Day 24....day 2...

Today was pretty crappy.  I don't want to be negative but craptastic was pretty much the theme.  

I feel much better now that I had a bath.  

I

It gave me the chance to actually appreciate my tiny little old house tub and having long legs.  Is this the way I'm going to have to bathe for the next 2-3 weeks?  Well, at least I can stay fresh.  Fresh is good and fresh makes me less grumpy.

Plus my breakfast was insane it was so good.  Leftover beef stew with two eggs, over easy on top. 

I think it's impossible to keep the grumpy's away when your on your 4th hour of CTS.  CTS's are learning module's that I have to do for flight nursing.  While they are informative, we do the same ones every year.  It's how you feel when you go to skills day every day (if your in nursing) for forever.  Plus it teaches me about things like hypoxia.  Hypoxia?  I better know about that.  

So I did a little facebooking while I watched.

But I did learn how keeping fit is helping me with my job.

Boom.

Whole30.

It's going OK.  I'm sticking to the foods I'm suppose to but I've eaten way too much of the nuts and dried fruits.  But that was just for about a day and a half and I'm cutting it back down now.  I made lots of stew and warming it up and serving it over lots of fresh spinach is amazing.  

Foot.

It's fine.  It's better then I thought it would be.  It's difficult to lay with my foot up for so long, but that part is almost over.  I've started halving the one pain pill I was taking every 5 hours and I will probably be off all narcotics by tomorrow.  I'm not a big fan of them.  They give me night sweats, I can't sleep while I'm on them and well, that make everything STOP.  Constipation.  Yep, I said it.  So irritating.  

Kitchen Sink

It clogged up as it does about every 5 years.  I had an awesome company come out and he gave me a 50 dollar discount so I only had to pay about 285.00 to get it all cleaned out.  I mean really, I am growing money in the back yard!  But at least I was in town.

Great things did happen today (besides a bath).  I started watching Arrested Development last night and today I finally understood something that I just didn't get before!  

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6858255

Team Never Nudes did a video that I watched and I just didn't get why they were called Never Nudes and wore jean shorts.  AHHHHHHHHH

Do you watch Arrested Development?

Start right now if you don't.  

Then you will understand and you will laugh.  If you don't laugh....you are having a horrible day.

Overall I'm doing just fine.  I'm a little lonely.  I had a great friend call me last night and it made my day.  I've had multiple texts that have been helpful.  

I've watched 5 movies and have 3 to watch tonight.  I still have some homemade almond milk left and plenty of Kombuchi to keep me "regular". Plus a few more seasons of Arrested Development!  

Tomorrow I'll blow up my new stability ball and start some upper body work to keep things TIGHT!  I only have 6 more days of WHOLE30!!  This will be easy and I'm thinking of having one day off and to keep going.  Why not?  I love the food and it's great for me!  

This post is really all over the place, but so is my head.  Maybe it's the cute new jammies. 

Yeah, I'm bored and getting a decent picture with new jammies is a challenge.  

What is your favorite Netflix show?

I watched Mad Men and now Arrested Development.

I get worried about getting addicted to a show and spending too much time watching it.   It is nice to have something to watch when there is nothing else to do!

BLOG ON...........................

Packing and a sneaky New Year!

I had to refer back to this post.

Ragnar Packing List

Actually at first I had forgotten that I had written it, but when I sat down to make my packing list last night I remembered.  Whew!  

I did have to say goodbye to this gem:

I paid 3.00 for it at Savers and I'm sure I got my moneys worth.  

Four Ragnars Later...

 

I used silk tape to make it home from Vegas.  I thought I would hit Savers and see if they have something to replace it.  If not, I may be using some of my duct tape to revive it for a couple more Ragnars.

I can't believe it's already going to be 2013!  It feels great!  I rarely do New Years Resolutions but with all the changes going on in my life I have thought about it.  I haven't actually come up with any realistic ones, but it definitely runs through my head.  

If I had my druthers....

I would take a travel nursing job in New York City.  I would spend every Monday night at the Iridium Jazz club and my days off running through Central Park.  I wouldn't have a car, but just a Metro Pass.  Any extra time would be spent wandering the city, exploring and enjoying the craziness! I could simplify and totally de-junk my life.  

