Friday, November 20, 2009

Mile A Day

After debating back and forth with myself on twitter on whether or not to run today, I ended up running just before the rain storm came in. I can thank Tom and Abby for that motivation. The look on their faces when I told them we were not going to run this morning! Oh, they were too heartbroken. So running I went.

Today I took some notes. I noticed first that I had some intense pressure in my head. It's more like between my ears and it makes everything sound really muffled. I wonder why that happens? It's like I'm being strangled, only I'm not.

I also took my pulse ox with me so I could see how badly I was de-satting even on 5 freaking liters of o2. Well I mostly stayed at 91% which isn't bad, but it's a far cry from how well I feel at 95% and the lowest dip was right when I ended and practically keeled over from breathing so hard, at 89%.

My time also suffered today, but I'm going to blame that on the wind. it was quite windy and I think that slows me down. My 1 mile time was 13:07 today.

So when's it going to get easy?

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Mile A Day

So I've been doing this Mile A day thing for about a week I think. I took some time off when I flew to San Diego. I don't have any way to transport my oxygen tanks when I travel in the air, so I get to take breaks off running when I vacation.

Today I ran my mile in 12:56. I'm not impressed with the time, but considering the amount of ground I covered while walking, I think it's ok. I wish I could get under 12 minutes. I always set out with high expectations. I run and it feels great for about 40 seconds. How sad is that? FORTY SECONDS. That's about the amount of time it takes for my sats to drop.

I was telling Paul the other day that running with such low oxygen sats is really hard and I feel like I can't breathe in deep at all. I'll have to video tape it sometime so you can see how much I struggle. Sometimes I get really panicky like I'm never going to be able to catch my breath. I didn't have the same panic while I was jogging, training for my 5K. I think it's the extra exertion that causes the extreme breathlessness that only someone with chronic lung disease can appreciate. It kinda sucks. I miss the days of breathing effortlessly!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

One Year Checkup

It's been a year since I started this blog. Well, to be exact, it's been 51 weeks.

I started on this exercise trek to improve my FEV1 and today I have the results one year later. Drum roll please:

November 7, 2008
("lung capacity") FEV1 1.43 Liters (45%)
(smaller airways) FEF 25-75% 0.77 Liters (23%)

November 10, 2009
FEV1 1.38 Liters (44%)
FEF 25-75% 0.59 Liters (18%)

Over the course of the year, my highest FEV1 was in May at 1.49 Liters (47%) and my highest FEF 25-75% was in February at 0.85 Liters (25%)

Was it worth it? I don't know. It sure was a heck of a lot of work only to NOT improve one bit. The moral of the story is, I'm a 33 year old Cystic with unrecoverable lung damage. My lung age is 102 years old. I should get a medal for that at least.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

A Mile a Day, Take Two

Today I ran my mile, just as I promised, even though it would have been so easy not to do it. I figured since I will not get a chance to run while I'm in San Diego, Friday-Sunday, I might as well make the most of my week here before I go. (I can't run in San Diego while I'm visiting friends because I can't bring my tanks on the plane.)

Today I brought my pulse oximeter with me to find out why I felt so ill during the second half of my run yesterday. Turns out the first minute or two my oxygen saturation stays pretty stable. It drops from 100% on 5 liters to 95%. That is totally NORMAL! But then it continues to drop the more and more I push myself. So even though I'm still on 5 liters of O2 my sats decrease to 90% and they stay there. That is really interesting because I'm sucking on a whole lot of oxygen! 5LPM is a massive dose and it's the highest output my tank has.

I may have to re-think/re-organize my plan to continue to run like this. Obviously, running 1 mile on 90% is not going to kill me today, but I may be doing damage to my heart in the long run. The good news is my HR is pretty stead in the 160's which is pretty normal for me, even during my jog. That probably has a lot to do with the oxygen not dipping below 90%. I know from experience once I get into the 80's my HR also jumps into the 180's.

Today's time was better than yesterday at 12 minutes 29 seconds!

I have 4 more days to experiment with this mile a day project. Stay tuned!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Post Race Run 2 & 3

I ran 2 miles on Sunday, October 11 in 28 minutes and 56 seconds. I know! I hardly believe it myself. That was like lightning fast. I had to double check the mileage when I got home. I thought maybe I inadvertently cheated.

Today was a different story. I set out at 11AM after the twins were in school and it was kinda muggy out. Apparently me + humidity = disaster. It was a rough start, then about a half mile in I was ok but after 1 mile I was feeling like I couldn't breathe. I continued until I hit about 1.4 miles and then I gave up.

I swear I was on the verge of having a panic attack. I just felt like the air I was breathing in had no oxygen in it. I mean, frankly, that's pretty normal when I'm running, but I figure it's a mind over matter thing and I huff and puff my way through 2 miles. Today was no dice. I could not make it. I could not force myself to believe everything was ok and I would not suffocate to death so I stopped and walked the rest of the way home. Maybe it was the humidity, maybe it was my mind freaking out. I don't know what it was except that it was hard and I hope it doesn't happen next time!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Post Race Run 1

Dear Running Enthusiasts,

When oh when is running going to be fun and exciting and easy? When oh when am I going to look forward to it, get those mysterious endorphins and all that extra energy? Why oh why do I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep the rest of the day after a short jog? Running has failed me. I've been running for 4 months and it's not easy.

Every.

Single.

Breath.

Every.

Single.

Step.....

... is HARD! The whole time I'm out there I concentrate on drawing the deepest breath possible. But the whole time I'm out there I feel like I'm drowning.

If you have a magic tip, other than a double lung transplant, I'm all ears!

Thanks!

Love,
Tara


Seriously. Today was just as hard as the first day. I went out and pushed myself to try and get a better time. I figured since I don't plan on expanding my distance more than 3.1 miles, I might as well work on my time. I did do better than Sunday, but I didn't blow any records out of the water. I ran 2.0 miles in 30 minutes and 35 seconds. I think I've made that time before. Sometimes, rarely, it feels a teeny tiny bit effortless, but for the most part I dread going, I dread every step while I'm out there and I collapse at the finish line.

When's it supposed to get easier? When will I get increased lung function? I'm stuck at 45% for the last year and it's getting old. Boo.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

5K Day!

Pictures from the event can be found HERE!

