Tuesday, June 24, 2008
20 mile training run (plus an additional 2km for a pee break)
Well this is a first..... I actually set the alarm to get up for a training run. I wanted to get the run done before the crazy heat of mid-afternoon.
I set off with all my gear in check and was on my way... I forgot to bring my cell phone and have lost my RoadID.
This will be the second RoadID that I have lost. I really suck. There would be no way for rescue people to identify my body..... hee hee. In all seriousness I believe that it's really important to have this sort of identification on.
Back to the run... It was a lovely morning... I was running along.... and BAM, I get hit in the face with a swarm of tiny bugs. What the hell kind of bugs are these? Hundreds just hover, in a couple of cubic feet, about 5 feet off the ground. What is their purpose? What makes them hang out in that one area? Wouldn't a tree or shrub be nicer? Grass is nice for bugs!!! I encountered about 4 of these bug masses on my run today. Note: If you are lucky enough to spot these pests first: hold your breath and squint your eyes and run right through them. If not, inhale them or eat them or get them in your eyes and hair.... What fun!!
I got to see a couple of rabbits frolicking... wish I had my phone to snap a picture.
At one point on my run I saw 2 men in the distance walking their dogs. There was a really tall, semi-built man, with a tiny dog. The humorous part was that he was carrying a grocery bag for poop scoopin'. He could have used a "snack baggie" for the poop that would have come out of that dog.... it made me smile! I ended up seeing the pair again, further into my run, and chatted with them for a minute whilst I gave the pups a pat on the head.
I had worn my Nathan hydration vest but I was running out of water. I really don't like the vest for summer use as the sweat just starts pouring off my back (almost immediately). Sometimes I get a heat rash from it... bleh! Anyways, I was very lucky that my friend Rick and his wife Tammy had given me permission to use the washroom facilities in their garage. They also gave me permission to help myself to the water in the fridge. I had to go a little out of my way (thus the additional 2km). No one was home and this was the first time that I took them up on the offer. I felt a bit strange but the pee and the splashing of water on my face was wonderful. I filled up my Nathan bladder with tap water... I didn't quite feel comfortable enough to just help myself in the fridge. Maybe next time!!!
I ended up running into Rick on my way home. He was completing his 12.7 mile walk. Thanks again Rick for the use of your facilities!!!!
Just a couple of other interesting things... I saw a small school bus that had been "Pimped". It was painted black and had flames on the hood and sides!!!! The S and H from the SCHOOL BUS sign that is above the windsheild were blackened out... giving us the COOL BUS!! What fun!! The second point of interest was that a minivan that was driving by and slowed right down. A woman poked her head out and gave me a thumbs up and said "Great job" (or something like that... can't remember now). I imagine she must have seen me running a few hours earlier. let me tell you how uplifting that was. I was feeling pretty crappy as my hip, ITB and knee were causing a fair bit of pain. I felt pretty good for a short while after that. Amazing how just a simple comment can help your mood and affect how you feel physically. A special thanks goes out to that woman... she'll never know how much her comment helped.
To complete this posting I must discuss my leg issue. Since my race I have been experiencing a lot of pain in my left. I can't ignore it any more. I don't want to become an injury that will prevent me from running my next race. I am not going to run for the next six days. I will try to fix this before I need medical assistance. Lots of ice and stretching and my foam roller!!! Wish me luck!!!
I set off with all my gear in check and was on my way... I forgot to bring my cell phone and have lost my RoadID.
This will be the second RoadID that I have lost. I really suck. There would be no way for rescue people to identify my body..... hee hee. In all seriousness I believe that it's really important to have this sort of identification on.
Back to the run... It was a lovely morning... I was running along.... and BAM, I get hit in the face with a swarm of tiny bugs. What the hell kind of bugs are these? Hundreds just hover, in a couple of cubic feet, about 5 feet off the ground. What is their purpose? What makes them hang out in that one area? Wouldn't a tree or shrub be nicer? Grass is nice for bugs!!! I encountered about 4 of these bug masses on my run today. Note: If you are lucky enough to spot these pests first: hold your breath and squint your eyes and run right through them. If not, inhale them or eat them or get them in your eyes and hair.... What fun!!
I got to see a couple of rabbits frolicking... wish I had my phone to snap a picture.
At one point on my run I saw 2 men in the distance walking their dogs. There was a really tall, semi-built man, with a tiny dog. The humorous part was that he was carrying a grocery bag for poop scoopin'. He could have used a "snack baggie" for the poop that would have come out of that dog.... it made me smile! I ended up seeing the pair again, further into my run, and chatted with them for a minute whilst I gave the pups a pat on the head.
