I caught a case of the sads.
I have decided that I am not sad about losing my job (with no prospects in sight) - rather, I am just REALLY angry at why I am losing my job.
And it's really hard to maintain a positive outlook when my supervisees are sobbing during their supervision times, and having anxiety attacks as they wrap up their work. But the absolute worst is when my boss - the calmest, most professional supervisor I have ever had - is struggling to keep it together during conversations about returning computers and shutting down cell phones.
But I would also be lying if I said it was only the job stuff - really, it's just sort of everything at this point.
But instead of doing a full-blown post about the atrocities my state government is committing in the name of a tax hike, or post one of those countdown clocks for the remaining minutes of employment, I am going to focus on the positive.
Because frankly, there are a lot of good things happening.
First off, I have been holding onto a nugget of information for several weeks. You, the reader, might know this informtion already - if you were quick enough to catch it on a post a few weeks back before I was instructed to take it down.
Turns out, this ol' girl's about to become an aunt again!
My brother - well, really, his wife Jenny - is pregnant!
So with Ellen's due in August (although the baby's been basically hanging out of her vagina for a few weeks, filling out college applications and waiting on the approriate time to just totally fall the heck out), and Nolan's little guy/gal on the way, I am aunt x 3!!!!!
Poor kids.
Other good news?
My back doctor seems to have worked his little magic. My back has remarkably improved in jsut the last four weeks. Which makes me wonder what the heck my other doctor was doing for the last two years.....
My knee is still problematic, so my doctor tapes it once or twice a week with that kinisio-or-something tape to give the knee cap some extra support.
And crazy enough, it works.
So....uh....hmph.
That...uh...seems to be about it....
.....Thought I had some more stuff for you......
*crickets*
Man, I'm lame.
Showing posts with label back. Show all posts
Showing posts with label back. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Lot of Nothing Really
OMG.
So I just logged onto Blogger to post, and the homepage pulled up to reveal three baby pictures in the Blogger update section (Blogger employees had kids, I guess).
I swear to Twizzlers, it scared the begeezus out of me - I almost threw up.
One second my eyes are diverted watching TV and waiting for the Dashboard to pull up, the next second my hearts in my throat as I make eye contact with what appear to be three aliens staring at my soul.
Shake it off, shake it off.
Ugh.
Okay.
Back to self.
So scratch that earlier post - turns out that if you just stay up long enough (i.e. after 2AM) you miraculously find time to post. Okay, so it's more like you start to hallucinate and distract yourself from the real work at hand. And here is what poured out of my overworked noodle:
Sleigh Bells Ring
As heard on a news report at 2:01 AM:
“It’s August 5th, and time to start thinking about those gadgets you’ll want this holiday season.”
And then moments later, to lead into the story: “We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, which makes it the perfect time to start thinking about the Christmas holiday!”
Uh…no.
No, it’s most definitely not time to start thinking about it.
You know what it is time for?
It’s time to think about how to squeeze in last minute bbq’s, a final summer sunburn, where to shake out all that beach sand, and how to score that kiss from a summer-long crush before school starts next week. THAT’S what it’s time to think about.
‘Cause by my calculations, Christmas is like, 100 months away right now.
If people in the U.S. are seriously starting Christmas shopping this early, I'm moving to Europe.
Oh but wait - also on the same news report? "More men in Britian are wearing tights."
Okay, so maybe not to the Britian part of Europe.
Kleenex S.T.A.T.
Does anyone else watch “Hopkins?”
Holy Shit Buckets I love this show.
It’s like a real life “ER” if “ER” didn’t blow ass. Last week’s show included a baby that almost died after being shaken (tears forming, throat lump rising) and then a man donating his kidney to save his wife (full blown sobbing, wiping snot with tee-shirt, calling all family members just to say “I love you”).
Like I don’t get enough trauma in my everyday life, it’s like I have to actively seek it out in my leisure time.
But seriously. Watch it.
Now.
Denial Ain't Just a River of Lard
Report out today: Most kids' meals at top restaurant chains have way too many calories to be healthy.
It goes on to say that this is contributing to childhood obesity.
Are we JUST NOW finding this out?
First off, why are people constantly surprised that fatty foods make for fatty people?
And second off, why is it a surprise to people that if you feed your kids fried chicken nuggets (or the like), french fries, and soda weekly - or even daily - kids will be fat?
I mean, the chicken in the nuggets doesn’t cancel out the fact that it’s still fried, nor does the vegetable part of a French fry cancel out its inherent evil.
But yet we spend money to conduct studies to tell us that bad foods are bad for us.
And truth be told– I am not perfect (contrary to popular belief), as I too have fallen victim to the heavenly greasiness of comfort foods. In fact, my late teens and early twenty were basically spent climbing out of a daily bucket o’ fries (the hangover recovery variety), so it surprised me none when I had to keep buying bigger pants.
Now, of course I had blips of occasional denial and was convinced that the dryer was making my pants smaller, but in my heart of hearts, I knew it was the routine 3AM Riccobene's deliveries.
And even back then - in all my drinking and pack-a-day smoking habit glory - I knew that I needed to knock off the cinnamon roll and glazed donut diet or I would be doomed to early heart disease and a lot of dateless nights.
But at this point – in the year 2008 - it has to be common sense, right?
Or maybe I am just hanging out in circles that are the anomalies of healthy living.
Good thing this is where all our government money is going – to study things we already know the answer to - ‘cause gosh knows it’s not going to silly little things like real child welfare.
Looking Ahead
So I am putting this out there – I am considering doing an ultra in Chicago in November. It would be about three weeks after my marathon in October, which I figure might not be a bad idea – I could use the marathon as one of my final training runs.
My reluctance comes from my anxiety over potential injury. I mean, I hate setting a goal that my body fails to meet. This has happened twice – once, training for the New Orleans marathon, when I tore my cartilage after the 20 mile training run and dropped out of the race two weeks before; and the second time was when I blew my back out right before IM AZ 07. Both times was pretty devastating.
And moreover, I just don’t want to risk injury period. Screw the race – I can’t deal with a third knee surgery.
But yet….it’s there.
This need to train.
So I ponder…..
So I just logged onto Blogger to post, and the homepage pulled up to reveal three baby pictures in the Blogger update section (Blogger employees had kids, I guess).
I swear to Twizzlers, it scared the begeezus out of me - I almost threw up.
One second my eyes are diverted watching TV and waiting for the Dashboard to pull up, the next second my hearts in my throat as I make eye contact with what appear to be three aliens staring at my soul.
Shake it off, shake it off.
Ugh.
Okay.
Back to self.
So scratch that earlier post - turns out that if you just stay up long enough (i.e. after 2AM) you miraculously find time to post. Okay, so it's more like you start to hallucinate and distract yourself from the real work at hand. And here is what poured out of my overworked noodle:
Sleigh Bells Ring
As heard on a news report at 2:01 AM:
“It’s August 5th, and time to start thinking about those gadgets you’ll want this holiday season.”
And then moments later, to lead into the story: “We’re smack dab in the middle of summer, which makes it the perfect time to start thinking about the Christmas holiday!”
Uh…no.
No, it’s most definitely not time to start thinking about it.
You know what it is time for?
It’s time to think about how to squeeze in last minute bbq’s, a final summer sunburn, where to shake out all that beach sand, and how to score that kiss from a summer-long crush before school starts next week. THAT’S what it’s time to think about.
‘Cause by my calculations, Christmas is like, 100 months away right now.
If people in the U.S. are seriously starting Christmas shopping this early, I'm moving to Europe.
Oh but wait - also on the same news report? "More men in Britian are wearing tights."
Okay, so maybe not to the Britian part of Europe.
Kleenex S.T.A.T.
Does anyone else watch “Hopkins?”
Holy Shit Buckets I love this show.
It’s like a real life “ER” if “ER” didn’t blow ass. Last week’s show included a baby that almost died after being shaken (tears forming, throat lump rising) and then a man donating his kidney to save his wife (full blown sobbing, wiping snot with tee-shirt, calling all family members just to say “I love you”).
Like I don’t get enough trauma in my everyday life, it’s like I have to actively seek it out in my leisure time.
But seriously. Watch it.
Now.
Denial Ain't Just a River of Lard
Report out today: Most kids' meals at top restaurant chains have way too many calories to be healthy.
It goes on to say that this is contributing to childhood obesity.
Are we JUST NOW finding this out?
First off, why are people constantly surprised that fatty foods make for fatty people?
And second off, why is it a surprise to people that if you feed your kids fried chicken nuggets (or the like), french fries, and soda weekly - or even daily - kids will be fat?
I mean, the chicken in the nuggets doesn’t cancel out the fact that it’s still fried, nor does the vegetable part of a French fry cancel out its inherent evil.
But yet we spend money to conduct studies to tell us that bad foods are bad for us.
And truth be told– I am not perfect (contrary to popular belief), as I too have fallen victim to the heavenly greasiness of comfort foods. In fact, my late teens and early twenty were basically spent climbing out of a daily bucket o’ fries (the hangover recovery variety), so it surprised me none when I had to keep buying bigger pants.
Now, of course I had blips of occasional denial and was convinced that the dryer was making my pants smaller, but in my heart of hearts, I knew it was the routine 3AM Riccobene's deliveries.
And even back then - in all my drinking and pack-a-day smoking habit glory - I knew that I needed to knock off the cinnamon roll and glazed donut diet or I would be doomed to early heart disease and a lot of dateless nights.
But at this point – in the year 2008 - it has to be common sense, right?
Or maybe I am just hanging out in circles that are the anomalies of healthy living.
Good thing this is where all our government money is going – to study things we already know the answer to - ‘cause gosh knows it’s not going to silly little things like real child welfare.
Looking Ahead
So I am putting this out there – I am considering doing an ultra in Chicago in November. It would be about three weeks after my marathon in October, which I figure might not be a bad idea – I could use the marathon as one of my final training runs.
My reluctance comes from my anxiety over potential injury. I mean, I hate setting a goal that my body fails to meet. This has happened twice – once, training for the New Orleans marathon, when I tore my cartilage after the 20 mile training run and dropped out of the race two weeks before; and the second time was when I blew my back out right before IM AZ 07. Both times was pretty devastating.
And moreover, I just don’t want to risk injury period. Screw the race – I can’t deal with a third knee surgery.
But yet….it’s there.
This need to train.
So I ponder…..
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Could I Be Anymore Random?
Quote That Made Me Pause
“It’s great to love people this much.” – Tony Snow, emotional and holding back tears while talking about his family during his cancer treatments.