My 5K morning started out at 5:45 AM. It was a sloppy start, as I didn't hear the alarm right away, and then when I did hear it, my arm wasn't working. It was asleep from the shoulder to the elbow, so I could not move it at all! I kept trying and trying and in my fog of bewilderment I could not figure out that all I had to do was sit up and use my other arm.

I got a quick shortened treatment in. Just some xopenex and hypertonic saline with the vest for 25 minutes. After a quick change into my running clothes and a small bowl of cereal, we were out the door at 6:30AM! Tom and Abby were fast asleep in their beds while Auntie Rachel spent the night and agreed to babysit for us. It was a huge help! I'm not sure Tom and Abby would have enjoyed the 51 degree temperature or the pre-dawn hour.

While we were lined up waiting for the 5K start we bumped into Sacramento's mayor, former NBA player, Kevin Johnson. I asked him if he would take a photo with us and he obliged! Pictures from the event can be found HERE!

Our race started a few minutes late, but eventually we were off! My sister, Dani, and my college buddy, Tamiko, ran my pace with me. Part of the time they could actually walk and still keep up with my 16 minute mile pace. Tamiko would run ahead from time to time to snap photos of me during the race. I can't wait to see them.

When I saw the 1 mile mark, I was thinking, "that's it?! We've only gone ONE mile?" But on we trudged. Passing some walkers, being passed by other walkers. Eventually my legs got into a groove and I ran the whole way! My right hip (bursitis) was bothering me, but it was not debilitating, so I didn't have to walk. It's probably going to be more inflamed and painful tomorrow.

For the last tenth of a mile I was able to speed up for a strong finish. Running through the crowds of people cheering me on was amazing! First I saw the twins' preschool teachers, Miss Mim and Miss Pahla. Then I was surprised to find another face in the crowd cheering me on, Linda, a respiratory therapist I met in 1984 at Cystic Fibrosis summer camp. I did run into her around town once, so I know she's local and it was great to hear her yelling my name! Then came the support group of friends. Paul was there (he finished way before me) and Laura and Jen brought signs and streamers! And lastly there were my in-laws right as I was crossing the finish line. They came out at 7:30 in the morning and stood in the freezing cold to watch me run.

What a day!

Laura, Jen, Paul and I went to Fox and Goose for a big celebratory breakfast afterwards. I came home and tried to be functional. I gave up around 1PM and retired to my room. Much to my surprise I woke up around 4:30! Boy was I wiped out from the longest week in history with 2 birthday parties planned and attended, topped off by a 5K this morning.

I ended up beating my goal by 3 seconds per mile. I was aiming for 16 minute miles, and I pulled down 15:57 per mile. My total running time was 49:26. I came in 766th out of 924 participants in the 5K and I believe I was the only one wearing an oxygen tank! Paul did much better, and even beat the former NBA player, now mayor of Sacramento, Kevin Johnson. Paul placed 96th overall and finished the race in 25:51.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Tomorrow is THE DAY!

Tomorrow is the 5K. I ran 3 times this week. I did 2 practice 5K runs in 49:21 and 50:35. Thursday was my last day to train for the 5K and I took it slow, about 1.75 miles in 28 minutes.

My hips are bugging me, but I don't think it's slowing me down. It's more painful a couple days after I run. I thought about taking prednisone just for the race day because it makes me feel so fantastic, but I think I have talked myself out of it. I know it's only 1 pill but the mood swings, high blood sugars and insomnia don't seem to appealing to have to deal with tomorrow. Plus I want to go all out and eat a big stinking breakfast after the 5K, and I can't eat real syrup while on prednisone because it drives my blood sugar bonkers.

Other than having to get up at the crack of dawn, I think it's actually before dawn cracks, I'm looking forward to the race. I just hope I don't piss people off by getting in their way and running too slow.

Wish me luck!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Countdown to Cowtown T Minus 15 Days

Today I set out to run 3 miles


...and


I did it! The time was not that spectacular, nearly 50 minutes. I think I started out too fast. As I was barely a block away I checked my oxygen saturations and they were 90, on 5 liters of o2. I haven't brought my pulse ox with me in a long time, so that might be a normal dip in the beginning of the run. I slowed it down a bit and the sats plateau'd around 95 and my HR varied between 150 and 165. This is much better than the 175's I was seeing early in my training.

I'm nervous, but I think I'm ready to race! 15 days to go!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Countdown to Cowtown T Minus 19 Days

So as you can see from the title, I've completed my training course of 24 days of running this summer. I started in June I think. Wow, that took a long time! For the next 2 weeks I'll be trying not to catch any nasty cold viruses and keeping up with my training so I'll be ready for the big race day on October 4.

Today I set out to finally run 3.0 miles. And...... *drum roll please* I DID IT!!! Not only did I do it, I blew all my previous times out of the water. I made it 3.0 miles this morning in 47 minutes and 34 seconds. That's approximately a 16 minute mile. I haven't been able to keep that pace for the whole run yet, so I was quite proud of myself.

However, today's run was hard. My legs were ok, but I felt like every time I breathed in I was gasping for air. It wasn't a shortness of breath feeling it was just a small lung feeling. It's the feeling I get when I need to take a deeper breath than I can physically take. I feel like something is stopping short of taking a full breath. So I end up kinda panting the whole way. It's not a fun way to run. I hope it was just a fluke and it'll get easier as these next 2 weeks go on. I figure I have about 6 more trips out to practice my running before the big race. Wish me luck!

Running Day 24 of 24

On Friday the twins have a half day at school which means they go to school for the exact same amount of time, 3 hours and 31 minutes, however they have to start at 8AM. Although I was dreading getting out of bed so early, I took the opportunity to do my run after I dropped them off. I started from the school, so my route was a little messed up. I tried to guess to make it exactly 3 miles and when I got home I tracked it on a map and it was only 2.78 miles. I was so disappointed because it felt really good and relatively easy. I could have easily kept going! I managed to make it home in 50 minutes and 28 seconds. Which is another reason I thought I'd gone the full 3 miles. But instead I was running 18 minute miles. No wonder it was so easy! Ugh.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Running Day 23 of 24

Today, 2 days after my return to running I set out to run 3.0 miles again. I set myself up on a route where I could shorten the distance if need be. I made it to the 1.5 mile mark and started to feel the hip giving me tiny twinges of pain so I decided to take the shorter route home. I ended up being able to run the whole way, 2.1 miles in 32 minutes 54 seconds. Not too shabby! Now if only I could make it all 3 miles!