It's not a totally unreasonable goal.  First I need to finish raising my kids.  My youngest is 17 and he deserves at least a little time with a parent around to "guide" (nag) him.   Then I have my dogs.  I could never leave them.  Reality is, they are both getting older and they won't live forever.  Lastly, I have a dream job!  I know that there are other flight nursing jobs, but I need to throw in at least a few years before I can consider moving.  

Maybe I'll just put it on the, "in 5 years" list.   A girl can dream!




Today I am off to spend my gift cards at Lululemon!  Then stop by Trader Joes for my favorite simmer sauce and Savers to look for a new Ragnar bag. 

Do you make yearly resolutions??

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

Day on the road

Took me 12 hours to get to Colorado Springs.  It's a 9ish hour drive.  I may or may not have stopped at an Outlet store and a mall.

Today - in photos.

7am on the road.

Rock star in Evanston.  Stopped at Little America - saw one of my medics.  

Decided to post a picture of how many miles I've done in hundreds.  

One, Two, Three and Four hundred miles.

Things were getting serious by 500 miles and I didn't even take a picture at 600 miles.  Mostly because it was dark and frankly I wanted to punch someone because of traffic. 

Then I ran across this little bad boy:

That's right folks.  Car Fire.  

Car Fire number THREE in the last 2 months.  

Boom.

OK, I stopped twice.  First at the Outlet mall.

My purse is looking dirty and old so I bought a new one.  It's so nicely wrapped that all you get is a picture of the bag.  I had to send pictures of the ones I liked to my friend Tera and she helped me pick one out.  It's just too difficult of a decision to do alone.

I did go alone to the mall, and to Lululemon.

I trust myself only because I have been with Tera to the store in SLC a couple of times.  Plus we will get on the phone and look at the website together/apart.  It's a friendship that adjusts to our travel schedules!

FINALLY I made it!

This little kid is a delight!  He hasn't quite warmed up to me yet, but I did buy him an "angry birds" hat and it goes stunningly with his Toy Story jammies.  

The next week I'll be here, catching up with my great friend Chris and being mom to Lyndsi and Grandma to Matthew and soon to be Xander.  Hopefully I won't be too big of a pain in the ass for Brent.  (Lyndsi's hubby)

Oh, and in 9 days I'm running a half marathon.  

Classic.

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

Running tomorrow

I have been cleared to run an easy slow run by the podiatrist.  I'm really excited!  Silly, but true.  I am feeling pretty good about my heel and I need to get on it for my half marathon!  More then anything I'm excited to wear my new running outfit!

What does 190 bucks look like?

I really like Lululemon's running clothes.  The crop pants and white tank were on the clearance rack.  I paid full price for the pink tank.  I am going to wear the crop pants and the pink tank tomorrow.  You can't tell me that having a wonderful running outfit doesn't make you faster.  

I plan on going to liberty park and just jogging around for 3 miles.  I'll wear my Saucony Hurricane's so that I'll have great support and hope for the best!

I also had to go to Costco today.

My very very favorite candy/snack and stress reliever.

It's delicious.

Don't mind my hair.  It hasn't been washed in a while and today wasn't the day.  I took a Pilate's class, got my ass kicked, shopped with Tera at Lululemon, had lunch with her and then went to Costco.  Once I got home I worked the rest of the day on paperwork.  What is paperwork?  It's taking care of all the receipts and payments making sure our family life moves along smoothly.  I even had to do some work email and update the family calendar.  Whew!  Didn't even have time to wash my hair.  

Looking at races for next year.  Hoping for at least these three:

Thelma & Louise Half marathon, Moab Utah in June

Bay to Breakers in San Francisco in May

Chicago Half Marathon in September

It feels pretty sparse.

Does anyone have a favorite half marathon that has a great medal?  I'm a medal whore, but I also want to travel around and experience running in other states and good courses. 

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

Black running toenail or NO toenail.

