I had a tough day at work, running from meeting to meeting and having a difficult conversation followed by introspection about how I handled it. To add to the tough day, I had to rush out of my least meeting to get the kids to swim practice.
The positive part of it all is I got to run while the kids were at swim team. The challenging part is I didn't do that well out on the pavement. I ran 3.1 miles in about 33:20, but I stopped the clock when I got a phone call (Ken checking on if he needed to pick up the kids from swimming) at 1.5 miles. I was hurting pretty bad already at 1.5 and took the interruption time to get my heart rate down and to stretch my back which was tightening up. I was probably stopped for 2 minutes. I also walked maybe 30 seconds at 2.5 miles because I was wiped out again.
My miles were 10:30, 10:28, and 11:26. I didn't watch my pace while running, so I suppose my problem was going out too fast. That, and probably the stress of the day and the constant replay of how the conversation could have gone better.
I listened to music today while running, but I listened to Phedippidations before and after the run. I'm nervous about my favorite podcast because it seems that Steverunner is rethinking his podcast and is going to make it less of "the Steverunner show." I suppose a little less ranting about vaccinations would be good, but overall, I like "the Steverunner show." I hope he keeps up the fun, interesting stuff and doesn't focus totally on the drudgery of running mechanics or training theory.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cancer was easy for me?
I set off to run an hour today, but wimped out at about 40 minutes. My miles were 11:15, 10:59, 11:10, and 11:35. The 5K was about 34:20, if I remember correctly. After mile 4, I walked about a half mile. I was out there about 55 minutes, but did a lot of walking and stretching at the end. Still, it was good to get out there.
My sore legs cut my run shorter than I intended. Usually it's my wind, my lack of fitness, that does me in, but today I was tightening up and had tired muscles. So it's good that I didn't keep pushing it. I think that's what causes people to get injured - when they don't listen to their bodies. That's what I hear from my running guru friends, anyway. Right, Jim?
Speaking of running gurus, I listened to Steverunner again today. I seem to go in cycles where I listen to music for a few weeks or a month, then switch to podcasts for awhile, then back to music. I'm way behind on my Steverunner episodes so I think I'll take him along on some runs to catch up.
Today it was a little easier to motivate myself to run. It was supposed to rain all day, but it didn't. It was threatening rain at Jason's soccer game at 11:30, but the sky never let it go. So when we got home, I figured I'd better take advantage of what might be a very short respite from the rain this weekend.
Some great news for me today . . . I get to go to Lee Ann's graduation in Nebraska the first week in May. Yea! I had a work conflict that got rescheduled and so I took advantage of the opportunity and will celebrate this great accomplishment with her. I still don't know how she pulled it off being an incredibly busy single mom. She even switched jobs in the midst of it all. She's an inspiration.
OK, just one more story about today. Ken and Jason were watching the OSU Spring football game (a scrimmage) this afternoon and at some point during the game they had a tribute to Stefanie Spielman, a local celebrity who died of breast cancer the same month I had my surgery, November 2009.
As Jason (age 9 now) was watching the tribute on TV, Ken told him that Stefanie died of breast cancer, but it didn't sink in because a few minutes later he asked why people were crying. Ken explained that she died. Jason looked confused and asked what she died of. Ken told him again, "Breast cancer." "What?" Jason said, "Mom had that and it was easy for her."
I was in the other room, post-run, stretching and using the foam roller on my calves. Although I was following the conversation with half-an-ear, I popped to attention and had to confirm what Jason just said. And yes, he really did say that. I was amazed. Wow. I hope he always has a skewed view of the seriousness of breast cancer. I hope no one he knows ever has it again. Including me.
To ease my mother's mind, I must report that I did not set Jason straight about how having breast cancer has not been easy. I actually feel very blessed that he reacted that way. I'm really glad it has not been difficult for him or for our family in general. That's really, really great. We are so lucky. In response to Jason's confusion, Ken explained simply that the doctors caught my breast cancer very early, so it wasn't as serious. We let it go at that.
My sore legs cut my run shorter than I intended. Usually it's my wind, my lack of fitness, that does me in, but today I was tightening up and had tired muscles. So it's good that I didn't keep pushing it. I think that's what causes people to get injured - when they don't listen to their bodies. That's what I hear from my running guru friends, anyway. Right, Jim?
Speaking of running gurus, I listened to Steverunner again today. I seem to go in cycles where I listen to music for a few weeks or a month, then switch to podcasts for awhile, then back to music. I'm way behind on my Steverunner episodes so I think I'll take him along on some runs to catch up.
Today it was a little easier to motivate myself to run. It was supposed to rain all day, but it didn't. It was threatening rain at Jason's soccer game at 11:30, but the sky never let it go. So when we got home, I figured I'd better take advantage of what might be a very short respite from the rain this weekend.
