Injury. . .yikes!

Thanks Cheryl, for asking about me. Yes, I have a problem with my knee. I was running intervals and everything was fine until I started having some knee pain, so I started walking. I walked back as far as the Sonic where Clark picked me up. Even though I was in some pain, I still got in about 6½ miles. However, the pain worsened after the walk.

Some of you may recall that I slipped and fell on my way into work about 10 days ago (one of those rare days of rain we had). I thought I just had a really bad bruise, but apparently there was a little more "damage" than I thought. The doctor at MEA (where I spent about 2½ hours today) thought that, while it felt okay while I was walking, the running aggravated the fall injury which caused my problem today (x-rays showed no fracture but the swelling was pushing on my kneecap). So I'm wearing a knee brace/band thingy and any weight that I put on my right leg is extremely painful. The good news is that if I lay off the running for a couple of weeks, I should be fine and running in plenty of time for Chicago. That is if I don't trip over my big toe and injure myself again!! ;o)

It was really great seeing everyone today and what a beautiful day it was! I'm registered for the Cannonball Run next week, but depending on my knee situation, I may just be there on the sidelines with Robin. See you there, Marathoners!

Slowly but surely.

Robin, I think I'm going to steal your blog name because yesterday, I was the turtle. There were five of us who met at Lakeshore Park for our Thursday "run." It was a beautiful breezy afternoon as Micha, Debra, Suzanne, Debbie and I headed toward the five-mile destination. That was the last I saw of them until I was in my car headed out to clock how far I had walked. Nope didn't make five miles, only 3½ in one hour, but I did do some running with very little hip pain. So, even though I didn't go the five miles, I still feel like I crossed a big hurtle! (In more ways that one!) I also learned that I have a long way to go and there will be no more goofing off. As Mark said, "It's time to get serious!" Yesterday was my "wakeup" call (but not before trying to justify it by thinking "I was the oldest and fattest one out there so, of course I was going to be slower. LOL) Then it hit me, "You big dummy, age and weight has nothing to do with it. . .you have to get up off your fat ass and work for this achievement!!!" I will be purchasing an Ironman watch this weekend. Or, is there some gizzmo that will do intervals and tell me how far I have walked? I guess I could just do like I did yesterday and clock the distance after I walk it. Anyway, I can see now that my evenings will be spent at Lakeshore Park building my distance, endurance and speed. My goal is to finish the Chicago Marathon before it's officially closed. I don't think that's an unreasonable goal. Or is that just my wishful thinking coming into play? Well, a girl has to have a dream . . . Thank you ladies . . . if not for you, I would still be trudging along thinking I was progressing as I should. Now I know better and I know what has to be done. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Micah, I agree that this should become a weekly event for us and hopefully we will continue to inspire others to join us.

See you guys for the 7 miles tomorrow. Blog on Marthoners!!!

Better

Yesterday after work, I walked a slow pace for 30 minutes on the treadmill without any hip pain. Maybe I'm on the mend, but the true test will be tomorrow after work at the Rez. I forward to seeing a few of you there.

Ibuprofen and Stretching!

I think both are helping my hip but I haven't done much since Saturday. I plan to get out there today and give the old hip a little workout with a short run. I'm glad to hear that some of you are doing the 30 second/2 minute run/walk cause I'm sure that's where I'll be starting. I get a little depressed and worried that these "little" things are getting in my way of progressing as I should. Although I love the fact that each Saturday we add a mile to our accomplishments. I printed a copy of the Chicago Marathon course yesterday and I cannot repeat the words that came out of my mouth!!!! I'll just say that I was a little freaked by what I saw. However, I have not changed my mind and it has just made me more determined to get out there and work this old hip of mine and just keep going like the Energizer Bunny! (He was on the course map designating "Energizer Keep Going Zones.")

I'll be doing a little traveling in May and July. First, after our run/walk on May 26, I plan to drive to North Arkansas to see my son, his wife and my granddaughter over the Memorial Day holiday. On the following Tuesday I'll return home a few hours before my daughter arrives from South Carolina for a few days. Then on Sunday, July 1, I fly to Michigan to see my son, his wife and my three grandchildren there, returning home on July 4. I was lucky to have enough skymiles for a free ticket! Woo-hoo! The last time I saw my Michigan bunch was last Memorial Day weekend when they were here for a family reunion. So, I'll get to see them in July then again in October at the CHICAGO MARATHON, Baby!!!!!

Blog on Marathoners!!

Beautiful Day!