The run felt really rough though. I think because I ran so much 2 days ago my legs were still tired. It was just so hard to keep going. It was just one step at a time today.

26 days until the Cowtown 5K!

Running Day 22 of 24

I finally got back to running after about a week reprieve on Sunday, September 6. I set out to run 3.0 miles and made it 2.4 miles before the old bursitis kicked in. Turns out I have an inflamed bursa, a fluid filled sac on the outer hip region. I was running in the bike lane, facing traffic for weeks and I think the small incline where my right leg was always on higher ground was taking it's toll.

On Sunday I changed my route to less travelled streets and ran in the middle of the road where it's flat. I got much further than my 1 or 1.5 miles before the old hip gave me problems. I actually made it 2.4 miles on Sunday! I was bummed I didn't make it the whole way, but I had to listen to my body and slow down when it was hurting. I made it home in 50 minutes and 14 seconds.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Running Day 21 of 24

Today I attempted to run 2.5 miles again and failed. I made it 1.5 miles and then had hip pain. It's very sharp, almost like shooting nerve pains. I guess I need some serious hip flexer exercises. I don't really know what a hip flexer is, but it sounds like something I need help with.

I decided to walk until the pain went away. Well it never went away and at some points I could barely hobble! I seriously thought about hitch-hiking home, it was so bad. It took me 22 minutes to limp the last mile home. It was so sad. So I made it home in 47 minutes and 53 seconds. Ugh. I hope next time is better. I'm thinking about running 10 minutes, walking 5, running 10, walking 5 etc all the way to see if that helps next time. My first mile was slow today as well, 15:50 or so. But I felt pretty good until that 1.5 mile mark.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Running Day 20 of 24

Tuesday was running day. I had the same route as last time, 2.5 miles, no intended breaks. Around the 1.25 mile mark I HAD to walk for a quarter mile. My right hip was killing me again. I have gained some experience in this running adventure. When it hurts, stop running. And this HURT! Like limping hurt. Like thinking about hitch hiking hurt. I walked it off for a quarter mile and then began my jog again. I walked another little bit toward the end, but finished strong, or weak, however you want to call it. My time ended up being 40 minutes and 17 seconds, which was over 3 minutes faster than last time! My first mile was only 14:50, which is also my fastest to date.

It was a weird day on Tuesday because that wasn't the only exercise I got. Between the quarter mile walk taking the twins to Kindergarten, the quarter mile to walk home, the quarter mile to pick them up and the quarter mile to take them home, I walked an additional mile that afternoon. Then as soon as the kids were home we headed directly to the California State Fair. Now there was quite a bit of walking but also quite a bit of standing totaling a 4 hour adventure. Let's just say 2 days later, I think my legs have almost recovered.

Wednesday morning I walked the twins to school and had to limp nearly the whole way. My knees were killing me and I couldn't figure out why. MOTRIN! I had forgotten to take my early morning dose of 800mg motrin. I take this sucker 3 times a day to reduce inflammation in my lungs. It had the added bonus to mostly numb general aches and pains as well. Apparently all this running is killing my legs, but as long as I can ignore it with my motrin, I'll keep on running!

Last but not least, Paul and I signed up for the Sacramento CowTown Marathon last night! We will be running the 5K portion on Sunday, October 4. He won't be running with me but I'm sure we'll start together and then he'll have time to knit a sweater when he's done, waiting for me to cross the finish line in about double his time. I'm aiming for under 1 hour here folks. I think I can do it. The course record is 15 minutes. Definitely sure I won't be breaking that one!

Since the knees and hips hurt I've decided to take a short hiatus from running. I'll be taking the week off, picking it back up for my final 2.5 mile run, and then final 3 days of training next week. See you al then! in the mean time, happy exercising!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Running Day 19 of 24

Yesterday (Saturday) was rough. I was supposed to increase my route by .25 miles, totaling 2.5 miles. This number, TWO AND A HALF MILES seemed daunting to me and I don't know why. But alas I strapped on my oxygen tank and my running shoes and hit the pavement Saturday morning.

The first mile went ok, in about 15:10, I can't fully remember the time now. My body felt good, but I felt really slow. I was on a new route so it was hard for me to tell exactly where I was. I like to know how far I've gone and how much further I have to go to hit my milestones like 1 mile, 2 miles etc. Since the route was new, I knew where the 1 mile mark was, but nothing in between.

The next half mile was murder. It felt like three miles. I wasn't sore or anything I just wanted nothing more than to be done with my run.

Then I got to the 1.5 mile mark and my right hip joint started hurting again. I ran some more for another minute or so and it still hurt so I listened to my body, a new thing I'm trying out, and stopped running. I started walking until it didn't hurt anymore and continued this pattern of running/walking for the rest of the 1 mile home. My total run/walk time was about 41 minutes. I'll have to check my stopwatch later today and edit this post.

It sucked because I was so disappointed after having run a great run 3 days earlier, a whole 2.25 miles, and now I couldn't repeat it. My hip doesn't hurt today, so that's a good sign. When I ran through it last Sunday it hurt for a few days! So I'm glad I listened to my body and hopefully I'll be ready for my next 2.5 mile run on Monday or Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Running Day 18 of 24

I can't believe I only have 6 more days of running to complete my training course!

I was dreading today because there was no walking period built into the program. If it was going to be every bit as hard as it was on Sunday, I thought for sure I was going to struggle.

But guess what? It was relatively easy! I ran 2.25 miles straight without stopping in 36 minutes and 21 seconds! I'm not particularly proud of the time, but I'm going for endurance here, not speed. On Sunday I had some right hip joint pain, but not so much today, only the last tenth of a mile or so did I even start to feel it. Whereas on Sunday I felt it for the last mile!

I think this might mean I'm a runner now. Watch out Cowtown Marathon. Here I come! Ok, I'm only training for the 5K that day, but I think I might actually have the balls to sign up now.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Running Day 17 of 24

I wasn't looking forward to today because the runs are getting harder and harder. On my plate today was a 1 mile jog, 1/4 mile walk and another 1 mile jog to finish off the 2.25 mile route.

The first mile went really good! 15 minutes and 30 seconds later I was ready to walk! I walked really slow to regain some strength because I'd never run a second mile in the same day. Everything went pretty well until the last quarter mile or so. I started overheating again and I felt a little dizzy. I checked my pulse ox and it was great at 93%. My HR had settled around 170-174 for most of the run, but at this point when I was feeling a little dizzy it was 181. I did my best to slow my jog down, but really how much slower can you get than 4 mph?

