Blank. Completely Blank.

That is exactly the way my mind feels this morning.  You know that feeling of being so tired your eyes hurt and the idea of doing much more then making coffee is exhausting!  I lost an entire day!  I've been thinking about football all morning.  Guess what...its Monday!

This is not a complaining post at all.  I just took a minute to try and figure out why I wasn't having time to post anything.  Well....if I'm not working, I'm doing core work, running or I'm dead tired.  So here is a picture overload post.  (my favorite!)  

Pretty much takes up a lot of time.

Running:

I am running again.  Not completely pain free but doing my core and leg strengthening exercises are directly related to my pain while running.  Laura gave me a big dose of Graston last time I was there.

Same leg.  Each side.  They lasted almost a week.  It's VERY common to bruise after a Graston technique torture session.  I use the word torture lightly.  It hurts like crazy but it works amazing!  

Laura wants me to keep moving.  So I try and get out every other day and I try to go an hour.  If it hurts I walk.  This way I don't have to hit a certain mileage but just get in an hour of moving. Despite my over abundance of pics I didn't even take one when I ran with my friend Deb!  

Here is my running recap.  Remember I'm doing a lot of walking so I'm slow but I'm moving forward and getting much much better.

9/30 - 3 miles in 34 minutes

10/6 - 5.46 miles in 1 hour

10/10 - 4.12 miles in 1 hour (I didn't do my PT the day before and I was feeling it)

10/12 - 5.23 miles in 1 hour

10/16 - 5 miles in 1 hour

I can't be the only one that wears an outfit twice before washing.  Or can I?

I wish I could have ran more, but life got in the way a few time.

What life?

Work:

I love my job.  Thank god!  It's almost wrong how much I enjoy working.  There has been a lot of overtime lately and I have taken advantage of that.  It's not always this abundant (we are down a couple of flight nurses) so why not? This morning I did some math in my head.  True.  It hurt.  I've been working 60 to 72 hours a week.  Add life, kids and time spent recovering and that's how that happens.  

Working in Rock Springs.  We had an aircraft switch out (maintenance) at the end of our shift so we took our stuff and flew home.  YAH! Buddy!

Yesterday we did some training.

One of my favorite pilots giving the run down to Wasatch Backcountry Rescue dogs and their handlers some FYI on the aircraft and getting in and out.

Dry run with a NEW newbie.  PUPPIES!

This puppy was really stressed out by the helicopter.

 I work with the best people ever!  They make my job just that awesome.

We work with Wasatch Backcountry Rescue to help them train the dogs (and the people) to be able to approach a running aircraft, get in and get out with their 2 handlers.  In a real life scenario we would be picking up a handler and their dog plus all their ski gear and taking them up a mountain where a search and rescue was occurring.  Northern Utah has some of the most amazing snow, skiing and back country.  Unfortunately with snow comes avalanches.  We are also taught by avalanche specialist so that we can have information we need to stay safe.

Yesterday I was in the helicopter as we picked up and transported over 20 dogs.  We landed 28 times.  14 of those were in a pretty dusty area that I got out and help the crews in and out of the running aircraft.  A helicopter crew member needs to be part of the process for safety. I was a out for half of them and my medic stayed out for the other half.  Amazeballs!  I can't lie.  Every dog got quite a bit of love from me.  

After we dropped off a patient at the UofU hospital. 

My job does not suck.

Walking down the hall in Ogden.  I've posted a pic like this before but this time it was dark.  Kinda freaky!

There is something about this picture that says my spirit twin was here.  

LIFE

10 months later I've ordered the prints and put them in frames.

I'm a go-getter!

Decided I was sick of carrying so much shit in my flight suit.  I'm bringing the "nurse purse" back!  Nothing says "I'm ready to party" at a scene flight then a fanny pack!

Seriously?  If I had money I would buy it just for the conversation.  

Wow, that's a big.......chicken??

