Wk of Aug 13--2007 WISH Walking/Running Club

[Maherae]

Jodi!!! No!! You didn't tell us about giving your DH his surprise!! 'fess up!!! Oh, I hope/know it was wonderful!!

Dave, looking forward to your report tonight...don't get lost!! You really sound like you have learned your lesson with the shin splints and now get to reap the rewards!! Really proud of you!!

MelR, Wow!! Mountain trailing in the dark!! Headlamp or not..you are really one brave soul!! So glad you made it home safely and in one piece!! Have lots of fun on your 1/2 iron man/woman!!

Sunny, You know we are anxious friends waiting to hear what the doctor has to say. I'm glad this day has finally arrived!! Please, Lord, let the doctors have an answer for our Sunny!!

Not only does Cam have to send her DD off to college, now she's sending DH, too! and you know Howard has butterflies and is anxious/excited just like a freshman. Make sure you have some brand new pencils, Howard!! Seriously, you'll do awesome in your MBA program!!

Cecilia, Oh, my goodness!!!! What an experience!! I can't even touch it, as I am a WALKER and a 14 minute pace would kill me. Nothing like what you did!!! Wow!!!!

Jodi, I'm sure your family is breathing a sigh of relief at your decision!! Your upcoming races look very interesting. Do you think there will be tea at the Bigelow one?
Monica, sorry I missed the chat. Your mountain climbs are awesome!! Gotta be great for the leg muscles!! and, as you've said, the view at the end is so worth it! Snow in 6 weeks, can't even imagine!!

Happy training everyone!! Anne

 

[wtpclc]

Chat was fun last night. We must do it again! Hope to see the folks who said they'd check in here soon!

Cecelia - OMG! WHat a run. That was bookin gin my eyes! Hope you do not pay too much.

MelR - Hope you said many many prayters of thanks and I hope this makes you think a little more clearly next time. Glad you are ok. It's sad for rather independent women to realize ther are some things they just can't do alone. Not because we're weak, but because that's how we appear and that makes us targets. Not fair, but something we need to look out for. BTW, sorry, I missed you n chat last night. It was such a whilrwind tha tI did not see you until you left. Need to working on not watching keyboard so that I can read and type.


Tracey - Sounds liek you're right on taret (maybe even a bit better than target)

Jodi - Those sound like fun! WTG fo rsigning up for TNT too!

Training to Train - Many of us use John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals. His trianing programs ar e 16 weeks for the half and 20 for the full. Anything before "real training" we call training to train. HTH!

Howard - For all your upcoming changes! I know the man who ran the hal fless than 1 week after surgery will have no problem pulling this off! Congrats again on your acceptanc eand good luck!

Kevin - You ran a marathon, you know you can do this!!! Just think of all the people you have cheering fo ryou now!!!!

Dave - Good luck tonight!!!

Terri - COngrats on your 8.1-miler!!!

Christa - Wow! You were cruising! WTG!!!

Cam - Good luck with dd!

Heather - Hope you did ok with the girls going to school! Hope Kevin enjoyed his Tee Time! BTW - I'm half a step closer to seeing you in November! Still not holding my nbreath, though.

monica - SO nice to see you in chat last night. You must de-kurk more often!

Apologies to all I missed. I'll try to do a catch-up with everyone this weekend!

OK, I took last night off, as I'm recovering from pinching a nerve in my neck and I could not bear the thought of taking a running-type step. Plus, I had a house to clean. SHould be go to go for our LR Saturday. Just a nic elittl e4-miler as a pre-training week treat.

DH graphed our runs from last year to see average paces. He says we're on track for a 5-hr marathon (our goal). He also noted that our pace tytook a pkunge when I hurt my hip last year. SO, the fact that we're at or slightly above last year (believe it or not) is a good sign. If I can stay on level ground (in more ways than 1) and we remain injury free, things are looking good.

For Kevin's sake and mine, please send that the snow does not stick before the end of the year, as it's supposed to do!This from T-giving on thing we had last year stunk!

 

[Honeibee]

Good morning all. Here's what I did this morning on the TM:

10 min @ 3.8 w
5 min @ 4.0 w
10 min @ 3.8 w
5 min @ 4.5 r
10 min @ 3.8 r
5 min @ 5.0 r

My plan is to increase the 4.0 & 4.5's to 5.0. I'm doing this slowly so avoid overdoing it or injuring something.

