December 8, 2012 by Darlene

What’s on Your List?

Santa,

I want this:

On it is this runners version of the famous holiday poem:

Twas the night before the race and all through the state,
Runners were carb loading hoping for a great pace.
Their race day clothes were hung with care,
Along with the gels, watches and bibs all there.

The many weeks of training were not very fun,
Hill repeats, fartleks and long runs were done.
Hydration intake has all been perfected,
Thankfully no major pains were detected.

When race day arrives runners fill the streets,
And into their corrals they eagerly retreat.
Setting their watches as they run through the start,
We bid them all a good race admiring their dedication and heart.

As miles pass by they run with all their might,
Water and fuel stations were a very welcome site.
The crowds were all cheering and having a good time,
Giving the runners high fives all down the line.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear?
But the finish line with gleaming medals ever so near.
Endorphins are dancing all around in their heads,
It’s time for celebrations and then straight to bed.

May your running always be such a wonderful delight,
Happy running to all and to all a good night!

Of course, I wouldn’t mind another pair of running shoes and more running clothes…

All kidding aside, I don’t need any material things.

What this past year has shown me is that, it all means nothing if you aren’t healthy enough.

Happy Running! What running gift(s) do you want?

December 5, 2012 by Darlene

My Last 4 Weeks

Date: 11/7/12

Symptoms: Blood in Urine

Tests/Procedures in the last 4 weeks:

Urinalysis to diagnose an infection (11/9)
CT scan: an X-ray but gives much better detail. (11/9)
Cystourethroscopy: a cystoscope (a thin, telescope-like tube with a light and tiny camera attached) is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to view the bladder and kidneys (11/21)
Cystoscopy & Biopsy (under anesthesia): A thin tube with a tiny camera on the end is passed through the urethra to visualize the right kidney. (11/28)
Ureteral stent: a thin tube inserted into the ureter to prevent obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney.Stent inserted (during above procedure) to reduce trauma (11/28)
Intravenous pyelogram, or IVP: X-ray of the urinary tract. A dye is first injected into your vein; the dye is filtered by your kidneys and provides contrast so the kidneys are easier to see. A series of X-rays is taken over a 30-minute period, looking for blockages or problems. (12/4)
Urinalysis. Stent removed. (12/5)

Results:

Negative – no infection
Negative – no tumors, no masses, no stones
Negative – normal bladder (no cancer), normal left kidney, blood source= right kidney
Negative – no biopsy needed – no polyps or abnormal cells found
…
Negative – nothing abnormal found – no malignant cells, no blockages
No infection. Antibiotics prescribed as a precaution

Next Steps:

There seems to be NO FOUND CAUSE for the bleeding.
Continue on as normal
Hopefully the bleeding will stop or be minimal.
Contact the doctor if the bleeding increases or there is pain.
Return for procedure #3 in 4 months.

So how does this relate to running?

For the most part, I was not in any physical pain during the first 3 procedures. When I went to my doctor for #1, the PA there told that I had bladder cancer & to go to the hospital for more tests. Test #3 revealed that the problem was not in the bladder. For test #4, the urologist was looking for evidence of kidney cancer. That has been ruled out for now.

So as you can see, it was pretty scary. And mentally, I could not focus on running…at all. (I was also very sore after test#4)

Running Post Stress Fracture:

11/11 – 1/2 mi
11/13 – 1/2 mi
11/15 – 1/2 mi
11/17 – 1 mi
11/19 – 1 mi
11/21 – 1 mi
11/23 – 1.5 mi
11/25 – 1.5 mi
11/27 – 1.5 mi
12/2 – 2 mi
12/4 – 3 mi

NO tennis yet. Yes, I am off my half marathon plan already. Not worried…

Here are some photos from my run/walk through the park yesterday. It definitely lifted my spirits.

Ready or not, I am doing my 12th race of the season (a 5K) in this park around these lights on Dec. 15!!

Happy Running!

December 4, 2012 by Darlene

13 in 2013

I can do this, right?

Here is my racing history:

2008—–2009—–2010—2011—-2012

Jan – 0——0——-0——1——-0
Feb – 0——0—— 0——1——-0
Mar – 0 ——0——1——2——0
Apr – 1——-0—––1——2——0
May – 2——4——4——4——-0
Jun – 1——–1——-3——2——-2
July – 2——-0—–1——0——-1
Aug – 1——–3——2—–0——-2
Sept – 3——-3——3—–1——-4
Oct – 3——–4——2——2——2
Nov – 0——-1——2——5——-0
Dec – 0——-1——-2—–2——-1

2008 – 13 races (did not run in the winter)
2009 – 17 races (did not run in the winter)
2010 – 21 races
2011 – 22 races (strained achilles)
2012 – 12 races (broken ankle, foot stress fracture)

So I am hoping that without any major injuries, I can race at least 13!!!

