July 17, 2013

I was able to get in some fairly longer runs last weekend. I was able to do 3 days in a row of 7.5 miles. I would love to be able to do the same this weekend. The only factor that would prohibit me is the heat. I will try to get up as early as possible and go. That is all I can do. I have to be VERY CAREFUL about the heat... As I have discussed before, people with MS and heat are not a good mix. In fact, it is a dangerous combination. My body cannot regulate internal temperature like the normal person and if my core temp stays on the HOT SETTING - then various things basically melt. This means cells, organs, muscle tissue, on and on.... So I am careful, even when I run in the afternoon. It is for short distances and immediately in a cool environment. Also -- the 1/2 marathon train is VERY MUCH ON!!!!!! Yes, this week I officially signed up and PAID for the race. The race is in Madison, WI on Saturday, Sept. 28th. So I have time to keep building my endurance and distance. I also feel that running in some of the heat (carefully) I am building that endurance -- even through it may be only 3-4 miles... It also looks that by the time of the race - I will be an official NANA!!!!! My daughter said that, the baby will be born maybe as soon as the end of August. They are thinking of having her deliver a couple weeks early. I have already decided and dedicating this race to Kollin, his running Nana!!!!!!! As for my overall, miles this year... I am really doing well!!! I have 847 miles this year to date!!!! Not bad for an old woman with SPMS!!!!! Last week I had my bi-annual visit with my neurologist at UW Madison. He is still amazed and I am doing very well. The injectable Interferon that I have been on for years is really wearing on me. It takes me anymore a couple of days to regain my energy level and focus. He has decided to put me on the new ORAL MS drug... YES - I SAID ORAL!!!! NO MORE SHOTS!!! I am not talking little sub-Q shots --- no these are IM - with the 2" needle... Yes - that is what I do to myself EVERY EVERY WEEK!!!!! I am down to ONLY 2 more weeks of the injectable drug and then to the pill. I pray that it works with my body and there aren't any weird reactions!!!!!!! All I can do is try!!!!!!! Yes, I do believe that my progress has come from the change in my nutrition and exercise. But I also believe in maintain the drug therapies. I do not discount any of that. There are some people with MS that follow the path of nutrition and exercise and see they are improving. Then they discount the drug therapies. I am not so sure about that... So I have decided to keep with my drugs. Maybe it is the right thing or the wrong thing. I do not know, the Dr's don't really know... So I am just going with what my gut is telling me to do. That is all anyone can do, isn't it????? Right now, I just stay focused.... I am focusing on my running and all the WONDERFUL EVENTS HAPPENING WITH MY CHILDREN!!! To say my life isn't good -- is SO VERY WRONG!!! I am blessed in MANY, MANY, MANY WAYS..... When I was first diagnosed - like many of us-- I thought "Oh, my God... I am going to be in a wheelchair and in a nursing home being taken care of... #1 - to lose my independence would kill me - I am WAY to Irish for that!!!! A lot of that beginning encouragement came from my son (yes - the Marine). Who encouraged me to push the limit... I did it... I have lost OVER 130lbs - running - and my overall health is EXCELLENT!!! I have a WONDERFUL SUPPORT of my family and dear, dear friends... What more can anyone ask of this world???????? So get up and get out there... Does it hurt? -- Yes, but HELL with it... it HURTS EVERYDAY whether you move or not!!! But muscles are not forgiving... if you don't use them, they become mush.... Then it takes FOREVER to build back up... Don't get as bad as I did... Go, the more you do, change that nutrition to a whole foods approach, throw away the red meat, processed foods (McDonald's), cow's milk, and eat more fruit and veggies. Preferably raw - you get more minerals/nutrients from them... You will be AMAZED with the change... It does take time -- for me it took about 4 years --- BUT WOW!!!!! It is so worthwhile!!!!! So do not let MS take you down - tell it to go to HELL where it belongs!!!!! So as ALWAYS AND FOREVER --- NEVER STOP AND ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!