Yeah, Tony, it is. I love that feeling.
And when I feel it, I cry too.
In a good way.
And on the Other End of the Spectrum
You know what’s kind of annoying?
When people say, “Hey, remind me later that I have to……” or “Don’t let me forget that I need to….”
Yeah, because YOUR list of tasks is what I keep at the forefront of my mind on a daily basis. For crying out loud, I consider myself lucky if I can remember there are two C’s in my last name on any given day. My daily treat is when I wake up and actually know what day it is upon opening my eyes (which is really only important on street cleaning day when I need to remember to move my car – again, remembering even this is something I can barely manage, given the bottomless hole of parking tickets).
And inevitably, it’s always women making these demands in grocery/Target stores while standing in checkouts lines (or at least this is where I always overhear this), as if the conveyor belt unconsciously triggers them to recite their To Do lists. And the person chosen to “remember” or “remind” is usually a kid or friend staring blankly into thin air, nodding dumbly and mumbling, “Uh huh.” I am going to say that the odds of Person B remembering anything out of the mouth of Person A is slim to none.
So why even ask?
Sigh.
People are ridiculous.
So, Yeahhhhh…I’m Doing It
I have offhandedly mentioned a few times that I am doing the Spirit of Racine Half Ironman this weekend. This will be my third half distance – the first two were in 2006, before the back injury. In fact, I hadn't raced since Steelhead 2006 before going into IM AZ 08.
I haven’t talked much about it mostly because I don’t feel there is much to say – I don’t feel totally prepared, struggled with motivation here and there, and haven’t really felt quite my badass self since IM. Every discipline has taken tons of physical effort, which is surprising, given my fitness level as recent as April. Runs are crapshoots, swims have been sporadic, and rides are mediocre. I just feel, like.....eh.
So I am basically going into it as a long training day. I have no time expectations, and am pretty much going to show up and see what the day brings. I did this for Ironman, and it seemed to work out well for me.
But for shits and giggles, I decided to pull up my 2006 Steelhead times, just to see. Here is what I found:
6:32 – Final time
41:39 - Swim
3:05 - Bike
2:33 – Run
(transitions were in the 5:00 range - good lord)
I remember Steelhead vividly – I went into it really sick, just about quit at mile 1 on the run, and literally gutted it out for the next 12 miles. Of all the races – tri or running – I have done, this might have been the worst.
So I figure if I get somewhere around these times, then great. If not – oh well.
After all – it’s just a race. And given that my brother is really sick and back in the hospital to have a biopsy on his (my?) kidney, I consider myself fortunate just to be out there, spending my summer Sunday doing what I love.
So to all those racing this weekend - Racine, Ironman LP, and others - best of luck and happy racing!
“It’s great to love people this much.” – Tony Snow, emotional and holding back tears while talking about his family during his cancer treatments.
Yeah, Tony, it is. I love that feeling.
And when I feel it, I cry too.
In a good way.
And on the Other End of the Spectrum
You know what’s kind of annoying?
When people say, “Hey, remind me later that I have to……” or “Don’t let me forget that I need to….”
Yeah, because YOUR list of tasks is what I keep at the forefront of my mind on a daily basis. For crying out loud, I consider myself lucky if I can remember there are two C’s in my last name on any given day. My daily treat is when I wake up and actually know what day it is upon opening my eyes (which is really only important on street cleaning day when I need to remember to move my car – again, remembering even this is something I can barely manage, given the bottomless hole of parking tickets).
And inevitably, it’s always women making these demands in grocery/Target stores while standing in checkouts lines (or at least this is where I always overhear this), as if the conveyor belt unconsciously triggers them to recite their To Do lists. And the person chosen to “remember” or “remind” is usually a kid or friend staring blankly into thin air, nodding dumbly and mumbling, “Uh huh.” I am going to say that the odds of Person B remembering anything out of the mouth of Person A is slim to none.
So why even ask?
Sigh.
People are ridiculous.
So, Yeahhhhh…I’m Doing It
I have offhandedly mentioned a few times that I am doing the Spirit of Racine Half Ironman this weekend. This will be my third half distance – the first two were in 2006, before the back injury. In fact, I hadn't raced since Steelhead 2006 before going into IM AZ 08.
I haven’t talked much about it mostly because I don’t feel there is much to say – I don’t feel totally prepared, struggled with motivation here and there, and haven’t really felt quite my badass self since IM. Every discipline has taken tons of physical effort, which is surprising, given my fitness level as recent as April. Runs are crapshoots, swims have been sporadic, and rides are mediocre. I just feel, like.....eh.
So I am basically going into it as a long training day. I have no time expectations, and am pretty much going to show up and see what the day brings. I did this for Ironman, and it seemed to work out well for me.
But for shits and giggles, I decided to pull up my 2006 Steelhead times, just to see. Here is what I found:
6:32 – Final time
41:39 - Swim
3:05 - Bike
2:33 – Run
(transitions were in the 5:00 range - good lord)
I remember Steelhead vividly – I went into it really sick, just about quit at mile 1 on the run, and literally gutted it out for the next 12 miles. Of all the races – tri or running – I have done, this might have been the worst.
So I figure if I get somewhere around these times, then great. If not – oh well.
After all – it’s just a race. And given that my brother is really sick and back in the hospital to have a biopsy on his (my?) kidney, I consider myself fortunate just to be out there, spending my summer Sunday doing what I love.
So to all those racing this weekend - Racine, Ironman LP, and others - best of luck and happy racing!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Birthday in Pictures
Well, thanks for indulging me in two days worth of birthday posts. All the comments were amazing and sweet! I am not really the type of person that makes a who week's event out of the b-day, but for some bizarre reason, I felt compelled to post tons of pictures. It's been, like, my thang lately. So here are some more!
I think I failed to mention that my mother's birthday was yesterday, while mine was today. Now how's THAT for a birthday present: "Mrs. Megan's Mom, you have given birth to a girl - your life now rocks - happy birthday." So we celebrated both together. My mom looks really good for 40, yeah?.....just kidding.
Cheese took this picture of Baby Nolan. Doesn't he look like one of those kids from Whoville? You know, from the Dr. Suess books? Sorry, Ellie, but he does. The funniest part was this was the exact same look he gave Cheese all night - never changed. It's like a mix of "Who the hell is this guy?" and "Got any more Tostitos?"
Mom, Cheese, and my brother-in-law Nat.
Cheese putting his country boy talents to use - shuking corn.
Yeah, it's me....relaxing...
This needs no caption. It just is. Sweet, sweet delicious cake. And when I finished my two pieces, I ate the leftover frosting off the plates of my mom and my sister.
The Sister Girls Three.
Me at 32. Shit I'm getting old.
Cheese rubbing his "food baby," Ellie rubbing her ba-.....oh wait, I can't tell that secret yet.....
So for my actual birthday, I mostly worked, and then took two hours off at the end of the day to go for a run with Cheese. The weather was beautiful, and I needed to run off that cake. After the run, we gorged on sushi and then went to a movie, where I actually limited myself to one box of candy and a small popcorn. I call that a win-win!
Run over, six miles in the books. Have you met my back fat yet? Take it in. It's pretty delicious.
And speaking of delicious, I will end my birthday post with a picture of two very sweaty people. It's like the "birthday cake" ending to this post...but without the cake. Just the birthday. And some sweat. Fantastic.
I think I failed to mention that my mother's birthday was yesterday, while mine was today. Now how's THAT for a birthday present: "Mrs. Megan's Mom, you have given birth to a girl - your life now rocks - happy birthday." So we celebrated both together. My mom looks really good for 40, yeah?.....just kidding.
Cheese took this picture of Baby Nolan. Doesn't he look like one of those kids from Whoville? You know, from the Dr. Suess books? Sorry, Ellie, but he does. The funniest part was this was the exact same look he gave Cheese all night - never changed. It's like a mix of "Who the hell is this guy?" and "Got any more Tostitos?"
Mom, Cheese, and my brother-in-law Nat.
Cheese putting his country boy talents to use - shuking corn.
Yeah, it's me....relaxing...
This needs no caption. It just is. Sweet, sweet delicious cake. And when I finished my two pieces, I ate the leftover frosting off the plates of my mom and my sister.
The Sister Girls Three.
Me at 32. Shit I'm getting old.
Cheese rubbing his "food baby," Ellie rubbing her ba-.....oh wait, I can't tell that secret yet.....
So for my actual birthday, I mostly worked, and then took two hours off at the end of the day to go for a run with Cheese. The weather was beautiful, and I needed to run off that cake. After the run, we gorged on sushi and then went to a movie, where I actually limited myself to one box of candy and a small popcorn. I call that a win-win!
Run over, six miles in the books. Have you met my back fat yet? Take it in. It's pretty delicious.
And speaking of delicious, I will end my birthday post with a picture of two very sweaty people. It's like the "birthday cake" ending to this post...but without the cake. Just the birthday. And some sweat. Fantastic. Sunday, July 6, 2008
End of the Weekend Pictures
So I know I have totally thrown up a ton of pictures this weekend, but the other day I was scrolling through my posts and noticed that I have a woefull amount of pictures. Thus, I took my camera with me all weekend, and here is the final day - Sunday. On schedule: Three-hour ride, one-hour run. Today I conquered my fear of riding alone, and did the whole brick by myself. And what a surprise - I didn't get a flat, get run over, or fall off my bike without having someone to save me. It was just me, and I loved it.
I tried to take this while actually riding the bike. This is on the north trail, looking, well, north. This also happens to be the same path I ran south on for the MC200 relay last month. In fact, the exact exchange point is just about right where I took the next two pictures.
Me.
Path.
YAY!!! Home from the ride, getting ready to run. The smile on my face is most likely because A). I did the ride 10 minutes faster than last week and B). I was feeling oddly fine, which was weird, given last week's catastrophe of a brick. Uh, yeah, so the apartment is SORT OF a distaster - but in my defense, I have been pretty swamped this weekend, and was basically in and out like a tornando. Please avert your eyes.
Evanston lakefront, looking south - in the far stiance you can make out the building of downtown Chicago.
Overlooking Lake Michigan. I was aiming to get the sailboats, but they didn't really come out. Use your imagination.
This is on the way back, at Lee Street Beach, or as I like to call it, "My Beach." Okay, so I don't technically own it, but I like to frequent it. About 10 seconds after I snapped this picture, Devin ran up to me with TJ (my once-dog, now hers because I can't take care of shit). It wasn't until we parted ways that it occurred to me we should have taken a picture together (we were wearing the exact same outfit of skirt, black bra, glasses and IronMeg visor). Oh well. You know what she looks like.
