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"~

Beliefs

11 March 2012

This morning I saw something on Facebook that I had to borrow.  “Your Beliefs don’t make you a better person, your Behavior does.” I have met a multitude of “Christians” who try to make people believe they are good people JUST because they are Christians.  I have also dealt with a number of atheists who are the most kind hearted people I have ever met!  Now, I am not saying all Christians are bad people (I was born and raised Catholic), because they are not nor am I saying that all atheists are good people because that isn’t the case either!  Don’t tell me you must be a good person because of what you believe; it is all about how you behave!

Today completes week #2 of training.  I have heard taking a rest day can be the hardest thing to do.  Today is one of those days for me, I want to go get some pool time in, but I had my sister hide my suit from me! Yesterday was group run with BRC FIT Team.  I wasn’t really feeling it, at first so I took it as an enjoyable walk.  Once I finally started getting into it I was able to start running.  My left shoulder (usually it is my right shoulder that gets mad, but that is becuase it is "an old army injury"!!!!!!!) was oddly tight, but I finished happy and feeling good! Next week starts recovery week, but I have a 5-miler (which was supposed to be a half marathon) next weekend.  The weekend after next group runs move to Garden of the Gods; if you want a run that will kick your butt, run there!!!!!

Oh! And during my run yesterday I was keeping an eye on which zone I was in, kind of interesting really!  I usually run in zone 4/5. I focused yesterday on staying out of 5. This week during my runs I want to see what happens to my pace if I stay in 3/4.

Here is to a good training week before recover 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"~

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"~

Day 3 (10% done!!!!)

When I got home last night I was COLD! Cuervo was curled up in his chair and Jose was on my bed and they were watching TV, my poor sister was in her room sick as can be. She came up to greet me and told me my boys had been really good all day. They watched TV and when they needed something they would come talk to her, otherwise they left her alone (they are amazing at doing that). Before I did anything else I got changed and hit play! The first round of jumping jacks I realized my calves for one heck of a workout on Monday! Freddie and Charlie tried to help me again. This time Freddie figured I need help staying up so he stood under my upper chest while I was trying to do push-ups. My sister came and rescued me! I was able to finish my workout (my knee played nice, thank goodness). Then it was dinner time. Quesadillas! I did have two, but I measured everything out. I only had a little bit of fat free cheese, and I did stack on the lettuce and cilantro, some no salt black beans and some other stuff. I thought I had made good choices, that is until I figured out the calories! According to Body Bugg and entering in everything I did eat yesterday I still came out without any issues. I was just shy of my goal calories in for the day. Monday it looks like I was way lower than I was supposed to be. I can now see where I am falling to short or going to far over. I figure 100 calories either way is manageable.

This morning I was back on schedule. I figured out how to get out of bed and Cuervo decided it was necessary to sleep in my room again (I think he just likes sleeping in his chair [it is one of those big round ones] and Charlie has no issues climbing up into the chair with him!). When I got out of bed Cuervo had packed up his chair and got it out of my way so I was able to get right into it. I hit play and again my calves started asking me what the heck I thought I was doing! This time during push-ups Freddie came over and started giving me kisses every time I came up. Then he decided it was play time with Charlie so they went outside. I have been doing the 30-day shred without weights, I am hoping to get to the store to pick up some dumbbells tonight. I don’t think I will need anything more than 3 – 5 pounds (for now). With my shoulder not back to 100% yet, this workout is great, it is not to strenuous on it but it does work out.

New bike pants (don’t worry, I did laundry Monday night) + running skirt (put on backwards [oops]) = perfect combo. My boss was in the gymlet today and I was so glad I had my skirt on. I am sure he wouldn’t have cared, but I would not have been able to get a good ride in trying to fix the back of my pants (they don’t go WAY down, but they are further down than I am happy with). After chatting with my boss for 5 minutes I got into my ride. Little hilly (nothing like what I am going to need for Elephant Rock – stayed between levels 5 – 9 with RPMS between 87 – 95).

