Becoming Lean, Mean, Endurace Event Machines in 2008

[Tiger Lily 03]

Quick in/out. Lisa, I'm glad it's over and sending PD for good results from it all.

 

[princessrunner]

Good afternoon Lean Meaners. I am back from my second adventure in endoscopy. I had a large bleeding vessel which is now clipped with 2 very small alligator type clamps which will eventually just fall out. I have been in agony for the last 3 hours waiting for DH to come pick me up as he had an accident at the mill. Overall, not a great day. On the up side, one more day of clear liquids and a week off running (I can bike and walk) and I am free for another year.

Vic: Thanks for the offer. I will get back to you. I have to pick up my mom in our largest city next week and they have a big GNC in the mall that I will visit. I have to check flavors as I have been duped into chocolate and mocha before. And, yes, my DH akins my gel-ability to a porn film outtake.

Mike: According to this article in Runners World, athletes cannot overdo protein but can clearly under-do it. Athletes do not seem to have the issues that sedentary people do with too much protein intake (i.e. the kidney issues and calcium absorption). According to this article, I am supposed to take in what I consider to be an enormous amount of protein. I am working on a meal plan to try and get it all in.

Robert: Thanks for the info on the bars. I had not considered bars as an alternative to the gels. Another trial and error attempt.

Jeanne: Gels, bars, Clif shots, Sport Beans. They are mostly all the same to refuel your potassium, sodium and give you an extra boost when you need it. I had a failed attempt at SPort Beans this past weekend leading to my side stitch and my having to walk. I was having trouble getting them down and this should have been a sign from above but, apparently, I was not listening. I have done GU and Clif Shot blocks in the past and these do work for me. I am asking about the AccelGel as it contains protein also which is helpful in muscle recovery both during and after a race. I am curious enough to try this. I also feel that I am lacking in nutrition (I eat well but am not sure I am eating correctly for my needs) hence, the reading up on protein. This started when Debra brought up the fact that her workouts improved with the addition of more protein. Research, research, research.

I guess the moral of the story is that you should stick with what works but there is always something better out there if you are willing to take the time to find it. Kind of like the right diet and balance of calorie intake to activity level which I am still working on also. I am currently trying to find a way to take in all this protein AND get my calorie count where it needs to be also. Yes, I have too much time on my hands....

 

[Creativebeth]

Lisa: Sorry to hear about the re-bleed. Such a pain, but I am glad that they could fix you up! Take it easy today! Is your dh ok? You really didn't have a good day!
I am do not like the gels and re-placements.....They never taste the way the description says! I'll stick to fig newtons!

Mike: I don't think that you would overdo the protein! I have done a low carb diet for 3 years, and all my blood work is perfect! No kidney/liver problems!

I have had two so-so runs yesterday and today. I think my old shoes will need replaced, they are causing me some hip pain. I will have to wait for awhile though.....for the finances to straighten out Yesterday's 4 miles were slow.....and today's 7 miles were so and painful! Oh, well, at least it got done! I didn't eat enough today, which made me run out of energy today......

Other than that, things are ok!

Beth

 

[jeanneg]

Lisa: sorry to hear of your setback and hope everything is alright with your husband. Somedays nothing seems to go right, so i'm sending you some pixie dust and lots of love. ixiedust: ixiedust:

 

[jeanneg]

Oooops, almost forgot.....sending pixie dust to Erica too. Dave, please let her know that she'll be in my thoughts. I hope all goes well with the surgery. Take good care of her! ixiedust: ixiedust:

 

[postesf]

for Erica and Lisa!!! Lisa, so sorry to hear about DH's accident.

Deb..Glad you're back!

I'll try to catch up w/ everyone soon. My life right now = CRAZY!!!

As a side note, I cannot even get the gels down to attempt to stomach them. So far the beans have really worked for me!

I'll try to update later!!!

Stacie

 

[princessrunner]

Good morning Lean Meaners. Glad to see everyone is here and working hard toward their goals.

Dave: I am sooo late. LTO. Please, please, please give Erica a big hug for me this afternoon/evening when you read these. I hope she is not in too much pain and heals every so quickly!

Stacie: I have done the Clif Shot Bloks and they work for me too but I need I guess I am in a quest for the perfect supplement. There are Luna Moons too that I have to check out. The Sport Beans have worked in the past. I took some orange ones before the race and was fine. The fruit punch ones just would not go down. I guess I was really not listening to my body telling me it did not need more just keep moving!! My bad...

Beth: I have never tried fig newtons but that does sound very interesting. I LOVE fig newtons!!

Everyone else: Thank you for all the PD and the love you have sent. You all rock. I WISH I could give you all a thank you hug. Hopefully at ToT I will be able to give one to some of you.