Some great news for me today . . . I get to go to Lee Ann's graduation in Nebraska the first week in May. Yea! I had a work conflict that got rescheduled and so I took advantage of the opportunity and will celebrate this great accomplishment with her. I still don't know how she pulled it off being an incredibly busy single mom. She even switched jobs in the midst of it all. She's an inspiration.
OK, just one more story about today. Ken and Jason were watching the OSU Spring football game (a scrimmage) this afternoon and at some point during the game they had a tribute to Stefanie Spielman, a local celebrity who died of breast cancer the same month I had my surgery, November 2009.
As Jason (age 9 now) was watching the tribute on TV, Ken told him that Stefanie died of breast cancer, but it didn't sink in because a few minutes later he asked why people were crying. Ken explained that she died. Jason looked confused and asked what she died of. Ken told him again, "Breast cancer." "What?" Jason said, "Mom had that and it was easy for her."
I was in the other room, post-run, stretching and using the foam roller on my calves. Although I was following the conversation with half-an-ear, I popped to attention and had to confirm what Jason just said. And yes, he really did say that. I was amazed. Wow. I hope he always has a skewed view of the seriousness of breast cancer. I hope no one he knows ever has it again. Including me.
To ease my mother's mind, I must report that I did not set Jason straight about how having breast cancer has not been easy. I actually feel very blessed that he reacted that way. I'm really glad it has not been difficult for him or for our family in general. That's really, really great. We are so lucky. In response to Jason's confusion, Ken explained simply that the doctors caught my breast cancer very early, so it wasn't as serious. We let it go at that.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Good thing Ken wasn't there!
It's a very good thing Ken wasn't at our softball game tonight.
It was a fairly typical game for our team. In addition to a lineup of solid men players, we have some cracker jack women on our team. I think I'm the only one who didn't play ball in college. Our bats were a little slow compared to usual, but we were still up 3-0, 5-0, 5-0, 8-1, etc. So the game wasn't tight at all.
I was up to bat 3 times and got on base twice. I used someone else's bat and really liked it, it was a little lighter than mine, a 24/33, I think.
I played 2nd the whole game but didn't have much action in the field. I missed a poorly thrown ball that I blocked with my leg and got a good bruise on the ankle/shin. The big play I had happened when I ran to the bag, received a throw from shortstop, got the guy out . . . and then got blind-sided and run over by the guy. He was out and didn't bail to the side as required by the rules. I didn't even think it was close. He was out a good second or two before he hit the bag. He hit me and I went down hard but didn't drop the ball. I came up mad, showed everyone the ball still in my hand and was astonished when the ump still called the guy safe. I was furious. I let everyone know I was unhappy and others agreed. The runner even tried to leave the bag for the dugout. I chewed him out pretty well for running me over and he apologized several times. Even the ump apologized at the end of the game saying he missed the call.
I really wish that event had happened the first inning of the game because all my jitters and doubts were gone with that adrenaline rush and I wanted to hit the ball hard and throw it hard and get everyone out who gave me half a chance. I was mad and ready to play. And then the game ended. Grrrrrr.
Most, if not all, of my fellow team members had heard of my cancer or surgery from our coach or from me at the beginning of the game as I was fielding (pun intended) questions about how I was doing. So all were concerned that I was okay from getting plowed over. I assured them I was fine, just really ticked.
If Ken had been there, he would have been beyond ticked. When I was younger (probably not even 30), stronger, and much healthier, he was all over some guy for running me over. He wasn't physical, but got in his face and told him what he thought of big guys who run over women in co-rec games. Now that he's seen me be much more fragile, I'm sure he'd be even more incensed. It's a good thing he wasn't there today.
As for me, I'm writing this all right after I got home, so I've still got the adrenaline going on, but I think I'm okay other than that. I've got that bruise on my ankle that will not be pretty (my fault) and my other calf has a scrape from being flattened by the runner, but it's nothing unusual for me after a softball or volleyball game. Getting a little beat up is part of the game.
I'm really glad I wrote in the blog yesterday. Otherwise, Ken or others might be blaming my current expander issues with my slam to the ground. But all seems about the same as yesterday, I am annoyed and a little nauseous when the ports make themselves known under my skin. That is happening much more frequent now. And I'm noticing more movement and pliability.
When I made the surgery date decision, the expanders weren't really much of an issue and I felt I could deal with them indefinitely. Now I believe that it's not "the longer they are in the better" as the doc said. Instead, I think early/mid April would have been a great time to switch these gals out. Oh well. Hind sight and all. In one month they will be out. Just 4 weeks and 4 days.
In the meantime, I won't be sitting around waiting, either. I'm really, really busy at work and have taken on some extra responsibilities between now and my surgery date. It's good that I'm doing it all and I like the work, it's just a bit more time-consuming when I'm already strapped for time. And I'm trying to figure out how I might be able to go to Nebraska for Lee Ann's graduation on May 7/8. And the Race for the Cure is May 15. If you want to run or walk with our team, go to our team site and join us! If not, consider making a donation and become part of the solution for Valerie and her generation.
