I wore him out! I wore him out!

Today was supposed to be bike power intervals, but spin class was more of an endurance ride today.  We did hills, we did sprints, so I am chalking it up to a successful training day.  After spin class it was off to class class! I am already halfway done with this quarter, which means I am that much closer to graduating!

This is not one of my kids (human or fur!).

After class, I had to zoom to an appointment and then zoom home, I beat Cuervo home!  I asked both kiddos about homework, they both said “Nope! Nada!!” (which is understandable, they only have three days left before summer break!) I told them to get running clothes on and we headed to a run group.  I figured we would go Jose’s pace, ok, I made him pick up the speed, but I wanted to get done at some point tonight. I told them by the end of the summer I want them to be able to run the whole distance.  Poor little Cuervo was so tired on the way I was doing the happy dance because I wore him out!!!!! Hey, that is not an easy task!

Tomorrow is run and swim day (and more school!)

~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"~

Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my Gosh!

20 Apr 12

I almost feel like a little kid getting ready for Christmas… Six months from right now I will be in the middle of my first FULL iron distance triathlon.  After this week of training (which isn’t even complete yet) I am feeling really good about this race. 

I realize today is only Friday, but I would put this week of training WAY up there on the scale of awesomeness.  So far I have more than 11 miles on the treadmill, 2 ½ miles in the pool and an butt kicker of a spin class done.  I had planned on hitting a yoga class today, but the day got filled with medical stuff, which isn’t a bad thing.  Tomorrow is my long run, I am supposed to meet with the ladies of the BRC Fit group, but I am not sure my lungs would be happy if I tried to do a long run in Garden of the Gods, so I might just hit my favorite trail and keep it nice and easy.  Sunday depending on how I am feeling, I will either head up north to cheer on a friend or I will hit the trails on my bike.  I guess we will have to see. 

Six months… You hear me???? SIX MONTHS… I can’t wait!

Oh! And I have successfully written down everything I have consumed to far this week AND only had one soda a day!

Please keep them in your prayers!

~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"~

Toys!

16 Apr 12

I am not sure how runners/triathletes survived all those years ago.  I mean, when I first started running there was no such thing as an iPod!  Ok, when I first started running seriously anything over a half a mile was just plain straight out stupid! I was a sprinter, give me a break! When I started going further distances I had a nifty little Walkman!  But really I didn’t run with it often, then there was the diskman which really wasn’t conducive for running because the CD would skip.  Six years ago I got my grubby little hands on my very first iPod, ok, it was my sister’s but she was nice enough to share!  We have always had watches, and now we have GPS watches that can do all but do the running for you!  Heart rate monitors, moisture wicking clothes…

People complain about how boring running is without music, which by the way is against USAT regulations (the running with music part, they could care less if you find it boring).  On a treadmill I completely agree with this, on the trails it is easier to go without the music.  The bike, I will wear headphones on a spin bike and only a spin bike.  Once I am on my road bike forget it, it is way too much of a safety hazard.  To me it that isn’t a huge deal.  Now, what really needs music is swimming!  I have tried singing while I swim, but I almost drown! Thanks to H2O Audio that has been solved.  They have made this fabulous little thingy that you can put an iPod in and go swimming!  Now, you can’t just jump in the pool and you are good to go. Once you get everything situated you can start rocking you swim! 

Every time I head out to the pool I have my handy swim bag with me.  Ok, yes, if you want to be frugal you can get away with just a swim suit.  But then your eyes get all red and the chlorine in your hair, and blah, blah, blah.  So I took a long hard look at my swim bag… I have my swim fins, Forearm Fulcrums, swim paddles, lap counter, GPS watch, Swim cap (or two), goggles, my H2O Audio thingy (which you can get cheaper at amazon.com), my little towel thingy.  Oh, and of course my swim workout book, pages are water proof and has a whole bunch of workouts listed.  Do I really need all this stuff??? Yea, I do!  Of course I do!

Today’s gym visit was wonderful!  I had some wardrobe issues while on the treadmill so I only did 30 minutes, I got lower body weight session in and the I decided it was time to try to drown myself in the pool, not really.  I enjoyed a comfortable mile in the pool.  My shoulder didn’t act up which made me so happy!

Tomorrow the goal is treadmill with upper body weights and then spin class.

~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"~

Sugar and Spice and Nothing Made of Salt

15 Apr 12

Everyone once in a while (seems more often at times) you end up with a week of complete and absolute upheaval, that was last week.  Health wise I am currently a guinea pig, I am off one med (that messes with lungs and liver), I get all sorts of lab work (I really wish they would learn I need those liquids too!), x-rays, EKGs and blah, blah, blah.  We shall see how all that turns out.