Run done. Yeah, I am not as happy in this one. I think I was just really hot, sweaty, and achy. I threw my back out yesterday doing something completely ridiculous (lifting bottled water) so I wasn't even going to ride today, but then when I woke up (I slept on an ice pack) I was like, "Self, don't be such a sissy." So after the run, I was pretty stiffened up, and STARVING. Speaking of starving, I need to go eat. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Back In
Quick post - I actually have to do a phone staffing for work in a few minutes (I know, I know) but I wanted to quick drop in.
First off, I am speechless at the support and comments and emails. I don't even really know what to say except thank you so it all. I keep going back and reading them all, and I am still in shock. And my bib number is 2011. First name is BadAss.
Second, upon landing yesterday, my phone email went off, and there was an email from Comm with the name and number of a back doctor in the area, Dr. Banas, who by the way, is also doing the race but was nice enough to squeeze me in yesterday last minute. Right now, the back is slowly recovering, but there is no doubt that the doctor really set it straight. I should be back to 100% by tomorrow, if I know my back.
And I do.
We're pretty tight lately.
Ha! That was, like, a pun!
Oh, and while waiting in the waiting room with Cheese, who should walk in but Comm himself, and his son, Mo. For those of you that have never met Comm, he is the most down-to-earth, easy-tempered, and NICEST man. He was so chill, jsut sitting there in the chair across from me, giving me a blow-by-blow of the bike portion of the race. He's the kind of guy that would probably talk to you forever regardless of whatever personal stuff he had to do, just because he sensed you needed a good "talking off the ledge." He is amazing and loving with his son, who has the most energy of any four-year-old I have ever seen. And cute as anything!!!!
I also had a chance to meet Andy (TriAngle) who will be hosting the blogger party Friday. I have known Andy through blogging since last year, but it was good to meet him in person.
And Dr. Banas himself could not have been niceer, or more helpful. He even offered to adjust me the day before the race! The guy would actually work the day before he is supposed to do an IM to help me! The entire experience just relly put me in a good place. I simply can't beleive how nice and flexible and accomadating everyone has been. Guys, I cannot thank you all enough for what you did yesterday!
So Comm and Dr. Banas pretty much saved my entire year's worth of training by one office visit, not to mention my sanity, which was alsmost lost with each shock of pain up my back. Today is check-in day, then some relaxing and sunning. YAY!!! But with sunscreen, of course.
Check in later!!!
First off, I am speechless at the support and comments and emails. I don't even really know what to say except thank you so it all. I keep going back and reading them all, and I am still in shock. And my bib number is 2011. First name is BadAss.
Second, upon landing yesterday, my phone email went off, and there was an email from Comm with the name and number of a back doctor in the area, Dr. Banas, who by the way, is also doing the race but was nice enough to squeeze me in yesterday last minute. Right now, the back is slowly recovering, but there is no doubt that the doctor really set it straight. I should be back to 100% by tomorrow, if I know my back.
And I do.
We're pretty tight lately.
Ha! That was, like, a pun!
Oh, and while waiting in the waiting room with Cheese, who should walk in but Comm himself, and his son, Mo. For those of you that have never met Comm, he is the most down-to-earth, easy-tempered, and NICEST man. He was so chill, jsut sitting there in the chair across from me, giving me a blow-by-blow of the bike portion of the race. He's the kind of guy that would probably talk to you forever regardless of whatever personal stuff he had to do, just because he sensed you needed a good "talking off the ledge." He is amazing and loving with his son, who has the most energy of any four-year-old I have ever seen. And cute as anything!!!!
I also had a chance to meet Andy (TriAngle) who will be hosting the blogger party Friday. I have known Andy through blogging since last year, but it was good to meet him in person.
And Dr. Banas himself could not have been niceer, or more helpful. He even offered to adjust me the day before the race! The guy would actually work the day before he is supposed to do an IM to help me! The entire experience just relly put me in a good place. I simply can't beleive how nice and flexible and accomadating everyone has been. Guys, I cannot thank you all enough for what you did yesterday!
So Comm and Dr. Banas pretty much saved my entire year's worth of training by one office visit, not to mention my sanity, which was alsmost lost with each shock of pain up my back. Today is check-in day, then some relaxing and sunning. YAY!!! But with sunscreen, of course.
Check in later!!!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
AZ Here I Come
Yeah, so the back thing is still there - the doctor helped considerably today, and he even offered to see me again this afternoon for a second session, but I thought that might be overkill, plus I was already taking an "extended lunch" to take care of other things.
He did some manipulations, and then found the place on my back that might be the cause of it. He pushed on that muscle to try to cut off the oxygen flow to the spasming muscles (or something like that) the massaged it out until the knot began to go away.
He told me to have someone do that to me tonight, and for the next few days.
I figured Cheese owed me something for the amount of fart stink he's leaving in my sheets, so he won today's compitition of "Who Gets To Rub Megan Out?"
And it has helped.
In other news, taper hasn't killed me yet, but it has done a number on my girlish figure.
Just kidding.
But I have gained...ahem...some weight....I know, I know....it's all for the reserve.....
But yuck.
And because of the back, there was no workout today, and likely minimal over the next few days, except some swimming.
Bring on the belly!
So in about five hours, we start making our way down to Midway to meet my mom and head out.
Posting the next few days might be sporadic given the Internet situation. Cheese offered to update during the race, to post on my site about my progress, but that seems sort of...I don't know...self-absorbed. Overkill. But I said I would think about it.
And before I sign off for tonight, I would be as ass if I didn't take a second to say with the fullest heart, THANK YOU. And I don't know if anything I write at this moment will fully express what is fulling through my head.
I started this blog in November 2006, and the friendships I have made through it have been unimaginable. The comments, the emails, the humor, the support, the mantras - it is an understatement to say that your words get me to that pool when I don't wanna, or when I celebrate the long bricks and runs when I need a pat on the back.
To me at this point, I am honest-to-god stunned that people even take a second of their day to click on "The Project," to check it out, to care about what might be happening to me or what I have to say. No matter what they might have going on, people still take that moment to check in, read, and leave a comment. It's nothing short of an honor for me to know that people do this - that people care, and people come back, everyday. With each comment or site click, people keep supporting this girl from Chicago that they have never even met.
That concept to me is crazy.
But it is also amazing and incredible, and as weird as it sounds, it feels like this big warm hug.
I made it through some really crappy months recently, athletically and personally, with your help.
My gratitude is undefinable.
He did some manipulations, and then found the place on my back that might be the cause of it. He pushed on that muscle to try to cut off the oxygen flow to the spasming muscles (or something like that) the massaged it out until the knot began to go away.
He told me to have someone do that to me tonight, and for the next few days.
I figured Cheese owed me something for the amount of fart stink he's leaving in my sheets, so he won today's compitition of "Who Gets To Rub Megan Out?"
And it has helped.
In other news, taper hasn't killed me yet, but it has done a number on my girlish figure.
Just kidding.
But I have gained...ahem...some weight....I know, I know....it's all for the reserve.....
But yuck.
And because of the back, there was no workout today, and likely minimal over the next few days, except some swimming.
Bring on the belly!
So in about five hours, we start making our way down to Midway to meet my mom and head out.
Posting the next few days might be sporadic given the Internet situation. Cheese offered to update during the race, to post on my site about my progress, but that seems sort of...I don't know...self-absorbed. Overkill. But I said I would think about it.
And before I sign off for tonight, I would be as ass if I didn't take a second to say with the fullest heart, THANK YOU. And I don't know if anything I write at this moment will fully express what is fulling through my head.
I started this blog in November 2006, and the friendships I have made through it have been unimaginable. The comments, the emails, the humor, the support, the mantras - it is an understatement to say that your words get me to that pool when I don't wanna, or when I celebrate the long bricks and runs when I need a pat on the back.
To me at this point, I am honest-to-god stunned that people even take a second of their day to click on "The Project," to check it out, to care about what might be happening to me or what I have to say. No matter what they might have going on, people still take that moment to check in, read, and leave a comment. It's nothing short of an honor for me to know that people do this - that people care, and people come back, everyday. With each comment or site click, people keep supporting this girl from Chicago that they have never even met.
That concept to me is crazy.
But it is also amazing and incredible, and as weird as it sounds, it feels like this big warm hug.
I made it through some really crappy months recently, athletically and personally, with your help.
My gratitude is undefinable.
Of Course
The pain started Sunday night.
At first, it was just a soreness, though I knew I pretty much only swam for the last few days.
I had my massage yesterday, and thought, "Well, this should fix it."
By last night, I was laid out in bed, ordering Cheese to "get me this" and "get me that."
And if you know us at all, it's usually the other way around.
Ha.
But not really kidding.
He says I never just sit, relax, EVER, but last night I didn't even move.
Shows how bad it hurts.
Like, literally locked up.
I have a back doctor appointment at 11 today.
He better work some magic back there.
No matter - I am still doing the race. Four days out, and NOW I get back pain?!?!
Eff it.
I'm racing.
Crippled, maybe, but still an Ironman.
At first, it was just a soreness, though I knew I pretty much only swam for the last few days.
I had my massage yesterday, and thought, "Well, this should fix it."
By last night, I was laid out in bed, ordering Cheese to "get me this" and "get me that."
And if you know us at all, it's usually the other way around.
Ha.
But not really kidding.
He says I never just sit, relax, EVER, but last night I didn't even move.
Shows how bad it hurts.
Like, literally locked up.
I have a back doctor appointment at 11 today.
He better work some magic back there.
No matter - I am still doing the race. Four days out, and NOW I get back pain?!?!
Eff it.
I'm racing.
Crippled, maybe, but still an Ironman.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Week From Today
I will be rounding the bouys for the second half of the swim, getting ready to emerge from that water and get on that bike.
I just checked the weather, and it looks to be about 92 degrees, mostly sunny, low winds, UV Index of 9 (very high) with a sunrise just before six am, and sunset just before 7pm.
Excitement is bubbling right now - I dropped off my bike yesterday to be shipped out, and following it with a high-fat White Palace Grill breakfast with Cheese (as in the person, not the food). He's here for a few days before we head out to AZ.
I am also getting in my last few but short workouts.
I hate taper.