Happy Running! What about you…how many races do you plan to run in 2013?

November 22, 2012 by Darlene

Thanksgiving 2012

No for the first time in several years, I did not participate in a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot!

last year

2011 – Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5k (new course)
2010 – Bethlehem Towne Turkey Trot 5K (5k PR)
2009 – Cardiac Classic 5k

I was tempted…but I am only up to running 1 mile and it would be stupid to do it (even though I am known to do stupid things like running a 5k with a stress fracture). I did not want to end up with another stress fracture.

Since it was just my hubby & me, I decided not to cook and instead go out to eat. We decided to go to Lake George Village. Two restaurants there had Thanksgiving Buffets and although both of the menus looked great, I chose The View at Dunham’s Bay (because it had a better view.)

It was beautiful day for a ride.

the view from our table

The food was good. Not as good as mine…ha ha. But certainly more relaxing than shopping…cooking…and cleanup.

The desserts were the best. I had French Silk pie and apple pie. My hubby had strawberry shortcake & pumpkin pie.

We couldn’t resist after dinner taking a ride north to our marina.

it looks odd without any boats

We ended the day at the movies – Life of Pi. A little sad and definitely leaves you thinking. I recommend it. (now I want to read the book – which I usually do first.)

Happy Running! Did you run a Turkey Trot? Hope you had an enjoyable day.

November 7, 2012 by Darlene

Wordless Wednesday – The Plan

I have a plan:

(The white cells are when I am on vacation in Florida. CT or Cross Training is tennis.)

Happy Running! Do you have a half marathon training plan or do you wing it?

November 4, 2012 by Darlene

The Race That Wasn’t

The City of New York and New York Road Runners announced late Friday that the 2012 ING NYC Marathon had been canceled.

According to the mayor:

While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event — even one as meaningful as this — to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to help New York City recover from the storm.

This was definitely a no win situation. Yes, this race brings a lot of money into NYC. But it is hard to justify spending money for generators and water for runners in a race when so many residents are still without water and power.

Now if I had been training for 6 mos or more for my first or maybe only NYC marathon, I would have been so disappointed. It is hard training for 13.1 miles never mind 26.2. However, it would not have been a good experience with all the negative publicity surrounding the mayor’s call to hold the race.

So it was cancelled. Unfortunately, many runners had already arrived to run the race. They had already spent money on trains, gas, flights, hotels, etc. Too bad, the mayor has not cancelled the race immediately!!

Now on to my own personal misery.

Today’s race was going to be my 2nd 10K but my first real one. The lst 10k race that I ran was in August when I had not been running more than 3 miles. For this one, I would have been training and running at least 6 or more miles on the weekend. A 10K PR for sure!

So I showed up to the race in my boot and collected my race packet. At least I got a long sleeve tech shirt.

Happy Running! How did you feel about the NYC Marathon decision?

November 3, 2012 by Darlene

Vitamin D Needed

With 2 broken bones in my ankle and a stress fracture within 9 months, I questioned my doctor about why this happened? He first asked: “Have you had a bone scan?” I replied that I had and it was normal. Then he said: “No one in the Northeast gets enough Vitamin D.”

Since then I have started taking a Calcium with Vitamin D supplement every morning.

However, sunshine is my preferred source of Vitamin D.

Blue Tree resort in Orlando Fla.

A tennis friend won 8 days at this Orlando resort in December (Dec 8-15) and invited 3 of us to go. Unfortunately, it is during exam week at the law school. But I am going to try to go for 4 days (if my boss oks it.)

Daytona Beach, Fla

Last year our best boating friends moved to Daytona Beach. My hubby & I may visit them for a few days in January (around Martin Luther King Day).

Sarasota Fla

Last summer one of my close tennis friends moved to Sarasota. I also have 2 mah jongg friends that vacation there in the winter. I am definitely going March 12-18. And if things work out I will run a half marathon there on March 17!!

Naples Fla

For the 8th spring, 10 of us are spending a week playing tennis in Naples. The projected dates this year are: May 15-22.

So there you have it … my plans for an increased source of Vitamin D until boating season starts in June.

Happy Running! Do you worry about getting enough Vitamin D?

November 2, 2012 by Darlene

Five Foto Friday

I am still basking in the glow of my last 5k race. Hopefully it won’t be my last 5K race.

the Runners World 5k is about to begin…

And we’re off…

Uh oh…this may hurt…

Happy to be running inspite of the pain

sprinting to the finish …hoping to break my wounded 5k PR

Happy Running! Enjoy your weekend!