Training wise, this week went pretty well, sort of.  I got treadmill, spin, swimming and yoga in this week. I was supposed to run with the run group on Saturday, but Freddie had different plans! He decided to lay on my alarm so it didn’t go off.  But, Jose and I did some weight lifting in the way of yard work.

Today I experience something new…  I am used to the fact that if I eat something with a higher salt content my fingers turn into sausages.  Today, I was supposed to have lunch with my family (parents, sister and kiddos) but the place we were going is closed on Sundays! So my mom and dad decided to go home, but my kiddos were still hungry so we ended up at their favorite Chinese place.  Well, I know I have to be careful today I got a rude wakeup call to just how much attention I need to pay.  In less than an hour after eating I was feeling like crap, my legs were swelling and it was just no fun.  My legs are still swollen, but they are calming down some, I am hoping they will be all better tomorrow.  I return to my rheumy next week and this is something I will be bringing up with him. 

This week I planned on starting the Body for Life Challenge, but the protein drinks they require participates to use have to much sodium for me, so that is not going to happen.  I still want to do something similar, but it will be a slightly modified version.  I too before pictures and there is no way in hell I am posting them!

Tomorrow is Day 1, Week 1! Goal this week – 5 days of 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"~

Spin Class

27 Mar 12

I am starting to think Jose is looking forward to spring break being over.  Today is spin class day! We got to class a little early and Tony helped Jose set his bike up, I was a nice mom and let Jose use my squishy seat cover.  Before class even started Jose was already tired! He stuck around for the entire class, he kept having to take a break and rest. He even managed to pop an attitude with me during class.  Towards the end we were out of the saddle and Jose had not put enough resistance so one of the peddles got away and bit him in the ankle, he is ok.  Tony even did a shout out to him at the end of the class! 

Once we were done with spin class, I realized I forgot my shirt at home so I couldn’t take a shower.  All was good though, my mom had requested the boys come over and help my dad with some yard work and since Charlie had been “abused and neglected” he went over to visit his papa!  (trust me, the day either of my fur babies are abused or neglected is the same day hell freezes over).  Once I dropped the two legged boys off and Charlie had a nice long visit with papa, he and I came home and the kiddos stayed and helped lay mulch.

Tomorrow I am looking forward to some uninterrupted gym time.  (My mom wants kiddos again tomorrow!!!)

~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"~

Un-Break My Heart

9 March 2012

Do you know Toni Braxton has lupus? SQUIRREL! Oh! And don’t ask about the video, I just like the song!!!

Heart rate training… Every time I go to spin class Tony (I love Tony, he is an awesome spin instructor [but I did cheat on him today]) goes on and on about Anaerobic Threshold (AT) and the different levels.  Which got me to thinking.  I can’t just listen to my breathing, thanks to my Methotrexate I get winded just going up a set of stairs at times.  So of course I started thinking about heart rate training.  Luckily a friend lent me a heart rate monitor while mine is on vacation (renovations have caused a lot of things to go on vacation!!!!!).  Yesterday while I was on the treadmill I kept an eye on my heart rate and my heart rate was pretty well behaved.  I get it that AT running is not the same as AT spinning.  I found one website that seems to have the most informative information (Heart Rate Training Zones), but I am still looking!

Today was “Active Recovery” day… so I decided I would check out what classes were being offered I found a few with the time range I was interested in and I settled on two.  Spinning (hello! I LOVE that class) and Hot Vinyasa. 

Again, I cheated on my all-time favorite spin instructor.   I attended spin class, I kept a very close eye on my heart rate.  We were not supposed to go into Zone 4, but I did sneak in a few times.  The class was great and then the instructor made a comment that got my goat up a little.  “You get what you deserve” I understand where she is coming from what but I really wish she would think about it from more than just a fitness stand point.  I get the “if I eat three pieces of chocolate cake I am going to feel like crap.” I get it, I do.  But once I step out of the gym (or outside of the fitness world) I will throw down the BS card in a heartbeat!

Then it was off to Hot Vinyasa class.  I was a little nervous, but my primary doc did tell me it would be good for me, but make sure I spoke to the instructor before class; which I did!  My back was in heaven!!!!! Oh wait… she cranked up the heat and turned on the humidifier. I got toasty in there! After a few stretches my back was in heaven. I did have to keep taking breaks to get water and to get rid of the dizziness but I really enjoyed the class.  I realize this is going to make me sounds nuts, but I LOVE the pigeon pose! Love, love, love it! I was so happy when the instructor directed us into this pose.  My knees didn’t have any issues going into this pose and my hips loved being there.  I am tired, but I feel so relaxed!