Jason had a game tonight too. I'll get a full game report when he and Ken return in the next hour or so. I hope he didn't get beat up like me. And I hope he did a lot better in the field and at bat. I'm sure he did. He's a very good 9U (9 and under) player and he's got a star player dad helping to coach him. Oooops, Ken just called and I'm going to meet him and Jason at BW3s now. I'll have to decide whether to share the story or wait until he reads the blog and I'm out of earshot.
It was a fairly typical game for our team. In addition to a lineup of solid men players, we have some cracker jack women on our team. I think I'm the only one who didn't play ball in college. Our bats were a little slow compared to usual, but we were still up 3-0, 5-0, 5-0, 8-1, etc. So the game wasn't tight at all.
I was up to bat 3 times and got on base twice. I used someone else's bat and really liked it, it was a little lighter than mine, a 24/33, I think.
I played 2nd the whole game but didn't have much action in the field. I missed a poorly thrown ball that I blocked with my leg and got a good bruise on the ankle/shin. The big play I had happened when I ran to the bag, received a throw from shortstop, got the guy out . . . and then got blind-sided and run over by the guy. He was out and didn't bail to the side as required by the rules. I didn't even think it was close. He was out a good second or two before he hit the bag. He hit me and I went down hard but didn't drop the ball. I came up mad, showed everyone the ball still in my hand and was astonished when the ump still called the guy safe. I was furious. I let everyone know I was unhappy and others agreed. The runner even tried to leave the bag for the dugout. I chewed him out pretty well for running me over and he apologized several times. Even the ump apologized at the end of the game saying he missed the call.
I really wish that event had happened the first inning of the game because all my jitters and doubts were gone with that adrenaline rush and I wanted to hit the ball hard and throw it hard and get everyone out who gave me half a chance. I was mad and ready to play. And then the game ended. Grrrrrr.
Most, if not all, of my fellow team members had heard of my cancer or surgery from our coach or from me at the beginning of the game as I was fielding (pun intended) questions about how I was doing. So all were concerned that I was okay from getting plowed over. I assured them I was fine, just really ticked.
If Ken had been there, he would have been beyond ticked. When I was younger (probably not even 30), stronger, and much healthier, he was all over some guy for running me over. He wasn't physical, but got in his face and told him what he thought of big guys who run over women in co-rec games. Now that he's seen me be much more fragile, I'm sure he'd be even more incensed. It's a good thing he wasn't there today.
As for me, I'm writing this all right after I got home, so I've still got the adrenaline going on, but I think I'm okay other than that. I've got that bruise on my ankle that will not be pretty (my fault) and my other calf has a scrape from being flattened by the runner, but it's nothing unusual for me after a softball or volleyball game. Getting a little beat up is part of the game.
I'm really glad I wrote in the blog yesterday. Otherwise, Ken or others might be blaming my current expander issues with my slam to the ground. But all seems about the same as yesterday, I am annoyed and a little nauseous when the ports make themselves known under my skin. That is happening much more frequent now. And I'm noticing more movement and pliability.
When I made the surgery date decision, the expanders weren't really much of an issue and I felt I could deal with them indefinitely. Now I believe that it's not "the longer they are in the better" as the doc said. Instead, I think early/mid April would have been a great time to switch these gals out. Oh well. Hind sight and all. In one month they will be out. Just 4 weeks and 4 days.
In the meantime, I won't be sitting around waiting, either. I'm really, really busy at work and have taken on some extra responsibilities between now and my surgery date. It's good that I'm doing it all and I like the work, it's just a bit more time-consuming when I'm already strapped for time. And I'm trying to figure out how I might be able to go to Nebraska for Lee Ann's graduation on May 7/8. And the Race for the Cure is May 15. If you want to run or walk with our team, go to our team site and join us! If not, consider making a donation and become part of the solution for Valerie and her generation.
Jason had a game tonight too. I'll get a full game report when he and Ken return in the next hour or so. I hope he didn't get beat up like me. And I hope he did a lot better in the field and at bat. I'm sure he did. He's a very good 9U (9 and under) player and he's got a star player dad helping to coach him. Oooops, Ken just called and I'm going to meet him and Jason at BW3s now. I'll have to decide whether to share the story or wait until he reads the blog and I'm out of earshot.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Serendipity
I've been having trouble making time to run lately. I started to write that I was having trouble "finding time to run" but I know that's just excuse language. There is always time if I make it a priority. I guess it just hasn't been rising to the top of my list often enough.
I did get out today for a very short run, though. I ran 2.2 miles and walked a quarter mile for cool down. Then I sat down to watch the very end of Val's softball practice. My miles were 10:46 and 10:17.
