Documentary Review "The Last Mile"

Slow day at work.  We did a flight early and I'm all caught up with all my paperwork.  I decided to look through Amazon Prime and see if they had any good documentaries or films that I could rent and watch.  I have pretty much watched the death out of Netflix, HBOGo and Amazon Prime.  I should read a book...I know.  

I love a good book, movie or documentary on running.  I love to talk about it and plan and buy stuff.  It has really become my life and defines part of who I am.  This documentary addresses that feeling.  Why do we run?   

       

Here is the trailer for it. 

John Burkett is a runner and a film maker.  He set out about the country asking people why they run.  What he found is interesting and fascinating.  I became just a little bored during the interviews with the pros but when he moves to talking to regular people it started my running motor.  Turns out they aren't just regular people.  

In the end it's true that there is no secret.  People who run, and love to run, just do.  For ALL the reasons.  My frustration with not having enough time to put in the training and rest that I need was lessened.  My excitement to get on the next training plan spiked....kinda like a "new running shoe" day.  Well, not quite but close.  

Of course I only have to convince myself.

I rented it for 2.99 off Amazon as a prime member.  It's a little over an hour long.  It's a great way to spend 3 bucks.  I recommend it, especially if you need a little jump start or motivation.  

Speaking of next race.  I don't have a planned race until Oct. 24th.  I'm running the SLC Haunted Half in a penis costume.  I'm kidding.  Probably.

I was sick with the flu after the Timp Half on August 1st and have just in the last few days been able to get back to work and not feel like I'm going to puke.  I'm even feeling my energy increase. 

Complimentary early morning helicopter pic.  

Best job ever.

Hoping for a nice run on Wednesday to kick off a non-training couple of weeks.  I'm going to Bali in September.   (yeah!!!)  I'm taking my running shoes.  I'm not really training until I get back.  It will not be a fast half marathon.  Guaranteed!

What is the least amount of training you've done for a half marathon??

   

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.........

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.............

It's a TRAIL!

To be successful at this training I really have to dig deep when it comes to an "after shift" run.  Since I worked 24 hours in Park City yesterday, my plan was to run while I'm up there when I get off shift at 8:15.  I did get some sleep the night before so I really didn't have any excuses.  I packed my running gear and headed out to meet up with the Rail Trail.  

This is the Rail Trail just as you start running along I-80.  

I'm not super familiar with the trail but it goes a very long way.  What I didn't plan for was the dirt.  What?  It's a trail!!!  I brought my shiny new white New Balance that I love so much.  AHHHHH!  Am I the only one that is weird about their running shoes?  I like mine clean!

Still white!  So far.  This was at almost 2 miles.

Running selfie!  

Don't you love my hair?  It's a double braid into a side braid.  It's the only way to do my hair in the summer at work.  One minute in this heat in our helmets and my hair looks smashed to my head anyway.

I spent the run using probably the best form I ever have trying to keep my shoes on the ground for as little time as possible.  The training plan itself doesn't start until next week so this was another slow recovery run from last weeks half marathon.

It went fine.  It took me a little over 45 minutes and my HR was higher then usual.  I'm not surprised, it wasn't too hot but I was at a higher elevation.  I also tend to have a little higher HR after working.  Even if I get rest it feels draggy after a shift.  I probably don't hydrate properly.  I don't want to have to piddle mid flight.  It's a learning experience....that's for sure.  

Wait...you forgot us.

Not really, but it's a cool pic.  My medic and I sat at the Heber Airport while our pilot did his night training.  9 take offs and 9 landings.  Something about the sound of a helicopter that keeps the job sassy!!!

Do you feel a huge difference when you at a higher elevation?

Helicopters...yes? or no?

Blog on........

Stress. Is it a fracture, condition or mental tension

Good news.  I have my Ragnar post down to 30 pics!  It's the best to tell a story via picture anyway.   Unfortunately this is not that post.  

*************insert excuses because I work way too much**************

Even I'm getting sick of hearing about it.  It's true, we know it, we live with it.

