Just when I thought we had enough snow

We are still getting snow. It is trying to rain, but it is mostly sleet. What a mess it will be when it does rain. The snow level in the yard is up past the deck. The deck rails and BBQ are about the only indication we have a deck.

I bring you more pictures:

Green Chairs today:


The table today:


A Cedar tree in the back yard:


Snow Laden:


Our back yard:


Bob The Cat:

White Christmas and all that jazz

After our 20 miler, the snows and frigid temps arrived. I have gotten a couple runs in, a couple walks and a whole lot of extra tapering. The snow is extreme. It is enough that I am posting pictures of my world as it was this morning when I was out.

Running has been a bit of an issue. I have gotten out a couple times since the snow hit, but not like I should be. I went for a long walk today and shovelled snow. The marathon is in2 1/2 weeks and I am getting a little worried at this point. I don't own a treadmill, nor do I belong to a gym. I rely on being able to get outside and get my runs in.

We are snowed in - really. I didn't make it in to work today. It's crazy out here. I measured snow around our yard. The deepest pocket was 34 inches and the lowest amount I found was 19 inches. It's still snowing. It has been snowing most of the day. They say it is going to rain by Friday, but I won't believe it until I see it.

This morning I cooked a huge breakfast for the family. The boys dined on bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, toast and D had a German Pancake. Days like this I just cook and cook and cook. It keeps me sane.


I am going to leave you with a crap ton of pictures. On my walk this morning I got pictures of the Bald Eagles that here. They were really noisy today.

My House:



Front Walk:


Youngest Son's Bike he left out:


Nigel the cat:


Green Chairs on the Deck - the beginning of our snow and today:



The neighbor couldn't get out this morning:


Pasture down the way:


Youngest son had cleared this table of snow of 4 days ago:


Down our street:


Eagles:

And so the taper begins

Today was our big 20 miler. The last 2 long runs have been done in pouring rain. I discovered that I rather enjoyed running in the rain. The temps had been mild enough that I didn't feel too chilled. I found a fantastic running coat that is a water/wind resistant shell lined with fleece. It has been perfect. The last couple of weeks I have managed to get all my weekly short runs in as well. This has been significant and I am feeling better prepared now.

Today, we ran in a Nor'easter. Today was the big 20 miler and it was pretty brutal. We are experiencing some of the coldest temps for December since 1990. The run out wasn't too bad, the wind was behind us and we were partially sheltered on the trail. Coming back however was a much different story. By the time we were unsheltered the wind was fierce and it was one of the most difficult runs I have done since I started running. Running in a strong bitter cold head wind is no easy task. I am thankful the snow held off. There were a couple of moments I considered giving my inlaws a call to come pick me up. I didn't, I kept going. I have running partners and they really helped keep my motivation up. I love having partners. I trained almost completely solo for my first marathon. Even though I was part of Team In Training, all but 2 long runs were completed completely on my own.

Now we taper. I have been so looking forward to the taper. It means we are so close! Tapering isn't easy. It is tough to stop running at a shorter distance when you feel like you could just keep on going for another couple miles.


To give you an idea of the weather during our run:

Saturday's long run was fantastic. My pace is so much faster than the last training season. It helps that my running partner is over 6 feet tall, while I hover at 5'4" on a good day! She has really pushed me to run better and more efficiently. We got our mileage in and in less time than anticipated. I am very pleased. My calf muscles were a bit cranky and I definately need new shoes soon.

Saturday we had our send off for the participants running the Seattle Marathon the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It was great fun. I love our team. They are all absolutely incredible people.

Sunday I woke up a bit sore and stiff, but I got a quick 3 mile run in and felt much better after. I am terrible about stretching and need to really try to be good about getting that in regularly.

Tonight's run was a bit tough in the beginning, but once I got going and got in to the rhythm I just kept going for 45 minutes and managed to get 4 miles in.

We have really lucked out with weather during our training. We have only had one really wet windy day and one frosty cold day. Otherwise the weather has been perfect for running. I can only hope it lasts a bit longer.

I can't believe we are past the half way point now.

Twice in one week

Wow. I am actually updating twice in one week. This week has been very stressful on the family front. Running has been a God Send. Last night I made my way over to the local highschool at about 4:30 PM and ran 5 miles at a pace that is much quicker than I run on average. I got 5 miles in in 52 minutes. This is pretty unheard of for me. I just ran round and round and round without giving thought to anything. I just let my mind go blank, zoned in on my ipod and let my feet fly. It has to have been the easiest run yet. I really needed it. It was eerie running in the dark. There was just enough light from the nearby parking lot to see the lines on the track. Because fall sports are over, they are not lighting the track anymore. I felt safe and I am glad to know I can see enough to run. I really want a treadmill for home, but so far I have not found one on Craigslist that I can afford. So running in the dark at the highschool will continue for now.