Somewhat of a running update:

I visited my NEW podiatrist last Tuesday and received a wonderful cortisone shot in my heel.  I'm being sarcastic, it's not wonderful.  My regular podiatrist retired and I was nervous about my new doctor but he turned out delightful.  He even x-ray'd my foot again at my request.  I haven't had a foot x-ray in 3 years and I wanted to make sure I wasn't nursing a stress fracture. We discussed options and plans and for now I'm feeling pretty good about it.  I choose to feel good about it.  I will finish the races I've signed up for and I'm going to get this thing to heal.  My foot (on x-ray) looks great and my form was really coming along during Ragnar.

Getting to the blog title of sorts.  Last night was toenail reassessment night.  It had been a few days, the blisters had been popped and they weren't sore any more.  Unfortunately a couple nails had to be sacrificed.  I had read that taking the toenail off helps the nail regrow better and faster.  I guess I'll see now won't I. I wasn't going to include pictures, but now I am.  I realized that when I was doing research I had a hard time finding pictures so that I could compare with what I had.  Truth is, I could make a living out of removing toenails because it's so interesting (maybe the nurse in me) but only from non-stinky feet.  I hate the smell of funky feet.

I removed the big toe nail and the two next to it on the right side.  First time I have lost a big toe nail and it was gnarly. My lucky husband got a play by play and a bunch of, "look at this!" while we sat on the couch.  Total lost from Napa Ragnar is 4.  I am going to wait a few days and then paint the toe nail bed purple and no one will ever know they are gone.  I want to make sure things are healing up before I put toenail polish on them.  I fear that the big toe nail will come back all jacked up but I guess it's another wait and see.  Hopefully I am smart enough next time to avoid this, or maybe not.  I can't get bigger shoes, my toes aren't even near the top of the shoe.  I do have a couple of runner buddies that put Vaseline on their toes prior to a long run. I will definitely be trying that at the Vegas Ragnar. I will not wear those orange socks again, never ever ever.

WARNING!  UGLY TOE REMOVAL PICS:

My toes before and the three steps of getting my big toenail off.

After I took the big toenail off there was a layer of skin or something that peeled off easily.  This picture is of the finished removal and removing the middle one.  That one was bad because of it was just one huge blister.  I haven't removed the purple toenail polish yet, obviously.  I have to pace myself.

Don't say I didn't warn you.  

Now to my running/style update.

Since I'm not running for a week I did work out on the elliptical for one night, then I spent a night flying for work so by the time I get home it takes me 24 hours to recover, at least!  Flying is not a benign action.  (Well that sounded hoity toity - which I just negated with the word hoity toity)  It would seem that if I'm transporting patients that are relatively stable that I wouldn't get so tired, but the vibration and change in altitude can wear you out fast.  I am very careful to drink an EmergenC or a NUUN after each flight along with an extra 16 ounces of water.  I also try to keep up my protein intake.   I'm still feeling a little out it but this morning I took a BarrEvil, I mean BarrEvo class with the ever "kickin ass and taking names" instructor. Want a good workout, sign up for one of his classes - any class. Tomorrow is a Pilate's class and Tuesday I will do a very very easy short run.  I've iced my foot twice a day, ibuprofen and I started using this foot rubz ball to massage out my heel.

Today at my class I wore my new Lululemon shirt I ordered online.  It was clearanced at 35.00, which is a STEAL.  I wouldn't go looking for it, they sold out in like 24 hours.  Tomorrow I'm going to the store to look at the clearance rack, so who knows where my running budget is going this month.  Oh I know - to Lululemon.  If you haven't tried them, then don't, you'll get addicted and go broke.  Their clothes fit wonderfully are comfortable and very good quality.  Their Turbo shorts are so great I could buy them all but for now I'm waiting for them to kick out some more black ones.  The back of the short is just a little bit longer then the front and I love it!

New tank from today.  Run: Catch me tank.  The straps are substantial and I can wear a running bra under it when I run.

I had this one already:

I have a dark gray sports bra that looks great under it and I love running in it.  The tank also has a strip along the inside bottom that keeps it from riding up.  

So dang cute and happy with them.  This picture looks like the color is different then the official website pics, but you get the idea.

Only 3 more weeks and I have a half marathon!!  With all my running and races I am not going to do a formal training plan, but hoping to enjoy the race more. We all know how that goes for runners.  That is the plan, but I'll probably end up trying to beat my PR.  So predictable!!

