Third Week of Training

My third week of training was one run short.  I ran 3 miles outside on Tuesday afternoon and 2 miles on the Treadmill on Wednesday.  


On Christmas night the snow started falling and continues still.  It's Sunday evening now.  This was my first white Christmas, even though the snow didn't start to fall until nighttime.  It was very cool.  Today, my husband and I ventured out around noon time and had a run in the snow.  We ran 2 miles together and since I needed to get in my long run, I continued on for another 3 miles.  It was really beautiful out.  It was cold, but we were both warmed up fast. 


As I continued on my own, I half stepped on a curb and almost twisted my ankle.  Since it didn't twist too much and I walked it off.  After a step or two, I fell to my knees and all I could do was giggle.  I do that a lot when it snows. Giggle that is...not fall.  I'm such a California girl. My ankle was fine, though, and I continued my run. The 5 miles felt really good too.  My long run training was cancelled due to the road conditions.  I'm so glad I was able to get in my long run anyway.


Breakfast before our run was a latte, banana, black berries and blueberries.  Didn't seem to need much to have good running energy.


I'm very glad that we ran when we did.  It got way colder as the day move on.


Till next time....happy running!

Tomorrow is my 'procedure'....

A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine) and rectum, using an instrument called a colonoscope.


I'm at the age where every time I see a doctor I'm asked if I've had a colonoscopy.  I say no I haven't and the exam proceeds.  My new doctor has a way with patients like me, though.  After finding out that I have not had one yet at 53, he went ahead and gave my name and number to a gastrointestinal doctor.  And wouldn't you know, not a week passed before I received a call from his nurse.  Now I'm in the prep time and just finished my first dose of yuck.  Magnesium Citrate at first taste is ok.  It's lemon favored, but the last half was so sickeningly sweet that I gagged.  I downed the last four swallows and have washed it down with 8 ounces of water mixed with some apple juice.  Now I wait.  My next dosage will be miraLAX powder mixed with Gadorade. I'll need to drink 32 ounces at 6pm and then again at 9pm. 

I think the worst thing about this is not eating.  I don't usually crave food, but right about now, I'm craving a filet mignon.  


The cool thing about this, I'm told, is that you get to see inside yourself.  How cool is that???!!

Second Week of Training

My second week of training was pretty good.  On Monday, it snowed here and I ran 2 miles in a light falling snow. It was wonderful.  I even caught a snowflake or two.  I ran Wednesday morning and Thursday evening on the treadmill. I prefer running outside to the treadmill, though.  Saturday's group run felt great. I ran 5 miles and for the second half of it I had a running partner. I was nice to have someone to run and talk with.  It's amazing how the time and distance moves a little faster with company.  There was some icy parts, but no one slipped...at least not that I saw.

Week 1 Training Complete

My first week or training for my second half marathon is complete.  


I ran 2 miles (3:1 run:fast walk) outside on Monday at lunch. Working from home on Mondays makes this possible. It was 40 degrees, but the wind was blowing and that lowers that temp some.  Half way through my run, I was wishing I wore my face gear. My body was warm enough, but my face was so cold.  Next time I'll remember.  


Wednesday, I ran 3 miles on the treadmill after work.  I did some farlik training (swedish name for speed play).  Normal pace was 5.6...some at 6 and up to 7 with a bunch of 4.5 to catch my breath after the 7 and 6 runs.  


Thursday was scheduled for 2 miles, but I was void of the energy, so I ran it on Friday and did the same farlik type run. Treadmill running is so boring that I find I need something to keep it interesting.  Also, those 2 miles were not easy and I wanted to get it done.  We are supposed to re-arrange the den so I can watch my new TV.  That will make it easier. 


Today was the first group long run.  I ran 4 miles and ran the whole way. It's so much easier running outside than on a treadmill.  Not as boring. Next time I'm bringing my music, though. I thought I'd be talking with fellow runners, but I was alone most of the time. My pace was between the faster runners and the slower runners.  That make sense since all my race result put me in the middle of the ranking. It was 40 degrees, but no wind and I dressed too warm.  Next time, if it's 40 without wind, I'll wear short sleeves with my new sleeves.