Everything you hear about it is true - the itch to workout longer, the mind-fuck, the weight gain, the shoveling of food into the endless pit of my stomach, the need for tons of sleep - seriously, I am going out of my mind.
Other than that, I am actually okay. Not nervous at all (well, maybe expect for the swim - my swims lately have been sort of hard, mostly due to my own fatigue and worry about wetsuit chafing).
As I mentioned in one of the last posts, I have been very emotional. Coming home from a lakefront run yesterday, Cheese and I were talking the "heart" that some athletes have - like the kid that shows up for basketball practice every single day knowing that his feet may never see the court on game day. And I intially said, "I wish I was one of the those people who could just keep coming back, day after day, just for the love of the game."
But then I stopped myself. I said, "Actually, we are like that - we go out and train, and train, and run, and we know that we will never win these things, never qualify for the big time, but we still do it - that's gotta count for heart somewhere."
And then Cheese said something about "Well, you still know that you are going to race though - If someone told you that you can train and train for a year, but you may not ever get to race, would you still do it?"
And my answer to that is, "I just did."
Because the thing is: Ironman is never a given. You sign up at least a year in advance, in the hopes that you will toe that start line -and some do and some don't. But you train, and train, and train with that hope. That's all you have, really. Just like the kid that hopes to play in a game.
And while you hope all those months out from the race, it helps keep the race in the distance. It's hard to wrap you mind around the enormity of it when you are just mechanically going through the workouts.
But here I am, a week away, after being so disappointed last year in those final weeks - and toeing that start line of IM is now a "given" to me. It's now a reality, not just a hope. Now, that's not to say that catastrophe can't happen in the race 'cause finishing itself is never a given, not even at this point. But showing up a week from today is.
I made it this year.
I showed up all those weeks for practice, I stuck it out without knowing if I might get hurt again andhave to live through another no-show in April. I did it because I needed to at least try again.
So right now I am happy. Excited and happy. Maybe a little fat from taper, but happy nonetheless.
My reality is here, and I never took it for granted.
Because until this week, it was never a given.
I just checked the weather, and it looks to be about 92 degrees, mostly sunny, low winds, UV Index of 9 (very high) with a sunrise just before six am, and sunset just before 7pm.
Excitement is bubbling right now - I dropped off my bike yesterday to be shipped out, and following it with a high-fat White Palace Grill breakfast with Cheese (as in the person, not the food). He's here for a few days before we head out to AZ.
I am also getting in my last few but short workouts.
I hate taper.
Everything you hear about it is true - the itch to workout longer, the mind-fuck, the weight gain, the shoveling of food into the endless pit of my stomach, the need for tons of sleep - seriously, I am going out of my mind.
Other than that, I am actually okay. Not nervous at all (well, maybe expect for the swim - my swims lately have been sort of hard, mostly due to my own fatigue and worry about wetsuit chafing).
As I mentioned in one of the last posts, I have been very emotional. Coming home from a lakefront run yesterday, Cheese and I were talking the "heart" that some athletes have - like the kid that shows up for basketball practice every single day knowing that his feet may never see the court on game day. And I intially said, "I wish I was one of the those people who could just keep coming back, day after day, just for the love of the game."
But then I stopped myself. I said, "Actually, we are like that - we go out and train, and train, and run, and we know that we will never win these things, never qualify for the big time, but we still do it - that's gotta count for heart somewhere."
And then Cheese said something about "Well, you still know that you are going to race though - If someone told you that you can train and train for a year, but you may not ever get to race, would you still do it?"
And my answer to that is, "I just did."
Because the thing is: Ironman is never a given. You sign up at least a year in advance, in the hopes that you will toe that start line -and some do and some don't. But you train, and train, and train with that hope. That's all you have, really. Just like the kid that hopes to play in a game.
And while you hope all those months out from the race, it helps keep the race in the distance. It's hard to wrap you mind around the enormity of it when you are just mechanically going through the workouts.
But here I am, a week away, after being so disappointed last year in those final weeks - and toeing that start line of IM is now a "given" to me. It's now a reality, not just a hope. Now, that's not to say that catastrophe can't happen in the race 'cause finishing itself is never a given, not even at this point. But showing up a week from today is.
I made it this year.
I showed up all those weeks for practice, I stuck it out without knowing if I might get hurt again andhave to live through another no-show in April. I did it because I needed to at least try again.
So right now I am happy. Excited and happy. Maybe a little fat from taper, but happy nonetheless.
My reality is here, and I never took it for granted.
Because until this week, it was never a given.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Eating Itself
I had a really long and good talk with the coach last night. After yesterday morning's fiasco, I emailed him and told him what had happened.
When he called last night, he expalined what is happening to my body - that when the body eats up all the carbs and protiens, it begins to attack the muscles, which is why I feel so fatigued all the time.
He gave me a ton of recommendations outside of solid food (of course, not dismissing the importance of solid foods), which I am working on obtaining today. Ensure, protien powder, etc.
We talked about the training schedule, especially this weekend's five hour trainer ride. He explained that his approach to my training this year has been in an effort to save my back and knees, so he has had me an alternating weeks of long run versus long brick, rather then put them both in the same week, as a traditional build program.
I probably totally lost you or bored you to death with that technical stuff. I get a little lost sometimes too.
Basically, he acknoweldged that, with this pattern, I have never had an actual "recovery" week. I have had some shorter workouts, sure, but never a solid week of short workouts. While that has served the purpose of keeping the body parts safe, it has also contributed to the fatigue.
So given the NIU trip on Sunday and the current state of my depletion, we agreed that we would use the rest of this week as recovery, so that my body can catch up. The trainer ride was cut to three hours (so very doable) and he said not to try to make up the lost long run. Rather, we are back on track next week, and hopefully on a body that's not eating itself.
So I am using these next few workouts - today's swim and bike, tomorrow's brick- as more maintainence, rather then building workouts. He pointed out that, even with the race seven weeks away (!), we still have time, and that I have already built enough base to step back.
So as long as one foot is in front of the other, I am still moving forward.
When he called last night, he expalined what is happening to my body - that when the body eats up all the carbs and protiens, it begins to attack the muscles, which is why I feel so fatigued all the time.
He gave me a ton of recommendations outside of solid food (of course, not dismissing the importance of solid foods), which I am working on obtaining today. Ensure, protien powder, etc.
We talked about the training schedule, especially this weekend's five hour trainer ride. He explained that his approach to my training this year has been in an effort to save my back and knees, so he has had me an alternating weeks of long run versus long brick, rather then put them both in the same week, as a traditional build program.
I probably totally lost you or bored you to death with that technical stuff. I get a little lost sometimes too.
Basically, he acknoweldged that, with this pattern, I have never had an actual "recovery" week. I have had some shorter workouts, sure, but never a solid week of short workouts. While that has served the purpose of keeping the body parts safe, it has also contributed to the fatigue.
So given the NIU trip on Sunday and the current state of my depletion, we agreed that we would use the rest of this week as recovery, so that my body can catch up. The trainer ride was cut to three hours (so very doable) and he said not to try to make up the lost long run. Rather, we are back on track next week, and hopefully on a body that's not eating itself.
So I am using these next few workouts - today's swim and bike, tomorrow's brick- as more maintainence, rather then building workouts. He pointed out that, even with the race seven weeks away (!), we still have time, and that I have already built enough base to step back.
So as long as one foot is in front of the other, I am still moving forward.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Inside Out
First, let me just start by saying that I have been pretty much a self-pity downer for the last few days - all "woo is me" and what-have-you.
Yeah, that Megan's gone. Or at least she's taking a bit of a vacation.
Thanks for hanging in there and dealing with her while she visited.
Now back to the regular scheduled programming.
I woke up at 3AM this morning to do my long run. Actually, the alarm was set for 4am, but I was awoken by phone call an hour earlier than expected, so 3 it was.
This should have been my first clue that things would not work in my favor today (hold on, this is not a downer post - I said that Megan was on vacation - hang in there, it gets better).
I got out of my house by 430 (good), prompty fell on the ice outside my front door (bad), considered calling it a day right then but instead dusted myself off (good), got in the car and realized I forgot the IPod (bad) but the ultimately made it to the gym by 5 (excellent!)
The run was to be 2hour and 45 minutes. At about 30 miunutes, my heart rate skyrocketed. I tried to manage it - to no avail. Kept going, but by 1 hour 15 minutes, I was beaten.
I worked it out in my head that I would just switch this run with Friday's run, and try it then. The flip side is that it should be warmer, so perhaps I can take it to the streets.
The problem?
Well, let's see...According to my doctor:
Megan is compeltely depleted of electrolytes.
Megan has no magnesium or potassium.
Megan thought she knew more than everyone else and stop taking her supplements.
Megan needs to eat more than coffee, water, bananas, and the occasional Go Lean bar and bowl fo cereal. For the day.
Megan needs to stop whining about having no appitite and choke down whatever she can, even if she wants to hurl.
Megan need to have more salt.
Megan needs to drink Ensure.
Megan is basically an idiot who is throwing away two years of training cause she fell into the pitty pot and couldn't find her way out until yesterday. And boy was it stinky down there...
The doctor also said that the complete depletion state I am in is contributing to my muscle reactions, my calves stiffening, and my hip locking.
So I am back on the supplements, salt water and whole bunch of other stuff that should set me right.
This is all my fault. I take total ownership of this. I knew better, but I let myself get all worked up into a frenzy, all anxious and stressed, and it took a toll on the eating and sleeping. Now here I am, trying to be reactive rather than proactive, and that's not really the place you want to be in so close to the race.
Oh, and this weekend marks the one year anniversery of my back injury. This time last year, I got taken out of the race. And here I am, effing around with this stuff.
I should kick my own ass.
Seriously.
Yeah, that Megan's gone. Or at least she's taking a bit of a vacation.
Thanks for hanging in there and dealing with her while she visited.
Now back to the regular scheduled programming.
I woke up at 3AM this morning to do my long run. Actually, the alarm was set for 4am, but I was awoken by phone call an hour earlier than expected, so 3 it was.
This should have been my first clue that things would not work in my favor today (hold on, this is not a downer post - I said that Megan was on vacation - hang in there, it gets better).
I got out of my house by 430 (good), prompty fell on the ice outside my front door (bad), considered calling it a day right then but instead dusted myself off (good), got in the car and realized I forgot the IPod (bad) but the ultimately made it to the gym by 5 (excellent!)
The run was to be 2hour and 45 minutes. At about 30 miunutes, my heart rate skyrocketed. I tried to manage it - to no avail. Kept going, but by 1 hour 15 minutes, I was beaten.