July 2, 2013

I have been doing all short runs lately, nothing over 5-6 miles. One problem was having the poison oak (that was miserable). I could hardly stand having my calf sleeves on - not fun. So I had to go for short runs. Then there is always the weather. It has not been too terribly hot but it has been rainy. On the whole, so far, it has been a very cool summer. So if it is not one thing it is the other... Oh, well. I know I really need to get myself out there and do some long runs. That half marathon will be here before I know it and I need time to prepare. This weekend is the July 4th holiday and I am NOT running the Stockton 5K. I have been doing that race even when I was still using my cane. I am really trying to economize as much as possible due to the trip to Jeremy and Anna's wedding. But I am going to spend on ONE RACE - the half in September!!! I just want to keep everything as tight as possible. I am really looking forward to going to Maryland in August for the wedding. It will be SO MUCH FUN! Plus, to have the opportunity to meet Anna's family. That will be really special!!! I know that my daughter REALLY, REALLY wants to be there but with being due with the baby only a few weeks from their marriage date - it is not possible. So I will just takes LOTS and LOTS of pictures for her. I am dedicating my 1/2 marathon to my soon-to-be grandson, Kollin. I was invited to Elyse's ultrasound the other day. It is 4-D - the clarity is AMAZING!!! I framed the one printout of the ultrasound and put it next to Elyse's baby picture. And DO YOU EVER SEE THE RESEMBLANCE!!!! I was SHOCKED till I put the pictures next to one another!!! So see - I have to work HARD!!! I also have to really get out there and get in some distance. The heat/humidity is still a HUGE factor for me! I plan this weekend to try to get in some distance. I might stay closer to town just due to any heat issues. Then if the sun and humidity are starting to work on me, I can get home rather quickly. That may be my best solution. Overall, I am doing very good with my mileage... I am currently at 802 miles for the year!!! So the 1000 miles - will not be a problem... Actually, I have been doing OVER 100 miles per month - so I should have this done in September... Then on to the next challenge... whatever that may be... First, I have to have the 1/2 completed. That is what my WHOLE focus... So right now... just working on keeping myself moving forward... ALWAYS FORWARD!!!

June 19, 2013

I embarrassed to admit that I have only gotten in ONE LONG RUN... It is SO VERY DIFFICULT for me in the summer. The "heat/humidity switch" has been turned on. So with that - it is close to impossible for me to do any distance. I have been pushing on doing the shorter distances (4-6 miles) almost daily. I have also been working feverishly on my deck. I have scrubbed it (by hand) down to the natural wood then stained every inch (also by hand). It was horribly hard work - but I did it! It actually really looks awesome - better than I expected. Now, working on getting the pool up and running. This is the latest I have EVER opened the pool but, the weather has been so miserable. Oh, well.... Now, it is finally getting into pool weather. I am ready - freshly renovated deck and "new" stairs (thanks to my friend). I also have to try to get in a longer run. I REALLY REALLY want that 1/2 marathon. The only way I am going to be able to accomplish it is to do some long runs. This morning was actually very conducive to doing a long run - the humidity was non-existent and there was a slight breeze. But I had a time limit and had to get to work. I am really hoping that I can get one in tomorrow. I feel I am going to lose my "long distance muscles-endurance". So I am hoping for taking off early (I mean EARLY like 4 to 5am). That way I can hopefully get away from the heat/humidity. Otherwise, I have been doing well with my shorter runs even in the heat/humidity. I have noticed that from last year, my endurance has really increased even more!!! That is SO VERY AWESOME!!!! I still attribute it to my nutrition and exercise. It is AMAZING how I have progressed. I have gone from someone who was using a walker and could barely walk down one house and back. It would pretty much kill me. The neuropathy pains in my legs/feet were SO INTENSE that it was not even funny. Plus, all the aspects of being grossly over-weight. So I am working hard not only to overcome my MS (as much as possible) but also my overall health!!! Remember, I am going to be a Nana soon - and want to be a viable and active Nana!!!! Plus here is a picture of our cross-fit EXTREME exercise group!!!! I am talking TRULY VERY DIFFICULT exercises. But I stick in there. Yes, there is some exercises that I have to modify but that is OK... I keep going... So as ALWAYS FORWARD and to NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER STOP!!!!