Tomorrow group run! YAY!


~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"~

The Floor is Getting Closer!

8 March 2012
No, I am not getting shorter! Actually I have shrunk a bit (thanks to my back issues).  I made a comment to my sister about the floor getting closer and she through I lost my mind! I have never been overly flexible (unlike my younger son), thanks to yoga I have managed to gain a certain amount of flexibility, but the whole thing of putting weight on and having back issues that flexibility hasn’t been around of late.  The other day I had to pick something up off the ground and I had no issue bending over and grabbing it.  There was no squatting down it was bend and grab!

Today was my official weigh in day and I am so excited to say I am down over eight pounds!  That is with no calorie counting just keeping an eye on “mindless snacking” and making sure we have a salad with dinner every night.  I get cookies for dessert most nights (some nights I just don’t feel like it).  So YAY! OH!!!! That means I get a new pair of running socks!!!!!!!

This week I have been right on schedule for my training and tomorrow … ACTIVE RECOVERY—LOW-IMPACT CROSS TRAINING OR FULL RECOVERY IF NEEDED I am going to use this as aerobics class day!  First I am going to try to sleep in a bit.  Tomorrow morning I have a choice between Spin Class, Zumba, hot yoga, and regular yoga.  I have never been to a hot yoga class, but my primary care doc highly recommends it but told me in NO uncertain terms to make sure the instructor is WELL aware of my medical conditions and ask for help to adjust some of the poses to make sure I don’t get hurt.  Spin class… it isn’t with Tony L but it is still a possibility.  Zumba not sure how my back with like it.  Regular yoga is a very good possibility! I also plan on getting some pool time.  I had thought about it today, but I figured after my 3-miler I was good for the day. 

Here is to another great weight loss week and an even better training week!



~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"~

Might want to think her profession!

4 March 2012

Earlier this week I was told by a VA person that during a flare up I should just sit back and relax; luckily I don’t listen very well.  Monday I had a nice treadmill run, Tuesday I did a short stint on the treadmill followed by a spin class.  Wednesday – I took the day off (had to much homework to do).  Thursday three miles on the elliptical machine; Friday another nice treadmill run; Saturday, even though it was cold, I had a fabulous run with the BRC FIT.  Today after dropping my boys off with my dad I snuck off to the pool.  My goal was to do one mile. I didn’t care how long it took me but damn it I was going to do a mile! I did a nice 100 m warm up, stretched out (my shoulder got mad at me last time so I wanted to make sure it was nice and stretched).  I figured I would break my remaining laps into 500 meters.  The first 500 was freestyle-breaststroke-freestyle-back stroke-freestyle.  Set number two was kicking-stroke-kicking-stroke-kicking (usually I do it the other way, but trying to be nice to my shoulder).  The final set was another freestyle-breaststroke-freestyle-back stroke-freestyle.  I kept it gentle enough that my shoulder did not get upset, I also had to be gentle on my knee.  By the time I got out of the pool I felt wonderful! Of course I had to make a side trip to the hot tub. 

My whole point of this rambling is the fact that I could have thrown in the towel and decided I was to “ill” to live MY life.  I realize there are days when my body tells me there are no ifs and or buts about it I have to take a day or two (or more) off.  I just don’t understand how anyone with any knowledge about lupus or any other autoimmune disease would have the audacity to encourage someone is a flare to do nothing. I am not saying that during a flare up extra down time isn’t needed because, trust me, it is!!!! But if you can get out even for a little bit it is so worth it.  I am tired after my workouts, but then again I am tired before them so what is the difference?! I am so much more relaxed and I am a lot nicer to live with!

