April 26, 2013

Only 3 (THREE) till Syttende Mai!!!! Yes, as you see I have my BEAUTIFUL new "MS Orange" running shoes. So I am ready to go!!!!! I have only taken my new shoes at twice for some shorter runs. My training schedule is the 12.25 route in Pecatonica this weekend, next weekend I will run the 10 mile race route into Stoughton, and the final run before the race weekend will be the 12.25 route in Pec. I have already printed out the 10 mile race route. Brian, my husband, will drive to each turn and guide me through the route. Then after maybe if I run well (or even if I don't) - some lefse and coffee at Fosdahl's Bakery.... (Yes, my life is pretty rough!!!) So that is the training schedule. So far, I have run EVERY WEEKEND leading up to the race. I have been able (by the Grace of God) to dodge the rain. I have run through snow and ice. I feel more comfortable and confident with doing the distance race. I truly do not care about the time.... I just want to maintain my nice steady pace and run 100%. If that happens - I am a 100000000% a WINNER!!!!!! Last night we received our Pecatonica running club shirts and had our picture taken by the local newspaper. It is always exciting to get our shirts. They look GREAT!!!! Black and sleeveless (my favorite) with neon yellow lettering and logo. They really look sharp!!!! Not sure if I will wear it to Syttende Mai or not... Wait and see or just wait till our 5K run in Pecatonica for the library. I personally prefer the sleeveless shirts for running. I tend to get overheated very quickly. This is probably due to the MS and being post-menopausal. Otherwise, everything else is going along. Jeremy seems happy with his life and anticipated new life with Anna. Elyse and Karl - OH MY!!!!! Besides expecting their first baby, they have gutted (and I MEAN GUTTED) the ENTIRE second floor of their house!!!!!!!! They are now making 3 bedrooms and a full bathroom in this space. Prior, it was 2 bedrooms and an attic closet, no bathroom. So are we talking a job --- OH MY!!!!! I did go over the other day and brought them some leftover food from one of our events and was able to see the progress. Right now they are living on the main floor. I did find out that I was going to be getting the tanning bed that was given to Elyse from one of our friends that passed away not to long ago. So I will enjoy that... As we know, people with MS need to have the light (Vitamen D). It does make a HUGE difference in my fatigue feeling. So that will be NICE!!! Besides my running and crosstraining exercise, I continue working on my quilting. Sewing is a great fine motor exercise. Not only do you exercise those fine finger muscles but you are doing something for someone else. That is the double BONUS. I continue with the lovely white on white quilt... White on white means -- ALL white fabric with ALL white thread sewn so that you see a scene or pattern. In this case, you see an elaborate snowman/snow-women scene... It will have beading also incorporated into it when finished. Yes, in some ways I think my daughter is trying to do me in... Or she thinks I am so busy with this quilt I cannot get all my run time in. She is so worried that I am going to really, really kill myself one of these days while running. I appreciate her concern but, I do have to keep running as long as I can. As we know, MS is very unpredictable. I am going with the RIGHT NOW - and I am running. How long, who know???? Maybe this is it or maybe I can go for YEARS.... I do not know... But I REJOICE and am VERY VERY VERY THANKFUL for EVERY SINGLE run that I accomplish!!! I am VERY VERY SERIOUS... For someone who has gone from walker to cane to running.... I know.... I am working my very damn-ness to continue running. But I have improved. The mis-stepping (MS symptom) has dramatically decreased also some of the other spastic issues. Not saying it is 100% gone... but more manageable and less frequent/intense. I still have to focus on my running and stepping ALL THE TIME. But I do notice that I am more able to look around and take in my surroundings more than just focusing so hard on my stepping. So each time, there is an improvement. You have to realize that this is ONLY MY THIRD SEASON of running.... Yes, for someone who NEVER NEVER NEVER ran before --- starting this sport at the age of 50 with Secondary Progressive MS. If you would have told me, four years ago that I would be doing this --- I would have told you straight forward that you WERE 10000000% NUTS!!!!!! THERE WAS NO WAY IN THIS WORLD!!!!!!! But - here I am and YES I am doing it.... As of today, I have logged 561 miles for this year.... and we are NOT even half through the year... I have taken on both the 1000 or the 1300 mile challenge -- I think I am in pretty good shape. As long, as I can continue throughout this year at the distances I am doing. So I will continue... as ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!!!