June 11, 2013

My 1/2 marathon training OFFICIALLY began last week!!!! I was able to extend my country route a bit to 13.11 miles. I didn't run it 100%. I stopped for one bathroom break. Then towards the end the heat was getting to me and I did have to walk a bit. But I did make it!!! At this point, I am going to have to stick to that route for awhile. I really don't think I can go any further. But the point is I MADE IT!!! I have time to keep working on my mileage the 1/2 marathon is not till September so I am in good shape. Right now, the weather is starting to FINALLY turn to summer. That means - heat and humidity. So in order for me to survive ANY LONG RUNS I am going to have to get going extremely early - like around 4:30a... NOT KIDDING!!! It took me 3hr10mins to do that run... So with leaving the house at 4:30 will get me home around 7:30a. I just have to try to beat the heat. I will schedule the rest of the day to float in my pool.... I know what a hard life.... Also, I have ANOTHER incentive to do the 1/2 marathon. I won a BEAUTIFUL bracelet and necklace that commemorates a half marathon. They asked me to write a short paragraph and submit. I couldn't believe it!!!! SO NOW I HAVE TO DO IT... I REALLY WANT TO BE ABLE TO WEAR THE JEWELRY PROUDLY!!! So I see this as signs all leading me to do the 1/2. Plus, I want to be a Nana that my grandson can be proud of!!! So, yes --- ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!

May 31, 2013

Well, made it through the first 5K race of the season last Saturday - Pecatonica Library 5K. They had changed the route a bit so we were "off road" during some of the transitions between road and the Pec Praire Path. This for me is EXTREMELY hard!!! I am good at "locking into gear" but changes of pavement or conditions are really tough. But I was able to not only maintain upright but also to improve my time from last year a bit. Last year, I was 33.23 mins. This year ---- 33 mins EVEN... I know not that whopping improvement that you thought it would be. But considering all the breaks in surface and being off road - this to me was VERY GOOD!!! I did not place in my age group but that is OK... I know I did my best and actually improved not only with my time but having the balance to keep running despite the rough surface area!!!! I was actually very pleased!!!!!!! So now what is next.... I am not sure... I have not signed up for any new races. I really do want to get back to working on increasing my distance. It has been tough this week due to the fact that it has been rainy and EXTREMELY humid. The humidity just kills me. I cannot do any distance in that at all. I run about 2-3 miles and I am ready to bag it in... So I am praying for a cooler days this summer so I can work on my distance. I am really hoping that if not this weekend - next I can get in a nice LONG run... I really want to increase to over that 12.25/12.5 mile mark.... All I can do is keep trying.... As always --- FORWARD... ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!!

