Chicago Marathon Jacket

For those of you who didn't get an official Chicago Marathon Jacket while we were in Chicago (and wanted one) go to this website and they are on sale 75% off! $31.25. Great bargain. They have some other great marathon merchandise but the sizes and colors are limited.
Just thought I would pass along my great deal!
Jana

Update on last post

I went to MS Sports Medicine today for an xray and I do have a fractured radial head of my right arm. So.........I am not able to lift anything with my right arm for six weeks. No cast or splint because I need to keep moving it to keep it from freezing up. Right now it hurts so it will not be hard to remember but as it heals it will be hard to keep from using it.
We will miss everyone at the party Saturday. We will be in New York for a week. WooHoo! We are going to a Magic Show, Wicked and to see the Rocketts Christmas Show. Can't wait!
See you guys when we return!

"Beware of Dog"

I haven't blogged in a while, at least since the week after Chicago. I feel that this information truly is blogworthy and may be of some help to some other poor unsuspecting soul out there running in unfamiliar territory.
I went to see my daughter in Hot Springs, AR on Thursday. I haven't seen her in a while and Clark could not go so I headed out ready for a fun filled two days of shopping and visiting. I had had a bad week training after running nine miles on Saturday. The run was great but since then I had not done anything. I was really feeling guilty so I thought if I take my running tights and my new sugoi jacket I will be more inspired to run when I get to Hot Springs. Jill lives in a rural area and there are a lot of roads with not much traffic. There is a mixture of houses in her area - million dollar homes on Lake Hamilton and also some that look like shacks about to fall down.
Jill and Chris left for work on Friday morning and I fought with my little inner voice for a couple of hours until I finally gave in and got dressed for running. It was very cold outside. I set out with Jill's dog on a leash and went a little way up from her house. Rook (the dog) didn't seem too happy to be out in the cold being pulled on the leash so I decided to take him home. I took him home and set out again in the other direction. I was walking mostly with a few running intervals and had gotten about 1.5 miles from her house. All of a sudden, out of the bushes in front of a shack with a "Beware of Dog" sign on the front porch came four dogs, two large white dogs and two smaller black dogs. They took one look at me and started charging. I did not have time to do anything, not even think before they were on me. They were growling, barking and biting my legs and knocked me to the ground. All I could think of was that I had to get up, if I didn't they would kill me. I somehow managed to get upright and I started walking. They were constantly biting my legs. All of a sudden they stopped and left me alone. I don't know why they stopped but I was very glad. I was so scared that I could not turn around and see where they were.
I immediately called my daughter. I will never be without my cell phone after Chicago. She left work and took me to the ER. I have stitches in my left leg at my knee. I have a deep puncture wound there and a pretty deep cut. I scraped a lot of skin off of my right elbow from my fall on the road and had to have stitches there also. My right arm has been really sore. They took xrays at the hospital but they were okay. I am having problems with mobility of that arm so will have more xrays today at Chris's office. He said I may have a radial head or neck fracture that is hard to see on xray unless you are looking for it. If so, I will be limited in how I take care of patients at work. My legs have several scratches and deep tissue injuries that are only evident by bruising. I believe that my CWX tights saved my legs from being injured further with more bite tears. They are pretty shredded and so is my jacket but I am glad to be alive.
A deputy sheriff came to the ER and took a statement from me. They picked up the dogs and are impounding them for 10 days to make sure they don't have rabies. After that, the owners can get the dogs and prove they have put up a fence or get rid of the dogs. They have to pay a fine and there will be a court date.
I have been given all kinds of advice for "future" attacks that I would like to pass along. Always carry pepper spray or mace. Carry dog biscuits. Hit the dog in the face or under the chin. All of these are good advice and great for what I should have done but I believe in this situation I handled it the best way I could. I did not look in their face and I did not fight back. I walked away. I honestly did not have time to react and by the time I could have gotten mace, pepper spray or dog biscuits out of my pocket I would have been on the ground anyway. The best advice I can give is not to run in unfamiliar territory. If you do, always carry your cell phone and always be aware of your surroundings.
I will be on the treadmill for a while until I recover from this trauma. The Saturday runs are okay since I always have friends around for protection. I am beginning to think I have a dark cloud following me around! It is always something!

Grandma Jana and Grandpa Clark

Clark and I found out today that we are going to be grandparents for the first time! Clark is old enough but not me! HA!
My youngest daughter Jamie just found out that she is pregnant. I can't believe it! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Forget Wayne?

I can't believe I forgot to mention Wayne in my blog! Wayne jogged up beside me at the halfway point and actually told me to slow down! What a way to get to a girl's heart! Thanks Wayne, for being there at the right time and saying the right thing and for taking care of my aches and pains all these months. You rock!

My Marathon Experience

Like most of you, my blog is my journal of my path to the Chicago Marathon 2007 so I must report on my experience. First of all, I would like to thank SO many people for their support.
Thank you Mark, Robin, Matt and Scotty for getting me to Chicago all in one piece, well trained and conditioned for a hot marathon day. Thank you for inspiring me and believing in me even with all my injuries and ailments these nine months. I would have given up long ago had you not encouraged me all the way.
Thank you Clark for being with me every step of the way on this long journey. You are the best husband and friend I could ever have.
Thanks to Steve Schemmel, Bill Lushbaugh, and Bob McElroy for supplying me with water. Every time I felt like I could not make it one more step without a drink I would see Cookie's sign and I would breathe a sigh of relief because I knew they would take care of me!
Thank you to the unknown runners who shared their water cups and the Chicago residents that gave me water from their hoses and sprayed me when I went by. Thank you to Robin and Sheila for screaming my name every time I appeared, and to all the spectators that called my name and cheered me on.
Thanks to Bonnie for waiting with me after the race until we could find Clark and to the two strangers who let me borrow their cell phone after the race. I will never go anywhere without my cell phone again.
Even though the race was cancelled I could not have been happier with my performance, I have no regrets. I feel like we were a part of history that will never be forgotten. If everything had gone perfect would this marathon be memorable to the world? NO! We all know we were going to finish. We were ready.
I started getting extremely anxious on Thursday before the marathon. Friday I had a severe headache all day from the stress of what was about to come but managed to keep it under control so that I could function and be sociable. We had a wonderful pizza lunch with Cookie and Steve at Giordano's, went on the boat tour which was fantastic and then had a great meal with Cookie and Steve and Janet and Bill. It was good to get to know Janet and Bill. I already loved Cookie and Steve and their great company.
Saturday was spent at the Expo most of the day. The pasta meal was the highlight of the trip that night. You never know how people feel about you until they call your name in front of a room full of people! Thank you Micah. We love you too!
Saturday night I dreamed all night. I dreamed I went to the starting line and realized I had on my fuzzy houseshoes! My second dream was that Clark and I got up Sunday morning, packed and went home. Later that day I realized that that was the day of the marathon and I had missed it! Crazy!
Saturday night before I went to bed I opened my Bible and asked God to give me reassuring words. He drew me to this passage:
"As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:11
As I got to the 17th mile I asked God to help me because I was really getting tired and needed his Hand to pull me along. About that time they announced that the race was cancelled. My first thought was, "God you didn't have to cancel the race just because I needed help finishing!" Afterward, I told Clark about this and he laughed and said, "What an ego!"
This has been such a fantastic experience that I will never forget. In the Chicago Tribune the race director was quoted as saying "Marathon runners are tough people." I feel so blessed to be a part of all the "tough marathoners" in our group. You are all awesome!

This One's for Kelvin

I don't know if any of you have been reading emails from the Chicago Marathon website. I have been getting them and skimming through them without really reading them until this morning. This caught my eye and really moved me. Like Kelvin, I lost my dad at an early age. Kelvin's blog was awesome today and I felt led to share this story of inspiration from the website:


Special Installment: Reflections of a 2006 Runner
Sara Donovan of Hinsdale, Illinois sent the following essay through our Inspiration Bank. As we approach the final stretch to race day and the challenge of the race looms, we found her touching experience a perfect way to provide encouragement in the final strides.