This way if I get too hot, I can pull them off.
Next week is the same schedule, except the long run is 5 miles.  
So...till next report...

Training for my second half marathon

Tomorrow begins my training for my second half marathon, The Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach.

I've joined the Shamrock half training group and will run with them on my Saturday long runs. The rest of the training will be on my own.  I'll be running four times a week and that includes the Saturday long runs. This time, though, I'm adding in cross training and prescribed.  I'm hoping to run the half in less then 2:30.  This will be a little over 15 minutes faster than my first half.

My husband has started running again and so I'll have a running partner during the week. It's nice to run together.

My plan is to log here weekly about my training.

The accidental Black Friday shopper....

Yesterday was Black Friday and I did do some shopping.  I only purchased one Black Friday item, though.  


After my one BF purchase, I needed to purchase some mineral foundation powder. I'd heard about Clinique's new mineral foundation and found it intriguing. Rather than power, as you turn the wheel, a fresh top layer is shaved up through the slots....powder. The brush is really only useful around the eyes, though.

Since it was early, there was no one at the Clinique counter yet.  I had a half hour to wait, so I meandered around the store and found a few things to try on just to kill time. I've been wanting to buy some tunic type outfits to blend into my wardrobe and have tried this in the past without success. This day I was successful and purchased two tunics and some cable knit type leggings. Then, I found and purchased my mineral foundation and went home.

When I returned home, I turned on the TV and started watching the marathon of What Not to Wear.  After seeing a few of the transformations, I decided that my hair needed a color lift and off I went to the beauty supply store.  I parked near the shoe store, as I needed a new black pair of shoes to replace my pointy short boots.  No luck with that, so I walked into TJ Max to look at their shoes as well.  With my head still filled with the What Not to Wear transformations, I was thinking about my wardrobe and shopped around to add to my new tunic style I'd started shaping that morning.

I usually only find one or two items of value when I've shopped at TJ Max, but they must have received a big shipment because I had to force myself to the register before I spent too much. I did end up with a pair of black flats (no short boots for me...yet), but I found some really cute clothes to enhance my wardrobe. 

Next step is to go through my closet and remove the clothes that I haven't worn in years. That will be hard though...really hard.  In the past, what I did was bag up these clothes and put the bag in the garage. If I've not missed the clothes for 6-8 months (yes, that long), then I give them away without another look in the bags.  Two Spings ago, I vacuum bagged my winter stuff.  Last winter I pulled only one sweater out. I'm thinking those are the first to be bagged.  I asked my husband to help me decide, but I told him that I plan on at least removing half of my current wardrobe.  We'll see how that goes, though, as parting is such sweet sorrow.  The thing is, my mornings will be so much simpler with less clothes in the closet that I never wear.  I'll find things easier.  

To me this will lessen any morning stress....and I'm all about that!

Umbilical Hernia repair -- warning TMI... :-)

I was told it was a routine surgery, but it's surgery and there's recovery.  I've been in the recovery stage since Wednesday afternoon.  I finally took a shower today and that felt good!

My stomach is bloated and look about 5 months pregnant.  I've been drinking water since the pain pills dry me out, so clearing my bladder, which was mandatory in the first eight hours, was the easy part.  It's the other that I've yet to do that is the cause of the majority of my pain. My bloated belly is pulling on the super glued suture site.

On wednesday, I had a flat tummy and I'm looking forward to that flatness again.

I can't wait to go running too.  I was thinking I'd be running within a week! I guess I underestimated what surgery is all about and definitely overestimated my tolerance to pain.  My husband got me to take a short walk last night. We walked to the corner and back....very slowly.  I was in my nightgown, long winter coat and uggs.  I needed that.

I'm not sure at this point what my belly button will look like once the swelling goes down.  I had an inny/outy.  It was in, but you could see the belly button.  Time will tell.