It was such a beautiful day and it was great seeing everyone and meeting new people. I LOVE SATURDAYS!! It was so much fun watching Mark at the "filming" and everyone falling in behind him with the "I AM A MARATHONER" line! It had to be tough on him having to start over several time, but what a trouper and he did it. I hope we get to see the video at some point. AND it was the first time that I really ran. I loved it. But, I walked the 6 miles and about half way through, my hip joint starting hurting and it left me with a serious limp today. I've had a little problem with my right hip for years, but this is the first time since starting MM that I've had a "flare up" with it. I'll be fine - I ran today! That's what's a little weird - I didn't think I would make it back to our starting point because it was hurting so bad; but when we crossed the street at College Street and Parkway, I ran and it didn't hurt at all - then it started hurting again when I was walking. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to do like Forrest Gump and RUN everywhere I go!

Have a great week everyone and BLOG ON MARATHONERS!!!

Oops!!

I did something wrong putting the pictures on my previous blog! Bear with me and I'll get the hang of it! Maybe my next one will be better.
See you tomorrow.

Thanks!

Thanks for all the support guys! It really keeps me motivated.

I've been playing with my new camera so I'm going to try to share some pictures from LaCazuela last Saturday. Here goes! As you can see, we had a blast. And get a load of Jana's medal!!!! Robin and Mark, do you always talk at the same time? LOL

Ice Pack

Well, my determination was overcome by pain. I spent the evening with an ice pack on my knee with the hope that I can just walk the 6 miles tomorrow. I guess I'll be putting off the running a little while longer. I am so disappointed about this "small" setback. I have been doing so well with the added distance each week. I may start out with a little ache in my shins but my endurance is excellent compared to what it was when I first started this program. I have never been much into exercise - the occasional step class or brief periods of walking was as far as I ever made it. MM has been so encouraging and FUN! It really is a life changing experience.

I'll see you guys tomorrow. I haven't missed a Saturday with MM yet, and I'm not going to start now!

Rainy weather fall!

Well, I've been very excited about getting back on track. Then yesterday on my way from the parking garage to my office, I slipped while trying to step over a puddle and landed on my right knee. It was sore and uncomfortable all day yesterday so I just propped it up for the evening. I had planned to do my xt on our recumbent bike but just couldn't take the bending, so no xt for me. Today I feel sore all over. I guess I hit the concrete harder than I realized. I'm still planning to get my 50 minutes in after work. I WANT TO RUN! The few steps I ran on Tuesday gave me hope and determination to get it going! I may have to go by Academy Sports and get one of those Ironman watches before our run on Saturday.

I AM A MARATHONER!!!

Blog on Marathoners!

My Dog Libby!

We tried it again yesterday after I got off work. This time I decided to walk the parking lot at Liberty Park in Madison. Well, we got in about 20 minutes before I said enough. However, I did run my first few steps and I think Libby will like it better when I'm able to run more. She was much easier to handle when I was running that when walking. Of course, it slows down even more when someone stops us to admire her. Oh well, she is my beautiful four-legged companion and I enjoy showing her off.

We walked in the grass some but I still had a slight problem with my shins, but just on my right leg, then my hip joint started hurting. I'm hoping it's just from the tugging that Libby was doing and throwing me off my natural walking pattern. I'll be getting out there by myself tomorrow.

I registered my son for the Chicago Marathon for his birthday. I kept telling him he needed to hurry up and register or it would fill up and he wouldn't be able to enter. So, when I talked to him Saturday night, I told him I was going to do it for this birthday (June 22). So, I did it yesterday morning just before we got the email from Mark. Boy, I was glad I had taken care of that! I forwarded the email from Mark to my son with an "I told you so!" Needless to say, he was glad I had done it because he was planning to wait a couple of months before registering. Dusty, you really have to listen to your dear old mom once in a while. LOL

Blog on Marathoners and see you Saturday!

Icing works!

I went for my 50 minute walk after work and I must have still be tensed up from Saturday because I was one big ache from the waist down. So when I got home, I tried the cold water in the tub thing like Robin said. And I really feel better. Of course, the cold running water was quite a shock at first! Never done that before and was surprised at how much it helped.

Well, after Saturday I was determined to get "my groove" back. Don't get me wrong, Saturday was great - 5 miles that morning then the 5k that evening - I was thrilled; tired but thrilled and I knew I was on my way back. Then I got those emails from Mark this morning and that really got me going! I am not giving up on this thing! You guys out there who have fallen behind, don't give up. This is such a wonderful experience that you will cherish for the rest of your lives! So get up and do what you have to do to get "your groove" back! It's totally worth it! I AM A MARATHONER!!!

Blog on Marathoners!

Just had to share. . .

I was sifting through the junk mail - which has really stacked up around my place - and came across a neat little catalog. While flipping through the pages, I found this cute wall hanger with a philosophy that says it all; kind of the way I want to be remembered, so I just had to share it with everyone. It's called - No Sign of Aging Gracefully.