Angels All Around Us
As a veteran of 25 marathons, I can testify to the fact that some races are easier than others, but all are challenging at the end. First-time marathoners take heart; all of us possess the ability to persevere through fatigue, aches, and pains in our bodies and through the obstacles our mind presents as the miles wear us down. The marathon is often less about the physicality of running and more about the one’s determination born of a commitment to make the 26.2-mile journey. Many things carry us along on the way to the finish line. There are the faces and cheers of the spectators and the runners all around us. There are the wonderful volunteers, the water, Gatorade, gel, and nutrition bars to sustain us. However, as the miles tick off to 20, conversation and banter die, and we are left mostly with our own thoughts. It is then that the race begins in earnest.

Last year by mile 22, I was very tired. My mind told me that I needed to walk, even to stop. I told myself it was insanity for a 60-year-old woman to do such a crazy thing as run 26 miles, that it was too dangerous. My running partner (who was having a good race) stayed by my side and helped me along – talking, cajoling, encouraging me. By mile 24, I was desperate. I knew I would finish, but I didn’t know how. I saw my family at the water station and pushed off for the final miles.

I began praying. I found myself directing my prayers to my father who had died in 2001. He had been a miler at Marquette University but couldn’t run after devastating leg fractures he sustained when he bailed out of his flaming B-17 in World War II. A memory came to me. Shortly before my dad’s death, I entered his room as he was waking from a nap. “Oh,” he exclaimed weakly with a look of joy, “I was dreaming that I was running!”

So as I shuffled along, I fixed that image in my mind and talked to him. “Help me, Dad, please. I’m so tired. You were a runner. You understand. Run by my side. Hold my hand like you did when I was a little girl. Lift me up and carry me.”

I struggled on, but I had relaxed. I turned to my partner who was saying that we had seven-tenths of a mile to go. “I’ve got it now,” I told her. We ran up the hill at Roosevelt Road, down Columbus Drive to the chute. “Thanks for getting me here,” I said to Debbie, as we crossed the finish line. We walked along among the crush of runners and parted company to find our families.

I was so happy and felt just fine. As I walked through Grant Park to meet my husband, I heard a familiar sound from my childhood that stopped me in my tracks. It was my father’s whistle. “Oh, Dad, I forgot to thank you.” I listened for the whistle again, but it didn’t come. “Don’t go yet, Dad.” All I saw were runners and their families celebrating in the October sunshine.

Angels are all around us. They can’t take away our pain or fatigue, but they are running by our sides or are just over our shoulders. So if you feel low on your marathon journey, call upon your angels. They are there.

I have had good marathons and bad marathons, but last year was my best one. It was the one my father ran with me.

Six Days!

Am I the only one panicking?

Life lessons, Reflections, Thanks (and whining)

OK, Now it's my turn. I haven't blogged in a while athough I have faithfully read everyone else's daily. I have been a little overwhelmed lately with this marathon business. In February it seemed like it would never be here and now it is a little over a week away! How can that be?
Let me get my negative self out of the way right off the bat. Bear with me I am venting. I have not been able to go more that 16 miles without a fracture. What is up with that? Maybe it's because I have spent 52 years of my life ignoring and abusing my body - 2 babies, lots of diet coke, not enough milk, calcium, etc., very little weight bearing exercises, no exercising. Clark has had us on vitamin supplements for years but it is very difficult to turn back time and undo damage already done.

Reflections on my past year:
Gallbladder surgery
Mineral spirits burn to my thigh
Patella Tendonitis
9 stitches to my hand from a glass cut
Heel stress fracture
Tibial stress fracture
Bladder surgery

Things I have learned this year:
1. I HAVE self discipline and self motivation
2. I CAN overcome and bounce back quickly from an injury and/or surgery
3. I CAN have fantastic friends my kids age!
4. There are a lot of folks that have had much more difficult situations than me that are running this marathon and NOT complaining! There are also others such as Carol who have made a difficult decision not to run. That is the kind of person I want to always be! Someone who understands the importance of family and when necessary puts others before self no matter how disappointing it can be. God bless you Carol!
5. If GOD leads you to it, He WILL get you through it!
6. Most people are supportive at the end, but skeptical at the beginning of an endeavor such as this
7. My husband is my BEST FRIEND - he has been by my side every Saturday morning before daylight giving up his morning off (sometimes his only day off for weeks) even though he had to drop out of running because of his knee. He even rode his bike alongside me for 15 miles so that I could be safe on the Ridgeland trails! He has never stopped encouraging me or believing in me no matter how negative I get. Everyone at work tells me how proud he is of me!
8. It is not important that you excell in everything you attempt, it IS important that you do YOUR best
9. It is okay to be selfish at times. Taking time for self improvement is necessary and NOT being selfish
10. It is easier to exercise if you look cute ;-)
11. I CAN walk/run more than 2 miles without it killing me!
12. I do not have to compete with anyone but myself
13. My success and self esteem does not depend on what anyone else thinks or says, only on how I feel about myself

Miles dedicated:
1-7 Mom (her birthday is October 7)
8-15 Clark (he will get me through to the hardest part of the marathon)
16-26.2 Jesus (It will be only through His power that I finish this marathon)

We don't say it often enough but we do appreciate so much Mark & Robin for providing the vehicle and opportunity for our life change. You, Matt and Scotty have all worked tirelessly with little pay to get us all to Chicago and more importantly change our lives. Wayne has volunteered his time and been "on call" for all of us with our aches and pains and we can never repay him. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you fellow MM'ers for your encouragement and support. I have never met a more determined group of people!
Jana

I have had a great week training despite myself. Saturday, instead of trying to run with you guys (not ready yet for the pavement) Clark and I opted to ride bikes. We rode from our house in Madison to Grants Ferry Road, ate lunch at the Fresh Market Cafe and rode home. The only problem was we left the house after it got hot outside and had to ride in the heat the whole time. We got about a mile from home and I wrecked my bike. I skinned myself up pretty bad but my feelings were hurt worse than anything! I think I tried to do too much too soon and got overtired. I also haven't trained in the heat since the 18 miler when I got my tibial fracture. All of that was the perfect setup for getting hurt and I know better!
Sunday I was pretty "stove up" and rested. Monday I rode the elliptical for 13 minutes and then did water aerobics for 1.5 hrs. Tonight I walked and ran (yes, I did!) on the treadmill for 30 minutes and did the elliptical for 20 minutes. I am trying to build my endurance back up as much as I can without overdoing it. I am not going to try to do 20 miles Saturday. All I need is another stress fracture this close to the marathon! I still don't know if I will feel ready and won't until the week of the marathon, I guess. Right now, I feel like I can at least walk 26.2 miles. I just have been so miserable with these injuries I don't know if it is worth it! Wayne, if you have any suggestions please let me know!
Jana

Felix Espinoza

I bought two small beautiful watercolors from this man at the market here in Seattle yesterday. He is my age, born in Peru without arms and paints with his mouth. He is also an art teacher. He is awesome and such an inspiration!
I started back exercising Thursday and have not missed a day yet. Clark and I have gone to the fitness center each morning or night and I have done the elliptical. One night we water walked in the pool. Yesterday I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes. Not supposed to yet but I took it slow and was not going to do it if if hurt. My foot feels fine today (a little sore but no more than usual). I am really excited. Got to work on endurance though. I am trying to increase by five minutes everyday until I get up to par.
Oh, and by the way, Clark and I found some hemp granola yesterday at the market. We are having it for breakfast this morning and we don't care what we do after that. Everything is beautiful, man.
Jana

Exercise feels so good again!

I got on the elliptical this morning for 30 minutes! Yea, me! My foot is still somewhat sore but so much better. I am not going to push it by wogging too soon but will continue to XT on the elliptical and the bike for a couple more weeks.

Clark and I are leaving this afternoon for Kansas City, MO and then on to Seattle, WA. We will be back next Thurs. We are going to see our kids who have recently moved and make sure they are okay. We will miss you guys again Saturday.

MM has been a major "gettin out of my box" for me. The last few years I have done things I would never have done because they were too risky for me. I have always had a relatively "safe" life and have found out that I AM capable of doing things I never thought I could. It has been so cool for people to think of me in the context of "being a runner." At first I was embarassed about it because I have never even been an "exerciser." I thought people were looking at me and thinking "she sure doesn't look like any runner I know!" "I wonder if she knows she actually has to run!" It is amazing the respect you get from people you think have never given you a second thought! It has definitely been a conversation starter! People are definitely impressed!