Treatment of SLE The treatment of SLE is as varied as its course. Although there is no cure for lupus and it is difficult to predict which treatment will be most effective for each patient, there have been significant gains in treating patients, and there is general consensus on several treatments. A conservative regimen of physical and emotional rest, protection from direct sunlight, a healthful diet, prompt treatment of infections, and avoidance of aggravating factors are the mainstays of lupus therapy. In addition, for female patients, pregnancy must be planned for times when the disease is under control, and the patient is on allowable medications. Physical Rest This basic component of everyone’s good health is essential for the person with lupus. The fatigue of lupus is not sleepiness or tiredness from physical exertion, but rather a frequent, persistent complaint often described as a “bone-tired feeling” or a “paralyzing fatigue.” Normal rest often does not refresh the patient or eliminate the tiredness due to lupus, and fatigue may persist despite normal laboratory test results. The patient and family need instruction on how to use this tiredness as a guide for scheduling activity and rest. It must be reinforced that this need for rest is not laziness. Eight to 10 hours a night of restful sleep, naps, and “timeouts” during the day are basic guidelines. Physical activity should be encouraged as the patient can tolerate it. However, in some patients, the fatigue is more related to fibromyalgia than to the activity of their lupus. An individualized exercise routine may promote wellbeing, especially in a patient with fibromyalgia. Some scientists believe that the incidence of fibromyalgia is increased in patients with lupus. They do not know why, but one hypothesis is that inflammation from lupus may lead to the rewiring of the pain pathways in the central nervous system. Emotional Rest A patient’s emotional stressors should be carefully assessed, because they may play a role in triggering a flare. The patient should be instructed on how to avoid these stressful situations. However, the physical manifestations of lupus must be treated as they present themselves while the emotional stresses are explored. Discussions with family members on this issue are essential for providing them with information and obtaining their support. Counseling for both the patient and the family may be an option. Chapter 6, Psychosocial Aspects of Lupus, explores these issues in further detail. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/Lupus_Guide/chapter_1.asp

~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"~

Outside the box

1 March 2012

I knew from the get go training would be difficult for my full iron distance race.  But in a way it has become an exercise in thinking outside the box.  I need to get my training in, but I am still dealing with a baby flare up; my back is not cutting me any slack.  It hurts to run sometimes (more often than not) but I still need to get my training in, and it has to be quality, it can’t just be miles for the sake of miles. 

I am a little too excited that my back is more than happy to go to spin class (my butt doesn’t like it, but it needs to get over it!).  There is also my friend the elliptical machine, which is something my back and my knee (which was smashed into a corner yesterday) really enjoy.  When those fall though there is nothing like water running or for that matter just hanging out in the pool and relaxing!

I am also one who needs rewards! I want my rewards! SO I made a deal with myself that every 50 miles (not including miles on the bike) I can get a mani, every 100 miles I get a pedi. I got a whole 3 miles today!!!! J

On the support front… I have to do a shout out to my favorite running store in the entire world… Colorado Running Company!  I love the fact that I can go in and the help I get is amazing.  I don’t get judge by my size, I am seen as a runner/triathlete . I can go in there and say this or that is going on and I need help.  On Monday I went in and asked about my back.  I had some inserts put into my shoes and was able to complete a 2.5 mile run without as much pain.  I love the fact that whenever I need help I can go in there and I get the help I need. 

~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"~

Excuses!

21 February 2012.

As a mom of two preteen boys I am pretty sure I have heard every excuse in the book.  When I comes to training however there are a whole slew of excuses that I am sure we have all tried at some point in time.  Today my list of excuses are pretty good one and sadly they are legitimate.

1.     I am tired

2.    My back hurts

3.    I have an ear infection

4.    I have a head cold

5.    My knees are pissy

6.    My goggles leak

7.    …

There will always be reasons why something can’t be done.  It takes true strength and determination to realize when they are just excuses and when they are reasons to take a day off. 

As for me today…

I’m tired. Really? It doesn’t matter what I do, I am always tired, it is a fact of life. It doesn’t matter if I stay in bed all day or go to the gym so I might as well go to the gym and be happy and tired!

My back hurts.  Ok, so don’t do something that makes it mad. Luckily I have found that spin class has no effect on my back.  Yea, my butt hurts but it was an awesome class. Some part of my body is always hurting, I have to decide what controls my life. 

I have an ear infection.  Ummmm, I am on antibiotics and there is a whole heck of a lot I can do about it.  When I am in the pool I wear ear plugs anyway. NEXT!

I have a head cold.  Ok, so bring tissues and make sure all the equipment is wiped down when done! Not hard.

My knees are pissy.  See above under my lower back hurts. 

My goggles leak.  I wanted to spend some time in the pool today.  Ok, so I only swam 100 meetings, but I wasn’t ready to get out.  So I kicked for a bit and when my knee informed me that was enough I stayed in the pool and ran for a while.

There will always be excuses and reasons not to train, and it takes a strong person to understand when it is an excuse that can (and most likely should be) be worked through. 

There is a quote I remind myself of when I am having rough days… I might have lupus. But it doesn’t have 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"~

Finally! Winter weather for more than a day!