I had worn my Nathan hydration vest but I was running out of water. I really don't like the vest for summer use as the sweat just starts pouring off my back (almost immediately). Sometimes I get a heat rash from it... bleh! Anyways, I was very lucky that my friend Rick and his wife Tammy had given me permission to use the washroom facilities in their garage. They also gave me permission to help myself to the water in the fridge. I had to go a little out of my way (thus the additional 2km). No one was home and this was the first time that I took them up on the offer. I felt a bit strange but the pee and the splashing of water on my face was wonderful. I filled up my Nathan bladder with tap water... I didn't quite feel comfortable enough to just help myself in the fridge. Maybe next time!!!
I ended up running into Rick on my way home. He was completing his 12.7 mile walk. Thanks again Rick for the use of your facilities!!!!
Just a couple of other interesting things... I saw a small school bus that had been "Pimped". It was painted black and had flames on the hood and sides!!!! The S and H from the SCHOOL BUS sign that is above the windsheild were blackened out... giving us the COOL BUS!! What fun!! The second point of interest was that a minivan that was driving by and slowed right down. A woman poked her head out and gave me a thumbs up and said "Great job" (or something like that... can't remember now). I imagine she must have seen me running a few hours earlier. let me tell you how uplifting that was. I was feeling pretty crappy as my hip, ITB and knee were causing a fair bit of pain. I felt pretty good for a short while after that. Amazing how just a simple comment can help your mood and affect how you feel physically. A special thanks goes out to that woman... she'll never know how much her comment helped.
To complete this posting I must discuss my leg issue. Since my race I have been experiencing a lot of pain in my left. I can't ignore it any more. I don't want to become an injury that will prevent me from running my next race. I am not going to run for the next six days. I will try to fix this before I need medical assistance. Lots of ice and stretching and my foam roller!!! Wish me luck!!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
P90X
I am really excited to start my P90X training program. Will start after I get back from vacation:) Unfortunately, I will have to modify the program to suit me. I had originally wanted to start... full force.... about 5 weeks after my race. I did not realize that I would have signed up for another run. I don't believe that I will have the amount of time, or energy, necessary to fit in both sets of training.
I must admit that I am fearful of the plymetrics (think that is what it is called). I don't respond well to repetitive jumping and bounding. I understand that this will help me become a better runner. Or crack my knees off:)
Here's me after P90X!!! tee hee... just kidding!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Changed the blog name... er... rather added on!
... seemed most appropriate to add "and beyond" since I have completed my first journey!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Toe update...
... Well I finally was able to paint the toenail and everything looked great! Today I decided to inspect the nail. It looks like the infection is clearing up. I also noted that the nail was only attached at the cuticle..... hmmmmmm..... I decide to start to wriggle the nail, to peek underneath and see how much I can do without causing more trauma or pain. After 10 minutes of wriggling and prying I realize that the toenail will be ripped off if I ever go it caught in anything...... I had to trim as much of it away as possible:(
It now looks very odd. The skin under the nail is torn up a bit and it is tender to the touch. I will be forced to wear a band aid if I want to wear some strappy sandals. I have heard that you can paint the skin to mimic a nail....ummmm... that just seems wrong. I think I will let the toe breathe.
After all is said and done the experience has been interesting. I really don't like the crumby looking feet part of running..... small price I suppose?
It now looks very odd. The skin under the nail is torn up a bit and it is tender to the touch. I will be forced to wear a band aid if I want to wear some strappy sandals. I have heard that you can paint the skin to mimic a nail....ummmm... that just seems wrong. I think I will let the toe breathe.
After all is said and done the experience has been interesting. I really don't like the crumby looking feet part of running..... small price I suppose?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Carmex Rocks!!!!!
I should start this out by saying that I used to be addicted to LipSmakers lip balms. I loved the scents and found myself applying it at least a dozen times a day. After a 10 year love affair, feeling a little rebellious, I ran out and purchased several different lip moisturizers. I hadn't realized that there were products out there that moisturized better and made my mouth happier. Happier than they had been in many years! I tried every sort of moisturizing balm and lip cream and ointment available to me. Some tingled, some tasted good, some were expensive, some cheap, some had a hint of colour but nothing came close to the wonderful perfect feeling of Carmex.
