Hot Chocolate 5K

Hot Chocolate 5K

A few weeks ago I signed up for the Hot Chocolate 15 K in Denver.  The concept is YUMMY! You run the race and at the end you get hot chocolate and chocolate fondue with misc. goodies to go in.  These goodies included marshmallows, pretzels, rice crispy treats, banana and another thing or two. I signed up and then it occurred to me, I can’t have most of the goodies, so I sent in an email.  I was told all the snacks were separately wrapped and I shouldn’t have any issues.  Then the evil germ buckets got the better of me (I must add that I love the evil little germ buckets and I would trade in where I work for anything!).  For once in my life I actually listened to my body and downgraded to the 5K. Keeping in mind this was an inaugural race there are a lot of ups and downs (some things would be a down if it were not an inaugural)

Packet Pick-up

Packet pick-up was held on Friday and Saturday (no packet pick-up the morning of) – Thumbs down.  This race is not a massive race there is no reason not to permit same day packet pick-up.  In two days I drove almost 300 miles for this race.  I get Runner’s Roost would lose money if it were morning of packet pick-up, but I am not a fan of theirs by ANY stretch of the imagination, so them losing money is NO skin off my back.

Goodie bag

The bag included a sweatshirt and the bib and that was it! Yes, they had little pieces of chocolate at the “expo” (which was not an expo) – Thumbs downs(ish)

Pre-race

We got a little piece of paper recommending we get to the race at 5:45 (race start was 7:00).  We got there closer to 5.

Port-a-potties – two different areas and there were plenty – Thumbs up

Merchandise sales area – a little crowded, volunteers were not trained how to work the computers, got an awesome pair of jammie bottoms – Inaugural Thumbs up

Support area – they had the standard band aids, safety pins, etc.  Oh! And hair ties!!!!! – Thumbs up

Race Start

We were line up in corals, it was obvious there were a significant number of newbies out there which is awesome, but race etiquette needs to be explained CLEARLY to these people.  A lot of basic information was listed on their site. – Thumbs up

While lined up in the corals I saw at least two strollers – the rule against them NEEDS to be enforced! – Thumbs down. 

Race

The race went off without a hitch.  It was a flat course, one water stop with port-a-potties.  Mile marker 1 and 2 were pretty close to what my Garmin read (I get a smide off, not a big deal) mile marker 3 and the finish line were off! My Garmin read 3.35 (I would understand up to 3.25)  – Thumbs downs(ish)

According to my Garmin’s distance I am very happy with my time! I might have been slow, but that is ok I did it and I didn’t hack up a lung in the process! 

After Party

Once the race was over the masses went over to the chocolate tent.  The set up was well organized, it was a very streamlined process. – Thumbs up

The email response I received LIED!!!! The pretzels were not separately wrapped, BUT there were no issues when I asked for a bowl without pretzels  – Thumbs WAY up

There wasn’t as much chocolate as they made it seem, but the chocolate went over well.

A few things I would suggest…

#1 – Do not make packet pick-up mandatory the day/2 days before. 

#2 – ENFORCE the no stroller/no dogs on the course rule (my sister saw some dogs out there too)

#3 – Consider finding out about people’s allergies (gluten/dairy) and look into the possibility of having an allergy bowl. (I am not saying they need to do it, but it might not hurt to look into it)

All in all it was a good inaugural, they do have some glitches then need to work out but they have a good strong start.

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

Evil Little Germ Buckets

Thanks to a combination of lupus and the meds to “treat” lupus I have no immune system.  Since I work part time around kiddos life can get interesting!  After less than two months of hanging out around these little (and some not so little) guys (and girls) I caught something! It started off with a sore throat which turned into a nasty headache and is now a pleasant little cough that keeps going deeper and deeper into my chest.  I went to the doc, got meds, found out I was not contagious, been sleeping like crazy oh! And I have a race tomorrow.  I was supposed to run the 15k, but THAT is not going to happen.  I will be attempting to muddle through the 5k, but hey there is chocolate afterwards so you had better believe as long as I can crawl I WILL be doing this race.  

On a different note, somehow we are rapidly approaching my birthday yet again, I still won’t really admit how old I am but I think I am willing to go up a year.  This past year has been full of ups and downs but I have learned so much about myself, I have done things that 10 years ago I couldn’t have even imagined. I still have so much more in life that I want to accomplish and this past year has proven to me that not only is it possible but I WILL accomplish it.  

Well, tomorrow is a VERY early morning so it is early to bed!

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

Second Chances

This is SOOOOO far of the topic of racing or training…  If given the chance would you attempt to rekindle a flame that was doused long before it had a chance to run its course or do you say what is in the past belongs in the past?