Baseball/softball season is in full swing now. This is the first year in a long time that I didn't serve as Assistant Coach for Val's team. I never played softball under a non-parent coach, so coaching softball is not second nature to me like volleyball. This year, though, I have my breast reconstruction surgery on May 25, so I can't commit to a softball coach role. For this first part of the season, I've been helping when they are short on coaches or if I'm sitting there and I see something I could do for them. I always bring my glove. Today they had the head coach and two assistants there, so stealing away to run didn't leave them empty handed.
A strange thing happened while running today. My breasts moved. I've noticed that the right port location in the expander is making me a little sore when just going about my daily business. And my breasts are starting to be more pliable.
If you've been on the receiving end of my bounce demonstration (when people ask me about the expanders, I jump up and down to show them they don't move - even with no bra on), you'll be surprised to learn that they do move a bit now. It was a little disconcerting to notice movement while running, especially considering that I wear a running bra per doctor's orders. It didn't hurt while running, but it certainly distracted me initially. After a half mile or so, it stopped or I didn't notice it anymore . . . probably the latter due to me huffing and puffing my way through the neighborhood. I was tired and ready to stop at 1.5 miles so it's probably okay that I didn't have a long time to be out there today.
I'm playing softball on our co-ed adult team tomorrow evening, weather permitting. Jason has an away (within 20 minutes of home) baseball game so Ken won't be playing on our adult team tomorrow. Our coach called and asked if I could come so he can bat 12. An even number of men and women is required. Since we'll have an extra woman, I will probably sit out some of the innings but will most likely play 2nd base when I'm in the field. This will be one of the few, if not the only, game I'll play this season. After surgery, I'll be out for the rest of the season and between now and then we have lots of softball and baseball games on Friday. Jason also has soccer practice on Fridays.
It will be weird to not play much softball this season. I've been on this co-ed team for probably 8 years. I found them one day when we were at the kid movies in the park and I saw a man and woman in softball uniforms walking to the bathrooms. I accosted them and asked if they played here every Friday night and they immediately invited me to join them without even a tryout. I guess they were hard-up for women. Since then, they have treated me very well and I've played 2nd base and pitcher for them. Ken joined a year or two after I started. The coach and an outfielder do commercial drop ceilings for a living and offered to do our basement as a side job. It looks great!
Isn't it interesting how we happen to come upon people who impact our lives? Serendipity.
I did get out today for a very short run, though. I ran 2.2 miles and walked a quarter mile for cool down. Then I sat down to watch the very end of Val's softball practice. My miles were 10:46 and 10:17.
Baseball/softball season is in full swing now. This is the first year in a long time that I didn't serve as Assistant Coach for Val's team. I never played softball under a non-parent coach, so coaching softball is not second nature to me like volleyball. This year, though, I have my breast reconstruction surgery on May 25, so I can't commit to a softball coach role. For this first part of the season, I've been helping when they are short on coaches or if I'm sitting there and I see something I could do for them. I always bring my glove. Today they had the head coach and two assistants there, so stealing away to run didn't leave them empty handed.
A strange thing happened while running today. My breasts moved. I've noticed that the right port location in the expander is making me a little sore when just going about my daily business. And my breasts are starting to be more pliable.
If you've been on the receiving end of my bounce demonstration (when people ask me about the expanders, I jump up and down to show them they don't move - even with no bra on), you'll be surprised to learn that they do move a bit now. It was a little disconcerting to notice movement while running, especially considering that I wear a running bra per doctor's orders. It didn't hurt while running, but it certainly distracted me initially. After a half mile or so, it stopped or I didn't notice it anymore . . . probably the latter due to me huffing and puffing my way through the neighborhood. I was tired and ready to stop at 1.5 miles so it's probably okay that I didn't have a long time to be out there today.
I'm playing softball on our co-ed adult team tomorrow evening, weather permitting. Jason has an away (within 20 minutes of home) baseball game so Ken won't be playing on our adult team tomorrow. Our coach called and asked if I could come so he can bat 12. An even number of men and women is required. Since we'll have an extra woman, I will probably sit out some of the innings but will most likely play 2nd base when I'm in the field. This will be one of the few, if not the only, game I'll play this season. After surgery, I'll be out for the rest of the season and between now and then we have lots of softball and baseball games on Friday. Jason also has soccer practice on Fridays.
It will be weird to not play much softball this season. I've been on this co-ed team for probably 8 years. I found them one day when we were at the kid movies in the park and I saw a man and woman in softball uniforms walking to the bathrooms. I accosted them and asked if they played here every Friday night and they immediately invited me to join them without even a tryout. I guess they were hard-up for women. Since then, they have treated me very well and I've played 2nd base and pitcher for them. Ken joined a year or two after I started. The coach and an outfielder do commercial drop ceilings for a living and offered to do our basement as a side job. It looks great!