30-Day Challenge

8 Feb 11

ü 76 oz of water every day

ü TV off no later than 10:30 (I have been falling asleep before my TV even think about shutting off!)

ü Down size Startbucks

ü Logging intake

ü 30-day Shred – Every day!

Waiting and Training and Waiting and...

At this point in time I am only get tidbits of information. I went to PT and luckily he needed my x-rays so I was able to get the results from him and it is a good thing he is as cute as he is otherwise I would have thrown something at him! My x-rays looked good, bones are good, spacing of my vertebra are all good. In the same breath he said he didn’t expect to see anything with just an x-ray. Then why waste my insurance on them? Talk about frustrating! But I am happy with those results, that means no arthritis!
I spent the majority of the weekend, again, sleeping in and taking everything slow and not even really looking at my running shoes. I did think about the fact I was laying in bed being completely lazy while the Denver marathon was off and going, then I fell asleep again! I did find out that lupus flair ups are even worse one week prior to that time of month, which would explain a lot! This morning when I got out of bed I felt so much better! I have energy, I still have a little bit of pain, but it is manageable without the happy pills.
I finally got a call from the doc’s office telling me I need to start taking Vitamin D right now! I am as low as I can go without falling out of the healthy range. Rest of my results the doctor will discuss with me when I go in next week. I don’t like that, but I can live with it. Today is the first day in a while I actually feel like climbing on the treadmill. I will be smart and walk more than run (taking it nice and easy), depending on how this week goes, I might have to pull my training from Intermediate II down to Intermediate I . Or even scrap that and go to Runner’s World and create a 12 week program and kind start at square one again. After looking at the two schedules, I am pretty sure at a minimum I will go from the Intermediate II to a modified Intermediate I

I have to say, this whole Lupus thing has, for the first time ever, got me to slow down and listen to my body. I have to know when I truly don’t feel well vs. just not wanting to do something. The past two weeks I have felt like crap and instead of trying to tell myself ‘you are fine, just push through it’ I am now able to look forward and keep my excitement about my upcoming race. I am still tender but I am not landing myself on the bench! Oh! And PT on Friday – wonderful! He took it nice and gentle and the grinding in my neck has decreased, my constant headache is just annoying now and not painful!

Self Assessment

I am still waiting for answers, this sucks. I know they had my x-rays back on Wednesday, and the lab said most of the results are less than a 24 hour turn around. I have an appointment on the 27th but that is over a week and a half away (and if it is anything other than ‘you are perfectly healthy’ I don’t want to hear it on my birthday!). “The results are sitting on the doctor’s desk and blah, blah, blah” Get them off the doctor’s desk and tell me what the hell is going on! Sorry, this is really getting to me! I will know my x-ray results this afternoon because I told the doc’s office that my PT wants a copy (well, he does!) luckily I see him this afternoon.
I am going to try to head out for some miles this weekend. If I was the whole way, fine! I plan on taking it nice and easy, if I can run a little bit without hurting I will do so. I just have to get out and get moving, the stationary bike SUCKS! According to my training schedule I have 7 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday. I will do what I can and not worry about the rest, if I need to down grade my training plan I will. I am not going to kill myself just to get my miles in. If need be I will train to WALK the races. It is all about having fun.
On a sort of unrelated note, it is Self Assessment time at work. One of my greatest qualities is my attitude/personality. I am always happy go lucky and willing to help anyone and everyone. This past year, Jose has been in the ER twice, urgent care twice, a ton of other things going on. Cuervo has been to urgent care once, had a run in with the cops/paramedics/firemen. My grandfather passed away. I found out there is a very good chance I have lupus, my back went nuts (right in the middle of trying to get a proposal out), my baby girl (canine) died… The list goes on and on, yet somehow I have managed to keep my happy go lucky façade at work even though all I really want to do is break down and cry or scream or tell certain individuals where to shove it! My supervisor (officially she has no right being a supervisor, but my official supervisor has put her in that position) didn’t even realize I was even in any pain when my back went out until I called her and told her I had been put on bed rest until further notice (most of my co-workers saw/commented how stiff I was). I do have to say, this woman is very oblivious about what is going on unless it directly affects her. I understand that is how some people are, I am just not that way. I also have the ability of getting stuff done fast because I have gotten to know people and they are more often than not more than happy to help me. My work signature block quote says Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle ~James M. Barrie you also never know when you might need their help! Plus it is just plain better to be nice to people!

