Terry's Marathon training thread (Comments welcome)

[Strings]

Hi Terry,

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling better. I am not sure what to do about the needle. You might want to call the garbage company for suggestions. When you are on the treadmell, do you use an incline. That might contribute to the pain. It could be shin splints. You would need to slow down at the beginning, or take a break from the training. I have a feeling that you wouldn't be willing to do that.

I hope your Wednesday is going well.
Take care,
Beth

 

[geetey]

Beth! You made me laugh and then realize you are probably right.

I wish I could say that I am warming up slowly enough (I take 5 minutes and walk very slowly before starting into my 'training' I start at 1.5 as the speed, and add .2 at each minute. I always walk on the lowest incline.), but maybe everyone is right and I need to slow down.

I got some new shoes last night. Heaven! Can you hear my legs singing? Yep - they felt that much better. After the sales person at Fleet Feet showed me the signs of wear on my shoes, I am embarrassed I didn't notice myself! Well, the tops look good.

I some slight soreness, but no pain when I walked last night. It felt good. Except for one thing. I can't walk straight. I had kind of noticed I was walking 'to the left' but didn't really give it too much attention. Last night on the treadmill, it was obvious. I had to FOCUS to stay in the middle of the treadmill or steady myself by holding on to the bar.

Ugh.

I called my MS doctor this morning. I have to go see her Friday morning at 10 am. Before my visit, I have to go to the lab and get some tests done. CBC, urinalysis (sp?) and BMT. The nurse that called me back didn't know what BMT stood for but she said I didn't need to fast for this.

Double Ugh.

I know I have MS. The problem is I can't help thinking that before I knew I had MS, I would have dismissed this 'problem' - maybe blamed it on my sinuses - and moved on with my daily routine. Now, instead, I am upset. I don't feel like sitting through 2 hours of MRIs again (who even knows if that would be needed). I don't feel like changing meds and getting trained on a new one, much less have to deal with another med company. (The amount of stuff they send is plus the phone calls!) I guess I deal better when I act like something isn't happening, which of course isn't dealing at all!

Ugh.

I do believe I work better in denial. I wonder if we will still be going to Chicago for Thanksgiving?

 

[geetey]

Now for a happier post...

Fleet Feet is a really cool store! You don't have to pick out the best shoes -- they do it for you. I liked now they watched my stride and made sure the shoe fit properly and worked for me.

A moment to brag -- my current shoes were GREAT shoes for me and I picked them out myself! HA! Pretty funny I thought, since I just fumble through Sports Authority usually. I tried on a new pair of those - walked in them - she brought out several other options to consider and Wah-Laa! I had new walking shoes. Rather painless for a person who hates to shop. I chose a slightly more cushioned heel than my old pair since I strike my heel when I walk.

I test drove the shoes last night on the treadmill. They feel like winners. They said to wear them several times and I can bring them back if I encounter any problems or don't like the fit. I even got some free samples of Gu. It seems I was starting with the 'hard core' flavors. Hey - I like fruit! The Just Plain is much better. I haven't tried the vanilla or chocolate. I do know tangerine or raspberry will not cross these lips again!

Tonight we are going to see National Treasure. We were able to get an invite from Disney Visa for the free screening. The kids are very excited to see a movie before ANYONE else. LOL! I thought it looked like a good movie and always jump at the chance to see one for free.

I am skipping my traditional crosstraining and going to do my Pilates DVD instead. You can't fall over when you are already lying on the floor. I felt like I need some core strengthening anyway, so this will work out well.

Happy HUMP day everyone!

 

[sharoncity]

Oh Gosh Terry! Gentle for you my friend. I am so sorry that you are facing all this. I admit that I too work better in denial! But I think you are doing a wonderful job of dealing with everything that is being thrown at you! Just take it one step at a time. Don't worry about Chicago till after you meet with the doctor Friday. I guess this illness may also teach you to be flexible. It will be what it is and I KNOW that you will meet the difficulties with grace.

I am SO happy to hear that the new shoes feel so great! That is wonderful news. I hope they make you feel like you are walking on !

Take good care of yourself Terry! More and for you!

TTFN-
Sharon

 

[Princess Michelle]

Terry, I'm sorry that you aren't feeling your best. I'll be praying for you my friend.

I'm glad you were able to get some great shoes though!

What though, may I ask, is Gu?

 

[tlgoblue]

Good Morning Terry!