Isn't it interesting how we happen to come upon people who impact our lives? Serendipity.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Running and connecting
I thought all was fine after softball practice on Thursday evening, but Friday night and Saturday I learned that I was ridiculously sore in my thighs, lats, calves, rear, and probably many other places I forget to mention. Ken purchased a Altus foam roller on my legs on Friday night and it was true torture, but very effective. I could barely walk on Friday night and was obviously limited in motion for any movement, especially sitting.
After my torture treatment, I was able to run on Saturday morning, but I started slow and loosened up along the way. I ran a 5K in 35 minutes. My miles were 12:09, 11:40, and 10:31. Then I had to hurry back in the house where I took a 3 minute shower and was at Jason's soccer game in less than 30 minutes after my run was complete. Impressive, for a long, hot shower kind of person like me. Of course, then I tightened up as I sat through that soccer game and then a baseball game later in the afternoon. It was cold outside too, so that didn't help. I assisted with Val's softball practice at 7pm, though and loosened up a little as I ran and shagged balls.
Sunday I should have run, but didn't.
Today (Monday - the day of the Boston Marathon), I ran in support of my running mentor, Jim and Steverunner. I figure I was beginning my run about the time they were on their last stretch, so I was sending "you can do it vibes" to them. I didn't do a marathon distance (26.2 miles), of course. I did 3 x 1 mile (1 mile three times) and felt pretty good.
My first mile was 10:21, shortly after which I came upon a house that is due to come on the market soon and it's in a great location for my parents (and it's a ranch, the right size, right price, etc.). So I had to stop the clock while I walked around the house and memorized the outside and address. Nice.
Then I ran another mile, but was interrupted during that run, too (phone call by my husband). I ran the second mile in 9:57.
My last mile was 9:48 and then I headed back into my house to shower, clean, and make dinner for some special friends who were coming by soon.
Some friends who were in the leadership program I attended in 2005 (Leading Edge) came to my house tonight for dinner and wine and conversation. Catie, Amy, and I had a wonderful catching up with everyone's life and amazingly we all had life-changing events that took place during the past few years since we got together. My story was actually the least traumatic of the three and we didn't even get around to it until the last 30 minutes or so. I know I've been through a lot this year, but my story is one of victory and I know I'm on the easy side of it now. Actually, the other women are also healing and moving on. We all have had some significant experiences that have changed us forever. Yet we all persevered. Yea for us!
It was a wonderful re-connecting evening and I'm so fortunate to have had this time with my friends.
After my torture treatment, I was able to run on Saturday morning, but I started slow and loosened up along the way. I ran a 5K in 35 minutes. My miles were 12:09, 11:40, and 10:31. Then I had to hurry back in the house where I took a 3 minute shower and was at Jason's soccer game in less than 30 minutes after my run was complete. Impressive, for a long, hot shower kind of person like me. Of course, then I tightened up as I sat through that soccer game and then a baseball game later in the afternoon. It was cold outside too, so that didn't help. I assisted with Val's softball practice at 7pm, though and loosened up a little as I ran and shagged balls.
Sunday I should have run, but didn't.
Today (Monday - the day of the Boston Marathon), I ran in support of my running mentor, Jim and Steverunner. I figure I was beginning my run about the time they were on their last stretch, so I was sending "you can do it vibes" to them. I didn't do a marathon distance (26.2 miles), of course. I did 3 x 1 mile (1 mile three times) and felt pretty good.
My first mile was 10:21, shortly after which I came upon a house that is due to come on the market soon and it's in a great location for my parents (and it's a ranch, the right size, right price, etc.). So I had to stop the clock while I walked around the house and memorized the outside and address. Nice.
Then I ran another mile, but was interrupted during that run, too (phone call by my husband). I ran the second mile in 9:57.
My last mile was 9:48 and then I headed back into my house to shower, clean, and make dinner for some special friends who were coming by soon.
Some friends who were in the leadership program I attended in 2005 (Leading Edge) came to my house tonight for dinner and wine and conversation. Catie, Amy, and I had a wonderful catching up with everyone's life and amazingly we all had life-changing events that took place during the past few years since we got together. My story was actually the least traumatic of the three and we didn't even get around to it until the last 30 minutes or so. I know I've been through a lot this year, but my story is one of victory and I know I'm on the easy side of it now. Actually, the other women are also healing and moving on. We all have had some significant experiences that have changed us forever. Yet we all persevered. Yea for us!
It was a wonderful re-connecting evening and I'm so fortunate to have had this time with my friends.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Play Ball!
I played softball yesterday. Well, kinda. I helped with Val's practice. It was 4th, 5th, and 6th graders and Val did really well at all drills: pitching, outfield flies, infield, and base running. I brought a chair and my glove, not knowing which way it would go for me. Early on, I noticed one assistant coach didn't have a catcher for grounder practice, so I got my glove and went out.
I caught incoming throws for him for about 20 minutes and then we split up into 3 groups. He asked one assistant coach, "Do you pitch?" She said "no way." He asked me, "Do you?" I said "not fast pitch" and he said. "You're a pitcher." The end. I pitched batting practice the next hour.