I scrubbed in the operating room for about 10 hours yesterday. That was another major "box" I had to conquer. I have not worked in the OR since 1992 and never scrubbed by myself - always had someone else passing instruments. I only assisted or circulated so when my Doctor asked me to scrub with him I surprised myself when the word "yes" came out of my mouth! I thought, now what did I just say? Who was that person that answered? Anyway, it was very tiring esp. with my foot, etc. but SO MUCH fun! The time flew by and I actually enjoyed it! And......I actually did a pretty good job once I got the hang of it!

Take care you guys and have a great run Saturday!

I'm a couch potato today!

I haven't blogged in a week or so but I have been keeping up with everyone elses on a daily basis. I am so proud of everyone! I have never been involved with a more determined group. We are going to have so much fun in Chicago. Just hanging out with a group of great people like you will be awesome.
I had a minor surgical procedure this morning and am on Demerol if I say something stupid. I decided that while my foot is healing I would kill two birds with one stone and eliminate this problem also. I can start exercising again in a week. I never thought I would miss exercising!! My foot has still been miserably sore. My boss has been fondly calling me "Chester." For you young things Chester was on Gunsmoke (in the olden days) and walked with a limp. I would much rather be called Miss Kitty the saloon keeper!
I have decided not to get upset about my foot. If I could do something about it, it would be different. I am just going to keep telling myself that it is just taking me a little longer than some to get ready for a marathon. If I am unable to do Chicago I will just keep working towards MS Blues in January and then Chicago next year. I have too many things to be thankful for to get upset!
Whatever happens, Clark and I will be there in Chicago to cheer you on!
Had a great time in Hot Springs with my girls. Clark took us all out for a fabulous dinner Saturday night celebrating my birthday (it was Friday). If you have never been to Hot Springs, there is a wonderful bath house called Buckstaff Bathhouse. It is the only one still open I believe. You can get a hot mineral bath (they scrub you with a loofah), steam sauna, sitz bath and a massage all for about 45 dollars. It is unbelievable! I didn't make it this time because our trip was so short but I sure wanted to.
Clark also sent me flowers for my birthday on Friday. He is not only Dr. Butt but he is the man!
We won't be with you folks again Saturday. I will still be recuperating and Clark is on call. Hope you have a great run. Drink, drink, drink!!!
Jana

I can do this!

Thought I would give you guys an update so you know I haven't given up! I spent last week on crutches and was unable to bear weight on my left foot. The longest week of my life! Oprah, Dr. Phil and HGTV ruled my world. I hate to clean house but I hate worse to have to look at it and be unable to clean it! I also got a break from work. Most people would be happy about that but I love my job, I love my coworkers and my Dr. boss and occasionally I get to work with my husband Dr. boss! We have fun at work and I hate to miss.
Anyway, my foot has not gotten a whole lot better. Therefore, my Dr. husband decided it was time for me to have another bone scan. I went today and it showed another stress fracture - tibia this time. That is what we thought on examination last Saturday but since it was not getting better it was best to have it confirmed. I am glad that is all (not a complete break or fracture) because there is still hope that I can make Chicago.
I have heard so many comments in the past couple of weeks. "You are just not genetically made for running," "you need to run in moderation, not try to go so far," "running is just not your thing," "don't you know running is not good for you," and "maybe you should just give it up." And then on the other hand (from Clark and his brother, Chris) "you can still do this, you have come too far to quit now." I am going to listen to Clark and his brother!
Mandy was totally right though when she said if you do it to yourself, don't expect sympathy from anyone! It is hard for people to feel sorry for you when they told you you were crazy for running in the first place! All of this makes me more determined to complete the marathon.
I, along with all of you, am a marathoner! I can do this!

What a looooooooooooooong weeeeeeeeeeeeeeek

As of today, Friday, I am still using a crutch! My left foot is still really sore and difficult to walk on. It will get better. Just take some time, I know. I have not been able to work this week - or go to art class - or go to Yoga - or go to dinner at Shapleys last night with Clark's work. Bummer. Double bummer.
Clark and I will not be with you guys tomorrow or next week. We are leaving for an overnight Leadership Retreat with our church this afternoon to Timber Creek Camp and then next weekend we are going to my daughter's house in Hot Springs, AR. Take care out there and watch your fluid intake! It is going to be 100 degrees Saturday!
Jana

I have an injury........Bummer............

Once again, I have an injury. Maybe running is just not my thing. I seem to have a stress fracture of my left foot again. Not a heel fracture this time. Something else. I am not able to bear weight on that foot. I am on crutches.
About halfway back from Fannin Landing the second time the medial side of the front of my foot starting hurting some. It almost felt like a catch. I had been doing intervals the whole time 1:30/1:30. It started hurting worse when I was running so I decided to walk the rest of the way. I made it to Spillway Road and halfway to Forest Point when Clark picked me up in the truck. When I got ready to get out of the truck I could not put weight on that foot.
Clark's brother Chris (orthopedic hand surgeon) examined my foot and said it did not appear to be a muscle or tendon injury so it must be bone. He said it was probably a stress fracture and if I treat it like I did my heel fracture (no running or walking for a few weeks) it will be okay and I probably will be able to make the CM. Right now, I have my doubts.
So for now I am going to play it by ear. When I am able to walk again I will start back on the elliptical, water aerobics and water running. We will just have to see how things go. I am pretty bummed out about it but I figure it is better to be injured from trying to improve myself than from being a couch potato and having the problems that go with that.
The good thing about Saturday is my endurance was the best it has ever been. I was not sore or fatigued from the run Saturday or Sunday. I slept most of the day Sunday from taking mepergan for pain but not because of the miles I did. I woke up during the night Saturday in excrutiating pain with my foot and Clark was a dutiful nurse and took care of me.
Thanks to Cathy and Charlie for a wonderful party! It was such fun. I have really enjoyed the cake you sent home with us. I didn't realize you gave us so much until we got home! You did a great job with the invitations, the cake and the gift you gave Mandy! You are so talented!
We all should be proud of our accomplishment Saturday. No matter how far we went. Would we have done this much six months ago? I think not! We ARE all marathoners whether we make it to the CM or not. I am so proud of us all.
Jana

I have been working hard to finish this painting. Still have more work to do on it but thought I would share.
This has been a slow week training for me. I missed the run on Monday but managed to XT Sunday and yesterday I walked on the treadmill. I went to Fitness lady after work and forgot to take my industrial strength bra so could not run. Glad you men don't have this to worry about! Hope I am up to the mental challenge Saturday. The heat seems to be getting to me more than usual. I also have been eating a lot of bad things that I never eat! We had a reception for Clark's daughter and our new son-in-law Saturday night so we have had family from out of town here until Tuesday.

My daughter's little dashhound had to be put to sleep Monday. She was only four years old. She became paralyzed Thursday due to congenital back problems that these dogs are prone to have and was in really bad shape. She was in perfect health and my daughter let her out to go to the bathroom. She would not move away from the door so my daughter picked her up. When she did Chloe bit her. Jill dropped her and she ran to the bed and lost bowel function. They took her to the vet and she never came home. My daughter has been so upset. Chloe was such a sweet little dog!
Clark and I are sitting here watching Fox News about the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Unbelievable! Can you imagine being on that bridge when it collapsed! OMG
The weather report says rain Friday and Saturday. We may make it after all!

This Blog is Dedicated to Queen

This blog is dedicated to Queen and all of us wonderful, beautiful women of MM who need to start wearing purple now (or red) so that people are not shocked or surprised when we are old and start to wear purple!

When I am Old I Will Wear Purple
Jenny Joseph's 'Famous Poem'

Warning!
When I am Old
I will wear Purple!

When I am an old woman,
I shall wear purple - -
With a red hat which doesn't go,
and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves and satin sandles,
And say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
and gobble up samples in shops
and press alarm bells
and run with my stick along public railings,
and make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
and pick flowers in other people's gardens
and learn to spit!
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
and eat three pounds of sausages at ago,
or only bread and pickles for a week,
and hoard pens and pencils
and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry,
and pay our rent
and not swear in the street,
and set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner
and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me
are not too shocked and surprised
when suddenly I am old,
And start to wear purple!