I have to say, since I started running a little, I feel...energized! I hope this lasts!


Melissa! (Where's that knock-some-sense-into-your-WISH buddy-smilie???) You crazy girl! Don't do that again, ok????? We can see you are terrible at consequences!

Damn! I KNEW I would forget about that chat. DH got me watching "America's Got Talent". Gee. What a dope I am.

Dave - Oh I'm glad to hear your shins are doing better. And I am also glad to hear you are not going to get lost. Perhaps you can have a discussion with Melissa about the dangers of getting lost in the woods alone....

Cecilia - The only advantage I can think of to training with 20-something year old young men is watching them go by, if you catch my drift....

Getting in the car this morning I thought "Oh I have to get a copy of my pace chart (which is hanging on the fridge)" I got a chuckle out of that. Imagine. Me. With a pace chart. Doing something athletic. Who woulda thunk it??

To Cam and Howard, who I am sure are getting things ready for tomorrow....

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Anyone waiting to fly on Southwest for the marathon might want to check out the schedule now!!!

 

[keenercam]

Well, I lost my entire post! Not sure how I managed that. UGH! Here we go again. . .

Hi, everyone! I really wanted to join the chat last night but was shopping with DD. Does that count for cross-training? 2+ hours buying all sorts of toiletries, undergarments a case of gatorade and a case of water and tons of food! Do you think that the intermittent "mom sobbing" requires hydration at the level of pre-marathon training?

Anne -- Your comments about sending Howard off to college had me

Today, Howard (after doing a 10 mile run) went to the Dr. to have his innoculations confirmed and checked and now he and Jenn are heading to the university to drop off their respective health forms, get her laptop engraved at campus security, going to the computing center to make sure she can patch into their server, buying/picking up books, locating Jenn's classroom buildings in relation to her dorm, etc. etc.

Maybe I should be glad I am at work instead of driving myself crazy about all the stuff that needs to get done! Sooooo GLAD Howard is available to take care of all that stuff.

Dave -- Thanks for the heads-up on SWA. You were right on target with when you projected those dates would open. I am sooo impressed!

So, I just used my ticketless travel funds from the savings on the DL tickets (at some point the fares had dropped and I was able to re-ticket at the lower rate and the difference in cost sat in a fund for future tickets through 5/07 -- one very cool feature about SWA). I was able to book our PHL to MCO flight for 7:10 am that Friday!!!! We'll arrive around 9:45 am, plenty of time to settle in before the WISH meet! Of course, at this rate we'll have to arrive at the airport around 4:10 am! Oh, and the best part -- net cost for our round trip air will end up being the $42.60 I paid today! (We'll use rapid rewards voucher for the return flight as soon as they open that date) Pretty cool, huh?

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

Chat was fun last night - it has been a LONG time since I have chatted and I need to brush up on my reading-and-typing-simultaneously skills Hope we can do it again soon!

So has anyone heard about this race?

Race Info

Looks insane to me but I guess there were at least 14 people this year who decided to go for it!

Did anyone else see the segment on the Today Show about the NYC marathon? They are having one of their anchors (Natalie Morales who has run a couple of marathons previously) and a first-time marathoner (female cancer survivor) run the race in November. They are going to do a 12-week training program with them, have blogs etc. The NYC marathon looks great - would love to do it some year!

DS has another bout with an unexplained fever - this is 3 times in the last 2 months. No other symptoms but a pretty high (102-104) fever for a couple of days in a row. So, no gym (since he can't use the child care with a fever) and no outside training (since it was 105 here yesterday and expected to be about the same for the next week at least). Sure hope for both of our sakes that he is feeling better soon!

Only 4 weeks from tomorrow we'll be flying to Orlando for our Disney cruise vacation. We are spending the afternoon and evening of 9/15 at the MK for MNSSHP and then staying the night at Pop. Then off to the port in the morning to board the Magic for 7 days of, well, Magic We are on a special "double dip" cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay as well as visiting Costa Maya and Cozumel. DD and I are planning to do the stingray feeding/snorkeling and the dolphin encounter (ds is too young and dh is not that interested so he will stay with ds). We even rented costumes for the adults and had my mom make costumes for the kids to wear at MNSSHP and Pirate Night on board - should make for some fun pictures!

