buprunner Runs, Bikes and Swims, Slowly

I'm Still Here

2009-10-24T07:23:00.002-04:00

I am still here, still running, spinning and swimming.

About a month ago I started methotrexate therapy as my Rheumatoid Arthritis has been progressing. Yes that among a few other health issues that have zapped my stamina. Blogging was more work than I could manage on top of my daily life. Now I am on the mend, the chemo is working- dizziness and nausea aside.

So this is the plan:

November 7, 2009 Air Line Trail Ghost Run 1/2 Marathon.

I may walk a generous portion- and have to go 'back to basics', but that's alright. I AM feeling stronger, oh yes very strong. Sometimes I find my breath, other times I can't. I'm taking it day by day.

My nephew BC is in the fight- he's a brave little warrior!

I Miss you all!!

Whip It, Whip It Good.

2009-08-21T22:12:00.004-04:00

Now it's been a while for me, and no- I did NOT fall off the face of the planet, Duh, that only happens at the equator. I've been preoccupied by many things. I will spare you all pretty much all of the details but a few.

BC is en route as I type from NYU Medical Center to St. Judes where he is hopefully to start his next phase of treatment soon, chemo. He's had multiple surgeries and many many procedures and the tough little guy just stands up to the pain and moves forward. He won't let the pain run his life. I really have so much respect for my little 2 year old nephew- most adults wouldn't and don't fare so well. Most grown-ups experience pain and fear- then bolt or complain to everyone they see. He does not. He is my hero. I started going to church every Sunday again a while ago, asking God to please watch over my nephew and to guide us all- I hope and pray that my prayers are heard and God is merciful.

On other fronts, no details, but things have definitely been better- took a break from seriously training for awhile. No big challenges lined up. Medical issues have worsened and I'm losing strength and weight. I am starting to run again for an X-Treme Scramble event this coming week. It's only a 5K- but it's one of those take the trail, or the stairs or the mud or through the river 5k events. I am looking forward to it and to be running with one of my running buddies, she's slow like me. It will be a welome break from things.

Tonight I ran 31:48 with no recoveries. That's a first folks- the most I've ever run without a recovery was either 15 or 20 minutes. I'm not really excited because other things have stolen my fire- and joy is a scarce commodity. I think I ran 2.69 miles- the battery in my Nano gave out- so I have to wait to download. I found that my new favorite running song right now is Whip It by Devo- the cadence keeps me at a 11:26 pace according to iPod Nano, Nike +.

Hope you all are well. I missed you guys.

One Mile Behind Me and Many More To Go

2009-07-18T07:08:00.003-04:00

Monday July 13:

Swim: Total Distance 1800 yards

Drills: crawl, breast, back, butterfly, pull, fisted crawl, fisted breast, 400 IM (75/25 sprint butterfly, back, breast, crawl), finger drag crawl (I call the caveman knuckle drag, lol) 300 cool down back/ breast/ crawl

For fun I challenged a guy (at least 10 years younger in good shape) for my last 25 in a sprint- then totally smoked him! Man Missy girl, that feels AWESOME!! There is nothing like a clean, neat and quick crawl.

Friday July 17:

Same as above- different pool, but same kind of xy thought quietly challenging me stoke for stroke would intimidate me during my breast cool down - last lap, crawl- he kicked it up, so did I- I left him in my wake- he was panting like a puppy. I pulled my self out of the pool and looked down at my rival, victory blazing from my smirk. hehehehheheehe... oh yeah, after I finished I looked at him, flip turned and swam another 50 for my cooldown- that $35 for the YMCA swim lessons sure paid off!

BC got through is major surgery early last week. His procedure was done a day early as things were changing and disaster was near. Unfortunately the doctors who performed the 1st procedure missed the cancer in his spine, but the super hero's in NYC didn't. With their super powers they removed 95-98% of the cancer. Some small sacrifices, the biggest being the nerve for one ear, he'll be deaf in that ear. A small price to pay for victory. A good friend, one of the best actually, has agreed to take me into the city to see him (yes, many of us CT gals are shy with the big city), hopefully this week.

So many changes in my life right now- running, swimming and cycling are the constant. I haven't been updating my training log- sometimes it's just too much to sit and do that.

Bullfrogs, Birthdays and Fun Rides

2009-07-11T19:00:00.003-04:00

Well today is my son Frankie's birthday. Today he turns 6 years old. I can't figure out where all the time went, it really did just fly right on by. My sister and her husband were gracious enough to allow the birthday party for both my sons, (my Duncan's birthday is next week), at her home because with my nephew being sick- and my sisters home being the central location for everyone, we had it at her place. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and all was mellow with all of the boys, mine and my nephews, all having a good time doing guy stuff. I took this pic of a pond at her house- the subject being a noisy bullfrog- I just haven't figured out how to operate the zoom on my iPhone camera yet.

My nephew seemed to have a great time, even though he still is saying very few words. What he does have is a very large appetite, his mama and daddy believe this is for many reasons. Finding little diversions to bring him joy and contentment were the order of the day. My brother in law and sister came equipped with a quad for joy rides and all of the kids had a blast!! In this pic they are bullfrog hunting from the quad- BC was more interested in the quad, or the big pick up truck that it came in.

I did go for a very nice walk this morning- I have no idea how far because the mapmywalk app is not linking to the gps. Maybe I should read the manual. LOL!!!! Or maybe someone can lend me some advice???? I mean really, who has time to read manuals while it's been kind of nice outside lately!!

Have a great weekend.

Oh yes, BC is having his BIG surgery on Wednesday, keep him in your prayers everyone!

Thanks and Hugs to you all!!

Summertime, summertime, sum sum sumertime...

2009-07-08T07:49:00.010-04:00

No news on BC except all of the neuro teams from all the right places are still teaming his case- the only news is that he is home and living the life of luxury! He attended a pool party this weekend, has had to entertain many visitors, and thanks to his aunt and uncle, who loaded up their quad, quad rides all over his yard, (I believe it was a surprise too). I hear he LOVED it and was bubbling with laughter. After all BC's favorite things are tractors- of course, they're loud and smelly! What guy doesn't like loud and smelly things????

We were at the shore. I went for an 8.44 mile walk, with a smidge of a run, (my @$$ still hurts from my hamstring pull and I've been sticking to the forgiving treadmill for my running). I took a few easy and slow 8-10 bike rides on my Sally, was assaulted by the most frightening mosquito's ever until a friendly Park Ranger/State Trooper rescued me with his can of OFF. Thanks Chicco, you're the man! (Funny thing was he really thought something was wrong because I was on the phone, whacking myself and walking my bike- I didn't want a ticket for riding and talking on my phone, DUH)!!

These are some more park pics, I use some as my computer and my phone's desktop. Help yourself. I ask that you forward any profits to me. Tehe, like they're any good.

And check out Ralphie, he's taken a liking to rock-climbing! I guess he wanted to get in on some summertime fun!!

Last Monday at swim lesson I swam 1550 yards. I wasn't thinking or else I would have just banged out another 200 to make it real.

**Sigh**.

My Visit To See BC Gone Garmin Adventure

2009-06-29T22:10:00.007-04:00

I've been a little busy so this post is late in coming. Now that summer has finally made a comeback, you know, that bright yellow orb in the sky that has been absent for so long is back, I've been on the go like everyone else.

Saturday I made the solo journey to Westchester New York to the Childrens Hospital to visit my little nephew, again! The trip there was uneventful and I had checked the directions the hospital provides in case my Garmin gets flaky.

