August 31, 2012

I have only had one race since I last wrote, that was the Colby Smith 4 mile in Freeport, IL. This was held last Saturday. I did OK... My time was better than last year and I did run it 100%. So all that I felt good about. My time was 45.36 AN IMPROVEMENT OF 2.14 FROM LAST YEAR. This is a 5% IMPROVEMENT IN TIME IN ONE YEAR. My time in 2011 WAS 47.50. I did not place in my catagory. They had a lot more runners at the event this year. Many of them are with the bigger running clubs. But I held my own and did improve. So I think this is GREAT!!! I did have one "wierd" thing happen in this race. I was running along - now this route takes us through the "hood" in Freeport. Most of the homes are either boarded up or have bars on the windows. There is a police car and and officer at every intersection directing traffic. I came up toward one of these intersections, I see what appears to be a handgun on the street. Then about 5 yards (at the most) is a police officer directing traffic. There is also a couple of African-American ladies on lawn chairs out front of the housing complex with little kids running around. The ladies were cheering on the runners which was very nice. But it was out of place. They were the ONLY ones outside doing this ANYWHERE in that area. Plus, with what appeared to be a gun in the street. I just kept running. But after the race, a few of us were talking and one person mentioned seeing the gun in the street. I said that, I saw the same thing and the whole situation was odd with the people sitting in the lawn chairs and the police officer... So this is my second time doing this race... And the second time - the unusual has happened to me. It was also interesting, another racer that we connect with at the area races (Molly) was there. She is INCREDIBLE!!! She is in her 70's (I believe) run very fast and probably weights about 50 lbs. But at this race, I was ACTUALLY AHEAD of her for about 3 miles. Then she past me, then I was right behind her for awhile. Then she went into full gear and was out of sight. But that was an accomplishment for me - keeping up with Molly. We TOTALLY admire this women - if we could still be racing in races in our 70's that would be fantastic!!!!! I know that I will never be as thin as her - get real - a good Irish girl does not weight 50 to 100 lbs EVER!!!!! Now trying to prepare for the big 10K in Monroe WI on Sept. 15th. This is going to be challenging, not just the distance for a race but also Monroe had a lot of steep hills. I wanted to do some longer race once the weather starts turning cooler. We have had some days that have been cooler and other where the humidity goes crazy. So right now, it is that in between time. I did get in one 12 mile run on my path in Pecatonica a couple of weeks ago. It went pretty well. I did have to walk some of it especially once I got past about the 10 mile mark. The humidity was starting to climb and I did NOT have any water with me. So I was starting to die... Yes, I did go off and buy a hydration pak to wear around my waist. So on my next long run, I will take that and it should solve any issues. As my mileage has been getting bigger the wear on my shoes is getting greater and greater. (I am up to 655.76 miles since 2/14/2012.) I finally broke down and ordered new shoes. (I am one very frugal person.) I have found with running this is the biggest expense and also the most important. If you do not have proper shoes it affects everything - joints, feet, timing.... I got some new Ascics -- Kayano 18. I had the Kayano 17 - that is worn down to a numb... This morning,I finally broke out the new shoes. I ran 4.3 in 56 mins. This is my average. It was humid this morning so that is a huge factor for me. I have not ran very much this week. I know that I have been tired from the 4 mile race. It does take me a while to recoup. I did run on Sunday and Monday after the race and was fine. But did take 3 days off from running. That is very unusual for me. I have still been cross training. I have been going to exercise classes or riding my bike. So every night, I have been doing some activity. I also began a NEW activity - hula hooping. I bought a hula hoop at Farm and Fleet on sale for $1.88. The first few times, I could only get it going a few times around. (You have to remember - I have not used a hula hoop in DECADES. YES - I SAID -- DECADES!!!!) Now I am up to do it consistantly for about 10 mins. So I am improving. It is also WONDERFUL because it works the CORE. This week has also been hard since I started back into a 5 day work week. My lovely summer vacation of taking Thurs and Fri's off since June are done. All our students are back and the first couple of weeks at the University are ALWAYS crazy. So I know that has also been wearing on me. But that is OK. This weekend, I have an extra day for Labor Day this gives me 3 days and the new shoes I should be able to get in some nice longer runs. That is my goal! I am really excited about the 10K in Monroe. This is going to be a GREAT challenge! Not only the hills (very steep) but the distance. Now the way I see it - I am starting to prepare for the 10 mile in Stoughton. So I want to try to keep my distance longer. Not only am I praying that for Syttendi Mai it is not as hot. I REALLY want to run it 100%. I know I can do that. Let's get real - I run 12 miles in Pecatonica. And YES - that has some serious hills and grades. So overall in this journey not only am I improving with my running skills but my overall physical aspects. My chronic fatigue is not NEAR as bad (I do have issues sometimes but it is MUCH MORE manageable); my ADD issues are MUCH BETTER; my balance is GREATLY IMPROVED (I have not fallen hardly at all this whole season); my cognitive aspects is GREATLY IMPROVED; my neuropathy is there but quite a bit less; the drop foot issues still there but a lot less; and on and on... So yes - this journey has been very difficult but the outcomes have been amazing!!! I feel better and people say I look better. I am more active with other things and just feel more "normal". So do I encourage this activity, "YES"!!!! It has made a HUGE diffence. It took me over 6 years to get to this point and I have worked and worked every day to get here. I pray to stay at this point and keep making improvements. I know that I am going to give it my damnest to do just that. I WILL NOT ALLOW MS TO TAKE ANYMORE FROM ME!!!!!!!