DD started 1st grade yesterday and had a great day. It is hard to believe that she has gotten so big. DS starts back to preschool on Monday and is very excited to be back at his school again. So, as of Monday, I will have 10 hours a week without children - amazing!! It will certainly come in handy with training about to start and will also give me a chance to eat lunch all by myself once in a while

Got my schedule ready for "real" training to begin next week. I am nervous and excited and worried and happy and anxious all at the same time. Thank God for all of you here on the WISH board or there is no way I'd tackle this thing!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Hi WISH Team!

Chat was fun!
I look forward to the next time.

Gee, you smart airfare shoppers! I have not tuned into that opportunity yet. I checked the SW site and it did offer flights that would take us 6 hours from CLE to MCO. DH would never manage that and the price offering was not much to speak, I guess it's the Ding flights that are the bargain. Anyway, glad that it is somehting that worked out for those who grabbed the opportunity.

MelR, I didn't read your bike post b4 now. Well you are brave. I don't like going anywhere I cannot see, or when it is snowy, wher I might fall! I am sure I would love the thrill though. Doggone that the other "fears" must enter into things.

Judy,

Me. With a pace chart. Doing something athletic. Who woulda thunk it??

I know it's kinda surreal to feel this isn't it. You are an athlete now! You really are.

monte, Monica, Seems like mountain trail trekking is something that will get you in great shape for that day you get to do WDW.

Carrie, you will have a great time and be back napping b4 I reach the finish line with your prediction of pace. Think of me in your dreams.

Cecilia, how are you feeling today? Thanks for that post. From this "old one."

Rhonda, what a great post!

I hope as the "Official Training" time approaches that everyone trains injury free and smart. We did our bicycle ride yesterday a 14 mile easy ride during which DH took 3 work calls hmpf! At least we managed time together. It was great. Today is a bit warm, 84 degrees. I will get out and do my thing though. I feel a bit ankle sore from Tuesday and hope to shake it today.

Have a great day all.

Thinking of you all who are doing the school stuff and doctor stuff. Prayers to all to get through thing smoothly. Whatever life's challenges, think positive.

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Dave -- Thanks for the heads-up on SWA. You were right on target with when you projected those dates would open. I am sooo impressed!

So, I just used my ticketless travel funds from the savings on the DL tickets (at some point the fares had dropped and I was able to re-ticket at the lower rate and the difference in cost sat in a fund for future tickets through 5/07 -- one very cool feature about SWA). I was able to book our PHL to MCO flight for 7:10 am that Friday!!!! We'll arrive around 9:45 am, plenty of time to settle in before the WISH meet! Of course, at this rate we'll have to arrive at the airport around 4:10 am! Oh, and the best part -- net cost for our round trip air will end up being the $42.60 I paid today! (We'll use rapid rewards voucher for the return flight as soon as they open that date) Pretty cool, huh?

Cam- I'm glad things worked out for your Southwest airlines tickets. For me Southwest was running $268 rt from Buffalo to Orlando. Not so great for our family of 4. So I booked AirTran which was $202 rt. The good thing about AirTran for us is that it is a nonstop flight from Rochester to Orlando. So we don't have to drive the hour to Buffalo, and we don't have to stop in route (which is good for the princesses ). I probably could have gotten cheaper Southwest fares if I waited for a DING to come out, but the AirTran will be fine - and now it's done. Whoo, so I have nonrefundable airfare now I better keep the training up.

 

[escape]

Hi everyone!

I'm not a regular here but I should be - you guys have some great postings.

I've been a slacker in my training for the half and I felt guilty coming here because you guys seem to have it all together. I wish I had some walking/running buddies in my area. I think it would help. However, just reading your posts helps with the spirit. Thanks for that!!!

Keep up the good work! I'm looking forward to meeting some of you in January.

By the way, I envy you guys with the decent rates on SWA. So far, the only rates we get are $300+. Bummer. Just a few weeks ago, the rates were around $268 for my area. Maybe they'll go back down.

Hope you all have a magical day! Any words of encouragement you can spare will be greatly appreciated.

Susie

 

[Pungodingy]

No laughing please...

I finally got my dr's approval to "train" for the marathon...he just said to take it slow.