The waiting game

My shoulder was feeling a little bit better yesterday, that was until I went for my one stop shopping at x-ray and the lab! They took somewhere around 20 shots of my neck, back and shoulder. I got called back, I was told to undress from the waste up and put the gown on opening to the back (you gotta love hospital gowns!), I went in and she started positioning me, moved my hair and told me I had to remove my earrings! Mind you, my ears have a ton of piercings in them but I do not wear earrings in my lower holes. I have an industrial, my helix, tragus and daith all done! I wanted my rook done, but I have to many blood veins so it can’t be done! Then I told her when she does my shoulder I will have one more to remove, I thought the poor woman was going to have a heart attack! I went in there in my work clothes (professional), ok I did have my flip flops on (I rarely wear my work shoes outside of work). When she came to take a x-ray of the top of my spine she asked if I had my tongue pierced, I used to! Yes, I am a little bit of a wild child! I have five tattoos and I plan on getting a few more! For the record though, one of them is Betty Boop on a 1940 style bicycle, wearing a 1940 style swimsuit and running shoes!!!! I got her for my triathlons and when I have earned my M dot tattoo, she gets one too! All of my tattoos are covered (for the most part) when I am at work. While I am doing all this Jose is walking from school (it is only one big block away). I get back into the dressing room and I shoot Jose a text letting him know I am getting dressed and he replies he is outside. I walk out of the dressing room and there he is sitting quietly and patiently! We go a few feet to the lab and he starts helping me put all the jewelry back into my ears (I took care of the other one all by myself, thank you very much!), I get called back just as we were trying to put one in. They stole four tubes of blood from me! Don’t they know I need that blood too? The nice lab lady said most of the labs will be done that night. I really hope I get good news. Ok, I hope they figure out what is going on and it is good news; I know, I am picky. It feels like today will be another bike day (maybe a walk), but that is ok. I am training for a fun race! I WILL listen to my body this time around and I will cross the finish line without being in tears from pain.


Hourglass image obtained from http://api.ning.com/files/yesER6QmymDkMh9yNC1SWWXeDaMxbty2QY-XZ1vOOUvwPcXA4OX3-b6IEThAXM8dglKJ5MrMfFHthPhm5vWGVVXcepnY3jHm/hourglass1.jpg

A Beauty Weekend

Believe it or not I took everyone’s advice and did not even look at my running shoes this weekend. I did however get my nails and hair done!
Saturday was Pawtober Fest 5K, I had planned on running it but instead I slept until 10 am! I got up, went and got my nails done, started on my hair (I color my own hair). While I was still putting the primary color in I get a call from my parents letting me know that they are back in town with my boys, but they are having car problems. They stopped to get something to eat so they don’t need my help for about an hour. Perfect! I finish with the first step, grab my sister and away we went (with our little portable battery charger). We get to where our parents and my children are, my dad hooks up the charger to the battery (I have an thing about electricity), and my mom starts the car with no issue. As good children, we follow my parents to their mechanic, just in case! We get there, my mom asks for help backing into a parking spot (which translates to ‘someone else back my car into the parking spot’), so I hop in and park. I shut off the car, get out and try to lock it, guess again! It is dead again! I vote it is the alternator or crap in the gas tank, but what do I know. After spending another few hours driving them everywhere they needed to go to get everything taken care of so they could leave the car with the mechanic I was finally able to go home!
Sunday, my sister and I were good children again and saved my parents $90 an hour for a plumber and replaced their kitchen faucet for them. Ok, when I got home I had to take a vicatin and then a flexural, but my mom is happy she loves her new (working) faucet!
Today I did 10 miles on the bike, I might go for a walk during soccer practice, but then again, I might not! Taking it slow!

