Sweet Serendipity

 It's sort of funny how life unfolds.

Running into my former coworker Darla at Sunday's 5k turned out to be quite a serendipitous thing.  Monday she left a message on my cell phone telling me that the office where I work (on call) had a Craigslist post for a full time optometric tech.  I had no idea.  It's either hit or miss with when they do need me and they have not needed me to fill this year thus far, and it's November.  When looked up the job posting I noticed that it was very recent and for a job position I already know quite well.  I took a chance and and e-mailed my boss, pleading my case and even offering to become ABO certified at my own expense.  Tuesday afternoon I received an e-mail from my boss saying they wanted to talk to me on Wednesday.  Amazingly enough, two weeks ago I had scheduled myself an eye exam for that Wednesday -- I'd be at the office anyway. I went in with an open mind.  The funny thing is that I had the eye exam first, before they would even talk to me. Fine, but, for the first time in YEARS I had a dilation exam, which meant my eyesight would be compromised during our chat following the exam.  Not only that, having my vision compromised made me feel queasy.  After pre testing, the exam, frame selection (yeah, I got new sunglasses and regular glasses) and a little chit chat with my coworkers, the grilling began.  They first wanted to know my motivation for coming back full time, then they wanted me to know that they changed their entire office dynamics, and if I could bring my roller skates because it would be that busy.  I plead my case (without being able to see and wanting to barf).  It must have been what they wanted to hear.  I start back Monday. They even offered to pay for my ABO certification.   They also went to wearing scrubs, which will save me a ton of money in not needing a career wardrobe, and they will pay for those as well.

Two of the reasons why they're bringing me back on is because they know I can be trained on all the new procedures/equipment/tools and I'm not a psychopath.  Yes, they actually used the word "psychopath."  Since another long-time coworker had to relocate 6 months ago, they have not been able to find anyone to replace her.  People interview well, but they become complacent after a short time and their performance falls apart, or their true nature comes out and they're just bizarre.  They've had 3 new hires who did not meet their standards in the past 6 months. 

Needless to say, I called Darla and thanked her profusely for the phone message about the job listing.  She is now working in another field, which is why she didn't go for it, herself.

Oh yeah, when I was in RU on Wednesday morning, Bryan asked me if I knew anyone who would want a front desk/general office job.  It seems they're having trouble finding decent office staff as well.  I said I was looking for work, but I was going in to my office later that same day to ask for full time.  Then he started asking me about my job experience and  rate of pay.  It felt like an interview while he was working on my shin.  I think he would have hired me based on our conversation.  I would have taken a job a RU if the full time job at my office fell through.

They say things happen in threes.  Dollars to doughnuts I start receiving calls from all the places I sent applications and resume's to over the past year. 

Now I must go and dust off my roller skates. Monday will be here soon enough.

Monday's Song:
There and Back Again - Daughtry

PEACE

There and Back Again

 

 Pre race photo op with "Mik", "AKA Alice" and "Walter"

Sunday was the Shelter Island 5k Run. This is a favorite because there's a champagne brunch after the race. The brunch is held at Humphreys, the same place where Hubs and I often enjoy summer concerts. Sunday's run felt a lot like summer.  I ditched my jacket before the race because it was already warming up at 7 AM. It felt more like July than it did November. I'm still dealing with shin splints in my left shin, but I figured I'd just cruise this 5k instead of race it. I cruised, but I should have cruised a little slower, even though I felt like I was going slow for me. I could not run faster at all, even if I tried. I couldn't even make a mad sprint for the finish line when it was in sight. It just wasn't going to happen. I sort of broke even with my last 5k - July 4th 2010 in Coronado. Sunday's 5k was actually a few seconds faster than Coronado, but still a good 4 minutes away from a PR.

Here's my stats:

Time: 29:19

Pace: 9:27

F 50-54: 12 out of 56 

The fun thing about this particular race is that it sort of feels like one huge party and EVERYONE seems to be in a great mood.  I'm sure the champagne/mimosas helped with the great mood.

AKA Alice and Rich

Hubs and I with my former coworker Darla.  We haven't seen Darla in a  few years!

Hubs had a really good race day.  Even though he really wasn't attempting to go for a PR, he achieved just that...  An all time 5k PR.   He finished in 30:10, a 9:43 minute mile pace.  This is the first time he has broken a 10 minute mile pace.  My friend Rich had a really good run too.  His time was 24:30 - Pace/mile 7:54,  a new PR,  taking about two minutes off of his last 5k race.