The head coach knows of my surgeries and plight and kept checking in on me, first ensuring I was okay with pitching. Very cool guy. I was okay. Actually, I did pretty well. Met the goal. Pitched an "all-hitter."
Today I'm a little sore in many places including rear, traps, shoulder blades, and right pec. All muscle issues because I haven't been using my upper body muscles nearly as much as I used to (prior to surgery). None of the soreness is due to expanders or the stitches holding them in place. That's great news.
Ken and I have a softball team and our first game is next Friday. I figured I could play for awhile if they need me (until my May 25 surgery), but Ken wonders if I can twist to swing. I hadn't thought of that. I don't swing much when I bat anyway. I walk about 1/3 of the time. The rest of the time, I swing if required and about 1/15th of the time I get a good solid hit that gets me on base and no one else out. I'm at the bottom of the order, obviously. They keep me around because I'm a pretty good 2nd base and have a good attitude, I think.
Jason is playing travel baseball this year and is doing great. He's a top player on his team and would be even better if we could get him some confidence in his hitting. He got hit with the ball twice last week and is now very nervous about hitting. The hits didn't take him out of the game and didn't stop him from his great defense playing, so I know he'll get over it soon and get on with whacking the ball out there again. He's a tough kid, and a great athlete. Go Jason!
I caught incoming throws for him for about 20 minutes and then we split up into 3 groups. He asked one assistant coach, "Do you pitch?" She said "no way." He asked me, "Do you?" I said "not fast pitch" and he said. "You're a pitcher." The end. I pitched batting practice the next hour.
The head coach knows of my surgeries and plight and kept checking in on me, first ensuring I was okay with pitching. Very cool guy. I was okay. Actually, I did pretty well. Met the goal. Pitched an "all-hitter."
Today I'm a little sore in many places including rear, traps, shoulder blades, and right pec. All muscle issues because I haven't been using my upper body muscles nearly as much as I used to (prior to surgery). None of the soreness is due to expanders or the stitches holding them in place. That's great news.
Ken and I have a softball team and our first game is next Friday. I figured I could play for awhile if they need me (until my May 25 surgery), but Ken wonders if I can twist to swing. I hadn't thought of that. I don't swing much when I bat anyway. I walk about 1/3 of the time. The rest of the time, I swing if required and about 1/15th of the time I get a good solid hit that gets me on base and no one else out. I'm at the bottom of the order, obviously. They keep me around because I'm a pretty good 2nd base and have a good attitude, I think.
Jason is playing travel baseball this year and is doing great. He's a top player on his team and would be even better if we could get him some confidence in his hitting. He got hit with the ball twice last week and is now very nervous about hitting. The hits didn't take him out of the game and didn't stop him from his great defense playing, so I know he'll get over it soon and get on with whacking the ball out there again. He's a tough kid, and a great athlete. Go Jason!
Monday, April 12, 2010
3 x 1 mile
I got out for a run today and did 3 miles. Well, actually, I ran 1 mile three times.
My first mile was 11:01 and I had to stop at the end of the mile to try to stretch out a cramp in my left calf. I shouldn't be surprised because my feet cramped twice last night and all I did was flex my toes to bring it on. I drank lots of water today but it must not have solved the problem. The stretching didn't completely loosen the cramp, but after a minute or two, I took off again because I was on borrowed time. I had to pick the kids up from CCD and couldn't dilly-dally. The time spent stretching was off the clock.
My second mile was 10:48 and I finished it right before coming upon a house I needed to check out for my parents. I walked slowly by the house and probably burned another 2 or 3 minutes there. The time spent gawking was off the clock.
My third mile was 10:09 and was uneventful. I was pushing the pace a bit since I knew it was my last mile because I had to get to church to get the kids.
So, though not a continuous run, it certainly was better than yesterday. I didn't have a tough time getting out there and I didn't want to stop every 100 feet. It was actually a nice day for a run.
I should stretch tonight. We have to do taxes, though. I wonder if I can do both.
My first mile was 11:01 and I had to stop at the end of the mile to try to stretch out a cramp in my left calf. I shouldn't be surprised because my feet cramped twice last night and all I did was flex my toes to bring it on. I drank lots of water today but it must not have solved the problem. The stretching didn't completely loosen the cramp, but after a minute or two, I took off again because I was on borrowed time. I had to pick the kids up from CCD and couldn't dilly-dally. The time spent stretching was off the clock.
My second mile was 10:48 and I finished it right before coming upon a house I needed to check out for my parents. I walked slowly by the house and probably burned another 2 or 3 minutes there. The time spent gawking was off the clock.
My third mile was 10:09 and was uneventful. I was pushing the pace a bit since I knew it was my last mile because I had to get to church to get the kids.
So, though not a continuous run, it certainly was better than yesterday. I didn't have a tough time getting out there and I didn't want to stop every 100 feet. It was actually a nice day for a run.