So, here is the all about me part. I went back in yesterday. Another flex sig and 2 clips to stop the pumper that I had inside me. Unfortunately, during these procedures they put air in your colon and normally they remove as much as they can at the end, but due to the clips, they could remove none and I had to remove it myself. I have spent a very uncomfortable afternoon, evening and this morning is not much better. I lost a lot of blood. I have to have more blood work this morning. Due to being on Dave's liquid diet for a few days, I have seen my goal weight. Not the way I wanted to do it either but it was kind of nice to see those numbers on the scale. Today I can eat, I can walk and ride bike as long as I keep it in check so, I don't feel like a total dud. No running for another week. They put it in writing this time so it must be serious!

Today, I am working on eating a good diet to replete some of what I lost and build my blood stores back up. I walked a mile with DH last night and will walk again tonight. He has decided after the half this weekend and him having to run between schools and nearly passing out from being out of breath, it is time to do something. Yay! I have no hopes of him running but maybe I can get him walking some races??!! Oh, and the photos of the Great Bay Half are up at capstonephoto.com. I am bib #250 and my SIL is #955. There are some pretty good shots of us. I made her ham it up on purpose. My finishing photo pretty much shows how I felt at the end. This is my second half and I was glad it was over...of course, I already have another one on tap...

 

[Steffwalks]

Lisa I'm sorry you had such a trying day, yesterday. Lots of PD for you and recovering from it.

Everybody Make a great day!

Today I am supposed to do 10 miles, but the wind and the cold may prevent me. I may just get out for a few miles and call it good. Afterall, my half is in just two weeks! I can afford a bit of a taper!

 

[JustSmile]

Good Morning all!

Panda....sending prayers and thoughts to you and Erica. Congrats on an AWESOME day yesterday.

Mike....I think that only you would call yourself a quitter.

Lisa...Sorry you were in so much pain. I was thinking that you were laying on a couch with your feet up and everyone babying you....but, no, you took a walk. You're amazing! Don't push yourself too hard. The words, "accident at the mill" sound scary. Hope everythings okay.

Beth, Connie, Jeanne, Stacie, Robert, Vic, Liz, Maria, Lily......

 

[deekaypee]

Hi, folks! Sorry I've been MIA since I got back, but LTO. And at the worst time, when I have PD to spread for Erica and Lisa. Isn't that always the way, though?

Firedancer: Welcome & we're happy to have you! I do hope your friends will find the joy in the DL 1/2 that we've all found in the Disney events in general.

Lisa: I'm very glad to hear the good news about your polyp and am continuing to think of you and send good thoughts concerning the new one. I'm sorry to hear about the pain and the complications, but you're so upbeat about everything that you amaze me. You're a very strong woman, and I admire you so much.

Also, is your DH and/or colleagues OK?

As for the article in RW, I need to get on that; it sounds very similar to what the book I read indicated but with additional info. I'm so glad you found it and are adjusting your eating--and reminding me I need to be vigilant, too. I've been using soy protein, but will try experimenting with whey next--much like Vic suggested--by adding it into dishes/drinks. I do recommend you pick up Vegetarian Sports Nutrition, skimming through the dry stuff (summaries of studies backing up points); I think her recommendations might be useful to you.

I suppose I should congratulate you on reaching your goal weight? Not the way you wanted it, but I hope you get back to running soon, and I'll be sure to check out your photos from the Great Bay!

Mike: Again with the great WOs! I agree with the general caution about too much protein, and have found that, like Lisa, I eat way too little for my active lifestyle. And in my situation, the protein intake has been low because I've been a pretty unconscientious vegetarian/athlete until recently--so I have tons to learn.

For everyone, in case you missed it: What I did find out is that the formula for eating so many protein grams per kilogram of body weight is also a little different if you eat a vegetarian or mostly vegetarian diet. I have the info in a previous post on this thread, so I'll see if I can find it & link to it. ETA: Found the post!

Jeanne: I'm glad you said that about the finger swelling. The first time it happened to me, I panicked, thought it was a hydration problem. But it happened on several my LRs, even with proper hydration & fueling (I thought). I ended up getting ice from one of the med stations at the Disney marathon just to hold in my hand & reduce the swelling. So I'm hoping that people can help us out!

Tracey: I think I want your DS to be my personal trainer. And on your trail time--and with a stroller!!!! Good WO for both the upper & lower body I would imagine.

Dave: Yay for your perfect day, high spirits, great timed walk, and your "new decade" weigh-in. Life is good indeed. I missed wishing Erica good lucks in advance, but I hope you both know she is in my thoughts. I look forward to the positive report when you return.

Robert: Thanks for the tip about the sample-sized bars. I'm gonna try that strategy soon!

Beth: I'm sorry to hear about the shoes--you've definitely "earned" and need them, so I hope you can get a new pair soon. But...way to man up & do those miles!! And I love fig newtons, just never thought of them for running. These ideas are some of why I love this thread and you people!

