No Running

It's killing me!  Even my husband asked me today if I wanted to do a run with him.  Very rare occurrence.  But I want to save any nerve aggravation for Sunday.  On the bright side I'm getting some projects done around the house that have been nagging at me.  

While I was cleaning up this morning I noticed this note.  "Please, hand wash ALL spatulas after use.  We don't have enough to keep them in the dishwasher"

Hmmmm....this was my SON's note.  My 17 year old son.  He's really good about cleaning the kitchen after he uses it.  Yeah, right. He should be careful writing on compliance & ethics sticky notes.

He is good at wearing a Cosby Sweater and holding my cup of coffee while contemplating his day.  #hehateshashtags

If those sweaters are coming back in style then it will be just a few more months and my basement full of cheap "wood" paneling will be featured in Home Decor Magazine.  I better vacuum the cobwebs.

While I was searching for the cord/pedal for my sewing machine (GASP!!) I noticed how many Saucony boxes I had.  This is from the box stash I started in June.  My bad.

#Saucony 

My son has never looked at my blog and yet I mock him on it.  I'm available for parenting workshops.

Here is something a little RUN-ish.  The taping was really hurting in some spots so after I finished sewing and ironing (quota for the next 5 years) I decided to investigate.  

I found a piece of tape that was on my tender OLD skin that had actually caused a skin tear.  What the hell?  No toenails and now a skin tear?  I should be getting the senior discount at Village Inn with that on my resume.  

I took off all the taping.  

I even went grocery shopping and started laundry which means my technical/running clothes are hung up all over the bathroom and hall.
I'm exhausted from all this domesticity.

Wine to go I bought in Colorado Springs.  You can chill it, take the plastic top off and remove the foil, and it's ready to drink.  The glass is plastic and it's great for traveling.  Good idea!!  I drank about half.  Wine wasn't bad, I just wasn't in the mood.  Which is a weird mood to be in.

PS. I found the pedal/cord in a completely different room then the sewing machine.  Well that makes sense!

Does your family mock you for your participation in social media aka #twitter?

   Not just my family.  Just about everyone.  Everyone except those who "get" me. 

How do you care for your technical clothes?

   I machine wash in cold  with mild detergent and hang to dry.  

If you could tease your teenage son every day with #hashtags, would you?

   Until I loose interest.  Then I'll remember in a month or so and bring it up again.  I would NEVER  EVER and I repeat EVER try this with my teenage daughter.  There could be a change in the atmosphere with her self implosion and accompanying drama. 

Blog on.................

Foot update!

Teaser!

Yes I do have an injury update.  Before I get to that, I did drag myself this morning (thank you Zofran!) to staff meeting.  During the meeting we were able to get a sneak peak at our new flying machine.  EC-145 please.

It's rear loading and so there is a crazy amount of room for a medical helicopter.  I am taking the picture at the bottom from the open back.  That is Tony in the seat, buckling himself in to see if he'll fit.  This is the Rotor that will be based at the U and when I start flying rotor (a couple of months) then I will get the opportunity to play big girl nurse in it.  Word.

Podiatrist bound I was!  I realized as I took off my sock that all the nail polish had worn off on all but one toe nail.  Then there are 3 that are missing and one purple toenail.  HAWT!!!  Plus I have very long narrow feet.  LOOONNNNGGG!! 

Lots and lots of discussion.  Dr. Preece checked for problems behind my knee that could contribute to nerve pain and he checked my flexibility, asked about my back.  We went over where the pain is (nerve pain is tricky) and where the numbness is.  I thought to myself, "do podiatrist even like feet?".  Because lets be honest - they aren't looking at great feet....ever.  

I digress.  SO...because he could not illicit (dirty!) any pain or hot spots then he's not really worried about the nerve pain causing permanent damage.  I've just pissed it off a little and when I run or do a lot of activities then it just goes ballistic.  In order to have some sort of Nerve Pain study, the nerve pain needs to be able to be duplicated.  SO..if I want to run 10 miles and run my way right into the hospital for the study that would be an option.  I think I'm going for a little less intervention at this time.  We talked about a higher heel drop in my shoe and how the mechanics of that may help both nerve and PF pain.  He looked at my inserts again, with admiration (thank you Dr. Lowe - they are magic) and we decided to pass on giving the inserts a lift.  Thank goodness I bought a sweet pair of Asics (Sorry Saucony!!) that have a 10 mm heel drop!!  