October 26, 2012 by Darlene

DNSing

I have never DNFed a race. (Knock on wood!)

I have DNSed several times. The first time in Oct 2008, I was too sick to go. The 2nd time in Oct 2009 because it was raining and the 3rd time in 2010, I arrived at the race and was too sick to run. All were for the Great Pumpkin Challenge in Saratoga. (This race was last weekend so I may have had a 4th DNS.)

I have since then become tougher. Or maybe more stubborn. Or maybe I have a higher pain threshold. Or just plain stupid!

When I broke my left ankle last December, I had only registered for one future race – the Freihofer’s and I DID IT (against the advice of all drs, pts & friends).

Freihofer’s – 1st run 5 mos after broken ankle

When my right foot started hurting, I had already registered for FIVE races. I have run two of them (Susan Komen and the Runners World 5ks). Both took place before the actual diagnosis.

5k finisher with a stress fracture

So I have three left that I have already registered for:

Fall FRUN 10K on November 4

Albany Last Run 5K on December 15

First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Fla on March 17

Obviously, my boot will make me DNS for the Fall FRUN 10k (but I will show up to grab my $25 shirt.)

I was planning on the Stockade-athon 15K but since I didn’t sign up, I think I will volunteer.

I am really hoping that I can run/walk the Last Run (that’s 10 wks post injury) and I am really really really hoping that I can run/walk the First Watch Half.

I HATE TO DNS!!

Happy Running! How did you feel about DNSing? Have you done it much?

October 21, 2012 by Darlene

Runners World 5k Report

Oct 20-21 in Bethlehem, PA

On a rainy Friday, I left on the Megabus for NYC. Unfortunately we got stuck in traffic and I arrived there late. Then I had to quickly walk almost 20 blocks to Port Authority to catch a second bus to PA.

Ouch…ouch…achy foot. It’s fine unless I walk on it. Yeah, right. How can I race?

I missed the bus that I planned to take but there was one a half hour later. My friend’s hubby picked me up at the bus station and I thought it rude to ask to take me to the expo to pick up my bib.

During a delicious dinner, we planned the next day. Despite my achy foot, I wanted to do the race. I wanted to finish under 47 minutes and get my medal.

pot roast – yum! I wasn’t carb loading so I didn’t need pasta…

So the plan was to get there at 7 am, get my bib and do the race. I said would walk it but run enough of it to finish under 15 min miles.

My friend hates getting up early but her hubby was supportive. As it turned out, they both dropped me off and then they went out to breakfast.

line for the bibs…still kinda dark out

I must say that the race atmosphere was electric. There was music, lots of famous racers and RW folks.

a view near the start

I immediately bumped into runningskirts.com ladies and took a photo with them since I was wearing my skirt.

me feeling short with the Running Skirts ladies

There were about 1500 runners but it was so well organized. Lots of signs, volunteer staff, even real bathrooms.

another view near the start

The weather was perfect for running …sunny, no wind, temp in the 50s. I was chilly in my short sleeve pink top (honoring breast cancer awareness day) but as soon as I started the race, I immediately got warm.

Am I ready for the race!?

waiting…

And we started. I was in the middle and of course I started running immediately. My plan was to take it slow and not have pain and I continue to run. I did walk a little. The first mile had a big hill but after that the course was nice. I took in all the sights and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I knew that I could finish under 47 minutes.

there were over 1500 in this race – 6000 total for the weekend that also included a 10k and a half marathon (800 did all 3 races)

And I did. I wasn’t last. I even sprinted through the finish. My friend was waiting there. And everyone got a medal.

5k finisher!

Yes, my time was sloooow. 5 minutes slower than my wounded 5k 2 weeks ago. But I did it and I was happy that I did.

the swag – 1st time with my name on my bib!

My foot hurt a lot after but again when I don’t use it, the pain disappears. I would have liked to go to the expo but I just picked up my shirt and limped to the car.

I know that I have to find out what is wrong even it means NO running for a long time.

The rest of weekend was totally relaxing. My friends were wonderful hosts. We chatted, laughed, even got some reading done (finished The Weird Sisters). We drove around the area to show me the sights, we went to an Amish farmers market, saw an awesome production of Gypsy, ate great food, even went to a wine tasting festival at a country club.

picking out dessert at the Amish bakery at the Allentown Farmers Market

beautiful foliage at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort

enjoying the wine tasting festival

I left this morning by bus. I had 3 hours to kill in NYC. Normally I would be excited since the weather was great but I couldn’t walk well. I wound up doing some shoe shopping (like I really need shoes??), had lunch in Bryant Park and slowly limped to my bus.