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

East Canyon part deux

Do you remember when I ran this?

We ran it again this morning.  This time Tera came along and Jason was able to run at his own pace.  Matt came along and rode his bike up and down the canyon a couple of times.  It certainly felt better then last week!  Tera and I stuck together and we hit the top faster then last week, but we ran slower downhill.

Team Rydman matching shirts.  We were also wearing black shorts.  (I hate this picture of me...but I didn't want to skip showing my hubby)

Gosh, I hope we can be seen on the side of the road!  Bright and we all have our compression sleeves on!  Jason, Tera and me.  I'm trying to pretend that I'm short - but really it looks like I'm farting.

Interrupt today's run recap with update on my Devil Dash injury.  It's mostly scrape but there is two big bruises.  The picture does not do it justice, of course.  

Today's Stats:

Total time to top: 40:34  - 3.58 miles 11:19 min/mile -  I didn't hit the lap button, so there is a little guessing involved.
Miles:  Last week - This week
1 - 10:31 - 10:35
2 - 12:05 - 11:40
3 - 11:03 - 11:29
The rest is a guide, not a promise.  Last week I hit lap and then it started lapping every .67 miles.  This week I didn't hit it and I have an average for every mile.

THIS WEEK

4 - 10:57

5 - 9:08

6 - 9:42

7 - 11:33 (Included part of our walk/cool down)

Last .28 mile - 18:04

LAST WEEK4.67 - 8:52
5.67 - 9:09
6.67 - 8:28
Last 405 feet - 8:30

Obviously slower at times, but going up was faster and the total run was 6.7 miles with a 10:24 min/mile pace.  

Burned 815 calories.

After we are done and feeling pretty darn good!

Modeling my new shorts and shoes.  I loved them both, my feet felt great.  I was nervous my new MPG shorts would ride up and my thighs would light on fire.  I used Body Glide, just in case.  No fire, no rubbing and no ridding up. Thinking that this may be my Top of Utah half marathon outfit. 

Running with Tera was great.  She is a little faster in that she doesn't stop and walk as much.  I'm a little faster on the downhill, but we had a great rhythm and we were even able to talk a little.  I love this run.  Gets me ready to run up hills AND down hills.  

My foot was sore and I iced it twice.  I have a good feeling about these shoes, but I know it will take time.  I also plan on buying the Hurricane 14's as soon as the next model comes out and I can get them for cheaper.  Cheap skate?  Maybe.. OK, yes!  

Tomorrow I am going to throw in an extra shift in the ICU!  Yeah!  Shoes shoes shoes!!  Long run of 14 miles planned for Wednesday in Rock Springs.  If I don't get it done that day because of flights then I'm going to do it Friday morning before we leave to go fishing.  

I still have 2 spots left for the NAPA Ragnar!  If anyone is interested in joining us then email me.  We always have a blast and welcome runners of all levels. Minimal speed average is 11 min/miles.  

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

Break Up

It's been a fun run, but it has to end.  It's not me it's you, well, it is you....all you!  Zoot!


Years ago I bought a pair of Zoot running shorts.  I love them!!  In the last few months I've lost weight and those shorts are getting old and stretched out.  The last long run I did in them, it was clear that I was going to have to retire them.  They were the perfect length, with the perfect waistband and had the most perfect pocket in the back that I could put my cell phone in and not even feel it.  A couple of months ago I bought a different pair of Zoot shorts that are a size smaller and I love them too (picture with the gray shorts).  But I really wanted shorts that were more yoga-esc fitting. 


When I went looking I found some shorts on the "Department of Goods" website from Zoot.  Two pair to be exact.  There were matching shirts and everything was 50% off.  WOOT WOOT!  It only takes about 2 days to get stuff because it is a local business and they are awesome.  My clothes were waiting for me when I got home from work today.  Oh excited!!!  I tried them all on.  What the freak!!!!  The medium shorts fit like smalls.  I don't have a lot of muffin top, but with these shorts they highlighted my mini-muffins!  The matching shirts were OK, but the tank was so tight around my body all the way down.  Is Zoot so sure that everyone that wears their clothes has zero body fat??  With the tight shorts and the tight tank I was looking fine...NOT!  The second pair of Zoot shorts were a large and they fit OK, but they were just a tad bit too short.  Can I mention, there is absolutely no pockets in either one.  There was one in the tank though.  This isn't the first time the sizing with them has been confusing and since they are a company that emphasizes clothing for triathlons more then running then we are over.  Done.  


