Towards the Finish Line

Boy, oh, boy! I'm still here. I was so concerned about remaining injury free that remaining germ free escaped me. I have been sick off and now for about three weeks now. The last week was the worst.

It started off with a stomachache that turned into stomach cramps, headache, fever, chills, and diarrhea. I was soooo sick! I thought I was going to have to call an ambulance.

So, here it is the night before my 5k and I haven't run in a week and before that it was sporadic. I am not even sure I am going to be able to pull this off. My stomach still feels wobbly. As long as I just eat plain oatmeal and drink water, I should be fine. My aim was to run this one nonstop but we'll see what happens. I going to try to complete Week 11, Day 2 while I'm at it.

Five weeks until Peachtree and I am nowhere near where I'd like to be. I am going to focus on how much I have accomplished and not give up. So, now my aim is to stay healthy and injury free!

February Update

I am ending this month on a very shaking note. I had a doctor's appointment this morning. My thyroid is still not stabilized. My doctor wants to give me yet another increase on my Synthroid dosage. I think it is about time I get serious and look into alternative therapies.

Everything else is fine. I forgot to ask for a copy of my labs. My blood pressure was 102/64 -- fantastic! She also said my cholesterol is still on the low side. She wants me to have some cholesterol. My vitamin D level is great. My A1c is 6.1.

The awful news is that I have gained seven more pounds! Between being sick, bingeing here and there, and skipping workouts, the pounds are piling back on. Not good at all!

I have a little over 100 days to give my butt in shape to cross that Peachtree Road Race finish line. I need to stay healthy and focused on achieving my goal.

This is going to take some discipline. My Dad is starting chemotherapy and radiation treatments in a couple of weeks. This means I will be going to Michigan. I am still going to have to stay on top of my training. In fact, the training will be a great stress reliever.

I know I can do the training. Right now nutrition and sticking to my food plan is my biggest hurdle.

I haven't registered for the Run the River 5k because I am not sure I will be in town for it. Come to think of it, with my Dad being ill, there is no guarantee I will be in town for the Peachtree Road Race. Come what may. I'm still training for both events!

Happy Birthday!

I did it! I ran 3.1 miles. It was my birthday present to me. I almost gave up before trying. I was so nervous. One of the things I noticed was that I had to hold back on my pace. I was worried that I was going to run out of steam. Whenever I started getting a little weary, I told myself…”you can take a walk break once you get to that cone, just make it to that tree…” Before I knew it, I was done!

I am still in disbelief. I can't believe I did it! I ran three miles nonstop! I’ve recently accomplished two of my fitness goals:

Completing the Couch to 5K plan
Running 3.1 miles on my birthday

Now my goal is to continue running three times a week (I’ll run another personal 5K in two weeks) and consistently doing strength training at least twice a week. Both my GYN and Endocrinologist keep telling me strength training will really help improve my health. I need to stick with it. Thank God tomorrow is a rest day. My arms are still sore from Tuesday's workout.

This has been one of the best birthdays. This afternoon I treated myself to a pedicure. Tomorrow I am getting an adjustment and massage.

Wellness Wednesday

Today I saw my GYN for my annual exam. I am still amazed that my blood pressure continues to be in the normal range. Today it was 113/71. I also discussed with her that I have noticed that for the past month my hot flashes have increased. I was thinking I need a dosage adjustment on my HRT patch. She said, since my thyroid levels are okay, it probably has to do with the running. My body is making adjustment for the more intense exercise.

As far as she is concerned, I should just ride it out. She suggests I keep up the running and make sure I keep lifting the weights. It never occurred to me that running would affect my menopausal symptoms. I have been so concerned with my blood pressure, diabetes, and weight. The sweating has been pretty bad. I even had to switch to one of those clinical deodorants.

Sick Days: 30 Days of Yoga

Well, my 30 Days of Yoga turned into sick days. I guess it was to be expected. In addition to doing yoga, I was drinking 2 liters of lemon water a day. With my meditation practice, along with swimming almost every day, me thinks all that detoxing put my body into overload.

It was pretty bad. I called in sick for the first time this year and slept for a day and a half. All I’ve been sleeping and drinking tea. I went to swim class on Saturday. Yesterday I went to water aerobics so I think today I’m going to get back to my yoga challenge today. I really want to get my flexibility and core strength in gear so I can get back to running, probably next month.

Fifteen Days to Go!

Fifteen days! I have 15 days until my 5K.  I’m getting VERY nervous and full of self-doubt.  I haven’t been out running since my birthday a week ago.  I haven’t been feeling well.  I think the cool, rainy weather during my vacation last week caught up with me.  I also haven’t been sleeping well.  Anyhow, I’ve only run up to 2.5 miles.  I’m not even sure I can do 3.1 miles and I only have 15 more days to train.  Hopefully, I’ll feel better so I can get back out there.  No matter what happens,  I am proud of myself for finally completing the Couch to 5K program.

I'm Back - Part Two

I experienced another week of ailments and knee problems.  Yesterday I had bloodwork done.  The doctor thinks it simply be the heat.  I've been doing my best to stay hydrated.  I'm feeling pretty good right now.  I'm going to go to the gym soon today.  I'm going to take it easy and see what happens.

I'm Back!

The last few weeks have been difficult.  I had a little health scare but I am feeling much better.  I sat in the patient room last week waiting for my test results near tears.  I was very frustrated.  I had a little talk with my body to please cooperate with me and I promise to do the same.  
I'm going to start over with the Couch to 5K running program. 

Colonoscopy/Endoscopy - Surprise and Shock

The deed is done. The prep was okay. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated.

We had to be there at 5:30 am. The process was smooth. I don't remember a thing.

I do, however, remember, the recovery room. You're in this little holding room with a few others with nurses in and out encouraging you to expel gas. Once you toot to they're satisfaction, you're moved to a waiting area.

The doctor came in and told me she removed one polyp. I was surprised. They're doing a biopsy on the polyp. I wasn't expected this news. Then, she tells me the shocker. I have a stomach ulcer. I don't even know what to say. I have no stomach issues whatsoever. The bottom line is that I am very grateful to God my doctor had the foresight to order this procedure.

I am also very grateful to God I have loving, supportive family and friends. My brother and sister will be here tomorrow to give Crystal a break from all this madness.

Now, I must focus on recovering from this (I'm wiped out) and preparing for my surgery on Monday. Did I mention I have to do another bowel prep on Sunday night?

Fun times....