My visit with BC was excellent with the exception of him being uncomfortable by not performing his manly duties in about a week. So we hung out, I read him some books- yes over and over again (love that), and he was even laughing, giggling and trying to speak. I would always give him a choice of books so I could hear is voice. His recovery is moving along and he was moved to the pediatric floor once the drain was removed. He even went for a walk outside in a (red?) wagon with his mom and dad. So until his next surgery, a more aggressive neurosurgery to remove more tumor, his mom and dad are trying to give BC a taste of his normal life. Yes, home for a few days soon.

So on my way home someone was chattering in my ear, (yes in my bluetooth), and the plan was to take the Sprain Brook Pkwy to the Saw Mill, yada yada- but with the distraction in my ear I missed the Saw Mill exit and didn't realize until I heard Mrs Garmin saying "recalculating". I gave the expected 's' word, and got rid of the caller and just followed Mrs Garmin home. It took me off of the highway onto Rte 100 and I am so glad it did. I tried searching for images of this beautiful area but was unable. Cyclists were everywhere, in fact I noted several trails not just for trail bikes but for road bikes as well. I will definitely get lost again on my way home the next time I go to visit my nephew, I may even get lost with Sally (my urban ghetto trashy Trek mountain bike) packed up with me. I will take my iphone equipped with gps with me on the road as well in case I get lost again in car or on bike.

For now, tri plans on hold as I'd like to raise money for cancer fundraising events and other affiliated competitions, for now anyway. I still want to try maybe a tiny tri, we'll see how things go. I still feel like the wind is lost out of my sail. I worry night and day for my sweet nephew and his little family. So I continue to pray.

A Smile That Shines Into My Heart

2009-06-20T23:08:00.002-04:00

We went to New York to visit my nephew today. Oh to see his precious little face, his sweet little eyes looking up at us was a moment I won't soon forget. I even got a quick little smile when I was talking to him. He even lifted his arm to show me the cool light on the clip on his finger, I believe for his pulse oximeter, he thinks it's pretty cool. He was moaning, I think when he was thinking out loud, really. But no speech yet.

This will probably be the last visit for a while because once his treatments start and his resistance to infection is low, we won't be able to see him for a while. I don't think I need to say how much I look forward to this part of his treatment to be past him. I can't wait till he's running around with his cousins making us crazy again.

Now I was not aware that his nick name should be Boom Boom as he goes around head punching, face punching and meat punching all of his cousins. My son's were telling me all these stories of the pounding they happily got from our sweet BC on the way home from the hospital, giggling the whole time they were telling me their stories. I don't understand boys and why they think getting pounded is funny. Boys(and men), are just silly.

I do have good news tho, when I had to run across BJ's for a price, my hamstring although tight, wasn't so bad. If I'm good with my rehab this week, maybe a run on the cushioned track at the high school this coming weekend. Hmmmm.

A bad week.

2009-06-18T20:36:00.003-04:00

I must first say that the world around me and my family has been stressful over the last couple of years and my husband and I find our outlets. I found my outlet in training, and I thank God for that. My husband finds his in upholstering and tinkering with things, usually listening to his favorite team play (Red Sox, Giants, Huskies, Celtics- in that order). But things change, and nothing can bring peace of mind when life drops a bomb in the world around you.

Last Sunday my younger brother's 2 year old son was rushed to the hospital and tests discovered a parents, (and loved one's) nightmare. A very large tumor in his developing brain.

It is hard even to type this without having to take a moment to take a breath and get myself together. They rushed him to a wonderful children's hospital in New York not far from Connecticut where more tests were done- then a couple of days later, his first procedure. The surgeons removed 1/2 of the tumor, they removed as much as they safely could to free up a ventricle. The surgeons also inserted a drain to allow the fluid to drain. Yes, this is a little graphic, and I'm writing about things that aren't normally discussed in normal conversation, unless you're work in the field- but please bear with me. Once a diagnosis of what kind of cancer little BC is dealing with, they will be able to figure what type of treatment to start, immediately. He is a fighter and is doing really well, breathing on his own moving around, and even nursed for 20 minutes and had some juice today .

I'm putting up a pic of a tractor, BC's favorite thing, well after his big brother anyway.

I am afraid to visit as my brother has expressed is reservations about visitors, but his wife is encouraging visitors. I just don't know what to do. Helping my brother deal with this and not cause any unnecessary stress is job one. I do want to be there tho, even if I drive 1 1/2 hours there and sit on the hospital steps.But I'll let time dictate what I can do, and just go with it. Sorry to bum you all out- but BC could use as many prayers as he can get. The tumor is very large, and much of it cannot be removed surgically.

I pray for strength for my brother, my sister-in-law and BC's big brother.

What is really ironic is how I was changing the events on my calender to charity only events. The Hole in the Wall Gang ride I was just replacing the Women's Sprint Tri in September. I'll be volunteering and hopefully participating in a Tuesday afternoon sprint tri series locally- so that's enough of that. I was inspired by the Cancer Challenge Ride on Saturday and was working on which events to take on, then we got the news. How ironic, or something.

Team Hole in the Wall

2009-06-14T12:17:00.001-04:00

Team Hole in the Wall

Shared via AddThis

I feel so dirty!

2009-06-13T17:36:00.013-04:00

Wow, I've been very busy my friends. I don't even know where to begin. I'll start from today and work my way back. I feel dirty because I just got back from my first road bike race ever. Can we say 'road dirt'? You guys are probably used to this, but it's a first for me.

June 13: Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride. I rode the 25 mile race, (chickeeeeen- I know- next time I'll go for the 50). I just want to say: I LOVE MY NEW BIKE- even tho I lost the chain after they just adjusted it yesterday, and it popped the gears a couple of times, I'll bring it to the bike shop again tomorrow. I overtook the 3rd pack back from the front pack at mile 5, then lost my chain at mile 6. It felt so good to overtake sooo many riders, especially guys on road bikes. All of my training was paying off. I almost kept up with the ladies (we had our own pack) that were very serious riders (+100 miles per week). I lost my place with them when I rejoined my team captain at the rest stop at mile 13.5, then I continued on with her. Her mountain bike is a bit slower than mine, if she were on a road bike, I have no doubt we'd be on course with Scott Burrell, sigh.

At the start of the race, standing next to Coach Calhoun for our pics I realized that he is a very tall man. When I get a copy of our team pic with him I'll load it up. Our 25 mile race was held up by Ray Allen who was a little late, but he, Kevin Ollie and the hunkie Scott Burrell, (heavy breathing), led the way. I was probably 3-4 minutes behind them for a while till I lost my chain. Then at the 13.5 mile rest stop I switched bike jerseys- my team UCONN one for my Team Suburban Cycle (that has a million names of those fighting cancer and words of encouragement).

1:50- I crossed the finish line with Kevin Ollie's wife, not the best time, but I did lose a chain, hung out at the rest stop for about 10+ min, and took my time with my captain oh captain (today, she was the boss of me). The after-party is super cool, just check out the pics. I was very nervous as my arthritis has been rough the last week or so. It's systemic, so what bothers me one day won't the next- and something else will hurt like the son-of-the-devil. It does make me strong tho, I kid you not.

My kids and Scott Burrell (McHottie)

Kevin Ollie and Duncan

I would have had more, but the boys were restless and we had to keep moving. Ray Allen was very busy with his family and all of their kids, so we didn't bother him. Someone told me that Coach Calhoun took a bad fall off of his bike, I really hope he has a speedy recovery.

Also, this past Wednesday was the open house for a Sprint Tri series at one of the private recreation association here in central CT. A triathlete who does laps on the same night as my swim lessons told me about it and suggested I take a look. So I did, and took Sally, (my Trashy Trek Urban Trail Ghetto Mountain Bike) for a turn on the 5 mile bike trail. I quickly realized that I really need a bike with shocks to negotiate the trails without much damage to my back and the rest of my body. I had a lot of fun and the director assures me after taking part in some of the 'tiny tri's' that I'd have no problem in the sprint tri. I will volunteer until I am ready.