Tomorrow our group run is 250 minutes. That should put us at about 18 miles. It seems like our long runs have upped in mileage much faster than I remember doing the first time around. I just hope the migraine I have had for 3 days is gone by tomorrow morning.

It's been a while!

I guess I better update. I live in the Pacific Northwest. It rains - ALOT - in the fall, winter, spring and even summer lately. Our group has really lucked out since training began. Our long runs have been rather pleasant and rain free until yesterday. Yesterday the first 1/3 or so was not too bad. It was a little humid and warm - 65F. Then the rains hit - down pour. I had rain dripping off my hat. Then the winds picked up. The turn around gave us a great tail wind that pushed us right along. My shoes had pools of water in them. But you know, it was rather pleasant. I didn't mind the pouring rain at all. I suppose if it had been 39F I would have not been so content with the rain. Yesterday though, I was.

I am a little sore today. My calf's are tight. I am sure it is because I only got 3 short runs in last week. I am still struggling with the short runs. Fitting them in is difficult. I am in dire need of a treadmill. The cost is just beyond our budget unfortunately. This week I will be able to squeeze in my short runs today, Monday(supposed to be a rest day), Tuesday and I am hoping with any luck on Thursday.

The long runs have been going surprisingly well considering I am not getting in adequate short runs. I feel great on the long runs. I have energy, I am not burning out part way through and after I have little to no recovery time to deal with. I am bouncing back quickly.


I am still suffering from my fall. I have an knee that is a bit tempermental and some residual bone ache, but nothing that isn't manageable and easy enough to put out of my mind.


I am a bit worried about the fundraising aspect. I still need $700.00 and am not sure what to put together to bring it in within the next month. I will send out another mailing to everyone that didn't respond the first go around. I am also hoping to secure at least one more luncheon or even brunch. I have to cover it otherwise, and that isnt' doable! Eep.

It is pomegranate time. I love them. I used to eat them all winter long when I was in college. This morning's breakfast is oatmeal, a little honey and pomegranate seeds. Yum!

The perils of running with Lupus

I am still having a hard time figuring out my schedule during the week to get 4 short runs in. Instead I have at least managed to get 3 short runs in, but I have made them longer to get the mileage up to where I feel a comfortable base is being created. We have a schedule conflict on Wednesdays, so no one gets home until after dark. I won't run our lonely unlit roads in the dark. I feel unsafe on them during the day with the crazy driver's and logging truck traffic. Night running is definately out. I wish I could afford a treadmill or gym membership.

Today's long run included a pretty big wipe out by your's truly. We were turned around heading back in and I lost the sense of my left leg. This is something that has been happening since the Lupus invaded my body. I just lose all sensation of my left leg or my right arm. I can see it, but my brain isn't registering that limb. Today I dropped pretty hard to the ground and not only did I fall, but I tumbled a couple times as well. It makes me feel completely incapable of doing anything at all. The emotional impact of losing control is worse than the actual loss of control. I feel like an idiot. I hate that my body does this. My knee is pretty messed up and my leg is bruised from the shin to the ankle and the skin torn off in a couple of places. I am stiff. I am mad. I hate this. I will not stop running. I can't. Running saved me from myself and there is no way I am going to stop.

Running gave me something that I needed in my life. It gives me that time to process all that my day entails, from fighting for my child's developmental and medical needs, to wondering each day if I am going to continue to hold down employment in the mortgage lending industry. I think I would be insane if I didn't have that outlet.

So, I broke out the big bad pain pill, will ice and heat the knee and see how I am feeling tomorrow.

update time

I got reminded that I haven't updated in a while. I am really remiss about posting here. My life is a bit crazy. Then again isn't everyones?

I am trying to keep this blog focused on my training and not so much my personal life. It isn't always easy as everything is very interwoven.

My family is so great about working with my running schedule. Although I am finding it hard to squeeze in my short runs. I don't take lunch at work - I take it the last half hour of my schedule so I can be home on time to meet my son's bus. With the daylight hours shrinking it is getting to be tricky to get the run in before dark.

Last week I had a crappy cold that has been going around. I ran only 1 short run and then the long run. Was I ever stiff and sore the next day. This week I am making sure the long runs are in as they should be. I am finding that I can run longer stretches than I have ever been able to. I know it is a mental thing. I am sure the first time I trained I could have pushed and run longer stretches, but I didn't. I just kind of made sure I kept injury free and healthy enough to cross that finish line. This time I find that running is easier than walking. Granted many people walk faster than I run, but that movement is friendlier to my body than walking.