I hope today is better for you. I know how tedious your struggle is at times, but you are an incredibly strong person, and have such a brilliant future. It's worth the fight.

New shoes! OOOOOOH! I just love those two words together! Doesn't matter what kind either. New shoes! New shoes! New shoes! AAAAH! Thanks for putting a smile on my face.

Have a great day!

Tracy

 

[geetey]

Thanks for the support, everyone. I really do appreciate it.

Tracy. Your enthusiasm made me giggle this morning. Thanks! Maybe I should take you with me when I have to shop! I could pick up things and say.... What do you think? You give me the yea or nay, and I would be good to go!

My dh found some interesting information in the medical section of the marathon packet.....

• NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) and Ketoprophen can affect the body's electrolyte regulation systems especially sodium, and increase the risk of hyponatremia.
• Nausea can be a sign of dehydration or over hydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Dizziness.... general tingling are more concerning and greater precautions should be taken.

Well... as we all know, I am taking some major Naproxen! And was instructed to follow with Advil/Tylenol as needed, after the 1st 24 hours. Maybe that's why I am feeling so bad?? I have been using Gu and Powerade to help but maybe it isn't enough? Maybe too much? I have been following the Marathon for Mortals guideline. Exercise under 1 hour - water. Exercise over 1 hour - Gu w/water or Powerade. I am bringing this packet with me tomorrow, so the doctor can read it. Hopefully she can check my levels and make sure I am okay.

What though, may I ask, is Gu?

Michelle, (I am quoting the web site here...)

GU is a convenient, great tasting carbohydrate gel formulated to energize before, sustain during, and aid in recovery after training and competitions. Made with a unique blend of ingredients, GU provides: complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, amino acids to maintain muscle protein, antioxidants and muscle buffers to aid with recovery.
Each packet contains

• 100 calories
• 40g Sodium
• 35 g Potassium
• 25 g Carbs

My explanation? It's like slurping not-so-yummy icing from a foil packet.

 

[geetey]

Forgot to mention National Treasure!

We were able to see this movie last night, thanks to Disney Visa. I was surprised at the security at this event! They told us at the beginning that the extra security was to prevent any bootlegging of the film. All cell phones and pagers had to be turned OFF (not just to silence or vibrate). If they saw any light coming from a person, you would be immediately escorted from the theater - no questions asked.

The four of us really enjoyed the film. I was pleased with the way Disney handled this film. It was completely appropriate for my dd and ds to see (11 and 9). In fact, they were so entralled #1) they want to see it again and #2) they would like to go to Washington DC to see the places shown in the film -- Washington's Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian, etc. etc. etc... WOW - good flick AND it made my kids want to learn something about history?? FOUR

here!

 

[Strings]

Hi Terry,

I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie. I would like to see it too, but I will probablt wait until it is on DVD. Sounds like you have found some great shoes, but I think I'll pass on the Gu, thanks.

Now about the MS. We all would love to deny that there is a problem with our health. You know that you have MS, so it is VERY important that you pay attention to what your body tells you, and notice the little things. It is better to over-react and catch an exascerbation than it is to ignore it and be so weak that you can't function. I'm glad you are going to the MD to get checked out. I know it is a pain, but there are too many people who depend on you. Please keep us posted. If you haven't noticed, we have a tendancy to worry.

Take good care of you,
Beth

 

[Princess Michelle]

LOL, Terry. Judging by your personal explanation of Gu, I don't think it sounds like something I would want to try.

Thanks for the review of National Treasure! I thought it looked really good so I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it.

 

[wilderness01]

It is VERY important that you pay attention to what your body tells you, and notice the little things. It is better to over-react and catch an exascerbation than it is to ignore it and be so weak that you can't function.



Take care of yourself. I'm glad you're going to see the doc tomorrow.

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Terry

That Gu stuff sounds interesting. I will probably pass on it too.

I'm glad that you liked the movie. Sounds like it could be a winner for Disney.

I know today is the day for your lab work and doctor's appointment, so I am sending you tons of prayers and . I hope that you are continuing to feel better and that today is a great day for you!

Tracy

 

[tlgoblue]

Good morning Terry! Hope today brings you great success. I'll be thinking of you. I really need a good role model for making tough choices, and right now, your it sweety! Have a great weekend!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[geetey]

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

I had a long day at the doctor's office. I am not sure what ended up happening - maybe I was being squeezed in? - but I had to wait over 2 hours to see Dr Parks. Ugh. I read every magazine they had.