I understand that people can change, hell, I am proof of that!  When faced with the question of seeing what is possible later down the road do you jump at the opportunity or run?  Don’t getting me wrong, when I say jump at the opportunity I guess the better wording is stick your toe in the water and check it out.  I have to say a lot of it would probably have a lot to do with the background story.  I will openly admit I have made a lot of stupid mistakes in my life; most of them I am not proud of, but I am not ashamed of them either.  It is those mistakes that make us who we are. I see people who are in the middle of making some of the same stupid mistakes I made years ago, all I want to do is run up to them, grab their shoulders and scream at them that they are making a huge mistake and if they would just pause a moment they would see that.  BUT I know it is better to keep my mouth shut because it is a lesson they probably really need to learn.  We all need those lessons, how else are we going to be able to look back and laugh at ourselves. 

If nothing else it is always nice to get a new friend, assuming the history does not prevent that!

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

March and April were pretty good months.  Sadly, my lupus got jealous and wreaked havoc on my knees and shoulders, or I guess I should say it wreaked even more havoc on my shoulders and knees (I have had issues with these two parts for a LONG time).  I was up to 25 minutes of non-stop running (Week 7, Day 3 of the 10K Runner program). Now I am back down to Week 1, Day 1, but the thing is I refuse to give up.  This morning I actually made it to the boxing class at the gym.  I had to modify most of the warm up, and I could not take out all my aggression out on the bag like I really enjoy doing, but I did feel good when I walked out of the room.  I have to be very carefully with the hooks (those were pissing off my shoulders no matter how light I would hit the bag).  After the boxing class little man and I went up to the treadmill and did 25 minutes (5 minutes warm up, 15 minutes of 1 min run/1 ½ min walk, 5 minutes cool down).  Little man enjoyed going his pace and I went my pace (surprise, surprise he beat me!!!!)

What all this boils down to is I refuse to give up, there are days I might think it is a good idea, but I still won’t do it.  I don’t care how many steps I take back I will keep fighting to go forward! 

On a side note… for the past seven years I have been slowly working on my bachelor’s degree, graduation was last Saturday (which was stupid), today I officially graduated cum laude!

Do not let what you can not do; interfere with what you can do.

–John Wooden

Lupie Training

After my flare up last year I have had to take a major step back with my racing life and start over at square one.  I started off great, I was enjoying MMA class, I was back on the treadmill, I was lifting weights, I was rocking it!  Apparently my lupus didn’t like that, all of a sudden my shoulders, wait, my big toe went nuts which made my doc worry about gout, luckily the test came back negative.  Then my shoulders so there goes boxing and swimming, then my knees (primarily my left) went nuts to the point it buckles backwards, my energy has plummeted – again! 

I knew this year would be a recovery year, but I didn’t realize how pissy this stupid disease was going to be.  On the days I can barely walk I try to make it to the pool to at least do something, some days I am actually able to get some miles in outside, but my family won’t let me go out by myself.  Luckily, one of my kiddos LOVES running so when my body actually lets me do some miles I have someone who will not only go with me he also cheers me on (I am horribly slow these days!).  

I understand this disease is unpredictable, I understand that this disease can be debilitating.  For better or worse I am not very understanding and I sure the hell am not very obedient!  I actually thought about trying to get my half fanatic this year, but my best bud lupie has made it very clear that it is NOT going to happen!  I do have a race later this year and (God bless kiddo) I am hoping my lupus does not get in the way.  If it does maybe little man will push my wheelchair so we can still do it!!!!!

Lupus Awareness Month

May is lupus awareness month.  I was officially diagnosed three years ago and have dealt with a number of minor flare ups and two major flares during that time.  Obviously I was in at least one flare up before I was diagnosed!  
Lupus is a very difficult disease to diagnose and there is no cure!  There are treatments (which can be horrific) but basically it is hold on for the ride of your life.  It affects organs, joints, memory, etc. 
 