 Cheers!  Mimosas makes the shin feel all better!

Photo credit to Rich

A group from RU was also at the run, and I did see my PT Bryan run right past me, but I did not see any of them at the brunch.  They were wearing bright yellow tech shirts, but it turns out they all changed out of their tech shirts after the race. I was looking for a group with bright yellow shirts, which is probably why I never found them.

The next day...


Monday was little bit rough.  My shin is not too happy with me.  I've been doing everything I'm supposed to be doing for it, and it's helping, including this:

I have about eight of these cups and a ziplock bag with homemade blue ice(a slushy ice pack) in my freezer.  I'm foam rolling, massaging, stretching, doing ankle exercises, point and flex exercises, modified squats and lunge matrices. (It's an RU thing - squats and lunges are the cure all for just about everything.) You name it, I'm doing what ever it takes to relieve shin splints.  I've been to the doctor, the chiropractor and my physical therapist.  I appreciate all the advice and kind words everyone has given to me and, trust me, I've been trying it all. 

I've been back to using the old school Bowflex, low weight high rep exercises and utilizing the row attachment seat for some sort of alternative cardio since I don't feel like going into the gym and using their crappy old stationary bikes. 

I have just less than 4 weeks until the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll half marathon.  I still need to get in some mileage, and I plan on taking a very conservative approach to it.  I need to put a 10 miler this week, even if I run/walk the entire way. 

Wednesday's Song:
Ramble On - Led Zeppelin - Black Knight

PEACE

Ramble On

Anything but a Wordless Wednesday...

RAMBLING RANDOMNESS

FYI, in my last post the dog is trying to eat the bubbles and having fun.  When she was much younger she would love to chase the bubbles with a "woohoo!!!" attitude.

It figures that now we're  into November the weather is more summer-like.  I'm  not complaining one bit, but after the overcast and sometimes cold summer, I am enjoying the warmer weather.

 Clear skies.  

I know, not exciting.  This is the view from the parking structure of my doctor's office.

Running has been less productive as I would like.  I just can't get beyond the shin splints, still.  The right leg is OK, it's the left leg shin that will scream at me when I run anything beyond 5 miles.  It's not as sore as it was just a few weeks ago.  I know if I just stopped running for 3 weeks I could probably get rid of the shin splints once and for all, but  with a half marathon in about 4 weeks I can probably take one week off.  My mileage base isn't what it used to be, either.  The most I've run (at one time since about August) is 7 miles at one time.  Not good.  I'm all set for a slow 10K, not a half marathon.  My weekly mileage has suffered, too.  I've been running about 10 to 15 miles a week -- Not good, either.  Yikes. I guess my strategy will be to enjoy the ride, so to speak. My pacing is off, too.  I should be running in the low 9 minute mile to mid/high 8 minute mile range for a half marathon, not 11s and 12s.  I was so looking forward to PRing at the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, but I guess it's not to be.  I also have a 5k THIS weekend that I was hoping to do well at, but I'll do well when I'm finished and enjoying the champagne brunch after the race is over.

I know every runner tends to go through some sort of slump due to injury or  unforeseen circumstances, but, come on already.  It has been over 3 years!  I haven't had a PR since 2007 or early 2008.  2008 was when I had the fractures and surgery.  2009 was all about rehabbing and rebuilding and I was happy just to get going again.  2010 started out hopeful  and I was making a ton of progress, but then it was one illness or injury after the next.  Perhaps I need another odd number year.  2011?  Please?

Remember those Nike Lunarglide + 2 test shoes?  I LIKED THOSE, a lot.  They're more comfortable and durable that I expected they would be.  I've had past  issues with Nike's not lasting more than 100 miles, which isn't good for marathon training.  I've put well over 100 miles on those Lunarglides and they have hundreds of miles in them.  From what I've heard,  they're featured in the November 2010 Runner's World Magazine*.  They didn't use my 2 cents, but I thought I'd give those a positive mention , anyway.

Currently, I'm testing the Saucony Pro Grid Jazz 14.  I've had these a couple of weeks.  They're super durable and, for a neutral shoe, are really supportive.  These feel much firmer than other neutral shoes I've used, but Saucony's are durable and can usually take a beating.  Bonus points that they're not making my shin splints worse.  I still have my Sauconys from a wear test I did well over a year ago, and those still have a lot of run left in them.