I worked it out in my head that I would just switch this run with Friday's run, and try it then. The flip side is that it should be warmer, so perhaps I can take it to the streets.
The problem?
Well, let's see...According to my doctor:
Megan is compeltely depleted of electrolytes.
Megan has no magnesium or potassium.
Megan thought she knew more than everyone else and stop taking her supplements.
Megan needs to eat more than coffee, water, bananas, and the occasional Go Lean bar and bowl fo cereal. For the day.
Megan needs to stop whining about having no appitite and choke down whatever she can, even if she wants to hurl.
Megan need to have more salt.
Megan needs to drink Ensure.
Megan is basically an idiot who is throwing away two years of training cause she fell into the pitty pot and couldn't find her way out until yesterday. And boy was it stinky down there...
The doctor also said that the complete depletion state I am in is contributing to my muscle reactions, my calves stiffening, and my hip locking.
So I am back on the supplements, salt water and whole bunch of other stuff that should set me right.
This is all my fault. I take total ownership of this. I knew better, but I let myself get all worked up into a frenzy, all anxious and stressed, and it took a toll on the eating and sleeping. Now here I am, trying to be reactive rather than proactive, and that's not really the place you want to be in so close to the race.
Oh, and this weekend marks the one year anniversery of my back injury. This time last year, I got taken out of the race. And here I am, effing around with this stuff.
I should kick my own ass.
Seriously.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
These Are the Tidbits of My Life
I was forcing myself to think of a long, meaningful post today while I was sitting in my Director's meeting (making good use of my time, obviously) but I really couldn't come up with anything. I mostly have just random thoughts that I decided I am going to record here.
But before I do, I just got off my trainer and was taking a shower (yet another place where most of my best thinking is done) and it occurred to me: Who really cares to read a rundown of your week? And then I thought: I don't know, but since this is kinda like my journal (if I wrote in a journal), I get to write what I feel like, and maybe I just feel like recording it for recording sake.
1. BLIND LEADING THE BURNED OUT - I got huge props at work this week from my boss. He's not really one to hand out compliments, so it meant a lot. But then the very next day, we had an hour long argument about how to handle a situation, ending with him basically telling me I was wrong, and that me and the other supervisors were trying to push for something that would ultimately be "self destructive."
The point of the argument? Me and the supervisors are trying to have a "process" group for our workers so that they can voice their concerns, feelings, and opinions about the rush and severity of the cases recently (we have a lot of workers wanting to quit, getting burned out, crying all the time, and just overwhelmed because the case are just so many and so sick). By definition, my job is to mediate these things, be the go-between with the workers and our boss to make sure the cases go smoothly, including keeping the workers happy and cared for. So part of my job is to be like a grown-up cheerleader. But theraputically. But for some reason, my boss thinks acknowledging their feelings and supporting them within the group is "self destructive" and "can only turn out negative." He says we should "have parties where we play games like Charades" to celebrate their success.
Wha-a-a?
But apparently workers having chronic breakdowns is not negative. So let's just avert our eyes and carry on. Lemme ask you this: If you went to therapy, and you told your therapist, "Hey listen, I have been really stressed out, and feeling kind depressed and just want to quit the wolrd." And he said, "I know! You should have a party! And play Hopscotch!" Would you pay for that shit? You better not.
Whatever.
2. JET PLANE - I bought my plane ticket for AZ. I was reluctant to say anything or even do it, because last year I got injured about two weeks after I bought my ticket. And how odd - it's two weeks away from the anniversery of the injury. Maybe I already said too much...
3. ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID....I picked up my bridesmaid dress for my brother Nolan's wedding. I must say, it is quite beautiful. It is strapless, black, and floorlength, with a champagne colored sash around the middle. The only problem? The dress came from Tennessee, and had to be ordered about three months ago, hence with my measurements of three months ago (in the beginning of IM training). When I tried it on today, it promptly fell off. Literally. While this might have to do with the weight loss from training, I am sure this might also have to do with the fact that I measured myself with a metal tapemeasure I borrowed from the construction guys in my building, so perhaps the accuracy of those numbers might have been a wee bit off. In any case, my mom and I got a good laugh off it, and decided that I either need a tailor, or I'll be the life of the party.
4. THE ICE QUEEN - It took three guys to get my car out of the parking space today. Three. See, the problem was that we got snow, but before that, we got about three inches of slush, that promptly froze into ice, thus making my street a thick slick of of ice, the likes of which I have never seen in all my days in Chicago. Pure ice, for blocks.
So my car was essentially frozen in. The first guy dug his shovel in, raised it up, and snapped it in half. So much for that. The second guy came over, looked at the wheels, shrugged his shoulders, and then told me to go boil some water. Ass. The third guy, a 60-year-old man from across the street, came over with his metal ditch digger, chopped up the ice, then proceeded to push my car out of the space. Literally pushed it out.
I was like, "Hey, you're mightly strong for an old man," to which he responded with a three-tooth smile, waved off my attempt to pay him with what I had in my pocket (3 dollars for Starbucks, a pen, an empty Orbit box, and an old gas station reciept), mumbled something in a foreign language, then ran back across the street to finish what he was originally doing. So I just drove away, fishtailing down the street and whispering Hail Mary's all the way downtown.
5. IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK - And finally, ladies and gentlemen, there have been no more mice sightings since the fiasco of yesterday. Although I will admit that, as I was yet again forcing myself to sleep last night, every creek and crack in the walls made me shoot up. On my bed, not like with a needle.
6. FINAL FINALLY- again, please excuse any hellacious spelling errors throughout this and the last several posts. For some reasons, my spell check is boycotting me (obviously from overuse) and we all know that I spell like a first grader.
Maybe in tonight's state of awakeness I will come up with some life altering post.
Yeah. Right.
But before I do, I just got off my trainer and was taking a shower (yet another place where most of my best thinking is done) and it occurred to me: Who really cares to read a rundown of your week? And then I thought: I don't know, but since this is kinda like my journal (if I wrote in a journal), I get to write what I feel like, and maybe I just feel like recording it for recording sake.
1. BLIND LEADING THE BURNED OUT - I got huge props at work this week from my boss. He's not really one to hand out compliments, so it meant a lot. But then the very next day, we had an hour long argument about how to handle a situation, ending with him basically telling me I was wrong, and that me and the other supervisors were trying to push for something that would ultimately be "self destructive."
The point of the argument? Me and the supervisors are trying to have a "process" group for our workers so that they can voice their concerns, feelings, and opinions about the rush and severity of the cases recently (we have a lot of workers wanting to quit, getting burned out, crying all the time, and just overwhelmed because the case are just so many and so sick). By definition, my job is to mediate these things, be the go-between with the workers and our boss to make sure the cases go smoothly, including keeping the workers happy and cared for. So part of my job is to be like a grown-up cheerleader. But theraputically. But for some reason, my boss thinks acknowledging their feelings and supporting them within the group is "self destructive" and "can only turn out negative." He says we should "have parties where we play games like Charades" to celebrate their success.
Wha-a-a?
But apparently workers having chronic breakdowns is not negative. So let's just avert our eyes and carry on. Lemme ask you this: If you went to therapy, and you told your therapist, "Hey listen, I have been really stressed out, and feeling kind depressed and just want to quit the wolrd." And he said, "I know! You should have a party! And play Hopscotch!" Would you pay for that shit? You better not.
Whatever.
2. JET PLANE - I bought my plane ticket for AZ. I was reluctant to say anything or even do it, because last year I got injured about two weeks after I bought my ticket. And how odd - it's two weeks away from the anniversery of the injury. Maybe I already said too much...
3. ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID....I picked up my bridesmaid dress for my brother Nolan's wedding. I must say, it is quite beautiful. It is strapless, black, and floorlength, with a champagne colored sash around the middle. The only problem? The dress came from Tennessee, and had to be ordered about three months ago, hence with my measurements of three months ago (in the beginning of IM training). When I tried it on today, it promptly fell off. Literally. While this might have to do with the weight loss from training, I am sure this might also have to do with the fact that I measured myself with a metal tapemeasure I borrowed from the construction guys in my building, so perhaps the accuracy of those numbers might have been a wee bit off. In any case, my mom and I got a good laugh off it, and decided that I either need a tailor, or I'll be the life of the party.
4. THE ICE QUEEN - It took three guys to get my car out of the parking space today. Three. See, the problem was that we got snow, but before that, we got about three inches of slush, that promptly froze into ice, thus making my street a thick slick of of ice, the likes of which I have never seen in all my days in Chicago. Pure ice, for blocks.
So my car was essentially frozen in. The first guy dug his shovel in, raised it up, and snapped it in half. So much for that. The second guy came over, looked at the wheels, shrugged his shoulders, and then told me to go boil some water. Ass. The third guy, a 60-year-old man from across the street, came over with his metal ditch digger, chopped up the ice, then proceeded to push my car out of the space. Literally pushed it out.
I was like, "Hey, you're mightly strong for an old man," to which he responded with a three-tooth smile, waved off my attempt to pay him with what I had in my pocket (3 dollars for Starbucks, a pen, an empty Orbit box, and an old gas station reciept), mumbled something in a foreign language, then ran back across the street to finish what he was originally doing. So I just drove away, fishtailing down the street and whispering Hail Mary's all the way downtown.
5. IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK - And finally, ladies and gentlemen, there have been no more mice sightings since the fiasco of yesterday. Although I will admit that, as I was yet again forcing myself to sleep last night, every creek and crack in the walls made me shoot up. On my bed, not like with a needle.
6. FINAL FINALLY- again, please excuse any hellacious spelling errors throughout this and the last several posts. For some reasons, my spell check is boycotting me (obviously from overuse) and we all know that I spell like a first grader.
Maybe in tonight's state of awakeness I will come up with some life altering post.
Yeah. Right.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Perfect Sunday
Scene: Me on the trainer, pounding out the bike portion of my 4.5 hour brick (3 hour ride, 1.5 hour run), most of which were simulated hills (on the trainer), and sweat dripping off every inch of my skin.
Me: UGH! These last 30 minutes are impossible! I just want to get off this thing!
Him: I don't want to hear that. It's only 30 minutes more. You've sat on that thing for 4 1/2 hours before. It's more in your head than your legs now.
Me: I know, I know.
Him: Who owns that bike?
ME: Huh?
Him: I said, 'Who owns that bike?'
Me (meekly, breathing heavy): M-me.