He taped my foot and gave me some of the supplies to do it myself.  With the plantar fasciitis pain and the nerve pain it's hard to tell if it helps or not at this point.  

Link to Dr. Preece website with link to taping video

It was a long discussion about healing, causes, interventions and lots of stuff that I won't bore you with.  I will continue icing, massage and ibuprofen.  I will probably pass on the compression sock that I bought for PF pain. I found that if I wear it too long then my foot starts to REALLY hurt around the edges.  Makes me wonder if that contributed to the nerve pain.  Who knows?  Medicine is a mystery.  At least I didn't get a shot.  

   

Then I tried to clean my room.  

Actually I just shuffled shit around and took out the trash.  Isn't that what cleaning is? 

What heel drop does your favorite shoe have or does it even matter to you?

Some of my problems started when I went to a 3mm heel drop.  I've worked my way up to an 8mm and will run with that and higher until my foot heals and I can strengthen it enough to go back to my 3mm.  I really like them.

Are you a hoarder, shuffler or tosser?

  (Don't be disgusting, I'm talking about your house and when you clean it!)

I'm all.  I shuffle things around and hoard stupid stuff and then I get sick of it and toss it all.  I usually do that about 2 weeks before I need whatever I threw away.

How many toenails do you have?

Honestly it's hard to tell.  I have some partials and I lost another one this weekend.  Not because of new injury I just didn't notice it was loose and boom, off it came.  I would say about 5.5 toenails right now. 

Blog on my friends..............

Yackity yack

Don't talk back!

Bad news bears - (I have no idea why I'm talking in TV talk)
The morning that Xander was born I was feeling a little queasy, but it didn't seem to last long.  Through out the day I felt great and ate good food, going to bed feeling like I was going to get a great nights sleep. 
Oh nay nay

At around 5am I woke up so freaking nauseated!  It didn't come with stomach cramps like usual, it was just nausea.  I fought it for a bit and then realized I was going to have to puke.  I don't know if your like me, but I hate throwing up.  I will be sick and miserable and lay on the bathroom floor before I give in.  Well, there was no holding back.  I'll spare the full on details but my body good and cleaned itself out...

I texted Lyndsi at the hospital and told her that Brent might have to come get Matthew since Chris had to work.  She was pretty sure she was getting discharged so they would be home later.  Luckily I was well enough to feed and watch Matthew safely and when he went down for a nap I was able to get a shower.  After that I decided that I really needed to go home.  I didn't know how but with a newborn on it's way home and Chris's son Hunter coming the next day I didn't want to give everyone the flu and have the whole crew puking and crapping all over the house.  

I packed up and when Lyndsi and Brent got home with Xander I broke the news.  We all felt horrible and Matthew even cried when I left.  It broke my heart and I wanted to stay - but I also wanted to be home where I could be sick in my own house.  

I didn't leave until 4pm so I drove about 3 hours to stay in Cheyenne.  I called around to a few hotels and everyone was full!  So I broke down and called the Little America, knowing that they are usually pretty expensive, but they had a room AND they were only about 5 bucks more then the mid-crappy line of motels.  

The room was GLORIOUS!

I even felt well enough to sip on some soup and have a couple of pieces of quesidilla that were carefully brought to me by room service.  Can't get that at Super 8!!

The next morning I had managed to keep down some juice, water and a little dinner so I ran a hot bubble bath, made some weak coffee and soaked while I read.  It was really a short bath but I felt much better.  Good enough to finish the drive home.

Now I am home, somewhat unpacked and in my own bed.  I still feel really off.  My retainers have got to go, they make me nauseated and gaggy.  

No running this week, at least not until my half marathon on Sunday.  I am still planning on doing it, for now.  I'm hoping another 24 hours and I'll be feeling better.  I'm not pushing it at all on Sunday and plan on a slow and steady pace.  