Although the pastel green color is minimal, I still have issue with pastel colors on my running shoes, however, the mostly black, white and silver overlays and details makes up for it. 

Last week I pulled a muscle in my right hamstring while at my RU Run Fit Class.  As usual, I wasn't doing anything extraordinary.  We were doing warm up exercises when the cramp suddenly came on.  Most of the discomfort is gone, but every once in a while  I feel that minor tension in my hammy.  Sheesh.

Halloween came and went.  The kiddo went as Ironman.  His mother went to a party as a version of Lady Gaga the night before. I didn't dress up this year. Call me crazy, but I stayed home with the dog and doled out candy to the 30 trick or treaters who came by.   Go me.  My daughter took the kiddo trick or treating closer to our house and Hubs took the kid trick or treating on a second shift in a different part of the neighborhood.  It's not like the kid needed any more candy, I just think Hubs really likes trick or treating, plus there's a street in our neighborhood that caters to the adults and hands out bowls of chili and Dixie cups filled with margaritas.

Tuesday I was at the rental house waiting for the new renter to show up with a rent check.  She called to say she'd be about 30 minutes late.  I decided to walk my old run route in that neighborhood. Not much has changed there, other than a few more homes are up for sale, but I put in my 2 mile loop.   It was a beautiful day in the old neighborhood.

Since I had my cell phone with me, I used the GPS running program, however I just found out that Bones In Motion is closing shop and we can transfer our past data to another application.**  That's nice, but my cell phone doesn't work with the new application.  My cell phone carrier is not supported.  I was planning to post that map here, but now I can't.  SIGH.  I need to migrate  three years worth of data over to the new application so I don't lose it, but it won't migrate everything, such as my notes on the run and mile splits. Now I'm really glad that I have my Garmin, but that means I need to remember to wear it every single time I run, and I don't always remember to wear it.

It's kind of funny that, as adults, we still receive stickers.  Here's two I've just received:

I always expect the "I Voted" sticker.

I did not expect the nurse to slap a sticker on me for getting a flu shot.

I'm still going though testing to figure out the intermittent fatigue I've been dealing with all summer.  Today I gave more blood for allergy testing, although I have no idea which allergies I'm being tested for. I really should have been given a referral to an allergy specialist, but we'll see if anything shows up.

Finally, I was rummaging through several item that were in storage.  I came across a series of watercolors and inks that I created when I was a sophomore in high school...  19*cough*74*cough*...

This was before the advent of disposable, pre-filled tech pens and Prismacolor felt tipped pens that comes in ten-thousand colors.  I used cake water colors, sabline brushes, and a traditional fine point calligraphy pen and dipped that into a vial of India ink over and over again.  That really was so old school.  My style has changed so much since that time due to time.  That particular piece took weeks to do in a twice a week, two hour art class.  I don't think I would have the patience to do anything like that at this time in my life.  I take that back.  With the disposable, pre-filled tech pens and Prismacolor felt tipped pens the process would probably be faster, but it still would take more than one day.  I'd rather be out running.

Last Wednesday's Song:
Something Good This Way Comes - Jakob Dylan

PEACE

*I still have not received that issue. 
** I don't care for it.  BiM offered more data. 

Push

Wow.  I have a moment.   I can get in some blogging...

I did see the doctor last week for the fatigue I've been dealing with.  He ordered  fasted blood tests (thyroid, iron, vitamin D, adrenals, celiac panels, B 12, etc) and a pulmonary function test.  The fasted blood tests are done, and now I'm just waiting on my appointment for the pulmonary tests.  He also put me on a steroid inhaler (Qvar) in hopes that will help open up my lungs more, and to see if that helps lessen the fatigue. 

I started working out with a group on Thursday evenings with Rehab United. Last Thursday we did endurance testing.  Last year I kicked bootay.  This year...  um, not so much.  Most of my numbers were cut in half.  I couldn't do nearly the same number of push ups and pull ups I could do last year.  The fatigue has really taken it's toll on me. I guess the good thing is that I now have a new baseline to start with, and I know I can get it back if I just keep pushing through -- at least I hope it works out that way.   The only thing that looked half way decent was my timed mile.  We were supposed to run one mile as hard and fast as possible.  I was timed at about 7:15 for that mile, but I think that's wrong.  We run around the complex where RU is located, which is just under 400 meters by several feet.  We ran 4 times around the complex, and I know that's just short of a mile.  I'm guessing that my  mile is more like 7:45 or 8:00.  It's certainly possible that I could run 7:15 for just one mile if I'm busting out some speed, but I wasn't, except for maybe the last 100 yards or so. I didn't have my Garmin with me, so I couldn't check exact time or distance.  The good part about working out on Thursdays is that I'm with people I already know from last year's group, and they're a lot of fun.