Unblocked by former friend after a year.  Reblocked by me.

Childish?  yes.  But I love Facebook and I love keeping in touch with friends far away and friends I don't see often.  I don't need to see ANYTHING that is going on with that shitty situation.

New work socks.  They are so comfy I can't stand it!

New annual pass for Millcreek Canyon.  Best 40 bucks spent.  They do a great job keeping it in tip top shape.

Glad I found this gem of a coffee press in my cupboard.  YEAH HOARDING!

The fancy coffee maker behind it has some funky smell to it.  I've tried everything.  I'm going to toss it and get a cheap one.  I had a cheap one for 10 years and it was awesome.  Fancy one...less then 2 years.  LOSER.

Oh crap...I have a massage!  Tough life.

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

And I ran...

Remember that song from Flock of Seagulls?  It's been going through my mind lately.  I have no idea why, maybe it's because I actually ran again!  WOOT WOOT!

I really waited this time.  I would do a light jog around my house to make sure my leg was ready and it has taken 3 weeks after my last run to run again.  That being said, it was a slow and heavy run, but I just took my time and worked on my form.  I also ran at work.  EEK!  A lot of folks I work with work out while at work and just have their flight stuff close by.  I'm paranoid.  I don't want to delay or make anyone wait for me.  Plus I was nervous about being all sweaty.  It was a slow day Saturday for all the bases so I gave it a shot.  

I carried my radio with the volume all the way up.  I'm glad it stayed quiet while I ran, it probably would have scared the shit outta me.  Literally.  

I locked my flight suit and all my stuff in a storage we have next to the aircraft. I figured if we were toned out (called) and I was the farthest away I could be there and be dressed in pretty good time. (can you say flight suit over sweaty running clothes?)  I ran around the block.  Around and around until I hit 3 whole miles!!  My legs felt stiff and I felt that horrible feeling of losing some fitness, but it was positive because I think I'm ready to move forward.  Slowly.  I wore my knee tape (scrotee) and my calf compression sleeve.  

It was a beautiful day in Payson.  A thunderstorm had just rolled through.  It felt cool and smelled like rain.

My shadow looks like a GIANT!!  

Our air conditioner needs protection.

Is it just me or does that look cute.  A pilot and our mechanic made it from scraps.  They are so smart!  

In case you may wonder.."why do they have an air conditioner??"   We keep the aircraft either heated or cooled to a certain range of temps.  Better for the aircraft and great for our equipment.  Plus the air conditioner goes in the nurses window which means that when it's hot as crap outside then my seat is cool for about 4.5 seconds.  Yeah!

Friday I go back to my physical therapist.  I'm excited to show her how I've been working hard at my exercises and I can run a little.  I plan a short run in the morning and another one possibly just before my appointment. That way I  am warmed up for my running test on the treadmill.  I'm sure she is going to want to see if my form is causing this pain.  I love doing it too because I have to tuck my shirt into my shorts or capris so she can monitor my hips.  Oh yeah, HOT!!!  

In the MOST exciting news!  My half sleeve tattoo starts tomorrow!  That will be a lot more fun to blog about then running!  Stay tuned......

Blog on.........

What's happening here???

Mostly an Update.  

Primal three weeks.

I pretty much did it.  I had a couple days off, one before my last half marathon.  (Recap to follow)  I feel much better, that's for sure.  I have better habits and I'm cooking more.  That's the most important.  Plan on keeping the plan up with occasional but very few "cheat" meals.  

Running.

Mostly not.  The pain in my leg is pretty aggravating.  I finally made an appointment for the Sports Medicine Doctor for this Thursday.  I really think it's my sciatica nerve starting at my hip.  The pain moves around and sometimes it's hard to walk without a limp.  That needs to stop and I mean now.  I wear my compression sock on my left leg almost all the time.  That seems to help.  Still icing, resting and doing my core exercises.  Hoping to get back on track by the end of the week.  