August 15, 2012

Today is my 31st wedding anniversary. (Yes, I am old and I did not get married at the age of 10.) We have been married and been through everything together. Sometimes, it was quite a challenge to say it lightly. Even with my MS diagnosis, Brian has been supportive of all the doctor visits,my determination to fight MS, continuing battle with MS, and my drastic nutrition change. Plus, yes, even my running. He is my "pit crew". As I have discussed, MS and heat are not compatible. Brian is at the finish line with my various ice wraps to cool me down. Plus, since my nerves have not "turned off yet" my muscles are still going. I cannot control the fact that I HAVE TO CONTINUELY MOVE AROUND. This goes on till the nerves calm down which sometimes is a few minutes or a good half hour. Then I can finally stand still or sit down. I do appreciate him being there for me! Last week I had the 5K in Stoughton, WI. It was a nice race. There was discrepence about my time. I had a time of 32.13 which is a 10.22 pace. That is actually my very best time yet!!!! Yes, believe me Stoughton does have steep hills and grades. So it was not an easy run. What made this run so nice was that the heat and humidity was gone, plus it was well managed. This was pleasant - not too hot or cold. I did almost fall going uphill and over RR tracks. It was the change in pavement that does mess me up. But I was able to regain my balance (thanks to Laura and Pilates) and away I went. After the run, they was a coffee festival. Stoughton is originally settled by Norwegians therefore, coffee is one of their sacred beverages!!!! But it was really nice!!!! This weekend, I actually do NOT have any races. It is the county fair weekend which is in Pecatonica. So I am busy with various fair activities. The next race is the Colby Smith 4 mile race in Freeport IL. This is a BIG race! So I have been taking advantage of the lower humidity and temps and trying to get in some distance running. I have devised a route in town so I can get over 5 miles... I hope this weekend to really get in some good miles. If the humidity and temperature stays lower, I could get a run in out in the country. That is what I really love! But with the summer, I have stayed in town which I think is safer. I am hoping to do my next race in September in Monroe, WI which would be a 10K. Monroe is VERY HILLY. So this will be a challange (but ALL races are challenges). The weather should be cooler and the humidity lower. So right now, with my training the more distance I can do the better. Plus, I am always trying to keep myself ready to do the 10 mile race in Stoughton WI in May 2013. This weekend, besides a few longer runs... I get to go to the fair and just have fun! Plus, we will see how I did on my fair entries. I made some bread and some sewing/quilting projects. I do it just for fun... So, as always, keep moving.... Always moving!!!!!

August 1, 2012

Last Saturday, was the Belvidere 5K. This was a very informal race meaning it was not officially timed and a bit unorganized. It was there first one so they only had about 30 people. I did OK... Not my best or worst. I could feel that humidity starting in and I did start pacing myself. That may or may not been the wisest thing. I know that I could have gone much faster but, that heat really plays hard on me. I have been battling the fatigue monster for the last couple of weeks. I start to regain and then he pulls me back into his clutches... It is not fun... This week has REALLY been hard with the fatigue... So I thought - maybe back off a bit and just let my body regroup. I have not run since Saturday's race... that is UNHEARD OF for me... to go that long without running... I PRAY that tomorrow morning I can get out there and do a nice long run. That would be excellent! Just because I have not ran doesn't mean that I have not exercised. Sunday, I did take it easy... Monday, I exercised in the pool for and hour and a half and Tuesday, I did TWO exercise classes at the gym (both being very intense). So that is still all very good for cross training... Today, I think I will take it easy... I am fatigued after those two classes last night. I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to go run tomorrow morning.... I love morning runs - everything is so peaceful and still... It is a very refreshing and tranquil way to begin the day... I miss doing it SO SO terribly!!! I DO HATE THE FATIGUE MONSTER!!!!!! HE IS SUCH A BITCH!!!!! People with chronic fatigue understands these symptoms... but chronic fatigue is very different than just being tired.... Chronic fatigue makes you feel very low... I usually get unusually very quiet when fatigued. This is because talking actually takes energy - energy that I do not have to spare. Fatigue doesn't make you feel like you want to go to sleep it just makes you feel very life-less, very solemn, very unmotivated, and EVERYTHING YOU DO IS WORK.... That means even mundane things like getting dressed or brushing your teeth feels like work... I have had times where after doing those activities I have ACTUALLY HAD TO REST AFTERWARDS.... as if I did go out and run 10 miles... It is THAT DEVASTATELY EXHAUSTING... IT SUCKS!!!! Chronic fatigue is an invisiable symptom but is VERY VERY REAL. Most people with MS have fatigue issues... How do you get past it? You just keep trying to move forward. Sometimes, you just have to have some down time... (I personally HATE down time. I love to go and do things...) Right now, I am working on building myself up to complete the race on Saturday.... I am hoping by giving myself today to build back up. I was starting to feel my energy regaining last evening but after the intense two exercise classes it has fallen back down into the basement. So right now, as much as I would love to go off and do some activities this weekend - I think I better just lay low and try to recoup my energy level. The race this Saturday, is a big one. There are many participants and it is timed. The course is through downtown Freeport so it is all pavement and large buildings. This means that there is little air flow since you are in a commercial area. Right now, the forecast is that is supposed to be in the 80's. I WILL UNLOAD THIS FATIGUE MONSTER OFF MY BACK... It just takes some time - that is something that is very difficult for me. Trying to be patient and let it pass... I see the nice sunny day and WANT to go outside and play... I want to run... So today, I will stay low... and tomorrow - I WILL go out and run some good miles... Then on Saturday, I cannot hold back - I have to go after this race full throttle.... I know that I have held back on the last couple of races... I need to let loose and just go... then after I can just totally chill out and regroup....