Lastly, a couple of weeks ago I showed up for my swim lesson a whole hour early, which was fine, I had time to practice my drills slowly. I started talking to this nice woman in the pool who was very familiar. Well, she was an old acquaintance of mine, and I learned that she was a swim teacher/coach for many years. I also found out that she was my coach's mom. She gave me a lot of very useful advice, we talked of the old days and we discussed the bully grandpa's that take over the pool. Now, I almost felt a LITTLE guilty after one of my bloggy friends posted on her blog about being patient with the elderly in the pool. The only reason I felt a LITTLE guilty is because I ALWAYS try to see the good in people, but these guys were pushing it. So I did find out that they do try to push the women out of the pool, I guess it's still a mans world in their minds, and my retired coach lady friend told me NOT to give into them and to ignore them. They should not be pushing us ladies around. Pffffft, like they'd ever push my ghetto girl @$$ out of my swim training, yeah right! I just snicker at them now. Haha.

Much more, but I am tired as I'm sure you all are from all of the reading... plus I need to wash the road dirt from my face. :D

***update*** 06/14: I'm adding this article about Coach Calhouns crash, he is lucky to be alive.

Back to the Beach

2009-05-30T09:04:00.006-04:00

This morning after the boys finish T-Ball and I meet with my trainer, we're headed back to the shore for the night. Back to this place.

Hammonasset State Park is a great place to train- it's pretty big, pretty flat, a nice stretch of beach that I can't wait to swim train in, trail running- (easier on my joints), the trail riding is easy and relaxing- I take Sally out for a minimum of 10 miles usually every day we're there, and it's just pretty. Hopefully T1 and T2 will cooperate enough to go fishing with their dadums, instead of trying to kill each other. I know their dad wants to show them the finer things of fishing, (sorry Glav, you like it or you don't- that's about it. Just bring a cold one, and relax- too bad you don't have a notebook to blog while 'I' does his thing.)

This is my brother and my cousins a few years ago, they went on a chartered fishing trip and caught lots of bass off Point Judith RI, my brother is holding the 'his catch of the day'. There is fishing in our family- for many generations, professionally, you like it or you don't.

I'm hitting the elliptical trainer this week as my ham string still is giving me a problem and the Race for the Cure is in a week, and the Calhoun Ride the week following. It's all good, I've got to get better at this sometime, right?? Foam roller, ice, ibuprofen...yeah yeah yeah.

Laps at the YMCA went 'swimmingly', haha. I'm actually getting the flip turn thing... practice, practice, practice... then I'll show off the big guns like tri-girl Missy, cuz Mel and I seem to be on that path. I've got my grrrrr on!!

This is another pic of the park.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Paella Picnic, and things I need to remind my self to do.

2009-05-26T21:38:00.005-04:00

First, what a nice long weekend!!

We had a very busy Saturday and finally made our way to our cottage (shack really), near the shore Sunday morning. We were hosting a picnic in honor of our 20th anniversary. Yep, as of the 27th, twenty years. Whew. Not for the weak of heart that's for sure, the 20 years that is. But we made it... probably for the Paella, hehehe!! Oh boy, the Paella was yummy, even though we forgot the clams and didn't have a lobster in the center, as we are scuba divers that are against the overfishing of certain species native to our coast, (sorry, I had to plug- it's really sad how few lobsters are left on the coastline).

So, Happy Anniversary to us!

Now, I've been working on two elements a day two or three times a week- trying to follow advice wherever I can get it, (I know, what a scavenger). Well I've been slacking on the stuff I used to always do, like yoga, the foam roller, core/ab's, and I ache because of that.

I need to get with the program!!

My Life As A Beggar Pays Off, (for charity that is)

2009-05-21T18:42:00.000-04:00

As of today, I've raised enough money to participate in the Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride!

We raffled off the gift basket that I put together with some of my co-workers and some generous donations from a Day Spa, (they donated a manicure, pedicure and facial), and a Biagi Beads dealer donated a nice gift certificate as well.

All together the gift basket raffle and the lottery scratch ticket raffle, (raffled a sports water bottle filled with $20 assorted scratch tickets), earned $469.05. The basket was filled with pretty good stuff; 2 bottles of wine; Vera Wang Sheets and a ton of other stuff.

Well I'm not done yet because the race is June 13, so from now on I'll just be begging for money all over the place, because doing that well feels really good. I won some awards for fundraising during this past holiday season, in fact my co-coordinators and I raised more money than any other department where I work, and our state agency rocked all the other state agencies for charitable giving.

It feels really good, when you know that you can bring out the good in people- even if it only lasts a moment- the moments are mine- with all goodness and sincerity, this I keep in my soul and remember when people aren't so nice, and the money goes to worthy causes. I call that a good deal.

Now tomorrow is the first of 7 manditory furlough days that we've negotiated, each occuring before or after a holiday. The deal isn't so bad, and Gov Jodi Rell seems happy, and word is no lay-offs. WooHoo!! Big training day for me tomorrow!!

****ALSO, any comments on Team In Training, I'd love to hear them, I'm considering becoming a member, I really need a mentor...****

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

2009-05-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

A cold, damp and overcast Sunday over already. But today was lots of fun as we met up with my family for a picnic at The Rock Cats Stadium in New Britain. Frankie and Duncan were soooo excited not only to see a real baseball game, but to see their cousins as well, who all happen to be boys around the same age, (I have 6 nephews all together- including my two- 8 is almost enough for a Red Sox starting line up- my stepsister is pregnant hopefully with a boy, ;P to you Yank** fans).

So, it was really cool for mid May, but that's how it goes here in Southern New England, the weather always brings surprises.

The game was a lot of fun, I mean hey, anytime I get the opportunity to see some really good looking baseball players from behind, I'm all about that! Check out those buns!! :D The game went well, even though I was rooting for both teams, the visiting team is the Portland Sea Dogs, a Boston Red Sox team, and the stadium was filled with fans wearing Red Socks Shirts and Rock Cats hats, everyone was smiling.

My brother caught one foul ball, well sort of, the right fielder gave it to him, just cuz he's a nice guy and it did hit the fence next to us, plus the fact that he was sporting his vintage Brooklyn Dodgers jersey, (in honor of our late mother), as he always does, for luck- didn't hurt either.

Yesterday at a birthday picnic, I was lucky to play wiffle ball in a 'Dads against the teenage sons' game, the Dad's were short a player, so I filled in for 1st and 3rd... they kept tripping over the 'chick' thing, probably because I kept 'chicking' their @$$es, I was all about catching fly balls, throwing to tag out a player- while my teammates were just too slow, (ah-hem, smokers drinking brews), I hit a bunch of line drives, and scored 1 run, you know, when my team was not acting old and striking out. But we did beat the boys. Ahhhh- victory is mine.

You gotta love baseball- but I'd rather play then watch.

I am still nursing a sore ham string, and in favoring it, started feeling pain in my shin as well, today was a recovery day. Ahhhh relaxation (not really- doing the 'switch summer/winter-too big/too small kids cloths thing' my younger nephews need some summer cloths, lol).

Just a question for you all, What is your favorite after race/ recovery food? Mine is a big juicy burger (buffalo if available), sweet potato fries and an Ale (or two- I only drink once or twice a month, and it must be worth my while).

70.3 For Me

2009-05-11T22:05:00.000-04:00

2009 Stats
Distance:
70.3 Mi
Time:
15:45:34

OMG!! While I was updating my workout log, my totals flashed and I saw 70.3! That is my 2009 running total, 70.3! The length of a 1/2 Ironman!! I really have, according to the runs that I log in, run that far!! I am very excited as I just started to run 12/27/08.