"I want to be an outrageous old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to get leaner and meaner, sharp edged and earth colored, till I fade away from pure joy."

Isn't that just the funniest thing? Of course, I plan to "skid sideways into my grave, body totally used up, screaming, 'Whoo-hoo! What at ride!'" AND, I'll have the joyful memories of completing the Chicago Marathon!!!!

Have a great week, Marathoners!

Ole'

Cazuela's was a blast! And what a nice surprise to see Mark and Robin there! We heard all kinds of interesting funny marathon stories. And a few that had absolutely nothing to do with marathons! LOL Once I figure out how to get the pictures off my new camera, I'll attach a few.

Run from the Sun was cold, windy and fun but a little difficult. My time (around 53) was not as good as usual but okay I guess, considering I finished my 5 miles on the treadmill around 10:00 a.m. making for a total of 8.1 miles for Saturday. I'm a bit more sore that usual too. The back/bend of my knee has been especially sore today, but I'll just have to work through it. And, my first 2 blisters appeared, one on my back under my bra and the other just below the joint on the side of my big toe. Weird huh? I'm really glad I was able to have the FREE skin cancer screening - the doc found a place that needs to be removed.

Congratulations Jana on your medal! Be sure to wear it every Saturday so you can encourage the rest of us MMers.

Blog on Marathoners - and here's hoping for a better Saturday (weather-wise) next week than we had yesterday! Brrrrrrrr!

Did it!

Went to Lakeshore Park and started out but had to turn around because of lightening. So, I went straight to the treadmill and did my 5 miles. I knew if I waited, it might not get done. If we had just waited at the park for about 15 minutes, we could have all walked together. So now I'm just taking it easy until time to head downtown for the Run from the Sun 5k. It's going to be so much fun meeting after the 5k for our own little MM party! Can't wait! See you there!

It Helped!

Sorry I haven't blogged lately - I have a new position at work and have been getting settled in. I really love it but it just takes a little time to get caught up and adjusted.

Well, today is the 12th and I accomplished one of my goals. I did not get on the scales for one whole month. And it helped! I actually lost the few pounds I had gained, which is very encouraging. I've had a better week this week getting my walking in and I'm sure that helps too.

Better get back to it. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday for the 5 miles and then at the 5k Saturday evening.

Blog on Marathoners!!!

I've been so bad!!

What's wrong with me? I have done nothing since Saturday! I don't know what has happened and I have no excuses. This potato slipped into her old habits on the couch. I know I've had problems on xt days, but not the walking days, so what gives? All I know is, I AM NOT GIVING UP! I'm still excited about completing and not competing, but this is ridiculous. I won't be able to complete anything if I don't get up off my fat rump!

I'm really looking forward to the 5k on April 14 and the MM "party" afterward. Maybe that will get me going again.

BTW, Christa, it was really nice meeting you last Saturday and finishing the last few yards with you.

Okay, did I just get rid of some stuff or was I just whining?

A bit sore today

I must have walked with my head down yesterday because I'm a bit stiff and sore between my shoulder blades. Anyone else having that problem? I popped a few ibuprofen with the hope that I'll be moving a little easier later today. 4 MILES!!! WOW!!! I can't believe I made it. Mile 3 was tougher than the others but I plowed on through with encouragement from everyone along the way. And someone, please remind me not to use anything on my face with suncreen in it! I forgot my sweatband and my eyes starting burning from the sunscreen so I was having a tough time watching where I was going. You were right Kelvin, it was definitely a character building day!

I received so much inspiration from the speakers with their marathon experiences. You all seemed to have so much fun and to me, this is all about fun! And thanks Robin, I really needed to hear that I should "run my own race." It's not about competing, it's about completing. Funny how one letter of the alphabet added to one word can totally change the meaning of another word. "Competing vs. Completing." I kind of like the sound of that. I just want to complete the Chicago Marathon by running my own race and not compete with anyone. COMPLETE - NOT COMPETE. I think I have a new motto!

When Lisa (I think it was Lisa) said "run for someone who can't," I thought of my Dad. He was such an amazing person and I know he would be extremely proud of me today. He loved life and put as much fun into it as he could. Whether it was flying his T-6 in an airshow, sitting in the stands at the Indy 500, or driving the boat so anyone who wanted to could ski or just enjoy a ride on the lake, he was having fun. He was the father of two girls and no sons, so his girls gave him four grandsons (and one granddaughter). And even though he didn't live to see the birth of his great grandson (and 3 great granddaughters), he would be so happy to know that his great grandson was named after him. And now, his daughter and one of his grandsons will be running in the Chicago Marathon having fun all along the way! Love you and miss you Dad!

Have a great week Marathoners, and run your own race! (And just have fun!)