It's creamy but not too heavy, it moisturizes while not being to goopy, it has a subtle shine that is great for every day use. I am sooooo in love!!! I use the tube style during the day and use the little tub for bed time (TIP: you should moisturize your lips at night!!!)
I just found out that Carmex comes in a stick and that there are flavours!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!! I hope that Canada offers these wonderful additions for my lip care addiction. If not I will have to venture to the U.S. to procure some of these gems!!!!!
Note: Carmex can be purchased at Shopper's Drug Mart, WalMart, Zellers and probably many other places in Canada. They retail for about $3.50CDN.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
toenail
Just an update.... The Doc. put me on some antibiotics and sent me on my way! I will now paint it pink to match the rest and no one will be the wiser:)
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Damn that toe! Gross content.... not meant for the squeamish!
As you may have read during my 50 mile run I managed to stub my toe 4 times.... I didn't mention the fact that I found that there was a blister under the nail about 5 days later. I only found this out because my toe was very swollen and I pierced it with a sterile needle. I had expected blood to come out but was quite shocked when serum came out. I had only read about blister under toenails:) I drained the blister and cleaned the toe and that was that (It provided much relief). My toe kept draining daily for another week or so an I posted a question on the Dartmouth Listserve that I subscribe to. I was told that it can take a long time to heal and that I should be soaking my toe and keeping a bandaid on it.
I was very happy with the progress. It has almost been 3 weeks and I still can't wear heels, or most shoes for that matter. I have managed to smash my toe into everything so I figured that I would be healing very slowly.
By looking at the nail you can tell that it will fall out. I don't even know what is holding it to my skin. The nail is mostly white.. that is what happens when the nail pulls away from the skin. You can see some bruising through the nail. Looks like your average toe nail that is going to fall out!
Here's the gross part:
Last evening I was checking out the toe nail and noted that there was a foul smell, coming from it's general direction. I soon had my toenail up to my nose. Peeeeeeew! That was not a good sign. I noted that the skin under the nail was yellow and flaky. I pressed down on the nail and some yellowy, smelly pus came out! Gross!
I am not a Doctor but I deducted that a foul smell and coloured discharge was a sign of infection. I have made an appointment to see my Doctor (4 days time). I hope that I have caught the infection early enough (have heard horror stories involving hospital admittance and gangrene!)
Until then I will continue to soak the foot in sea salt (was supposed to purchase epsom salt but grabbed the wrong bag), and then apply peroxide, and try my best to keep the toenail dry and protected!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Big Bike Race (Raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation)
Here's a picture of the Casino Cares Team! I am near the back, wearing a visor, waving!!! What a fun ride:)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
After a 2 week break my training will start again today!
I will be participating in the World Alzheimer's day Run this September 20th. There will be a core group of 12 people who will run the entire 50 mile route in 12 hours. Others will join via relay groups or with shorter stints.
I am pretty excited about this as it is a local run. It will be held September 20th 2008 from 6 am to 6 pm. It starts in Lakeshore, Ontario and finishes in Amherstburg, Ontario!!
Information regarding this event can be viewed at www.alzheimerwindsor.com or just clicking on the picture on the top!
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Monday, June 9, 2008
Race report (Long and not the most interresting I've written)
Lets just start from the morning of..... wake up call was set for 4 a.m. but I woke up at 3:45. I got dressed, put the body glide on, put the blister covers on the toes most likely to blister, put hair up and back in a no-fuss ponytail fashion.
5:30 a.m. Race packet pick up.... picked up race packet and pinned my number on.... put the chip on my ankle. Placed my special needs bag in the designated area. Go to the bathroom and wash hands (one last time before race begins)
Race start.... 6a.m. quite light out... no need for the headlamp that I brought:) I stay very near to the back of the pack to see what everyone does!!! The gun goes off!!!!!!!! We start off with a nice easy pace and as soon as we reach the first hill everyone starts walking. I was never militant enough to practice walking during training. Because this race was so hilly I didn't have to worry about timing my walk breaks. Thank goodness!
The escarpment was quite beautiful. On the first lap I saw several deer.... one just stood still watching the runners pass by. I thought it was quite odd???!!! Shouldn't it run away? The course was marked but I was afraid to be left alone to navigate. I found that I had to really focus on the course and not let myself get into "the zone". It was a hard thing to do! The hills were so steep and frequent.... I knew that I was not prepared for the hills but I didn't realize that the hills were this bad!!!!!! I can't put into words how steep the hills were, both the ups and downs!!! I come from a very flat part of Ontario. There is a wee tiny hill about 20 minutes from my house that I thought was substantial enough to train on! For the record.... it is not!!!! I was noticing a hot spot on the ball of my left foot. Could not figure out why it had started.