Ok, well, I'm just having a moment.... I mean really.... this is really big for me. I ACTUALLY RAN that far!!

Ok, I'll continue to have my moment of running realization... my clarity.

I had a great swim lesson tonight, working on closed fisted crawl drills, finger drag crawl drills, and flip turns, (having a hard time with that, grrrr).

No running for a little while due to my rt pulled ham string.

'The Fog' 5k, Minus The Ghost Pirates, Aye Matey's, It Was A Good Run

2009-05-10T08:11:00.000-04:00

The Moonlight Run 5K was a very cool and foggy one as the course is at Hammonasset State Park, a wildlife sanctuary on Long Island Sound in Madison, CT. This is one of my favorite places on the planet to be, (the other favorites are all Parks or Forests as well).

I was very nervous today because my last two 5k's sucked, and my RT ham string was still painful from practicing sprints on this past Monday, and the sprints are helping me become faster and stronger. So we arrived a full 2 hours early, ooops. I thought the info stated it began at 4:30 pm, (Moonlight, yeah right!), and I was not the only person arriving too early. So I nibbled on the snacks provided, warmed up through the camp ground, snacked some more, warmed up on the boardwalk and path along the beach, (which by the way was spectacular with the fog hovering over calm seas). I must have pee'd about 4,234 times, sigh, that happens when I'm nervous.

At race time I was surrounded by every kind of person, that was very cool. Every body shape, size, age and race. That was totally incredible.

Shortly after passing the 1 mile mark, the elite started to pass me on their return, this was playing on my ipod as they rushed by me. It gave me shivers and I forgot the pain in my legs, and my breathing became easy.

Mozart Coronation Agnus Dei (sorry friends, I haven't figured out how to imbed the player...)

Official Finish as I crossed the finish line: 36:30. As I crossed the start line in the beginning the clock read 00:30, so I am deducting that from my finish time, AND my 4 year old, (Duncan), joined me the last 25 yards or so, (the quick little bugger kept up with me too!!), which slowed me down as I almost tripped over him. It was my best time yet!!

As I stretched post race, at around 7:31 pm, the sun finally peeked out in a beautiful red/orange sunset with beams of light casting down on the after picnic.

I Admit, I Am A Wimp! O.K.?

2009-05-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

I wrote this blog last weekend, but never had the chance in my crazy household to finish, as I'm sure all of you know what I'm talking about.

I am running the Moonlight Run at Hammonasset this afternoon. I hope this (my 3rd) run is better, I usually like the heat... we'll see. Happy Reading

05/03/09: I made the executive decision to swap my (old) Lotus's pedals for my new suicidal clip in pedals as I haven't had enough time to adjust. I had B at the bike shop throw them on the Lotus as my bike trainer, 1990? Univega 2000, is outdated for the today's bikes. It seems like a rational choice, that way I can train on the Lotus with the cycling shoes, and train with my trail running sneaks with the rigid Spenco inserts for cycling event that is fast approaching. I'll swap them back after that race, and hopefully be ready for the crazy clip-ins for the Womens Sprint Tri in September.

Saturday was a great day! A local spa donated some gift certificates to be included in a prize basket my friends and I are putting together to raffle off to help raise the $400 in sponsor money necessary for me to ride in my cycling event. I'm really kissing @$$ to all of my co-workers, and being as super charming as possible as I have a lot of money to raise. The University is having other fund-raisers to help the riders meet the designated dollar amount, so hopefully not to worry. The donations that are coming are so wonderful, it just fills my heart to accept these acts of kindness which will help me reach my goals, the primary is to raise money to help fight cancer, the other goals I'll hold selfishly to myself. I also booked a pedicure for myself, as I have only had one (creepy) before. Wow!! My feet feel great, I reccoment pedicures for everybody!!

Sunday we went to Hammonsset State Park, I rode almost 10 miles, and stopped to visit Ralphie, my turtle I donated 3 or 4 years ago. He is on top of his mate, Alice, in this pic, and this is the first year she laid an egg but my Ralphie has been with me since 1985 when he was just a wee 1 year old, and doesn't know how to fertilize the eggs. I'll have to find some Turtle porn! Poor guy.

This pic is of him trying to get me to break him outta jail... damned Box Turtle, he rats him out every time.

Recovery Day Blues, Dealing with Heat Exhaustion

2009-04-27T11:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday while bike training down at Hammonasset State Park, (my fav training place), I was planning on a 20-25 mile bike ride all around the park (2-3 loops, including trails). It was a superb day and EVERYBODY had the idea to head to the beach. We have a tiny place not far so I try to train there often and weekends are pretty busy at the park.

Well it is early in the season so the state hasn't turned on the water spigots around the park and campground, and I ran out of water at around mile 13.

I am known to many as a very hard headed Scottish/ Lithuanian (I get my hard headedness from both of my grandmothers), and kept riding to achieve my goal. BIG mistake. By mile 18.5, I was light headed and had enough common sense to get back to the cottage for some fluids, and by then it was too late. I chugged an iced tea, and cranberry juice, double duh- (DD)!!! My husband thought I was being whiny (like aren't all women- to him anyway), and ignored me as my kids were T1 and T2 by then, while my temp soared to +101 (which is really high for me, nl is 96.5-97.4), we were trying to have a quiet supper with the two gremlins, one who had turned into Spike by that time, and it took all of me from hitting the floor. I survived after lots of hydration and a tepid shower. I slept like a log (not like a baby- that's a lie, babies don't sleep!).

I took today off from work to recuperate and recover. I'm not sure if it was heat exhaustion or heat stroke, I was sweaty, then not at all, in fact surprisingly. You tell me. No ER visit fortunately for me.

Lesson learned, keep hydration resources close by.

Doomed by allergies.

2009-04-25T17:15:00.000-04:00

Well today was my second race of all time. The 7th Annual Friends of Animals For Life 5K. I was a mess.

Last night was Happy Hour night with my friends, I thought a couple of light beer's was ok, just as long as I re hydrated, keeping in mind that we're jumping into summer temperatures for race day, (forecast for mid the 80's). While laughing at one of my freaky friends, I started coughing- not just a plain 'I can't catch my breath, cuz your freaky @$$ keeps coming out with more and more crazy stuff' kind of laugh- no no no- it was a deep asthma laden, cough up a lung, cough I get with my allergies. My good friend looked over at me as I had this 'OH $H!T' expression on my face and he offered me a few encouraging words suggesting OTC meds and stepping up my asthma meds, which I did, and hope for the best.

Race day.

Doooncha know that when you really need to get out of the house on time, is when my sweet 5 year old morphs from a sweet mogwai, into Stripe- the monstrous little hellion capable of any trouble. So of course were almost late. Thank goodness I pre-registered, but I still missed the start by 40 seconds with a cold start- no warm up. I also wasn't planning on the amount of hills on this course because I haven't really started training hills (DUUUUHHHHH) yet. My lungs just couldn't get enough air, even with all the OTC meds and asthma meds- my sprint was even off, and I LOOOOVE to sprint, it's my favorite (like Elf says). I was not last. Now we didn't wear those ankle gps thingies, so take :40 from my finish time and that should reflect my late start.

I finished in exactly the same time as my first 5K, the O'Hartford on March 15th: 37:44... so take :40 seconds off and that coupled with the fact that the O'Hartford was pretty flat- it wasn't half bad. One thing I can do is power walk hills at jogging pace, in fact pretty easily. That probably helped my time. I guess my hard training is starting to pay off. I start with my swimming coach this Monday and I'm paid up for 7 lessons. Swimming 2-3 times a week should help my asthma and keep my running and cycling game up.