Him: Who owns that bike?
Me: Me?
Him: WHO. OWNS. THAT. BIKE?!?!
Me (screaming): MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Him: That's what I thought. Now put those 30 minutes in the bank and let's get moving.
*****************************************************************************
40 minutes later, at the gym and on the treadmill for the run portion (thanks to the 8 inches of snow the other day). I have my soon-to-be-qualified-for-Boston sister on my left, and the newly minted half-marathoner man to my right. I have a solid breathing pattern, strength in my legs, a visor to catch the sweat, and my new pink running shirt (ya know, to feel like a girly). I got Bruce screaming through my earbuds, and smiles from my running partners when I glance to the left and right.
What I don't have?
Knee pain.
Back pain.
Self-defeating thoughts.
Fear.
I even managed to get through the whole run without crapping myself all over the treadmill from the major GI distress I was having, mostly due to my thus-far ineffective nutrition plan.
This alone is a victory.
Trust me.
Yeah, it's gross. But hey, I'm learning that training is not only about bike splits, swim yards or run mileage. I also belch a lot when I ride the bike, so yeah, there's that.
All in all, I would say this was about as perfect a Sunday as I could imagine.
Me: UGH! These last 30 minutes are impossible! I just want to get off this thing!
Him: I don't want to hear that. It's only 30 minutes more. You've sat on that thing for 4 1/2 hours before. It's more in your head than your legs now.
Me: I know, I know.
Him: Who owns that bike?
ME: Huh?
Him: I said, 'Who owns that bike?'
Me (meekly, breathing heavy): M-me.
Him: Who owns that bike?
Me: Me?
Him: WHO. OWNS. THAT. BIKE?!?!
Me (screaming): MEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!
Him: That's what I thought. Now put those 30 minutes in the bank and let's get moving.
*****************************************************************************
40 minutes later, at the gym and on the treadmill for the run portion (thanks to the 8 inches of snow the other day). I have my soon-to-be-qualified-for-Boston sister on my left, and the newly minted half-marathoner man to my right. I have a solid breathing pattern, strength in my legs, a visor to catch the sweat, and my new pink running shirt (ya know, to feel like a girly). I got Bruce screaming through my earbuds, and smiles from my running partners when I glance to the left and right.
What I don't have?
Knee pain.
Back pain.
Self-defeating thoughts.
Fear.
I even managed to get through the whole run without crapping myself all over the treadmill from the major GI distress I was having, mostly due to my thus-far ineffective nutrition plan.
This alone is a victory.
Trust me.
Yeah, it's gross. But hey, I'm learning that training is not only about bike splits, swim yards or run mileage. I also belch a lot when I ride the bike, so yeah, there's that.
All in all, I would say this was about as perfect a Sunday as I could imagine.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The First Half
So for some reason, I can't get the race photos off the CD and onto my blog (I carried a disposable camera for the race, so they had to get developed, as opposed to the easy-peesy uploading of the digital camera. So I figured I would at least post the pictures of pre- and post- race. They are mostly of Cheese and I goofing around and enjoying some down time away from work and the Chicago winter (p.s. It was -4 degrees when we left Friday morning, and that was the temp WITHOUT the windchill).
Enjoy.
Ahhh, beach time. We spent a chunk of Friday hanging at the beach, but both of us did so without sunscreen. Cheese paid the price with some bad burn to his back legs, but I have toughened up my skin up from years of practice in the sun. Hahaha....oh, I guess that's not supposed to be funny....
I am always happy on a beach and in the sun.
Cheese jumped right in - It was cold and he teased me about coming in.
But this is as close as I got....some Ironman-to-be I am....
Time for the pre-race pasta dinner. We found this really cure Italian place next door to our hotel, which was surprisingly good.
Carbo-loading at it's finest.
Ha! Despite all concerns to the contrary, I eat, and I eat A LOT. Notice I am on the last two forkfulls of my once-full plate.
And this is where the story breaks. This photo was taken this morning, right before we left for home, on the balcony on our room that overlooked the bay. Of course, it was 75 and sunny, as opposed to yesterdays 65, windy and partly cloudy. But whatever. I was just glad to have the sun on my skin for a few seconds.
Enjoy.
Ahhh, beach time. We spent a chunk of Friday hanging at the beach, but both of us did so without sunscreen. Cheese paid the price with some bad burn to his back legs, but I have toughened up my skin up from years of practice in the sun. Hahaha....oh, I guess that's not supposed to be funny....
I am always happy on a beach and in the sun. 
Cheese jumped right in - It was cold and he teased me about coming in. 
But this is as close as I got....some Ironman-to-be I am....
Time for the pre-race pasta dinner. We found this really cure Italian place next door to our hotel, which was surprisingly good. 
Carbo-loading at it's finest.
Ha! Despite all concerns to the contrary, I eat, and I eat A LOT. Notice I am on the last two forkfulls of my once-full plate. 
And this is where the story breaks. This photo was taken this morning, right before we left for home, on the balcony on our room that overlooked the bay. Of course, it was 75 and sunny, as opposed to yesterdays 65, windy and partly cloudy. But whatever. I was just glad to have the sun on my skin for a few seconds. We actually both woke up feeling pretty good this morning. I have had no back or knee pain since the race, or all day today. I think Cheese had some minor ankle pain this morning, but nothing to severe. I would say that, all things accounted for, the race was a true success.
When we got home to Chicago, we had dinner with my mom. It was really nice to catch up and hang for a while.
Me and my mom. She was so great, she listened to all our stories, and looked at all our pictures. She even sat next to me, which was no small feat, given the fact that I was super stinky from sitting on a plane all day.
When we got home to Chicago, we had dinner with my mom. It was really nice to catch up and hang for a while.
Me and my mom. She was so great, she listened to all our stories, and looked at all our pictures. She even sat next to me, which was no small feat, given the fact that I was super stinky from sitting on a plane all day. So that's it for right now. I will try the race pictures again tomorrow, and give a race report (sorry, no split times or anything technical - first, this is not that kind of blog and I would not bore you with that, and second, we stopped keeping track of that after mile 3 and just enjoyed ourselves - mostly just some observations about runners and races and all that stuff).
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Better Half
Hey all - Still here in Miami, just finished the 1/2 marathon. I highly recommend this race - the course was mostly flat, the weather was much better than it is currently in Chicago, it was super well-organized and staffed, and hey, it's Florida in January.
It was a fantastic race -Cheese and I ran together as he completed his first 1/2 marathon in 2:18 (but he got cut off right at the finish line photo area!!) It was really cool to be able to cross the finish line together. My knee held up fine (the pain almost paralyzed me that first mile but then it miraculously disappeared - and yes, I do believe it was a miracle, given the pain of the last week) I even got to wear my new running skirt and visor, which will be making their next appearance at Ironman AZ!!!
Right now, we are about eight hours post-race and I feel fantastic. No pain in any of the sensitive areas (knees, back) AT ALL. This alone gives me reason to celebrate, especially after this week's knee scare - needless to say, I am fullsteam ahead for Arizona. We had a great post-race rest and lunch, went to the beach, and are not getting ready to go to the after party. We have tons of pictures, but I am not on my computer so I can't post them until tomorrow night when I get home.
I am almost sorry to come home to that brutal cold, after being able to sport my bikini here for the last two days. Sigh. Guess it's time to start planning another trip for next winter.
Talk to you all soon!!!
It was a fantastic race -Cheese and I ran together as he completed his first 1/2 marathon in 2:18 (but he got cut off right at the finish line photo area!!) It was really cool to be able to cross the finish line together. My knee held up fine (the pain almost paralyzed me that first mile but then it miraculously disappeared - and yes, I do believe it was a miracle, given the pain of the last week) I even got to wear my new running skirt and visor, which will be making their next appearance at Ironman AZ!!!
Right now, we are about eight hours post-race and I feel fantastic. No pain in any of the sensitive areas (knees, back) AT ALL. This alone gives me reason to celebrate, especially after this week's knee scare - needless to say, I am fullsteam ahead for Arizona. We had a great post-race rest and lunch, went to the beach, and are not getting ready to go to the after party. We have tons of pictures, but I am not on my computer so I can't post them until tomorrow night when I get home.
I am almost sorry to come home to that brutal cold, after being able to sport my bikini here for the last two days. Sigh. Guess it's time to start planning another trip for next winter.
Talk to you all soon!!!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Happiest Holiday
As I have mentioned before, this Christmas was my first away from my family. On top of that, I was meeting my BF's family for the first time.
And now it is Christmas afternoon, and I have to say that things couldn't have gone better.
Now that's true beauty. First thing in the AM.
We hung together for the first loop, then I stopped to pee and for water at his house and headed back out. About a mile later, Cheese pulls up next to me on his bike - still in his running clothes and what appeared to be freezing his ass off (in addition to the cold, it was windy, which made it difficult for me, and likely miserable for him). But he hung with me for a full hour, in the cold and wind, just pedaling next to me, and even almost taking a header off his bike in the ice.
Me and Farley. Looks like I found the sweet spot.
Hmmmm...pie....I wonder if it's still out.....
I talked to my family several times today, and though I missed them, I felt really at home here.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was emotional, but in that good way.
I continue to be grateful.
And now it is Christmas afternoon, and I have to say that things couldn't have gone better.
I will admit that last night and parts of this morning were hard, as I really missed my family and the traditions we have been working to establish. But they were great and called me after their mass last night, and passed the phone around the dinner table to let everyone say "Hi!" My sister told me that things didn't feel the same without me at the head of the table. Cheese and I had just come out of a movie and were driving home, and I had to look out the window to stop myself from crying. Those were the first tears. I wasn't sad, I just missed them.
As for my own Christmas here in Kansas, it was different,but the same. Let me explain.
Cheese and I woke up earlier than our recent 10AM alarm (for the last two mornings), laced up our shoes, and hit the road - me for a 2 hour run, he for a 4.5 mile run.
Now that's true beauty. First thing in the AM.We hung together for the first loop, then I stopped to pee and for water at his house and headed back out. About a mile later, Cheese pulls up next to me on his bike - still in his running clothes and what appeared to be freezing his ass off (in addition to the cold, it was windy, which made it difficult for me, and likely miserable for him). But he hung with me for a full hour, in the cold and wind, just pedaling next to me, and even almost taking a header off his bike in the ice.Seriously. Who does that?