Still lost a toenail and my big toenail is going to bail soon.  Probably from the last few half marathons.

It was fun running a half marathon with a tender toe without nail.

Kinda.

Challenge

I changed the battery in the shaggin wagon.  Just to see if I could.  It was an interesting experience and only minimal injuries.  I'd do it again.  

Tight spaces!

'

Cleaned up the battery holder.  Battery acid caused some rusting on the wheel well.

Battery IN. Challenge Accepted and won!!

Mt. Nebo Half Marathon Recap!

Awesome race and great friends!  I didn't run between the Run Elevated half marathon and this one.  I was happy with the time and my leg pain was less then the last half marathon.  

Outfit planned.  New Lululemon shorts (on sale for 34 dollars!) and running in my new Hokas!

(I did a short 3 miler 2 days before the half to make sure they'd be ok)

Tera, Jason and I went to dinner Friday night and then stayed overnight in Payson.  We drove the course the night before and saw this little angry friend.  

 Running with the steers?

This is how you park when you are pulling wave runners in Payson.

I'll just park HERE. 

Huge fires to keep us warm before race time. It smelled wonderful!  I miss camping.

Before the race

13.16 miles in 2:05:00 (2:04:58 official)

Average pace 9:30

Average HR 148 bpm

Wore calf compression and knee brace.

Mile 1 – 9:28

Mile 2 – 8:46

Mile 3 – 8:59

Mile 4 – 8:32

Mile 5 – 8:39

Mile 6 – 9:24

Mile 7 – 9:47

Mile 8 – 9:09

Mile 9 – 9:30

Mile 10 – 10:25

Mile 11 – 10:58

Mile 12 – 10:06

Mile 13 – 10:04

Mile .15 – 7:45

Mile 6ish I started getting nauseated for some reason.  But after a mile or so I felt much better.  That prevented me from having my second GU at 90 minutes so I just had a cup of power aid at the aid station.

It was a really fast race and both Jason and Tera PR'd.  I was 10 minutes faster then the Run Elevated run and I felt awesome. It was so amazing to hear Tera yelling my name as I came into the track.  Best friends are the BESTEST!  Thanks Jason and Tera for letting me be part of your party. 

Oh...vibrates!

 This is definitely a race I'd like to run again.  Hopefully I can get back on track soon because I really miss the training.  

Dog rescue on the way back to the hotel.  Returned safety to her owners

Flying

Did some.

It's always amazing.

Comedy Festival!

Our local outdoor music venue put on a Comedy Festival.   I bought the tickets a few weeks ago on Groupon.  I asked my kids to go with me but they were busy. I should have taken offers up from my girlfriends.  I took a man I've been dating off and on for the last few months.  I was pretty much over his shenanigans.  Then we went to this concert and ended up sitting with his friends.  It was a pretty lame date.  The Comedy was AMAZING though!  Until it started to rain and we left during Louis CK.  My favorite comedian!  We were so far away and the rain was just soaking us and it just wasn't worth it.  

Other artists we saw were Aziz Azaria, Sarah Silverman and a few others.  It was pretty awesome.  

Yeah.  Difficult to see.

I've never really liked this venue.

Dating is pretty annoying anyway.  I'm holding out for a guy that I really enjoy spending time with.  Sounds simple huh?  But I'm not getting into that.  Yet.  

So that is the last few weeks in a nutshell.  

My new addiction is Cashew Butter on a celery stick with Craisens.  Do it.  Try it!  

Costco/Grocery day

Four bottles of Cashew Butter.  

BAM!

What is your favorite craving right now?

Leg pain. Anyone?? Ideas?

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

Working, running, eating and sleeping

I knew that starting this training plan would be tough.  It's difficult to plan on a run on a workday or after a workday.  I'm pretty dependent on the type of shift I have.  The week started out with 3 easy 4 mile runs.  The first one was in Park City and felt OK.  I already covered that mess in my last post.  The next one was better.  It was an early run with an easy pace. 