I did buy this awesome training shirt at one of the animal friendly stands at the after picnic: http://www.wagyourtailllc.com/wag_products.asp rtailllc.com/wag_products.asp- I'm not as e-savvy as some of my bloggie friends to cleverly rename the link, but take a look- these are really cute. I bought the Tri Dog shirt.

Well, race day came, I ran, then walked the 2 mile pup walk with my kids-(Shayla the super beagle was unable to join us- she pulled a paw-string doing her crazy beagle laps around the yard). She didn't mind not representing the Mystic Beagle Rescue, the animal rescue who facilitated her adoption... she took a nap instead. The walk was a nice walk along Rte 64 and around LakeElise (they named it after ME??? wow, I AM special), what a beautiful day. I may have to move back home one day, on my lake of course.

It was a beautiful day, and there was a constant stream of Leer jets, airplanes and small commercial flights flying overhead circling to land somewhere close, Oxford Airfield I'm sure which reminded me of old friends some weird reason. I guess with each step in life I take, my friends light follow me. Thanks Heisenglav for a memorable blog, and my heart and thoughts are with you JoyRuN and Jes. You have all kinds of light always and forever. Big Picture says love your friends always, that is WHY they are your friends. Keep 'em close, be kind and thoughtful- we're understanding and forgiving. That's how it goes. Life is too short.

10 minute adventure on my new C-dale Synapse Femme

2009-04-18T10:23:00.000-04:00

I introduce you all to Anna, my new bike that I finally picked up on Friday. I love her and think she flies like no other bike that I've ridden. I hope to get a lot of riding in soon.

First, I would really like to know what genius invented cycling shoes with clips?!?!? The mid-foot foot stride in running is more natural! I fell with my bike, one foot trapped in the pedal, in the parking lot of the bike shop, and then AGAIN when I got it home.

Sigh.

I haven't fallen off or with a bike since I was 9 and trying to do some Evil Knieval stunts on my brothers Univega. This whole weekend my left knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist are all painful and swollen, just in time for this coming Saturday's Friends of Animals For Life 5K. Well, I took her for a quick 4.5 mile spin on Saturday, but wore my hikers which are knobby enough to catch on the pedals.

Friday was a freakish training day that started to get weird when I went to swim laps at the YMCA in one of the cities here in lovely central Ct. So, I had Friday off to train and swimming laps and meeting my new swim coach was first on my agenda. I met my coach, who appears to be a nice Spanish Muslim man... ooohhhhkaaayyy.... met him, I will start lessons in a couple weeks. Great.

So I get into the pool, mind you my 2 tattoo's (a feather on my shoulder blade and my pink ribbon- photo in an old post), are visible with a swim suit on, and I usually wear a black sporty suit with boy-shorts, hair in my signature Lara Croft braid, (saying back-off, I'm not here to play), I'm not the pretty little girl type at all- I'm sort of a bad @$$ really. So, I get in the pool which is full of old men, (cuz the old ladies were intimidated by them, and booked leaving me high and dry)- no matter, I started my laps in MY lane. Now the guy to one side was VERY portly, and created a huge wake in the pool, which I thought was good because it was like swimming in the wild, great for training, and the other guys, the cheaters, (I call them that because the all swam with FINS, the p*$$y @$$es), were on the other side of me. Well, I was a little tired and decided to swim 14 full laps, then I'd run to the gym for a run on the elliptical. Then the other gents, I say that sarcastically because they were trying to intimidate me out of my lane. They weren't gentlemanly at all. So I thought to myself...'hmmm, Bets, what would Dara Torres do?' She'd say F that!! And so, I swam 20 full laps, and slowly... using my whole lane with each breast stoke so NOBODY could share. What a b*tch I was and it felt great! The best was when a 40-50ish seasoned triathlete showed up, and really blew away the old geasers. I loved it.

Then I ran to the gym for my 5K on the elliptical... no problems, I was pretty quick too.

Then I was off to get my bike. I got it, and was sooo excited, then all in my 10 minute ride around the parking lot, crash, then when I arrived home..., crash again. Time to get a bicycle trainer... GD shoes. I hope I get used to them soon.

I'm good for now!!

2009-04-14T22:34:00.000-04:00

Yup, just a quickie. The surgeon informs me that I have lumps in both my humps. The good news is that he doesn't want to take action now, but it sounded like somewhere in the future at least one will come out. If I had a choice off season from training works for me. No mention of Breast Cancer!

To celebrate I told a friend that I'd like to ride 25 miles on the stationary bike at the gym as tonight is cycling night. I did just that, 25 miles in 97:09 minutes.

GH tried recently to teach explain ascii, which just scares the heck out of me. Since he's an expert and 'technological f*cking genius', (in his own words)perhaps he could suggest a book, something short and easy, even posting a link I find a bit challenging. I am lame, I know.

My 'Livestrong for a cure' tattoo means so much more that something in memory of my grandmother and a way to raise awareness, but now it's a different kind of race. I just think if far off I do need surgery, maybe I'll have a reduction, a AA sounds good, I'd be able to save money on sports bras.

How Much Is Listening To One Voice Worth

2009-04-10T23:01:00.000-04:00

I was one of the few people working today, Good Friday, in my office as Gov. Rell has enforced many cut backs as a result of the current budget disaster. As Passover and the end of Lent is swirling around us, like every year, I tend to think about my life and my goals. I wrote this while working, (very hard- I might add), today:

Sometimes I ponder, 'what would I do to hear a voice long missed'. I wish that i-Phone could make such a device to play a voice that we haven't heard and miss. And if we could, who would that person be? Someone who has left this world, or maybe a lost connection. How many times a week do we think of someone so special, longing to hear the tones of their voice one more time. I guess now would be a good time as any to reach out if possible, to speak to this person and be heard, even if taking that step is the hardest thing to do. We really don't know who misses hearing our voice, who misses each one of us? It is a wonderful feeling to find out that someone from your past misses hearing your voice as you miss theirs. That good feeling is like a big hug around your heart.

Not everybody celebrates Easter and Passover, but the message is clear to embrace what you can while you can. I truly believe that this is the reason we exist. So, just gulp down the fear, pride and anything else and speak up. It feels great.

Oh, and I guess that I am not out of the clear, I have a surgical consult this coming week. My friends took me out for happy hour, I'm still not happy. Just neaseous- I did take a long walk, to walk off Happy Hour, alone around the Campus just after dark and enjoyed the beautiful night Hartford skyline from the top of the hill the main campus sits on. Listening to the peepers around the small swamp was nice too.

Listening to Alanis Morisette, Jagged Little Pill Acoustic, and The Grateful Dead, Eyes of the World.

Lady Huskies are Total Rockstars!! 39-0!!

2009-04-07T23:05:00.000-04:00

UConn Husky, symbol of might to the foe.

Fight, fight Connecticut, It's vict'ry, Let's go.

Connecticut UConn Husky, Do it again for the White and Blue.

So go--go--go Connecticut, Connecticut U.

C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-C-U-T Connecticut, Conneticut Husky, Connecticut Husky

Connecticut C-O-N-N-U!

You know, it's always up to the girls to go in and do it right! Damn it- 39 and freaking 0!!! See, we may be a small state, but we do loooooovvvve basketball!! What a great day to be a Husky Fan, or part of the UCONN Husky family.

While watching the girls smoke L'ville, I rode 20.60 miles on the stationary bike at the gym. I brought my game!

