which should let me hit my goal of having an ironman under my belt by the time I am 35).  Either race will just take a little more maneuvering to get my cheering squad to the finish line.  But I don’t care, I will be an ironman (please note the lowercase ‘i’). 

While on the hunt for some answers, I used social media to my benefit.  First I posted on my local tri club’s facebook page and was given some very helpful advice (I will come back to this part shortly) and I posted on Ironman’s page because I am downright confused as to why USAT says one thing and Ironman goes and does something completely different.  As far as the tri club goes, I found out there is another member who suffers from an autoimmune disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis.  I know I am not the only person out there who suffers from one of the God awful diseases but it is nice to know that there are others out there who are in a similar boat.  I have people in my life who are sympathetic to what I am going through, but do not fully understand. I have to say through, I have no idea what I would do if I didn’t have these people in my life. 

By the end of next year I will have either completed Beach2Battleship or Great Floridian Triathlon.

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

You have got to be kidding!

You have got to be kidding!

It would appear Ironman does not necessarily follow USAT’s guidance. 

We started off with this from IM:

Hello-

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and I wish you all the best.

Neoprene caps are permitted if worn under the swim caps we provide. Booties are permitted in water temperatures colder than 65 degrees. Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Lauren (last named removed per request)
Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman Headquarters - 2701 North Rocky Point Drive
Suite 1250- Tampa, FL 33607
(p) 813-868-5920|(f) 813-868-5930
(skype) ironman.lauren
http://www.ironman.com/

Then this from USAT:

Hello Sammie,

We allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Simply bring a note from your doctor indicating your diagnosis.  You will not necessarily be asked to show it, but you should have it just in case  Print this email and keep it with your doctor's note.

Charlie Crawford | Commissioner of Officials | USA TRIATHLON

5825 Delmonico Dr | Colorado Springs, Colorado  80919 office and cell :: 334.332.9092 | fax :: 719.597.2121 | http://www.usatriathlon.org/

And this this from me to IM

Lauren,
I received an email from Charlie Crawford (Commissioner of Officials, USA Triathlon) stating they allow gloves to be used with a medical exception. Would this policy apply to Ironman? As directed by USAT I would have a letter from my doctor stating my condition and the reason for needing the gloves. I am hoping I would not need to wear them, but I can’t take the chance of needing them and not being able to use them.
Thanks again,

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Sammie

And then this from IM:

Hello-

Thank you for your email.

Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please attend the mandatory athlete meeting to speak with race officials directly. Ultimately, they are the only ones able to make the call.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Lauren (last named removed per request)
Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman Headquarters - 2701 North Rocky Point Drive
Suite 1250- Tampa, FL 33607
(p) 813-868-5920|(f) 813-868-5930
(skype) ironman.lauren
http://www.ironman.com/

All I can say is it is VERY disconcerting! These events are NOT cheap! But they still want me to sign up and talk to an official on race weekend to find out they may or may not follow USAT’s guidelines?  Seriously?  Not only are we talking about registration fees we also need to factor transportation costs, lodging, a SERIOUS amount of training!  I can’t not do something like that while flying by the seat of my pants, it does not work that way!

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Roller Coaster

After finding out the hard way about my hands and contacting race directors I was pretty happy yesterday and then I got an email back from Ironman…

Hello-

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and I wish you all the best.

Neoprene caps are permitted if worn under the swim caps we provide. Booties are permitted in water temperatures colder than 65 degrees. Gloves are NOT permitted.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thank you and see you in Coeur d'Alene!

Talk about heart breaking!  I can’t not drop THAT much on a race only to drop out after the first event.  Needless to say I was not happy with that answer so I went higher up and contacted USAT directly!  I fully understand “4.9 Illegal Equipment. Any swimmer wearing any artificial propulsion device, including but not limited to fins, gloves, paddles, or floating devices of any kind shall be disqualified.” I get that, but I am not talking about swim gloves I am looking at dive gloves, if anything I see them more as a hindrance than a help. 