7 February 2012.

After accidentally over sleeping, but not horribly late, Cuervo and I went zooming out the door to ensure he wasn’t late to school.  Not exactly sure why Jose let us sleep; I woke him up to take his shower and usually I doze off until he is done.  For some reason he did not find that odd.  Anyway, that is neither here nor there. 

Cuervo was dropped off in a timely manner and I zoomed up to the gym.  Thought I forgot my purse at home and started heading home and I realized I had it in my gym bag. 

I got in, got up to the treadmill, I figured I would put in a 3-miler before spin class.  I could even get a mile in before my back was screaming.  I managed to finish the mile and then I found a foam roller. I thought that might help. No.  I still had about a half hour before spin class started, first thing I did was call my chiropractor to make an appointment.  I am hoping that will help. I went into spin class early with the understanding that is my back isn’t happy with I was not going to fight it. I got set up, put my headphones in and started. Once class started I took my headphones out and joined the class.  We did a lot of work out of the saddle.  Not quite a run, but it was a great workout and my back was happy.

I go to the chiro tomorrow at 2:15. I still plan on hitting the gym, might try some elliptical and then hit the pool for a while for some water running.

Oh!!!!!! And after my class I had a Luna Bar... YUM!

~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"~

Here we go!!!!!

Don’t Let the Fat Chick Beat You has gone on vacation until the end of October, but this is for a very good reason!

Here we on 1 February 2012. In 263 days I will be toeing the line at my first iron distance triathlon.  I had dreamed of that day for a few years and I am finally on the on the road. I realize this road is going to rough under ideal circumstances; this journey for me will be very interesting.  I have to ensure I keep a VERY good balance of training properly for the race but not pushing to hard that I end up in a lupus flare up.

During these next 263 days I am keeping my races to a minimum. Between now and 20 October 2012 I have a half marathon (March 2012), a full marathon (May 2012), a sprint triathlon (August 2012) and the training plan I am working off of also calls for an Olympic and a Half Iron distance triathlon.  If I do any more triathlons, I am up for the half iron distance (September 2012), but I haven’t found any Olympic distances that are within in the time frame recommended, not to mention I don’t want to push that much. 

“Official” training doesn’t start until the beginning of May 2012.  I have three months of marathon training to get me ready for the harder workouts.  I have my marathon training schedule, but I still have available time to work with weights, get bike time and happily… pool time!

Part of this journey will also be an experiment!  I can’t help but wonder how my lupus will respond; I am well aware of the fact that I HAVE to be very careful that I do not overdo it and end up in a flare up. Because of this wonderful disease I am on some nasty medications:

      Iron – I get anemic

      Melatonin – if my friend insomnia comes to visit more than three days in a row

      Methotrexate – lupus – takes the pain level down noticeably

      Omeprazole – antacid – I LOVE this stuff

      Flexural – muscle relaxer – thank goodness I don’t need these very often! (My family loves it when I am taking these “free entertainment”)

      Vitamin D3 – vitamin D3 deficient (thank you lupus)

      B12 – vitamin B12 deficient (thank you lupus)

      Plaquinil – lupus

      Vicodin – MAJOR pain pill – again, luckily I don’t have to take it very often!

      Folic Acid – to counter the methotrexate

      Levothyroxine – hypothyroid

      Mobic – anti-inflammatory

Only three of these I do not have to take on a regular basis. I refer to Saturday nights as “Pharmacy Night” and at 34 years old that is just stupid.  I am posting this list and I am hoping in 263 days that list is shortened (not sure how, but it is worth the shot!) On a side note… thanks to methotrexate I get to go to the vampire every six weeks because this medication is so harsh it can wreck major havoc on the liver. 

With all that said the next moth looks like the following:

		5	Misc/Rest	3	10	Cross
		2/1/2012	2/2/2012	2/3/2012	2/4/2012	2/5/2012
3	Spinning	5	Misc/Rest	3	7	Cross
2/6/2012	2/7/2012	2/8/2012	2/9/2012	2/10/2012	2/11/2012	2/12/2012
3	Spinning	6	Misc/Rest	3	12	Cross
2/13/2012	2/14/2012	2/15/2012	2/16/2012	2/17/2012	2/18/2012	2/19/2012
3	Spinning	6	Misc/Rest	3	13	Cross
2/20/2012	2/21/2012	2/22/2012	2/23/2012	2/24/2012	2/25/2012	2/26/2012
3	Spinning	7
2/27/2012	2/28/2012	2/29/2012

The “Misc/Rest” and Sunday “Cross” are my flexible days.  These two days I am going to either take a day off or participate in quieter activities; yoga, Pilates, etc.

Here is to an interesting 263 days!

~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"~