So, I did a 1/2 mile walk...it took me 9 minutes....but I did it!

Have to start somewhere, right?

 

[Minnie]

No laughing please...

I finally got my dr's approval to "train" for the marathon...he just said to take it slow.

So, I did a 1/2 mile walk...it took me 9 minutes....but I did it!

Have to start somewhere, right?

First off not sure I said welcome before or not. Life keeps me away from the boards way too much lately

Anywhooooo I can personally garantee that no one here will ever laugh about another's training. What you did was more than many others will ever do Great job!!!!!!!

 

[TXBelle]

For Kevin's sake and mine, please send that the snow does not stick before the end of the year, as it's supposed to do!This from T-giving on thing we had last year stunk!

For Tracey, Rhonda, and my sake, please send that we get cooler temps soon! I will be traveling to Minneapolis in September and look forward to running outside then. I head to Atlanta on Sunday, but I know it will be hot there. I'll just hit the treadmill at the Four Seasons.

The first day of school went well. I thought briefly about running after the school bus to pull them back, but I didn't. I only cried a little bit on the way to work until my 3 yo said from the back seat "Don't be sad Mommy." The girls love their teachers, and I am sure they are going to have a great year. Letting go is so hard. Thanks to everyone for your kind thoughts.

Work is still crazy leaving no time to train. I have to work late tonight but maybe I can get in a 3 mile run before bed time.

Pungodingy- Great job on your 1/2 mile. You have accomplished something very notable: you found the courage to start. Good for you! We look forward to hearing more about your progress. Judy, the speed queen, can be your inspiration.

Cam- Good luck tomorrow with DD.

MelR- Please be careful!

Carrie- I hope you get to come to Houston in November. We will definitely have good training weather then.

Dave- Thanks for the heads up on the airfare. I think we are going to use Continental miles unless we find a cheap fare. You are doing a great job on your training. Remember to take it easy and try not to overdo it.

Monte- I am going to a resort in Tuscon over Labor Day weekend, and one of the activities is hiking. I ordered some hiking boots from SierraTradingPost. I tried them on the other day, and my DH calmly turned to me and said "I am really having a hard time controlling my laughter because you look hilarious in those hiking boots, but I don't want to hurt your feelings." I was impressed with his composure and was not offended at all, especially after I looked in the mirror and saw how ridiculous I looked in the boots. I'm still going to wear them, and I am still going hiking, but I definitely do not look like the hiking type.

Judy- Maybe you can think of some other excuse to see Dr. McDreamy.

Lily- I am so excited that you are joining us at WDW again! You are going Goofy again? You are amazing.

Sorry to all that I missed but I better get back to work.

 

[keenercam]

PD -- Congratulations to you on finding the courage to start! And a 1/2 mile at a pace of 18:00 is an awesome starting point!
Can't wait to hear about your progress as time goes on. :

Heather -- So glad you survived yesterday. I expect to be a puddle in DH's van on the way home tomorrow, so I can certainly understand what you were going through. BTW, isn't it great to know that you probably could have caught that schoolbus if you tried? I am glad your 3 yr old cheered you up. I really wish Andrew were here but I fear he and Jenn would both be crying messes. They got all teary and sappy when she said goodbye to him at the camp bus last week.

Actually, I am thinking I will have DH and DD swing by my office to pick me up tomorrow -- I absolutely cannot bear the thought of seeing Jenn say goodbye to our furbaby She and Cali are inseparable and suffer when they are apart for any extended period of time. As a matter of fact, the last time Jenn and Andy were at camp at the same time Howard took to referring to them as "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" because when we said their names she became very sad, crying & running to check their rooms.

Good luck to everyone looking for economical airfare for January. Just making the reservation makes me shake in my boots. . er, running shoes. A Full Marathon? HUH!

Judy -- See? I've been telling you you are an athlete! How many people do you know with pacing charts on their fridge? Well, besides us, of course.

Dave -- Congrats on booking airfare. Did you do that with the new extended checkout date? So, it is definite, huh? So cool!

Susie -- Great to see you here!

Lily -- I am so impressed to hear you call a 14 mile bike ride "easy".

Rhonda -- We have been missing you! Gee, what will you do with those 10 hours a week? Are you still doing personal trainer sessions weekly? You are so disciplined! How will I keep up with you come January?