I ended up making it the whole way in 37 minutes and 10 seconds. (15:30 for the first mile, 5:30 for the quarter mile walk and 16:10 for the last mile) Considering it was my first shot at running 2 miles in one stretch, I think it's pretty good! I'd really love to cut my time down. Maybe that will come in the next few weeks.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Running Day 16 of 24

Today was a bit rushed. I got up early, 7AM, got my treatments done, ate breakfast, put on my running gear and... waited. The twins were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake them. Well they finally stirred around 9AM after I'd been ready for a good half hour! So I got them fed and dressed and out the door we went.

I was meant to jog/walk 2.25 miles today, but instead I followed the minutes guide, instead of the mileage guide because I didn't have that much time. I was supposed to cover 2.25 miles in 24 minutes, but instead I covered 1.60 miles in 24 minutes.

Today was the beginning of week 6. I jogged for 5 minutes, walked for 3, jogged for 8, walked for 3, jogged for 5. And then I was done! I would have needed to add about 15 more minutes to cover the extra ground and since the twin slept in so late I just didn't have the extra time. I had to get going to get my teeth cleaned at the dentist. Even more fun than running!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Rewind... Day 15 of 24

Today I set out to complete my 2 mile run. I bought a running backpack at REI yesterday. You should have seen me. Seriously, I was in the store with my o2 tank, stuffing it into random backpacks, strapping them on in the middle of the aisles and jumping up and down to see how they felt. I didn't find anything I liked for a long time. I was about to give up when I found an REI brand on a different aisle that didn't come with a hydration bladder. Perfect! Only $40 too! It's really nice and padded, it has a buckle on the top of my chest over my boobs and a buckle around my waist.

When I put the pack on today I could tell it was going to be great because my shoulders didn't really bare any of the weight. It was all at the bottom of the pack sitting on my waist. It was wonderful! Whoever invented this thing should get a raise.

I ended up running... get this.... an ENTIRE FREAKING MILE! Yes! I did it! I ran a WHOLE mile in 15 minutes. Then I turned around to set home and started walking. I walked for 3 minutes and began to jog again. Then I ended up walking for 3 more minutes sometime between the half mile mark and home. But all in all, I got my 2 miles done in 31:30 and 25:30 of that was running! The longest period of time I've run EVER!

The hard part was the time of day I ran. I didn't get ready until just after 9AM and it's supposed to be 100 degrees today so it was a bit hot, in the 70's. I started getting this piercing headache after about 1/2 mile into the run. And then the chills started about the time I got to the 1 mile mark. My head felt so hot I thought it was going to explode. Hopefully my body will just get used to this level of exercise and I won't have this problem next time.

I got home and downed a huge glass of water, took a cold shower and then pretty much passed out in bed for an hour. I just couldn't move. I'm still pretty drained but after having some lunch I'm feeling a little better. And my headache is gone.

Running Day 15 of 24

Friday I set out to jog 2 miles straight. I brought my tiniest oxygen tank with me, in some random backpack I had lying around in the closet. Well, about a half mile into the job my neck started getting tired of the weight. It wasn't even my heavy tank! The small one is about 3 pounds, the bigger tank is about 5 to 6 pounds.

I ended up getting 3/4 of a mile down the road in 11 minutes 30 seconds and then I had to stop and walk. I huffed and puffed my way to the end of the block, which is exactly 1 mile from my house. Then I ran into a guy from Pakistan, no joke. He wanted information on the library. Unfortunately he didn't understand what I was saying when I was trying to tell him the library was closed. I think I said it 3 times. He went on and on about who I was, (married with kids) and the fact that I don't work and how great that is that I get to stay home with the kids. Yeah, but I'm trying to work out here!

After minute 20 my tank ran out of o2. So I guess that means the teeny tiny tank is no good for my runs since it only lasts 20 minutes. I'll have to pull out the bigger one, which, in my estimation, may last me 3 times as long.

I ended up back at the house around minute 35. I walked the rest of the way home and decided I would try to complete my 2 miles next time.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Oxygen Tanks

Today my DME (durable medical equipment) sent a guy over here with a small 5 pound portable oxygen tank. I put it in a backpack, turned it on, and started running. The rep from the DME didn't want to stay that long and just wanted me to walk around the house at first. I told him that was no good. I wanted to run to see if this thing works for me. Then he said I can walk up and down the street. I'm like, "no, I want to go for a jog. Just like I would on a real workout day." So I strapped the kids in their bike helmets, they hopped on their bikes and we went for a short half mile jog.

Surprisingly, pulse flow 2 liters per minute was nowhere near enough oxygen while I was jogging. I jogged the whole way, since we weren't going that far. By the time I got back to the house my sats had plateaued at 85%. I started noticing half way through the run that it was getting harder and harder to breathe. I thought maybe it was just because I hadn't run since Friday. But as soon as I looked at the pulse ox I knew I had good reason to feel so crappy. I may as well have not been wearing o2! The good news is, he "approved me" so I can get my own tanks and play with the settings soon. I hope I get the tanks today or tomorrow, so I can increase the flow and go for a real workout soon.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Day 14 of 24

Today I was in a bit of a hurry, so i followed the minute flow chart and didn't worry about how much ground I was covering (or not.) I ran 8 minutes, walked 5 and ran 8. It was the longest single period of time I had run, EVER! Well, since I started this project anyway. I believe I made it somewhere between 1.2 and 1.4 miles. According to my plan, this was supposed to cover 2 miles. So we're slowly getting there. There's no way I'm going to be able to cover as much ground as they want me to, as fast as they want me to. So I'm proud of myself regardless. I ran 8 freaking minutes in a row. TWICE today! Yes, I'm a rockstar.

Fast Forward Day 13 of 24

Wednesday, July 29

I fast forwarded through "week 4" because I was trying to rush out the door today and the run seemed so complicated, I almost needed a piece of paper to write it all down. Week 5 was much easier to remember, so that's what I ran.

The first day of week 5 seemed daunting. I had to run 5 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 5, walk 3 and run 5. I was supposed to cover a half mile in that 5 minutes. Since I knew I ran slower than that, I actually ran 6 minutes, walked 3, ran 6, walked 3 and ran 6. In that time I was supposed to cover a total of 2 miles and I ended up covering 1.5 miles. I didn't want to overdo it TOO much, and since this is the furthest ground I've covered in a long time, as well as the longest running span of 6 minutes I decided not to push it.