A Fun Day of Laps and Peeper Eavesdropping

2009-04-04T23:07:00.000-04:00

I started my day out today, like every Saturday, doing my marathon laundry duties. And as with most of the time, I spent much of that time as a referee to my boys while trying to get things done. But today there was the promise of going to the YMCA to the 'multipurpose pool', (the pool with the fun kid stuff- sprinklers, buckets dumping water...), and while they were busy hanging with dad I could get some laps done in the lap pool. I was very uptight about swimming as I've been lacking stamina, as always, and my lessons won't start unit the end of the month, so I googled 'beginning swimming laps' and found a lot of excellent information. This is a link a blog that explains some very helpful advice. http://squidkid.org/2008/03/17/lap-swimming-fundamentals-learn-how-to-breathe-correctly/

I was able to swim 27 full laps!! Yes, with recoveries- every half lap I took a quick recovery. I also followed the advice of swimming for beginners and swam 1 length freestyle, and on the return, the breast stroke.

Afterward, even though there was a very chilly south-easterly breeze, I took a 2 mile walk (not run- I was pretty pooped out by then), I noticed as I walked past an open meadow, the peepers are out!! Yippie!! That is a sign of good weather to come. I also noticed that they weren't as noisy as they are in August... no baby peepers yet, I guess. I love listening to peepers when I walk, don't you?

Oh yes, 'my' poor UCONN Husky Men lost. I am very sad, but happy that they made it to the Final Four. Then again, the ladies should win their next 2 games, tehe! All basketball roads lead back to the UCONN Husky Ladies... they are sooo bad ass!!

Updated Scarey Stuff

2009-03-29T21:48:00.001-04:00

***Update 04/06/2009- Mammogram and Ultra Sound Negative.. they will continue to monitor the area's in question!! Woohoo!! Yippie!! ***

During what were supposed to be non eventful visits to my GP, and then my OBGYN, they both turned out to be anything but run of the mill.

As in my last post, I mentioned that I have anemia. Well, that hasn't sat well with my chiropractor or my allergist. My allergist ordered more tests for the anemia, and found that I have Iron Deficiency Anemia, and since I started taking OTC supplements and beefing up (pun intended), the iron in my diet since the first test by my GP, the level has actually dropped. Ohhh. Not good. Where is it going? After many google searches my findings are a little scary, but are becoming more frightening. My allergist thinks I'll be getting IV iron therapy, my chiropractor thinks that I have Celiac's disease. Arghh!! I just want to run and have staying power, damn it!

The same day I had my blood drawn for the second test, the iron test, I went for my annual GYN exam. When the mid-wife did my breast exam, she noticed changes to my existing 2 masses that are under watchful eye, (for the last 10 years or so). She gave me 'The Look' while she ordered more tests. Now, I worked in a large pediatric practice for 18 years and am fully aware of 'The Look'. I've had 'The Look' before with a melanoma scare about 3 years ago, which turned out to be negative, TG. So, my dear friends, I'm scared, to be honest. I am not very close to my family, and when I mentioned it, they were distant, like some of my 'friends'. F^c<, this is scary sh*t. My husband is pretty much freaking out, especially when I mentioned that lymphoma has Iron Deficient Anemia as a side effect, as does Celiac's disease- which there is a family connection- I'll take that over lymphoma any day.

Anyway, I'll find some kind of pic, probably not anything good, cuz I'm feeling really alone and down. Maybe I'll post a pic of something or someone who makes me smile.
I need good juju now. Only Edge can make me forget my woes at this point. I wonder if he'll run away with me???

Oh no, more iron- bring on the prunes!!

2009-03-26T17:58:00.000-04:00

Yes, more lab work, and 4 out of 4 doctors surveyed agree that I have a more significant iron deficiency. It explains why I'm not running a 5 minute mile- but boy this iron pill looks a little painful!! Actually- a mention of IV therapy?!?!? That was just one doctors advice. Another wants be to give up Gluten!!! Pizza?? Hamburgers on a roll!! Fresh Chocolate Chip Cookies- (lets not even go there... brownies, chocolate cake...OMG - NO!) I'll take the bloody pill for crying out loud. Getting old stinks.

I can't wait my for my game to improve. I'm tired of being tired. I'm ready to have some fun on my bike, out for a run and definitely on a good swim. I've got to get out and show off my new tattoo :) .

Hopefully the Lady and Mens Huskies will go all the way and win each of their championships!!

Woohoohoohoo, Lets go HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! We all know the Ladies will be kicking some hoop ass!!!

Oh those Bloggers....

2009-03-23T23:02:00.001-04:00

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Was is the T Hooker Ale or the juju of the moment??

2009-03-15T18:25:00.000-04:00

I finished my first 5K, the O'Hartford, and since it was my first I can safely say it was a PR (snicker) 37:44. Now I'd better not hear anyone complaining with their >9 min miles... cuz I'll just laugh until I wet my pants... babies! I was smiling ear to ear because I was not last. What a great time we had, even my kids were really into it! Actually they were really into watching the younger kids give their parents a hard time, almost as if that was their entertainment- ah the life of a 4 and 5 year old. They are in this pic disguised as a couple of leprechaun's, no matter what, they followed me with promises of gold. I did my best to shake them tho!
Someone told me that I would be so caught up in the moment, that I would forget any pain or anxiety, which was absolutely true. My first mile was fierce, until I hit the first hill (small one), and each concurrent upward slope I would have to take a recovery. That wasn't so bad, as I walk faster than some of the people running. I probably took 5 recoveries, 1-2 minutes each. I was very excited and I found myself zipping along, until I realized that I was going too fast and I'd pull back a bit. My last .25 mile I sprinted, and that felt sooooo good!! I think I may have to get a second feather tattoo, maybe it will increase my speed.
I'm adding the GE Petit Family Foundation 5K in Plainville, CT, July 19 2009, please, anyone close consider attending as Dr. Petit has undergone the most horrific ordeal with the home invasion and loss of his family. A huge turnout would be truly amazing.
Thanks for reading all!! ~elis

Updates~O’Hartford 5K powered by the Grateful Dead and Flintones Vitamins

2009-03-07T22:44:00.000-05:00

03/15/09 Race day is here!! Wish me luck, endurance and speed! :) ( I'll be humming an assortment of Grateful Dead songs- Eyes of the World, Ripple, Bertha, Sugar Magnolia, Friend of the Devil... to keep me smiling). thx ~e

O’Hartford 5K

I'll be here! My first event. Yes, I'm nervous.... :

Update: After recent lab work, my doctor has found that I am anemic, which explains a lot. At the end of this blog I will post a link with all the information including symptom's, (shortness of breath while exercising, headaches, increased heart rate, fatigue...which are a problem when you're training for your first 5K. The good news is that all of the things, including a high thyroid count, are all closer to normal than they've ever been in my life since this past December when I started running and eating better. Since I've increased my iron, my stamina has shot right up. This is good news as I love steak and burgers, medium rare, mmmm. Also, with my cholesterol usually between 106-132 I'll be visiting Stew Leonard's for their yummy beef more often. My chiropractor thinks eliminating gluten will help, as if?!!! Never, I love my gluten!! Give up pizza , hamburgers on a bun, fresh chocolate chip cookies, cream of wheat (good iron source), pancakes, french toast... oh my, the list goes on. I don't even want to give up on red dye! I need my recommended daily allowance of ketchup. What's next? Chocolate Cake?!?!?!? Anyway, my Flinstone vitamins that I now share with my #1 son, the healer, and my #2 son, the king warrior, will keep the three of us blazing the trails for a long time now! I am feelin the love,Fred Flintstone love that is. Oooo yeah!

Interestingly, I have a new found love for old rap music, and feel the need to play guitar hero... what is in these vitamins??