The last time I ran was Saturday morning with the Rehab United group.  The plan was a 40 minute, time on your feet run. Most of the people who showed up ran about my pace or under, which is unheard of.  Last year I was the slow-poke of the group since most everyone's slow pace was an 8 minute mile.  (Yeah, yeah, speed is all relative, but when you're shooting for an 10 or 11 minute mile for a long run, there's a lot of waiting around involved on their parts.)  Our fearless leader, Justin, and his girl friend were the speedy ones -- probably in the mid 7s, low 8s.  I  held an average 9:30 m/m for  the 4.4 miles I ran, but I just couldn't push harder than that due to my ongoing issue with shin splints and fatigue.  I should be able to hold around a 9 minute mile with ease. I was a little frustrated, but glad I was able to hold my own without going any slower.  I was able to pace with my friend Renata, and I think having her just slightly ahead of me kept me from slowing. Renata and I came in ahead of the group, which was a novelty to me.  I'm NEVER at the head of any running group when it comes to speed.  (This year several people are opting out of the Las Vegas trip due to the expense, and a lot of those people were MUCH faster than me.) Everyone else came in just after us, so it's not like we were channeling our inner Kenyans - we were just pushing through as best as possible.  As for my left shin, it was not too happy with me.  I even wore compression socks, which helped tremendously, but still not a fix for my screaming shin.

I booked air fare and a room for the Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. I was planning to register for the half marathon on line, but the processing fee is $11.00. That's just ridiculous. I thought I'd be able to use my $10.00 discount code, but that processing fee negates the discount. I'll sign up the old fashioned way, with pen and paper and no processing fee, AND a $10.00 discount through Rehab United.

Just in case, if you're planning to run Las Vegas, a lot of the hotel web sites say they're sold out for that Saturday. Call the toll free number and ask for group reservations. I was able to book a room at Luxor that way, even though the site said it was sold out.

My sister and her husband were in town last weekend. They are so happy to be back in California, and the job transfer has been smooth. They stayed in Coronado at the Glorietta Bay Inn and we were able to share dinner with them. We (sort of) celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday. Long story short ... BUT, He was constantly joking around with our server, so she brought out a huge slice of mud pie  -- on the house. Hubs suggested a candle for the mud pie because it WAS (supposedly) my brother-in-law's birthday. Not really, his birthday was in July, but since there was a mud pie, it only seemed fitting that someone was sung to.

We were all laughing, not only because it wasn't his birthday, but because the people at the adjacent tables were singing, too. The server was a really good sport.  PS: That's my sister on the right side.

Monday's Song:
I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More - Barry White

PEACE

Life in Technicolor

This Week's Recap:

1. Taxes - Done, and with several hours to spare! Woohoo! Paid some to Federal, getting some back from State.

2. Healing - Still in progress. 4 more weeks, I hope. Still using the bone stimulator.

3. Doctor's/orthopedics visits and Rehab United - Back to both in two weeks.

4. Marathon - Switched to the half. See #2.

5. House - Clean. I had someone else clean it.

6. Work outs - A lot of upper body bands stuff, push-ups, abs work, plus some squat matrices within reason.

7. Nutrition - Back to tracking. Trying to stay with in 1500 calories per day so I don't turn into an Oompa Loompa due to the lack of running. Will fine tune the macros later. Calories first.

8. Sugar Free Jello - A lifesaver.

9. Muscle Milk - No longer works for me. I broke out immediately, even though it's lactose free. *sigh* Back to square one and soy protein.

10. Daytime TV - Still sucks.

11. Dreams - Been having some weird ones. I had a dream I was a shopping at Macy's in Chicago, went to the top floor, but could only get to the first floor by getting on a water slide. In another dream my PT Bryan carried me across a football field while I was sitting in a Igloo ice chest. The crazy thing is that I've stopped taking pain meds 2 weeks ago, so I can't use the drug excuse. Analyze if you wish, but on the surface it seems I have travel issues, but how in the heck did I end up in an Igloo ice chest?