I also have an appointment with my podiatrist tomorrow to discuss the nerve pain and I made an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon for another opinion.  I can't get into the surgeon until November, so I thought I'd go to the podiatrist to see if he can give me a clue on it.  Doesn't make sense to schedule a second opinion before you have the first opinion, or does it??

Blog on............

Miracles and love

and glitter, unicorns and rainbows. 

Today started out way too early.  Got to the hospital by 6am to get baby Xander into this world.  I fell asleep.  Of course I couldn't sleep the night before.  I was hot, my mind was racing and just couldn't sleep.  

Waiting, waiting, waiting. 

Once she got the epidural, Xander made a run for it and she was feeling nauseated and a little like pushing.

She was right.  I only had time to grab my iphone.  She pushed once for the nurse and 2 -3 times for the doctor and then BOOM!  Out came Xander, covered in crisco and screaming like a banchie!

Dad Brent cut the cord.

Mom taking a good look of her greasy monkey!

At this point I don't think he is pleased.

He's a smart fella and after getting a little mama's milk and passing out he woke up all bright eyed and ready to take a good look at his family.

Grandpa Chris taking a good look.  He's such a tender hearted asshole. 

(if you know Chris that will make perfect sense)

A few hours later I grabbed grease monkey number one and took him home.  He wasn't too sure, since he hasn't been with me without mom and dad before.  He got over that real quick.  I'm adorable - how can he resist?  He had a delicious meal, followed by a bath that included bubbles and toys.  He moved water from one container to the next and between each one we clapped and cheered.  That is the exact moment I won his heart.  After that was jammies and playtime.  We also had a bedtime snack - I was worried that he didn't get enough to eat today.  I cut up an apple and banana and he loved it.  We ended the evening with a leap frog numbers video with lots of "yeahs!" and clapping.  Of course we spent about 30 minutes cuddling in the lazy boy.  

He started laughing at this picture and I took a few more.  Look how tired his little face is.  I carried him, his woobies and baby bear and put him in bed.  He didn't even cry!  Now it's my turn.  Another "Nana" day and going to the hospital to make sure brother Xander is ok.  I love Matthews little face and could cuddle with him for DAYS!!

FYI - this gal didn't even get light headed!  BOOM!

Blog on.............

Manitou Incline

1914.  Back when they had cool hats.

There was recently a story in Runner's World about the Manitou Incline.  I can't find the article but I remember it was fascinating.  The incline is located in the Pikes Peak mountains and since I had planned to be in Colorado Springs I figured I would at least go look at it.  

This was my plan for Saturday after I got to Lyndsi's house.  (She is getting induced Monday!  Yeah!!)  

Can I get a "hell yeah!" for the map feature on the iPhone!  

*Get Coffee - Starbucks - check!

*Stop by the Lululemon Showroom in downtown Colorado Springs....CHECK and YIKES!!!   (Why did they have to have that long sleeve on sale AND the black shorts I've been looking for!  I am SO grounded!!)

Check out the Manitou Incline & then go to the gym.  Hahahahaha

Instead of just checking out the Incline, I decided to give it a shot.  The people around me looked as if they were going to do it.  Luckily I had stopped at Lululemon and purchased a couple of long sleeve tech tops that I could layer.

I took this picture at my car before I took off.  I look mad.  I'm actually concentrating on trying to get the top in the picture to send Tera.  

I had to park on the narrow road and walk to the incline.  Legally they couldn't let us park in the parking lot of the Cog Train.  That's what the parking guy said.  He was a doll and so kind to give me instruction and encouragement so I believe him.

 Extreme = bad ass

Doesn't look so bad!  I figured I'd just get started and if I got tired I would come back down.  That is just like my personality - NOT.

I shed the top long sleeve and I never ended up using the iPod.  I was enjoying the entire experience.  (look at those straight teeth!!!  haha)

Where I have to go and where I have been.  

After about this far up is when I started counting stairs.  I would look up to check it out and make a goal.  Usually 75 steps, sometimes 100 and if they were really steep and treacherous then 50.  This is also about the time I figured out the auto pause on my Garmin was on most of the time because I wasn't hoofin it very fast.  I turned the Auto pause off about half way up.  This was sort of irritating because I don't have all the right numbers.  I love numbers!