When I realized that I was at the start/ finish area... thus having completed my first lap... I was very excited!!!! I took off some extra clothing as the weather was warmer and put some bandaids on a blister that was forming, well, it had actually formed but, I was pretending it wasn't there. I never get blisters on the ball of my feet... until today:)
I stopped 2 more times during the second lap to have my feet taped by a volunteer. More blisters had started.... I should have changed my trail shoes for running shoes after the first lap!! The extra bandaging helped out a lot! Note to self: bring tape for feet to next race. The second lap was the most difficult lap. My quads started to burn with all of the down hills and I was alone trying to navigate the route myself. Nearing the end of the lap I was wondering if my legs would hold out until the end. I never thought of quiting but I was pretty discouraged!!
Once again made it to the start/ finish. I found a real bathroom with running water and all!!! It felt great to wash my hands and face!! I changed my socks and shoes and drank a bottle of boost (had one every lap... worked well... I might add that my nutrition was pretty well managed.... at one point, when my quads were starting to cramp and burn. I thought that my electrolyte levels may be dropping. I took an Endurolyte and an Advil so I don't know which solution helped the situation. Maybe a combination of both?! :)
The third lap felt so much better. My feet were so happy to be in my running shoes!!! Unfortunately, I did manage to trip over a root and smash my big toe!! It throbbed for a good 20 minutes. When I thought it was all better..... I did it again. This process repeated itself until I had stubbed my right big toe 4 times!!!!! I knew that my toe was going to look real bad!!!!!!!! I actually cried a bit the fourth time!
During the third lap I cam upon a dynamic duo that were talking and laughing and really enjoying themselves!!! I stayed behind them and enjoyed listening to their banter!! It was a great way to pass the time! Eventually I started up conversation and stuck with them for the rest of the loop!!!
Fred and Gailanne are their names and I am so thankful for them letting me join them (horrible grammar... sorry:( ). Let's just say that the 3rd loop was so much better than the second!! The three of us made our way to the start/ finish area where I was going to take 10 minutes to get my potty break, wash my hands and face, and get some Boost in me, plus a little sit down time:)
Starting the last and final lap I was on my own... the "incredible twosome" only stayed a couple of minutes at the start/ finish. My goal was to catch up to them! I could keep my mind busy by thinking about catching them! That is when I ran into Greg (sorry if the name is not accurate). He was running his first 100 mile run. We had some time to chat and keep each other pressing forward. I have since learned that he was not able to finish the last 2 laps as he lost a toenail and the pain stopped him from continuing. I really feel for him:( Next time Greg!!!!
Back to me.... I really enjoyed this last loop (even though my quads were on fire). I got to thank all of the volunteers for their help!!! For my first Ultra I was really impressed at how special these people are. They are a different breed than the "marathon" volunteers. These people are so dedicated... many of them would be on the course for 24 hours! Thanks again to all of you!!!!!
I finally managed to catch up to my "twosome" ... hooray for me!!! I was really having a tough time of things. Each downhill causing more agony than the last! With the last 3 miles to go the "twosome" sped off on the downhills. I could not keep up... I ended up having to walk them. I was already so proud... I knew that I would finish, and that I would be my estimated time by leaps and bounds!
I ran through the finish line at 11 hours, 35 minutes, an 0 seconds!!!!! Andrew was there to put a special medal around my neck (they did not provide medals for the 50 mile event so Andrew had one made especially for me!).
Thanks to everyone who helped make the day very special for me! Thanks to Andrew and Mom for spending the weekend with me. Thanks to Janet for staying home with our babies so that we could go. Thanks to Alma, Denis, Laura and Danielle for taking the time to drive up to see me race. Thanks to all my family and friends who wished me luck and who thought about me during my run.
5:30 a.m. Race packet pick up.... picked up race packet and pinned my number on.... put the chip on my ankle. Placed my special needs bag in the designated area. Go to the bathroom and wash hands (one last time before race begins)
Race start.... 6a.m. quite light out... no need for the headlamp that I brought:) I stay very near to the back of the pack to see what everyone does!!! The gun goes off!!!!!!!! We start off with a nice easy pace and as soon as we reach the first hill everyone starts walking. I was never militant enough to practice walking during training. Because this race was so hilly I didn't have to worry about timing my walk breaks. Thank goodness!