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of lupus — a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly unfolding across both cheeks — occurs in many but not all cases of lupus.
Some people are born with a tendency toward developing lupus, which may be triggered by infections, certain drugs or even sunlight. While there's no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.
Symptoms
No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have mild disease characterized by episodes — called flares — when signs and symptoms get worse for a while, then improve or even disappear completely for a time.
The signs and symptoms of lupus that you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:
•    Fatigue and fever
•    Joint pain, stiffness and swelling
•    Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose
•    Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
•    Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods (Raynaud's phenomenon)
•    Shortness of breath
•    Chest pain
•    Dry eyes
•    Headaches, confusion, memory loss

I can honestly say it has changed my life.  I have also found out who my true friends and family are.  My sister and my kids have been amazing!  My parents are just starting to understand the magnitude of this disease.  I am not sure what hurts me the worst, the pain of the loss of memory/brain fog.  A few months ago my sister was asking me about something and she started getting mad at me until she realized I had no idea what she was talking about.  The fatigue is heart breaking, my boys have learned to look at it in a positive light.  If the fatigue is kicking my butt we have a movie night where we hang out in my room and watch movies. 
The physical pain is something that is different for everyone.  The amount of pain, the ability to tolerate it, etc.  I have gone through two major diet changes in the past five years which seems to help some times, but defiantly not all the time.  Prior to my diagnosis I was running marathons, triathlons, I was very active.  Now I have to play my physical activity day-by-day.  I cannot/will not make promises anymore because I don’t know if I will be able to move tomorrow or not. 
Don’t get me started on the side effects of the medicine!  Prednisone?  Weight gain!  Yea, like lupies need extra weight on top of all the other issues.  Methotrexate?  Difficultly breathing, weight gain, oh yea and it is also an abortion pill! Plaquenil – you need to have an eye exam every six months because it can mess with eye site! Hair loss, mood changes, confusion…
I asked my younger son how he feels about me having lupus and he said he hates it and it scares him.  I asked him to expand on it and he said, with tears in his eyes, that the way I act, “you know in pain all the time”. 

Lupus sucks and there is no cure!

March

March was an interesting month.  I started off the month with a new piece of artwork which made the gym something of a challenge.  I hit boxing and kickboxing (barefoot classes) and the elliptical machine with flip flops on!  I managed to lace up my shoes again just in time to run the St Patrick’s Day 5K.  I was slower than dirt, but I did it.  I have a ways to go before I get back to where I was but I am on the right path.  Had another good week and then I started slipping backwards again.  My knees, my ankles, my toes, my shoulders, my wrists and my back (still) hurt.  Right now I am still functioning, I think a lot of it has to do with the whole gluten free route I have been on since January.  I have my good days and I have my bad days (when I am stuck in bed). 

I have my sights set on a couple of races, nothing to dramatic, but I have hope and I am going to fight like hell to make sure I can do them.

The numbers for March were something for me to smile about! I haven’t seen numbers like this in about a year. (July 2012 was mostly bike miles)

 

February Wrap-up

My goal for February was to “run” on odd days and swim on even days.  I missed (took off) four days.  I figured I would be brave and try a new class at the gym, actually it was two and I fell in love!  Boxing and kickboxing both have been added into my workout regime. 

On the pain front, yea, I had some issues, but nothing major.  My energy was pretty good.

Weight? Down 10.6 pounds!!!!!

 

March will be entertaining; I got some new artwork done on my foot which makes my “normal” workouts not really possible.  For two weeks (give or take) no shoes or socks! Well, I can’t have the rubbing and the pool is completely out until my foot completely heals.  Luckily both the boxing and kickboxing classes are barefoot classes, spinning I can rest my foot on the top of my shoe and still get a workout in, yoga – shoeless of, course!  For rest of my cardio I have been getting on the elliptical machine in my flip flops and just go at it.  Once my foot heals I am planning on trying out Zumba, seems like it would be fun! The issue I am facing right now is my energy level is starting to go down and I am starting to have pain again in my left arm (up to my elbow).  I am hoping all this is just diet related and everything will clear up nicely. I am refusing to let this be another damn flare up.  Only time will tell!

Taking Things for Granted

Over the past week we have had three good snow storms.  Since Thursday ended up being a snow day for the kids and well, I wasn’t going to go anywhere which meant I would have to miss daily visit to the gym.  The law here requires snow removed from sidewalk within 24 hours of the snow stopping, so I figured I would I get my workout done by shoveling the snow! Last night we had a pseudo blizzard which messed up my shoveling job, so I was back out there this morning getting the snow off the sidewalk. Back in the fall the leaves were falling by the bucket, after Halloween my kids and I were racking up the leaves.  I could do two rake strokes and then I had to sit down.  My kids had to do most of the work because the stupid flare up would not let me.  I was happy to spend a half hour shoveling the snow.  When I was done, I came inside changed into dry warm clothes and happily continued on with my day.  This morning after re-shoveling, I hopped in my vehicle and headed off to my day full of appointments. 

I hate that I was so sick for so long, but in a way I am glad I was.  I had the opportunity to fight like hell to do menial simple everyday things, and now that I can do them almost like a normal person it makes me feel like I am doing so much more. 