Yeah, I look *just* like this when I sleep. *cough*

12. Lentil stew with brown rice and warm, crusty bread - It's what's for dinner.

Wednesday's Song:
Winner - Justin Timberlake

PEACE

A Year Ago

I had my one year visit with my surgeon yesterday. Actually, it will be one year next week. The x-rays shows that everything looks good and there is no need for further follow-up with him. He asked about my running and that was it. I was sent on my way. I can't help but think back to last year and the pain I was in, and where I was. Last Saturday's long run with the track club was the same run last year where the injury manifested itself further, and I could not finish running the entire 16 miles, but hobbling to the water station around mile 11. Mentally, it felt good to complete that run last Saturday, with out THAT pain.

Tomorrow's run with the track club is charted to be around 22 miles. I'm not sure how many miles I'll get in, especially within the allotted time frame, but I think it's safe to say I'll get in at least 18. This time I'm taking extra gels. I could do without the calf cramps.



Wednesday's song:
Cruel To Be Kind - Nick Lowe

PEACE

You Learn

The young mind is an amazing thing, especially when you get to witness the light bulb go on.

My 5 year old grandson is an emerging reader. We're just about finished with the Kindergarten version of Hooked On Phonics. He was getting the hang of it but not fully putting all together, until very recently.

He spelled out "HOTWHEELS" with magnetic letters and numbers. He did this without any help or looking at a Hotwheels toy or logo.


He said he used the "X" because it was the closest to the letter "H," which there was only one of, and an upside down "3" because it looked the closest to an "E." I never would have thought to do any of that.

I need to buy more magnetic letters and numbers. I hope my refrigerator exterior can accommodate more words.

TOE UPDATE
I had a scheduled doctor's appointment today, and had him look at my toe while I was there. It's not broken, and if it was they couldn't really do much for it, other than tape it to the other toe. It's just bruised.

Saturday's song:
Special - Garbage

PEACE

Mixed Bizness

I met with the endocrinologist this morning to review my tests. Everything came back normal, but due to the type of injury I've endured, they're suggesting I go on a medication to help build bone for a couple of years as a preventative measure. Before I start the meds, they need to do one more test, and I think that will be it, unless that test comes back abnormal.

Yesterday my son mentioned that he had a pretty good birthday. We went out for sushi and he had his first legal beer, the Chargers won, he went out with a friend and ended up showing some big and burly college guys how to change their flat tire (my son is a stick, so that made him feel all strong), and made it home early enough for cake and the obligatory song.

Back to reality... Our relatively new water heater is leaking... a lot.

Yesterday's song:
Angel Of The Morning - Juice Newton - Barbie2be



PEACE

Killing The Blues

I drove to my 6 week post op appointment today. This is the first time I've driven since I was admitted to the hospital. They took a few x-rays before the appointment. It looks like I have a spatula in my femur, attached with screws. My surgeon said everything is progressing normally and I can now use a stationary bicycle along with swimming. He also said in about three months I could probably test out running a little, but nothing ridiculous like a sprint or long distances. I was pretty psyched about the go-ahead for stationary bike riding. He also gave me a referral for physical therapy, which will most likely be a lot of stretching.

Tonight my husband and I are going to a concert. This time it's Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, together. We bought the tickets months ago, and it's a sold out show. My son and his "friend" will be going, too. The venue is at Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, a smaller, outdoor venue that I've talked about before. We purchased the dinner/room package again, and we're really looking forward to it.

No official workout today, but I'm busting my butt cleaning the house.

Yesterday's song:
Walk This Way - Aerosmith and/or Run DMC - Simply Pink

PEACE

The Nurse

WELL...

I did call into primary care today and spoke with a nurse about my pains. The cool thing is that the nurse they gave me is also running in the marathon. She seemed to to think my issues are muscle strain, but the only way to be sure is to get an x-ray and take it from there. I have an appointment with an urgent care doctor this evening. She affirmed that what I've been doing (rest, ice, compression, elevation, and analgeiscs) was what I should be doing. She also asked if I had plans to do one more long run before the marathon, but I told her that it depends on this injury. There is a 22 miler scheduled for this Saturday, but I'm probably going to volunteer at that instead.