Today was what I believe culminated into one of the most stressful days I've had in a very long time.  When I say it culminated I'm saying that the past 3 weeks have been interesting at best and have seem to have come with a POP of new stress for me.  I will address them in the coming weeks. Sensitivity (although I'm struggling with it) and that intention makes the timing not my own but someone else.  

ALSO

There is no secret that flight nursing can be stressful.  On my drive home from my meetings today I decided that my body has a comfort level with certain baseline of stress/adrenaline.  It would have to.  Most health care workers that work in a critical environment with lots of death, dismemberment and heartbreak have to have a resistance to some stress or we would all have break downs.  My job takes me from "I'm so bored I'm gonna die (drama queen!)" to "eff me! eff me! eff me running with a chainsaw!"  

That doesn't mean I'm saying that out loud or even faux swearing.  I believe in going big or going home and unfortunately for some around me that means I talk like a sailor when I'm stressed.  When I'm on a scene call or in an outside facility setting that sailor uses it's inside voice.   This whole ramble about my inside and outside voices was just to accentuate what happens on some calls.  Granted most of my calls are pretty straightforward and we have wonderful policies and procedures in place that my experience as an ICU nurse and flight nurse kick in and I'm good.  I'm on task and using my big girl brain cells to do my job.  

Then there is the once in a while flight that you get that makes you reconsider every decision you have ever made since you were born.  Every patient is different and there is no way to cover every possible scenario.  But when I have life's stress that have nothing to do with my job then go to work and end up sticking my fingers in someones chest or working with my medic to make decisions that can mean life or death then it adds up.  It also adds some distraction, excitement and almost giddiness to actually doing it and doing it successfully.  

So with all this vague crap that I can't go into, which is annoying to me too, and a few weird and stressful experiences at work and then my yearly "hey, your heart sucks" **echo then I was feeling a little DONE. 

BUT YET!  I am not done.  Today I had to present a very difficult flight to my team.  Stand up in front of everyone and tell them what I did right and wrong and lessons learned.  I had the best medic ever, Matt Black - and he was a rock star and came to help out.  (He was on the flight)  

By the time they got to us I had napped, laughed, cried and slipped into a short coma.  The presentation went well.  I have a great team and I really feel that they weren't criticizing at all, but we all learn by asking questions and from other peoples experiences.  The presentation felt great but for the love of God I was glad it was over!   

The ride home was filled with thoughts about decreasing my stress and handling this little blip in my life. Luckily I made a very good choice.  I decided that for all my hard work I will reward myself with a nap and some hydration.  (water!  nerd.)

Funny thing.  I came home and jumped in my jammies, had a snack and made the nap a reality.  

My bed in nap mode.  I always nap in my favorite blanket on top of the bed. 

Later, when I woke up, I washed my face, ate and went back to bed but this time for the night.

I can't be the only one that does this.  If I am then I like to think I'm a trend setter.  

Physical exercises helps a lot.  But I would love to tag a pinata once in a while.  The only downfall would be the fact that there has to be a stick/bat available to hit it. Things could go wrong.....very wrong.

On the most positive!  

New glasses are on order!  Any day now!  The sunglasses are RayBan and they will be prescription.  The other glasses are a flexible titanium (KACHING!) but will be great for wearing while I work and under helmets and head phones.  

Dealing with stress is very individual.  I've tried desperately to not be eating my feelings as much as I really want to.   Running is amazing and being physically exhausted in a good way is relaxing.  I'm so very grateful for my kids, my friends and I am so lucky to have a beautiful warm house to live in. I'm in no way on the slippery slope of a breakdown.  I'm just blowing off some steam and giving myself a little leeway.  A little pampering and concentrating on staying healthy.  

Other tips for stress relief:   I look at silly things on Tumblr and youtube.  

Tumblr kills me it's so hilarious!  Gifs of Cats slapping the crap out of various people, animals and things or riding on Roomba's are keeping me sane!

Tee hee

**long standing condition, but I took video and pics this time!  I'll explain later...I know, I know.   I don't mean to be a tease...or do I??  

Do you have any special ways of handling stress?

Napping - in the covers or outside?