The weather this month has been ideal. I am not looking forward to the rain that I know is going to be here soon enough.

Fundaising is going pretty well. I lost my corporate sponsor, which was a disappointment. But with the economy as it is, they are feeling the pinch more than most, so I completely understand. I have another group of letters going out and we have the Texas Hold Em Party that needs to be finalized.

Fairhaven Waterfront 15K

Yesterday was the Fairhaven Waterfront 15K. I was really doubtful of my ability to complete this race of 9.3 miles. I fretted about it all week long. I missed a couple of my short runs last week due to extenuating circumstances and really did not feel at all prepared for Saturday. I can't wait until the pictures are done.

It was worked into our training schedule as our regular Saturday long run. It is the longest stretch I have run since I got sick. I completed it, and I ran it at a pace faster than I thought I could. I am so thrilled. Even more importantly I feel great today. I recovered very quickly. I was able to go out and get a nice easy paced run in early this morning and I have no aches or pains from all that running.

We are having a perfect extended summer. I am so glad for that.

Next week we have a fundraising event to coincide with the move in weekend of WWU. Hopefully we will have a decent turnout and sizeable donations.

Right now, I am going to go make Blackberry jam.

Back To School and all that jazz.

I am trying to adjust to the school schedules starting around here and fitting my running in during the week. I prefer to run first thing in the morning, but find I am running at night instead. The mornings are too dark now at the times I get up. Soon it will be too dark to run in the evening safely out here where I live. I am going to have to figure out how to get my runs in mid day.

I got a Nike+. I really like it. I guess I like to see for real just how slow of a runner I am. But you know.. I ran the solid 40 minutes today - no walk breaks. I might be slow, but I can run and I will finish what I set out to do. It took me a long time to be ok with being so slow. It was hard to have everyone pass me coming and going on the long runs. But eventually I settled in to being ok with the fact that I am who I am and I run slow. I think I am running pretty fast - then I look at my Plus and see I am cruising at the speed of 13.1 minute miles. Mario Andretti of the track I am not.

I am starting to get donations in the mail. It is so exciting to see those return envelopes tucked in the junk mail and bills when I arrive home from work. It keeps me going. My family - all of them - extended and immediate are incredible. I just love them and am so fortunate in my life to have them.

I will be adding my grandpa Henry Kinnune to my honored list. I put his name on my wristlet to wear as I train. He died of Leukemia long before I was born. My cousin sent in a donation and asked I run the marathon in his honor. Not only will I do that, but I will also train in his honor.

This weekend we run 90 minutes and then I have been asked if I wanted to sell hot dogs again at our local grocery store. The last time we did that a couple weeks ago a bit of a fiasco occured with the group following us. We were treated very poorly by some of the group members. I let the store manager know what happened. As a result I am being set up to fundraise in conjunction with a big store event - a Tail Gate Party to kick off the Seahawk's NFL season. The store is donating all the food fixings and I just need to sell them and keep all the proceeds for my marathon.

Sometimes it pays to speak up.

Procrastination

Yesterday I really did not want to run. In fact I came pretty close to convincing myself I could skip out. Then I started thinking about why I am running and training for a marathon and the people I am running in honor of. They can't skip out of Chemo or radiation. For them it is life or death. And sometimes death still wins over life.

So I begrudgingly put on my running gear, drove to the track and ran. It was a great run and I felt so much better after.

I think I might have made it beyond the initial hump of running. I have been able to run the entire short runs on our training schedule with no walk breaks except a 3 minute warm up and 3 minute cool down.

I know that there will be bumps in the road, but today I feel accomplished.

Long runs and weekends

Last week was one of those weeks that were go go go go. It was an up and out the door in the early morning and not get home until 9-10PM 3 out of 5 weeknights. By Friday I was wiped. I did get my runs in and by Saturday I no longer feel like I am running knee deep in water. Maybe I am turing a corner? Only time will tell.

Saturday was the most and longest stretch I have run at one time since I fell ill. It was a great easy pace, fabulous company and perfect weather. We went a bit over time, but it felt ok.

I spent the rest of the day on my feet hawking hot dogs for a good cause. We did ok. Not spectacular, but hey $ toward goal is $ toward goal. We got some honking horns and shouts of "Go Team", sad stories and triumphant stories.

When I woke this morning I was worried about soreness and tightness, but felt great all day. "

I am destined to be a very slow runner - always I think. I am ok with that. I get passed by most runners. I just keep plodding along. My goal is the finish. My purpose is to honor those that have had their lives turned upside down by a blood cancer.