Geez, I really should get back to work.

 

[princessmomma]

I finally got my dr's approval to "train" for the marathon...he just said to take it slow.

So, I did a 1/2 mile walk...it took me 9 minutes....but I did it!

Have to start somewhere, right?

Congratulations Pungodingy! You are in a very small percentage of people who would even consider beginning a training plan for a half-marathon. You did great, next time you will go a little further and so on... Pat yourself on the back. Starting is the hardest part and it did it!!

Rhonda, you lucky girl! Have a great time on your cruise. Our family went on the same cruise last year 3 weeks before the Disney marathon, awww, what a great way to taper.

MelR, good luck on your race this weekend!

Cecelia, great run! Only in my dreams!

Darn, I missed chat last night! I have never 'chatted' before, is it hard to figure out?

I am up for 14 miles tomorrow morning. I feel really tired today, so I am hoping I will be able to pull it all together before 5 am tomorrow.

Went back to school clothes shopping for the kids today, what a headache! DD7 is getting so picky! She is driving me crazy, we came home with one new shirt.

Colleen

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

Susie- I, for one, certainly don't feel like I have it all together. I'm incredibly nervous that I signed up for the Full marathon when I can't even run 3 miles straight yet. I was doing OK, but then I have this shin problem, and I haven't had a really good run in 2 months. This TEAM has really been the only thing that has made me stick with any training the last 2 months. That and the incentive of earning a trip to WDW through all this training. So, anyhow, get out there, get moving, and don't be afraid to ever post.

Pungodingy- There is never any laughing at anyone on this thread for their serious effort. Never, ever, period. Yes, you have to start somewhere, and you did start. That's the hardest part!!! Great job!

Heather- And all of you in the south. I do hope you cool off soon! But I must admit the treadmill at the 4 Seasons doesn't sound too shabby at all! Oh, your 3yo sounds like such a sweetheart! Thanks for the kind words on my training. I'm trying to take it slow and easy. I'm hoping my leg doesn't start hurting more.

Cam- Here's all the best of luck and courage for taking your DD to college tomorrow. Hang in there!!! You can always turn to us for support. On a different note, I hear you about the airline reservation making you shake in your boots. I felt the same way when I clicked to commit to my reservation. Since it was AirTran I kept thinking, I can't cancel this, and I can't get my money back. With Southwest it would be less of a committment because I could always cancel and use the money for some other flight. Now I've committed, and I'm scared. I'll feel better if I have a decent run tonight. Oh yeah, I did do it with the extended checkout date. So unless I change flights for a $50 fee we're leaving on Tuesday, January 9th. It's a definite... EEEEEEEKKKKKK... still haven't told DW yet. Need to hit you all up for ideas how to do that. I think I'm going to wait until October though (ideas can be sooner, but I think breaking the news will come then).

 

[solotraveler]

For Kevin's sake and mine, please send that the snow does not stick before the end of the year, as it's supposed to do!This from T-giving on thing we had last year stunk!

Oh Wordy McWord! Please. Seriously. Start waving those wands now.

Kevin - You ran a marathon, you know you can do this!!! Just think of all the people you have cheering fo ryou now!!!!

Aww shucks. Thanks for that. To be honest, I'm just ready for things to START . Goofy training starts Monday, my staff is back in next week, classes start the 28th and the Football home opener is September 9th. Once I get going, I'll be fine. It's the whole crunch time and waiting thing that's tough.


Chereshyb-- I haven't seen anything I liked online for a Goofy plan, so I made my own. I can PM you if you like with how I set mine up.

Cam-- A pre-emptive for tomorrow. Enjoy the day-- you, Howard and your daughter all earned this. Then after she's settled in, head home, crack a bottle of Dom and celebrate.... one down, one to go.

Tracey-- What you are doing now looks good to me. Do you have a formal plan in place to ramp up to the marathon??

Cecilia-- If you are running that fast now, forget training to train! You're training already!

Pungo-- No laughing from us whatsoever. Unless it's at ourselves. Or the weird things that happen to me (see: September 05-Toronto "Dancer 5K" and December 05 "Garmin Splash" et. al.)

