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?
Friday, November 20, 2009
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
...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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)