This morning I was greeted to an email from USAT…

We allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Simply bring a note from your doctor indicating your diagnosis.  You will not necessarily be asked to show it, but you should have it just in case  Print this email and keep it with your doctor's note.

Talk about being on Cloud 9! Needless to say I wrote back Ironman…

I received an email from Charlie Crawford (Commissioner of Officials, USA Triathlon) stating they allow gloves to be used with a medical exception.  Would this policy apply to Ironman?  As directed by USAT I would have a letter from my doctor stating my condition and the reason for needing the gloves.  I am hoping I would not need to wear them, but I can’t take the chance of needing them and not being able to use them.

Hopefully they will come back and say they will comply! 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Lots o stuff!

Ok, I have been fairly quiet for a while now, but a lot has been going on. Mostly I have been dealing with (what I hope is only) a mini flare up affecting more body parts then my last one.

Last week I took my kiddos to Elitch Gardens in Denver. The park is really two parks in one; a water park and an amazement park. We got there nice and early so I could plant myself under an umbrella covered myself with 100 spf and let my kids have fun (they had to check in with me frequently!).  I decided to go into to the wave pool for a little while and the water was cool, it wasn’t to bad once you were in and got used to it.  So I thought!  When I got out of the water (maybe 10 minutes after getting in) I could not move my hands!  They hurt so bad! I started thinking about my upcoming triathlons and started to worry, I really need my hands to work as soon as I get out of the water.  Like any smart person would do I contacted the venues explained the situation and was so excited to read that two out of three (so far) have no issues with me wearing gloves during the swim.  I have also sent a letter to CDA IM to find out if it will be possible to wear gloves next year if need be (I am not dropping that kind of money if I am screwed during the first event). 

I am going a little better, my vision is still having some serious issues (my right eye is just going nuts!), my lower back has finally settled and my shoulder is now within a tolerable range (so no pain pills, finally!)

My “Century” ride(that got lowered to a 34 miler a few weeks before ride day) did not go very well at all!!!  I brought my bike into the shop the day before to have something looked at (can’t remember what anymore) I thought I saw them check my tires. Well two miles into the ride my back tire was low on air and my CO2 canisters weren’t cutting it.  So I had to wait for the sag wagon.  It was actually a good thing I did. I got a lift to the fat tire stop (the only stop with a good service area) and this poor gentleman was kind of stranded.  We were at the off road stop and they didn’t have any road tubes, lucky for him I just so happened to have two (that were the size he was looking for), I gave him one and he was able to get back to riding, he was so happy! Eric (the sag chauffeur) was a really nice guy.  We got back out to the road and continued the ride.  Well, I started having issues.  Looking up was making me see spots and making my shoulder hurt, looking down made my vertigo kick in full force.  I stopped for a moment and when I started up again I fell over! I knew it was coming and all I could do was put my arm out and prepare for the impact! I got to the next rest stop not doing well, so I threw in the towel.  Low and behold the knight in shining moving truck arrived, saw me and said ‘you again?!!”  so I had to give him a hard time.  He offered to drop people off at the “Cheaters stop” so I figured what the heck, I will give the last stretch a shot.  I am glad I did.  My chain did pop off (that is what I brought my bike in for! I was having issues with my chain!), I jumped off my bike, put it back on and I was off within a minute.  I flew down the hill, up a little guy and made it to the finish area. I did a total of 20 miles.  I need to work on hydration (I was having issues), I don’t remember having blood sugar issues, so that is a good thing.  All in all I had fun.  I will be doing Ride for the Cure next month.  I have not decided my distance yet, but I can figure that on ride morning. 

Next week I will be starting to ride to work, I can’t wait! (this week is let my body get back to normal week, so I haven't even looked at anything [no pool, no running shoes, no bike, nothing!])