Yep - you are trespassing if you go up the incline. 

 From what I understand there is a part of the incline right smack in the middle that is privately owned.  I'm sure their lawyers are horrified at the idea of allowing people on it and the company having to take responsibility so it's illegal to go all the way up.  It's common knowledge, that is ignored.

There are multiple areas that have rusted out pipes in the middle.  

Areas of the trail are pretty sketchy.  I didn't find it too difficult to get up, but I have long legs and I'm in pretty good shape.  Although when I do this again I'm bringing gloves.  Sometimes I needed my hands to steady myself or boost up a step.

At one point someone told me I was almost done.  Oh nay nay!

There is a little dip in the incline so it looks like you have about 30 feet to go and after a few steps this is what you see.  

I can't remember at what point I decided that I would finish, but it was long before this.  There was a light rain, it wasn't too cold and the challenge made it impossible to stop. Also, i'm a little scared of heights.  Walking down the stairs wouldn't have been very fun at all.  Going up it helped a lot to concentrate on my footing and counting stairs. I wouldn't look down until I knew my footing was steady.  

I received at least 5 compliments on my shoes.  One lady even commented on how they didn't even look broken in.  Oh yeah, about 100 miles of broken in!  Of course they weren't the right shoes for the job but they did an awesome job.  Remember - I was going to run at the gym - not the mountain.  

When I did steady myself and look back, this is what I saw.  

With the cool weather, slight rain and a rainbow behind me, how could I possibly just stop and go to a gym!  I was really hoping that the rainbow ended at my car and when I got back there would be a pot of gold.  Nope. 

STATS OFF GARMIN

Elevation Gain:2,017 ft

Elevation Loss:2,048 ft

Min Elevation:6,575 ft

Max Elevation:8,618 ft

DONE!  Made it to the top!  There was a nice girl that was waiting for her brother at the top that took my picture with the rainbow.  

I was a little wet from the rain, but I was comfortable and I have to say - it was as exciting as finishing a race!  I just wish there was someone at the top handing out medals!  Matt has been trying to get me to go hiking for years and the first time I really go for it, I'm out of town.  I've decided we are going to do more hiking AND trail running!

Here is the start of the trail going down.  

There are a lot of fascinating rock formations on the mountain.  After about a half of a mile of almost straight down hill I finally made it to a part of the trail that was actually runable, and so I decided to run.  My Garmin hit a mile at about that time so I thought I would run/jog/trailrun in my street running shoes for another mile and see how I did.  

LOVED it!

A few pictures I took on the way down.  It was breathtaking!

This was the trail I came down.  I did it in like 2.5 miles...:SHRUG:?  Am I such a fast trail runner that I fly??

THAT IS FUNNY!

Here is my Garmin map.

 The dots in the picture below show the empty spots where the auto pause stayed on.  GRRRR.  Now I have to do it again.  I might not have time this trip, but it will happen.

Here are my splits.  They are way off on the first mile, but the second mile the auto pause was off and I was running.  I think an average pace 15:54 and 16:30 min/miles for a down hill trail that I've never been on before was pretty good.  I had a couple of runners pass me that were flying!  Next time I need to bring my trail shoes.  

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	1:35:50.5	3.25	29:27
1	57:13.9	1.00	57:15
2	15:54.4	1.00	15:55
3	16:30.4	1.00	16:31
4	6:11.8	0.26	24:16

It's a long post and lots of pictures, but it was so much fun!  It really gave me a bug to start doing some trail running.  Next spring when my foot heals, I'm planning on running more trails.  It's just so beautiful and fun!  

Speaking of foot - yes it hurt like mad!  The PF pain goes away pretty fast when I start moving around, but the nerve pain is killing me!  All the research (Internet) that I've done basically states that it treated the same way PF is.  There is a lot of theories of wearing shoes with a higher heel, getting rid of inserts, blah blah blah.  I am going to see a doctor when I get back and maybe an MRI is the next step.  At this point I'm still going to run my races with lots of rest, ice and ibuprofen in between. 

Has anyone ran the incline?

Trail Running - love it or not?

Blog on................