Yesterday's song:
Moving For The Sake Of Motion - Underoath



PEACE

Not The Doctor

I've been dealing with asthma for a while now, and the back spasms and more recently the breathing difficulties have really gotten to me. I did find some relief from my chiropractor, but I thought it was time to get checked out by my general practitioner, and see about upgrading my asthma meds. The current meds get me too amped, then I quickly crash and burn, and I don't like that feeling. Coffee usually does the trick for me, with out the crash and burn, but it doesn't always work, especially if breathing becomes more difficult.

My insurance is through Kaiser, so I see who ever is on the schedule. I only get to see my personal GP (who I like) if something serious is going on OR if I get lucky. Sometimes I get lucky and I'm assigned to a great new doc on duty who really listens,as I did when I was diagnosed with arthritis. I was not lucky today. The Dr assigned to me did not once ask about my life style, what meds or supps I'm currently taking, and so on. I did volunteer that there are a couple of meds that disagree with me and that I have asthma/back spasms right now. He listened to my lungs and looked in my ears and nose, asked me where my back hurts, checked my arms for range of motion, and that was it. He totally blew me off to anything I said and wrote a prescription for the two meds I can't take plus three other things. I even went as far as telling him what meds I could take that are similar. He didn't listen. He was too concerned with entering his information in the computer. I kind of felt like I wasn't even present at my own appointment. When I went down to the pharmacy to pick up my 'scripts, even the pharmacist that was sent out to talked to me was perplexed. I did refuse two of the meds, and the pharmacist pretty much backed me up. GAH! Basically the meds that I did get were band-aid fixes for the symptoms, not really a treatment. Since I was there at the pharmacy, I did pick up a bottle of Arthritis Formula Tylenol since I was out, and the pharmacist said THAT was better for my needs than the stuff the Dr wanted to prescribe to me. I guess I am spoiled by working with doctors who do have a fantastic way with their patients. They ASK a ton of questions pertaining to lifestyle and health issues, they always ask what medications and supplements a patient is currently taking, plus they are personable and LISTEN to their patients.

Things do get a little better, though...

On the way home from my time at the medical clinic, this young guy in an older style, souped up BMW was completely checking me out as we were driving next to each other and at the traffic lights. I don't even know how to react to stuff like that anymore. I'm probably old enough to be the guy's mother, for all I know. Perhaps it's because I drive a Jetta, a car that you see people younger than myself drive? Maybe he thought I was his mom? Maybe he just liked my car? I dunno. I had my giant sunglasses on, so my face was pretty well covered. It was weird, but in a good way, and it made up for the jerk of a doctor I had today. So, thank you, guy in the BMW, even if you were just looking at my car.

Yesterday's Song:
Modern Nature - Sondre Lerche

PEACE

Doctor! Doctor!

Yesterday

Activity: Run
Date: 09/24/07 11:03 AM
Distance: 10.09 miles
Time: 1:46:54
Speed: 5.7 mph
Pace: 10' 36 min/mile
Calories: 964

I had a pretty decent run yesterday. I borrowed DH's dinky Ipod Shuffle clip, you know, the one the size of a media card, and went. It did help to have some tunes to run with for a change. I usually don't run with tunes when I run outdoors. It was not as busy on the bay path as it normally is, so I didn't have to worry about listening for bicycle riders and large groups, but I did have the volume low enough so I could hear other sounds around me. I did much better on my run than I had anticipated.

Today
No workout today, doctors orders!!!!

I went in to to a primary physician today. They actually assigned me to someone with a good personality, who knew about working out, running, etc. He went over a list of things I could be suffering from:

1) Lack of or little sleep

2) Thyroid issues

3) Deficiencies in my diet

4) Stress

5) Not enough exercise or athletic burn out

6) Depression

Based on our conversation, he didn't seem to think depression was a factor. He discussed that a lot of athletes do suffer from burn out at some point, and maybe this is my body telling me to slow down for a bit. He asked about my workout and running schedule. He did want me to take 2 off days between running and/or working out, and really rest. My blood pressure and heart rate were in the fabulous range. He wanted me to up my protein ratio, just to make sure I am rebuiding muscle properly. Then I was sent to the lab for blood work. Now it's just a matter of waiting. Oh, and weight on the scale there was 126... No change...

One more thing to ponder:

Why is it that the minute you are finished either super vacuuming, or have mopped the floor so clean you can eat off of it, that the dog decides to dig up her "treasures" (bones, toys, sticks, etc.) and bring them in all dirty and dusty, then plop them on the clean floor????

Peace