--Jenny Joseph

X Rated Blog

Everyone has gotten so good about blogging! I haven't been so good. I have been keeping up with my training. I was a slug Sunday though, went to church, lunch, and house hunting but no XT. My blisters kept me from doing much walking.

Monday I wogged on the treadmill for 45 min. and Tuesday for 30 minutes. On the treadmill I was able to increase my run interval to 3 and sometimes 5 minutes. I may try to run longer this Saturday since it is a "short" run and see how I do. After wogging Tuesday morning and then working all day (I stand most of the time) my blisters filled back up with fluid and my feet and legs hurt like Saturday! This morning I went to water aerobics and enjoyed every minute of it. Something about the water soothes your tired, aching feet and your poor ole joints. I fit right in with the other old blue hairs! I am just kidding about that. Water aerobics is an excellent way to exercise and somehow it is a well kept secret by older women. I don't know if it is because us younguns don't want to mess up our hair, don't think it is cool enough or a good enough workout, or we are working when the retired ladies can go, but when I go I am usually the youngest in the class! I highly recommend it. I even bought some gloves today at Fitness Lady to increase resistence.

One day this past week, I was at Fitness Lady about to get on a treadmill when I heard one of the personal trainers say "she ran 16 miles Saturday, you know she is training for the Chicago Marathon." Well, she wasn't talking about me but I was so proud anyway! I looked to see who it was but did not recognize them. Was it you?

Clark and I have been spending most of our free time house hunting. We are having a dilemma of whether to build and get what we want (and possibly a divorce. JK) or buy a house already built. We made an offer on a house last week and while we were negotiating the homeowner accepted another offer. Legal, but not ethical. I have been pretty bummed out about that but I know there is something better out there for us. We want a house on the water, preferably Madison County but haven't found one we like or in our price range.

BTW, I must say that exercising is good for your sex life. That is all I am going to say about that. (Clark, no pressure, that is my opinion TODAY. I don't know if it will change tomorrow.)

Hope everyone has a great week. Looking forward to Saturday and a great run!

Hooray for blisters!

I am happy to report that I have blisters the size of Texas on both feet! I am sore and stiff and can barely walk but SO happy. Yea for blisters!!!!! I was so worried because both feet were burning like crazy. They were hurting so bad I could not pinpoint the pain. I walked the last 2-3 miles because I was so afraid of injury.
I definitely need to calibrate my IPod Nike shoe thing because it reported 19.07 miles this morning. It was my first time to use it. I made a side trip to the bathroom at Lakeshore but don't think it added that much! Whatever milage it was, it was a long way and we did it!
We are all marathoners!

Short Run - HA!

I admit it. I have gotten terrible about blogging. I don't know why but I will try to do better.
The run this morning was fantastic. It was hot, humid, miserable, draining, awful and wonderful all at the same time! I am just SO thankful to be out there again without any real aches and pains. I have been really drained all day though. I am sure it is because I sweated like a mule the whole time! I read in Runner's World that in order to acclimate to the heat you should walk or slow jog in the hottest part of the day a couple of days a week. I am not sure they know what it is like here in MS in the middle of the day. I may try that this week. If I don't have a heat stroke I will let you know.
My youngest daughter and her husband left for Kansas City, Mo this afternoon. They will be living there for a year of so. I am feeling very depressed but happy that she is getting life experiences. She needs to see what the rest of the world is like after living in MS all her life. I am going to miss her so much!
Clark and I went to see Evan Almighty this afternoon. It was not at all what I expected but was a great movie. It had a great message as Ann McElroy said. Random acts of kindness will change the world. I believe that.
I challenge each one of us to do one small random act of kindness this week - anonymously. Let's see how it makes us feel and maybe blog about it next week?
Jana

Weeeeeeeeeee're Baaaaaaaaaaaack!

We are back! We had sooooooooooooo much fun! I think we will be home most of the rest of the summer.

I kept up pretty well with my training while we were gone - not perfect by any means but I logged about 14 miles last week. For XT I helped paint a house all day Monday and a porch Tuesday. I breaded catfish Friday for four hours in the park - we fed the town of Cody, WY Mississippi catfish, hushpuppies, and slaw. I totally missed the 15 miler on Saturday which is okay because I think it is still too soon with my heel fracture to run that far. I hope to stay the course this week and be ready for the "short" run Saturday and the long run the next Saturday.

Looking forward to seeing you guys soon!

Jana

Elk sighting

Mark,
This butt's for you!

Jana

Ride em' Cowboy!

We will be flying out in the morning at 6:00 for Cody, WY. We will spend Thursday, Friday and Saturday sightseeing with friends in Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Sunday we will have a wedding for Clark's best friend from North Carolina. He and his fiancee' wanted to join us on the mission trip and decided it would be a good time to get married! They will be married in the small Baptist church there by our associate pastor of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Isn't this just so neat! Everyone there is so excited about the wedding. They are providing the cake and decorations, etc.

Three days next week will be spent painting, repairing, cleaning and landscaping the church and park and really just whatever else needs to be done. On the 4th of July some of us will go to the parade and the others (Clark and I included) will go white water rafting. Thursday will be spent preparing and cooking catfish and fixins for the church and basically the whole town. Going to the rodeo is on the agenda somewhere. We will fly back Saturday. This trip is a lot different from the mission trips we are used to. We have been on numerous medical trips to Mexico and Nicaragua where you are working hard all week. This will seem like a vacation!

Clark got a new fancy camera yesterday. He wants to renew his photography hobby so hopefully he will be able to take some really good pictures. We will try to post some.

Hopefully, I will be able to walk and keep my training up while we are gone. I have packed all my cute little wogging and biking clothes so I will have to! You know, it IS all about the clothes! I may have to get a cowboy hat to wear while I am walking so I will fit in! LOL

We will miss all of you folks the next two Saturdays.

Yall be careful out there!
Jana

Sunrise...............

Would we have seen this wonderful expression of God's love for us had we not been on the causeway at 5:45 Saturday morning?

WOO! HOO!

Elliptical - 13.1 miles
time - 2 hours 49 minutes
calories burned -1500
feeling afterward - priceless!

I did it! I just had to prove to myself that you guys were not going to leave me standing at the starting line in Chicago! I know I had 10 TV's to watch at Fitness lady, bathrooms close, water fountain close and air conditioning but I DID IT! I feel so much better. I feel like my endurance is where it should be at this point!
I did two/two intervals of easy then harder. I went for one hour then refilled my water bottle, went to bathroom and ate a GU. That was 4.55 miles. The second time I went for 1.10, 5.45 miles, and repeated. The third time was the hardest, 3.1 miles. It was so much easier to have the short breaks in between. I would always go to a new machine also to break up the monotony.
My knees are really sore but my heel feels fine. YEA!
We will still be there Saturday riding our bikes. I plan on making up my hour today on the bike Saturday.

Babysitting a Mini

For those of you who have volunteered to babysit my mini while we are gone - I am interviewing.
You must be able to :

1) diaper a mini
2) burp a mini
3) feed a mini
4) sing a mini lullaby
5) rock a mini to sleep
6) she likes to watch her favorite show "Cars"

SICK - I know!

Blogging Blues

I haven't blogged in a while. Sorry about that but just haven't had much to say. I have been enjoying my new car. Clark and I look like a couple of kids riding around with the top down.
I have been reading everyone's blogs about heel pain. Please don't ignore it. I have one more week before I have another xray to see if my stress fracture has healed. We leave for Cody, WY next Thursday for a mission trip and unless my heel has healed enough to walk (for exercise) I will not get any exercise other than working on the mission. I don't think we will be staying any place fancy enough to have an elliptical or bike! If it is okay I plan on just walking that week and start back running the next week. I want to go as slow as necessary to keep this from happening again. I went today and got a foot imprint for orthotics. I don't know if it will help prevent a future stress fracture but it is worth a try. Jennifer at Methodist Rehab told me I have very weak ankles and that hopefully these will help keep me from a sprain.
I exercised on the elliptical for 40 minutes today and then did water pilates for one hour. I am doing everything I can to keep up endurance. It is hard because I never feel like I do enough. I didn't do anything yesterday. After church, having lunch with my family, and then visiting Clark's dad there was no more time. I was also lazy from eating so many barbecue ribs! Maybe that is why I can't lose weight? Naw............................
My daughter and son-in-law are moving to Kansas City, MO. That leaves us with only one kid in town! I have been very down about her moving. She is my baby! I would never hold her back though. Everyone should have a chance to experience other areas of the country and get away from their parents for a while. I am sure going to miss her! Hopefully it will only be for a year.