April 19, 2013

It has been a VERY VERY DEPRESSING WEEK!!!! I think for all of that that are runners (to whatever degree) we share a sort of familia kindship that is very hard to explain. We understand tremendous sacrifice, physical work, pain, joy, and friendship that comes from running. We all become sisters and brothers with one common bond. This week was the Boston Marathon, I did not know any of the runners personally, but we did have some runners from our general area at the race. In case, you had not heard, there was a bombing at the race. People died and gravely injuried from the blast. I truefully cannot really comprehend how this type of thing can happen or what causes people to do such a horrific action. It is truely beyond my comprension. I know that many runners (all over the country) have been wearing their race shirts all week (some under their work clothes). On Friday, we generally can wear more causal clothing. I wore my VERY best running shirt (to date) - my 10 mile shirt from Stoughton. I also made blue/yellow ribbon pin and barrett to show my support. As of this writing, they have caught one of the people and he was killed. Now they are still looking for the second bomber. There has been SO MUCH violence these last few years, what has made people so angry at each other. This is another concept - that I just do not understand. I am really a very simple person at heart. I love my life - I am able to go run where I want; I work on my sewing; I have a GREAT family; I live in a community where people know one another and still say "Hi!". On the whole my life is very low key and simple. I do not believe in retaining anger - why??? The person you may be angry at - probably does not care. It is just SUCKING energy out of you - why give that person that satisfaction? I have really learned this with my MS. One of the symptoms that MANY MS people experience is chronic fatigue. Believe me, chronic fatigue is a BITCH... There is NO, NO other term for it!!! It makes you so tired that the SMALLEST AMOUNT OF ENERGY is a HUGE effort... Sometimes that is as simple as talking or reading... So WHY would I or anyone want to WASTE their energy on something where there is NO resolution??? What is the point??? Anger is that - a waste of energy... Yes, I feel HORRIBLE FOR ALL THE BOSTON RUNNNERS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND PEOPLE THAT WERE AFFECTED by the bombing. I also feel VERY VERY sad for the bombers -- what makes someone become that mentally SICK???!!!! Now, don't think I am some bleeding heart that thinks everyone can be transformed.... NO - I do support capital punishiment in extreme murder cases. (Of course, this is one of those...) I have heard interviews from many runners saying that - this will NOT STOP THEM - THEY WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR. That is the attitude many runners get.... even if you fall, or hurt yourself - you get up and go again and again and again. They are not a weak or fickle group of people. Look at me.... I used to do the 17 mile run/walk in Stoughton --- yes I am back!!!! It took me time - not up to the 17 mile -- but getting ready for my SECOND 10 MILE RUN!!!! The last few weeks, it has been horrible with the weather. We have had - snow, rain, and some sun. It is really weird. I did somehow get out between rains last weekend and get in my 12+ mile run. This week, has not been good for being outside. Actually, I think it is worse than the week before. But I have gotten in my 12+ miles EVERY weekend so far. Hopefully, I can get another in this weekend. The clock is counting down... Only 4 more trainings to go before the race. As ALWAYS --- MOVE FORWARD!!!!!

April 12, 2013

I am still continuing with my 12+ mile training... I have completed it THREE times and have five more opportunities. So I am doing very well with that aspect. This week I took a different route, just for a change of pace. I decided to try to run the Pecatonica Prairie Path. The state has been working on this path for quite some time. They have smoothed it out, put in bridges, and layed down limestone. I tried it first on Saturday and went out 7.45 miles. I found at least to the point that I went it was doable. So on Sunday, the weather was much better. It was sunny and really nice out (I even got a little sun burn.) Well, so out I trecked... I was able to get all the way to the end of the construction of the path that goes through a tunnel underneath Hwy. 20 (this was really cool) and starting into Winnebago. I turned around at this point... By the time I had finished the path and back I had ran 12.58 miles. This is further than my usual of 12.21. I know you say, that is not much... No, it is not --- but believe me I did feel the difference of that extra mileage. Not so much of being sore -- it was being tired. But I can live through tired. So this week, due to the extra long run and the weather being rainy and cold. I have run inside all week and my mileage is very low. That is OK - I think it is good to have some low mileage weeks. It just helps this poor old body to recoop a bit. Our run club days - the weather has been cold and misting rain. I chose to run inside. I cannot afford to get sick. For me to get sick - causes my MS symptoms to really escalate (on the big time scale). It could also send my progress backwards immensely. So I do try to be wise about my training. I am just pleased so far, with how I am doing with my distance. I am doing MUCH better at coping with the long distances. It seems to really help with taking the Vitamen B gummy and increasing my electrolytes. This weekend, I cannot do the Prairie Path. We have had non-stop rain all week. So I am back to the street. That is OK - it was nice to have a change of scenery. The other BIG news this week is that my son became engaged to a wonderful girl!!!! They met in Maryland through the Lutheran Church that he had been going to. They have not confirmed a date yet. The Marines is transfering him this fall to Colorado. So we will see what happens. I am just VERY VERY glad that he is happy. He has had a hard road in the love department the last few years and he deserves to be happy. So congrats and lots and lots of love to both of them!!!! Otherwise, with having to "play inside" all week, I am DYING to get outside and run. I should be able to get my long run in possibly tomorrow, according to the forecast. Right now, I just really want to stay on track with my training. That is very important! So remember - ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!

