Thursday, August 31, 2006

Happiness in a bottle

Ah, yes. The little pink pill.

Generally speaking, I'm the kind of person that doesn't like to take anything except for my daily multi-vitamin. However, over the past year, I have come to appreciate a little thing called the pain killer. Now, I am by no means addicted. In fact, I only take it if I am absolutely curled up in the fetal position in pain. But let me tell you - I love my little pink pills. Took one last night and it drifted me over to la la land for a good 8-hours.

Still hurting pretty badly this morning, but it doesn't have the bite it did yesterday. How sad is it when you consider it a good day when the stabbing knives in your abdomen is a little less intense? Well, that's my life and I can't let it stop my world from turning. Today is a new day, and one that, I hope, will be filled with sunshine.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Catching up

I'm a little behind on my posts. I'll sum up, briefly, what I've been up to lately.

The Crim was a very cool race. I saw some very impressive parts of Flint, and experienced the Bradley Hills. They actually weren't as bad as I anticipated, but any hills at mile 5 of a 10 mile race is never great. It was super humid, and during my warm up I was already sweating like crazy. Mouse and Elizabeth met up at the race, so I got to meet her. So fun! The first 6 miles weren't bad. Mile 7-9, not so much. The most disappointing part wasn't my time (8:55 pace), but that I didn't have fun. Running, especially races, are suppose to be FUN. I wasn't relaxed, and definitely didn't have my head in the game. I just now had a chance to look at how I did. In my age group, I placed 117 out of 437. Pleasant surprise.

The worst part of that day was about 2 hours afterwards. Mouse and I did a 3 mile cool down to get our mileage in for the day. (The whole time I was thinking, "when did I become that kind of runner? Run a 10 mile race and then go run more for fun!?!") Then, we met up with Elizabeth at the food/beer tent to cash in our ticket for a free beer and pizza. My abdomen had been bothering me during the race, but not so severe I had to stop. Now was a different story. While the girls were chatting, I went outside to get some fresh air. Soon my abdomen hurt so badly, I was literally laying down on the blacktop. There was no way I was walking anywhere. After a bit it passed, but in the interest of not getting killed, Mouse drove us back home.

That night we went to German Park to drink buckets of beer. We were all dragging due to the race, but had fun regardless. Seriously though. Can you have a bad time with a bucket of beer in front of you, with a straw sticking out of it to make the drinking easier? (thanks to Nat for bringing me a straw!!! I LOVED it!!!)

Sunday, I was bound and determined that I was going to get my butt into gear. I was going to take the Crim as a benchmark as to how I am doing and what I need to accomplish before Detroit. I went out for an 8-mile run (9:45 pace) and felt fine.

Monday I didn't make it out of bed in time to workout. I had an appointment at U of M to see what options I had left. He gave me two: a nerve block or surgery. I went for the nerve block. Not super excited, but it was the less invasive of the two. September 11 is my evaluation appointment, which lasts 2-4 hours. I'm a little apprehensive as to why it will take that long. Everyone is trying to get me to change the date though - they said it wasn't a good date to be doing anything like that. I wasn't in the best of moods when I got to work, but hey, I'm sick and tired of this effecting my life and I guess I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get my life back to normal.

Ricky kicked my ass with a great workout that night though. Movement and laps - it was just one of those tough workouts that make you feel so accomplished afterwards.

Tuesday, I ran a 6-miler (8:41 pace) and, again, felt pretty good. My confidence started to slowly come back.

Tonight, I was set to meet with Ricky, as usual. My abdomen has been bothering me pretty badly the last couple of days. He could tell I was in a lot of pain, but I didn't want to admit defeat. I agreed to bump down the intensity, because there was no way I was going to get in the quality of workout I should. Half an hour into our workout, he stopped and told me to go home. I was so damn upset. Not at him, he's just looking out for me, but at myself. I feel like such a wimp because I couldn't do my workout. Suck it up - right...?

I am sick and tired of it interfering with my life. Not sure what the doctors will say on the 11th, they may decided I'm not a candidate for a nerve block. If that were to happen, the only thing left is a scope of my pelvic area. Why didn't any of the other treatments work? What could I have done differently? What the fuck is wrong with me? Will they be able to fix me? I think I'm just going to take a pain pill and go to bed early tonight.