Stacie: We need to start a beans-lover club and/or get the Sports Beans people to sponsor us!

Connie: I'll hope that your day warms up & you can get in your 10 miles. If not, though, enjoy that taper guilt-free. What's the event?

As for me: I know this doesn't qualify as anywhere as important as Lisa's or Erica's health situations, but this is my LTO moment for the week:

I went out to dinner with my landlady & her new BF to "celebrate my birthday." The reason that phrase is in scare quotes is that the real reason she invited me was to 1) mention BF is moving into the house at the end of next month, 2) tell me they'll be converting the duplex into a single-family dwelling as soon as possible, and 3) to casually ask what DOOD and my plans are for the next year? In other words, plan on moving by the end of the lease (end of June).

When we rented from her we said we'd like to stay about 2 years. Of course, conversations like that are worth the paper they're printed on. So DOOD and I have spent the last couple of days talking about our options. There's no way we're going to rush through house-hunting, so it looks like we'll be moving to another rental property. *sigh*

What annoyed me about the situation the most was that the whole dinner was cloaked as a friendly invitation when it was really a business meeting. It was like a hijacked thread--I went into the evening for a social event & came out feeling evicted!

The good news? My primary/first reaction to stress isn't to overeat anymore. It's to work out until I'm too tired to think. I'm not sure that response is much healthier, but it is a change of pace.

 

[Steffwalks]

I just realized that my DH is a DOOC (pronounced Duke) and that of course makes me his Dutchess/pretty princess! Although, to be honest he thinks he's the king.

Good news for me! I have finally lost that pound I have been working on, I lost 2 after I got the bodybugg, but now I am down that 3rd one, that puts me at 200. Can you believe I am thrilled to be 200 lbs. If you know that I am of sturdy stock and wear 10-12 clothing at 175, and people call me skinny......does it make a difference???

 

[laxdef69]

Erica & Lisa: Good thoughts and prayers tonight for two coming from synagogue. Lisa, hope the hubby's "accident at the mill" was a splinter...

Debra: Very sorry to hear about your situation with the landlord. I have been on both sides of that conversation, and its not comfortable; it would have been nice if she hadn't been disingenuous with her invitation though...BIG congrats on your response to it though!

Dave: Nice to have a perfect day!

Everyone else

Mike's day:

1) 45 minute swim this morning, trying to use the new techniques from the swim lessons...definitely more efficient, but more tiring.

2) 50 minute shouting match with the guy rumored to be replacing my boss on product design...we got the product manger on the line, and he agreed with me in about 30 seconds.

3) 40 minute run this PM: Planned the distance to take 45, but couldn't find my watch Even though my breathing/wind was FINE, every step felt like my legs were made of lead, and that I had a large person on my back, but I still knocked off 4.6 miles in 40 minutes...not exactly the jack rabbit speeds i have been seeing here, but hey,this 42 year old 6'1" 214 pound guy isn't exactly built for speed...

4) Good news, my daughter, 17, decided to train for a 5k, so we are going to do the training together!

Mike

 

[windwalker]

Hi guys.

We got up at 4am, and headed off to Nashville. It was raining pretty hard all the way down but we beat rush hour traffic. While Erica's surgery was going on a huge storm went across Tenn. There were several tornado warnings all around us. Of course Erica was blissfully unaware. She was in surgery for 2 hours, one hour per foot and then after 30 min in the recovery room they let me go back.

She is doing fine and the procedure went very well. We had to stop when we got home to collect her meds and now she is bedded down in the reclinner. She has big shoes with hard thick bottoms and a walker.

I'll chalk this up as a rest day since I really don't feel like doing anything now. I did vacuum and laundry. Yes Lynn the back yard is already needing mowing again.

Everyone have a super evening.

Nurse Panda

 

[Steffwalks]

Speedy recovery for you both! Tell Erica that we are all thinking of her!!!

 

[princessrunner]

Good early morning Lean Meaners! Working making up time lost from my procedure(s) so I thought I would check on how everyone is doing.

Dave: Tell Erica I am sending her good healing thoughts. Give her a hug for me and take excellent care of her as I know you will. And, if you have any extra time on your hands, my laundry has kind of fallen behind so.....

Connie: Huge congratulations on the 3 total pounds, not just the last one. That Bodybugg must be working well for you. And you should be proud and happy at 200 pounds. Any milestone is worth celebrating with your friends!

Debra: You give me far too much credit. I am actually feeling pretty defeated lately, not the warrior that you describe. I am still not top of my game by a long shot but my blood counts are coming back up which is a plust. Thank you for being there and pumping my ego though, I truly cannot wait to meet you at ToT...and you better not be too shy to say anything either!! I think we are more alike than not. Good job with your response to the landlord, way to hold it together when I am sure you just wanted to reach out and jack slap. My DH calls it my F-you smile. Learn it and use it well my child...

