Saturday's Fall

Looks like I'll be sitting out this week due to my fall on Saturday. Sometimes I think that I'm just not meant to complete a marathon, running or riding. But I'm doing my best not to give up. I've come too far for that. My bike is being checked out [actually the bike's 30-day check-up ;o)] and once I see my orthopaedist on the 18th, we'll know for sure where I stand in the "completing" category. I've been pretty sore all over since my little "accident" Saturday. I could hardly get off the couch Saturday and Sunday. I just can't express my appreciation enough for all you marathoners that were around to help me. Usually I'm glad no one is around when I fall, but this time, I'm not sure I would have been able to get up by myself. I rode far beyond our turn-around point so my legs were like jelly when I tried to stand up. So thanks guys for being there!
Have a good week everyone and I'll see you marathoners on Saturday!

I'm such a slacker!

I've been slacking again but I'm back to writing things down that I have to do each day when I get home. It works for me because I feel guilty when I don't get to mark everything off the list. It's sad, but I even have to write "exercise" on the list! But at least it gets done that way. I guess I'm like everyone else with this problem, blame it on the heat. I told my husband yesterday that this is the first time I can remember actually looking forward to cold weather. I'm not really a cold weather kind of person but then I'm obviously not a hot weather person either. Yep, you got it - Spring and Fall for me. I can still wear my sandals and breathe at the same time! I'm really looking forward to cooler temps and a good report from my doctor next month telling me I can start training again. I want to be ready for the Diabetes "mere" 5k in October and the Mississippi Blues Marathon in January - I'm hoping for the full marathon but I'll be happy to complete the half. I haven't heard yet weather Mark and Robin are going to continue training with us through January so if anyone is interested in training with me, please let me know. We'll figure something out!
Have a good week, Marathoners!

OK, I spoke too soon. . .

My attorney/boss sent me home since he was leaving to work at the MC Law Library. He walked in first thing this morning and said "We can't do this! It's actually 90 degrees in here," and he had the thermometer to prove it. AND that was at 8:00 a.m.! Can you imagine what it's going to be like at noon? I'm old enough to remember days without air conditioning, but I certainly don't want to go back there!!!
Later, Marathoners!

MAN, IT'S HOT!!

Not only outside, but inside too. Have you ever worked in a 4-story office building with no air conditioning? Well, that's what I'm doing today, tomorrow and maybe Monday. Yep, the the second of 4 compressors died from heat exhaustion yesterday. The funeral is today with it's replacement expected to start next week. It evidently has to "relocate" here from who knows where, and of course, has to go through the mandatory training session (city permit) before beginning work. In the meantime, 150 employees suffer with "fans" blowing hot air through the halls. I left work yesterday at 4:15 and when I walked outside, it was cooler than inside! Sure, there was a breeze blowing in a rain shower, but still, cooler outside than inside? I mean, please, we have had over a 100 degrees all week and most of us would rather take our computers and sit outside than in our windowless offices! And we can't possibly close the office. Oh no, that would be money down the drain if the attorneys can't bill time. Yeah well, I wonder how many of those attorneys will be working from home today and tomorrow?! Oh yeah, we got an email late yesterday afternoon saying that they are "loosening the dress code." I wore yesterday exactly what they said we could wear today! Uh, can you tell that I'm just a bit "steamed" and really don't want to be here? I guess I should be thanking my marathon training for preparing me for my 8:00-5:00 job, huh? Who'd a thunk it? I guess I'll be hydrating all day so I don't pass out on my keyboard!

Not much going on. . .

Except the heat! I can't believe how hot it is. Hopefully it will be better Saturday at 5:00 a.m. I went to Vicksburg after the run Saturday and spent the night with my sister and her family - my Mom was there too. I went to church with them Sunday and my 17-year old nephew sang a solo. . . oh my goodness, what an extraordinary treat! He was absolutely amazing! And such a sweet kid too.

I was a bit under the weather yesterday and stayed home from work. Back at work today, but I still don't feel like I'm fully recovered. Maybe those 24-hour bugs are now 48-hour bugs. LOL

Have a good week everyone! Remember to hydrate and don't overdo in this heat!