Well, I need to end this on a happy note. So, here's a little ray of sunshine. Things with the JP are going very well. He's meeting my parents this weekend - but it is not a big deal. We're going to be down there for a wedding on Saturday and we'll have to go by to get up to Ann Arbor for the reception. So, we'll see how that goes. I'm okay about it now, but I'm sure Saturday I'll start freaking out. I've met most of his siblings now, and the word back is they like me. Mouse is convinced we're going to get married. I'm not sure about that, but I'm having fun and things are going well. I figure don't stress about it and just enjoy the ride.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Morning Check-list

Wake up at the butt-crack of dawn - check
Bag packed - check
Pre- and post- run food - check
TP - check
Scarf down a bowl of oatmeal - check
WATER - check
Ready to kick-ass at the CRIM - on my way

Mouse and I are about to head out for a 10-mile run. Wish us luck!

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Running in the rain

Tonight I had a most enjoyable run in the rain. When I started out on my easy 4 mile run (9:30 pace), it was pretty humid. About half way into it, it began to sprinkle. Then, it was a nice, cool steady rain. I don't remeber the last time I ran in the rain, and this was a perfect one. It was a stressful day (and week - even though it's been a short one for me), so I felt so refreshed. Come to think of it, I was debating if I should take my cute, little iPod with me but decided against it so I could enjoy some silence for a little bit. Good think I did!

Running the Crim on Saturday, so it's early to bed for me. Here it is, not even 9:30pm and I've had dinner and I'm all ready for bed. I'll be up early for a relaxing run to stretch out my legs a little bit. I am determined to get back into doing two-a-day workouts. Probably shouldn't have started the week I'm doing a 10 mile race... oh well. You have to start somewhere.

Morning runs... blah.

Taking a brief lunch break (don't normally), so thought I would do a quick entry.

Yesterday's morning run came very early, and my legs weren't ready to move. I did 3 miles on the treadmill (it's dark out at 6 am now) and an ab workout. Not sure what posessed me to do that, since I was having stabbing pains on the left side. Guess my brain wasn't ready to think that early either. Oh, and MTV does actually play videos at the hour of the morning. Nothing like some good 'ol booty music to get the day going. :)

My workout with Ricky was good last night. We met early so he could spend some time with his mother, who is in time. So, that left me with some open time as well. Since I've been trying to be more flexible with my time, I asked JP if he would be interested in a later dinner. We were having a nice dinner and he, jokingly, mentioned how he, "messes up my schedule." I told him that I was obviously trying since it was Wednesday and we were having dinner! He laughed and agreed that I was trying and he appreciated it.

Well, I need to get back to work so I'll update on my easy run tonight.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Girls Weekend

Was SO much fun!!!! We were planning on a long weekend on the beach, but the weather decided not to cooperate with us. It was cloudy and sprinking throughout the day on Friday, but cleared up enough for us to explore the festival that happened to be this past weekend. Now, it wasn't the cheesy street fairs you normally think of when you think city festival. It was blocks and blocks and blocks of food vendors, outside bars, and booths from local businesses. We bought a wrist band for $1 to roam the streets with alcohol. There were three stages, and Friday night we saw The Beach Boys. They were on the main stage, which was also on the HUGE big screen a few blocks down. It was packed and everyone was having a great time. It ended at 11pm, so we hit up a few local bars/clubs.

Saturday, it was pouring. The beach was clearly out of the question, so we ended up going on a winery tour. We hit up four winery's and had a wonderful time. The first place was a, "serve yourself." Okay! Don't mind if we do. All four were free of charge, and we were drinking full wine glasses. Let's just say that we fully enjoyed ourselves! It cleared up enough that night, so we hit up the festival again. There was a great band and, again, visited the local establishments.

On Sunday it wasn't raining, and the sun actually was out. Went running at the state park (got attacked by killer black flies) for an easy 6 miles and then we decided to check out the beach. We were there... in jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. It was freaking cold and the waves had white caps. All in all, it was a great weekend and a long overdue time with the girls.

I took Monday off and lounged by the pool all day. It was so nice - took a few naps, read a magazine, took a few more naps. A perfect end to a long overdue vacation!

Last night I had a good workout with Ricky and tonight I had a nice 6 mile run. It was suppose to be a pace run, but since the Crim is this weekend I decided to just take it easy. Splits were as follows:

Mile 1: 8:42
Mile 2: 8:46
Mile 3: 8:55
Mile 4: 8:54
Mile 5: 8:47
Mile 6:8:52

I was a bit annoyed because I forgot my cute, little iPod but it still worked out. The downside to being without? I was actually able to hear all of the catcalls and honking at me as I ran. Seriously, I am in shors and a tank top because I am disgustingly sweaty and smelly. Not because I try to look good while working out. You are in a car going at least 40 mph and can't really see what I look like anyway. So, stop being a jackass.

Well, I need to go to bed so I can get up and run in the morning.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Procrastinating

I am one of the best procrastinators around... especially when it comes to packing. I very much dislike packing!!!