I should stretch tonight. We have to do taxes, though. I wonder if I can do both.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Vacation
We're back from Florida and into the craziness of life right away. I don't know why I thought it was great we'd have the weekend to recover before going back to the craziness on Monday. It all started the minute we landed, really.
I was frustrated that I couldn't get out for a run yesterday and then today I had a TERRIBLE time forcing myself out there and an equally terrible time getting started and another equally terrible time running. One of those days I guess.
But let's catch up with the training log - blog is short for web log, after all. So here's what I've put in since last writing.
Monday, I ran 5 miles, some of it on the beach. The miles were 11:51, 11:38, 11:46, 11:43, and 11:09. Then I walked a half mile as cool down, but I never cooled down. It was HOT. I actually had a 5 minute break between mile 4 and 5 where I walked in the shade a bit and went into the great Mexican restaurant and begged them to fill up my water bottle. They took pity on me, thank goodness.
Wednesday, I ran 2.8 miles at Disney. I actually ran at the Disney Caribbean resort on the 1.4 (which my Garmin measured at 1.5) track around the lake. I kept thinking about Gordon at runtodisney who sends submissions into the Extra Mile Podcast I listen to occasionally. I just looked at Gordon's blog and his submission to the Daily Mile which outlines his journey from dangerously unhealthy to a marathon man. I am so impressed with his weight loss process and successes. Go Gordon! I'm doing terribly in that area. I really packed on the pounds this year and haven't been able to stay committed to doing anything about it. I do the depressed-so-I-eat . . . eat-so-I get depressed cycle. It's stupid. Makes no sense. It's not unlike the TV show about hoarders that I saw on TLC last night. Scary stuff. Obsessive behavior. However, not unlike eating junk when I know it is sabotaging what I need to feel good and meet my goals. Yet, I do it anyway. Maybe reading Gordon's story will help me get out of that cycle. It certainly is motivating.
After the Disney run, I didn't get to run again until today, Sunday. As I already mentioned, it was tough getting out there and even once I got out there, I couldn't get into the swing of things. So I walked about 2 miles first at about a 17:30 pace. Then I came back in and got more water (the hot weather followed us from Florida back to Ohio) and went back out again. I ran 2 miles at 11:04 and 10:42 and then gave up trying to run. I just couldn't get into it. To atone for my sorry attempt at exercise, I spent the next hour behind the lawn mower adding more mileage walking.
Tomorrow I go back to work. I wish I could say I'll ease back into things, but none of the work goes away when I go on vacation, so I get to work harder the week before and a few weeks after to keep above water. I got a Blackberry right before I left so while I was out, I was able to delete junk messages and "copy" messages that didn't require any response on my part. It was easy to do that while in the car or doing something that required waiting - a good use of time, I think. I hate waiting.
Overall, the vacation was great. The kids were fantastic and had lots of fun when with family at Treasure Island and when we were at Disney. I also enjoyed our time at Treasure Island and even surprised myself by enjoying Magic Kingdom, despite not being a ride or character person. I really liked the water ride and went on several of the attractions that weren't roller coasters. I also got enough down time to be able to run and read 2 fiction books. I didn't do any work outside of getting my Blackberry to work and clearing out "no work required" emails. Ken got to go fishing on the gulf and also enjoyed the time with family and sharing Disney with the kids.
The next big event for me is the Race for the Cure. Join our team and walk or run with us! It's Saturday, May 15, 2010. Valerie is looking for a friend to stick with her during the race (preferably a soccer playing friend or another swimmer). She will try to run as much of it as she can but plans to walk frequently. Ken and Jason will walk/run it (probably equal amounts of distance with each). I hope Michelle will stick with me and we can run the thing. Tom will walk it. I haven't seen Holly since she joined the group so I'm not sure if she'll hang with us or go it alone. Anyone else want to join us? Take a look at the middle part of this older blog post to learn how to join the team.
My next surgery is May 25, 2010 when I get the expanders out (Alleluia) and the implants in.
I was frustrated that I couldn't get out for a run yesterday and then today I had a TERRIBLE time forcing myself out there and an equally terrible time getting started and another equally terrible time running. One of those days I guess.
But let's catch up with the training log - blog is short for web log, after all. So here's what I've put in since last writing.
Monday, I ran 5 miles, some of it on the beach. The miles were 11:51, 11:38, 11:46, 11:43, and 11:09. Then I walked a half mile as cool down, but I never cooled down. It was HOT. I actually had a 5 minute break between mile 4 and 5 where I walked in the shade a bit and went into the great Mexican restaurant and begged them to fill up my water bottle. They took pity on me, thank goodness.
