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!!!!!!

February 22, 2013

OK --- I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!! IT IS OFFICIAL!!!!!!! I HAVE SENT IN MY REGISTRATION FOR THE 10 MILE RUN FOR SYTTENDI MAI IN STOUGHTON, WI!!!! So you know what that means -- training has begun. Right now, due to weather issues I have been sentenced to running on the Precor machine. I did have an opportunity to get outside last Sunday - it had warmed up and alot of the snow/ice had melted. But there was a problem --- my damn body -- it was NOT going to happen. I was really wrestling with a bout of MS fatigue. So I spent the day watching old movies and working on the new "quilt from hell". This is what my WONDERFUL daughter has "sentenced" me to do for her. (Truly I am kidding - I really enjoy it.. but do love to give her a tough time - just for kicks!) So this weekend, I will be one with the Precor machine. That is all I am going to be able to do. We just recieved more snow last night (7") and it snowing again now. So it does not look like outside is going to work for me. The only hope is if Sunday it warms up and the streets are plowed really well. Never know... I will just have to wait and see... Plus, the other exciting news is that we are getting ready for our Run Club to begin in Pecatonica!!!! So I will be getting in more distance running in the evening (it will be light longer soon and warmer). As far as my overall MS issues... I have been holding fairly steady. As I reflect back, I have made leaps and bounds progress on my fatigue and overall stamina. Also, due to my various physical exercise my stamina for lifting and doing mundane tasks (like shoveling snow) is DRASTICALLY improved. I do still have issues with fatigue, spasticity, optic neuritis (blurred vision), tremors, some cognitive fog (MUCH IMPROVED), tolerance to heat/cold is improved but still hard for me, balance is DRASTICALLY improved... so as you see I am making progress. I still have ALL these issues plus some others... but I have them fairly in check. Probably my main issues are the fatigue and the spasticity.... My muscles get VERY spastic and YES IT HURTS... I mean ALOT.... Also I deal with the CONSTANT numbness and pins/needles feelings in my feet/legs/hands... sometimes it goes in my arms and face. All these issues that I have named --- guess what.... you cannot see them... But believe me there are VERY VERY VERY real to me. That is whole issue with MS because it attacks the nervous system - many of the pain or issues are not apparent to the outside. But that is the way MS works.... I have what is labeled --Secondary-Progressive MS. Here is the description: Secondary-progressive MS is more of a mixed bag. Initially it may involve a period of relapsing-remitting activity, with symptom flare-ups followed by recovery periods. Yet, the disability of MS doesn’t disappear between cycles. Instead, this period of fluctuation is followed by a steady worsening of the condition. People with secondary-progressive MS may experience minor remissions or plateaus in their symptoms, but this is not always the case. So this is why I CELEBRATE EACH and EVERY race and run that I finish. Because, I do not know when or if my body will force me to quit. I am VERY THANKFUL and REJOICE in every run and workout that I do. I know that each one of them helps to make me stronger and hopefully keeps the ravages of MS at bay a little longer. Soon I am going to be a Grandmother. I want SO VERY DESPERATELY to be able to go run and play with my grandchild. I want VERY DESPERATELY to be able to use the jogging stroller that I have in my garage with that child and maybe other grandchildren. I LOVE being active!!!! The more active the better!!!! So I will continue to MOVE FORWARD --- ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!!