I took the twins with me and they rode their bikes. Abby was none too pleased to be riding a whole 1.5 miles. Wait until we cover more ground eventually!

Day 10 of 24

Monday, July 27

Today was interesting because I went to the doctor office to run with their pulse oximeter that records my oxygen saturation so I could prove to my insurance company that I am de-satting while I run.

Well w/in the first minute my o2 sats were 88. Go me! They ended up ranging from 84-88 for most of my run. That oughtta do it! I get fitted with a pulse flow dose oxygen canister next Wednesday to make sure that works for me. (as opposed to a bigger bulkier system with a continuous flow tank)

Rewind... Day 9 of 24

Saturday July 25

Today was the last day of my "repeat week. I jogged 90 seconds, walked 90 seconds, jogged 3 minutes, walked 3 minutes and repeated this on the way home. I don't remember anything spectacular about this run, except that I got it in, which was good!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Rewind... Running Day 8 of 24

Today went rather nicely! I was a bit surprised because for the second time I had to bring the twins with me. This time I decided to tell them about the rules of the road and how to use a bike lane and to just follow close to mama instead of packing the car with their bikes and driving to a dirt track. We all know how that turned out last time anyway!

We are in a residential neighborhood, but I like to run on the main road which is 35 mph. It's not very well traveled at this hour in the morning though. I think 7 cars passed us the whole time. Heck, we saw more joggers than cars! I think the high school cross country team was training because in addition to adults there were scores of teenagers running. We probably passed 30 runners on our 18 minute route this morning at 9 AM.

Even with the twins in tow, it went very smooth. We did just one mile I think. I jogged 90 seconds, walked 90 seconds, jogged 3 minutes, walked 3 minutes and then we turned around and repeated that on the way home. My sats kinda surprised me. I was able to get to the magic number of 88 before my 6th minute. This is important so I can hopefully sometime soon obtain portable oxygen tanks to take running with me.

In order for insurance to allow portable oxygen you have to flunk what they call "the 6 minute walk test". So in 6 minutes you have to cover as much ground as possible and have your saturations drop below 89%. And I did it today! Which means, I can probably repeat this at the doctor's office and get it recorded on paper so I can have proof that I definitely need portable oxygen. Isn't that stupid? My doctor ALREADY prescribed this oxygen but my durable medical equipment company will not fill the prescription because they won't get paid by my HMO until I have this proof.

So in the mean time I'm damaging my heart while I train for my 5K. I was kinda surprised to look at the pulse ox today during my last 3 minute jog and see 85%, the lowest I have seen during my workouts. I didn't even feel like I was below 90. And let me tell you, it's NOT easy to work out in this condition. I liken it to having a normal person try and work out using only a straw to draw in your breath through your mouth. Try it! It's fun! If it's too easy and you're not gasping, get a smaller straw.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Rewind... Running Day 7 of 24

So after my knees started hurting a week ago, Monday, I was advised to take a rest from running. They mostly recovered by the time I picked it back up, 6 days later, on Sunday. I was also advised not to increase my workout just yet and repeat the same week I just finished. So we're back on week 3 (days 7, 8 and 9 of my 24 day plan).

I felt decent during my run, but my knees still hurt a tiny bit. I was really concentrating on my knees and trying to run so steady, and not knock kneed. My knees are not exactly knocking together, but my glutes and quads need strengthening in order to accomplish proper form. I'm definitely working on it with two special stretches/exercises from my physical therapist friend that is giving me all this advice.

I am also in the process of getting oxygen tanks and a special backpack to carry them in while I run. The problem is, my insurance company needs proof that I'm de-satting like I do while I'm running. A prescription from the doctor is not enough, even though that's what I have! It's insane that they don't just trust the doctor on this. It's like pulling teeth to get what you need with an HMO, but alas, I'm used to it.

I'll probably have to go into my docs office w/ my running gear and steal his huge heavy pulse ox and take it for a run with me to record my sats. I don't think there will be any other way. My hospital does not have a treadmill as far as I know. It will be interesting!

My next running day will probably be Thursday. I won't have oxygen yet, obviously, so I guess it's best that I'm not increasing my workout. So I'll do more of the same which is 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running, 3 minutes walking... and repeat that cycle.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Running Day 9 of 24

Today was the first day of my running project where I had to bring the twins with me. It was nothing short of a disaster. I woke up at 7:30 so that meant I had 2 hours and 20 minutes to get my treatments done, eat, feed the twins, get the twins dressed, drive to a track, run, drive home, take a shower, change the twins into their bathing suits and wet suits AND put sunscreen on them. Whew! Are you tired yet?

Well we made it with zero minutes to spare.

The actual run was interesting because this is the first time I was at a track so I could test out exactly how fast or slow my pace was. It turns out I am running about a 16:00 minute mile, which is pretty sad!

That bad news is, the track was flooded in some parts which meant it was ultra muddy! This also meant that the twins on their bikes and training wheels got stuck in the mud from time to time so I had to take the time to huff and puff and pull them out and try to explain to them how to get around the mud.

Then on my last running trip of 1/4 mile Abby was upset with me because she was tired so she just stopped at the other end of the track, opposite of where we needed to exit. When I was finished Tom was with me and I asked him to go get Abby who was still pouting 1/8 of a mile away. Instead of riding his bike, this kid ran! Boy did he run! He ran all the way to his sister, helped her turn around and ran all the way back. I don't even think he was out of breath. This kid is a machine! I'm thinking about having him train for the 5K with me! I really think he'd be quite good at it.

Wednesday is my next running day and it's a new routine, so we'll see if I can keep up! Wish me luck!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Running Day 8 of 24

Today was really tough. It was the same routine, week 3 which is 90 seconds running, 90 seconds walking, 3 minutes running, 3 minutes walking, repeat. I did ok, but was really lagging up until the second 3 minute run. 2 minutes into it, I HAD to stop. I stopped and leaned over onto my knees to rest for about 10 seconds, then picked it back up and stopped about 10 seconds early. I just could NOT keep up. it was so hard.

Now I did track my route in the car the other day and it's 1.2 miles. So I'm running/walking that route in 20 minutes, which is terrible if you ask me! nearly a 20 minute mile? I can WALK faster than that! But when I jog I get so worn out, my resting "walk" to catch my breath REALLY slows me down. Not to mention the jogging itself is really slow.