Wednesday, I ran 2.8 miles at Disney. I actually ran at the Disney Caribbean resort on the 1.4 (which my Garmin measured at 1.5) track around the lake. I kept thinking about Gordon at runtodisney who sends submissions into the Extra Mile Podcast I listen to occasionally. I just looked at Gordon's blog and his submission to the Daily Mile which outlines his journey from dangerously unhealthy to a marathon man. I am so impressed with his weight loss process and successes. Go Gordon! I'm doing terribly in that area. I really packed on the pounds this year and haven't been able to stay committed to doing anything about it. I do the depressed-so-I-eat . . . eat-so-I get depressed cycle. It's stupid. Makes no sense. It's not unlike the TV show about hoarders that I saw on TLC last night. Scary stuff. Obsessive behavior. However, not unlike eating junk when I know it is sabotaging what I need to feel good and meet my goals. Yet, I do it anyway. Maybe reading Gordon's story will help me get out of that cycle. It certainly is motivating.
After the Disney run, I didn't get to run again until today, Sunday. As I already mentioned, it was tough getting out there and even once I got out there, I couldn't get into the swing of things. So I walked about 2 miles first at about a 17:30 pace. Then I came back in and got more water (the hot weather followed us from Florida back to Ohio) and went back out again. I ran 2 miles at 11:04 and 10:42 and then gave up trying to run. I just couldn't get into it. To atone for my sorry attempt at exercise, I spent the next hour behind the lawn mower adding more mileage walking.
Tomorrow I go back to work. I wish I could say I'll ease back into things, but none of the work goes away when I go on vacation, so I get to work harder the week before and a few weeks after to keep above water. I got a Blackberry right before I left so while I was out, I was able to delete junk messages and "copy" messages that didn't require any response on my part. It was easy to do that while in the car or doing something that required waiting - a good use of time, I think. I hate waiting.
Overall, the vacation was great. The kids were fantastic and had lots of fun when with family at Treasure Island and when we were at Disney. I also enjoyed our time at Treasure Island and even surprised myself by enjoying Magic Kingdom, despite not being a ride or character person. I really liked the water ride and went on several of the attractions that weren't roller coasters. I also got enough down time to be able to run and read 2 fiction books. I didn't do any work outside of getting my Blackberry to work and clearing out "no work required" emails. Ken got to go fishing on the gulf and also enjoyed the time with family and sharing Disney with the kids.
The next big event for me is the Race for the Cure. Join our team and walk or run with us! It's Saturday, May 15, 2010. Valerie is looking for a friend to stick with her during the race (preferably a soccer playing friend or another swimmer). She will try to run as much of it as she can but plans to walk frequently. Ken and Jason will walk/run it (probably equal amounts of distance with each). I hope Michelle will stick with me and we can run the thing. Tom will walk it. I haven't seen Holly since she joined the group so I'm not sure if she'll hang with us or go it alone. Anyone else want to join us? Take a look at the middle part of this older blog post to learn how to join the team.
My next surgery is May 25, 2010 when I get the expanders out (Alleluia) and the implants in.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Beach running
I've been doing a little better running lately. I put in 7 on Saturday, 1.5 on Sunday, 3.1 on Tuesday, 2 on Thursday, and 3ish today (Saturday). That's a pretty good week for me as of lately. It's nothing compared to what I was running when training for the half, but the past 8 days I ran probably more than I've run in some recent months.
Today it was hot. Very hot. It was only mid-eighties when I went out to run, but I haven't run in weather like this in a long time. And there was very little shade or breeze. Next time I'll remember that mid-80's is summer weather and I should run earlier in the morning or later at night. 10am was not a great time to go out for a jog.
By the way, I'm in Florida right now and ran half of my run today on the beach. I know that sounds romantic and everything, but I learned that it's not easy to run on the beach. I found that I rely on solid ground to push off and propel forward. In absence of ground, it's a totally different experience. Also, there is no shade on the beach. Although I'm glad I gave the beach a try, on the way back I decided to forego the great gulf view and trotted back on pavement. It was a good thing I did since it was time for us to get "out and about" by the time I arrived. I know I had to have been faster on the second half of the run than the first. I didn't actually track my distance today, but it was probably 3 miles in about 35 minutes.
Happy Easter, everyone!
Today it was hot. Very hot. It was only mid-eighties when I went out to run, but I haven't run in weather like this in a long time. And there was very little shade or breeze. Next time I'll remember that mid-80's is summer weather and I should run earlier in the morning or later at night. 10am was not a great time to go out for a jog.
By the way, I'm in Florida right now and ran half of my run today on the beach. I know that sounds romantic and everything, but I learned that it's not easy to run on the beach. I found that I rely on solid ground to push off and propel forward. In absence of ground, it's a totally different experience. Also, there is no shade on the beach. Although I'm glad I gave the beach a try, on the way back I decided to forego the great gulf view and trotted back on pavement. It was a good thing I did since it was time for us to get "out and about" by the time I arrived. I know I had to have been faster on the second half of the run than the first. I didn't actually track my distance today, but it was probably 3 miles in about 35 minutes.
Happy Easter, everyone!
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