I found a quote today that sums it all up for me. "The race doesn't always go to the swiftest or the fastest it goes to the one who keeps on running. "
-unknown

General Update

I got my fundraising letter done. I will work on getting it in the mail by the end of this week. I am pretty pleased with it, if I do say so myself.

Saturday's kickoff was wonderful. We have such a great team. I hope everyone makes it through recommitment. I put together Nalgene bottles for my mentees and filled them with pretzels, jolly ranchers, dark chocolate and GU packs. Things many find helpful as the runs progressively get longer. We had a short run - 45 minutes on Saturday and then a fundraising clinic after. It was cold windy and rainy.

Sunday I got my 30 minutes in early in the morning and felt pretty wiped out the entire day. Yesterday I didn't do any running. This morning I slept through the alarm so that means my run looms in front of me all day long. I prefer running first thing in the morning. Then it is out of the way.

My youngest has strep and was up off and on all night. By the time I finally fell asleep, the alarm didn't register in my brain at all.

I am hoping the runs start getting easier soon.

Yahoo news has a great article about running. It reaffirms my madness and love for running. Running Goodness.

Time to air the place out and dust out the cobwebs!

I am officially in the clear to train for a marathon again. After my last post in March I got very ill and was eventually diagnosed with Lupus. My last post in March signalled the point I stopped running. I spent the next several months visiting doctors, having blood tests, transfusions, and a multitude of other tests until the offical word was given.

I spent the spring and early summer figuring out the new body I have, trying a variety of horrific medicines and learning to live with chronic pain. So after all that I have been given go ahead to try to run and train for another marathon. Lupus has been more devastating to me on a personal level than a physical level. While the pain can be intense and difficult, the emotional aspect of not understanding my body clearly and having to learn to seek help and realize I can't do all I once did is far worse for me. I had to drop out of training for Anchorage and that marathon was important to me on a very personal level. My very closest childhood friend lives in Anchorage and I haven't seen her since I was 18. I was hoping not only to see a glimpse of Alaska, but also to try to make contact with her. Life continues and all I can do is keep moving forward.

This takes me to my new quest - training for Walt Disneyworld in January 09. This was my first week back running since March. It has been tough. Not only do I have the hot days of summer to contend with, but I am at square one. I feel like I am running in knee deep water. But I ran - 3 minute run, 1 minute walk intervals and I hit every day on the schedule.

I am excited and determined. Every Friday is blood test and weigh in day. As long as I maintain my platelet and iron counts and not drop in weight I get to keep running. So far so good!

I have to say, emotionally the running has been good for me this week. It momentarily lets me forget about my Lupus.

Off to take a pain pill and a handful of vitamins and minerals and then slumber here I come.

Must be more consistent

I need to be more consistent about blogging here! I am training and trying to be diligent in my running. Our group runs are great. The season is much different that my first. This is just as wonderful as last season. I definately hope to run Nike again, but not for a few years. I have some other runs to accomplish first.

It feels sort of strange training for a half marathon instead of a full this go around. I feel sort of like I whimped out.

I was late for yesterday's group run, but I did get my required time in. Lake Padden is so muddy. My shoes were just trashed. It took three cycles through the wash to get them clean. I let them dry out under our propane fireplace. I definately prefer summer training to winter/spring training. I don't like the dark mornings and cold rain.

This last week was crazy personally and the daily runs helped my sanity. I can't imagine life without those runs. I don't want to imagine life without those runs. Running has made me a much better, calmer, happier person. Skinnier too!

I am failing in the fundraising aspect this go around. I just haven't gotten off the procrastination train and powered through. My goal is to get as much in $ donated as I can in the next 2 weeks. I want to hit the half mark by April 7.

We had a great group run this morning. The weather was so wonderful. I had to peel off layers as I went. It was sunny and the day ended up very warm. I finally got a new pair of shoes. I was so past due. After the run this morning I ended up at Fairhaven Runners and got the next generation of Mizuno Wave Alchemy. I tried on 4 pair total and went back to Mizuno. I am having a little ache showing up in my shins, and both the coach and the guy at Fairhaven Runners said new shoes should quickly ease that. I mean I trained, ran a marathon and began training all in one pair of shoes. They are beat, but I love them. I took them home with me. I became a runner in those shoes. I have serious sentimental attachment to them.

We have a great group of members. I just love them all. We brainstormed some fundraising group events. It will be great fun, we are going to do concessions at a couple Mariner's games, concessions during Ski To Sea, as well as a couple car washes. The unity and spirit that is beginning to form is inspiring.

