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!