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

Walking On Sunshine

Thursday is half day at the elementary school and my day to pick up the grand kid. Since it was a gorgeous day, I decided it would be worth the extra effort to walk. The school really isn't that far, not quite 3/4ths of a mile. I figured I could do an out and back walk, and it wouldn't be too far for the grand kid, either. I know he can walk further than 3/4ths of a mile at one time. As we were walking home he kept questioning "how are we going to get home?" I just told him that we were walking. As we walked and turned down a street he commented, "my mommy doesn't go this way, she goes THAT way!" As we approached our house, he exclaimed "we made it!" Perhaps in the eyes of a 5 year old that is a long walk, especially since Disneyland or Sea World isn't involved. As for my walk, my stats looked like this:

Activity:	Walk
Date:	09/18/08 12:26 PM
Distance:	1.44 miles
Time:	0:27:37
Speed:	3.1 mph
Pace:	19' 21 min/mile
Calories:	136

The walking is getting a wee bit faster, but I wasn't going for speed since I had some time on my hands. It took less than 10 minutes to walk to the school, and longer to walk back with the grand kid in hand.

I've finally received some news about my DEXA or bone density test. My numbers are in the normal range for my age. I've also been referred to an endocrinologist. His assistant called me today and asked a zillion questions about my health and running history. She had my file and the basic information that I'm a marathon runner and was injured, perhaps while training. She also added that the doctor found my case interesting since I'm younger than most hip fracture patients, healthy, watch my nutrition and workout. You know what that means? More tests! (It's about time!) As soon as I could, I went down to the lab today and they took blood for more tests. The tests are varied, from thyroid tests, tests for wheat/gluten allergies, hormone levels, and so on. It feels good to finally deal with someone who can look specifically at my issues with a plethora of tests, and not just second guess. It's true that these tests could also be inconclusive, but the fact that they're finally testing me makes me somewhat happy.

By the way, I slept well last night!

Yesterday's song:
Hello Moonglow - Heart


PEACE

Time Of My Life

Squeeze and scan. That was my morning. I had a mammography and bone density testing.

I'm glad it wasn't hot today, because you're not supposed to wear deodorant/antiperspirant prior to getting squished.

Yesterday's song:
Simple Kind Of Life - No Doubt

PEACE