Okay, I did nothing in the way of training today. Why, you asked? Because we were too busy riding around in my new red convertible Mini Cooper! Yes, that's right! Clark and I drove to Baton Rouge yesterday after he got off work and picked it up. It is so much fun! It is red with black interior and so cute!
I did work out yesterday. Water pilates, elliptical and bike totaling 1 hour, 35 min. It is NOT the same as wogging. I just don't feel like I did when I was able to run/walk. Not the same level of workout it seems. But, I will be a good patient. My heel is still really sore so I don't actually think it will be healed in two weeks. We will just have to see. Don't want any permanent damage or an actual break. I see people suffering with permanent injuries every time I go to work and it is not for me.
Maybe Saturday while you guys are running I will drive my Mini along beside you. I think it will fit on the trails and not take up much more room than my bike! LOL

Jana

Proud father.

Jana

Bone Scan and other fun things

I went this morning for my bone scan and did not get good news. According to the Radiologist I have a calcaneal stress fracture of my left foot. Great, huh. I have not heard from Dr. Sullivan yet so don't really know how bad and what restrictions I have.
Clark and I rode bikes 8 1/2 miles yesterday and I did the elliptical today for 30 minutes. Dr. Sullivan actually told me not to do anything but I have come too far to regress back to where I was! These two exercises are not weight bearing on my heel so I think they are okay. I can already tell that I am losing conditioning by not running or walking. Hopefully, this will not be bad and I will have a fast recovery. I have read a lot about this fracture and in general it seems to take around 6 weeks to heal. It is caused by osteoporosis or adding too many miles too soon or overuse (also, other things but didn't think they apply to me such as flat feet, feet deformity or obesity). As everyone knows (who reads my blogs) I am a rule follower so I don't think I have done too much too soon. I do have osteopenia which is a precurser to osteoporosis but have been taking well over the daily requirement of calcium.
I will just have to wait and see. I'll keep you posted!

Jana

BTW, I finished a new painting this week.

Remember "The Shining"

This is a picture of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. It was used in the movie "The Shining." Pretty scary looking.

Well, I have good news and bad news. The good news is the wedding was beautiful. Everything went off without a hitch. We will send some pictures to Photo Bucket or somewhere so you can see if you want. We had a really good time.

The bad news is I hobbled around all week. I went to see Dr. Tip Sullivan this morning and he is sending me for a nuclear scan Wednesday to see if I have a calcanal (sp) stress fracture. He was able to see something that looked like a fracture on xray in his office but couldn't be positive. The weird thing is I can walk perfectly well in high heels! With my low heel casual shoes and tennis shoes I look like I am crippled. He said if I don't have a stress fracture he would probably put me in 1/4 inch high heel insoles. I am not supposed to do any running, etc. until after the scan. I rested from running and walking last week and only did the elliptical three days. I can go forward on the elliptical without any pain but not backward. I am so worried about having to build my endurance back up!

I told Dr. Sullivan I was training for the marathon and he asked me if I was going to cry. Well, I wanted to! When I told him it was in October he told me that even if this is a stress fracture I will be able to train for the October marathon. Thank you, God! I will just have to change my program somewhat. I don't know what to expect but will hopefully find out Wed.

I will let you guys know. For all of you with heel pain - the way he diagnosed it was - he pressed the right and left side of my heel with both hands and I had a lot of pain.

Matt, you made my day. Clark has been making fun of me for listening to Michael Buble's "Perry Como/Frank Sinatra" music! I am sure he said he couldn't believe he was married to such an old person! Well, you must be old too!!!

Can't wait to see everyone Saturday. I may be on my bike with Clark and Robin. Hopefully, I won't be totally grounded.

I'm not complaining but...........

Saturday was pretty hard for me. I am having some physical problems (other than aches and pains) that I have to deal with that are leaving me a little depressed. I won't elaborate for the sake of the men! Also, my ankle had me hobbling the rest of the weekend. I took yesterday off and did the eliptical for 60 minutes today. Hopefully, I can give my ankle a little rest before the next long run.
We will be flying out to Denver Wed. and driving on to Boulder for the wedding on Saturday. Hopefully things will go okay. It is sometimes very hard for the blending of families when there has been a divorce even after this long.
Hope everyone has a great week and for those traveling a safe trip.
Jana

Dieting

Nuff said.

Jana

Terrible Tuesday, Wonderful Wednesday

Had a bad day yesterday and did not wog. I was grouchy, had a stomach ache, headache and ankle ache. I was just all around crummy!

Today IS a new day. I WILL do better. I WILL feel better. I WILL not be grouchy (unless Clark says one wrong word ;-)

Jana

Saturday was a great day. The weather was lovely and it was neat crossing the bridge over the reservoir. Donna and I did 2/2 intervals the whole way and it really felt pretty good. I had been having knee and ankle pain all week but they both felt okay yesterday while wogging. Strange, huh. My ankle is giving me some problems today. I am going to continue to do stretching exercises this week on Clark's Prostretch (little blue rocker thing) from Fleet Feet. Maybe that will help.

Donna warned me before we started that some of her family members had the flu and she wasn't feeling too well. She was afraid she would have to drop out. She hung in there all the way and never complained. You go, Donna. You are tough. We needed Cookie though with us to make us walk faster. She is the fastest walker in town - besides Vickie, of course.

Sheila, we missed you. Hope you will soon be with us beating the pavement!
.
Clark is on call. He left at 6:30 this morning and he has not been home all day and it is nearly 9:00pm. I hate it when he has a hard call. He never complains about it though.

It was great talking to Matt yesterday. He is so much like Clark's son! We get a kick out of reading his blogs because they sound so much like Tripp! Tripp is a drummer in Nashville trying to make it big. Matt also went to high school with my daughter. Small world.

Have a good and careful week!

Jana

Fat lost, muscle gained!

Last night while wogging in Strawberry Patch Park at dusk sweating like a mule I kept thinking "I am regressing. Why is this so hard for me? Why am I so tired? I am not going to be able to keep this up if it doesn't get easier!" By the time I got home I realized why I am so tired - I have wogged 18 miles since Saturday! In my old life (four months ago) I would have maybe walked a couple of miles on Sunday if I felt energetic, then possibly gone to water aerobics another day if I got the urge. What I am doing now goes against everything I have ever done IN MY WHOLE LIFE and I am 51 years old! No wonder I am tired and sore!

I can tell you that when Mark or Robin or any of the veteran marathoners suggests something, it is very smart to do it. After the run Saturday, I got so busy with my family I did not take time to ice my legs and I have surely paid for it this week. It DOES make a difference. With me anyway.

I went to water aerobics this morning for XT. I think it helped with the soreness. I also got brave enough to weigh and have lost 4 pounds in four months! Not a world record but I am happy! As I have said in the past, those are pounds that I don't have to carry around on Saturday!!!

Wog on, fellow marathoners!

Honour your mother.................................................

Clark and I left Friday after work for Clarkco State Park for a family reunion. It was great seeing all my mom's family. She had nine brothers and sisters. Only four are left but over one hundred grandchildren, great granddchildren, nieces, nephews uncles and aunts came.