May 20, 2013

Yes, here I am with the coveted 10 mile Syttende Mai 2013 race shirt!!!! Saturday was GREAT weather... not too cold or hot. It did start heating up for me toward the end. But this year, NO TREMORS AND RAN IT 100%!!!! My time was 2:06; last year 2:14. So I improved but, last year I did walk some. But I was pleased with the overall. I was running at a nice even/steady pace. That is what I intended so that I could just keep everything on a nice even keel. When I got into town I passed the intersection with the police officer where my arm started tremoring last year but this year... I no tremors just kept going... Then I continued through downtown and turned the corner to head toward the park. At this point, it is downhill. I kept saying, outloud and pretty loud.... "keep it together"... I was working on my stepping. I was getting pretty fatigued and it was getting warmer. I was reminding myself to keep watching my footing so I did not tumble down the hill. That would have been a bitch - here you are just a few yards from the finish line after 10 miles and you roll down the hill. I was passing people walking on the sidewalk - I know they heard me continuing to say this mantra and probably thought I was a loon... but too bad. With MS, at anytime, but especially when your body is stressed the mis-stepping can be more frequent. So at this point, (probably only to me) I feel like I am really taking very deliberate and higher stepping so I don't have the damn foot dragging. That would have sent me tumbling right down that hill. So saying the little mantra - kept me focused on my stepping. When I went through the finish, I was telling them I cannot stop and will be back with their chip. They already knew that I had MS and had to wind myself down to stop. It was really nice that I saw my daughter was there at the finish line. I really appreciate the support of my family and friends - it really touches me very deeply!!!! After I was able to stop off for that WONDERFUL shower then (OH YEAH) -- off to the bakery. Yes, I sat there and TOTALLY enjoyed my lefse and coffee!!!! Then off to the all the various Syttende Mai activities. It was a good day! The next day, I was up early getting everything together so that we could drive back to Stoughton for more fun!!! Now, I have to start preparing for this Saturday's race -- Pecatonica's 5K. Then back to working on my distance. I have to starting working UP MORE MILEAGE -- getting ready for the 1/2 marathon in September. I will work on planning a new route that takes me about 15 miles. I will do this about once a week or so... just to be accustomed to the mileage. I will have to do this REALLY early in the morning to beat any heat. The heat just tears down something quick... That is going to be my biggest hurdle with the training aspect... But I WANT THAT 1/2 MARATHON!!! I WANT IT BAD!!!!! Look - I did the 10 mile -- 100%!!! That was my goal - time is not that important. I know that I will not and never will be good at speed. The MS does not allow that... It is too hard to keep everything moving properly... But keeping a steady pace - this I can handle... Plus, to have the 10 mile and the 1/2 marathon accomplished BEFORE I officially become a Nana.... At least my grandson can say, that his Nana did these things. Plus, hopefully, I can continue running and doing the distance races... Maybe even someday... my grandchildren and I will be in a distance race together... Now, wouldn't that be AWESOME!!!! You never know.... I might be 5 hours behind them but - at least running it... That is my dream --- NEVER NEVER LET GO OF YOUR DREAMS.... ARE THEY OUTRAGEOUS... MAYBE BUT WHO CARES.... Hey - only 8 years ago when I was walking with my cane and/or walker and BARELY able to make it to the end of my block and back (my block is 3 house - I am in the middle... Tell me about it... Dreams can come true... how... you have to REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY want it... I had to change my nutrition and exercise - DRASTICALLY... But look - I am in the best health of my life... I look at what I am accomplishing.... Yes - with Secondary Progressive MS.... It is possible!!!!!! So NEVER NEVER give up... DON'T LET MS WIN... MS is a monster - never let it win!!!! So ALWAYS AND FOREVER; MOVE FORWARD AND NEVER STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

May 16, 2013

It is count down time for the Syttendi Mai 10 mile run! It will be this Saturday - so ONLY 2 days to go!!!! I am INCREDIBLY excited!!! The weather is not going to be so HORRIBLY hot this year. Last year, it was well in the 90's when I finished. This year, they are even talking some rain. The rain would be OK - it helps to cool you down. I have NO PROBLEMS with that at all!!!! My main nemasis is the HEAT!!!! That really works on my MS symptoms and they just go nuts. But this is going to be MY YEAR!!!! I have made that determination. I have ran the course once and did great. Took it at a nice pace and had no problems. In fact, I was quite a bit faster than what I ran it last year. But speed is not my thing -- just to go nice and steady and run 100% - that is ALL I ask!!! I was disappointed that I did not run last weekend. I did not run AT ALL!!!! I know very strange. But the weather was crappy and I had a really busy week at work that just drained my energy down to the sub-basement. That is how it goes... Maybe by taking it easy this week and no big strainous runs - that will help me. Last night, I did get out and run a very short one. It felt good! I am just really being very protective of my energy level. I can not have it go down that low - I will never make it through the run. Then the rest of the summer I will start training for my 1/2 marathon in September. Yes, right now I am running 12 1/4 miles --- but I need to bring it up to over 13. So I will make a new route to up the mileage. I have my PRIZE all set for after the run. After my shower - directly to Fosdahl's Bakery for lefse and coffee.... YUMMMMMMMMY!!!~! Then the various Norwegian activities --- then lunch - hummus wrap and corn on the cob, more Norwegian activities then dinner veggie bratwaurst, corn on the cob, and some tofuti ice cream for dessert.... I know what I want... YUMMMMMMMY!!!!! What really does you in is about 1/4 mile before the finish line you pass the bakery.... The smells - OH MY -- it is a KILLER.... I think they should have the race END at the bakery. Just think of the money they would make!!!! Today I will not be able to get outside and run due to work committments. Tomorrow I will probably do a SHORT run and bodypump... but nothing to terribly hard... Then... it will be time to go!!! As ALWAYS AND FOREVER -- ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!