Headed in the right direction?

Yesterday afternoon I went for my annual checkup with my primary doc. She has finally got me on meds for the lupus(?), I will be getting an x-ray of my back to see “how much arthritis” I have in my back, I really wished she had said “if” instead of “how much” cause quite frankly I am too young to have arthritis! Since she is pretty sure she won’t see what all is needed in the x-ray the next step will be an MRI. She is sure I have a connective tissue disease/auto-immune disease, she is still leaning towards lupus, but she wants to run more tests and I go back on the 27th at which point I will ask to see a rheumatologist. She was happy to hear that I backed out of New York (I am still upset about that one), but she thinks as long as I take it gently I will be ok to do my next race.
On the subject of races, I will not be doing Pawtober Fest this weekend, my shoulder has been to mad at me. While at physical therapy the PT doc asked what I was planning for this weekend and I told him a 7-milers and a 14-miler. He asked me to please take it easy this weekend. As much as I am sitting here grumbling about it, I think I will take Saturday off and see about a short easy run on Sunday (ok, might hit the incline go up slowly and come back down the trail slowly) – depending on how I feel! This week will be chalked up to a recovery week and I will start again on Monday.

I survived another visit to PT!

Well, PT went better than expected! I was not told to get on the hand bike, I was not lectured, I was not tortured (to much). My PT doc is a little worried about this slip back and the fact that when he tested my strength I was half of what I was when I started! I told him it was because I went swimming yesterday! I am sticking to that one! He asked about RA and I reminded him my doc was thinking more like lupus; either way, not good!
I found a website about marathon cross training. I am hoping my shoulder starts liking me again soon, but I am not going to sit still until it does! I think I will be looking at the cycling idea for a few days and see where I am at. Obviously, I will not be getting anywhere near the areo position!

Marathon cross training is a great way to stay in shape should you need to take time off from running due to an overuse injury or if the weather does not allow you to run. If the weather is bad and you have access to a treadmill, then you should run on the treadmill. Following are some great marathon or half marathon cross training exercise for marathon training. Remember though, running is by far the most beneficial exercise when training for a marathon. You should not expect to be able to finish a marathon by just cross training.
The big difference is these exercises eliminate the constant pounding your legs experience by running. Just use these exercises as needed due to injury or bad weather. Marathon cross training is a great way to maintain conditioning during injury recovery.
• Cycling
Cycling is great because it works your legs and cardiovascular system while taking away the constant pounding your legs experience while running. This is a great exercise to use if you experience shin splints and need to take time off from running. To determine how long you need to cycle, multiply the estimated running time for the day’s training by 1.5 and cycle for that amount of time in place of the run. Stretch after the exercise just as you would after a run.
http://www.marathonrookie.com/marathon-cross-training.html


I go back to my normal doc later this week and then back to PT on Friday! Hopefully I am headed back in the right direction!

Oops!

I think I am going to get in some serious trouble when I go to PT today! Yesterday I did three miles on the elliptical machine and my shoulder ended up a little pissy, but nothing major. So I went for my weekly swim after work… I was ok until I was about half way done. Breathing to the right was really aggravating it (I alternate left only, right only, both), but did I listen? NOPE! I thought maybe I could stretch it out. I did try breaststroke, that lasted for all of three strokes – there was NO question about the aggravation level on that one! I got home, took Tylenol and put on a heating pad (thank you Therma Care!) ate dinner and called it a night. This morning I am still hurting so I took a look at what was on the books for the week.
On the books ************Planned *************might have to do
Monday – X training******3 + 1500y swim*********3 + 1500y swim
Tuesday – 3***************** 7 ************************Rest
Wednesday – 7 **************3 *************************3
Thursday – 3 ****************7 *************************7
Friday – 0 *******************0 *************************7
Saturday – 7 *****************3.1 (Pawtober Fest 5K) *****3.1
Sunday – 14 ******************14 ***********************14

We shall see!