Dave-- Remember, to complete the marathon, you don't need to run 3 miles straight at all! The goal, especially for your first time, should be to finish. It's all about the medal. (Oh, and I used to run around the Mall all the time too when I worked downtown. Except never in the summer-- too hot and darn tourists )

Judy-- Way to Go! You know, you are terribly impressive. I remember WAY back when you joined us before the 2006 race and your enthusiasm and dedication to training hasn't seemed to wain at all. It's just remarkable. Won't be long til you're lapping us all, huh?

So I have no training at all to report today. I did nothing. No running, no gym and basically nothing at work. Last night was a good friend's 40th birthday, so there were big doin's going on. Even though I DD'd last night, being up til well after 3 on a worknight..... not real easy to get up in the morning. I've stared at my computer screen all day, answered the phone and worked on trip planning stuff. (I've got FIVE trips being planned right now.... some are not for ages, but very planning intensive). Other than that.... nada.

Tomorrow is another 3 miler, followed by a 5 miler Saturday. And then.... it begins....

Happy training all!
Kevin

 

[gatorphipps]

I've been a slacker in my training for the half and I felt guilty coming here because you guys seem to have it all together. I wish I had some walking/running buddies in my area. I think it would help. However, just reading your posts helps with the spirit. Thanks for that!!!
Susie

Susie - We post on here b/c we don't have it together. to this group of people who have learned that the run is just putting one foot in front of the other!

To all who are dreading snow... It really doesn't snow here (sometimes it ices). I need for the heat..How ever, today was really nice, for August.

Melissa - At least you were on your bike...I know it is stupid, but I always feel safer on the bike than when running...I guess I think I could out bike them or at least run over them.

Pungo - WTG! You are really doing GREAT!

OK, I am starting to train for the Triple Lakes Trail Marathon in October. I will only do 10 tomorrow and only go up to 18 miles...So October 7th will be a 26.2 training run...now I just have to find the $$ to do it! Details, Details!
My LRs will be
10
14
10
16
12
18
10 - taper...yeah right...
marathon...or something like that......
DH and BIL are doing 7 so I will be with them at 1st. I don't want them to wait on me at the end, so I may run on...I have typed up maps for us all and the 1/2 way mark (around 4.5) is at Bree's house. Yes, we are stopping at Bree's. I can already taste the COLD FREE GATORADE!...She is due in November BTW...she won't be able to do the marathon..Melissa!

 

[wfloyd]

Dave -- Good to hear about your shins. Be careful with not icing them. I didn't do this when mine started feeling better and they started hurting again soon after. That time it took even longer to get them to not hurt all the time. They still twinge a little every now and then. Good luck on the race.

Terri -- Good job on the pace for the 8 miles and for the little accident. Hopefully it wasn't too painful afterwards.

Jodi -- Looks like you will have a busy fall here. Good luck with all of them.

Cecilia -- 4 miles in 30 minutes, you were definitely flying. The training to train is basically getting used to running and having a base so when you start the official training, your body can feel better.

Carrie -- Just send any snow down here and we will take it. Since we never get any, it would be a nice treat and would be a wonderful difference from all the heat we have.

Judy -- Good job on the treadmill, I would increase one interval at a time to avoid injuries. 45 minutes is definitely more than I can do on one.

Cam -- Good luck with getting everyone off to college. Tell Howard good luck as well. I should be studying right now but it is way too easy to put it off.

Rhonda -- for your DS. Hope he gets to feeling better soon. We are jealous about your cruise, we want to go on one someday.

Susie -- Welcome back, we hope to see more of you during your training. We are a great group to commiserate with.

Pungodingy -- Great job starting. Don't worry about time and distance right now, just getting out and starting is the main goal. The others will fall into place as time goes by and suddenly you will think that 10 miles is a short run.

Colleen -- Good luck on your long run tomorrow. Hopefully it will stay cool during the training.

Christa -- Good luck with the marathon. Tell Bree hi from us.

Today was a day of rest/cross training. Since there was actually a brief shower and lots of lightening, I stayed inside and played with DS instead. After a few minutes of him climbing all over me and trying to keeep up with him, I figure I got the cross training in

Tomorrow morning is supposed to be the long walk before the long run for Goofy training. The trick will be getting out of bed since it is also one of the few days I get to sleep late.

 

[plutosmyfav]

Well today was the day.