Mississippi Walk for Diabetes

On Sunday, October 21, 2007, Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc. will hit the road for a cure with Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes. (I know this is only 2 weeks after Chicago, but I'm sure all of you marathoners will be rested and can surely do a 5k by then.) I will be the Team Captain representing Watkins & Eager, my employer. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. and the 5k walk begins at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Farm Bureau located on I-220 at the Watkins Drive exit. If you participate with us, there will be no need for you to arrive in time for the registration; just show up for the 2:00 p.m. 5k and the following fun activities. This worthy cause raises money for diabetics in Mississippi and all donations (100%) stay in our state. This is an excellent opportunity to help and support family and friends with this disease. If you are interested in participating and/or making a donation, please let me know. We are also selling raffle tickets ($25) for a 2007 Honda Civic thanks to Patty Peck Honda. The drawing for the car is September 6. I will have the information with me tomorrow morning at Fleet Feet for the 9-mile walk/run or you can give me a call at my work number - 601-965-1886 or email me at sgold@watkinseager.com for more information. For those of you who have already expressed your interest in participating - THANK YOU!! This means so much to me since my husband was diagnosed with this incurable disease in 1988. The constant finger pricks, injections of just the right amount of insulin and managing proper diet are an everyday battle in his life. With the research and education provided by this Foundation, life for diabetics in Mississippi can be improved.
Tomorrow promises to be tough with extreme heat and humidity so take it slow and easy AND be sure to have your water bottles and a flashlight with you for the run. Take care and I'll see you there at 5:00 a.m. I'm so glad a live nearby! LOL

Not much. . .

Not much going on with me this week other than having to run errands every day after work. You see, my Saturdays are totally involved with this thing called Marathon Makeover. It is absolutely the most fun and best thing I have ever done for myself. Sure, occasionally I get a little disappointed that it didn't turn out exactly as I had planned but I'm staying with it in the hopes that next year will be my year. I have made so many wonderful new friends that I otherwise would never have even met. And talk about a learning experience. . .WOW! It just goes to show that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

The party Saturday night at Cathy and Charlie's was great fun! What wonderful hosts they are! Listen Marathoners. . . we cannot stop being friends after Chicago. We must stay in touch, keep on blogging, plan more get togethers and continue walking/running together. Being a part of this wonderful group is such a blessing in my life and I love you all.

Thank goodness we're only doing 9 miles this Saturday. With the temperature predicted to be 101, I hope we can make it the full 9 miles! SHUT UP Sheila!! We are marathoners and nothing can stop us now!! The goal is to Complete, not Compete!!!

My Turn. . .

Following Kayra's lead, here are some random tidbits about me. . .

~ I am the oldest of 2 girls (we're 12 years apart).

~ I fear falling out of airplanes. Since my Dad was a crop duster, I grew up in small airplanes and even learned to fly (never soloed). So it was really hard for me to understand why my oldest son would jump out of planes for fun!

~ I too love the mountains and my husband and I hope to live our final days near some.

~ No coffee for me. My drink of choice is a fountain Diet Coke.

~ I am a great holiday cook. I can really put on a spread for any occasion but that's the only time I like to cook.

~ I'm not a huge reader but I can get into a good book now and then. It's ironic that one of the attorneys I work with is writing a book titled "Flying Machines" and I'm helping him edit it. He recently went to the Oshkosh Airshow and actually found the T-6 my Dad restored and flew for several years. Just in case you don't know what a T-6 is, take a look at the picture below!

~ I learned to drive when I was 12 and my grandfather asked me to teach my cousin how to drive in his tiny Fiat in our cow pasture! LOL

~ Growing up, all I ever wanted to do was get married and have children. I actually had a savings account to "buy me a wedding." I was 6, what did I know!

~ I love to dance but don't do it much any more.

~ My favorite color is maroon, and not just because we're State fans.

~ I hate shopping except when I really NEED something. . .then I'll shop til I drop.

~ I've always dreamed of writing a book but it would have to be biographical and I don't think anyone would buy a book about me. . .LOL

~ I can't stand to look at sardines and raw oysters. . .YUK!

~ If money wasn't an issue, I would volunteer to teach conversational English. What a hoot it would be to have someone pick up my southern accent. LOL I've always wanted to go to Hollywood to teach actors how to speak with a southern accent. Some do okay, but others just don't have a clue.

~ I've moved around and lived in Louisiana, Mississippi, back to Louisiana, back to Mississippi, South Carolina and back to Mississippi. Whew!

~ I believe starting every day with a chance to get it right.

~ I hate it when someone lies to me. I won't lie to you, so you don't lie to me.

~ I love my job but also wish I had more time off to travel as well as spend time with my children and grandchildren.

Okay, you blogging marathoners - Your Turn!!

18 miles - WOW

Finally, I must be doing something right! According to my scales this morning, I have lost 4 pounds since Sunday! I know, I know, it's all water right now. I'll take whatever I can get for encouragement to keep it up. It's been so hot after work, I decided to give our indoor recumbent bike a try this week. I'm still having a few problems with my tailbone injury, so I was prepared to sit on a pillow if necessary. But I didn't need it and now I'm getting more exercise. Yea, Me!!
I'm looking forward to seeing everyone Saturday for the 18 miles and the party. Remember, don't push yourself too hard in this heat and humidity; hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more!
Blog on Marathoners!