Ugh, so I'm frustrated that I have not improved lung function (FEV1 = 45%), have not improved oxygen saturation (87%) and have not improved on speed one tiny bit yet. I'm still waiting to turn that corner. Oh, and bonus, my knees started hurting a little bit today. They don't hurt now that I'm not running, so that's a very good sign. But they did hurt while I was jogging. So hmmmm.... I have two days to recover. Will pick up on Monday.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Running Day 7 of 24

Even though i didn't blog about it, I have continued my workout, EVEN ON VACATION! Yes, that's right. I went running outside my hotel last weekend. Go me!

Today was the beginning of a new workout week. Each week is the same assignment. There are 3 work out days a week. Each week also gets harder.

This week I was to run for 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, run for 3 minutes (MINUTES!!!! you heard me right!), walk for 3 minutes and repeat the whole set one more time. I was really surprised I could run for 3 whole minutes. It's not any easier than day 1 though, so I'm a little disappointed in that.

I brought my pulse ox with me. During my last 3 minute run today my HR was 176 and my oxygen saturation was 87%. It hasn't changed a bit since day 1 which is frustrating to say the least. Considering it's a 12% drop in sats I get really short of breath, I feel like an elephant is squeezing my chest and I get dizzy. But I haven't passed out yet, so I'll just keep doing what I'm doing!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Running Day 4 of 24

Today was the first day of my new workout week. The stakes were certainly set higher! I had to run for 90 seconds and then walk for 2 minutes. I repeated this 6 more times.

My total running time increased with this workout from 8 minutes to 10.5 minutes. I think the distance I traveled was about the same though, so I'm either running slower, to last longer, or I'm slowing down more when I walk, which is probably more likely.

I have no aches and pains which is good. These $100 shoes are paying off so far! But I feel S....L....O....W.... Seriously. A 20 minute mile. That's about what I'm running right now. Are you kidding me? Ugh.

For those interested in which running program I'm doing here is a link to theCouch to 5K plan.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Running Day 3 of 24

Monday was running day again! My friend Jenn biked 2 miles to my house with her 20 month old in the bike trailer to watch the twins for me at 8AM yesterday so I could run by myself. It worked out great!

I did the same run. It was the last run on the easiest mode, where I run for 60 seconds and walk for 90 seconds. Tomorrow things get harder!

While on my run yesterday I was set out to run the same route and get even further than I did on day 2 but all my plans were foiled when I was about a quarter mile from my half way point when a neighbor driving the other direction rolled down her window and warned me of two dogs running wild off leash up ahead. Needless to say I turned around right away! She told me they were pit bulls to boot. Nothing like a dog bite in the first place and then nothing like a dog bite from a pit bull where they can lock their jaws on you! No thank you! I may have to start carrying pepper spray.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Running Day 2 of 24

Today I did the same routine as Tuesday. I jogged for one whole minute and walked for 90 seconds. I repeated this 7 more times to complete my 20 minute work out. I got a little bit further down the road this time so I may have reached 1.5 miles. I need to map it or clock it in my car.

I did bring my pulse ox with me. I don't think I'll bring it every time I go but it was certainly interesting to see. I wonder if my oxygen saturation will get better at the end of this 8 week training. After the first jog my sats were 93, after the second jog they were 90 and for the last 15 minutes they pretty much remained at 87%. I saw 86 on there one time, but it didn't stay there. My HR never got over 170 and pretty much plateaued at 160 or so.

I'm a tiny bit worried about the oxygen saturation. I do get dizzy, but I've never fallen over so as long as that doesn't happen, I think we're ok!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Running Shoes

This week I purchased running shoes. As my 6 month project came to a close, and my FEV1 did not budge even one one-hundredth of a point, I realized the next best thing to do is hit the pavement to see if that helps.

I am training for a 5K, but right now I'll take 5 blocks!

I started my training on Wednesday morning. I will be running 3 days a week for 8 weeks. This is a beginners training course.

My goal on Wednesday was to run for 60 seconds and walk 90 seconds. Continue and repeat 6 times. The first 2 rounds were hard, but not unbearable. I actually fooled myself into thinking I could DO THIS!

It was around minute 14 that things got really bad. I actually had to stop my stopwatch, sit on the curb and catch my breath. After resting for about 3 minutes I re-started my stopwatch and continued on my run. 2.5 minutes later, I had to stop again for about 3 minutes. At the end of the run when I was supposed to walk 90 seconds I couldn't even do that. Again, I stopped the stop watch and sat on the pavement under a tree nauseated and completely worn out. I finally got up and walked the rest of the way home. I made it about 1 mile in 18 minutes. Pretty sad.

Tomorrow I'm going to bring my pulse oximeter with me just too see how hypoxic I'm becoming.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Fast Forward to Day 144

Today is day 144.

I haven't been updating daily, or weekly, but I've still been working out. I've been using my oxygen and playing with the wii fit or getting some cardio in on the elliptical machine. Things are going well, or so I thought.

I was motivated to get OUTSIDE today and RUN. Yeah, what was I thinking? I ran probably 6 total minutes. they were short jogs, of about 20 seconds maybe more maybe less. But the total work out was 25 minutes.

I went to the park and did some running on the grass to save the old knees. I did some running on the way to the park and the way home as well. Well on the way home I did one last jog from 4 houses down and up the driveway, into my garage and through the house to my pulse oximeter. My oxygen saturation was 86%. NOT. GOOD. My HR was 165, also not too good, at the maximum target heart rate for my age. So it looks like I may have to either suck it up and gasp for breath outdoors, and destroy my heart. OR stay inside where i can be hooked up to my o2. I haven't decided yet.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Day 92!

I worked out 5 of the last 7 days, which is pretty darn good if you ask me!

On Monday I did my Wii Fit. Tom was home sick from school, so after i worked out, he had to join in the fun. He has his own little "Mii" and he loves to work out!

On Tuesday I did my elliptical for 20 minutes. Nothing special, other than I hated every second.

On Wednesday I got to work out more on the Wii Fit. I have learned to save my lunges and sit ups to the last bit of the workout because they wear out my muscles so much I start shaking and it's hard to do the balance exercises when you can't stand on one leg without trembling.