Tonight I did my long run since I'm going to be out of town for the weekend. I'm doing the Crim next weekend (10 mile race), so I did a nice easy 11 1/2 miler tonight. I was planning on doing 12, but it was getting too dark and I didn't feel comfortable being out there alone. It was a great run and I felt as if I could have kept going. What a wonderful feeling! Splits were as follows:

Mile 1 - 9:21
Mile 2 - 9:15
Mile 3 - 9:24
Mile 4 - 9:26
Mile 5- 7 - 26:48
Mile 8 - 9:02
Mile 9 - 8:34
Mile 10 - 8:56
Mile 11 - 8:56
Mile 11 1/2 - 4:30

As you see, I got a little crazy during mile 9. I think Ice Cube's, "Put Your Ass Into It" came on during this mile. I LOVE that song!!! Yay for ghetto booty music!!! :)

On a non-running note, things with the boy are going well. I'm working to be more flexible with my schedule, but holding firm to not seeing him too frequently. I told him (again) I enjoy my independence and that I refuse to just go ahead and drop my life. He assured me he understood and wouldn't want to be with someone that did. So, I guess I'll just have fun and see what happens.

Well, I better get packing... uggh.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Busy, busy, busy

Things have been pretty busy and I've been awful about posting. So, here's a recap of what's been going on with me.

My program last week was a success, but it was a long couple of days. I was scheduled to run 6 miles on Wednesday, but since I didn't start until 11:30 pm (after a delicious, but very filling 5 course dinner and some great house red wine) I could only muster 4 miles. Morning came pretty early, as I had a 7:30 am meeting before the program began for the day. I was a bit concerned on Thursday morning when I woke up to the news that a terrorist act had been stopped in the middle of the night. Hmmm... what a great day to have to board an airplane. I didn't think much of it, the event went well and my clients were happy, and we had more than enough time to make it to the airport.

When I got there, I realized that somewhere betwen boarding the plane in Detroit and trying to leave Kentucky, I had lost my ID. Yes, I lost my picture ID on the worst possible day to be flying without one. Totally stressed out, I called both airports, the car rental, the hotel and tore apart my carry-on (which I ended up checking so I wouldn't have to throw out my expensive hair gel) in the middle of the Northwest check-in desk. After talking with some airport people, they told me I could get through with my work badge (with photo), a credit card and... my public library card. That's right. My public library card was my saving grace. They took me behind a plexi-glass wall, had me point out my belongings on the x-ray belt and basically strip searched me. Not ony did I feel like an idiot and that everyone was staring at me as if I was a suspect, but I felt horrible since I knew these poor people had a very busy and stressful day and here I was, misplacing my ID. They were really great about it, and were actually apologizing to me because they could tell I was so stressed. Finally getting through security, we ended up with more time on our hands than expected. Due to weather and a mechanical problem with our plane, our flight kept getting delayed. Thank goodness for airport bars!!!!! I finally got home around 12:30am - never so glad to be coming to Detroit.

After recovering from the trip, the weekend was great. On Sunday, I did a team tri with one of my old college roommates and a friend of hers. It was, by far, the coolest things I have ever seen. Last year I was starting to get interested in doing a tri, but due to the unexpected surgery, my plans got pushed back. I had a feeling that when I participated in the relay, I would want to do the whole thing. Yep, I have the bug and cannot wait to do one!! I'm thinking get through Detroit, do a spring marathon and then a tri next summer. We did the sprint distance and did quite well. Not sure of my splits yet, but I'm guessing somewhere between a 7:30-7:45 pace. Not too fast, but I was not warmed up nearly enough. It was difficult to do since I didn't know when exactly my teammate was going to come in. Well, that and I was super nervous. I had never done anything like this before, and it was the first race in over a year. My heart was pounding and I actually had trouble catching my breath for about the first quarter of a mile. The whole time I was trying to calm down and scolding myself for getting so freaked. After a bit, I got into the groove and started enjoying myself.

So, that's been pretty much my life lately. I am loving the cooler weather we're having right now. Had a really good 8 mile run yesterday and looking forward to a 12 miler tomorrow night. Then, this weekend is a girls weekend down in Pennsylvania. Three of us have been good friends since grade school, and haven't been together in awhile. Somehow, we always seem to get into trouble when we're all together. I. Can't. Wait!!!

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Catching up

I've been bad about posting lately... I keep telling that boy he's screwing up my schedule! :)

Had a great girls night out on Saturday. One of my friends is absolutely beautiful and, thus, all of her friends are too. Now I'm a fairly confident person, but you know that feeling where you know you're going to be surrounded by "beautiful people" and that you are, pretty much, going to be the least attractive person in the group? Yeah. That was me going into the night. We had a great time, and I met some of her friends that I hadn't met before. And, if I may be so bold to say, I don't think I was the least attractive person there. Secretly, I let out a sigh of relief and I think I was a bit more comfortable because of it. And, I'm really not that shallow of a person... really.