Avoiding stress eating?  Is there a special technique?

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

I take a lot of pics.

Thank goodness, sometimes it's like a diary.

I posted these pictures so I could blog about them on 10/24.  It's been a weird and busy few weeks.  Since I can't elaborate at this time, here is some pics of things happening a couple of weeks ago!

Serious cuteness.  Family parties aren't the same without those little nieces and nephews.  

Jakes girlfriend Emily getting a shot at the birthday quarters.  

Nothing like car wash money for a year!   Thanks Dad!

My oldest brother teaching my youngest nephew about this old string pull top.  Charlie LOVED it! 

Lisette looking for some coin to wash her wheels. 

Denied by dad.

That's OK, she'll watch football.

Bam!  Talk about some good genes!

Good run to check out the hip.  Easy couple of laps around Sugarhouse Park.  Hip feels good!

I have no idea why these small hills kill me. It was a beautiful day and it's a beautiful park.

Way too many ducks.  Fat ducks.  Bringing kids to feed the ducks doesn't always turn out like the movies.  

work.  natch.  Lots of it.  Lots of interesting flights.  

Keeps me thinking about the things I should be grateful for.

Back to Paleo and I have been feeling great.  I took a few days off around Halloween - more about that later - but it always helps to look up new and fun recipes to keep me motivated.

Cooking with plantains.  Who knew?  I knew there was a difference and now I know for sure.  They are bigger! 

I made this twice.  Once with a regular banana and once with a plantain.  I'm not sure which one I like best.  The banana one was moister (that is a horrible word, if a word at all) but the plantain one was almost like bread and I could put almond butter on it.

I also made an amazing pulled pork Hawaiian salad.  It's HEAVEN!

Ted wasn't interested AT ALL.  Guess the delicious veggies out smelled the pulled pork. I've actually never really liked pulled pork but I found one in the bottom of the freezer.  I had a recipe that my pilots make with Dr. Pepper in it.  I didn't have Dr. Pepper so I threw in Fresca with a can of Fire roasted tomatoes.  BEST ever!!

Complimentary messy room pic!! 

Life doesn't change much and then it does. 

I have gone to my physical therapist and my massage therapist and had them work on my hip.  My left hip is weaker and doesn't stay as stable when I run causing me pain.  My PT changed up my exercises and "grastoned" my hip/thigh and my MT really worked the muscles.  I'm bruised.  But the hip feels good.  The good news is that my form is doing wonderfully!  There are going to be some hiccups in a new form and things that will change as I go from running in pain to running correctly.  Totally worth it!

Tomorrow we leave for the LAS VEGAS RAGNAR!

I'm runner 8 and I'm ready for it!  Hopefully it's not nearly as freezing as last year but I know it will be a good time.  

Anyone running the Vegas Ragnar??

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

Did you see that truck?

I feel like the cat.....and that the truck is bigger.

link

I have to confess.  Tumblr and Gif's are my favorite source of entertainment.  If I could, I would spend my entire day watching cats do funny stuff like riding a Roomba vacuum, slapping and knocking stuff off. 

RUNNING

After my awesome hill and long run I made sure and stretched my hip out and went for an easy run at a local parkway.  The weather was cool and beautiful!

I choose the parkway so that I wasn't on the road and the way I'm always running on a slope.  I made it about 4 steps and my hip went "OUCH!".  WTH??   I stopped and stretched, checked my form and then finished the run.  My hip was sore for most of the time.  I was so bummed.  If not for my hip the run felt amazing!  I could run forever!  It wasn't the fastest run but I finally feel like I'm in touch with my form and breathing.  

SO...I am taking a break.  I am doing my PT exercises as much as I can between work.  I've iced it and I've rolled it, over and over again.  I tried to see what it could be and it hurts on the outside so they say it's bursitis?  Really?  another itis?  Can't I just get a stress fracture?  I didn't mean that!

Because I've been working so hard I haven't been keeping my core as strong as I usually do.  Plus my diet has been one awful choice after another.  I think that goes with working a lot too.  So last week I increased the amount of time I spend on my core and this week I'm blasting back to my Paleo lifestyle.