April 5, 2013

Well, I am ANOTHER year older... Actually, it really does not bother me. I am in GREAT overall physical health, my running is coming along, and my MS is at a manageable stage. Both of my kids are doing well, productive, and overall happy with their lives. So really what more could I require.... I will tell you what --- to finish my training for the 10 mile race and complete the race; train for the 1/2 marathon and complete that in the fall; finish my quilt that I have been working on; start my planting outside; seal the deck to the pool; and on and on.... See I ALWAYS have a list of various projects... But that is GREAT!!! I like to be busy and productive. There is always something going on in my world even if it is an afternoon of watching movies - I am still working on my quilting or some such thing. OK - I have gotten in TWO (shall we count them T---W----O) of my 12+ mile routes.... With this weekend, I have 6 more to go before Syttendi Mai. I have been doing very well with not only my 12+ miler but also with my overall running. I have really been focusing on the distance aspect. I have noticed that I cannot just do big distance day after day. So I do take breaks and maybe just running on the Precor and not doing anything outside. This seems to help. I am still continuing with my overall exercise/strength/endurance training. So far, it is all going GREAT! Just last night, my running friend and I did 8.25 miles. I did have issues with my legs being "jumpy" and did wake me up last night. But that was my only issue. Today, I had planned to bring it down. I did some overall exercise this morning and will do BodyPump this evening. I should be rested for tomorrow's big run. You also have to think - I am not the youngest puppy in the pen. But I am out there trying - EVERY DAY!!!! Soon I will be a grandmother - I want to be active and play with the child, not just sit and look at him/her. We are finally starting to get REAL spring weather!!!! The snow is pretty much gone and we have been having some 50 degree days. I love running outside without all the layers of clothing. I would love to try running on the Prairie Path. I think they are supposed to paved it in town... I hope that is soon!!!! ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!

March 29, 2013

YES --- I did it!!!! I was able to get my FIRST 12+ miler in last Saturday!!! I did have to wait till about mid-morning for the temperature to warm up a bit. It was in the 30's-40's during my run. It is a LONG run and even though I have been doing longer runs in town when you get past that 10 mile mark, I start to really feel it. I did make it all the way through. My only stop was at the gym (about a mile from my house) to use the restroom. I do LOVE running out in the country - the hills, fields, woods -- it is all so beautiful and peaceful. I did encounter a dog at one point that at first started running along side me but when I got outside his territory he seemed upset that I was not there to specifically play with him. That I did not like. All I did was shout, "NO" very sternly and pray that he did not take a big bite out of me. Well, he did not bite me (thank goodness) and I just proceeded on my route. After that run on Saturday, I was fine. My calves were bothering me a bit. So this week, I have taken it easy on the amount of miles. I don't want to get those HORRIBLE shin splints again. That was really really really PAINFUL. So I am trying to really watch and listen to what my legs are telling me. You have to think not only do I have MS in which my muscles tend to go spastic and rigid at anytime but I also have very tight hamstrings from the MS. I work on trying to loosen them up but, I think that the tightness is not helping the calf muscles. I am trying to do more calf/hamstring exercises even while sitting. Just doing a point and flex - is always feels very tight. I actually think that the whole tightness in the calves and flexiblity of my ankles/feet are throwing off my alignment. I am feeling the added pressure in my knees. That is not good. So I figure - back down the mileage a bit. Tomorrow, I plan to go out and get my second 12+ miler. Then I thought would be a good idea is 2 weeks prior to the race, I am going to run the route in Stoughton. The route is posted prior to the event. Even though, I do have a clue of the route from running it last year. I think this would be a good idea and even a bit calming to me. (Knowing that I accomplished it again - you know that psych thing!!) Yesterday, was our first TRUE taste of spring. We had temperatures all the way up to a BALMY 50 degrees. I was out there running in SHORTS!!! LOVED not having the underarmour pants on. We still have snow on the ground but it is disappearing!!! Another day or two of warmer weather and it will be GONE~!!!!!! Otherwise, I just want to really try to listen to my body and try to stay wise about my distance running. If I can get in my one long run per week and the rest to lower the mileage - that is fine. If I want to accomplish my goals of the 10 mile and 1/2 marathon this year, I am going to have to really watch it. I do not need to go back to BAD shin splints or have my knees blow out. Not only I am dealing with the MS I also have to think I am older.... I will be 53 years old here very soon. So that is 53 year old joints and muscles. I do try very hard to stay with my nutrition. It is very important!!! I have had this week a couple of times - a vegetable omelet made in the microwave. It is really good and very filling plus LOTS of protein. I use 2 eggs plus whatever veggies we have around... YUMMMMMMY!!!! Making it in the microwave - no grease so that saves on calories and fat. Plus, since I am increasing my distance it is important to have the protein so that I do not tear down all those muscles that I have been building up. Otherwise, I cannot wait till the weather stays warmer and sunny. It is so nice to get some sun on your face. I love that!!! So hopefully tomorrow, I can knock out another 12 miles!!! As ALWAYS AND FORWARD --- MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!