The new neurosurgeon was very personable, knowledgeable and I felt he was very competent in his field. Beyond that I’m not ready to talk about it. The course of action will be an epidural shot then wait, then laminectomy and spinal fusion. He showed me the joints in the L4-L5 area compared to a healthy area. They looked like elephant tusks versus mice whiskers.

The epidural is in hopes of giving me enough relief to get active again and lose weight before surgery. He feels my weight is making it worse. We (Mom and I) had to correct him at first. He thought I gained (now I’m up to) 18 pounds and then began to have symptoms. We had to explain I got the symptoms out of the blue and THEN gained the weight when I was put on no-activity. He speculates all the running I’ve done while overweight (as high as 220 at one point) probably accelerated my condition. My grandmother had spinal stenosis but not until she was in her 70s and she was neither overweight nor a runner.

My current weight is 33 lbs above ideal. I’m surprised that is a main concern here. But he gave me the green light to be active again, just no spine-loading exercises which includes running.

So we end the apt and Mom and I go out to schedule the epidural. We’re informed I am actually scheduling a “consultation” for the epidural and the soonest she has is Sept 6. I then had my 10th meltdown within an hour span (Mom started crying, too). I said that won’t even fall within my dr.’s note for work, she shrugs her shoulders. THEN, a dr walks over and says he has a patient scheduled for Aug 30 but he wants to see him early next week. She says she can’t do that. He restates his claim, she refuses again. Then he puts the paperwork on the desk, taps it twice and states his claim with finality. She rolled her eyes and acquiesced. Meanwhile, we’re still standing there melting down (well, I was melting, Mom was weeping). Miraculously, she was able to find me an apt for Aug 22. Once again melodramatics gained me some time. Keep in mind this is just for a consultation. She says if I’m lucky I may get the shot the same week.

The shot may give me relief for a couple of months. Depending on that, we will decide when to schedule surgery. Once we decide to schedule it will be 6-8 weeks out.

I went for a walk and when I got home there was a message from my Dad. It started with “I here a dream died today…” So after many long hours of tears and going through the entire grieving process a few times I’ve decided I’m not accepting this (ok, so maybe I’m stuck on denial). I’ll do the shot, and the surgery, but in the meantime, I’m starting to train for Goofy. I’ll do the majority of my endurance training with non-spine loading cardio. I can do weights that don’t put vertical force on the spine (no lower body of course), no shoulder presses or lat pull-downs. I can swim, bike, elliptical, walk. I'll throw in some illegal short intervals of running. I'll never use percocet to mask the pain, but I'll use it afterward as needed.

I plan to wog Goofy at about a 14:00 pace. If Lahey holds true to their glacial scheduling pace I should have no trouble collecting my medals, flying home and being back in time for surgery. As our shirts say DNF is much better than DNS.

I just don’t care anymore.

Sunny

ETA: My Dad's message was very loving and intended to be comforting-- I hope I didn't give the wrong impression, its just that those first few words killed me.

 

[chimera]

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Chat was really cool last night! Do y'all want to make this a weekly thing? Would any other night be better for the group?

I did 2.25 miles on the TM yesterday. Still on W3/R7, which is going quite well. Think I might try W2/R8 next week.

No laughing here, Pungo. Your 18 minute mile is way ahead of the 22 minute mile I started out with.

Good luck to all you fullers ready to start training next week! How exciting!

Susie and Cecilia...welcome back!

Rhonda... for DS. What are you and the fam dressing up as for MNSSHP? We still haven't decided what to wear yet. Need Dave to help us with that discount costume deal

Colleen...chat's pretty easy to figure out. Helps if you can type fast while looking at the screen (one of my 5 skills )

Cam...wow... for your trip tomorrow. I can't even imagine and it's only 5 years away for us.

I'm feeling a bit mortal this week. I ran some labs this week to see how things had improved since I started training in Jan 05. I did baseline labs then and wanted to compare. Unfortunately, my cholesterol has not budged one iota. It's not bad or in the danger range, just borderline, but I was really expecting some improvement. I have horrible family history (grandfather died of 3rd heart attack at 42, mom's first heart attack at 50)...that's one reason I decided to try distance running. Guess I can't outrun my genes. So I'm getting medieval with my diet, continuing through training and going to repeat things in 3 months and see where we are.