I had my labs drawn before my visit, and she had all of the results, except one, before I left. Kidney, liver functions are fine. Blood counts are good. No infections. Only one surprise. My blood pressure was elevated. Okay - more than elevated. It was HIGH! YIKES!! The first time it was awful, but she blamed it on the wrong cuff. It was 204/120. After switching cuffs for a better size, it was 156/90. What the heck?!?! It was normal in June - even when I was in a full blown episode.

Everything else went okay. She said she could see the 'problem' in the left leg but that it was hard to detect because it is so small. I have an Rx for steriods but I am not to take them unless I get worse, and after I call her. She gave me the okay to continue training but I have to follow up with my primary care doc about the b/p. She said she would be checking into the NSAIDS and their effect on electrolyte balances, and she will call me if I had any problems with mine (that was the one test she didn't have results from).

She said she believes my problem lies with.......

Stress

Dr Parks says stress could be the cause of my flare-up, and my high b/p, and that I need to address that.

How do I go about not having stress right now? Different city, different home, different schools, MS.... I thought I was handling things okay but it seems I must be internalizing. DH and I had a long talk tonight so we can work out some strategies. Maybe I should look into yoga. That is supposed to be good for MS as well.

Off to bed I go. Here's hoping for a good weekend for all!

If anyone knows anything about high b/p, I would love to hear about it. I am scheduled to walk 7 miles this weekend, but don't know if that is a good idea right now.

 

[vald1977]

Hi Terry,
When did the doc. take your blood pressure? Maybe you were nervous about the other test results (if it was taken before she gave them to you)? Do you have a way to monitor it at home for awhile? Wow, was that was a lot questions . I'm hoping you can work with your primary care dr. to get it under control so you don't have to worry about it.

Is tomorrow your shot day? I'm going to say a prayer for you tonight that it goes as smoothly as possible for you. Take care of you.

 

[Strings]

Hi Terry,

I have another questions for you. What was your caffiene intake before the reading? Caffiene can DRAMATICALLY raise BP. People blow it off, but it is true. You won't be diagnosed with hypertension until you have 3 high readings. Stress could certainly contribute to the hypertension. I think you should check into getting an automatic BP cuff. Youcan check it on a regular basis. The other thing is tthat many meds can cause an increase in BP. If you PM me your list of meds, I'll look into it for you. On the plus side, hypertension is now controllable, and you have caught it early. Exercise, weight loss, and yoga will all help decrease BP, IF you actually have high BP.. Remember, 1 reading doesn't make you hypertensive.

I'm sending for your shot today. I hope it is less painful today.
Beth

 

[Princess Michelle]

{{{hugs}}} Terry

I'm glad that your visit went well other than the BP and I am so sorry that it is giving you a problem. I would agree that it's probably stress. Now you're probably stressed because the BP reading was high!

I think yoga sounds like a great idea! I do some yoga moves in my therapy exercises and they make my back feel sooooo good.

I hope that you get to feeling better soon, mind and body. You are in my prayers.

 

[Strings]

Just thinking of you. I hope you rest easy tonight.
Beth

 

[geetey]

Gee, I was busy posting on everyone's journals, when I realized I had missed my own.

Last night we went to see my neice in a production of Godspell. The Christrian Ministry group at their church put it on, so it was small scaled but I was so impressed! Nikki did a fantastic job! That's quite a voice she has!

Today was spent doing laundry, laundry, and oh yeah, more laundry. For school, my ds had to create a boardgame based on the animal facts book he read this month. We were both really pleased with the result. We even played it as a family several times. Anyone want to know a monkey or ape fact?

From a health standpoint, I took the Saturday off from walking. I wanted to give myself a chance to wrap my mind around what's going on, before taxing my body with more walking. To answer some questions...

Val, my bp was taken after my lab work was done - lots of fun bloodwork. I am never too excited to being seeing the doctor so you have a point.

Beth, I didn't have any caffeine before the reading, because I was drinking water. (Not a coffee person) Once you mentioned it though, I realized I *have* been drinking a LOT more Dt Cokes than usual, and all with caffeine. I used to purchase Caffeine Free and have just gotten out of the habit. I will be switching back asap!

I will be monitoring my b/p from home. Can't get more relaxed than that. I will also call the primary doctor tomorrow. Promise!

 

[wilderness01]

Hi Terry,

How are you feeling? Beth has very good points. Take care of yourself and don't blow this off ok?

Exercise can wait for awhile until you get this bp figured out.