Sunday, had a nice recovery run. An easy 6 miles to stretch out the legs. My left knee still felt a bit twingy, but felt better afterwards. That afternoon I went over to see JP's new place. We went to get his fish for the aquarium, got ice cream, went putt-putting (he had never gone before), and rented a movie. It was a good time. He kinda freaked me out though, because he told me he doesn't like that we only see each other on the weekends and wanted to see me on a more regular basis. Umm... we've only known each other for a few weeks. I told him that seeing him too frequently, too quickly was just too much for me. I am (admittedly sometimes to a fault) fiercely independent and like to do my own thing. Seriously, he's jacking up my schedule already. He was understanding, but since I'm going out of town for work tomorrow, and to compromise, he came over last night for a little bit. Then, I won't see him until the weekend. It freaks me out a bit, but I figure at least this guy wants to see me.

Yesterday, had a nice easy workout with Ricky. And, tonight, had a nice 7 mile run. The weather was SO nice. Nice and cool, with a gentle breeze. Perfect. My legs were a little heavy at first, but they did carry me through 16 miles on Saturday. I'm doing a team tri this weekend in Lansing with an old college roommate and one of her friends. I'm looking forward to it, especially since doing a tri myself is something that has interested me for some time. I'm feeling stronger and beginning to enjoy my workouts again. Even though my goal is to go sub 4:00 at Detroit, I really have to say that feeling strong and enjoying running again is the biggest accomplishment I can make now.

Well, I've put off packing long enough (one of the most dreaded chores on my list) so I better get ready for my trip.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

What a great day for a run!

Great run this morning! It was cool (mid 60s when I started and mid 70s when I finished) and not humid - a welcome change from last week. As I set off for my 16-miler, I was focusing on relaxing and just enjoy running. Okay, okay. Yes, I wasn't going to worry about splits, but in the back of my head I was going to be happy to average at about a 9:45 pace. I felt great and could have kept going when I was done. My pace? 9:23!

Mile 1: 10:03
Mile 2: 9:49
Mile 3: 9:40
Mile 4-7: 37:26
Mile 8: 9:28
Mile 9: 9:18
Mile 10-13: 36:41
Mile 14: 9:15
Mile 15: 9:08
Mile 16: 9:20

Around mile 8, I started getting a twinge in my left knee. Around mile 10, my quads tightened up. They loosened up for a couple of miles, tightened up for a couple of miles, and finally loosened up at the end. Although I felt great when I was finished, my legs were sore right away, so lots and lots of stretching afterwards. All I can say is, I'm happy to be a runner again! :)

Another thing I'm happy to be a part of again? Dating. JP and I had a great time last night. Since I had a long run today and didn't want to be out late, we had a low key night of dinner and talking at Starbucks. He has such diverse interests, that I love talking with him. For instance, he is interested in astronomy (he was going to suprise me by taking me to a planatarium last night, but dinner went too late), he loves, and knows, wine (he's going to find a wine class for us to take), and he is a pretty talented soccer player (he was asked to try out for his country's national team). He's cute, but there is something about his personality that makes him so attractive. Mouse was telling me this about a guy she knows (note to mouse: he, he, he), but I didn't quite understand. NOW I get it! I've had a girls night out planned for tonight for a couple of months, so we're going out again tomorrow. Not sure what we're doing - he said it's a surprise and I won't know until we get there. Before I met him, I vowed that I was through dating complete jerks. He's so sweet, and I think the end of my current dating drought started off with a good one. :)

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Me time

Tonight I finally have a little time for myself - and it's a welcome relief. Ran my 7-miler this morning to avoid some of the heat. It was still unbelievably humid, but at least the temps were down a little bit. I had a hair appointment tonight, so I rescheduled my workout with Ricky for tomorrow. After my appointment, JP and I were tentatively planning on buying fish for his aquarium (which the girls at the office started making me freak out because that was more of a "relationship" thing to do. No. We were just planning on buying fish. Not a big deal.) but the store closed too early. So... I'm sitting here ready for bed, with a face mask on, enjoying having some down time. Lately, work has been crazy, I run after a long day at the office and by the time I eat, work a little more and talk to JP, it's way past my bedtime.

The plan for tonight is to go to bed early and get up early for my morning run. It nice being back to myself, without that drug haze. The pain hasn't gone away, but at least I'm not walking around like a zombie.