Saturday morning, Clark and I got up very early, dressed and we were wogging and biking by 6:30. I wogged my nine miles, 2/2 intervals, and he biked beside me, around me, in front of me and in back of me for at least 18 miles. My times was 1:57:33. Not bad I thought. It was very hard at times but the weather was pleasant, it was shady and there were plenty of campsite bathrooms available. The only problem were the hills. Has anyone seen the hills of Quitman, MS? I didn't know there were hills in MS except Vicksburg! The last couple of miles I got smart and walked up the hills and ran down the hills! I felt like I was being tortured the first couple of miles but after that it got much easier until the last couple of miles. I could not have done it by myself, I know. Clark kept me going and providing water for me. He even biked back to our cabin and got me a banana. I think I will keep him! He offered to bring me back to Jackson to run with you guys but it was a two hour drive and I knew with his help I could do it there.
After the run, we had a catered barbecue lunch and a full afternoon of storytelling and videos. It was a wonderful day. If your mom is still alive spend time with her. It was such joy seeing my mom laughing and having fun with her sisters and brother. They are all in their seventies and eighties but acted like a bunch of kids.

Sunday evening I walked in the park for 30 minutes and this morning I wogged for 43 minutes and walked the rest of the time until I got to 4.6 miles. Monday is still my hardest day. It takes a lot of self talk and encouragement for me to be able to train on Monday! My body rebels the whole time!

For all of us that walk and run Strawberry Patch Park - if you don't have a Garmin you may not know that all the way around is not quite a mile. I walked around the loop five times and it was around 4.6 miles. Kinda disappointing because I thought my time was pretty good until I found this out!

Have a good week training and remember what Mark said about not overdoing it. We all want to get to Chicago TOGETHER and leave NO ONE behind! We can do it if we want it badly enough and train correctly! Sometimes it pays not to be a maverick! Even though he was kind and didn't say it, most of us are not spring chickens if you know what I mean!! :-)

This and that..........................

Clark and I went to Suzanne's (Goin the distance Suz) open house at GI Associates last night. The appetizers were delicious and we were able to see a lot of old friends and coworkers. I heard lots of stories about Clark when he was in medical school and just starting out. It was hard to recognize Suzanne in dressy clothes without her running shorts. She was looking very stylish and important and very CEO like! We enjoyed it very much Suzanne. Thank you for the invitation!

Afterward, we ate at Nagoya and then walked at Strawberry Park. Clark walked with me because it was dark. I talked him into it because it was a short (30 min.) day and he seemed to do okay. Someone had left a young duck at the park (we figured it to be an Easter duck that got too big). That duck was following everyone around and crying. Shame on those people for leaving that little duck to die. He can't take care of himself because he has not learned to get his own food and is not acclimated to the wild. Mean humans.

My exhusbands melanoma is a Stage 2. He will actually have it removed next week by a surgeon. We had a slight communication problem (go figure - we are ex's) and I thought it was to be removed yesterday. Hopefully that is not too bad.

Several of us want to have a get to know each other party. We could all bring our tastiest healthy dishes for pot luck. We will try to get the clubhouse at Lake Caroline one evening this spring or summer. If anyone has any other suggestions, lets hear them!
Gotta run..........HA
Jana

Extending Our Limits................................

My fortune cookie today at lunch said: "One extends one's limits only by exceeding them." I think that is what we all did yesterday! It was a great feeling going across that finish line - and we liked it so well we did it twice!

I was glad Clark was around on his bike when Christy fell. After assessing her injury he was able to call the race officials and have a golf cart sent to her right away. It is nice to see him riding around watching over us all. He has been invaluable to us, with the accident in Clinton and then yesterday. When Nancy had to go to the ER, he was able to call ahead, talk to the ER doctor and get her in right away (instead of waiting forever in the ER waiting room). The thing I appreciate most is that, even though he is unable to run, he still chooses to go with me every Saturday when he could be doing a lot of other things. He loves our group and enjoys being with all of us. He must always be giving of himself to be happy.

I had sad news today. One of my favorite patients died of cancer. She died Wed. but I just read it in the paper today. Also, my daughter called tonight and said her dad has a melanoma on his foot. He will have it removed Tuesday and we will find out then if it has spread. Please say a prayer for him.

On a lighter note: We saw Spiderman 3 today. It was great. I highly recommend it. Great special effects. We biked afterwards and got my XT in. I was amazed at how strong my legs are getting.

Hope everyone has a great week. We will be at a family reunion Saturday so will be absent from the run. Stay safe!

Determination.................................

For those of you who live in Madison and get the Madison County Herald, Clark's dad and stepmom are on the front page of the Food Section. Miriam is a fantastic cook so you should try her recipes.

When I weighed yesterday I had lost 2.5 pounds. I am very happy because I consider those pounds that I will never have to lose again or carry for 8 miles Saturday! It has taken me a long, hard time to get them off and they ain't coming back!!!

Today at Strawberry Patch Park I saw an old man walking on the path with a walker. He could not make it very far but he was really trying and sweating. He had determination that could not be denied. Kinda makes you want to fall on your knees doesn't it?

Chocolate Melting Cake........Yum Yum.......................

Last night's wog was tough and hot but easier than Monday. It took me about 50 minutes to go 4 miles - but, the third mile took only 11 minutes! Check that out! Don't know how I managed that! I didn't stop for water during that mile and kinda had my rhythym going. Maybe there is hope for me yet!
The best part was getting out of cooking supper! Clark had it almost cooked when I got home and of course I had to ice in the tub for awhile, just enough time for him to finish. Thanks, Clark!
We ate at Ichiban Monday night. We decided that would be a good place for a MM meeting or lunch after a run. There were a lot of good healthy choices (a lot of bad ones also). That was our first time there and it was really good. Roomy, too.
On my way to get the oil changed in my car and then to Fitness Lady for XT. I may weigh today and see how much damage I did on the cruise. That chocolate melting cake I ate three nights in a row may have hurt me but it was worth it!! I counterbalanced it during the day with fat free frozen yogurt. That's logical, huh?
Jana

Really tired..........................

I tried wogging at Strawberry Patch Park this morning and could only go 2 miles! It was so hot and I was SO thirsty! I ran to my car for something to drink and once I stopped I just couldn't make myself go on! I know I can't wait until 9:00 to get started anymore with this heat. I am going to let this be my short day and try again tomorrow.

After 7 miles Saturday, Clark and I biked for 1.5 hours Sunday afternoon. I think I need a rest.
Mandy, your comment to my blog was sweet but I was like a duck - calm and cool on the surface and paddling like crazy under the water! Saturday was hard but felt so good when we finished.

Christa and Kayra, you guys did great. You really looked like you were into the groove of this thing and had your rhythym going.

Ann, the Race Ready shorts at Fleet Feet were way too short for me. I went to Academy Sports and found some BCG shorts that are longer and have several pockets. They were also $9.99 as opposed to $29.99. (Clark are you taking note?)

Saturday is going to be fun. Let's all do our best to do our required training so it won't be so hard! Drink lots of fluid this week and eat right - lots of good for you food! We can do this. We can do this. We can do this. We can do this.

"Fantasy"

It has taken me about five hours to read through all the blogs I missed while on vacation but I had to know everyone's business! We had a fantastic time! It was so good to get away from everyday stress. Thought I would share a couple of pictures.
When I finished the run on Saturday I came home, got in the tub and turned on the cold water. It was very hard but it was kinda like boiling frogs. As long as it was gradual, I could stand it and I was not sore later at all!
We rushed to the bank, left for New Orleans and got in a terrible traffic jam when we got to Causeway Blvd. We almost missed the boat and then left all our money in the car!! I was grateful for our "Sail and Sign" card where we charged everything on the ship!
Clark's knee is in a mess. It has been very swollen the whole trip. Hopefully, he can see Dr. Shelton today and find out what is going on.
Training this week has not been bad at all except for being a little unstable on the treadmill on the ship. With all the food I ate it made me feel better to have exercised every morning. Something I would have never done in the past. I would have said "I am on vacation and I am not doing anything I don't have to do!" Well, I had to train to keep up with all you marathoners! I do not want to be left behind!

I just remembered I wanted to share some things I read in a little booklet I got for subscribing to Runner's World called "10 Free Running Reports" and then I have to get busy around here.
This is from the "Special Report for Women" and this section is geared for us women over 40. Sorry guys and younguns........