Speaking of DrOOL...His accident was just him backing his log truck a tad too close to someone's pickup parked at the mill. He hauls the logs in, he does not work there. If you had to make him stay inside a building for any long periods, he would start clawing his way out, literally... He is fine, the log truck is fine, the pickup not so much.

Mike: Thanks for all the good thoughts. I WISH I could borrow your mileage for the team game while I am down and out. Nah, someone would notice the increase in miles....and consistency of workouts.

Robert: I saw the sample-sized bars at the checkout at the grocery store the other day and left them sitting right there, duh, what was I thinking???

FireDancer: Welcome. Sorry, I have been all about me lately and forgot to welcome you to the ranks of Lean Meaness.

Everyone else: Hi, howdy, how ya doin out there in cyberland??? Especially Bill, did we lose him again?? How do we keep misplacing him?

As for me, well I have touched on it briefly in the posts above. My blood counts are up, my energy level is not. Am I convinced that I am fine yet..no, but I am working on that and using the positive energy from WISH to fuel me. I am dutifully working on my increased protein diet, not implementing it until I get moving again, but working on how to balance the protein with the calories and fiber content. Phew, that is a lot of work let me tell you. I did look at a tri bike yesterday and was VERY tempted but resisted telling myself I was not ready yet. I was planning to complete my first marathon this year but have put that off another year for 2 reasons:
1. I really like 13.1 as I find it manageable and not painful (ignore my finish photo from Great Bay) and it keeps my miles up without making me work too hard to fit them in.
2. Well, hello, TOWER OF TERROR and my 42nd b-day in WDW of course. My marathon was the weekend prior to ToT so there was no way for me to realistically do both.

So, there you have it, I am on the mend, hoping Erica is too, loving my Lean Mean WISH friends and impatiently waiting to see you all again in October!!

 

[Big Vic]

Good morning Lean Meaners!

Hoping your weekend has started off well.

No workouts to report for the past couple of days. The 18 year old TV in the NASCAR shrine finally gave out. So, shopping for a new HDTV was in order. One must have his priorities.

Dave – Glad to hear Erica is doing well.

Mike – Glad to hear you and your DD get to train together for a race.

Tracey – WTG with the 5.5 miler!

Beth – WTG with the 4 and 7 milers!

Debra – Sorry to hear about the house deal. Pretty crappy way to find out.

Steff – WTG with the weight loss!

Lisa – What are you doing up so early?! Hope you can find some energy. The food balancing deal can be a pain.

 

[princessrunner]

Vic, HDTV shopping, poor you. I find it so hard to choose. My ILs have the full 1080 and it is AWESOME to watch ball games on so it must be the same for NASCAR. Besides, if it is in the shrine, should it not be fully worthy???

And yes, I am up early, 5 am working at the computer. Sick I know but it gets me done during the week at 1 p.m. and out on the road racking up the miles before my kidlets get home. The unfortunate flip side of that is that I miss all the fun on the boards in the evening and have to catch up when I get up. No one is on when I hit the boards in the morning!!!

 

[Big Vic]

Gotta go get a HD DVR from the cable company today or Monday. Must have all of the gadgets. A guy weakness.

Now get your work done!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Meaners.......I guess I was the loser yesterday....I guess I never checked in!

Lisa: I hope the energy comes back soon, but be careful in the mean time. Losing blood like that will take a couple of weeks to bounce back from!

Debra: Sorry to hear about the rental property.....but I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. You won't know what that is, but maybe you are meant to move on! ((((Trying to see the good side of things..... and trying not to be negative!!!)))))

Big Vic: Such a committment.....which BIG HD TV to buy!!!! Have fun!

I didn't run yesterday......my hips were really bothering me, but my dsis has "summened" me for a run on the trail today......I think she is trying to secretly kill me! She is the reason I ran my first 1/2 marathon......maybe she IS trying to kill me?

Beth

 

[windwalker]

Good morning dear friends.

Erica is a hurting puppy this morning. We slept 12 hours last night and I feel great. She on the other hand is having a time of it.

I had a super good walk on thursday so a couple of days off from training will be good for me. I will do some yard work today. Using the push mower is good for me but takes a lot of time.

My weight this morning was 168.4 A few more pounds and I can increase my eating a bit. Yesterday was all veggie. I made chilli by using canned Hormell veggie chilli and adding a package of Boca soy meat substitute.

Lisa, Debra, Beth, Connie and all the Wish Ladies are awesome, you all deverve your titles of pretty princesses. I'm so blessed to know all of you. The beauty level of Disney goes up by leaps and bounds when you all arrive for an event.

Our princesses are beautiful without rules. Beauty is a total package and our princesses are soooooooo total packages.

Everyone have an awesome day and remember how special all of you are.

Walking Panda