February 8, 2013

I have not ran outside due to the snow and ice on the streets. Just last night, we had another snow storm with quite a bit of ice. So whether I can get any outside run time in on Sunday is still very questionable. The temperatures are supposed to be warmer but, the ice on the roads makes it tough. Even though, I do have my new trail shoes that have ALOT more traction. We will see... Otherwise, there is the good ol' Precor machine. Tomorrow, Saturday, I probably will not get any run time in. We are going to Madison, WI for a Garden Expo. It is a REAL fun time! There is a number of various experts and you learn all kinds of things about gardening and planting. Plus, there is a ton of vendors. So it is always fun to look and see what they have. We have been volunteering at the Expo for the various lectures for a few years now. It is GREAT! We get to listen to the lecture, help out the speaker a bit, take attendance, and take care of the lights --- and we get FREE admitance into the event, FREE parking, and FREE to the lectures. So we figure that we SAVE about $50 dollars a piece. That is VERY VERY NICE... All for passing out some papers, turning on/off lights, opening/closing doors... OHHH - so so hard!!!! Plus we still have TONS of time to go off see the vendors and participate in all the other activties in the day. So my husband and I look forward to Expo every February. It is also nice to think planting season and spring are coming soon. Then with spring means being able to run outside without the snow and ice!!!! So I know that it is all coming!!!!! Just to demostrate how wonderfully I have progressed with my MS. Our snowblower broke this winter. The cost of the repair is the same as a new one. Plus, now in the winter the price is very high. The best time to buy is off-season. The other factor is that my WONDERFUL son-in-law has been great at plowing our driveway with his truck. So the only thing I REALLY have deal with is the sidewalks. But, I have been outside shoveling usually before he gets to our house. Yesterday, with the snow being VERY WET and HEAVY - I shoveled about 5" of snow and did the driveway (our drive is very long) and ALL the sidewalks. This was after a full day of work and running at the gym. I was tired but not that HORRIBLE MS fatigue. I used to get HORRIBLE MS fatigue just from reading a book. I am not kidding. For people that do not know about MS fatigue - the best description came from a friend of mine. Imagine that you had just shit yourself (VERY noticably and smelly) and you are in a room with your peer, family, friends, co-workers and you DO NOT CARE ONE BIT!!!!! That is EXACTLY what MS fatigue is like --- you are THAT incredibly exhausted. I do still take retilin for my MS fatigue that helps TREMENDOUSLY. It also helps me with being about to focus and not have this ADHD thing going on. Why do I think that it is better? It is due to 1. nutrition 2. lifestyle and 3. exercise. I REALLY REALLY believe that!!!! My daughter and son-in-law had the family over for dinner last Sunday. They announced that they are expecting. This will be all of our FIRST grandchild. I have WORKED VERY HARD... I DO NOT to be the Grandma that just sits and watches the child. I want to be the Grandma that interacts, plays, runs, climbs, and everything else with the child. I purchase last year was a jogging stroller with the idea that maybe someday that would be a GREAT thing. Now it looks like I WILL be able to use my stroller. I will be able to go running and take the child with me in the stroller. That is the kind of Grandma that I want to be - hands on and active!!!!! I really believe that everyone makes their own choices (to an extent). We are dealt whatever - it is how we deal with it from there. I choice to FIGHT not just a little bit --- BUT FULL FORCE!!!! I also don't plan to let go of my fight! Yes, I am getting older - so WHAT... But I am still going to go on running as long as I can.... I am planning to be active with my grandkids - play WITH them, interact, climb, run.... So I fall... yeh - hell - I fall down just by myself... I WILL NOT STOP!!!! So what do you want to do????? Sit and let the world go by or get out there, interact, play, and have FUN with life??????? You DO HAVE A CHOICE!!!! Whether it is MS or any other chronic disease.. There are many ways around the boat -- which way do YOU CHOSE???????? Remember - ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS MOVE FORWARD!!!!!!

February 1, 2013

Well, last weekend I did have an opportunity to get my new trail (winter) shoes out for a run. I could really fill the difference of having that extra traction. Especially, with snow and ice still being in the street. I am not even talking about all the loose gravel that the road plows put down on the street for extra traction. That is great for the cars but, for runners that can produce a very slippery surface. This weekend, is REAL IFFY about getting outside and running. The temperatures have taken a real nose dive. This morning is was around ZERO degrees. Tomorrow we are suppose to warm up to the 20's. The cold is REALLY REALLY tough on me. I have talked about this before. My legs and feet are so HORRIBLY spastic right now. It HURTS, I mean HURTS!!!! Many who do not have MS just say, wear layers you will be OK. It is not just wearing the layers and the proper clothing. This is a cold that penetrates through all of that and cause such pain and spastic issues. I sometimes think the real cold is the worst on me. Not only the pain and spasticity but, all this really plays a toll on my fatigue and energy level. I tend to go into my hibernation mode. Which means, becoming extremely non-verbal and non-social. It is not fun.... But I try to think positive and know that this is February now and the extreme cold will soon be a thing of the past. I am looking forward to more longer runs outside. Soon I will be registering for the 10 mile run in Stoughton in May. I am so looking forward to that run. I am going to nail that sucker - run it 100000% NO PROBLEMS!!!!! I might not be the fastest in the pack but, who in the HELL cares..... At least I am doing it. As you have figured out, I do not believe in stopping EVER!!!! And who wants to --- I ENJOY and THRIVE on being busy. I always have and probably always will....