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

New Rheumy, to much homework and Elephant Rock

Well, yesterday afternoon was my appointment with my new Rheumy.  I have to admit I was really hoping he would tell me he did not agree with the previous diagnosis.  I got there and it was a nice little office, but couldn’t help complaining to myself that I am just to damn young to be sitting in a doctor’s office like that.  I finally got to the back and the doc came in and introduced himself and first thing I noticed was his bed side manner was a lot better than rheumy.  He actually talked to me not at me, he asked me questions, listened to what I had to say before jumping to conclusions.  He looked over my records did a physical exam and then told me I do have lupus but he isn’t so sure about the RA (I was happy to at least possibly have one knocked off the list).  I had to have even MORE blood drawn and got to pee in a cup again!  I got back in a month, but I can say, happily, I think this doc is a lot better than the other one. 

I did not make it to my run this morning, I just have WAY to much homework to get done.  I am about half way done, sort of.  Tomorrow I am still planning on the bike festival.  Baby (my bike) went into the bike shop today so they could readjust my thingy (I have no idea what it is called, but it is the track thing for the chain on the front), he also did a quick over to make sure everything was good.  I am only doing the 34-miler tomorrow but I am looking forward to it.  I will be wearing my Sam I am shirt!!!!!!  LOTS of sunscreen and I will be prepared to pay the price for being in the sun that much.  I don’t care, I will have fun! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

You want me to do WHAT???

Here we are at Friday again.  This week started off REALLY rough, but rapidly improved!  I got three really good workouts in with two more to go.

Monday – I was flat on my back because of to much pain.

Tuesday – An amazing run/weights workout

Wednesday – Swimming JJJJ

Thursday – Pilates…  I had planned on going for a ride, BUT I had a very long day at work and I was tired AND my sister (who wasn’t coming home until late) had the key to the garage (where my bike just so happened to be).  So I was flying down the road to pick up Cuervo for gymnastics (yes, my son is in gymnastics and he was awesome at it!) and called the Y to see if they had any yoga classes available, they didn’t. BUT they had a Pilates class at the perfect time! I dropped Cuervo off (I am sorry, but I cannot deal with gymnastics moms, I can’t do it) and off to the Y I went.  I walked in and there were a whole two people in there (with 5 minutes until class started), the instructor introduced herself (nice lady), I set up my stuff and ran to the bathroom.  When class started there were a whopping three students (I was the youngest) and the preggo teacher!  I got one heck of a workout in but I felt so relaxed when I left.  During the class we were doing leg lifts and the instructor asked if anyone’s hip was popping and I was the only one!!!!! (read above “I was the youngest one there”) Anyway, like I said, wonderful class.  As I was heading to pick up Cuervo I got a call from him letting me know he was waiting outside the gym (I was a whole minute out).  Got home, let the puppies out, I was still tired from the long day at work, but I felt good. I was very glad I went! Oh! And yes, I fell off the ball at least once!

Today – REST! YAY!!!! Actually, today I will be heading to the new Rheumy (wish me luck!), then I will be stopping by the hospital to visit a very dear friend (please keep her in your prayers).

Saturday – group run – I am shooting for 3 – 4 miles, maybe 5, not sure I will play it by ear.

Sunday – should have been my century ride but (assuming my back is playing nice) I will be doing a 1/3 of the distance.  Since I have not been making it out on the bike like I should be I am shooting to keep it under 2 and a half hours.  

Monday according to my tri training schedule is a rough swimming day (but I can’t wait!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

One, two, three, BREATH!

No, I am NOT in labor!

 

Last night I finally made it to the pool again.  First I am excited to report I bought a new pair of ear plugs and they work amazingly!  Sadly, years ago I jumped into a pool in just that right way that the pressure against my ear ruptured my ear drum or channel (I can never remember which), anyway I thought it was cool because I could blow bubbles out my ear! Turns out it is not so cool! So now if I want to avoid massive ear problems I have to wear earplugs when I am swimming and yes, I wear them while I am racing too! Until recently I have purchased normal stick in the ear and go ear plugs, well they leak and they makes me cut my swim time short.  Then I came across some that had a funny shape to them so I figured I would give them a shot.  I doubt I got a drop of water in my ears last night, it was wonderful!

