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!
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)
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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