On Thursday I was back on the elliptical. It was really really hard. My sats were low (92/93) and I was on 2 liters of o2. I tried lightening the pace, but when you're already going as slow as you think you can possible go without stopping, it's a bit difficult to slow down! By Thursday night I could tell something wasn't right with my lungs. It only got worse on Friday. There has been a lot of wind here in the valley and there is so much dust/debris/pollen in the air, I think it's actually affecting me. My lungs are heavy, tight, sore and I'm coughing more. I called in a prescription for some prednisone (steroid) which makes me feel super human. It also drives my diabetes nuts, forcing me to take more insulin to keep from running high sugars all day long. But this prednisone, yum! I'm on 20mg a day, hopefully only for 5 days. I've got an appt w/ my CF doctor on Monday and we will work on my allergies and inflammation. I really don't think this calls for antibiotics because I don't feel like I have an infection brewing, but we'll see what the doctor orders.

On Friday and Saturday I didn't work out. Friday was super busy, plus my housekeepers were here, and it's a little hard to work out when they need to clean around me. On Saturday I was just plain lazy and still not feeling up to par.

Today is day 92 and I feel about the same, but I worked out anyway, on the elliptical for 20 minutes. My sats improved from Thursday, on 2 liters of o2 they were 95 and HR was around 160. I have found my resting HR to remain low in the 60's. I even saw a 58 the other day. Watch out serious professional athletes! Here I come!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Day 85

Let's catch up on what I've been up to this week.

Wednesday was a no go for the workout. I had a doctor appointment and then I got some lab work done and then I went shopping, all while the twins were at school for 2.5 hours. Whew! Busy busy morning. Thus no time for a workout.

Thursday, I was back on the elliptical. My legs were still sore from the Monday morning workout session on my Wii Fit, but that didn't stop me! There was nothing unusual about the workout. I just got it done. Yawn.

On Friday I got back on the Wii Fit. I had gained a half pound since Monday, so that's good news. These little "30 minute" Wii Fit workouts actually take me 45 minutes because there is a lot of time shifting from aerobics to strength training to yoga. Even some hula hoop. A girl's gotta have SOME fun working out, don't ya think?

On Saturday and Sunday (today) I have done my elliptical but only 20 minutes a day. I just get SO BORED, I'm curious to see if my resting heart rate goes up, by decreasing my workout from 30 to 20 minutes. 20 minutes sure is a lot more bearable on the boring scale. I still get a good sweat in there. So we'll see if it affects the cardio or not. I'm thinking not. My resting HR is back down to 60-70 for the first time in two months. It went up when I came home in mid-January from Mexico b/c I was sick. Then I didn't work out for a few weeks, so it stayed up, and I stayed sick for a couple weeks. My body works hard over here when I'm sick! But finally after a few weeks of working out and finally not feeling so tight in my chest, my resting HR is down.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention the weirdest thing today! So it was a normal day and I turned on my oxygen to go for my elliptical run but my nose/sinus' felt really cold, almost in pain. It was so strange and painful, but did I stop? Nooooooo noooooo noooooo. Cause I'm just a glutton for punishment like that. I figured as the workout progressed it would let up, but it didn't. It was like I was breathing freezing cold air. I don't know why it stung so much. And get this, my right eye was tearing up. Yeah, totally crying, only I wasn't crying. I had tears coming down from my right eye. As soon as I stopped my workout the tearing stopped. As long as I wasn't huffing and puffing w/ the o2 it didn't burn. But when I was working out it was painful. So weird! I hope that doesn't happen again.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Eighty!

We're on day 80 over here. Whew! Only 88 more days to go.

Last week was a decent work out week... when I wasn't sick. On Tuesday I woke up so nauseous I couldn't get out of bed. This is highly uncharacteristic for me. I knew I had caught the barfy stomach bug Tom had 3 days earlier. Needless to say, there was no elliptical that day! However I was able to get back on the elliptical the very next day! Yeah, cause I'm just a superstar like that, in all my wobbly weak glory.

More elliptical that Thursday, plus a bonus jaunt to the park! I think walking to/from the park actually did my lungs more good than my boring 30 minute routine on the elliptical. There was just so much goo coming out of my lungs that night. Way more than normal, but a good thing!

Friday and Saturday were super busy and I didn't get to work out. On Sunday I was too tired and Abby was still sick (yeah, the puky barfy thing hit her by then as well) so I laid in bed with her for most of Sunday morning. It was exceptionally nice to just lay there and watch her sleep.

On Monday, while the twins were at preschool I decided to stick to my plan outlined in my last post. I busted out the Wii fit! It was actually a lot of fun. I was able to get in 30 full minutes of different exercises, however with all the remote adjusting and picking new exercises to do every 3-5 minutes, this 30 minute work out actually took me 45 minutes. I checked my HR a few times to see what kind of a workout I was getting. My sats were 95% and my HR was 125. This is much lower than my average elliptical HR, but I believe strength training/muscle toning is important as well. So hopefully I can continue w/ the Wii on M, W, F.

That's about it! I'm off to do the elliptical today right now!

Monday, March 9, 2009

Day 73

I can't believe I've been at this for over 10 weeks. 10 weeks down, 14 weeks to go until this dreaded project is over. I say that because I don't feel any benefit in the lungs. In fact my FEV1 seems to be lower than when I started in November.

Lately my peak flow has been in the toilet too. Normally with a 1.6 liter FEV1 my peak flow is about 425 and it feels pretty good, but for me, the lower the peak flow, the more SOB I am. Well lately my peak flow has been around 350-380. In February my FEV1 was 1.4 liters and I think it's even lower today. Today my peak flow was 370 and that totally sucks. It's like I want to take a deep breath in, but it just stops. This is nothing new, I've been this way for about 8 weeks now and it just happens sometimes. I haven't been taking my advair, so maybe it's an asthma thing.

With respect to my workouts, they have been going. I just keep huffing and puffing away with my oxygen on. I worked out last Thursday and I had every intention of working out last Friday, but then it was gorgeous out and the twins wanted to go to the park, so I played on the jungle gym instead. Saturday was a no-go, but I did get my workout in on Sunday and Monday.

I'm thinking about changing up my workouts. I have this brand new Wii Fit that I have hardly broken in since Christmas and I want to maybe do that on M, W, F for a half hour while the twins are in school (it's impossible to use it while they're home because they want to use it!) And then maybe I'll keep up w/ my elliptical on T, Thurs, Sat and Sundays. We'll see how that goes.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Day 68

This week is going well. I didn't work out last Friday or Sunday. But I got one in on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I plan to work out on Thursday and Friday this week as well since I'm taking Saturday off for sure, too many things to do on Saturday! Somehow I think I'm still meeting my goal of working out 5 or more days a week.