First of all Joan Ellis, age 51 (my age) won the 2000 Boston Marathon veteran's division in 3:05:46.
The report states:
1) we should train with younger runners
2) pump iron 2-3 times a week (improves muscle strength and bone density)
3) alternate hard and easy days (applies to all runners but especially to masters (I like that word), who take longer to recover. Don't run more than 50 to 60 miles per week. (not a problem - yet, HA!)
4) Consider hormone therapy - shows promise in reducing cholesterol, building bones, and easing menopausal symtoms. Also, may benefit brain health, prevent some cancers, and possibly reduce risk of osteoarthritis.
5) Running lowers your risk of adult-onset diabetes and heart disease, the number one killer of women over 60
6) Contrary to popular belief, running won't ruin your knees. Some studies suggest that it might actually help prevent arthritis by pumping nutrients into knee joints.

Interesting stuff, huh?

TGIT (Thank God It's Thursday!)

I just finished my wog this morning. I did the best ever so far - 4 miles in 51.33. The first 2.5 miles my legs felt like they had lead weights attached but I kept on pushing and all of a sudden it got easier! My knees were okay too - YEAH!

Thanks to everyone for keeping Clark in the loop. He has kept up with the blogs, loves reading them and has made some great friends. He is especially crazy about Christa, Mandy and Robin! He really is a special person who puts me on a pedestal way too much. He knows how hard I am on myself and continually tries to keep me pumped up - a full time job! I could not continue this without his support.

Christa emailed me about the honda car repair shop and I thought I would share my return email with whoever has a Honda or Acura:

They are Carshop Inc. 114 Centre Street, Ridgeland 601-991-9663
Go down County Line like going to Northpark Mall and turn left on Ridgewood Road. Go to Centre Street (the road Shapley's is on) and turn left. They are on the left by Ridgeland Auto World.
They are good church friends of ours, David and Edna Morse. She works in the office there some. Tell them we sent you but it really doesn't matter because they will be good to you no matter what. They are just good honest people. They specialize in Hondas and Acuras.

Yeah! We get to be couch potatoes until Saturday! Not!!

Run From The Sun

Thanks to everyone for the congrats on my 3rd place medal. I would not have known I won it if it had not have been for Debra - she won 2nd place!!!!! Congratulations Debra! I was very verbal about mine while Debra humbly kept her accomplishment to herself.
Christa, hope your knees are okay. We had fun going through the finish line together.

Rain, rain go away!

Didn't run this morning but am proud for the ones who did. I just couldn't make myself take a chance with the lightening. Thought about going to Fitness Lady but decided tonight's race would just have to do.
Hope to see a lot of you guys there!

My Latest Art

This is my latest picture. Thought I would share. I haven't had much time to paint lately but really enjoy it.

10 weeks and counting.......................................

I walked yesterday and continue to have knee pain. A very knowledgeable friend poked around on my knees and told me I have patella tendonitis. His instructions were to hold ice directly on my patellas for at least 2 minutes (like a block of ice) and no longer than 3 minutes. He said the muscles around my knees are very weak and that I need to do leg raises and a lot of stretching. Weight training without impact and rest will help. So..........I will do all these things until Saturday and hopefully be able to interval train then. I believe and have been told by many people that knowing when to rest is just as important as anything else. I am trying to be good but I keep thinking about what Mark said. "It takes three months for your body to realize you are serious - that's when you start seeing change." (I hope I got that right). If I keep resting, how is my body going to take me seriously next week at the three month date? How will it know?

IT WILL KNOW BECAUSE I WILL KEEP TELLING IT 'I AM A MARATHONER' AND I AM GOING TO RUN, WALK OR CRAWL TO THE FINISH LINE IN OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have walked seven plus miles since Sunday (if I count Saturday, 11 miles). When have I ever in my whole life walked that much? I mean I gotta get real here! This is much, much more than a marathon. It is a LIFE CHANGE. From a couch potato to a person that exercises regularly and actually enjoys it!

MM Meeting

Today was a great meeting. Robin is just too cute. I want to look just as cute as she did today at the Chicago Marathon! Running, walking or crawling!

I enjoyed the walk very much with Beth Taylor. We talked the whole way and it made the time go by quickly. Did yall know she is Associate pastor of Parkway Hills United Methodist Church? She is such an inspiration and a joy to talk to. We walked the whole time and it gave my knees a good break as they are trying to heal. She said I was walking slow so she could keep up but truthfully it was the other way around!

It was great to finally meet Mandy and Sheila. Mike and Jonie were running intervals and looked like it was effortless. Christa was hanging in there also even with her sore back. Have yall noticed the caliber of people doing this thing? All the people I have met are just awesome. It's like everyone is an achiever, wanting to be the best he or she can be, wanting to live life to the fullest. We are all on an exciting adventure together and after this there is no telling what we can do!

Clark and I got our Road ID in the mail today. We opted for the one that attaches to your shoe so we wouldn't have to try to remember it each time. It looks good and make me feel athletic!

Debra, I agree about Mark needing a blanket. He made me cold by looking at him in his shorts and short sleeves. I had on three layers!

Have a blessed Easter tomorrow hopefully with your loved ones. Don't forget to go to church!!

Withdrawal...........

I wogged for 4 miles yesterday and can barely walk today. My knees are a mess. I keep telling myself I only have to walk slowly for 20 minutes today to keep my "perfect record" but I know in my heart that I have to try to recover from this knee plague and rest today. I will take it easy this week and walk Saturday.
The good news is, we are going to Huntington Grill tonight for dinner courtesy of Cymbalta (a drug for pain and depression). I plan on pigging out! Only on super foods of course! Not! I think red wine is a super food, don't you? At least it should be. It is very good for the heart and circulation and probably good for sore knees!
Have a great week!

Wogging this am

I wogged 50 minutes this morning - 2 minute intervals. I am a rule follower -only 50 min. no more. I think I actually could have gone 4 miles! I seemed to have gotten a second wind at 2.75 miles but my knees were hurting so I didn't push it (rule follower). My breathing was SO MUCH better today, I could not believe it. I was not nearly as winded as usual. I came home, took some Ibuprofen and iced my knees and feel pretty good.
I got rid of a lot of "stuff" today while running. If you ever see me running with tears streaming down my face it is okay - I am just releasing stuff! It felt so invigorating to get some stuff out!
Blonde in Training you CANNOT give up. Your blogs are too much fun to read!!!!
P.S. I used to be a true blonde too, when I was 5!

Conquering our Mountains

"It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves." -- Edmund Hillary

I just listened to last Saturday's "Mental Battle." It was very inspiring and spoke directly to me. Mark, I think you and my pastor have been talking!! Thanks for your insight and for being in tune to just what we need to hear each week.

Robin, thanks so much for sending me bread from Saturday. That white chocolate cherry bread was unbelievably good! I checked the website for Great Harvest Bread Company for the calorie counts on all their bread and they are not bad at all. Unless of course you eat the whole loaf!

Getting ready to head for Strawberry Patch park to wog with my new IPod Nano and my new Under Armour wogging outfit. I have already worn them three days this week but who cares!! I am trying to get used to the stink as part of my training! LOL

Saturday's four miles

Is anybody worried besides me about the four miles on Saturday? I have no doubt I can walk it but I am trying to wog intervals and I am very nervous about being able to go the whole way! My knees have really been sore lately. Maybe sympathy pains for Clark's poor knee. I walked the treadmill this am - tried to run some but too uncomfortable. That Biofreeze really helps.
I just ate a peanut butter & jelly sandwich with 'Whole Grain Goodness" bread Clark bought at Great Harvest on Friday. That bread is full of nuts and grains - it is delicious!! We toasted some last night and dipped it in olive oil mixed with herbs and it was really good.
Now would ya'll like to know about my bowel habits since we are getting so intimate? Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa..........TMI
BTW, the Beth Moore Conference was excellent!! Can you believe she told us to "do it afraid?" (See my 2/21 post). A God thing for sure!
Have a great week!