4 miles in 44:30 minutes
11:06 min/miles with average HR 137

Tried to go with perceived effort and not pay attention to pace.  I'm keeping my HR down and I am running a lot easier a lot longer.  I'm saving my tempo and speed for those particular runs.  Makes running a lot more enjoyable and the rest of the day easier.  


The next day I headed up to the mountains.  The universe was decidedly against this run.  First I forgot my Garmin.  I talked myself into being OK without it and I would just go out 30 minutes and then turn around.  When I parked and threw my shoes on they felt pretty roomy.  Shitballs.  I forgot my inserts.  I can't run without my inserts.  I don't need any more foot problems.  So I raced home, grabbed everything and it ended up to be a pretty great run.   Scheduled was a 4 mile easy and I did take it easy.  The only difference is I hiked up a good hill for almost half a mile making sure to really use my glutes.  I know they are the weak link for most runners.  Then I ran 4 miles out and back on a pretty flat trail then down the hill.  It was a great workout and I got on the trail early before anything that was scheduled that day.  

5.11 Miles in 1:04:42 (average 11:15 min/miles for the 4 miles)
12:39 min/miles with average HR 139

Such a beautiful morning! Not too hot

Then there was the shift that was so busy and so long that I didn't even get my core work done and had to skip a 4 miler.  I got home to do core work, laid down and it was over.  But that's OK because I got my rest for the long run the next day. 

Saturday was a big run.  I had agreed to trade my shift so I was working a 24 hour shift that started at 10 am instead of a night shift.  I set the alarm for 5am and got out for 8 miles.  I kept it slow and easy.  I had one awful nasty goo at 45 minutes that almost gagged me.  The best part of that run is that around mile 6 I started to feel amazing and finished strong.  

8 miles in 1:28:58
11:07 min/miles with average HR 141

It has been a huge adjustment for me to get up early and run then shower and get to work.  Sometimes I don't feel like I'm done sweating when I get there.  For the most part I feel amazing and accomplished for having done it!!

My work day may have started out sweaty but we added lots of fun at a PR (public relations) event.  I love having people see the helicopter and they get to ask questions about what we do.  Love them!

 The towel was there because the seat was getting hot.  

Hot seat..get it?  ;)

 Pilot Jerry loves talking about aircraft and helicopters and is one of the nicest people I work with.

WOW....may the force be with me.

Busy busy week and it has been wonderful.  This week is working out pretty well too.  I have missed a little core work and one run, but I'm going to keep pushing it along with eating well and getting decent sleep.  

Star Wars Fans?

How do you log your runs or do you?

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

How the hell did this happen?

Seriously. Today I am 50 years old.  I am not too thrilled about it, but not super upset either.  I am apathetic.  

EXACTLY

What does being 50 mean?  Where do I go from here?  I certainly didn't start out my adult life planning on being 50 and unmarried.  Life does change and morph into things you never thought it would be.  I'm OK with that.  

There is some great news though.  

I feel great!

I have a wonderful job!

I can do whatever I want.

That may be childish but life happened and here I am.  The options I have are endless.  I want to move and be a flight nurse somewhere else?  I can do that. (I won't for now because I love my yard apes too much)  I want to tattoo all over my body - bam, I can do that too.  Dating...eh!  I go out once in a while and meet some great guys but hang tightly to my independence.  I can't change what has happened in my life but I can plan (bahahaha) the next 30-40 years and brace for the adventure.  

Some days feel like this:

I'm in the red and life is in the green and they are about to push me over onto the tracks.  (Thanks NYC Metro!)

Overall the day will pass and it will be filled with Birthday wishes and I appreciate every one of them! I've already had some chocolate, caramel and a small piece of carrot cake.  Next is a short run with NEW (from an exchange) running shoes!!

 AND...I can still kick some ass.

Cheers to the next whatever many BD's I get!

(and bad grammar)

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