Yesterday was rough. By minute five I was so over it. Then at minute 20 Tom came into my room and kept asking me like very two seconds, "Can you stop yet?" And I had 10 freaking minutes left to go! It was a long ten minutes as I gasped, "I....." pause *gasp* "can't". It's amazing how much harder it is to talk and walk at the same time. (or talk and elliptical as the case may be)

Today wasn't too bad. I had "The Bachelor, After the Final Rose PART II" Yeah, as if "The Bachelor, After the Final Rose" wasn't humiliating enough, they had to string it out for a second night. But it kept me totally entertained for my 30 minute workout today. God I love trash TV.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Day 62

Today's workout was very interrupted. We had unexpected gardeners and I had to capture my big old mutt and get him to a safe place where he wouldn't maul anyone. Then I had to check on him periodically because he was too dirty to bring into the house and too untrustworthy to leave for more than a few minutes by himself in my garage. Regardless, I got my workout in. 30 minutes on the elliptical... minus the five minutes of dog catching, which was a workout anyway!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Days 59, 60 and 61

On Monday and Tuesday I continued with my elliptical routine. Things seemed normal. HR starts at 130-ish and ends with an average of 150. The sats are great w/ 2 liters of o2. They never dip below 95 unless I sprint for a minute or two. I might go down to 1 liter and see if it makes a difference.

I didn't work out today, day 61. I had a dentist appointment all morning. I may sneak in a workout this afternoon, but don't hold your breath. I feel like I'm entitled to a day or two off each week!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday, Day 58

I had some good work outs this week. I think I skipped two days, Thursday and Friday. On Friday however, I did have every intention of working out but I got a phone call and decided to spend my only "work out window" that day by gabbing on the phone. It was so much more fun! So I did work out on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday since I last wrote.

The workouts have been the same. 30 minutes at a mild pace on the elliptical machine. At first my HR settles around 130, and then when I spot check it toward the end of the workout it is quite a bit higher, in the 150-155 range. I haven't done any research to figure out why this is. Maybe I'm just out of shape. My sats are good though, with 2 liters of o2 I'm satting at 95 or 96%. I did push myself one day. The last 2 minutes I pushed as hard as I could. My sats dipped of course and my HR soared to 170. Thing is, I don't really feel tired, like I have to stop, I just know it's not good on my cardiovascular system to push that hard. Slow and steady for now I guess.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Days 52 and 53

I decided to pick my counting back up from where I left off on January 5th, the last workout I had. I didn't think it was completely fair that I get to count the days between Jan 5 and Feb 16 since I had no intentions of working out!

So the lung project finally continues. We are in Week 8 although there was a long hiatus where I had vacation, then illness followed by a couple weeks of laziness. But I"m baaack!

I saw my doctor a couple weeks ago and she said I'm pushing myself too hard. I should aim for lower HR and less o2 while working out. Apparently I'm not to train as an olympic athlete. But I always have been an overachiever. Hehehehe.

So on my first day back on the horse yesterday I didn't use my o2 at all. I tried to keep a mild to medium pace on the elliptical and my sats still sucked at 90%. My HR was somewhat high at 155 as well. But I put in a full 30 minutes and it didn't feel like much of a workout because I wasn't pushing myself, even though my vitals seemed to say otherwise.

Today I added 2 liters of o2 and still kept to a mild to medium pace on the elliptical machine. My sats were wonderful, ranging between 96 and 99 and my HR was pretty steady at 140, though higher at the end of the workout. Can anyone explain that? Am I pushing myself more at the end without knowing it?

Regardless today's workout was only 25 minutes. All of the sudden I felt drenched in sweat, though not the kind of work out sweat. Then I started to get dizzy and it dawned on me, working out prior to lunch is not such a good idea, since it had been 3 hours since breakfast. My blood sugar was 67! Thank you diabetes. Ugh. So I almost completed my workout today. I'll be back tomorrow!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

A Long Break

Well I did my workout on Monday January 5th, but that was the last time. I was too rushed on Tuesday with all the packing and getting to bed early to be bothered with my workout on Tuesday the 6th. Plus we had to squeeze in a celebration for Paul. It was his birthday on the 7th, but since we were in a plane all freaking day, I had to get some cupcakes and celebrate! Good good yummy times.

I didn't plan to work out while I was in Cancun. There was just too much too see and do! It was so relaxing. I lost about 3 pounds, at an all inclusive resort! Can you believe that? I truly believe it was muscle mass from not working out for 8 days.

We returned home very late on Wednesday January 14 and I was sick. I'm still sick. I feel like I have cement stuck in my chest. My resting heart rate has jumped from 60bpm before Cancun to 95bpm this morning. My sats are low for me in the morning (93-94) but perk up toward the end of the day from 4 breathing treatments a day. My fever was 100,4 this morning. It's just all around a good time. I feel like a lump. Seriously, before you tell me exercise is good for me even when I'm sick, just walk one day in my shoes when I feel this cruddy. Yeah. Didn't think you could handle it either.

So I'm going to rest because that is what I do best when I'm sick. I should be back on my feet once this antibiotic kicks in, in about 10 days. Then I'll get back to working out.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Beginning Week 8

FIFTY! Today is day FIFTY! I can hardly believe it's been 7 full weeks since I started this cardio journey. I don't feel any different in the lungs, but I think I notice my resting HR is lower (60-70) and the actual leg work on the elliptical is a tad (teensy tiny tad) but easier.

I worked out on New Year's Day, but I skipped my work out on Friday, January 2. The timing of it all on Friday just didn't work out between my errands in the morning and my nap in the afternoon. Hey, a girls gotta have priorities, huh?

I picked back up with my workout on Saturday and today, Sunday. 35 full minutes of fun! Ok, not fun, but it was 35 full minutes of hard work. Today the twins were playing on my bedroom floor while I was working out. They started using my o2 tubing like they were repelling down a rocky cliff. Only they were on the floor crawling and pulling and tugging. I spot checked my pulse ox during this time and for the life of me could NOT figure out why with 4 liters of o2 my HR was 160 and my pulse ox was 90! Turns out they had pulled my tubing right off the concentrator. I had no flow! No more rock climbing with my tubing, that's for sure!