Yeah...I know... TMI, but at least I didn't post a picture of my belly...

surgery---done

On Wednesday, I had surgery. Umbilical hernia repair. I'm still on pain medicine. I'm very sore still on day 3. My belly button looks weird right now. What used to be an inny, looks like an outy. I'm hoping that it gets back to normal. 


I have a high pain tolerance, but this trait is not helping me right now.  


This was the first time I was 'cut.'  I had oral surgery for my wisdom teeth, but that was a twilight sleep, not general anesthesia.  The 'cut' is barely an inch.  The worst part is that I'm bloated and can't seem to do anything about it. I'm eating and drinking, but still nothing. I even drank some Slimming Tea to help in that department, but I'm not even flatulent...no urge at all.  


I called my doctor's office...found out that this is perfectly normal.  His nurse suggested a stool softener...Milk of Magnesia.  Pretty soon, something has to give.  I think that the incision is hurting more because of how bloated I am.  


Anyway...In a few days, I should be back to normal.  I can't run for a week or two.  I can walk though and I'm planning a trip to the corner and back with my doggie.  


That's all for now...

Surgery...

Yesterday I had surgery. Routine as it was, I'm still in some pain. Taking loopy pain medicine. Still wearing the hospital grip socks...taking 3 vacation days.

The Wicked 10K

I just ran my 2nd 10K.  My first was last Sunday (Run Like a Girl 10K).  Today I ran 6 minutes faster with a time of 1 hour, 6 minutes and 50 seconds. Last week was a trail run, though.  I am really pleased with my time today.  


I dressed up too.  Most of the runners were in costume.  I was a misunderstood witch.

My face was greenish.  I did start out with sleeves and gloves, but by the 3 mile mark, they were shed and handed to be hubby as he attempted to quickly take a picture (he missed getting me in the picture). This picture is post race.  My husband was waiting at the last turn for me as I crossed the finish line a mile away.  I seem to surprise him with each race time...but that's a good thing because I'm improving with each race.


I signed up for my next race, but I double booked myself and won't be doing it...oh well.  My next race is Virginia is for Lovers 14K in February.  


All in all...a fun successful day in Virginia...oh and beautiful weather!!!

My California Family Adventure

My California Family Adventure

I had a full week of family in California last week. I miss them all. Lots of pictures...here's one of all of us (My hubby didn't come with me...he's so understanding of my California trips!)

Here's one of my brother Larry and his girlfriend Anita. We were having a hard time making Larry smile, but something got him laughing...or someone ;-)

Here's one of Gary and me....I lost it after this one. It was very emotional knowing that I leave in the morning...

After all the pictures that we took there after dinner, I realized that I did not take any pictures there with my 2 sons.

But...there were pictures taken...Here's my oldest son Michael and his wife Pam

...and here's Shawn and his Emery...Shawn's a great daddy!

A wonderful visit! We all needed that. My sons haven't seen each other in over 3 years and Michael and Pam met their nephew. We are really such a close family...who happen to live in many places now.

California Visit

I've been in California since Wednesday. I'm having fun being with my sons, grandson and daughter-in-law. It's been tiring and I did manage to get in a 3 mile run yesterday. It's funny, I can be really tired, but run and feel better. I need to get in a 4-5 mile run before I leave, but I have a feeling I won't. That's okay, though. I have a 5K next Saturday and I'll not have a problem missing a run. 5Ks are a piece of cake now. :-)

After already planning our trip, I got a call from my neighbor in California (neighbor to my rental actually). My palm tree was rubbing up against their roof (two story house). It really needed to come down. It may also start lifting their foundation...eventually. My son is an arborist in Pennsylvania and brought all his climbing gear. It was so cool to be able to watch him work. Scary too. Here's the last piece of palm tree.