I did get a pair of MPG shorts that fit good AND have a zipper.  They were only 20 bucks, so they are being thrown into the mix.  The other FOUR articles of Zoot clothing are going back today.  Lucky for me I can just drive to the business and return them.  I may look at some other shorts why I am there.  I have my eye on some Sugio's...with 2 side pockets.  Giggity giggity!!

Even when I was chunky these shorts didn't let me down!  This is October 2011.

Action shot at the Thelma & Louise half marathon in May 2012.  Zoots were hangin in there, although they were a little loose.

New Zoot's that I bought this year in Medium.  They fit great!  Picture from the Crack of Dawn 8K.  3rd place in my age group.

Looks like I'm off to keep looking for shorts I like.  If I didn't buy any shorts in 5 years I'm sure I have enough to keep me running in style, but you know how it goes....love running clothes!!  

I also checked on my shoes and I should be getting them today.  Should I do a long run in them first thing?  I want to run 14 miles tomorrow and using the more stable shoes would be a good thing.  I guess I can just run in them and if things go really bad I can stop.  Brilliant!

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

Damn it's hot!

What a weekend!!  I made it through and at this time I am re-hydrating.  

It started out with the Taylorsville Dayzz 5K with Paul, Susan and Lesa (Susan's sister).  It was a great time!  I was slow, but it was really hot.  

Before - with the group - and after.

The rest of day was spent getting a massage and going to a Mac cosmetic party.  From their I went to Amie"s house.  There is no pictures, but there was drinking and laughing and seeing all the "kids" from camping that I don't get to see very often.  I finally saw Katarina (Kat), Ashley, Karly and Camille.  I ended up at Lisa's house and woke up on their couch (another post).  I hate those mornings. I actually wasn't sure where I was for a minute and then figured it out.  I felt like SHIT all day Sunday and definitely paid for my indulgence.  I even ate pasta in the morning.  

Let's just say, I woke up this morning so ready to get back to my weird healthy running lifestyle.  My party days are numbered.  I did have a great time though!  I could hardly move for 24 hours, but I'm now up and around.  Just a little dizzy still.  I'm sorry Liver....so sorry.  Don't let Pancreas get angry with me!

Laying at the Orthodontist office this morning.  It's been ONE year and I only have 3 months to go.  You can hardly see my braces in the picture above.

We are now in "elastic" mode.   It's gonna HURT!  So worth it.

Dr. Sorbonne checking other patients.  I really like his work.  It's casual Monday today.  

NEW compression socks!!  So Orange and so comfy.  Love them, love them, love them.  I can't wait to get a matching outfit and wear them in a race!

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

Island Park, running & new tank

I totally forgot to take a picture of the outside of the cabin. My husband was ready and packed to leave before I even got out of my jammies, which is about par - so I feel a little hurried. Not that it's his fault, but I'm good to blame him, right?
I have totally slacked on eating healthy and running the past week. I believe that I didn't recover from the Ragnar enough before I jumped right back in. I should have taken a week off just for the stress of being up two days and running. I slept for about 15 hours a day the last few days. So today I finally planned a run. Not super long but not a short run. I planned to run from the cabin to Big Springs and back. According to google maps it was 8.4 miles, perfect. I slathered myself in sunscreen AND bug spray - those Mosquitos are loving me! (must be all the bacon)
Well, it turned out to be about nine miles and it was OK. Slow but not torture - close. Finished that run and cooled down a bit, showered and left.


Tonight I have Jumpboard class. My bad.


Check out my new tank. I got it from Kohls and I love it! So comfy!


Blog on.....

It's hard to get a pic showing my whole shirt.  Even my arms aren't that long.

Pictures on the drive out of Island Park.  Pretty Lame pics.  Talk about lazy.  

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