March 23, 2013

We still have snow on the ground. It is amazing the comparison from last year at this time. There is exactly 8 weeks before the 10 mile race in Stoughton WI. Todays HIGH should be in the mid-30's. The way it has been here that is a heat wave!!! Right now at 7:30a it is still in the low 20's. I have been getting in some moderate distance 7 to 8 miles but nothing higher in town. I really need to get out into the country and do at least 12 miles at a stretch. The cold air is really hard on me. My MS symptoms REALLY don't like it! My muscles tend to stay very constricted and I am more prone to having spasms. At least I have been running outside the last few weeks. I am still running in with the trail shoes on. It is amazing the amount of traction and stability they provide. At least for this time of year with loose sand/gravel and ice on the roads these are GREAT!! I would definately recommend to get trail shoes for runners for this time of year, no matter what your issues may be. I can't WAIT till when it is warmer and sunner... I can roll out of bed and jump into some short/tank top - and off I go... That will be SO WONDERFUL since this year, we seem to have the winter that will NEVER END!!! I keep saying that now it is getting toward the END of March - the snow/cold has to be over SOON. My worry is that we are going to go immediately from snow/ice to 90 degrees. Last years, Syttendi Mai race was HORRIBLY HOT. I have done the 17 mile the one year when it was raining/sleeting. (That was beyond HORRIBLE -- I have NEVER NEVER been so cold in my ENTIRE LIFE.) But that is one of the biggest factor with that race - it is not your ability to do the task of the number of miles but the environmental factors that you have NO CONTROL over!!!! That is what REALLY takes the toll on your body. I know what my task is... I have ahead in my ability compared to last year, even if I have not done 12 miles in one stretch for awhile. I have come close to the 10 mile and lived. So I really think I will be OK. The one thing that does concern me is the bladder control aspect. This may be a subject that to many is dispecable but, in the MS world this is very real. I have noticed that not just the cold but overall my bladder control has gotten a little worse. I do not mind having to "let go" while running.. but when it is cold to "let go" is another factor... Then you have something very very cold... That is not good... But you also need to stay hydrated so what is a poor MS girl with bladder issues to do??? When I run in town I can stop at various places and use the facilities but out in the country? The only thing I can do is go out in the field/woods and hope a snake doesn't crawl up me... As for my bout with "squishing tummy" after a long run.... Last week when I ran later in the day and had eaten, I did not seem to have the problems as much. So this morning I did have a waffle, banana with peanut butter and an orange. Plus I will water drink mix and my vitamen B chewy.... Let's see what that does??? All you can do is try!!!! I don't mind stopping to pee - to me as long as I have run before/after.. that counts as a 100% run time. I just stop my clock for that specific time. I know that during a race the clock does not stop JUST FOR ME TO PEE but - it is the priniciple of the thing to my poor little mind... I keep praying/hoping that soon VERY VERY VERY soon it will warm up. The snow/ice will be gone... It will I know that it will!!! Well, wish me luck... I will be out there in the next few minutes... I ALWAYS RUN AND ALWAYS THINK THAT I AM RUNNING FOR ALL THOSE PEOPLE WITH MS THAT CANNOT RUN!!! I RUN NOT JUST FOR ME BUT YOU ALSO... YES, I CAN RUN NOW --- BUT I DO NOT KNOW THE PROGRESSION OF MY DISEASE WILL I BE ABLE TO DO THIS NEXT YEAR OR THE FOLLOWING YEAR???? I DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER.... I TAKE I STEP AT A TIME.... THAT IS WHAT I HAVE DONE THROUGH THIS WHOLE JOURNEY.. ONE STEP AT A TIME... From the times that I was using a WALKER to even go to the end of my block and back (my block has 3 houses and I am in the middle - so that is really really not far). TO THE PROGRESSION OF MAKING DOWN 2 BLOCKS AND BACK... EACH TIME A LITTLE FARTHER.... Was I really that bad ---- HELL YES!!!!!!!!!! So YES I KNOW... do I know what the MS neuropathy pain is ---- HELL YES!!!! DO I STILL HAVE IT --- HELL YES!!!! It is just not as intense... I still feel all the tightness pressure/MS Hug, ect... I have learned to move PAST IT... I believe that is the key... to learn (somehow) to move PAST it... HOW - you just set your mind to say "FUCK YOU MS!!!" and go for it.... No GREAT philosophical mind - very simple -- just GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 15, 2013