Off to my grandson's birthday party...

sometimes...someday...

sometimes my world seems to be the only world

sometimes I get reminded it's not

sometimes my world seems the most important world

sometimes I get reminded it's not

sometimes I am sad and feel that is most important

sometimes I am just delusional, cause it's not

sometimes I just want to be treated nicely all the time

sometimes I see that's not possible

sometimes I just want comfort and understanding

sometimes it seems beyond my reach

sometimes I want compassion and respect

sometimes I just don't get it

sometimes I want others to treat me as they want to be treated

sometimes I wonder why that can't happen regularly

sometimes I just wonder where am I going

sometimes I wish I just knew

sometimes I just want love and understanding

no...not sometimes, but all the time

someday...

tummy bump...

Lesson learned...

Running shorts have a draw string tie at the waist that does nothing if your shorts fit. I end up just tying it to keep it out of the way. I should have removed it. The knot of the tie was pressed firmly up against my stomach about 3 inches below my belly button. Yes...I have a high belly button. Anyway, this constant pressure on the knot was the culprit. The bump under my skin was like the knot you get from a hard bump. The only difference was that there was no bruise. I went to the doctor, just in case and that is all it was.

Lesson learned...pull out those draw strings!

Another lesson...smile at the finish line because your picture is being taken! All the shots of me crossing were rather serious.

First 1/2 at the Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach

So, I did it! I ran my first 1/2 marathon today.

It was a great run.

I ran it in 2:45:46, which is faster than I expected!

Now I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my stomach. We think it's a hernia, but will get it checked out tomorrow. I noticed it about 2 hours after the race. I thought it was just from the tie of my shorts that pushed up against that area, but now I'm thinking hernia.

Anyway...all in all a great day!

Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon Virginia Beach

Just a few more days and I can say that I've run a 1/2 marathon!

I'm excited and not too nervous. I know that Saturday night will be a long night!

Tapper Week - pre-Half Marathon -Virginia Beach Rock n Roll 1/2

I'm running my first half marathon on Sunday here in Virginia Beach. I hear it's a lot of fun. I can't wait. We have Earl coming this way, but I hear it'll be on its way out of here by Friday....I hope I hope!

So, this week I'm supposed to run 3 miles today...thinking of heading out soon...then walk 1.5 miles on Wednesday...then the big race on Sunday! I missed about 3 weeks of training because we were going to go to my husband's HS Reunion, but he decided he didn't want to go. He wasn't "feeling it." The day after he told me that, I was back to training. I didn't stop running thankfully, but I stopped my long runs at under 6 miles. That first weekend, though, I did a run/walk of 11 miles. That'll be good enough. I'll be run/walking the race while listening to great music and enjoying the camaraderie.

After that, I have signed up for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure's 5K, The Wicked 10K and Virginia is for Lovers 14K. I don't race, but it sure feels nice to be in the upper half of the list of my age group.

Anyway...off I go...

Sun porch at night

It's so peaceful sitting here in the evening
Crickets are chirping
Ducks are quacking

A dog is barking in the distance
The peaceful sound of the night
It takes me to a calmer place

When I'm stressed I come here
I sit still while the night lives around me
Bathing me in the night sounds

why

why do we let things get us upset

why over small stuff do we act then regret

why do we need to attempt to explain

why when on a reaction to the puddle from rain

why does it bruise the ego when it's not the intent

why to the evening does it make such a dent

why do we hardly show any compassion

why do we put out love on ration

why do we argue over the small stuff

why do we act as if we are so gruff

why don't we just love

Run/Walk Intervals

I seem to have hit a wall and I needed a way to get past the 5 mile mark in my training. I've been reading about Run/Walk Interval running and decided to give it a go today. I find it hard to run/walk because then I feel like a beginner again. I needed to get past that and I think I did today.

I ran my 3 miles running 4 minutes/walk 1 minute and my time improved! I usually average about 11 mph, but today I walked/ran 3 miles in 30 minutes. That's a 10 minute mile! I was pushing it at 4 minutes at that pace, I may do the 3/1 that was recommended for an 11 mile runner like me.