I was going to do a thorough workout, but then I remembered two minor facts #1 my back has been hurting really bad and I don’t want to piss it off further and #2 I have not been in the pool in a few months, so I figured a nice 1-miler would be fine.  As soon as I pushed off the wall and the water went rushing by I felt every muscle in my body start singing!  500 yards complete, everything feeling good.  Shoulder – find, back – fine, ok, time to continue.  Next 500 arms only (hey, I am a triathlete I am not supposed to swim with my legs!!!!), done, back – fine, shoulder – fine!  I figured I would throw my 300 in so I did just legs, after 100 yards my sister came in. I knew she had forgotten her cap and goggles and I just so happened to have two spare caps and the goggle that don’t work for me so I stopped and waited until she got in (we had to share a lane, which is a very uncommon practice at that pool), handed over the stuff, made a comment that she could not take the lane next to me (the guy was “finishing up”) because there has been someone waiting for a while.  Finished my last 200 of that set.  Made another comment to my sister about the lady waiting to get in the pool, the dude in the lane next to me was standing there stretching and really? There is someone waiting, it wouldn’t kill you to let her know that you are about done and she can get in, but did he NO!  Last 500, (my) normal freestyle.  One mile complete!  Took 45 minutes from start to finish, but that is including social breaks.  As I was getting out of the pool I stole a nice big gulp from my sister’s water bottle, I am sure she didn’t mind! J

As a good athlete I made sure I got some nice stretching in, while I was in the hot tub!!!!!! After stretching out everything I planted my tush right in front of a jet that was perfectly positioned to hit my lower back.  Last night was the first night that I did not have to put a heat pad on.  I might have to sneak out of the house early and get some nice swimming in before going to work.  I felt so amazing after my little bit of time in the pool. 

This afternoon I plan on trying to take my bike out while Cuero is at gymnastics, I will have to see if my bike will permit me or not. 

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

House of Cards

I sort of admitted defeat when it comes to GoG 10-miler.  I still not an amazing gym session in on Saturday, Sunday I decided to sleep in.  Sunday evening my lower back decided I was ignoring it to much and it wanted some attention too!  I took the smart route, took half a pain pill and went to bed.  Monday morning I thought I was going to die!  I ended up grabbing my medicine box (yes, I have enough meds that they warrant a box) pulled out my muscle relaxers, took one, and went back to sleep.  Jose was wonderful and made sure the fur kids did not attack me to much and kept sending them outside.  Once Cuervo woke up he made sure I was getting whatever I need.  My sister came upstairs and started laughing at me because I was my normal off in la-la land mode. 

Later in the day my sister brought my mail up to me (she forgot to bring it in last week), I received something in the mail I have kind of been expecting.  And it got to me to thinking.  We all have choices in life.  We be a victim, we can be a survivor or we can say screw it and live life it its fullest. 

I can think of one particular individual who goes with choice A and all ways has.  We are all dealt cards in our life and sometimes they are ok, sometimes they are wonderful and sometimes they downright suck! I will agree this particular individual was not dealt the greatest cards, but they aren’t horrible.  Sadly, it is easier to be a victim. 

I am not going to say I was dealt a crappy hand (even though I do feel like it sometimes), but as with most people I didn’t get the greatest hand.  Luckily I have never been a poker player so it doesn’t matter to me if I get an Ace or a 2.  I am more of a go fish player or I build stuff with my cards.  The cards I have been dealt plus the support system I have, I can build an amazing card house!  I have endured trials and tribulations most of my life and have come to the conclusion it is what you take from the situation.  When I was 18 I was in a very abusive relationship, I was away from my family, but I sure found out who my friends were.  I also gain perspective on people in relationships like that (and worse), I always thought the abused wanted it because if they didn’t they would leave, it isn’t that easy!  Years later I was in another bad relationship not only did I find out how strong I was but how strong my support system was (and still is).  From that day I knew I would be fine.  I can trip, I can fall, I can do a face plant and I will always have people there to pick me up, dust me off and get me going again.