Persevering with disappointment

"To succeed, however, in anything at all, one should go understandingly about his work and be prepared for every emergency." -- Joshua Slocum
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I LOVE reading everyone's blog. I read them every day even before I read my email! It is comforting to know most everyone is struggling daily as I am. Since Clark has had to drop out I am having to work harder to keep focused - but..........I AM staying the course. I have not missed a day yet. I can only thank God for keeping me healthy.
I admire you guys with small children. It is so hard to find time for yourselves. Also, I admire all us older folks. Did any of you ever think you would attempt something like this? I never even thought about it but when I saw the write up in the paper I knew I had to do it. Isn't that weird. I have never exercised (much) or played sports or been athletic - am barely able to walk and chew gum!!
I am wogging today at Strawberry Patch Park. I am leaving at noon today for a Beth Moore conference in Shreveport and won't be at the meeting tomorrow or have a chance to wog. The topic of the conference is "Getting Out of the Pit." Beth is a Christian speaker who is a great inspiration to a lot of people. Hope I learn a lot of stuff.
Take care and have fun without me!!

Clark's Knee Surgery

Clark had his surgery today. He is at home on the couch with his leg propped up popping Tylox. Dr. Shelton said his medial meniscus was okay and the lateral meniscus had a terrible old injury. He had other old cartilage damage that may eventually effect running. He told Clark he needed to be a biker instead of a runner. Clark has decided that if he can't wog he will walk to the finish line. He is maintaining a great attitude.
There is only one problem for a doctor having surgery. The nurses! They get you back for all the teasing, jokes, and pranks you have pulled on them over the years! The recovery room nurses at Baptist painted Clark's toenails and put tatoos on him while he was asleep. It was so funny I thought I would share with you guys! Clark said he thinks Rock On Red is his color!!

TGIF

This has been a very interesting week...............

Sunday night around 11:00 I was taking my vitamins, getting ready for bed when I dropped a glass, tried to catch it and cut my hand. We went straight to the ER and I had 8 stitches. I still managed to do my exercise thingy on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday while feeling sorry for myself!
Then...............Clark comes up with this knee thing! I know he is just needing a rest and making all this up! I am pushing him way too much! : .)
Hopefully, he can have surgery next week and recuperate enough to get back on track for the marathon. I hate to have to do this without him!!

My Pants are Tight!

This is my fifth week of consecutive exercising, doing everything I am supposed to do, eating right, no sugary desserts, no trans fats, whole grains, "super foods," etc. I put on a pair of jeans last night that I wear all the time and they are tight! I am freaking out! I am too scared to get on the scales. I am trying to keep telling myself that my body IS changing underneath, that my new muscles are just pushing the fat to the surface and it will soon slough off!! As the old saying goes, Rome wasn't built in a day. Gotta remember that.........................................................................................................................................

Yesterday at work a Sales Rep brought breakfast - Star Bucks coffee with huge pastries and cakes and then another brought lunch - cheesy chicken casserole, buttery honey rolls, and a salad coated with a sugary type balsamic dressing. I ignored the breakfast (had already had cereal at home - that helped my willpower) and ate a small amt. of the casserole and salad without the rolls. People at work just think I am trying to lose weight (I haven't told them about the Marathon yet). They tell me I am "no fun," "one won't hurt you," etc. It is tough in a world where you are in the minority trying to eat right!

"Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim." -- Nora Ephron


We will miss the Saturday session. Bummer! Clark has a meeting in Birmingham and I must tag along and shop at the Galleria. Clark made sure the hotel has a fitness center so we don't get behind!

Went to Fitness Lady yesterday and got a new program for working out with the machines. I timidly told Nan, the instructor that I was training for the Marathon Makeover and she was very helpful and showed me some stretching exercises for hamstrings, etc. I walked and ran on the treadmill for 45 min. The first mile is always so hard but after that I seem to get a second wind and my aches and pains diminish.

Can't wait to start seeing results! I have only lost one pound but I know as muscle mass increases it weighs more than fat. I can tell I am not quite as giggly except maybe my arms (hence the weight machines).

Is anybody else sick of Britney Spears and Anna Nicole?

"Storybook happiness involves every form of pleasant thumb-twiddling; true happiness involves the full use of one's powers and talents." -- John W. Gardner

Everyday I keep saying to myself "what was I thinking?" and then I think how far I have come in just three and 1/2 weeks. I never liked to run, hate exercise and here I am actually looking forward to every day!

When I turned 50 in 2005 I took up oil painting. I had never painted before, never even thought it was a possibility and really never entertained the idea. My best girl friend (I say that because Clark is my best boy friend) Joy that died with stomach cancer at 47 was an artist. I always admired her talent but that was as far as it went. A month before she died she told me she wanted me to learn to paint. Almost a year later the opportunity to take lessons fell into my lap ( a God thing?) and I could not turn it down (because of her dying request) even though I was very afraid.

Every class I went to I was afraid. Afraid I was way out of my league, afraid I could never learn, afraid everyone would think I was out of my mind, afraid people would laugh at my art, afraid my teacher would wonder what I was doing there. But I persevered. I went with all my insecurities and the devil sitting on my shoulder telling me I was crazy for even trying. Now, each time I go I learn something new and actually enjoy painting! I now have three paintings hanging in Bob Tompkin's Gallery!

I believe we all have the ability to do things we never thought we could but we are so afraid of failure we never try.

Today please say a prayer for Joy's husband. He is having surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his esophagus. He has already had chemo and radiation and will now be facing a feeding tube.

Let's do it afraid!!!

Yesterday was a good day. Clark and I set our new watches for intervals of 2minutes and synchronized our time. We ran two minutes and walked two minutes for a total of two miles and then walked the last mile with one 2 minute interval of running stuck in the middle. He is really being a sweet, supportive husband (did I just say that?) He is pushing me but somehow is knowing just how far to push before the breaking point!! If it were up to me, I probably would never advance in my workouts.
We rewarded ourselves with sushi at Nagoya. If you have never tried sushi you are really missing out. So good, low calorie (unless you eat until oblivion) and good for you. Try to use the thick pink sauce sparingly - probably more calories than allowable on a diet.
We always have the same breakfast every morning. When you are "old" and female you have to eats lots of fiber! Fiber One cereal (14 grams fiber in 1/2 cup), 1/2 banana, 4 dried apricots, small amt. almonds or walnuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and splenda. Light Vanilla Soy milk poured over. I have also started putting a couple of teaspoons of oatmeal on top (thanks to Robin!). If I have fresh or frozen blueberries or strawberries I add them. I have found that if I have a good healthy breakfast it helps me eat healthy all through the day.
Keep on keeping on.......................................................one day at a time!!!

Mary,

Thanks for the rice and beans recipe you posted. Sounds great. I am going to try it. Keep them coming.

Don't forget the Beano!!

Jana

Today Clark and I rode our bikes for about an hour all around Madison. it was cold even with my cuddle duds, bike pants with the soft boody cushion, long pants, long sleeve shirt, jacket, gloves and bike helmet. Clark had on only bike shorts, a shirt, and light jacket (plus helmet)!! It felt good to be outside even though traditionally I would rather hibernate inside in cold weather and esp. take a long Sunday afternoon nap!
Church was very inspiring this morning. We are studying about faith. Clark and I committed today to a mission trip to Cody, Wyoming this summer. Our only worry is how to get our training in while we are gone!
Can't believe I have exercised so much. We have a couple of friends that are battling cancer (our age) and right now I am feeling so thankful to God for my health and the opportunity to even attempt this. I lost my best girl friend two years ago to stomach cancer. She was 47 and had she lived she would be pounding the pavement with me and laughing all the way!!

I am really doing this!

"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

I am a procrastinator. I have waited three weeks to do my first blog - hoping it would go away. I waited 51 years to get serious about exercising - hoping that I would stay slim, trim and young anyway! I finally have figured out that you have to take charge of your own life. No one is going to do it for you and no matter how much I whine or groan or make excuses - I am responsible for how I feel, how I look and how happy I want to be.

I coerced my husband Clark into doing this marathon because I don't like to duck hunt and he hates to shop! Finally, something we can do together! He is having to push me at times and I am trying to be nice!

So far, I have managed to to do my "required" walking/running and XT every day. I am actually enjoying it!!!! Hopefully, we can tell the kids soon that we are doing this without them all fainting or sending us off to Whitfield. Maybe next year they will all run with us!

Thanks Mark for all your good advice. You guys have to be mighty patient to deal with us new marathoners!