Above my current physical level, I still can’t say enough about my family.  There is no way I would be able to stand on my feet like I have been.  My kids have gone above and beyond being my little doctors/therapist (my younger kid loves setting up my TENS unit).  My sister has been my rock, my strength, she has been sister to me and mom to my kids.  My friends have been amazing emotional support and knowing they are there and offering to help means the world!

 

February

I realize I am three days early, but I am going to say that I rocked February!  My goal for February was to swim on even days and “run” on odd days. I had four off days this month, I didn’t “swim” necessarily each day I was supposed to, there were swim days that I pool walked.  Wednesday ended up being neither swim nor run days because of kickboxing and yoga, but Thursday got both activities (except when it blizzard!). 

This is the third week that I have had boxing/kickboxing on the schedule, unfortunately today boxing was cancelled so I had to be flexible.  I did Week 1, Day 1 of the C25K again (I had it on the wrong workout), then a half hour on the elliptical machine, followed up with 35 minutes of random hills on the treadmill.  I got my hour and a half in, but I didn’t get my boxing.

Tomorrow is an official weigh in for the 90-day challenge at my gym, I will be using tomorrow’s weight as my official end of month weight for February.  January I lost 4.9, this month I am hoping for a bigger number.  But as long as it is going in the right direction I will be happy. 

My official numbers will be posted on Thursday!

Metaphor

I have been taking boxing/kickboxing classes for the past two weeks.  In a way these classes are a major metaphor for my life right now.  I had been flaring most of last year but it didn’t go full blown until around August.  I spent the better part of October relying on a wheelchair to get me from point A to point B.  November I started feeling like a human again, but still not doing well.  December I little better but I was still fighting like hell to be “normal” again.  During this time thanks (in part) to my medicine I managed to pack on some serious weight.  My rheumy changed my meds and my PC told me to get off the gluten and January I hit a turning point (except for the strep throat).  I was getting to the gym on a regular basis, not pushing too hard, but happy to be back up and moving.  The beginning of this month I upped my game plan.  Every even day I would swim and odd days I would “run”, I would take one day off a week for recovery and I would try something new!  That new is my boxing and kickboxing, well tomorrow I am giving Zumba a shot, but I really love getting into a spat with the heavy bag!  It occurred to me that the heavy bag is lupus and every time I kick it or punch it I am showing lupus who the boss is!

WHAT????

Last week I was rocking it in the gym.  Monday mornings are my weigh-in days. Well, I put on a pound! A pound!!!!! I did some sort of boxing three times (an hour each time), I hit the treadmill four times (at least 35 minutes), spin class, yoga, pool walking.  This is stupid! The good thing is, I am feeling better so I am not too concerned about my weigh in (I measure on the first of the month).  It is just on the frustrating side.   This week my goal is to track my food closely, I eat pretty healthy, but it still might be the problem. 

With that griping over, I am overly ecstatic to say yesterday I did my first 5k in more than six months! I was slow, but I did it! The gym I go to is having this 90-day transformation and on Tuesday they kicked it off with a 5k.  I am not sure about my back yet so I chose not to do it.  I spoke with this wonderful personal trainer and I explained why I didn’t do it and he told me I could go ahead and do it on the treadmill, so I did.  I was actually nervous before I started.  I wasn’t sure I was I would be able to do it.  Not only did the 5K make it on my big accomplishments list, after the miles I put in yesterday I have now completed more miles this month (so far) than I have since August, which I might add were mostly bike miles.  I can’t wait to see how many more miles will be completed this month!

Tomorrow is spinning and pool time (and my sister’s birthday!!!), Wednesday – jury duty.  :(

I am training for… NOTHING!!!!!!

Ok, I guess I could say I am training for life, but I am kind of enjoying knowing I am not really training for anything.  If I want to skip spin class and go to kickboxing instead, I can! It is a really nice feeling.  I am not saying training for something isn’t nice, because it is.  The feeling of toeing the line after months of training followed by crossing the finish line and getting the pretty hardware is unexplainable. 

For the past six months or so I have my mobility has been such that I can’t really do anything.  I have been bed ridden, I have been stuck in a wheel chair, I have packed on 20+ pounds in one month alone, it is has been a really difficult.  I realize I have a long journey back to the living, and I am trying to make it as fun as possible.  I want to try new things, when I get off this detour I want to be able to look back and stand with my head held high knowing how strong I was to fight my way back. 

I am sore today after yesterday’s boxing class and today’s spin class, it fees wonderful. I know when I get back to racing I will be in better shape than I have been in the past decade.  Instead of focusing on swimming, biking and running I am focusing on me.  Focusing on getting in shape and having fun doing so. 

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.   - Unknown