For the last half mile, I listened to my IM song (City of Blinding Lights by U2) and ripped it out. My knees were literally breaking and my back was spasming, but I sprinted whatever I had left back to the house. As Cheese brought his bike in, I walked it out, stopping briefly to catch my breathe, watch the steam rise from my jacket, look up to the bright blue sky, and just let myself be overwhelmed by my life at the moment.
This was the second cry.
But a good one.
Then we showered, waited for his niece and nephew, and refueled. And I have to say that, upon their arrival, things were a lot less hectic than I anticipated.
Me and Farley. Looks like I found the sweet spot.For me, my gifts were great, but the best thing I unwrapped was a framed picture of me and Cheese under the Wrigley sign on our first date, with the dollar I won from him that night and the ticket stub.
I cried. It was beautiful.
That was the third cry.
Also a good one.
The video and photo to this moment are priceless - I'll post them when I can.
He also got me a watch that, when I unwrapped it, his neice screamed out, "I bet it's a ring!"
It wasn't, but we all got a good laugh.
Then I proceeded to eat my face off at dinner, helping myself to two full plates of food and a serving of every dessert - and I went back for seconds on the apple pie.
Hmmmm...pie....I wonder if it's still out.....I talked to my family several times today, and though I missed them, I felt really at home here.
The night was rounded out by a game of Hanna Montana with the niece, some Webkinz, and a game of Shout with the whole family. Another trip to the leftovers food table was also thrown in there, as well as a quick change from my jeans to stretchy pants.
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was emotional, but in that good way.
I continue to be grateful.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Visit Randoms
I realized that I hadn't really posted much lately about training. I guess I don't really have a ton to say about it except that it's moving along. Pretty much all of my rides have been done inside, and will continue to be, given our recent snow and tonight's onslaught of more white stuff. Runs have been okay, but my left knee hasn't really wanted to cooperate. Thus, I am making some adjustments. The back seems to be holding up - some days there is virtually no pain, other days there is a lot. But I have b-weekly massages and weekly chiro appointments to continue working on this. Not to mention all the back strengthening exercises I have doing.
I will say, however, that I am fairly confident, with each passing days, that IM will happen for me in April. I would say that having to pull out of this race last year with only four weeks to go was the most disappointing thing I have experienced, so I am doing EVERYTHING I can this year to stay healthy and take care of my back. And so far, so good!
Yeah, so not so much exciting stuff there. I also had some leftover pics from Thanksgiving and Cheese's visit, so I thought I would post those. How very lucky for you.
Black Tie Bingo. Please don't judge the messy room behind us. I would say it doesn't usually look like that, but...it does.
Cheese: I have a baby sitting on my lap.
Baby Nolan: Mom? Mom? Seriously. I was just sittin' by myself, banging on my bowl with my wood spatula, all dressed in my felt footies and waiting for bedtime, and BAM! Next thing I know I'm sitting' on a stranger's lap! Why does this keep happening? Can't a baby get some peace and quiet with his kitchen utensils? Or do I have to be "on" all the time?
Cheese: Oh, I think someone needs their diaper changed! Did someone make a stinky?
Baby Nolan: Yeah someone made a stinky - YOU! Why does everyone blame it on the baby? Don't you know that when my mommy changes me and sees there's no doo-doo, they'll know it's you. Please. Be a man, man.
Baby Nolan: Yeah, so, maybe this guy's not so bad. He's good for chillin' and doesn't seem to mind me resting myself against his belly. Yup, yup, we're just two badass dudes just chillin, watching some football. Hey Dad - how 'bout hittin up the kitchen for two milkies?
Mia the Dog: Will someone pay attention to me? Love me? Anyone? Sigh.
Um, yeah. Guess who hates grocery shopping? The day before Thanksgiving?
Turkey Trottin with my sister and Cheese. Brrr. Even looking at those pictures makes me shiver!
I will say, however, that I am fairly confident, with each passing days, that IM will happen for me in April. I would say that having to pull out of this race last year with only four weeks to go was the most disappointing thing I have experienced, so I am doing EVERYTHING I can this year to stay healthy and take care of my back. And so far, so good!
Yeah, so not so much exciting stuff there. I also had some leftover pics from Thanksgiving and Cheese's visit, so I thought I would post those. How very lucky for you.
Black Tie Bingo. Please don't judge the messy room behind us. I would say it doesn't usually look like that, but...it does.
Cheese: I have a baby sitting on my lap.Baby Nolan: Mom? Mom? Seriously. I was just sittin' by myself, banging on my bowl with my wood spatula, all dressed in my felt footies and waiting for bedtime, and BAM! Next thing I know I'm sitting' on a stranger's lap! Why does this keep happening? Can't a baby get some peace and quiet with his kitchen utensils? Or do I have to be "on" all the time?
Cheese: Oh, I think someone needs their diaper changed! Did someone make a stinky?Baby Nolan: Yeah someone made a stinky - YOU! Why does everyone blame it on the baby? Don't you know that when my mommy changes me and sees there's no doo-doo, they'll know it's you. Please. Be a man, man.
Baby Nolan: Yeah, so, maybe this guy's not so bad. He's good for chillin' and doesn't seem to mind me resting myself against his belly. Yup, yup, we're just two badass dudes just chillin, watching some football. Hey Dad - how 'bout hittin up the kitchen for two milkies?Mia the Dog: Will someone pay attention to me? Love me? Anyone? Sigh.
Um, yeah. Guess who hates grocery shopping? The day before Thanksgiving?
Turkey Trottin with my sister and Cheese. Brrr. Even looking at those pictures makes me shiver!
So that's all I got. I'll say a small prayer for something interesting to happen in my life, so I can give ya all something to chew on.
Later!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
The YAY! List
So I said I would follow-up my bad mood and Punch List with a list of things I have found myself smiling about lately. But before I do that, I need to make three additions to yesterday's Punch List.
1.) My wind shield wipers that decided to stop working today, after our 6+ inches of snow fall. Beautiful.
2.) The 100,000 miles warranty that ran out 12,000 miles ago and will not cover the new motor for said broken windshield wipers.
3) The girl at the gym who approached me – while I was mid-sprint on the treadmill – to ask me to show her how to use the treadmill (apparently she failed to see the four Fitness Team members who very jobs are to demonstrate how to operate the equipment). Now, I am the girl who will stop on a busy downtown Chicago street at lunch time and write you out directions for anywhere, but interrupt my workout and I’ll…I'll....well, apparently I’ll help you then, too, because that’s what I did, only to have her snap at me when I showed her how to decrease the speed. And then she walked off the treadmill after only three minutes! I should also mention that I needed to tell her to “walk” when the treadmill started, ‘cause she just stood there when the belt started. You’re welcome, honey. And still out of shape.
So that’s that! Bad mood dispelled! Off to the nice list!
Megan’s YAY! List
-Christmas shopping done midday on a Wednesday with a list– no crowds, in and out.
-One-cup coffee makers
-Burning hot showers
-My flat screen – how did I go for so many months without a TV?
-Being able to identify completely with a song, and then screaming it at the top of your lungs when driving (or in the shower, or while working in the evening, whenever the mood strikes, really).
-Or lip syncing them when running on the treadmill. Guilty.
-Yoga – yeah, I’m on that bandwagon, but ya can’t argue with results!
-Shopping for men’s dress shirts and ties
-Fresh apples and bananas
-Triathlon, ‘cause it makes me feel like an athlete
-Setting goals, ‘cause I won’t workout otherwise
-The color pink
-Being in that “comfortable” place in a relationship, but still being in that silly, goofy, passionate place, too
-Speeches by Ozzie Gullien – he could read me the telephone book with that accent
-Cup of soup
-The daily afternoon check-in from my sister – like clockwork, they are
-Fleece pullovers – as of tonight, it is officially an addiction (just added a pink one to the family!)
-Being taken up on an offer to baby sit – yeah, someone trusts me with his kid
-Sports massages
-Running without pain
-Finishing editing a report by the end of the day
-Friends who never give up calling
-Hitting a string of green lights – during rush hour
-Finally knowing how I deserve to be treated - without feeling guilty for it
-Being missed by someone
-My mom quitting smoking after almost 50 years – Go Mom!!!!
-Going to bed with tired muscles
-Friends who are willing to run long with you for no other reason than they like your company
-Finishing a two-week training block and NOT missing a single workout
-The car starting in the morning
-Pretzels and all their starchy, salty goodness
-The swim store – so many goodies!!
-Leaving Target without the usual candy stash
-Respecting myself, setting limits with those who don't, and silently taking the high road
-Texts just to say, “Love ya!”
-My nephew who had a photo shoot for Gerber
See, if I just have some time, I can come back to what really makes me feel good. Thanks for dealing with Downer Megan over here, the words of support you provided, and the funny pictures of your baby planning with golf clubs (Joe). I was driving home yesterday and thought how incredible it is that so many people, many of whom have never met me personally, can be so supportive and thoughtful.
Did you ever see the movie "Evening?" At the end of it, an elderly Meryl Streep tells Toni Collette that, if there's anything she's learned over her lifetime, it's that so much of it doesn't even matter. I try to remember that when I get down - that twenty, forty, fifty years from now, all of the those things bugging me now won't matter, may not even be remembered. And when it's important, I will know it. It's kinda that same concept of not sweating the small stuff. But it sounded better when Ms. Streep said it.
So crisis averted, life back to normal. And just like yesterday, feel free to add your own YAYs!
1.) My wind shield wipers that decided to stop working today, after our 6+ inches of snow fall. Beautiful.
2.) The 100,000 miles warranty that ran out 12,000 miles ago and will not cover the new motor for said broken windshield wipers.
3) The girl at the gym who approached me – while I was mid-sprint on the treadmill – to ask me to show her how to use the treadmill (apparently she failed to see the four Fitness Team members who very jobs are to demonstrate how to operate the equipment). Now, I am the girl who will stop on a busy downtown Chicago street at lunch time and write you out directions for anywhere, but interrupt my workout and I’ll…I'll....well, apparently I’ll help you then, too, because that’s what I did, only to have her snap at me when I showed her how to decrease the speed. And then she walked off the treadmill after only three minutes! I should also mention that I needed to tell her to “walk” when the treadmill started, ‘cause she just stood there when the belt started. You’re welcome, honey. And still out of shape.
So that’s that! Bad mood dispelled! Off to the nice list!
Megan’s YAY! List
-Christmas shopping done midday on a Wednesday with a list– no crowds, in and out.
-One-cup coffee makers
-Burning hot showers
-My flat screen – how did I go for so many months without a TV?