I ran 100 minutes today and am now starting to feel my body stiffen and get sore. I ignored the signs all day by keeping busy working in the yard. Now that I have stopped and sat, the ache is settling in. It has been a long time since I have felt this wonderful ache. It is the ache of knowing that I am on a new journey to conquer another marathon and raise money for my heroes and others whose lives are affected by Blood Cancers.

Time To Play Catchup!

I was out last week with a rotten flu and missed 7 solid days of running. Today was our team run and I managed to run and feel ok. I was a little weak in the legs, but got my 40 minutes in. It feels like such a tiny amount after having completed one marathon training. I have to remind myself to stick to the schedule and not over run, especially after missing a week.

The weather was good. It was overcast and cool and thankfully not pouring rain.

We have a great team and our coach is wonderful. She is much different than the last coach I had. She is more proactive and takes more time to have an organized warm up before we start and then we gather together at the end and visit and are getting to know one another. I think this season we will be more cohesive than the last team I trained with. I had gotten so used to being completely on my own, I find I have to adjust a bit and not be so solitary and sink in to my own thoughts.

Time to get on with my day - always a ton around here for me to do. It never ends.

Kick Off and More

It was supposed to be cloudy and a bit snowy yesterday. Instead the skies were clear and it was just absolutely gorgeous. We had our official TNT Kick Off yesterday morning. The run before hand was great. Mo led us and she is a riot and really great to run with. I just loved it. As usual the runners - all those long legged tall people cruised on ahead of me and I had a solitary run. The crisp cool air was perfect as was the scenery. Mo would periodically run back and high five me or turn around and shout out at me. There were a couple walkers from TNT behind me.

The majority of the TNT team this year is for the 2 Tri races. I think at this point we have 8 marathoners. 3 new people signed up at Kick Off.

I am really excited for the season.

I will have a short run today before the Super Bowl and then tomorrow I am taking a Yoga Class. My toes are a little tender this morning.


This is the worst part of the year for me. February is the longest month in my mind and it is the point where I am so tired of winter and short cold rainy days. The crocus are starting to poke through and I see the buds fattening on the cherry trees. Yesterday there was a Robin in our yard. This makes it difficutlt to have patience for spring and summer - the time when I feel best and most alive.

Winter Running

I am back to a more normalized running schedule finally. Does it ever feel good. It makes such a difference in my day to day outlook and approach to life in general. I don't ever want to have to give this up.

Yesterday was a snow day around here for the kids. We were all home bound. I ran for the first time in my life in the snow. It was wonderful. Out where I live it was quiet and peaceful. I could hear the river, feel the snow flakes stinging against my cheeks as I ran and the quiet was incredible. I loved it. I ran about 3.5 miles. No Ipod, just the quiet of the snow to accompany the sound of my foot fall on the soft snow.

Today we are back to our regular rain.

My toes haven't bothered me yet, which is so encouraging.

Our official Team In Training Kickoff is this Saturday. Our team is very small. A total of 4 marathoners in addition to myself and one of our honored patients that is hoping to do the half in Alaska with us.

I am really looking forward to this training season. I got my fund raising web page all set up and will start actively fund raising this coming week. The Team In Training Logo on this site will take people directly to the donation site.

She runs~!

I ran yesterday. It was a gingerly run and honestly the most mentally challenging run yet. It was only 4 miles, but a tough 4 miles. Today I am sore and my shins are a little achy. The sore shins is a first for me and makes me a little nervous.

I didn't run today, but had a little walk at lunchtime. Tomorrow I will run a little bit again and hopefully my gradual build up will be an easy one.

Tonite is a TNT meeting with 8 potential team members. I am looking forward to it.

It's been like forever....

I haven't been running much, so I haven't been posting on here. I have injured feet/toes and so running has been very sporadic. I rest, then start running and then have to stop again. I have soft tissue damage on the end of my toes and running is aggravating it. The only cure is rest. They feel good right now. I ran once this week. I have been swimming, but it isn't the same. I dont' get the same adrenaline and over all emotional satisfaction from it. I am a strong swimmer and I know that it is a great all over body workout.

I am a bit worried that my feet problems are going to sideline me for the Mayor's Marathon. This marathon is a bigger deal than the first marathon. I am hoping to reconnect with a childhood friend. She is in Anchorage and our friendship ended after a tragic event came to light in her life.

Next week I will try running again and we shall see how it goes.

I am very excited to be a team captain for Team In Training this go around. Our kickoff even is Feb 2. I am really looking forward to the season and the new team. I love that part of training.