Yes, Sunday is March 17th. The day that we recognize St. Patrick. As an Irish American, I do celebrate St. Patty's day. I do not do many of the typical activities ie; drinking beer, eating cooked cabbage, or even corn beef... I do LOVE soda bread... Now to me that is the BEST!!!! I even started last weekend and made some for us. I even made us each a bread bowl out of the soda bread - that was AWESOME!!!! This weekend - I will make some more but I am thinking instead of soup maybe my carrot hummus. Then, of course, a green vegetable to be 100% diplomatic!!!!! Well, this week we started our run club in Pecatonica. That is ALWAYS fun!!! The first day, Tuesday it was actually snowing. I ran but it was cold. Then on Thursday - same thing - cold and snow.... But me and my run buddy, Lisa, we perserved. We are both trying to build our mileage all with the goal of the half marathon. I am closer than her on building my mileage. My strength in running is my endurance (going long distance) and her strength is speed. So I am teaching her how to pace for the long run and she is pushing me on going faster. So I believe it is a good combination... We are both gaining from each others attributes. The first night, due to the cold and organizing, we only ran 3.27 miles. Last night, we gave ourselves time for a good run before it got dark. So we went out earlier than the rest of the group and ran 6.35 miles. Lisa has not run that far this year... It was a good run - nice pace... Last weekend it rained pretty much the whole time. But by some stroke of God - I happened to be able to get outside and run during a pocket of time that it was dry. I did run 8.24 miles on Saturday. How this happened - who knows. (See God wants me out running...) I did stay in town due to a few factors: #1 the weather being so "iffy" #2 staying nearby restrooms (especially since I had a bit (get real - ALOT) of coffee before the run) #3 not really sure how far I could go and #4 roadways still having ice/snow/gravel on them making them slick. Now this weekend, we still have snow on the ground. The weather forecast is that it is to be about 36 degrees and overcast. So that will be fine for a nice longer run. I am hoping to "up my game" this weekend and do about 10 miles. That would be GREAT!!!! I am still having issues with upset stomach when I really do long runs and stress my body. I cannot eat after a long run. It takes some time (hours) before I can eat. Then I can only eat something pretty mild. I don't know why this happens. It may be due to a bottoming out of my electrolytes or potassium. I did get some chews to have before/after a run and also a mix to have in my water bottle. I want to see if this helps me. Yes, I am tired after a long run like that but nothing horrible. Saturday, I was still able to go out afterwards and do all my errands and shopping. Not an issue.... So I think that if I go out tomorrow I will take some of those chews and the water bottle mix with me in my pack. Let's see if that helps... Otherwise, I am ahead of schedule for my long run training for Syttendi Mai. It is 9 weeks till the run. I started my FIRST long run last year 8 weeks prior. I also started those 8 weeks doing 12 miles each week. But right now I am 2 weeks ahead of schedule. So this weekend, I really have to get the 10 miles in. Then after that, I will be doing my country or town route of 12 miles. That is my plan... Of course, this is barring weather issues, MS issues, etc.... I would love to get this tummy thing figured out. Muscularly I do not hurt after a long run, just a bit tired but nothing horrible. We did change the clocks this last weekend - more daylight (YES!!!!). That helps me so much!!! I was doing well then Wednesday, the fatigue hit hard... I really think it was the adjusting to the new time. Now, at the end of the week I am feeling more normal and with more energy. Now - I just want to get in a good longer run!!!! Remember ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!!