The strength my sister has is something I would hope everyone would strive for.  She has been responsible for my parents’ house since she graduated high school, the rest of us have enjoyed moving around and she stayed put.  Next thing she knew her kid sister and boys were moving in, then the discovery of her nephews being “special needs”, then the discovery of her sister have multiple debilitating diseases, and it goes on and on.  What does she do? ‘Ok, we will deal, we always have and we always will!’ The paperwork that I received yesterday she sat next to me and pointed out the positive side of it (I am sure I would have seen it had I not have been in la-la land) but she was there and we both got a good laugh out of it.  There have been times out of nowhere I went storming down to her area screaming how unfair things are and she just sits there and looks at me until I am done, asks if I am better and then agrees and tells me good night! When life throws my sister a curve ball she sets up a dunk tank so she can play in the water every time the balls hit the target!

The questions is what do you choose? Are you a victim? Are you a survivor? Or are you going to say screw it and live life to it’s fullest?

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

To Race or Not To Race, That is the Question!

In a hair over two weeks I have a 10-miler on the books, but I am not sure.  It is a very hilly course, and my knee is still not happy. I can run on the treadmill with no issues.  The question is do I take the risk? I would lose $25, but that isn’t really a big deal.  I have a 10K scheduled for the following weekend that is part of a series (I really want to do the whole series).  I see my new rheumy next Friday and I am sure telling him my knee is hurting but I am running a hilly race won't be the best way to win him over. 

This race was a ‘sure, why not!’ so I wouldn’t be completely heart broken by not doing it, I can cheer on everyone!  I think I will need to talk to the coach tomorrow and see what she says

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~

Tri season!

The only reason I got in to this long distance running insanity is because I wanted to do a triathlon. 

Once upon a time, there was this fluffy lifeguard who was in a bad personal situation (don’t worry, she was a strong swimmer).  While sitting next the pool horribly early one morning making sure no one drowned (that would have ruined her whole day) she met someone, Mark.  This gentlemen was in his 40s/50s (maybe) he was a very nice (good looking) gentlemen. Over time they started talking.  This lifeguard found out he was an Ironman, well, to her credit, she did know about triathlons.  At the time our heroin (aka, fluffy lifeguard) didn’t realize, like people, triathlons come in all sizes!  One of her later in the day regulars was training for a sprint distance triathlon and the life guard thought, hey, I can do that! And she started to train, before long the “fluffy” lifeguard was not so fluffy anymore! Sadly, before the lifeguard was able to do her triathlon she had reentered the military and got deployed to Iraq, got hurt and thought she would never be able to do a triathlon.  Luckily our heroine was stubborn and after two years of feeling sorry for herself (and becoming fluffy again) she decided enough was enough and started training.  While signing up for her first triathlon she actually start to tear up, yes, she is a big wuss! About a week later a friend came up and said she just signed up to run the Denver Marathon, and the lifeguard (who is no longer a life guard) told this friend she was insane! Do you know have far a marathon is? That is a lot of miles! A few weeks later the lifeguard signed up too!  (yea, my friend backed out of Denver all together! I managed the half)And the rest they, is history!

Last year, sadly, I didn’t do a single triathlon, I know, what is wrong with me? This year I get 4 possible 5! To make it even better, they are a nice verity of distances! Two (maybe three) are sprint distances; one of the them is Tri for the Cure (LOVE that race).  Then I have an Olympic distance and to close the season I will be doing my second half Ironman.  I am excited because I won’t be using swimming and biking as just cross training, I actually get to train in those disciplines again! I know I have a lot of work to do on the bike (oh, the century ride has been bumped down to a 34-miler, but I will get to that in a moment). I am not sure why, but every time I have been on my bike within minutes of getting off I have a MAJOR blood sugar crash (p.s. cheese helps recovery). This is the major reason I will not be attempting a full century the week after next! That is ok, a 34-miler will help me find where I am having issues. 

There are a few issues I know I have to work through…

#1 – blood sugar crashes – they get very scary!

#2 – listen to my body.

#3 – hydration while running (still having issues with that)

#4 – enjoy!

 I can't wait!!!!!!

~If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: "He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned"~