The escarpment was quite beautiful. On the first lap I saw several deer.... one just stood still watching the runners pass by. I thought it was quite odd???!!! Shouldn't it run away? The course was marked but I was afraid to be left alone to navigate. I found that I had to really focus on the course and not let myself get into "the zone". It was a hard thing to do! The hills were so steep and frequent.... I knew that I was not prepared for the hills but I didn't realize that the hills were this bad!!!!!! I can't put into words how steep the hills were, both the ups and downs!!! I come from a very flat part of Ontario. There is a wee tiny hill about 20 minutes from my house that I thought was substantial enough to train on! For the record.... it is not!!!! I was noticing a hot spot on the ball of my left foot. Could not figure out why it had started.
When I realized that I was at the start/ finish area... thus having completed my first lap... I was very excited!!!! I took off some extra clothing as the weather was warmer and put some bandaids on a blister that was forming, well, it had actually formed but, I was pretending it wasn't there. I never get blisters on the ball of my feet... until today:)
I stopped 2 more times during the second lap to have my feet taped by a volunteer. More blisters had started.... I should have changed my trail shoes for running shoes after the first lap!! The extra bandaging helped out a lot! Note to self: bring tape for feet to next race. The second lap was the most difficult lap. My quads started to burn with all of the down hills and I was alone trying to navigate the route myself. Nearing the end of the lap I was wondering if my legs would hold out until the end. I never thought of quiting but I was pretty discouraged!!
Once again made it to the start/ finish. I found a real bathroom with running water and all!!! It felt great to wash my hands and face!! I changed my socks and shoes and drank a bottle of boost (had one every lap... worked well... I might add that my nutrition was pretty well managed.... at one point, when my quads were starting to cramp and burn. I thought that my electrolyte levels may be dropping. I took an Endurolyte and an Advil so I don't know which solution helped the situation. Maybe a combination of both?! :)
The third lap felt so much better. My feet were so happy to be in my running shoes!!! Unfortunately, I did manage to trip over a root and smash my big toe!! It throbbed for a good 20 minutes. When I thought it was all better..... I did it again. This process repeated itself until I had stubbed my right big toe 4 times!!!!! I knew that my toe was going to look real bad!!!!!!!! I actually cried a bit the fourth time!
During the third lap I cam upon a dynamic duo that were talking and laughing and really enjoying themselves!!! I stayed behind them and enjoyed listening to their banter!! It was a great way to pass the time! Eventually I started up conversation and stuck with them for the rest of the loop!!!
Fred and Gailanne are their names and I am so thankful for them letting me join them (horrible grammar... sorry:( ). Let's just say that the 3rd loop was so much better than the second!! The three of us made our way to the start/ finish area where I was going to take 10 minutes to get my potty break, wash my hands and face, and get some Boost in me, plus a little sit down time:)
Starting the last and final lap I was on my own... the "incredible twosome" only stayed a couple of minutes at the start/ finish. My goal was to catch up to them! I could keep my mind busy by thinking about catching them! That is when I ran into Greg (sorry if the name is not accurate). He was running his first 100 mile run. We had some time to chat and keep each other pressing forward. I have since learned that he was not able to finish the last 2 laps as he lost a toenail and the pain stopped him from continuing. I really feel for him:( Next time Greg!!!!
Back to me.... I really enjoyed this last loop (even though my quads were on fire). I got to thank all of the volunteers for their help!!! For my first Ultra I was really impressed at how special these people are. They are a different breed than the "marathon" volunteers. These people are so dedicated... many of them would be on the course for 24 hours! Thanks again to all of you!!!!!
I finally managed to catch up to my "twosome" ... hooray for me!!! I was really having a tough time of things. Each downhill causing more agony than the last! With the last 3 miles to go the "twosome" sped off on the downhills. I could not keep up... I ended up having to walk them. I was already so proud... I knew that I would finish, and that I would be my estimated time by leaps and bounds!
I ran through the finish line at 11 hours, 35 minutes, an 0 seconds!!!!! Andrew was there to put a special medal around my neck (they did not provide medals for the 50 mile event so Andrew had one made especially for me!).
Thanks to everyone who helped make the day very special for me! Thanks to Andrew and Mom for spending the weekend with me. Thanks to Janet for staying home with our babies so that we could go. Thanks to Alma, Denis, Laura and Danielle for taking the time to drive up to see me race. Thanks to all my family and friends who wished me luck and who thought about me during my run.
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