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/blood/009.html

** UPDATE** 03/12/2009- Just came back from my best run ever!! I thought that I would go the whole 5K (treadmill...still), without recoveries. I took two 2 minute recoveries and one quickie when my mp3 flaked, and I needed to get the Sneaker Pimps going again. I wasn't going to take any recoveries but a little voice kept popping in my head, (no, I'm not psycho, just brain washed), to listen to my body- to take a recovery if my body tells me to. Anyway, I held off for my first at 1.63!! Before Fred Flintstone came into my life, I was taking recoveries every .50 mile. I am super fly, and damn, my wings feel good!!

Bup on the Rocks...

2009-03-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today was a gorgeous Saturday, in fact it hasn't been this warm in a long while, so we packed up the kids and the bikes and headed to my fav place, Hammonasset State Park. Today was a day that I would experiment to see how well I do running and biking, thinking that I have this out of breath thing under control. So, my plan started out with a 5K trail run, followed by a 10+ mile trail bike ride. Well, 10 min into my run, the ache in my legs, wait, no, leg, left to be exact, flared again! Ah ha!! The problem is my pesky back, actually c5/c6. I'm glad that I got back into my chiropractor this past week, because, in addition to eating only 1200 calories, while my bod needs 2200+, the shallow breathing thing and now my back- I'll be seeing her more often. So, I need to run outside more, and sloooowwww down. However, my trail ride was a blast!! I had forgotten how much fun it its to smoke through the muddy and slushy trails, with mud splattering all over the place. I was an absolute mess by the time my bike ride was cut short by a my 5 year old in a melt-down situation. All in all, it wasn't bad, but I doubt that I'll be ready for the 'Brians Beachside Boogie' Dualthon in April. I'll use that time to work on my endurance and plan another 5k later in the month instead.

It was a beautiful run and ride, in fact, with frequent recoveries, it was even a good run. I even took a break to sit high up on big rock overlooking the Sound. Just gorgeous. Complete with visiting my turtle that I had rescued back in 1985 and had donated to the Nature Center 3 years ago. A great day.

What's that? I'm not breathing right?!?

2009-03-05T20:43:00.000-05:00

OK kids,

I missed out on something here, because apparently I am not breathing correctly. About 5 to 10 minutes into my running, I seem to fizzle a bit. I've been just passing it off as my asthma flaring not realizing that something else was going on. Well, after a few visits with my chiropractor, I've seen the light. She tells me that I am only shallow breathing, I am not using my full capacity. Hm. I have a whole lot of lungs that I haven't been using, in fact, I have to practice this deep breathing to utilize more that just my upper lobes. Sounds naughty! Like, I might ask another runner... excuse me, do you use all of your lobes when breathing? LOL!!!! What a look I would surely get. I am adding a link to another blog on this subject. http://thespringoflife.blogspot.com/2008/06/breathe-for-health.html

Boy, I'm really learning a lot of new things about my body/health since I've started running, like: 1) do not donate blood on a training day (fainted 3x), 2) while in training, one must eat more, 3) when training, one must use more lung capacity... it's never ending.

Someone once said to me... "something new is always exciting Betsey... " - that observation is very true, or maybe I just find life more exciting. :) It's a great way to be, baby.

(listening to: Alanis Morrisette, You Learn- Accoustic Little Jagged Pill)

Another Nor 'Easter... again!! Let's eat to that... new BMI info...

2009-03-01T12:02:00.000-05:00

Well, more snow is in the forecast for this week... the groundhog was right!! Thank God for child care at the gym.
Yesterday I swam 200 yards, very slowly and with recoveries every 1/2 lap, and am still waiting for the swim coach to coordinate a schedule with me. Hopes are all but dashed for a new bike with a catastrophic failure to our 2nd car... I still haven't checked my powerball tickets yet though....lol.
After Nancy Clark RD from active.com informed me that I really wasn't eating enough... my Chiropractor ran a Biompedance Analysis and the story blew me away! My base Metabolic Rate is 1719 calories!! Also, my BMI is 24.1!! Super cool!! She agrees with my trainer and Nancy Clark RD that I should be consuming 2200-2400 calories because of my daily training, and should still lose weight. So, I'm off the Jellybeans, and it's those disgusting protein shakes in addition to a beefed up, (pardon the pun), eating regimen. They explain that is probably the reason that I am no longer losing weight, my body is burning more muscle than fat, so in addition I tire very quickly while training. Now, it's good-bye 1000 - 1200 calorie diet, and hello food!! Good stuff too! My meal plans are cool with me!
My new headline song is 'Get on your Boots', U2 ... I'll be thinking that while I eat more and train harder!!

A Poem for my Mom.

2009-02-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

My mom passed quietly in her sleep in 1987. I miss her all the time, but when I get excited about things, I still reach for the phone to call her, yes, after all these years. I think of how much parents and their kids are very much connected in so many ways. This is for my Mom.
*** *** *** *** ***
EE Cummings - i carry your heart
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart
i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

I love my Mom, and without her I wouldn't have this body to run, bike and swim with. Thanks Mom!! Love Ya.
I'm off to the gym for a run! ~e

The Day at the Beach was a Day at the Beach ;)

2009-02-21T22:30:00.001-05:00

Well, we loaded up the mountain bikes and headed for Long Island Sound... to Hammonassett State Park to be exact. There are two storms fast approaching, and we wanted to get out and enjoy a clear day while we could. Now, at the gym that I belong to, has 3 facilities and the small one where I like to train has issues with their stationary bikes- they are never in working order- so a reprieve to the shore was perfect for my good chi. The wind was very cool, but the bright sun was forgiving and the gentle balance between the two spelled for a nice day out. My two sons loved riding their bikes all around the campground with their dad while I got some training in. All in all, I rode on and off road around 12 (+?) miles, as my Trek is not equipped with an odometer, I just figure by existing maps of the park.

The migratory birds are on their way in, greeted by the resident Monk birds who have made the park their permanent home. I heard the spring songs of the Red Wing Blackbird (love them) and the Robins... there were other springtime songs by other birds and the sounds were just as sweet as anything to be heard. I love watching, smelling, seeing and hearing spring come, one small event at a time. I am looking more aggressively for an experienced runner to train with... but that doesn't seem to be going as well as I thought... say a prayer for me :), and I'll gladly return the favor.

Happy Smiles to you all... enjoy the rest of the weekend, and drive, bike, run and swim carefully!

~elisabeth

My new Livestrong For a Cure tattoo, fresh!

2009-02-16T17:27:00.000-05:00

Wow, this was something!! This tattoo hurt a lot more than my feather tattoo on my shoulder. But it is soooo worth it because so many are racing time for a cure to their cancer and any way I can help the fight is way worth it. It is on my left outer thigh, where my power is. Every time I start to tire, this will be my reminder of why I'm in it.

A year ago, I was struggling to run, with the goal of running the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K- and was failing. How fortunate for me to have an experienced runner renew my confidence this winter and to encourage me to try again. And he was right, I can succeed. This person has since moved on, but I thank him everyday in my thoughts and prayers, if you read this- you are a rockstar! I promise to raise as much money to help find a treatment and hopefully a cure to cancer, of any kind- that's what it's all about... Livestrong For the Cure.

Ken from the Inkwell in Bristol, CT. did such a beautiful job, and I will show this off with love, hope and pride.

Mind you, this is only hours old and still very, very swollen, and pic was taken at a bad angle... better pic to follow when it's healed up.

Spread the word!

Updated 03/15 ~ Events of Interest... maybe all.. maybe more??

2009-02-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

These are the events I would like to participate in so far... maybe more?? We'll see how I do. I really have to train a little more!

This is great!