-Being able to identify completely with a song, and then screaming it at the top of your lungs when driving (or in the shower, or while working in the evening, whenever the mood strikes, really).
-Or lip syncing them when running on the treadmill. Guilty.
-Yoga – yeah, I’m on that bandwagon, but ya can’t argue with results!
-Shopping for men’s dress shirts and ties
-Fresh apples and bananas
-Triathlon, ‘cause it makes me feel like an athlete
-Setting goals, ‘cause I won’t workout otherwise
-The color pink
-Being in that “comfortable” place in a relationship, but still being in that silly, goofy, passionate place, too
-Speeches by Ozzie Gullien – he could read me the telephone book with that accent
-Cup of soup
-The daily afternoon check-in from my sister – like clockwork, they are
-Fleece pullovers – as of tonight, it is officially an addiction (just added a pink one to the family!)
-Being taken up on an offer to baby sit – yeah, someone trusts me with his kid
-Sports massages
-Running without pain
-Finishing editing a report by the end of the day
-Friends who never give up calling
-Hitting a string of green lights – during rush hour
-Finally knowing how I deserve to be treated - without feeling guilty for it
-Being missed by someone
-My mom quitting smoking after almost 50 years – Go Mom!!!!
-Going to bed with tired muscles
-Friends who are willing to run long with you for no other reason than they like your company
-Finishing a two-week training block and NOT missing a single workout
-The car starting in the morning
-Pretzels and all their starchy, salty goodness
-The swim store – so many goodies!!
-Leaving Target without the usual candy stash
-Respecting myself, setting limits with those who don't, and silently taking the high road
-Texts just to say, “Love ya!”
-My nephew who had a photo shoot for Gerber
See, if I just have some time, I can come back to what really makes me feel good. Thanks for dealing with Downer Megan over here, the words of support you provided, and the funny pictures of your baby planning with golf clubs (Joe). I was driving home yesterday and thought how incredible it is that so many people, many of whom have never met me personally, can be so supportive and thoughtful.
Did you ever see the movie "Evening?" At the end of it, an elderly Meryl Streep tells Toni Collette that, if there's anything she's learned over her lifetime, it's that so much of it doesn't even matter. I try to remember that when I get down - that twenty, forty, fifty years from now, all of the those things bugging me now won't matter, may not even be remembered. And when it's important, I will know it. It's kinda that same concept of not sweating the small stuff. But it sounded better when Ms. Streep said it.
So crisis averted, life back to normal. And just like yesterday, feel free to add your own YAYs!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
The Punishment
Today was my long run. Well, long for me. It was about 7.5 miles, so I decided to do it on the lakefront path. My friend, Warren (the running guru who has completed about 11 marathons and led me complete my two Chicago marathons) nicely agreed to run with me. He is training for Rome in the spring. He's a running machine.
By the way, I brought my camera to take a picture of us, but he refused. He said, "No one wants to see my ugly face." Sissy.
Anyway, I woke up this morning with sore knees, faltered over whether or not to do it today, and gave in.
As the run began, I immediately knew there were problems. The knees pretty much were in agony over the entire run, so much so that at two points, I even asked Warren if we could walk.
And while the conversation with my running buddy was great, the internal dialogue went something like this:
Me: Oh, knees, please feel better. Please let this be one of those things where, once you settle in, you feel better.
Knees: Yeah, okay, Big Girl. Let US do you a favor. Let US get you through.
Me: I sense some anger, Knees.
Knees: Anger? Anger?!? How intuitive of you. By our calculations, you do long ride Sunday, cross train on the Elliptical for an hour Monday, do yoga, swim AND run yesterday, and you expect us to be happy? Girl, please.
Me: Okay, okay, okay! So I haven't treated you so well these last few days. I just got really excited about training, and figured I would see what I could do.
Knees: Says the lady whose been rehabbing a back injury for the last nine months, and has already had two surgeries on us from over-usage. Real smart. Hey, aren't you a doctor?
Me: Well, you don't have to get so sarcastic. That's my fighting tool. And besides, I already apologized.
Knees: Really? I didn't hear it. Hey other knee, did you?
Other Knee: Nope. Can't hear anything over the throbbing pain that is radiating under my cap.
Me: Guys, listen. I really am sorry. I know you and my back are taking the most abuse in the next several months. I was wrong. I should have given you a day off. In fact, I will give you a day off tomorrow. I promise. Not even a swim. A whole day off!
Knees: Oh how very generous of you. As long as we make it through the pounding you are currently delivering to us, right?
Me: (Silently weeping) I am begging. And I don't beg. Anymore. Not even for food.
Knees: Alright, fine. We'll stop hurting for the last few miles. Besides, your Back told us it wants to punish you for a while, so I guess we can step aside.
Me: I understand. And guys? I promise - no more being a pighead. You work hard, you deserve your days off.
Knees: It's about time you give us some respect. Now, Back - it's your turn.
So that's how it went down.
Lesson learned.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's late, and I need to eat some more Ibuprofen. For dessert. To compliment the nice plate of Aspirin I ate for dinner.
Yum.
By the way, I brought my camera to take a picture of us, but he refused. He said, "No one wants to see my ugly face." Sissy.
Anyway, I woke up this morning with sore knees, faltered over whether or not to do it today, and gave in.
As the run began, I immediately knew there were problems. The knees pretty much were in agony over the entire run, so much so that at two points, I even asked Warren if we could walk.
And while the conversation with my running buddy was great, the internal dialogue went something like this:
Me: Oh, knees, please feel better. Please let this be one of those things where, once you settle in, you feel better.
Knees: Yeah, okay, Big Girl. Let US do you a favor. Let US get you through.
Me: I sense some anger, Knees.
Knees: Anger? Anger?!? How intuitive of you. By our calculations, you do long ride Sunday, cross train on the Elliptical for an hour Monday, do yoga, swim AND run yesterday, and you expect us to be happy? Girl, please.
Me: Okay, okay, okay! So I haven't treated you so well these last few days. I just got really excited about training, and figured I would see what I could do.
Knees: Says the lady whose been rehabbing a back injury for the last nine months, and has already had two surgeries on us from over-usage. Real smart. Hey, aren't you a doctor?
Me: Well, you don't have to get so sarcastic. That's my fighting tool. And besides, I already apologized.
Knees: Really? I didn't hear it. Hey other knee, did you?
Other Knee: Nope. Can't hear anything over the throbbing pain that is radiating under my cap.
Me: Guys, listen. I really am sorry. I know you and my back are taking the most abuse in the next several months. I was wrong. I should have given you a day off. In fact, I will give you a day off tomorrow. I promise. Not even a swim. A whole day off!
Knees: Oh how very generous of you. As long as we make it through the pounding you are currently delivering to us, right?
Me: (Silently weeping) I am begging. And I don't beg. Anymore. Not even for food.
Knees: Alright, fine. We'll stop hurting for the last few miles. Besides, your Back told us it wants to punish you for a while, so I guess we can step aside.
Me: I understand. And guys? I promise - no more being a pighead. You work hard, you deserve your days off.
Knees: It's about time you give us some respect. Now, Back - it's your turn.
So that's how it went down.
Lesson learned.
Now if you'll excuse me, it's late, and I need to eat some more Ibuprofen. For dessert. To compliment the nice plate of Aspirin I ate for dinner.
Yum.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Bank
So another week, another long(ish) ride in the books. Right now, my back is feeling okay, but I know that the next five months will be peppered with regular chiro appointments, bi-weekly massages (already scheduled through the end of January) and continued improvements to my diet (and no, I did not give into the sugar shakes of the previous posts - I stood my ground, and ate some high-fiber cereal instead - you're welcome, colon).
And on Tuesday, I start yoga!!!
A friend has been talking to me about getting started for a while, and frankly I have tossed the idea around since the back injury. But I didn't really trust my gym to try it out there, and was really too lazy to look for a yoga studio (despite the fact that I live in one of the most granola-y towns where yoga studios are like Starbucks). So when I was introduced to a studio in the neighboring north suburb, I said, "Hell yeah!"
I was supposed to start tomorrow, but my newly appointed yoga partner can't go, so alas, it will have to wait 'til Tuesday. I was just reading on the benefits of the yoga on back injuries, as long as you don't over do it (which, at this stage in the game, I have no desire to do - quite a far ways from the old, push through the pain Megan). So there's that.
On a separate but related note, when I was doing the IM training last year, I started making a list of the costs related to this event. I think I need to start doing that again, if for no one else than myself, because seriously, I can really let this stuff ruin my otherwise rational perspective on money. Although, I do like to believe that in the end of all of this, I will be stronger than ever, and hopefully on the road to a lifetime of successful races.
So like Go Mom Go commented a couple posts back, all of this - the increasingly long rides, the sometimes-crappy swims, the used-up weekends, the coach/chiro/massage therapist/yoga - they are all deposits into the Bank Of Ironman.
Oddly, the more deposits I make, the more monetary withdrawals I am forced to make. And when your account is at the Bank of No Cash Flow, balancing the checkbook with all this activity is like an effort in futility.
Sigh.
Is it April yet?
And on Tuesday, I start yoga!!!
A friend has been talking to me about getting started for a while, and frankly I have tossed the idea around since the back injury. But I didn't really trust my gym to try it out there, and was really too lazy to look for a yoga studio (despite the fact that I live in one of the most granola-y towns where yoga studios are like Starbucks). So when I was introduced to a studio in the neighboring north suburb, I said, "Hell yeah!"
I was supposed to start tomorrow, but my newly appointed yoga partner can't go, so alas, it will have to wait 'til Tuesday. I was just reading on the benefits of the yoga on back injuries, as long as you don't over do it (which, at this stage in the game, I have no desire to do - quite a far ways from the old, push through the pain Megan). So there's that.
On a separate but related note, when I was doing the IM training last year, I started making a list of the costs related to this event. I think I need to start doing that again, if for no one else than myself, because seriously, I can really let this stuff ruin my otherwise rational perspective on money. Although, I do like to believe that in the end of all of this, I will be stronger than ever, and hopefully on the road to a lifetime of successful races.
So like Go Mom Go commented a couple posts back, all of this - the increasingly long rides, the sometimes-crappy swims, the used-up weekends, the coach/chiro/massage therapist/yoga - they are all deposits into the Bank Of Ironman.
Oddly, the more deposits I make, the more monetary withdrawals I am forced to make. And when your account is at the Bank of No Cash Flow, balancing the checkbook with all this activity is like an effort in futility.
Sigh.
Is it April yet?
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