While I was eating Paleo I had a lot less aches, pains and GI issues.  Last year when I was eating Paleo and doing some sort of core class at least twice a week I was in the best shape ever.  I want to feel that way again.  I've got to figure out a way to work as much as I need to and balance it with exercise.  It always helps to look through my recipes and books and get some fresh ideas for meals on the go.

Speaking of a well deserved treat:

I got this after a long long flight.  Seriously it was worth it.  A treat once in a while, but I can think of healthier choices.  Yesterday I made a vanilla protein smoothie with vanilla protein powder, frozen mango, almond milk, vanilla extract and ice.  After it was nice and smooth I added a few chips of dark chocolate and pulsed a couple of time.  It was a pretty good treat! 

WORK

Oh work.  I love my job like you wouldn't believe.  I'm the happiest, saddest, maddest and most frustrated that I ever get when I'm there.  I have the greatest experiences mixed with scary and sad.  What more can you ask for?  

Filming with the U's PR department.  My patient is awfully smiley and he didn't even get drugs.  It was fun, not very realistic, but fun.  Usually when we are unloading a patient and walking toward the elevator I'm juggling papers, meds and equipment.  

Last Fridays shift I decided to get stuff out to practice.  Most of my job is practice, practice, practice in hopes that you will be able to think clearly and methodically on scene.  We did some video intubation's and manual.  I dug out the infant head to practice since I've had a few critical pediatric flights in the last few months.  Our NICU flight nurse Julie joined us for some teaching and oh boy did she teach me a lot!  Big thanks to her help!  I can now tape a pediatric ET tube and it isn't going ANYWHERE!  She also gave some tips on packaging, safety with infants and general care. 

My next two flights that day were pediatric.  

BOOM.  I didn't throw up or anything!

After 2 flights in the first 12 hours of a 24 hour shift I decided to relax and watch a movie with the team.  Well, the OB/Neonate team left on a flight so I watched it while my medic worked.  Hehe 

I finally went to bed.  Now lets keep in mind that I already tried to take two safety naps that day and each time I just got to sleep we got a call.  No different here.  I fell asleep and next thing I know that pilot was banging on the door...."let's go, we got a flight"!  

Seriously?

Flight was done, then I charted.  When I laid down I couldn't sleep.  I finally napped about 2 hours.  

(I'm setting up "why I feel like I was run over by a truck")

Still dark at 6:30am when I went up to get my stuff out.  Look at that full moon.  Now it all makes sense. 

I went home and I had signed up to volunteer at the Antelope Island 50K/100K.  So I packed up my car and headed out!  I thought it would only take about 45 minutes to get there, but it turned out to be about 90 minutes.  Lesson learned:  Don't ask a helicopter pilot how long it takes to get anywhere.  

When I got out there I ran into this guy!

My brother Joe.

He came in FIRST in the 50K!  I missed it by about 30 minutes and I only knew by overhearing someone else say it.  WOW!  Animal!  This was only his second 50K.  That's crazy.

I spent a few hours talking to him and helping with blisters and questions.  Then things slowed down and I sat in my camping chair just cheering everyone in.  After sitting in the sun for about 6 hours (even though it was cool)  I had to leave.  I was up 36 hours and I was worried about getting home.  

 

These guys are HUGE!  My brother told me that a buffalo ran onto the trail and ran in front of him and another guy running for a while.  He said, "the buffalo paced us".  So true, you do what the buffalo wants you to do.  

I've never been to Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake. It was beautiful.  It would be a blast to run out there.  Thinking.......

I took all these pics from the car.  Lazy.  Tired. 

That's my week in a nutshell.  I slept good last night and I've spent the day so far in bed.  YES!  Trying to rehydrate and rest so I can work another shift tomorrow!

How long have you ever stayed awake?

Unfortunately, as a nurse this isn't the first time I've been awake over 36 hours at a time. After about 40 hours the body gets all sassy and decides that you are up for a while longer.  It's an interesting feeling.  I try not to do it very often anymore.

Any ultra lovers?

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