Sun March 15 Max's O'Hartford, Hartfordhttp://www.hartfordmarathon.com/foundationnew/hmfevents/ohartford.htm complete: 37:44 1540th out of 1713

Sat April 25 Animals for Life 7th Annual Run for Rescue 5K http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1698147&assetId=2b7c1d85-452b-4ae9-9867-039244ffbacb

Sat May 9 Moonlight Run Hammonassett State Park, Madison http://www.freewebs.com/madisonartsbarn/schedule.htm

Sat June 6 Susan B Komen Race for the Cure Bushnell Park, Hartford http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vdHJhbnNhY3Rpb24ua29tZW5jdC5vcmcvc2l0ZS9UUj9mcl9pZD0xMTAwJnBnPWVudHJ5

Sat June 13 Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride, Simsbury http://calhounride.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=291273

July 19 GE Petit Family Foundation 5K Plainville

Sun Sept 13 Women's Triathlon Farmington http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1688614&assetId=bbc9d5fb-bff5-4b52-8a49-f5111cc71d3f

Sun Oct 25 Pumpkin Run, Higganum http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/foundationnew/hmfevents/5kpumpkinrun.htm

Thanksgiving Day Nov. 26 Manchester Road Race - http://www.ctvisit.com/eventdetail.aspx?id=8108

Comments very welcome! :)

I finally get in a pool!!

2009-02-14T16:33:00.000-05:00

Yaaaay!!!!
We went to the Y and the kids did their thing with dad while I did some laps... 6 full laps with recoveries every half lap... I was running on empty as it was past lunch and I only had a light breakfast before I went for my run. My ankle still hurt from the fall I took yesterday, but I still went for my run, a slow one, even so, I guess 6 full laps ain't bad. It seems like yesterday when I banged out (lol, not really) the ?? laps for my YMCA Scuba Open Water test over 10 years ago, (I remember 20 or 24 laps- it was a lot), and I was a smoker then (GASP)- I know, just pin a scarlet S on me... but I quit, how's that for determination.
Well, as always... some excitement always follows me... while we were in the pool, there was a fire alarm and we had to evacuate the building, soaking wet, only our towels and water shoes, with the kids in the windy 35 degree afternoon (not counting the wind chill-brrrrr). I thought we were in the polar bear club!! The boys were freezing! I tried my best to be a mama bear and warm my thinner son by wrapping him my arms till we got back inside. He was soooo cold. Then, after about 5 minutes- which seemed like forever, all was OK and we went back in and finished our swim. Boy that heated water felt really good.
Now, I am thinking Tri thoughts.... I see some races I think are within my grasp...hmmmm.
Happy Valentines Day friends, (if I still have any) :D ~elis

Why ride your bike??

2009-02-14T11:01:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm... Let's see now, I see lots of good reasons. :-*

My girl is the one in the middle upper left... she gets me places. :) I've been informed by my bike shop that because she was built in 1985, and parts are too hard to come by, that she needs...... to be replaced!! GASP!!! OH NO!!!

But that shiney red Gigi Motobecane is pretty spicey, and drivers are sure to see me....hmmmmm. But that Cannondale sure is spiffey!! (and nicer)...... The Forester blew it's motor... doesn't look good for a new bike. :(

Back to Running, Thank God!!

2009-02-07T18:48:00.000-05:00

I hurt my ankle about 3-4 weeks ago, and stopped running for the last 2 1/2 weeks. >:( grrrrr... I really get bored on the elliptical trainer, which is what I've been using on my running days, although I've continued cycling on the stationary bike non-stop on my alternate training days. Anyway, not running was the pits! I finally got a good taste of running, and enjoying it, and my stubborn ankle gives me a hard time. Well, I ran 3 miles today, whew. I had started to run earlier this week, a couple of times, 1/2 mile here, 2 miles there... going easy on 'enemy mine'. Now, I am feeling better, confident and fly!! Time to get things going again... the clock is ticking.... my trainer gave me lots of things to do to prevent another injury. I will behave O:)
Wish me speed and endurance.... Oh yeah, I have an appointment for my next tattoo- a pink ribbon, the whole reason for me running, the Race for the Cure! My Grummy would be so happy! She had breast cancer. I run for her and my aunt. God rest their souls.

Did someone say Jim Calhouns Cancer Challenge Ride?

2009-01-22T18:50:00.000-05:00

Hmmmmmm, maybe I'll try at least the 10 mile.... I guess I have a lot more training to do!! And a lot of kissing up for the $400 in sponsors I'll need to ride....
Since I'm the only one to represent my department so far, they'll all have to help me raise money for the charity. Sounds fun!! l love a challenge. Some think I can't make it, I can't wait to show them what I can do.

Pheromone Joe and Hot Gentleman Guy at the gym.

2009-01-19T21:06:00.000-05:00

Hello all!

After an exciting pre-inaugural day which happens to be Dr. Martin Luther King day, I hit the gym as usual. Today was a non running day, so I opted for the stationary bike. I like bike riding so, it's all good. I find the people who ride on the bikes next to me amusing at times. And today was no exception. Today, I had Pheromone Joe and Hot Gentleman Guy. Hot Gentleman Guy obviously rode quite a bit, but he just would not stop staring at me or breathing on me- which was pretty annoying. And Joe, well he just was wearing several layers of baggy cloths which were all drenched in sweat, and all I could smell were his pheromones. Now Joe was attractive as well, and I had to bite my tongue to offer the vote of confidence that a T-shirt and shorts would have been fine. Well, I decided at that point, that the race was on. My goal was to ride 20 miles, and I had to get there in a hurry. So I pedaled like crazy! +100 rpms all the way, I also cranked up the level to 7 as I was in this race to win. I had U2 blaring on my mp3 to keep my mojo going, and I was feeling good, imagining that Lance was my wing man. I kept my head low, and cranked the hills. Alas, 20 miles in 55 minutes, including cool down.

I won the race.

First time running, ever!

2009-01-18T13:10:00.000-05:00

Hey all, that is if anyone is looking...
I decided a year ago that I really wanted to run, with the goal of running in the Race For the Cure. I've never run in my life as I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis as a very young child, and was never allowed to. That really bugged me as I don't like anyone telling me that there are goals that I can't achieve. So, after I turned 40, survived that, turned 41, again- survived, got a tattoo (no big deal, really), that was when I decided to run.
Starting was difficult as I really didn't know how to run, the mechanics of the movement, the way to breath, which is a little different then walking- which I am so used to.
So, on my walks I tried spurts of running, then failed. Then I'd try again, boy my body hurt, it was not going well. So, I gave up. But, the thought that my arthritis would dictate my life really irritated me. 'It's my body, I want to run', I kept thinking.
Then one day, a runner- actually a bolt of lightening, flew by me, and I got the bug back. I threw on my old running shoes, mind you, this is mid- December in New England, it is cold and snowy- and I walked to the track at the high school. It was half covered in snow, and half exposed. 'Here goes nothin' I said out loud to myself. Off I went, slow and strong, just like my mentor advised. The snow forced me to go very slowly with small strides, for every 1/2 lap I ran I took a 30 sec recovery until I ran 1 mile!!! OMG, MY FIRST MILE EVER!! I felt like someone should have been there with fireworks, but, hell, that's ok, I just ran 1 mile. So, I took it to the street and ran a total of 2 1/2 miles that day.
Today marks my 3rd week since I started. I have consulted a trainer at the gym that I belong to during my first and second week and have made running mentor friends who all help me so graciously. I run every other day, and today I ran 4.52 miles in 65.51 (including recoveries) and I feel like I'm flying. Weeeeeee!!
The Race for the Cure is in June, I hope to run the whole 5k without recoveries...
I win, arthritis be damned.
~bup